DNA typing in populations of mule deer for forensic use in the Province of Alberta

The present study involves the development of forensic DNA typing tests and databases for mule deer in the Province of Alberta. Two multiplex PCR reactions interrogating 10 loci were used to analyze samples from three populations of mule deer. Additionally, an amelogenin based sex-typing marker was used to determine the gender of samples. Results show that the tests and databases are appropriate for use in forensic applications. Additionally, the results indicate that there is little population structure in mule deer in Alberta and that no changes to management of this game species are suggested.     

Technical note: Comparison of forensic swabs for intravaginal sampling

This study compared the currently used swab Prionics ForensiX Evidence Collection Kit with the alternatives Prionics ForensiX Evidence Collection Tube SafeDry and Sarstedt Forensic Swab XL. Volunteers provided intravaginal swabs collected with all swab types at specific time points after unprotected sexual intercourse. Quantifiable DNA, detectability of seminal fluid component (prostate specific antigen, PSA) and spermatozoa were evaluated to find the best-performing swab type.While Sarstedt XL showed significantly higher DNA quantities for sperm cell fractions than ForensiX Kit, the more concise PSA test results clearly favour ForensiX SafeDry. Reassuringly, mostly complete autosomal STR profiles of male components were obtained for sperm cell fractions at all time points and tested swabs. Switching to the higher performing ForensiX SafeDry with improved sampling and processing properties will also benefit victims, medical personnel, and investigators.     

Examination of pretreatment methods for DNA extraction from nails

In the conventional method of DNA extraction from nails, it takes approximately half a day to dissolve the nails. In this study, we examined whether using the HOrizontal Nail MAshing (HONMA) method, in which pressure is applied to the nail to crush it flat and increase its surface area, would improve DNA extraction efficiency. Fingernails (5 mg) provided by ten volunteers were used as samples. Nail pieces (1–3 pieces), shredded with nail clippers, were thinly stretched by applying 2 t of pressure to each piece using a hydraulic press. DNA was extracted by incubation at 56 °C for 10 min and 1 h during proteolysis. DNA yield from the nails pretreated using the HONMA method increased by 0.20–7.10 times compared with that from unprocessed nails. In particular, 10-min incubation using the HONMA method resulted in an average 2.05-fold increase in DNA yield compared with that under overnight incubation. However, the impact of using the HONMA method varied widely among individuals, and the amount of extracted DNA decreased in some cases, suggesting that the yield may differ depending on the nail quality.     

Automated DNA casework workflow: A retrospective study of the first implementation of FIDL at the Netherlands Forensic Institute

FIDL is a fast and automated DNA identification line which represents a series of software solutions automating the process from raw capillary electrophoresis data to reporting. This retrospective study provides insight in the numbers of cases, turnaround time, results compared to the standard workflow and the benefits automation has in a large volume workflow.     

"Biological identikit": Development of a SNPs-panel for the analysis of forensic DNA phenotyping and ancestry

Personal identification in mass disasters and in crimes is essential for humanitarian, ethical and legal reasons. In these contexts, when individuals cannot be identified by standard forensic DNA analysis, the Forensic DNA Phenotyping and the analysis of the biogeographical ancestry could help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a new panel of 891 SNPs in predicting phenotypic traits and biogeographical origin to create a “biological identikit”. In addition to fresh biological material, old evidence found at the crime scene or extracted and long-term stored DNA were tested with 41 SNPs for phenotyping and 850 SNPs for ancestry. All the SNPs were successfully incorporated into a single two-step multiplex PCR reaction using the IonAmpliSeq ™ Library Plus and applied for massive parallel sequencing with the Ion S5 platform using up to 0.05 ng/µL of DNA. The analysis of the results was carried out with an in-house predictive algorithm and consulting 20 population databases. By comparing the results obtained with identikit or video-photographic surveys, it was possible to predict phenotype and ancestry with an accuracy greater than 90%. While these new markers cannot identify a specific individual, they can be a valuable investigative tool.     

