Whole-genome amplification by MDA to improve sensitivity of forensic expert examination of chromosomal DNA

This pilot project has the objective to evaluate the possibility of application of the multiple displacement amplification (MDA) technique to whole-genome amplification with a view to improving sensitivity of molecular-genetic test-systems. Preparations of total cellular DNA were amplified by MDA and analysed to assess conserved specificity of chromosomal DNA and its enhanced template activity in the standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for typing allele variants of polymorphous DNA loci. DNA samples before and after MDA showed virtually identical genotypic combinations of alleles. Allele fragments were stably detected at a level of DNA 4-5 times lower than in the standard test. The results of the study indicate that the MDA technique provides a promising tool to improve reliability of forensic- expert examination of chromosomal DNA and imply the necessity to further develop forensic-medical aspects of this method.     

Problem solving and youth violence: an evaluation of the Boston Gun Project

The Boston Gun Project is a problem-solving policing initiativeaimed at reducing homicide victimization among young peoplein the city of Boston. It represented an innovative partnershipbetween researchers and practitioners to assess the city's youthhomicide problem and implement an intervention intended to havepowerful impacts in the near term. In early 1996, a workinggroup representing a variety of law enforcement and social serviceagencies implemented an intervention that strategically respondedto gang violence, focused enforcement efforts on gun trafficking,and emphasized communication of the strategy to generate deterrence.The intervention is associated with a 60% decline in youth homicidevictimization (i.e., two fewer victims per month). There aresmaller declines in other measures of violence. The declinein youth homicide is sharp and occurs coincident with the introductionof the intervention. Competing hypotheses appear unable to accountfor the decline.