10,209 research outputs found
DNA Typing Compatibility with a One Step Saliva Screening Test
Screening a substrate for bodily fluids is an extremely important step for locating areas that may contain DNA. Several different methods have been developed for saliva (1). The Phadebas® Forensic Press (PFP) test is a presumptive saliva test that utilizes a preloaded paper that will react with the enzyme amylase, a component of saliva (2-5). Because of its ability to screen for amylase while simultaneously locating stains, the PFP may prove to be an effective, rapid method for screening. However it is important to assess whether the PFP introduces any inhibitors (7) to downstream processing such as PCR amplification. Based on previous studies, we hypothesize that the PFP will provide a rapid and sensitive method for locating multiple saliva stains simultaneously, without introducing inhibitors to DNA profiling. To test the limitations of PFP as well as evaluated its effects on DNA profiling we first created a dilution series of saliva ranging from neat to 1:5000. After this we preformed sensitivity tests on an indirect method, UV degraded samples and washed samples as well as with bodily fluid mixtures. Once all sensitivity tests were done, cuttings were taken from the substrate and PFP paper and analyzed for DNA. Tests found that the sensitivity ranges of the PFP were between 1:10 and 1:1000, indirect tests were less sensitive than direct, all bodily fluid mixtures were detected, and UV degraded samples took more time to react. In addition our DNA results confirmed our hypothesis that PFP does not inhibit DNA and is a useful method for locating stains. This project was funded by NSFREU Grant DBI 1262832
Long-term variation in distribution of sunspot groups
We studied the relation between the distribution of sunspot groups and the
Gleissberg cycle. As the magnetic field is related to the area of the sunspot
groups, we used area-weighted sunspot group data. On the one hand, we confirm
the previously reported long-term cyclic behaviour of the sum of the northern
and southern sunspot group mean latitudes, although we found a somewhat longer
period (P~104 years). We introduced the difference between the ensemble average
area of sunspot groups for the two hemispheres, which turns out to show similar
behaviour. We also investigated a further aspect of the Gleissberg cycle where
while in the 19th century the consecutive Schwabe cycles are sharply separated
from each other, one century later the cycles overlap each other more and more.Comment: 4 page
Diving into Autoethnographic Narrative Inquiry: Uncovering Hidden Tensions Below the Surface
As a graduate student, I was awakened to the world of autoethnographic narrative inquiry. It was a world I was eager to traverse as I completed my doctoral coursework, and engaged in my final dissertation research. Yet, I was unaware of my naiveté at inviting others to share in my lived experience. As I engaged in an autoethnographic narrative inquiry of my first year as an online teacher, I found myself entangled in a world of hidden tensions I never expected to uncover. In this article, I share the personal tensions that surfaced as I entered into the world of autoethnographic narrative inquiry
Letter from James B. Brooke & M.F. Brooke to James B. Finley
Grandson James warns Finley that he should take care of his health since he is no longer a young man. He apologizes for not having written sooner and then writes news of the family (wife is Margaret Fisher Brooke). Many have suffered from bilious attacks but are generally well now. He plans to go home about the first of April. Abstract Number - 275https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/finley-letters/1273/thumbnail.jp
Considering the Virtual Classroom: A Call to Middle Level Education Programs
Today’s classrooms are changing and moving beyond the walls of a traditional school environment. With each passing year, a growing population of middle level learners are logging into full-time, or blended learning virtual courses. However, teachers often lack the training and experience necessary to address the developmental needs of middle level learners within this new context. In an effort to prepare tomorrow’s educators for the reality of the 21st century classroom, it’s time to consider our post-secondary education programs, and the manner in which we prepare our teacher candidates to teach middle level learners within the virtual platform
Comparing Wearer DNA Sample Collection Methods for the Recovery of Single Source Profiles
Wearer DNA is the deposit of epithelial cells on clothing worn by an individual. Detection of the last individual to handle or wear an item is often an important and desirable determination in forensic science. The most commonly used collection methods for wearer DNA include swabbing and scraping. These often result in mixture profiles. Recently, adhesives have been introduced as a possible reliable method for the collection of biological evidence. The goal of the research was to compare the current collection methods of swabbing and scraping with a gel film called Gel-Pak ‘0’ which shares similar properties with adhesives. Gel-Pak ‘0’ has been previously studied in comparison to other adhesives for the collection of epithelial cells, and was shown to recover the top layer of loose particulate. This particulate had a tendency to be deposited by the individual who last came in contact with an item. Therefore, in comparison to the other two collection methods, Gel-Pak ‘0’ was
hypothesized to recover single source profiles on clothing items from the most recent wearer. DNA analysis was performed on samples collected by the three methods from various clothing items including baseball hats, t-shirts, sweatpants, socks, and other items commonly submitted to crime labs for DNA analysis. The habitual wearer and the second/last wearer wore each item for a predetermined amount of time. The results of the research showed that Gel-Pak ‘0’ recovered a similar number of CODIS (local and national) eligible profiles as swabbing. However, coupled with the fact that it is time consuming, costly, and cannot be used on all surfaces, Gel-Pak ‘0’ was determined to not make for an effective collection method of the most recent wearer’s DNA. Therefore, Gel-Pak ‘0’ will not be considered for casework. Although Gel-Pak ‘0’ will not be further used, the results did reveal some trends that may shed light on how DNA analysts may approach wearer DNA cases. Swabbing had a tendency to yield smaller amounts of DNA in comparison to scraping, but obtain DNA from the last wearer of the piece of clothing more effectively than the other two methods. Scraping had a tendency to yield greater quantities of DNA, recovering more DNA from the habitual wearer due to its invasive nature. Revealing individuals who last wore an item can be of great importance in forensic science, and therefore, further research with various adhesives and gel films could be vital for solving forensic investigations
Letter from James B. Brooke & M.F. Brooke to James B. Finley
The Brookes have suffered a great deal of ill health during the past fall. They write to thank Finley for his kind letters and remembrances. Abstract Number - 354https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/finley-letters/1552/thumbnail.jp
Binary linear forms over finite sets of integers
Let A be a finite set of integers. For a polynomial f(x_1,...,x_n) with
integer coefficients, let f(A) = {f(a_1,...,a_n) : a_1,...,a_n \in A}. In this
paper it is proved that for every pair of normalized binary linear forms
f(x,y)=u_1x+v_1y and g(x,y)=u_2x+v_2y with integral coefficients, there exist
arbitrarily large finite sets of integers A and B such that |f(A)| > |g(A)| and
|f(B)| < |g(B)|.Comment: 20 page
An Examination of Leader-Member Exchange and Team Effectiveness
Previous research has indicated the importance of leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships for organizational team effectiveness (e.g., Boies & Howell, 2006; Hooper & Martin, 2008). However, few studies have examined the complexity of this relationship empirically, nor examined how leader differentiation of LMX, a main tenet of LMX theory, may affect vital team processes and emergent states required for successful team performance. The current study developed and tested a model of the relations between LMX, perceived LMX variability, team behavioral processes, and emergent affective states on team effectiveness. Individuals representing 66 university research teams from a medium-sized university participated in the current study. Results suggested LMX is a potential lever for team effectiveness and an important influence for a positive team environment. Results also suggested managers who individualize their relationship quality among team members may not necessarily harm the team\u27s ability to perform and adapt to change. Study limitations and practical implications are discussed
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