Chemical studies into the amino acids present in latent fingermarks

The aim of this research was to carry out investigations into the amino acid chemistry of latent fingermarks. Amino acids are the primary targets of chemical visualisation methods for fingermarks deposited on porous substrates. Two novel amino acid sensitive reagents for the detection of latent fingermarks were formulated and evaluated. Analytical chemistry methodology was developed and subsequently applied to examine the amino acid content of latent fingermarks deposited on paper

Sediment Provenance Study of the Lower Hamilton Group: An Analysis of the Organic-Rich Facies and its Depositional History

Currently, insufficient geological models exist to explain the variability and distribution of TOC in the Marcellus Shale, within the Hamilton Group. TOC is one of the several limiting factors for natural gas production within the Marcellus Shale basin. One possible explanation for the low TOC regions is that detrital dilution was variable across the basin, with different sediment sources contributing detritus to low TOC areas, compared to surrounding regions with higher TOC. This hypothesis is tested by analyzing the source composition of inorganic detritus, using elemental and mineralogical proxies, with two cores in the Hamilton Group. The Armstrong #1 core is located in Taylor County, West Virginia and the Coldstream Affiliates 1MH (CSA) core is located in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Both these wells are located outside of the higher productivity regions with a nearby horizontal Armstrong well totaling 0.45 BCF/1000ft lateral and a nearby horizontal CSA well totaling 0.41 BCF/1000ft lateral. Variation in production may also result from over maturation of the kerogen-hosted pores. To evaluate the influence of thermal history, the thermal maturity of the Marcellus Shale in the lower productivity Armstrong #1 and CSA wells and the higher productivity MSEEL well was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. Major element, trace element, and REE geochemistry indicate the sediment source area was composed of intermediate and felsic granitic and recycled sedimentary lithologies. Samarium-neodymium isotopic analysis reveals a range of �DM ages and εNd values. The Armstrong #1 well �DM / εNd ranged from 1.64 to 1.91 Ga / -11.93 to -9.56 and the CSA from 1.62 to 1.88 Ga / -12.07 to -11.12. The εNd values became more negative upsection, however the �DM did not display a consistent trend relative to depth. Provenance analysis indicates the most likely source of clastic sediment was the Acadian Fold-Thrust Belt to the east with minor inputs from Superior Craton and southern Canadian Grenville Province. Ultimately, results conclude that elevated TOC was associated with only older �DM ages and recycled sedimentary signatures

Nanoethics and Human Enhancement: A Critical Evaluation of Recent Arguments

Human enhancement – our ability to use technology to enhance our bodies and minds, as opposed to its application for therapeutic purposes – is a critical issue facing nanotechnology. It will be involved in some of the near-term applications of nanotechnology, with such research labs as MIT’s Institute for Soldier Technologies working on exoskeletons and other innovations that increase human strength and capabilities. It is also a core issue related to far-term predictions in nanotechnology, such as longevity, nanomedicine, artificial intelligence and other issues

Comparing the yield of Staphylococcus aureus recovery with static versus agitated broth incubation

Given the lack of standardization of methodologies for microbial recovery from built environments, we sought to compare the yield of Staphylococcus aureus with a broth enrichment method when incubated in agitated versus static conditions. Five unique strains of S. aureus at five different concentrations were cultured to compare direct plating, agitated broth enrichment, and static broth enrichment culture methods. All samples were incubated at 35° in ambient air. The lowest concentration recovered across three replicates and five strains did not differ between culture methods (Fisher’s exact test, p=0.50); notably, recovery of S. aureus was equivalent between static and agitated broth incubation. When broth enrichment was used (both static and agitated), the burden of S. aureus growth was higher (by semiquantitative assessment of 4-quadrant streaking) compared to the direct plating culture method. Optimizing strategies for microbial recovery is essential, particularly in areas of lower biomass, given the paucity of research concerning microbial communities of built environments. The results of this study, in conjunction with other experiments investigating microbiomes of built environments, can help inform protocols for standardizing culturing methods within built environments

p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde: preliminary investigations into a novel reagent for the detection of latent fingermarks on paper surfaces

A new method for the detection of latent fingermarks on paper surfaces using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) is described. The method is based upon the reaction of DMAB with the amino acids present in the latent fingermark to give a yellow-brown impression that is photoluminescent when illuminated with a high intensity filtered light source at 490 nm and viewed through orange goggles (OG550). A wet contact method proved effective on non-fragile porous substrates such as white photocopy paper and various other substrates, while a dry contact (solventless) method afforded development on thermal paper. Luminescence spectrophotometry of developed L-alanine, glycine and L-serine spots on paper was used to confirm that DMAB was reacting with amino acids in the latent fingermark

A longitudinal study of cortical EEG activity in adolescents.

Background: The objective of this study is to test Davidson’s, and Heller and Nitschke’s models stating cortical activity in adolescents to be a marker for increased risk for depression. Methods: Alpha activity was measured in 80 adolescents from medial-frontal (F3/4), lateral-frontal (F7/8), and medial-parietal (P3/4) electrodes, as well as self-reported depression and anxiety twice within 12 months. Stepwise hierarchical regression analyses with anxiety as covariate were calculated with alpha asymmetry as predicting variable and depression as target variable and vice versa. Results: Independent of whether anxiety was used as covariate or not, frontal and parietal alpha asymmetry predict depression, but depression did not predict alpha activity. Conclusions: The results partially support both models and conclusions drawn by studies with remitted depressed subjects. However, it remains unclear if anxious arousal has a partial influence on the predictive association between alpha activity and depression

The Protection of Instream Flows in Montana: A Legal-Institutional Perspective

42 pages. Contains references

Sequencing of a modified oil red O development technique for the detection of latent fingermarks on paper surfaces

A modified detection sequence is presented for the recovery of latent fingermarks on porous substrates. 1,2-Indanedione, Oil Red O (ORO) in propylene glycol, and physical developer (PD) were successfully used to develop recently deposited latent fingermarks when applied in the order given. The incorporation of ORO into the detection sequence increased the number of latent fingermarks that were detected compared to using the standard sequence of 1,2-indanedione followed by PD only

The Protection of Instream Flows in Montana: A Legal-Institutional Perspective

42 pages. Contains references