Evaluating the Accuracy of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Using Hemodynamic Factors

This comparative survey explores the relationship between the discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) and hemodynamic blood properties, such as viscosity and hematocrit. In BPA, forensic scientists study the phase change of blood when in contact with air, but little forensic literature connects blood biomechanics, such as hematocrit levels, to BPA. Red blood cell count, or hematocrit, in females (37-48% of blood volume) is slightly lower than males (45-52% of blood volume) from menstrual red blood cell loss, etc. Strong evidence suggests that erythrocytes influence blood viscosity because of their high concentration (4-6 x 106 RBC/mm3 or 40-45% of blood volume in healthy individuals). When whole blood is altered by a disorder/disease or alcohol intake, hematocrit levels can be affected as well. With this knowledge, there is reason to believe that blood viscosity changes with individualistic hematocrit levels. Therefore, it is hypothesized that traditional BPA can produce inaccurate results. Intravenous blood samples were drawn from nine volunteers (all women, including eight with blood alterations and one healthy control) into collection tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Each sample was tested for viscosity using a Cannon-Fenske viscometer and hematocrit levels using a ZipCombo centrifuge. Each sample was used to make several bloodstains at varying degrees of impact (10, 30, 60, and 90). ANOVA (α = 0.05) and Tukey HSD statistics were used to compare angle of impact variables against each other within the nine participants. This survey connects hemodynamic properties to angle of impact tests in BPA by significantly showing how bloodstains can be misinterpreted. By examining blood viscosity among several individuals, this research assesses the accuracy of BPA by comparing experimental and expected bloodstain angles and creates a predictive framework for analyzing bloodstains created by physiologically altered blood. In conclusion, hemodynamic factors among individuals were found to influence traditional BPA methodology and future research is recommended to better understand hemodynamic properties and fulfill the recommendations made by the 2009 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report

Model for Classifying and Monitoring Seral Stages within an Idaho Fescue Type: Bighorn National Forest, WY

An ecological vegetation model was developed in sedimentary soils on the Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming to classify seral stages within an Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis) type. Two key plant species based on canopy cover (%), Idaho fescue and rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea), provide the required information for the model to classify seral stages and monitor vegetation trends. Three seral stages were quantitatively identified by multivariate statistical analyses for classification and had an overall accuracy of 98 percent. All three seral stages were significantly different from each other (P < 0.05). These seral stages provide managers three quantitative options to evaluate alternatives and meet management objectives. Application of this model within the Idaho Fescue ecological type is simple to apply, repeatable, accurate, and cost effective for field applications and management

The Relationship Between Deuterium Excess and Uranium Groundwater Concentrations in Whitehall, Montana

Uranium can become elevated in the environment and pose a human health risk to water resources. Therefore, it is important to understand the origin, transport and concentration of uranium in the environment. With this exploratory study we propose that deuterium (δ2H) excess may be a viable way to study uranium groundwater concentrations that originate from the surface. The Boulder Batholith of southwestern Montana has been associated with varying levels of uranium. The Whitehall, MT area includes the Boulder Batholith as a geologic unit. We collected 23 water samples and compiled data from a study done by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) within the area of Whitehall, MT. With a linear regression we show that there is a significant negative relationship between deuterium excess and uranium water concentrations. As expected we showed that there is a significant positive, linear relationship between uranium water concentrations and nitrate water concentrations. As expected we also showed that there is a significant positive, linear relationship between calcium carbonate and uranium groundwater concentrations for the compiled USGS data. The results of a Wilcoxon rank sum test showed that median uranium concentration for wells close to ponds is 14.5 μg/L higher for our data added to the USGS data. These results may be consistent with a model that involves insoluble uranium being transported in suspension and settling out in ponds where an influx of nitrates and/or carbonates react to produce higher concentrations of water-soluble forms of uranium. We suggest that the relationship found between uranium concentration and deuterium excess in water samples may be related to the higher rates of evaporation in ponds. Thus, in this specific hydrologic environment of valley ponds close to the Boulder Batholith source, deuterium excess may serve to help predict levels of uranium concentrations

Seasonal Movements and Angler Exploitation of an Adfluvial Walleye Population in the Missouri River, Montana

