Body fluid identification from crime scene evidence is crucial to determine the type of crime and to verify the victim’s testimony. We previously developed the multiple body fluid-targeted multiplex RT-PCR assay (MM) for simultaneous discrimination of blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid and nasal secretion. That procedure enabled precise and comprehensive identification of forensically relevant body fluids, especially in unknown or mixed biological samples. Alternatively, it is possible to narrow down the body fluid type by creating a case summary and performing a presumptive test for the expected body fluid and followed by a confirmatory test. In the present study, single body fluid-targeted multiplex RT-PCR assays (SM) were developed for the individual identification of blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids. The repeatability of SM results was evaluated by using the pooled cDNA of each targeted body fluid and comparing it with the results of MM. Then, the peak height and detectability of each marker were compared between MM and SM on individual mixed and unmixed body-fluid stains. Like MM, the normalized values of SM were well reproduced in repeated electrophoreses. The positivity of the body-fluid markers was also well reproduced in repeated PCR amplifications. The average peak heights of some markers were significantly higher in SM than in MM. The detectability of SPTB, MUC7, and SERPINB13, which showed lower average peak heights among body fluid markers, was improved in SM. Comparable positive detection of other markers that showed sufficient amplification was found in SM and MM. The identification of targeted body fluid was performed based on the criteria we previously proposed, showing highly specific results. In conclusion, SM and MM can be performed individually or simultaneously based on the sample condition or case summary in order to precisely identify body fluid samples in forensic laboratories.
Microbial community diversity analysis can be utilized to characterize the personal microbiome that varies between individuals. CRISPR sequences, which reflect virome structure, in the human skin environment may be highly personalized similar to the structures of individual viromes.
In order to improve the characteristics of guidance for magnetically-levitated surface transport (Maglev) vehicles, an electromagnetic guidance control system is proposed [1], to add a current 90 degrees different in phase to the propulsion system. It enables Maglev vehicles to run with higher stability in guidance. This control system does not need other devices for the substation or ground equipments to generate the guidance force. We calculated the properties of Maglev vehicle dynamics in the levitated and wheel-supported running modes and found some advantages in the new guidance control system.
In order to improve the characteristics of guidance for Maglev vehicles, an electromagnetic guidance control system is proposed, to add a current 90 degrees different in phase to the propulsion system. It enables Maglev vehicles to run at higher stability of guidance. We calculated the properties of Maglev vehicle dynamics in the levitated and wheel-supported running modes and found some advantages in the new guidance control system.
Abstract: In this study, the specificity, sensitivity, and operability of RSID™‐Urine, a new immunochromatographic test for urine identification, was evaluated and compared with ELISA detection of Tamm‐Horsfall protein (THP). Urine was successfully identified among other body fluids using RSID™‐Urine and ELISA detection of THP. The detection limit of RSID™‐Urine equated to 0.5 μL of urine; although the sensitivity of RSID™‐Urine may be lower than that of ELISA detection of THP, it is thought to be sufficient for application to casework samples. However, results from RSID™‐Urine must be interpreted with caution when the sample may have been contaminated with blood or vaginal fluid, because this might inhibit urine detection. The RSID™‐Urine assay can be performed in just 15 min by dropping the extracted sample onto the test cassette. Therefore, RSID™‐Urine should be an effective tool for the forensic identification of urine, in addition to ELISA detection of THP.
Timbers of 105 × 105 mm2 in cross section and 1000 mm long were computed tomography (CT) scanned with a commercial unit in equal time steps during a drying cycle. The study aimed to convert the scanning numbers into wood density values, observe the changes that occur during the dehydration process, and, from these, differentiate moisture content as a function of time and space. The reference for calculating the moisture content of each image pixel was the oven-dry wood scan. Analysis of the results allowed visualizing the water distribution, the mechanism of water removal, as well as check formation. Although only a single drying run was analyzed and a limited number of timbers were scanned, the results revealed trends and thus show promise, so further research is urged because it may lead to a better understanding of water movement and check formation in wood during kiln drying.
Although, DNA typing plays a decisive role in the identification of persons from blood and body fluid stains in criminal investigations, clarifying the origin of extracted DNA has also been considered an essential task in proving a criminal act. This review introduces the importance of developing precise methods for body fluid identification. Body fluid identification has long relied on enzymatic methods as a presumptive assay and histological or serological methods as a confirmatory assay. However, because the latest DNA typing methods can rapidly obtain results from very small and even old, poorly preserved samples, the development of a novel corresponding body fluid identification method is required. In particular, an immunochromatographic method has been introduced to identify saliva and semen from sexual crimes. In addition, for vaginal fluid identification, attempts have been made in the past decade to introduce a method relying on body fluid-specific mRNA expression levels. At present, the development of molecular biological methods involving microRNA, DNA methylation, and resident bacterial DNA is ongoing. Therefore, in criminal investigations, body fluid identification is an essential task for correctly applying the results of DNA typing, although further research and development are required.
