Comparison of Gaussian process modeling software

Gaussian process fitting, or kriging, is often used to create a model from a set of data. Many available software packages do this, but we show that very different results can be obtained from different packages even when using the same data and model. We describe the parameterization, features, and optimization used by eight different fitting packages that run on four different platforms. We then compare these eight packages using various data functions and data sets, revealing that there are stark differences between the packages. In addition to comparing the prediction accuracy, the predictive variance--which is important for evaluating precision of predictions and is often used in stopping criteria--is also evaluated

The Lived Experience of Associate Degree Nursing Directors A Qualitative Phenomenology Study

This study explored the lived experience of associate degree nursing directors. Utilizing a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach, the study examined 14 practicing Minnesota associate degree nursing directors employed by the Minnesota State system. The purpose of this study was to understand what it will take to recruit and retain associate degree nursing directors. Transformational leadership theory, Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism, Goffman’s dramaturgical social theory, and Kegan’s adult identity theory formed the framework for the study. Six themes were identified in this research: role complexity, nursing identity, personal integrity, role ambiguity, organizational culture, and structure dynamics. In role complexity, it was how the nursing leaders perceived their role that increased or decreased their job satisfaction. In nursing identity, the directors empowered followers and nurtured them through change by using their nursing nature. Personal identity was challenging for leaders when transitioning from the practice setting into the leadership role. Role ambiguity was effected by leadership turnover causing instability, as well as, lack of mentoring for incoming directors. An organizational culture that was supportive and perceived transparency from administration, provided security for directors in their role. Structure dynamics that left director’s feeling marginalized was more likely to cause attrition for nursing leaders. The nursing leaders multiple role responsibilities and increasing budget challenges within the Minnesota State system, continued to generate concern from nursing directors. This study holds implications for understanding nursing leadership from participants currently immersed in this journey

Methodology for the Establishment of Primary Porcine Vocal Fold Epithelial Cell Cultures

Objective: A current lack of methods for epithelial cell culture significantly hinders our understanding of the role of the epithelial and mucus barriers in vocal fold health and disease. Our first objective was to establish reproducible techniques for the isolation and culture of primary porcine vocal fold epithelial cells. Our second objective was to evaluate the functional significance of cell cultures using an in vitro exposure to an inflammatory cytokine. Methods: Epithelial cells were isolated from porcine vocal folds and expanded in culture. Characterization of cultures was completed by immunostaining with markers for pan-cytokeratin (epithelial cells), vimentin (stromal cells), von Willebrand factor (endothelial cell), and MUC1 and MUC4 (mucin) glycoproteins. Established epithelial cell cultures were then exposed to the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) for 24-hours, and transcript expression of MUC1 and MUC4 was evaluated. Results: Reproducible, porcine vocal fold epithelial cell cultures, demonstrating cobblestone appearance characteristic of the typical morphology of epithelial cell cultures were created. Cells showed positive staining for pan-cytokeratin with limited expression of vimentin and von Willebrand factor. Epithelial cells also expressed MUC1 and MUC4. TNF-α significantly increased transcript expression of MUC4. Conclusion: Here, we present the first report of successful culture of primary porcine vocal fold epithelial cells. Cultures will provide researchers with a valuable new in vitro tool to investigate vocal fold epithelium and mucus as well as the effects of common challenges, including inflammatory cytokines, on these barriers

Library design issues in the writings of architects and librarians

This study enumerates the major design concerns of both librarians and architects in the library building process. A latent content analysis of thirty-seven articles from architectural and library journals was performed to determine the most prevalent issues in each of these professional fields. It was determined that five overarching themes are discussed in the literature. These are: philosophy of design; the design process; special functional elements; interior design; and occupancy of the building. Major issues under these thematic headings are: vision of the library; allusions in the design; library as gathering place; site context; the library as a gathering place; phases of the design process; flexibility in design; historic preservation; adaptive reuse; climate control and preservation of collections; information technology; lighting, color and furnishings. Articles are cited as examples to illustrate these issues. The author offers "lessons for librarians," summarizing the main issues that librarians need to consider as they begin the design process

