title: Probabilistic assessment of clone overlaps in DNA fingerprint mapping via a priori models.
abstract: We construct a combinatorially exact probability distribution for the problem of a priori clone overlap assessment in DNA fingerprint mapping. It is implemented as a general enumeration methodology using Bell's exponential polynomials. Established computational metrics do not consider the conditional nature of the problem. They dramatically overpredict actual match probabilities as a consequence. This elevates the rate of false-negative overlap declarations, which is consistent with previous validation studies. Increased measurement resolution does not significantly improve accuracy. We describe general trends in error behavior for intermediate-size DNA clones and discuss corresponding limits on the ability to assess certain overlaps.
authors.affiliation: Genome Sequencing Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA. mwendl@wustl.edu
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wendl
mesh_terms: D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011336:Probability