Analytical pyrolysis of Streptococcus saliivarius as and aid to identification in bite-mark investigation

The use of pyrolysis mass spectrometry (Py-MS) and statistical analysis of mass spectra is introduced as a method for “finger-printing” strains of Streptococcus salivarius. The objective is to provide correlative evidence regarding the identity of suspects in cases of assault or rape involving bite-marks. The results of the analysis of isolates from two individuals are presented, illustrating the differentiation of S. salivarius at strain level according to the origin of the isolate.     

Aberrant MN bloodgroup inheritance in a German family: a 'silent' allele?

By means of extensive serogenetic testing of a family, RFLP analysis and biostatistic evaluation we present evidence for the rare transmittance of a 'silent' information at the MN blood group locus in a Caucasian family.     

Infant abductions in health care: Critical incident response

Summary Critical Incident Management provides a coordinated response in which all of the players have both an understanding of their role and its coordination with the overall plan. Continuing operations of the hospital must continue but care and concern needs to be directed to the family which is suffering. The goal of our response is the safe return of the newborn. The Clark Center     

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.     

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.