Online Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat haplotype reference database (YHRD) for U.S. populations

We describe here an online Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat haplotype reference database (YHRD) for U.S. populations, which represents 9-locus Y-STR haplotypes for 1705 African-Americans, European-Americans and Hispanics as of October 2001. This database is available online (http://www.ystr. org/usa/), free to access and was generated in order to supply the U.S. forensic DNA community with a valuable resource for frequencies of complete or incomplete 9-locus Y-STR haplotypes, as well as information about typing protocols and population genetic analyses. Pairwise R(ST)-statistics derived from the Y-STR haplotypes indicate no significant substructure among African-American populations from different regions of the U.S., nor (usually) among European-American and Hispanic populations. Thus, pooling of Y-STR haplotype data from regional populations within these three major groups is appropriate in order to obtain larger sample sizes. However, pooling of different major populations is generally not recommended due to statistically significant differences between African-American populations and all European-American/Hispanic populations, as well as between some European-American and Hispanic populations.     

Combination of DNA-based and conventional methods to detect human leukocyte antigen polymorphism and its use for paternity testing

In cases of disputed paternity, the scientific goal is to promote either the exclusion of a falsely accused man or the affiliation of the alleged father. Until now, in addition to anthropologic characteristics, the determination of genetic markers included human leukocyte antigen gene variants; erythrocyte antigens and serum proteins were used for that reason. Recombinant DNA techniques provided a new set of highly variable genetic markers based on DNA nucleotide sequence polymorphism. From the practical standpoint, the application of these techniques to paternity testing provides greater versatility than do conventional genetic marker systems. The use of methods to detect the polymorphism of human leukocyte antigen loci significantly increases the chance of validation of ambiguous results in paternity testing. The outcome of 2384 paternity cases investigated by serologic and/or DNA-based human leukocyte antigen typing was statistically analyzed. Different cases solved by DNA typing are presented involving cases with one or two accused men, exclusions and nonexclusions, and tests of the paternity of a deceased man. The results provide evidence for the advantage of the combined application of various techniques in forensic diagnostics and emphasizes the outstanding possibilities of DNA-based assays. Representative examples demonstrate the strength of combined techniques in paternity testing.     

Unusual neck lesion in a pedestrian caused by a road accident

The authors describe a road accident that occurred in the Trieste region of Italy in 1998, wherein a pedestrian experienced a mortal injury. During the on-site examination, the forensic officer in charge noticed, in addition to dispersed abrasions, bruises, and fractures, an unusual position of the head with a highly unusual motility of the cervical rachis and, above all, an apparent whitish fibrous elastic cord, 7-8 cm long, which came out of the mouth. The cord was found to be a segment of the spinal cord, expelled and driven into the mouth cavity by the impact. This represents an interesting case because of the specific dynamics of the accident and the type of lesion involved. This kind of spinal cord injury, in particular, is infrequent among pedestrians involved in road accidents in comparison with other road casualties.     

Comparing inmate perceptions of two residential substance abuse treatment programs

Drug and alcohol abuse by criminal offenders remains at an all time high. Residential substance abuse and treatment (RSAT) programs were developed to address the drug and alcohol treatment needs of inmates in prisons. Typically, such programs range in length from 6 to 12 months, have an Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous component, and occur in a therapeutic community environment. Some programs also include a cognitive self-change component. Inmate participation in their programming is crucial to the success of a therapeutic community treatment environment, yet there is little research on the perceptions of RSAT inmates regarding their programming. In this research, the authors describe, compare, and contrast the perceptions of inmate clients of two RSAT programs in a rural mountain state.     

以"三个代表"重要思想为指南搞好新世纪公安工作

"三个代表"重要思想是新世纪党的工作指南,更是搞好新世纪公安工作的思想武器.深刻领会"三个代表"的精神实质,把握其科学内涵,保持理论清醒,使新世纪公安工作沿着正确的方向发展;自觉运用"三个代表"重要思想驾驭复杂局势,正确把握历史脉搏和时代特征,清醒认识公安工作面临的形势任务,坚定信念,不辱使命,以保证公安工作能经受住新世纪的各种考验;高举"三个代表"伟大旗帜,解放思想,实事求是,开拓进取,建设一支高素质公安队伍,更好发挥公安机关的职能作用.     

大鼠脾细胞DNA含量与早期死亡时间关系的图像分析研究

选择15只大鼠 ,处死后 ,在24h内每隔1h进行脾细胞学涂片、福尔马林液固定、Feulgen染色后 ,用自动图像分析仪测量细胞DNA的积分光密度、平均光密度、异形指数等指标 ,并对数据进行统计学处理。实验结果证明大鼠脾细胞DNA含量在死后24h内 ,随死亡时间的延长而呈较有规律的下降。其中积分光密度、平均光密度、异形指数是用来研究死亡24h内脾DNA降解规律 ,并准确推断死亡时间的较好指标