Validation of the MiniFiler™ Kit in archaeological samples

We evaluate the usefulness of MiniFiler™ Kit in the field of ancient DNA. A set of samples belonging to different locations from Iberian Peninsula, with ages ranging from Neolithic to XVII century, was tested. Results could be replicated in only one burial site, probably due to the taphonomic conditions. Other cases could only produce partial or none genetic profiles.     

Forensic evaluation of sudden death due to tuberculosis

Abstract:  The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a major threat to TB control efforts. We report a case of a 50-year-old man with pulmonary TB. The scene investigation had initially suspected for homicide; however, the result of medico-legal autopsy demonstrated natural cause of death. Statistical data suggest that the rates of national mortality by respiratory TB decreased in the last decades in Hungary; however, an increasing TB mortality was detected in the capital Budapest. Facing a new mortality trend in TB, the forensic scene investigation and determination of manner of death represent new challenges for practitioners.     

Sudden death in toddlers caused by influenza B infection: a report of two cases and a review of the literature

Sudden fatal cases of influenza B infection in a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy are presented. Both children complained of abdominal pain without respiratory, neurologic or cardiac symptoms; additionally the girl had vomiting within 2 days of death. Autopsy revealed histological changes in the respiratory system consistent with a viral infection. Influenza B infection was identified by immunohistochemistry in the girl and real-time polymerase chain reaction in the boy. Additional testing including cultures, toxicology, and screening for metabolic disorders were negative. These cases illustrate the usefulness of viral testing, especially for influenza, in the medical legal autopsy of children even when the classic respiratory symptoms of flu are lacking.     

Validation and casework application of a Y chromosome specific STR multiplex

A series of validation experiments was performed for a Y chromosome specific STR multiplex system following the suggestions made by the Technical Working Group DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM). The multiplex PCR products were detected on Perkin-Elmer 373 and 377 automated sequencers using two labeling colors. No problems regarding the stability, robustness and sensitivity of the Y STR multiplex were observed. Mixture studies revealed a cut off rate similar to autosomal STRs for mixtures of male DNAs and no interference of any female admixture. The comparison of the Y STR results to the autosomal typing results for 56 nonprobative semen stains and swabs, showed a slightly higher success rate in detecting the semen donor’s alleles for the Y STR multiplex. Two examples are shown to illustrate the usefulness of Y STR typing for DNA mixtures. In one case the Y STR results confirmed an isolated exclusion; in the other case, the interpretation of a mixture was clarified since the Y STR results proved the presence of DNA from at least two semen donors. Y STR typing is a valuable addition to the forensic DNA testing panel.     

Conflict,Cooperation, and Institutional Change on the Commons

Rational choice scholarship posits two principal theories to explain why political institutions emerge and change: cooperation theory and conflict theory. We evaluate cooperation theory and conflict theory to explain the emergence of common property institutions among a group of Maasai pastoralists in southwestern Kenya. Our empirical results show that the change to common property is best explained by conflict theory.     

Knowledge is Power: A Theory-Based Approach to Reducing School Violence

The study assesses the impact of a theory-based school violence program though a survey of 1,500 middle and high school students. It is the first to apply the concept of optimistic bias within the school violence context. Despite high profile school shootings, the students maintained the belief that violence was less likely to happen to them (personally) or in their schools than elsewhere in the country. Findings indicate that optimistic bias can be reduced through educational campaigns, and suggest a means of reducing violence by first reducing optimistic bias.     

Planerische Steuerung von privilegierten Vorhaben im Außenbereich

Durch das Europarechtsanpassungsgesetz (EAG Bau) werden die planerischen Steuerungsmöglichkeiten von Außenbereichsvorhaben unter Übernahme des Darstellungsprivilegs in § 35 Abs. 3 S. 3 BauGB um einen Teilflächennutzungsplan (§ 5 Abs. 2b BauGB) und Zurückstellungsmöglichkeiten (§ 15 Abs. 3 BauGB) ergänzt. Der Beitrag stellt die gesetzlichen Neuregelungen vor und behandelt die Frage, welche Verbindlichkeit die planerischen Ausweisungen für die Betroffenen haben und ob die Flächennutzungspläne und Raumordnungspläne (Gebietsentwicklungspläne) damit zu unmittelbar geltenden Rechtsnormen werden. Zugleich wird über die Rechtsprechung zu Windkraftanlagen berichtet. *) Bernhard Stüer lehrt an den Universitäten Münster und Osnabrück das Öffentliche Baurecht, Fachplanungsrecht, Raumordnungsrecht, Umweltrecht und Kommunalrecht und ist Richter im Nebenamt am Anwaltsgerichtshof des Landes NRW. Eva Stüer ist in anwaltlicher Beratung und Prozessvertretung mit Fragen der planungsrechtlichen Zulässigkeit von Außenbereichsvorhaben befasst, vgl. auch die Schrift der Verfasserin Außenbereichsbebauung: Entwicklung und geltendes Recht (§ 35 BauGB 1998), Beiträge zum Siedlungs- und Wohnungswesen und zur Raumplanung, Bd. 177, Münster 1997.

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