Is there human DNA on cats

The transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery of DNA (DNA-TPPR) can be highly relevant in forensic investigations to evaluate the presence and/or actions of a person of interest (POI). Whilst the DNA-TPPR-related research has increased significantly over the last decade, there is a lack of data on companion animals and their relationship to human DNA transfer. Given the commonality of cats and dogs in households around the world, companion animals as receptors and vectors for DNA transfer can be highly relevant in cases involving animals as victims of a criminal offense, or cases requiring activity level evaluations. Samples were collected from an external area on the right side of 20 cats to determine the prevalence and sources of human DNA on this area. Preliminary data shows that human DNA is present on household cats, its source is mainly from household inhabitants. Further studies are required to elucidate the means and level of transfer of human DNA to and from cats and other household animals. This knowledge can be relevant to sample targeting in specific case circumstances and/or when considering possible means of the presence of a person’s DNA at the crime scene location.     

猫脑震荡与脑损伤的实验性研究

了解轻型颅脑损伤和脑震荡的脑组织病理形态学及生理功能的变化情况。以流体液压冲击法及胶锤打击的方式 ,分别造成闭合性脑外伤及脑震荡的动物模型。结果显示 :较大的钝性外力可造成脑组织明显的病理形态学改变和脑电、心电等生理功能的持续性改变 ,即脑损伤 ;较小的钝力则只能造成动物意识的一过性丧失 ( 3 0min以内 )及脑电、心电的可复性变化 ,脑组织光镜下病理形态学改变不明显。区别脑震荡与轻型脑损伤应以有无明显的病理形态学改变为“界” ,以脑电、心电、意识障碍等改变是否可复为“度”来划分脑震荡与脑损伤     

DNA-based identification of big cats and traditional Chinese medicine artifacts in the Czech Republic

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of ongoing research on and the development of identification tools for big cats (Panthera tigris, Panthera leo, Panthera pardus, …). The set of tools includes a species-specific RTPCR quantitation system (nuclear and mitochondrial), STR multiplexes, a rapid system for big cat species determination, and a database solution.     

A novel microsatellite (STR) marker for forensic identification of big cats in India

India is the home to five of the eight majestic big cats of the world. The three major big cats namely, lion, tiger, and leopard are listed in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Apart from the severe loss of the habitat, these are continuously facing the danger of extinction mainly due to poaching and hunting for their body parts, which are being greatly valued by apothecaries marketing traditional Chinese medicines. With the advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA-based markers have emerged as major tools in the arena of wildlife forensics. Microsatellites (short tandem repeats, STRs) are markers of choice because of their polymorphic and co-dominant nature. These strictly follow the Mendelian inheritance and are highly reproducible. We have identified a new microsatellite (STR) locus Ple 46, which shows amplification in a species-specific manner (size of STR) in all the members of the family felidae studied here. This PCR-based, non-invasive method opens a new avenue to forensic identification of big cats.     

Ybarra. Ugh.

The last time the Ninth Circuit decided an exclusionary land use control case, there was no clear-cut victory for either side, the result in Southern Alameda Spanish Speaking Organization v. Union City, 424 F.2d 291, 22 ZD 246 (9th Cir. 1970) being that the Chicano, low-income housing group did not get to use the site it wanted, but the court opined that Union City had to provide some sites somewhere. But in Ybarra v. City of Town of Los Altos Hills, 503 F.2d 250, 26 ZD 426 (9th Cir. 1974) the plaintiff Chicano group lost all.     

Constructing C.A.L. tutorials

ON THE assumption that law schools should seek to foster a legal profession which takes ethics seriously, this article explores how it may promote the moral development of its students. Having examined how legal education currently fails in this regards, it explores competing psychological theories of moral development and argues that law schools should seek to start students on a ‘moral apprenticeship’ leading to the development of the necessary moral character to equip them for the ethical challenges of practice. The article then looks at the extent to which ideal methods for promoting moral development can be implemented given the current climate in legal education. In particular, it argues that an excellent and viable means of assisting in the process of moral character development is through student involvement in live‐client clinics, particularly if they are run on an extra‐curricular basis.