Learning the Probability Distribution for Probabilistic Expert Systems

This paper describes a method for learning the joint probability distribution of a set of variables from a sample of instances from the domain. The method is based on a straightforward application of Bayes Law to the problem of estimating individual probabilities from a probability distribution. We use a maximum entropy distribution as an initial estimate and show how this estimate can be easily updated each time an additional example is observed. Although developed for the purpose of estimating the conditional probabilities required for Bayesian inference networks, this method can be adopted to simplify knowledge acquisition in any expert system that uses knowledge in the form of probabilities

Analysis of cathepsin and furin proteolytic enzymes involved in viral fusion protein activation in cells of the bat reservoir host

10.1371/journal.pone.0115736PLoS ONE102e011573

EVA Suit Microbial Leakage Investigation Project

The objective of this project is to collect microbial samples from various EVA suits to determine how much microbial contamination is typically released during simulated planetary exploration activities. Data will be released to the planetary protection and science communities, and advanced EVA system designers. In the best case scenario, we will discover that very little microbial contamination leaks from our current or prototype suit designs, in the worst case scenario, we will identify leak paths, learn more about what affects leakage--and we'll have a new, flight-certified swab tool for our EVA toolbox

Adolescent decision making about participation in a hypothetical HIV vaccine trial

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the process of adolescent decision-making about participation in an HIV vaccine clinical trial, comparing it to adult models of informed consent with attention to developmental differences. Methods As part of a larger study of preventive misconception in adolescent HIV vaccine trials, we interviewed 33 male and female 16–19-year-olds who have sex with men. Participants underwent a simulated HIV vaccine trial consent process, and then completed a semistructured interview about their decision making process when deciding whether or not to enroll in and HIV vaccine trial. An ethnographic content analysis approach was utilized. Results Twelve concepts related to adolescents' decision-making about participation in an HIV vaccine trial were identified and mapped onto Appelbaum and Grisso's four components of decision making capacity including understanding of vaccines and how they work, the purpose of the study, trial procedures, and perceived trial risks and benefits, an appreciation of their own situation, the discussion and weighing of risks and benefits, discussing the need to consult with others about participation, motivations for participation, and their choice to participate. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that most adolescents at high risk for HIV demonstrate the key abilities needed to make meaningful decisions about HIV vaccine clinical trial participation

The extraction of Cytochrome C and DsRed2 into reverse micelles

Cytochrome c and DsRed2 were successfully extracted into reverse micelles by the contacting of an aqueous protein-containing phase with an organic phase. Two important properties that differentiate the extraction profiles of these proteins are pI and size. Cytochrome c is a relatively small, monomeric protein with a pI of 10.6. It was easily extracted into reverse micelles with the anionic surfactant AOT. DsRed2, however, is a large tetramer with a p1 of 6.3. It could not be extracted into AOT, but was extracted with the cationic surfactant CTAB, and with a wider error range than cytochrome c. CD data indicate the secondary structure of the proteins may change with solubilization into reverse micelles, despite absorption interference from the micelles. The results of this thesis suggest that extraction of certain proteins into reverse micelles is a viable primary separation step for the recombinant biotechnology industry. However, each process will have to be optimized to the protein of interest, as protein extraction is specific to certain properties and is extremely sensitive

Sparrow Fields

This poem is about being a child and coming from a difficult home. It expresses being made to feel small and lonely, but finding escape and peace

JUSTin Hope Foundation Respite Care

The purpose of this study was to look into the factors that inhibit families from receiving respite care from the JUSTin Hope Foundation, a community center that offers an array of services to families with children or adult children that have neurodevelopmental disorders. In previous studies on respite care, it has been determined that there are numerous factors that inhibit families from seeking this care, bur research shows how vital these resources such as respite care are for a families' health and happiness. Our study set up a survey that evaluated each families' personal resources, social support groups, and overall satisfaction with the JUSTin Hope foundation in its efforts to satisfy its clients' needs. We also wanted to gain a deeper understanding as to why participants were not applying for the Respite Scholarship offered by the foundation, and through that, learn how to simplify the process so that more participants are apt to apply for that scholarship. From our survey, we have deducted there are numerous reasons why participation in the program was so low, even though overall satisfaction with the foundation was very high. For most families, the cost of respite care seemed to be the biggest factor hindering participation in the program. Families also stated that the hours of operation were not ideal due to its "as needed" schedule, families felt reluctant to use the service because they felt a sense of guilt for having the center opened solely for them. Families also stated that previous administration was not helpful, but that in recent months, they are very satisfied with the changes within the foundation. Our research has also shown that in home respite care seems to be preferred over in-center care, hours need to be extended into the night, and cost is too high for most families

Everything, Etc.

This poem explains holding onto a relationship that is falling apart

Texas Disenfranchisement of Felons

Policy Research Project Research in progress for GOVT 2306: Honors Texas Government Faculty Mentor: Tiffany Cartwright, Ph.D. Michelle Baker wrote the following research paper as an assignment for my online GOVT 2306: Honors Texas Government class during the Fall 2020 semester. The class assignment helps students begin to formulate a classic policy paper, in which alternative policy options are discussed and analyzed, ultimately leading to a preferred policy option. Students submitted just a few paragraphs of the paper at a time over the course of the fall semester before finally pulling everything together in one cohesive research paper. As Michelle’s paper progressed throughout the term, she continued to build on her research and add her own unique insights. Throughout the editing process for Quest, she continued that progress by fully engaging in the peer review process, and she has turned a simple class assignment into something truly inspiring. The disenfranchisement of felons, the topic chosen by Michelle, has increasing relevance to Texas and the U.S. today, and she beautifully connects the past policy decisions made by Texas to the current conversation about voting rights and race