Abstract: A tree-structured index to multidimensional data is created using naturally occurring patterns and clusters within the data which permit efficient search and retrieval strategies in a database of DNA profiles. A search engine utilizes hierarchical decomposition of the database by identifying clusters of similar DNA profiles and maps to parallel computer architecture, allowing scale up past to previously feasible limits. Key benefits of the new method are logarithmic scale up and parallelization. These benefits are achieved by identification and utilization of naturally occurring patterns and clusters within stored data. The patterns and clusters enable the stored data to be partitioned into subsets of roughly equal size. The method can be applied recursively, resulting in a database tree that is balanced, meaning that all paths or branches through the tree have roughly the same length.

Abstract: Least Square Deconvolution (LSD) uses quantitative allele peak area derived from a sample containing the DNA of more than one contributor to resolve the best-fit genotype profile of each contributor. The resolution is based on finding the least square fit of the mass ratio coefficients at each locus to come closest to the quantitative allele peak data. Consistent top-ranked mass ratio combinations from each locus can be pooled to form at least one composite DNA profile at a subset of the available loci. The top-ranked DNA profiles can be used to check against the profile of a suspect or be used to search for a matching profile in a DNA database.

Abstract: A new joint compensator and systems with it and methods of their use have been invented which, in one aspect, includes a compensator system for compensating for the weight of at least one joint, which is a wellbore tubular member, the compensating system for use below a wellbore apparatus, the wellbore apparatus for supporting the at least one joint, the compensation system having a joint compensator suspended below the wellbore apparatus and connected thereto for selectively compensating for the weight of the at least one joint, a lower elevator suspended below and interconnected with the joint compensator for releasably holding the at least one joint, and a wellbore elevator connected to the wellbore apparatus for selectively supporting the joint compensator and the at least one joint.