Comparison of operational DNA recovery methods: Swabs versus tapelifts

It is routine among many jurisdictions to recover DNA using tapelifts on porous substrates (e.g. clothing) and swabs on non-porous substrates (e.g. tool handles). Here, we examine this by comparing the efficiency of the NSW jurisdiction’s specific swabbing and tapelift techniques on a range of porous and non-porous substrates. To test DNA recovery efficiency, 30 μl aliquots of 1:50 and 1:100 saliva dilutions were deposited onto the substrates, left to dry overnight, recovered, extracted, quantified and a subset profiled. Tapelifts recovered more DNA and DNA profiles with more detectable alleles than swabs for both saliva dilutions on porous substrates. For non-porous substrates, similar DNA quantities and profiles were generally recovered with both methods for both saliva dilutions. These data underpin current practices to recover DNA using tapelifts for porous substrates and swabs for non-porous substrates. These data also revealed severe degradation of DNA recovered from brass, supporting the on-going need to improve DNA recovery and analysis methods for brass substrates.     

Test of chlorine wipes for efficient removal of DNA from forensic genetics laboratories

Sodium hypochlorite is an efficient reagent for removal of unwanted DNA from laboratory surfaces. Here, we tested two different chlorine wipes and compared their performance to a 0.9–1.8% hypochlorite solution. WipeClean Chlorine Disinfection wipes contain > 0.1 g sodium hypochlorite/kg, whereas WetWipe Chlorine Desinfection wipes contain > 1000 ppm active chlorine. Clean surfaces were contaminated with 10 µL 0.5 ng/µL of massively parallel sequencing libraries. The DNA was dried and left for 45 min before any treatment. The surfaces were cleaned using either 1) a 0.9–1.8% hypochlorite solution and clean wipes, 2) a WipeClean wipe, 3) a WetWipe, or 4) the surface was not cleaned. All experiments were repeated three times. Subsequently, the surfaces were swabbed using cotton swabs. DNA was extracted from the swabs and the DNA concentrations were determined in quadruplicates by real-time PCR. This protocol was repeated after the soft plastic wrapping around the wipes were left open or closed for several weeks. The results showed that the WipeClean wipes efficiently removed DNA for up to four weeks after the box with the wipes were opened, whereas the WetWipe wipes dried faster and gradually lost their cleaning effect.     

权力行使类型理论的延伸性思考——在传统与现代之间

权力行使类型之间的逻辑关系体现为一对基本类型和依不同标准而划分的三对"子类型"的结构。"本质的、功能的、深层的、活动的研究"方法,叙事与论理相结合的方法,是权力行使类型理论得以构建的前提,也是具有普遍启发意义的方法。纵向权力的"不定数"特性和不同的人性论预设,构成了权力行使类型理论有效性的内在根据;中国传统文化熏染的官吏群体和稳定、成熟的制度环境,是权力行使类型理论有效性的外在条件。近代以来中国的文化危机和制度变迁,深刻改变了权力行使类型理论发生作用的条件,然而传统文化是活的文化,正在走向复兴的现代中国,有条件积极利用权力行使类型理论这一珍贵的传统资源,营造讲究为官之道的现代"官文化",促进和谐行政,提高行政效率。     

鞋内底不同部位接触DNA提取初探

目的探讨鞋内底不同部位接触DNA提取检出率。方法取100名20-30岁的志愿者，将其穿用过的运动鞋和皮鞋鞋垫设置成不同穿用时间组、不同材料鞋垫组、穿用后不同放置时间组，根据脚的形态学及运动力学特点，将鞋垫分成8个区域进行脱落细胞提取，并进行DNA进行检验。结果鞋垫上8个不同区域提取到的脱落细胞DNA分型检验效果不同。足弓外侧区（足引折弓除外）的接触DNA检出率最高；足弓内侧、第1趾骨区、第1跖骨区及足跟区次之；第2～5趾骨区、第2～3跖骨区、第4～5跖骨区不容易成功提取到接触DNA。结论鞋内底接触DNA检出率与接触时间、放置时间、鞋垫材质均相关，分区提取检验DNA更有针对性。     

环境犯罪的客体要件——环境权之本体研究

将环境权作为环境犯罪的客体要件，已是必然趋势。基于当今社会的现实情况，诺顿的弱人类中心主义伦理观是可取的。奠立于该伦理观之上，环境权的主体就只能局限于人类，包括自然人、单位、社会和国家；环境权有单独存在的必要性和可行性，只要是环境法主体享有在安全和舒适的环境中生存和发展的权利，无论是实体的还是程序的、无论是开发环境方面的还是利用环境资源方面、也无论是自然人的还是社会的抑或是国家的等都属于环境权大家庭的一员。各个具体环境权元素因不同的权利主体而不同。