Isolation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from saliva and forensic science samples containing saliva.

Saliva and saliva-stained materials were examined as potential sources of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for DNA analysis and identity testing. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that DNA was isolated and DNA banding patterns suitable for DNA typing were obtained from fresh saliva and various saliva-stained materials, such as envelopes, buccal swabs, gags, and cigarettes. Furthermore, DNA and DNA banding patterns were obtained from actual forensic evidentiary samples containing mixed saliva/semen stains. The DNA banding patterns obtained from saliva or saliva-stained material were indistinguishable from the patterns obtained from blood or hair from the same individual. Intact DNA was readily isolated and DNA banding patterns were obtained from saliva stored at -20 degrees C and dried saliva stains stored under varying conditions. We conclude that saliva and saliva-stained material can be good sources of DNA for analysis and for DNA typing in certain forensic settings.     

Human genotyposcopy: the identification of the species, sex and individual by DNA genetic imprints in a case connected with a murder attempt]

Blood stains on a knife were identified by DNA genotyposcopy. The statistical validation method has confirmed that the blood stains on material evidence belonged to the victim, the probability of random coincidence being less than 10(-11). The efficacy of using hypervariable locus-specific DNA probes and the possibility of detecting DNA impressions in blood stains stored for more than 3 months have been demonstrated.     

Pricing in the nuclear power industry: Public or private interest?

This paper tests empirically the Ramsey version of the public-interest theory of regulation by examining the pricing practices in the nuclear power industry, using a 1985 cross-sectional sample of 40 electric utilities. Other researchers have avoided this segment of the industry because of difficulties with nuclear fuel data, or perceived differences in the underlying production function. We show that regulators respond to political influences according to the Stigler-Peltzman version of regulation and that Ramsey pricing cannot be validated, at least for the nuclear segment of the electric power industry.