A novel multiplex for simultaneous amplification of 20 Y chromosome STR markers

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay capable of simultaneously amplifying 20 Y chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) markers has been developed to aid human identity testing and male population studies. These markers include all of the Y STRs that make up the "extended haplotype" used in Europe (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, and YCAII) plus additional polymorphic Y STRs (DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS447, DYS448, DYS388, DYS426, GATA A7.1, and GATA H4). Primers for the markers DYS385, DYS389, and YCAII target duplicated regions of the Y chromosome and thus can provide two polymorphic peaks for each respective primer set. This Y STR 20plex, which utilizes 34 different PCR primers, is the first to include a simultaneous amplification of all the markers within the European "minimal" and "extended" haplotypes. Relative primer positions are compared between the newly developed primers described here and previously published ones. Efforts were made to avoid X chromosome homology in the primer design as well as close packing of PCR product size ranges in order to keep all alleles less than 350 bp through careful examination of known allele ranges. Haplotype comparisons between the 20plex and a commercially available kit found excellent agreement across the 76 samples in the Y chromosome consortium panel.     

Delirium Due to Intoxication from the Novel Synthetic Tryptamine 5‐MeO‐DALT

Synthetic tryptamines have gained popularity for their hallucinogenic properties, unscheduled status, and availability from “head shops” and through the internet. Here, we present a case of synthetic tryptamine‐induced delirium secondary to 5‐MeO‐DALT ingestion in a previously healthy young male. 5‐MeO‐DALT led to the hospitalization of our patient after ingestion of a standard dose, presenting with extreme agitation, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and combativeness leading to physical restraint and intravenous sedation. A search of PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar for keywords of “5‐MeO‐DALT,” “5‐methoxy‐N,N‐diallyltryptamine,” or “Lucy‐N‐Nate” found no case reports or clinical articles in the literature. Rapid emergence and commercialization of this novel synthetic tryptamine 5‐MeO‐DALT points to the importance of health care and forensic professionals keeping abreast of the latest drugs of abuse and their clinical features. The authors hope this report leads the way in disseminating the potential risks associated with unscheduled and unregulated substances, synthetic tryptamines such as 5‐MeO‐DALT in particular.     

Development of Latent Fingermarks from Rocks and Stones

Since the beginning of recorded history, stones have been used in the commission of crimes due to their widespread availability. Stones can be used as a lethal weapon that sometimes might be the only evidence in a serious case. The common perception, even in professional fingermark circles, is that stones do not yield identifiable latent fingermarks. The authors of this research paper examined the feasibility of developing fingermarks from seven types of stones using three latent fingermark techniques: magnetic powder, cyanoacrylate fuming, and ninhydrin. The paper will demonstrate that by classifying stones and rocks according to their natural properties (porosity, permeability, and the nature of surface area), even application of the simplest development techniques can produce good results. In conclusion, chert and limestone yielded the most qualitative and quantitative results using magnetic powder. The time factor is also important in recovering latent fingermarks on stones and rocks.     

Problems and Prospects for the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Twenty Years On*

Abstract

Twenty years after its adoption, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) remains unique among fisheries agreements in its declared commitment to considering the impact of existing or proposed fisheries on the entire ecosystem, rather than on just the harvested species. However, the recent picture of fisheries activities within the Convention area suggests a substantial ‐ and perhaps widening ‐ gap between theory and practice. The fishery that has most clearly proven beyond CCAMLR's capacity, and which has resulted in the most significant damage to the Antarctic environment in modern times is that for Patagonian Toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides. That fishery is discussed in more detail below. The roots of that problem in conjunction with structural problems that have contributed to CCAMLR's inability to deal with the toothfish challenge threaten to be repeated in the second‐generation krill fishery that is rapidly developing in Antarctic waters. The authors provide suggestions for structural and procedural changes within CCAMLR to permit it to effectively manage the marine living resources of the Southern Ocean.     

The quality of referendum debate: The UK's electoral system referendum in the print media

This paper analyses the quality of debate surrounding the UK's 2011 electoral reform referendum as represented in the print media. It first considers how debate quality in the context of a referendum campaign may best be conceptualized. It then uses content analysis of media coverage to investigate three aspects of that debate: its quantity; the balance between Yes and No arguments; and the quality of reason-giving. It finds that the quantity of debate was comparable to other recent electoral reform referendums. Coverage was predominantly, but not overwhelmingly, hostile to change. The different indicators of the quality of reason-giving present a mixed picture. The paper concludes by considering how the analysis could be extended through further comparison with other cases.