Feminist Scholarship Review: Women in Theater and Dance

Published from 1991 through 2007 at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, the Feminist Scholarship Review is a literary journal that describes women\u27s experiences around the world. FSR began as a review of feminist scholarly material, but evolved into a journal for poetry and short storie

Evaluation of an alternative ruxolitinib dosing regimen in patients with myelofibrosis: an open-label phase 2 study

Abstract Background Ruxolitinib improves splenomegaly and symptoms in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis; however, nearly half develop grade 3/4 anemia and/or thrombocytopenia, necessitating dose reductions and/or transfusions. We report findings from an open-label phase 2 study exploring a dose-escalation strategy aimed at preserving clinical benefit while reducing hematological adverse events early in ruxolitinib treatment. Methods Patients with myelofibrosis received ruxolitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID), with incremental increases of 5 mg BID at weeks 12 and 18 for lack of efficacy (maximum, 20 mg BID). Symptom severity was measured using the Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MFSAF TSS). Results Forty-five patients were enrolled, 68.9% of whom had a Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System score of 1 to 2 (i.e., intermediate-1 disease risk). Median percentage change in spleen volume from baseline to week 24 was − 17.3% (≥ 10% reduction achieved by 26 patients [57.8%]), with a clear dose response. Median percentage change in MFSAF TSS from baseline at week 24 was − 45.6%, also with a dose response. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were anemia (26.7%), fatigue (22.2%), and arthralgias (20.0%). Grade 3/4 anemia (20.0%) and dose decreases due to anemia (11.1%) or thrombocytopenia (6.7%) were infrequent. Conclusions A dose-escalation approach may mitigate worsening anemia during early ruxolitinib therapy in some patients with myelofibrosis. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01445769 . Registered September 23, 2011.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/145195/1/13045_2018_Article_642.pd

Digital fragment analysis of short tandem repeats by high‐throughput amplicon sequencing

High‐throughput sequencing has been proposed as a method to genotype microsatellites and overcome the four main technical drawbacks of capillary electrophoresis: amplification artifacts, imprecise sizing, length homoplasy, and limited multiplex capability. The objective of this project was to test a high‐throughput amplicon sequencing approach to fragment analysis of short tandem repeats and characterize its advantages and disadvantages against traditional capillary electrophoresis. We amplified and sequenced 12 muskrat microsatellite loci from 180 muskrat specimens and analyzed the sequencing data for precision of allele calling, propensity for amplification or sequencing artifacts, and for evidence of length homoplasy. Of the 294 total alleles, we detected by sequencing, only 164 alleles would have been detected by capillary electrophoresis as the remaining 130 alleles (44%) would have been hidden by length homoplasy. The ability to detect a greater number of unique alleles resulted in the ability to resolve greater population genetic structure. The primary advantages of fragment analysis by sequencing are the ability to precisely size fragments, resolve length homoplasy, multiplex many individuals and many loci into a single high‐throughput run, and compare data across projects and across laboratories (present and future) with minimal technical calibration. A significant disadvantage of fragment analysis by sequencing is that the method is only practical and cost‐effective when performed on batches of several hundred samples with multiple loci. Future work is needed to optimize throughput while minimizing costs and to update existing microsatellite allele calling and analysis programs to accommodate sequence‐aware microsatellite data

Cell surfaces and embryos: Expression of the F9 teratocarcinoma antigen in T-region lethal, other lethal, and normal pre-implantation mouse embryos

F9 teratocarcinoma antigen is expressed normally on embryos which are homozygous recessive for each of 4 mutations lethal in early development, including t12. Homozygosity for two post-implantation T-region developmental lethal genes, tw5 and TOr1, may alter F9 antigen expression but the results were not definitive. In addition, the time of appearance of the antigen may be affected by some of the genotypes.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/23097/1/0000016.pd