A new individualization marker of semen: deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) polymorphism.

We describe a method for obtaining specific and reproducible deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) typing from liquid semen. Isoelectric focusing of the enzymes on polyacrylamide gel (IEF-PAGE, pH 3.5-5) was accomplished using a 0.5-mm thick gel. The separated isozymes were visualized by a new activity staining method, dried agarose film-overlay (DAFO). Pretreatment of semen samples with neuraminidase markedly enhanced the isozyme-band resolution and sensitivity. The method was simple and reliable, with high resolution and sensitivity. The DNase I types in semen samples were correlated with the types found in corresponding blood and urine samples. DNase I typing could therefore provide an additional discriminant characteristic in the forensic examination of semen.     

Congressional committees as users of analysis

Structural arrangements in the Congress work against the use of analysis, but newer developments, such as growth in staff professionalism and activity of the congressional support agencies, tend to promote it. Interviews with committee staff show that they are aware of much analysis, use it primarily for political advantage, but that they also take it seriously as warning of problems and as guidance on particular issues. Staff value information more when they know and trust its source and understand its political motivations. The use of analysis to reconceptualize problems is not much in evidence, perhaps because such “enlightenment” takes place elsewhere and filters into the Congress through informal channels.     

Children in poverty: A committee prepares for an informed debate

By gathering and disseminating information, members of the Committee on Ways and Means, and committee staff under their supervision, have played an important role in informing the debate on poverty issues during the 1980s. In the face of President Reagan's 1981 budget program, which reduced spending in the major antipoverty programs, committee members targeted substantial resources to an ongoing, albeit ad hoc, education process. The process has not only provided evidence of the adverse impact of the 1981 reductions on the poor, but has also made new contributions to the understanding of poverty. Although many other factors have contributed to outcomes in poverty policy during the 1980s, it is clear that this education process played an important role in the successes achieved thus far; partial reversal of the 1981 reductions has been achieved, tax changes have been implemented which help low-income families, and a welfare reform bill has been enacted.     

A Philosophy of Provocation?

Jeremy Horder, Provocation and Responsibility Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1992, pp xvi and 208 pp, hb £25.00.     

Analysis of preliminary procedures in suits against physicians at the Aachen Public Prosecutor's Office between 1978 and 1981

Altogether, 318 preliminary proceedings were initiated against physicians, compared to 2 against nonmedical practitioners. The majority i.e., 192 proceedings, dealt with charges of torture and deprivation of freedom committed against patients under psychiatric treatment. Ninety-nine proceedings were based on negligent bodily injury and negligent homicide and 15 on failure to give medical assistance. Other reasons were given in isolated cases only. The proceedings were mostly initiated against surgeons, psychiatrists, general practitioners, internists, gynecologists, and 2 against nonmedical practitioners (42 because of negligent bodily injury and 48 because of negligent homicide). The charges were dropped in accordance with Section 170,2 StPO in 78 cses, Section 153, 153a and 154 StPO in 7 cases, and there were 7 acquittals and 2 sentences after trial. In the remaining preliminary proceedings, the charges were dropped in 215 cases according to Section 170,2 StPO, and in 2 cases according to Section 153a StPO. Three defendants were sentenced to punishment and 1 received a verdict of not guilty. Thus in most of the preliminary proceedings the charges were dropped.     

Gc subtyping in blood stains by isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradients

The applicability of isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradients for the Gc-subtyping in the forensic examination of bloodstains was tested. It is shown that due to the excellent separation of the Gc 1S and 1F bands subtyping of bloodstains can be done with high reliability.     

Causes of death of patients in an institution for the developmentally disabled

The causes of death of 53 severely to profoundly developmentally disabled patients who died in an intermediate care facility were reviewed. Respiratory disease, predominantly pneumonia and aspiration, accounted for 72% of deaths. Seven patients died of nonrespiratory causes, and in 8 patients, no cause of death could be determined, even after a complete autopsy or investigation. The median age at death was 20 years. The weights of these patients' organs at autopsy were lower than those for normal individuals of the same age. The lifespan of these severely impaired individuals continues to be significantly shortened, even with improved methods of care.     

Sudden death in a neonate as a result of herpes simplex infection

This paper describes a case of a neonate with disseminated herpes simplex born to a 14-year-old asymptomatic mother. The infant's physical examination was normal at birth, and subsequent abnormalities were so subtle that infection was not recognized during life. Postmortem cultures of liver and spleen grew herpes simplex virus, and immunofluorescent direct antibody typing revealed Type 2. A cervical culture of the mother obtained after the infant's death was negative.