An unauthorized introduction of walleye in Canyon Ferry Reservoir (CFR) challenges fisheries managers as the population pioneers new habitat upstream in the Missouri River.  Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) confirmed walleye in the river upstream of CFR in 2007.  Angler tag returns suggested walleye were abundant in the river.  It was unknown if these were adfluvial walleye originating in CFR, or a discrete fluvial population. Understanding seasonal movements and ecology of walleye in the river will allow managers to effectively monitor and manage these fish.  The objectives of this study were to monitor radio and anchor-tagged walleye movements to quantify movements and determine if two distinct populations exist, establish spatial and temporal densities within the river, and calculate exploitation rates of walleye by anglers in the river.  Overall, most radio-tagged walleye relocated in the river, 88 percent river and 100 percent CFR implanted fish, exhibited seasonal adfluvial movements suggesting, similar to other studies, that two distinct walleye populations are not present. Adfluvial walleye were concentrated in the lower 6.4 km of the river during the annual ascending hydrograph, maintained maximum upstream extent throughout the summer, and out-migrated into CFR by late fall. Radio-tagged walleye only used the river between 17 March and 27 November. We estimated walleye exploitation rates were 21 percent for CFR-tagged walleye and 13 percent for river-tagged walleye.  Exploitation rates for anchor-tagged walleye in this study reflect CFR exploitation rates (18% from 20102014) just prior to this study.  These results suggest that adfluvial Missouri River walleye are seasonally abundant and exploited at similar rates as lacustrine CFR walleye, but no changes to current river walleye management strategies are recommended.  In addition, routine walleye population monitoring surveys and a creel survey are warranted as the adfluvial CFR walleye population continues to adapt, expand, and establish

Trends in Yellowstone River Basin Water Supply as Interpreted Through Hydrologic Analysis, 1898-2007

The Yellowstone River and its tributaries provide an important case study in the changes in magnitude and timing of discharge. As part of a review of water demands on the river and potential effects on fish and other aquatic biota, we assessed long term trends (1898-2007) and more recent changes (1970-2007) in the hydrographs of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries using data from 18 USGS Hydro-Climatic Data Network Stations. We evaluated seven variables used to characterize the discharge: 1) annual discharge, 2) magnitude of discharge, 3) absolute annual minimum discharge, 4) monthly discharge, 5) date when half of annual volume passed station, 6) date when maximum daily mean occurred, and 7) date when discharge returned to baseflow. Declines in volume and magnitude of annual and seasonal discharges are present in the basin, more so in areas where there are no water storage facilities. Timing of flow events are occurring earlier in the year throughout the basin, leaving less water in the summer and fall when water demands are the greatest. The appearances of significant trends have increased over the period 1970-2007, and it is expected that they will continue without serious changes in the basin. Lessened flows and altered timing stands to greatly affect all users of water in the basin, as is occurring in the rest of western North America. Effects on the native biota inhabiting the river can also be expected

Sheep Wagons & Wheels: How the Ivan Doig Archive Brought Digital Inclusivity to the Big Sky Country State Fair

According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), digital equity is defined as “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy” (2017). NDIA further explains that digital equi-ty is “necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to es-sential services” (2017). Article X, Section 1 of the Montana Constitution states, “it is the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each per-son. Equality of educational opportunity is guaranteed to each person of the state” (Montana Legisla-tive Services, 2017), while Title 22, Part. 4 states that the purpose of libraries is “to provide the bene-fits of quality public library service to all residents of Montana”, which includes “building digitally inclusive communities” (American Library Association, 2015). In the summer of 2017, two Montana libraries, one public and one academic, teamed up to achieve this purpose by bringing quality library service to an unlikely crowd by collaborating with their local county fair

Evolving and Unchanged: How a Series of Workshops at an Academic Library Reflects Its Roles and Values

The author presents a reflective examination on a workshop series covering a statistical data analysis tool

Diet of Burbot and Implications for Sampling

Burbot (Lota lota) are an apex piscivore that were illegally introduced to the Green River drainage, Wyoming, raising concerns for the conservation and management of fishes throughout the basin.  However, relatively little is known about the diet of non-native burbot.  The objectives of this research were to characterize diet composition of burbot and identify differences in diet composition as a function of sampling gear.  Diet composition was characterized using frequency of occurrence, percent by number, and percent by weight to identify the importance of each prey type to burbot.  Diet composition was compared across gears to identify the relationship between gear and diet.  Fishes were present in the stomach contents of nearly all burbot sampled and composed 62–100 percent of the stomach contents of burbot greater than 300 mm.  Prey diversity was greatest in diets of burbot sampled with small-mesh hoop nets.  Results from the current study provide important information on the diet of non-native burbot and highlight the potential influence of gear on diet studies