Tri-allelic SNP markers enable analysis of mixed and degraded DNA samples

For the analysis of degraded DNA in disaster victim identification (DVI) and criminal investigations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been recognized as promising markers mainly because they can be analyzed in short sized amplicons. Most SNPs are bi-allelic and are thereby ineffective to detect mixtures, which may lead to incorrect genotyping. We developed an algorithm to find non-binary (i.e. tri-allelic or tetra-allelic) SNPs in the NCBI dbSNP database. We selected 31 potential tri-allelic SNPs with a minor allele frequency of at least 10%. The tri-allelic nature was confirmed for 15 SNPs residing on 14 different chromosomes. Multiplex SNaPshot™ assays were developed, and the allele frequencies of 16 SNPs were determined among 153 Dutch and 111 Netherlands Antilles reference samples. Using these multiplex SNP assays, the presence of a mixture of two DNA samples in a ratio up to 1:8 could be recognized reliably. Furthermore, we compared the genotyping efficiency of the tri-allelic SNP markers and short tandem repeat (STR) markers by analyzing artificially degraded DNA and DNA from 30 approximately 500-year-old bone and molar samples. In both types of degraded DNA samples, the larger sized STR amplicons failed to amplify whereas the tri-allelic SNP markers still provided valuable information. In conclusion, tri-allelic SNP markers are suited for the analysis of degraded DNA and enable the detection of a second DNA source in a sample.     

The correctional orientation of community corrections: Legislative changes in the legally prescribed functions of community corrections 1992–2002

Over the years, the prevailing correctional orientation in the United States has shifted back and forth between punishment and rehabilitation. These changes in correctional ideology are typically marked by differing sentencing practices and changing criminal justice research agendas. On the other hand, how corrections is legally mandated to operate is less understood. In 1993, Johnson, Dunaway, Burton, Marquait, and Cuvelier assessed the legally prescribed functions of community corrections for all 50 states and classified them as either reform or control oriented functions. They concluded the majority of states were primarily reform oriented. In this study, we replicate Johnson et al.’s (1993) methods using the statutes from all 50 states in 2002. However, we classified our findings, as well as recoded Johnson et al.’s (1993) findings, into punishment or rehabilitation functions. We make comparisons between 1992 and 2002 for the purpose of assessing where legally mandated orientation of community corrections stands today on the punishment/rehabilitation debate.     

The effect of government size on the unemployment rate

Recent empirical studies have revealed that the size of government is inversely related to economic growth and technical efficiency. Evidence is presented linking the size of government to reported unemployment rates for the industrial countries during recent years. This finding helps to explain the empirical link between government size and poor macroeconomic performance.     

Book reviews

Robert O. Freedman, Soviet Policy Toward the Middle East Since 1970. (Praeger Special Studies in International Politics and Government.) New York: Praeger Publishers, 1975. ix+198 pp. $16.50 or $5.95 (paperback).

R. D. McLaurin, The Middle East in Soviet Policy. Toronto and London: D. C. Heath, 1975. xiv+206 pp. £6.75.

Roger E. Kanet (ed.), The Soviet Union and the Developing Nations. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins UP, 1974. 293 pp. $12.50.

Robert R. King and Robert W. Dean (eds.), East European Perspectives on European Security and Cooperation. New York: Praeger, and London: Pall Mall, 1974. xxi+254 pp. £7.25.

Louis J. Mensonides and James A. Kuhlman (eds.), The Future of Inter‐Bloc Relations in Europe. New York: Praeger, and London: Pall Mall, 1974. xiii+217 pp. £7.25.

J. F. N. Bradley, Civil War in Russia 1917–1920. London: Batsford, 1975. 197 pp. £6.50.

Canfield F. Smith, Vladivostok under Red and White Rule. Revolution and Counterrevolution in the Russian Far East 1920–1922. Seattle and London: University of Washington Press, 1975. xv+304 pp. $11.00. £6.60.

Maury Lisann, Broadcasting to the Soviet Union: International Politics and Radio. (Praeger Special Studies in International Politics and Government.) New York: Praeger Publishers, 1975. ix‐j‐199 pp. $16.50.

David E. Powell, Antireligious Propaganda in the Soviet Union. Cambridge, Mass, and London: The MIT Press, 1975. xi+206 pp. £13.75.

David A. Dyker, The Soviet Economy. Granada Publishing—Crosby Lockwood Staples, 1976. 173 pp. £4.95.

Zbigniew M. Fallenbuchl (ed.), Economic Development in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Volume I: Reforms, Technology, and Income Distribution. (Praeger Special Studies in International Politics and Government.) New York: Praeger Publishers, 1975. 360 pp. £14.45.

V. Bajaja, Theoretische Grundlagen und praktische Entwicklung landwirtschaft‐licher Betriebsgrössen in der Tschechoslowakei. Berlin: Duncker & Humblot, 1975. 325 pp.

Richard Farkas, Yugoslav Economic Development and Political Change. (Praeger Special Studies in International Economics and Development.) New York: Praeger Publishers, and London: Pall Mall Press, 1975. x+133 pp. £5.95.

Trond Gilberg, Modernization in Romania since World War II. (Praeger Special Studies in International Economics and Development.) New York and London: Praeger, 1975. xiii+261 pp. £9.65.

David Lewis Jones, Books in English on the Soviet Union, 1917–73: A Bibliography. (Garland Reference Library of Social Science, Vol. 3.) New York and London: Garland Publishing, 1975. xiv+331 pp. $30.00.     

Probable causes for police corruption: Some theories

Theories and explanations of police corruption presented in recent social science literature are reviewed to develop a conceptual framework for future study of the problem. Theories of corruption due to individual failings, organizational deviance, cynicism, lack of deterrence, and the lack of consensus on victimless crimes and their effects, are discussed.     

Organizational Structure as a Determinant of Academic Patent and Licensing Behavior: An Exploratory Study of Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Pennsylvania State Universities

This paper examines the influences of university organizational structure on technology transfer performance. The analysis treats the organizational structure of the technology-transfer office as an independent variable that accounts, in part, for measured differences in inter-institutional patenting, licensing, and sponsored research activities. We derive and investigate three hypotheses that link attributes of organizational form – information processing capacity, coordination capability and incentive alignment – to technology transfer outcomes. A detailed analysis of three major research universities – Johns Hopkins University, Pennsylvania State University, and Duke University – provides evidence of the existence of alternative organizational structures. The data also suggest that these organizational capabilities result in differences in technology transfer activity.