The examination of vaginally inserted plastic tampon applicators for genetic markers and evidence of prior sexual intercourse

Vaginally inserted plastic tampon applicators were obtained from 42 female volunteers. The applicators were examined for the presence of ABH blood group substances, phosphoglucomutase (PGM), amylase, acid phosphatase, P30, and intact spermatozoa. Each applicator was accompanied by a control blood sample, a saliva specimen, a brief sexual and menstrual history, and method of birth control of the donor. Eight of the male sexual partners of the donors submitted blood and saliva samples. One male sexual partner submitted only a saliva sample. ABH blood group substances corresponding to the donor were recovered from 36 of the 42 applicators. The remaining 6 applicators revealed a combination of the donor's and sexual partner's ABH substances. The female's PGM type was recovered from 34 of the applicators. The remaining 8 applicators failed to show PGM activity. Of the applicators, 15 indicated evidence of prior sexual intercourse by the detection of ABH substances not consistent with the applicator donor (6 samples), high levels of acid phosphatase (11 samples), or recovery of spermatozoa (8 samples) or some combination of these. All applicator samples failed to show the presence of either P30 activity or PGM factors foreign to the female.     

Transferrin polymorphism detected in human urine using isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting

Genetic polymorphism of transferrin (TF) was revealed in human urine by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels. Using this technique more than 300 urine samples were examined, and correct TF typing from a small volume of urine (approx. 0.5 ml) was achieved, in comparison with the results of direct grouping for plasma. Three common phenotypes, TF C1, C2-1 and C2, were differentiated. In addition, the rare types TF C1D, C2D, and C1B were observed. The frequencies of the TF alleles in our samples were found to be: TF*C1 = 0.7265, TF*C2 = 0.2624, TF*D = 0.0083 and TF*B = 0.0028.     

Stinging the Detroit criminal: A total system perspective

The success of sting operations (fake-fences) has been reported widely with impressive aggregate statistics on arrests and convictions. In this paper, we present a more detailed view of a successful Detroit sting program. We follow a sting participant's involvement from the time he entered the storefront until final sentencing, the result of the sting. Previously unreported statistics that we present include prior convictions and sentences for those involved in the sting, the number of sales an individual made to the sting and data on final sentences. More importantly we explore relationships between the various statistics. Our most important finding is that a sting operation is an effective way of getting criminals off the streets for extended periods of time. Eighty percent of those convicted for receiving and concealing stolen property were incarcerated, and the average minimum sentence was 19 months. The data also suggest the importance of multiple sales by an individual to the sting. The number of sales was shown to affect both the likelihood of conviction and the type of sentence imposed.     

Psychologists as consultants for changes of venue the use of public opinion surveys

This study reports the use of public opinion surveys to support motions to change venue. Step-bystep procedures of venue surveys are outlined, and results of their use in five capital murder trials are presented. Employing a quasi-experimental approach to the surveys allows inferences, about the likelihood of obtaining between-county differences of certain magnitudes. In addition, the use of a survey instrument with standardized subparts permits a second, novel type of contrast: comparisons previous cases. The responsiveness of this approach to the typical criticisms of venue surveys is discussed.     

The use of monoclonal antibodies in analyzing blood and saliva stains by the mixed agglutination reaction

Possible use of monoclonal antibodies anti-A, anti-B, anti-M and anti-N in mixed agglutination reaction during the analysis of blood and secretion traces of different age is demonstrated. Dependence of antigen A and B detection in salivary traces on secretory type was determined.     

Isolation of spermatozoa in vaginal contents by centrifugation in a colloidal silica gradient

Human spermatozoa were separated from vaginal contents with epithelial cells by density gradient centrifugation in colloidal silica coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone. In this procedure spermatozoa were collected at a density range of 1.130 - 1.142 g/ml by centrifugation at 35 000 g for 1 h.     

Changes in the amount of prostaglandin F2 alpha in incision wounds of the skin with different time intervals after injury

A radioimmunological method is presented for the determination of the quantity of prostaglandin F2 alpha in cut wounds on the skin of guinea pigs. Rapidly increasing quantities of prostaglandin F2 alpha can be found in skin cuts, and the level reaches 71 ng/g within the 1st hour after the injury. In the postmortem period, the quantities calculated in the cuts while the animals were still alive gradually decreased and reached a value of 17 ng/g in the 6th h after death. In postmortem cuts, inflicted in the 8th h after death, the prostaglandin was 14-18 ng/g. In later postmortem cuts the quantity was about 9-10 ng/g. Establishing the dynamics of the quantitative changes permits investigation of the prostaglandin to be used to certify whether the victim was alive or not, as well as when the skin damage was inflicted.