9837 research outputs found
Sort by
\u3ci\u3eThe Outsider\u3c/i\u3e: A Detailed Analysis of the Portrayal of the Character Paige Caldwell
Full text linkAn analysis of the performance of the character of Paige Caldwell in Paul Slade Smith\u27s The Outsider
Rewiring an Enzyme: K135F Mutation in Malate Dehydrogenase
Full text linkMalate Dehydrogenase (MDH) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of malate to oxaloacetate by reducing the cofactor NAD+ to NADH in the citric acid cycle, playing a crucial role in cellular metabolism. Alterations in the MDH structure have been linked to metabolic diseases and cancers, though its overall structure remains poorly characterized. To better understand MDH, we manipulated its structure by inserting a point mutation into the flexible loop region at position 135, exchanging a lysine (Lys) to a phenylalanine (Phe). We hypothesized that mutating a positively charged amino acid (Lys) to an aromatic amino acid (Phe) would cause aromatic-aromatic binding with the phenylalanine in position 134. We predicted this structural change would decrease the flexibility of the loop region, slowing the enzymatic activity of MDH. Using PyMol modeling, we discovered that the Phe135 increased the distance between surrounding amino acids, likely disrupting these interactions. To test our findings, the mutated MDH protein was expressed in E. coli cells and purified by column chromatography. Purified mutated MDH was confirmed by an SDS-PAGE gel and Bradford assay. To study the effects of the mutation, an enzyme assay evaluating the velocity and binding of the protein to the substrate was performed. We found that the mutant enzyme had a low velocity and binding affinity, resulting in a 97.77% decrease in specific activity and turnover rate when compared to wild-type. These results confirm our hypothesis and give us insight into how the structure is important for functionality.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/urs_2025/1000/thumbnail.jp
Evaluating Water Quality Upstream and Downstream from a Proposed Restoration Project on the Pomme de Terre River in Morris, MN
Full text linkThe recent push to restore natural river conditions provides opportunities to investigate the effects of dam removal and channel modification, particularly if data are collected before such projects are initiated. The MN DNR plans to modify the Pomme de Terre River channel at the Crissy Lake dam (Morris, MN) by constructing and directing water flow over stone arch rapids to remove the barrier to fish, restore flow, and enhance river conditions. We aim to characterize the Pomme de Terre River upstream and downstream from the project site before construction to provide data to compare with river conditions after the project is completed. We collected data bi-weekly from September–November at 3 sites upstream and 3 downstream from the Crissy Lake dam. We measured dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and Turbidity at each site. Average (range) values downstream were: DO 11.70 (7.36-17.53) mg/L, TDS 509.78 (469.20-:605.70) ppm, and Turbidity 2.70 (1.10-5.75) ntu. Average values upstream were: DO 12.54 (7.23-21.58) mg/L TDS of 476.79 (424.40-666.4) ppm, and Turbidity of 1.61 (0.55-4.00) ntu. DO levels suggest high levels of primary productivity and the capability of supporting aquatic life. TDS would be considered on the high-acceptable side of drinking water. Low turbidity levels show no indication of water quality impairment and reflect base flow conditions and lack of erosion in the absence of significant precipitation during the study period.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/urs_2025/1010/thumbnail.jp
Rob Johnson Interview, 2025
Full text linkRob Johnson discusses his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was a high school senior in Bemidji, Minnesota and a first year college student at Colby College in Maine.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/covid19/1001/thumbnail.jp
Profile: Innovation through the liberal arts
Full text linkIn this issue: Alumnus Chooses to Pay It Forward with Scholarships ; Gallant Makes the Most of Scholarships ; Newell Gives Back with Entrepreneurship Class ; Giving Allows Students to Get Business Ownership Experience ; Competitive Ethics Team Earns National Bid ; Tollefsrud Named Fulbright Finalist ; Noujdi Receives 2024 Undergraduate SEED Award ; Faculty and Staff Awards ; Hands-On Observatory Experience for Physics Students ; Zavada, Students Travel to Peru for Fulbright Research ; Morris Model Wins Second Department of Energy Competition ; 2025 Commencement ; Spotlight: Highlighting the Degree in Three Option ; AI Philosophy Tutor: Using AI Leads to Deeply Human Conversation ; Working to Control Crop Disease--Chemical-Free ; Research Partnership Addresses Native Health Disparities ; Dahlen Is Distinguished Alum ; Look Who\u27s Back ; Recent Publications ; Cougar Athletes Achieve Academic Success ; Emmrich Joins First Team All-American Cougars ; Meuser NCAA DIII Statistical RBI Leader ; Cougar Softball 2024 UMAC Co-Champions ; UMAC Sports Network ; 100th Win for Sussenguth ; Cougar Days of Giving ; Homecoming 2025https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/profile/1078/thumbnail.jp
LeAnn Dean Interview, 2025
Full text linkLeAnn Dean discusses growing up in the 1950s and \u2760s on a farm five miles north of Kerkhoven, MN.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/rural_youth_culture/1006/thumbnail.jp
Criminal Profiling in Modern Law Enforcement: An Evaluation of Validity and Utility
No full textThis study evaluates the validity and effectiveness of criminal profiling in modern law enforcement. Drawing on empirical research, expert critiques, and real-world case studies, it explores whether profiling meaningfully aids investigations or relies too heavily on subjective interpretation and outdated theories. While profiling can occasionally help narrow suspect pools, research shows it often lacks scientific reliability and is vulnerable to cognitive biases and stereotyping. The project also examines the psychological foundations of profiling and contrasts them with the complexity of actual criminal behavior. Ethical concerns, including the potential for misuse and the impact of media portrayals on public and professional perceptions, are also addressed. Ultimately, the study questions whether continued investment in profiling is justified, especially when compared to more evidence-based investigative methods. The research concludes by identifying circumstances under which profiling may be useful and offers recommendations for improving its accuracy, accountability, and integration within broader investigative practices