Natural DNA mixtures generated in fraternal twins in utero

Analysis of multiple genetic loci using short tandem repeats (STR) is widely used in human identity testing because the extensive polymorphism at these loci allows for a high degree of discrimination among individuals. We recently received a forensic case that included several pieces of evidence and reference blood samples. Upon initial testing, one of the suspects had a DNA profile that included three alleles at four of the nine loci tested (vWA, FGA, TH01, and D5S818). At each locus, two of the alleles appeared to be "major" alleles with a third "minor" allele present. The profile appeared to be a mixture of two people. Contamination of this first reference sample was suspected and a second, unopened blood specimen was requested from this individual. The DNA profile from this second reference specimen was identical to that of the original specimen at each locus. One of the evidence samples also displayed an identical mixed DNA profile matching that of the reference specimens mentioned above. The relative peak heights of the two "major" and one "minor" allele remained constant in all three samples. Additional background information revealed that the suspect had not received a bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion. However, it was disclosed that this individual is a fraternal (dizygotic) twin. We hypothesize that an exchange of blood cells between the fetuses occurred in utero and that the additional alleles present in these reference samples are derived from cells contributed by his twin sibling. No additional specimens from the suspect or his twin could be obtained for confirmation, and our hypothesis remains untested. Forensic scientists should be aware of this possibility when faced with a DNA profile in which extra alleles at multiple loci are detected.     

Exploring perceptions of technology between the united states and ecuador

Despite an overall increase in technology research in recent years, the focus on perceptions of technological issues across diverse cultures has received little attention. Moreover, the transfer of technology from industrialized nations to developing countries has essentially been overlooked by scholars. The purpose of this study is to measure differences in perceptions of technology between managers from Ecuador and the United States. The typology of motivators and inhibitors of technological growth developed by Cragg and King (1993) is used as the basis for this empirical inquiry. Results suggest that improving planning and control is a key motivator in Ecuador while stimulating managerial enthusiasm is important to U.S. managers. Excessive cost was found to be a powerful inhibitor in both nations. These findings have vast implications for both the public and private sectors as the business environment continues to change in Latin America.     

Teaching with a Mallet: Conveying an Understanding of Systemic Perspectives on International Relations Intuitively— Croquet as Experiential Learning

Structural Realist theory on the operation of the international system has often been likened to theory one might find in physics to describe the motions of the balls in a game of billiards. While this metaphor is usually used in jest, or as critique of Realist theory, the use of such games can effectively convey our understanding of international systemic dynamics from a number of theoretical perspectives. Games involve more than physics-like laws of interaction between similar entities or actors. They also involve social aspects of interaction; they assume the contextual laws involving the premise of the game, accepted and unaccepted behavior, and the dispositions of the actors controlling the balls to their competitive environment.
This paper gives an account of the use of croquet as an instructional exercise in an Introduction to International Relations class. Croquet's ability to convey to students a variety of theoretical perspectives is discussed, as are the "lessons" the students took from the exercise, as described in their post-game reflections.     

Expulsion to Face Torture? Non-refoulement in International Law

Non-refoulement is a principle of international law that precludesstates from returning a person to a place where he or she mightbe tortured or face persecution. The principle, codified inArticle 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, is subject to a numberof exceptions. This article examines the status of non-refoulementin international law in respect to three key areas: refugeelaw, human rights law and international customary law. The findingssuggest that while a prohibition on refoulement is part of internationalhuman rights law and international customary law, the evidencethat non-refoulement has acquired the status of a jus cogensnorm is less than convincing.