Book reviews

Journal of Youth and Adolescence -     

Effects of processing techniques on the forensic DNA analysis of human skeletal remains

Human remains processed by forensic anthropologists may potentially be used for genetic analysis. Therefore, the condition of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in processed remains may become an issue for future analysis. Processing techniques employed by anthropologists are highly variable and scanning electron microscopy reveals significant alterations to the bone surface depending upon the technique used. Such damage to the bone indicates differences may exist in quality and quantity of DNA extracted. This study assessed how five processing procedures used by major forensic anthropology laboratories around the country affects the amounts of DNA extracted from human rib bones and the subsequent DNA analysis. The DNA was analyzed using the short tandem repeat (STR) locus CSF1PO and amelogenin. The findings indicate processing procedures used by forensic anthropologists do not adversely affect DNA analysis but prolonged exposure to heat during processing may decrease the yield of information from the DNA.     

Exploration and commitment: Sex differences and methodological problems in the use of identity status categories

The identity crisis of adolescence can be thought of as involving two processes: an exploration among alternatives and a making of commitments. Ninety-nine Danish youth were assessed for degrees of exploration and of commitment in four areas: occupation, values, politics, and sex roles. Sex differences were investigated. Contrary to Erikson's theory, sexual ideology did not appear more central to women's identity formation. For both sexes, the struggle with sex roles and the search for values were the most powerful predictors of ten dependent personality variables. The study demonstrated the importance of exploration and commitment as variables in identity process in another culture, and suggested that a direct scaling of these variables is superior to the use of Marcia's category system.This report is based on data collected in a study funded by the Humanistic Research Council of Denmark. The first analysis of data was reported in their publication in 1974. Copies of the initial report and reprints of this article can be obtained from the author.Teaches master's candidates in counseling and has a small private practice. Received his Ph.D. in psychology and pastoral counseling from Boston University. Main interest is adolescent identity.     

A silica-based mitochondrial DNA extraction method applied to forensic hair shafts and teeth

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of a nonorganic DNA extraction method for use in the analysis of environmentally compromised forensic hair shaft and tooth samples. The condition of the samples included cases of water decomposition, severe incineration, and varying stages of putrefaction. Enzymatic amplification and manual sequencing of the first segment of the mitochondrial hypervariable region were performed successfully on each of the 20 autopsied individuals. The results indicate that the silica-based extraction method produces mtDNA suitable for genetic identification from forensic samples including hair shafts and teeth.