Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Interpretation builds upon the previous two editions of John Butler’s internationally acclaimed Forensic DNA Typing textbook with forensic DNA analysts as its primary audience. Intended as a third-edition companion to the Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing volume published in 2010 and Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology published in 2012, this book contains 16 chapters with 4 appendices providing up-to-date coverage of essential topics in this important field. Over 80 % of the content of this book is new compared to previous editions.
Key Features
- Provides forensic DNA analysts coverage of the crucial topic of DNA mixture interpretation and statistical analysis of DNA evidence
- Worked mixture examples illustrate the impact of different statistical approaches for reporting results
- Includes allele frequencies for 24 commonly used autosomal STR loci, the revised Quality Assurance Standards which went into effect September 2011
- About this Book
- Dedication
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- Section I. Data Interpretation
- Chapter 1. Data Interpretation Overview
- Purpose of This Book
- The Interpretation Process
- Characteristics of Ideal Data
- Guidance for DNA Interpretation
- A Match or not a Match: That is the Question…
- STR Loci, Kits, and Population Data
- Summary
- Chapter 2. Data, Models, Thresholds
- Data Collection in ABI Genetic Analyzers
- Models
- Thresholds Used in STR Typing
- Setting and Using Analytical Thresholds
- Chapter 3. STR Alleles and Amplification Artifacts
- Introduction
- Overview of the STR Typing Process
- STR Alleles and Their Measurement
- Variant and “Off-Ladder” Alleles
- Artifacts of STR Allele Amplification
- Non-Template Addition
- Stutter Products
- Null (Silent) Alleles
- Chapter 4. STR Genotypes: Heterozygote Balance, Stochastic Thresholds, Allele, and Concordance Studies
- Importance of Genotypes vs. Alleles
- Peak Height Ratios
- Stochastic Thresholds and Allele Drop-out
- Concordance Studies and Null Alleles
- Chapter 5. STR Profiles: Multiplex PCR, Tri-Alleles, Amelogenin, and Partial Profiles
- Introduction
- Multiplex PCR Challenges
- STR Profile Evaluation
- Tri-Allelic Patterns
- Gender Identification with Amelogenin
- Partial DNA Profiles
- Chapter 6. DNA Mixtures
- General Information
- Tools for Mixture Interpretation
- Elements of Mixture Interpretation
- Resources and Guidance on Mixture Interpretation
- Complicating Factors in Mixture Deconvolution
- Chapter 7. Low-Level DNA and Complex Mixtures
- Interpretation Challenges with Low Template DNA
- Low-Quantity and Low-Quality DNA
- Probabilistic Genotyping
- High-Density SNP Arrays?
- More Poor-Quality Samples Being Submitted
- A Complexity Threshold?
- Chapter 8. Troubleshooting Data Collection
- Introduction
- Principles and Processes Involved with Capillary Electrophoresis
- Instrument Maintenance & Common Problems
- Recommended Steps for Troubleshooting
- Summary
- Chapter 1. Data Interpretation Overview
- Section II. Statistical Interpretation
- Chapter 9. Statistical Interpretation Overview
- Role of Statistics in Forensic DNA
- Probability
- Statistics
- Chapter 10. STR Population Data Analysis
- Introductory Genetic Principles
- Population Data
- Genetic Models and Formulas
- Practical Considerations
- Summary
- Chapter 11. DNA Profile Frequency Estimates and Match Probabilities
- Introduction
- Profile Frequency Estimate Calculations
- Likelihood Ratio
- Source Attribution
- Issues with DNA Profile Frequency Estimates
- Summary
- Chapter 12. DNA Mixture Statistics
- Introduction
- Different Statistical Approaches to Mixture Interpretation
- Reporting Match Probabilities on Deduced Components
- Random Man not Excluded (RMNE)
- Likelihood Ratios
- Additional Topics
- Chapter 13. Coping with Potential Missing Alleles
- Introduction to the Problem
- Probabilistic Genotyping – A Way Forward
- Chapter 14. Relationship Testing: Kinship Statistics
- Introduction
- Parentage Testing
- Mutations and Mutation Rates
- Other Topics with Parentage Testing
- Missing Persons & Disaster Victim Identification
- Complex Kinship Analysis
- Chapter 15. Lineage Marker Statistics
- Lineage Marker Inheritance Patterns
- Guidance on Interpretation
- Generating Lineage Marker Haplotypes
- Population Databases for Lineage Markers
- Genetic Models and Reporting
- Summary Thoughts
- Chapter 16. Laboratory Reports: Communicating Results and Conclusions
- Introduction
- Drawing Conclusions
- Report Writing
- Report & Case Review
- Report Release
- Report Comprehension and Potential Misuse
- Summary
- Chapter 9. Statistical Interpretation Overview
- Appendix 1. STR Allele Frequencies from U.S. Population Data
- Appendix 2. NRC I & NRC II Recommendations
- Appendix 3. DAB Recommendations on Statistics
- Appendix 4. Worked Mixture Example
- Index
- Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology, Butler, 9780123745132, $99.95, 680 pp., Elsevier, 7/2011
- Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice, Matshes, et al, 9780122199516, $290.00, 690 pp., Elsevier, 4/2005
- Forensic Neuropathology, Itabashi, 9780120585274, $235.00, 496 pp., Academic Press, 8/2007
Researchers and practitioners in forensic DNA analysis, forensic scientists; legal professionals, military, private and public forensic laboratories, forensic science graduate and post-graduate students.