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Enhancing security of fingerprints through contextual biometric watermarking.

This paper presents a novel digital watermarking technique using face and demographic text data as multiple watermarks for verifying the chain of custody and protecting the integrity of a fingerprint image. The watermarks are embedded in selected texture regions of a fingerprint image using discrete wavelet transform. Experimental results show that modifications in these locations are visually imperceptible and maintain the minutiae details. The integrity of the fingerprint image is verified through the high matching scores obtained from an automatic fingerprint identification system. There is also a high degree of visual correlation between the embedded images, and the extracted images from the watermarked fingerprint. The degree of similarity is computed using pixel-based metrics and human visual system metrics. The results also show that the proposed watermarked fingerprint and the extracted images are resilient to common attacks such as compression, filtering, and noise.

Algorithms↗

Assessment of DNA fingerprinting for rapid identification of outbreaks of systemic candidiasis.

DNA fingerprinting was assessed as an improved typing system for Candida albicans aimed at speeding the implementation of cross infection control measures in outbreaks of systemic candidiasis. The study was carried out with 45 previously characterised isolates from five different outbreaks and with 96 unrelated isolates from a mixed control population. Sixteen different genotypes were produced. Results were obtainable within days, reproducibility was high, and there was good discrimination among different outbreaks. Compared with existing typing systems DNA fingerprinting provides a robust system that may be used rapidly to identify outbreaks of nosocomial candidiasis in laboratories with no specialist skill in typing C albicans.

Candida albicans↗

Ballistics projectile image analysis for firearm identification.

This paper is based upon the observation that, when a bullet is fired, it creates characteristic markings on the cartridge case and projectile. From these markings, over 30 different features can be distinguished, which, in combination, produce a "fingerprint" for a firearm. By analyzing features within such a set of firearm fingerprints, it will be possible to identify not only the type and model of a firearm, but also each and every individual weapon just as effectively as human fingerprint identification. A new analytic system based on the fast Fourier transform for identifying projectile specimens by the line-scan imaging technique is proposed in this paper. This paper develops optical, photonic, and mechanical techniques to map the topography of the surfaces of forensic projectiles for the purpose of identification. Experiments discussed in this paper are performed on images acquired from 16 various weapons. Experimental results show that the proposed system can be used for firearm identification efficiently and precisely through digitizing and analyzing the fired projectiles specimens.

Algorithms↗

Single-channel microchip for fast screening and detailed identification of nitroaromatic explosives or organophosphate nerve agents.

A single-channel chip-based analytical microsystem that allows rapid flow injection measurements of the total content of organic explosive or nerve agent compounds, as well as detailed micellar chromatographic identification of the individual ones, is described. The protocol involves repetitive rapid flow injection (screening) assays--to provide a timely warning and alarm--and switching to the separation (fingerprint identification) mode only when harmful compounds are detected. While micellar electrokinetic chromatography, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is used for separating the neutral nitroaromatic explosive and nerve agent compounds, an operation without SDS leads to high-speed measurements of the "total" explosives or nerve agent content. Switching between the "flow injection" and "separation" modes is accomplished by rapidly exchanging the SDS-free and SDS-containing buffers in the separation channel. Amperometric detection was used for monitoring the separation. Key factors influencing the sample throughput, resolution, and sensitivity have been assessed and optimized. Assays rates of about 360 and 30/h can thus be realized for the "total" screening and "individual" measurements, respectively. Ultimately, such development will lead to the creation of a field-deployable microanalyzer and will enable transporting the forensic laboratory to the sample source.

Chemical Warfare Agents↗

A homozygous diploid subset of commercial wine yeast strains.

Genetic analysis was performed on 45 commercial yeasts which are used in winemaking because of their superior fermentation properties. Genome sizes were estimated by propidium iodide fluorescence and flow cytometry. Forty strains had genome sizes consistent with their being diploid, while five had a range of aneuploid genome sizes that ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 times larger. The diploid strains are all Saccharomyces cerevisiae, based on genetic analysis of microsatellite and minisatellite markers and on DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA of four strains. Four of the five aneuploid strains appeared to be interspecific hybrids between Saccharomyces kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with the fifth a hybrid between two S. cerevisiae strains. An identification fingerprint was constructed for the commercial yeast strains using 17 molecular markers. These included six published trinucleotide microsatellites, seven new dinucleotide microsatellites, and four published minisatellite markers. The markers provided unambiguous identification of the majority of strains; however, several had identical or similar patterns, and likely represent the same strain or mutants derived from it. The combined use of all 17 polymorphic loci allowed us to identify a set of eleven commercial wine yeast strains that appear to be genetically homozygous. These strains are presumed to have undergone inbreeding to maintain their homozygosity, a process referred to previously as 'genome renewal'.

Base Sequence↗

Summary of the means used to positively identify the American victims in the Canary Islands crash.

On board the Pan American aircraft, 326 were killed as a result of the collision with the KLM aircraft at Santa Cruz de Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands on 27 March, 1977. Of the remains returned to the United States, 212 were identified as Americans from the Pan Am, four from the KLm aircraft. Dental comparison provided the principal means of identification, especially ante- and post-mortem radiographs. Medical X-rays were extremely useful and provided the next most frequently used means of identification. Fingerprints, medical finding, and personal effects were also used, but less extensively than might be expected. The severe charring and the inability to prove conclusively to whom many of the personal effects belonged accounted for these differences. The use of medical X-rays for identification was possible in large part because many of the passengers were older and had numerous antemortem X-rays available for comparison.

Accidents, Aviation↗

Molecular fingerprinting methods for the discrimination between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.

Opportunistic fungal pathogens are becoming increasingly important causes of both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. The most important fungal pathogens are yeast species belonging to the genus Candida. These species show differences in levels of resistance to antifungal agents and mortality. Consequently, it is important to correctly identify the causative organism to the species level. Identification of Candida dubliniensis in particular remains problematic because of the high degree of phenotypic similarity between this species and Candida albicans. However, as the differences between both are most pronounced at the genetic level, several studies have been conducted in order to provide a specific and rapid identification fingerprinting molecular test. In most candidal infectious, no single DNA fingerprinting technique has evolved as a dominant method, and each method has its advantages, disadvantages and limitations. Moreover, the current challenge of these techniques is to compile standardized patterns in a database for interlaboratory use and future reference. This review provides an overview of most common molecular fingerprinting techniques currently available for discrimination of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.

Candida↗

Effect of JP-8 jet fuel exposure on protein expression in human keratinocyte cells in culture.

Dermal exposure to jet fuel is a significant occupational hazard. Previous studies have investigated its absorption and disposition in skin, and the systemic biochemical and immunotoxicological sequelae to exposure. Despite studies of JP-8 jet fuel components in murine, porcine or human keratinocyte cell cultures, proteomic analysis of JP-8 exposure has not been investigated. This study was conducted to examine the effect of JP-8 administration on the human epidermal keratinocyte (HEK) proteome. Using a two-dimensional electrophoretic approach combined with mass spectrometric-based protein identification, we analyzed protein expression in HEK exposed to 0.1% JP-8 in culture medium for 24 h. JP-8 exposure resulted in significant expression differences (p<0.02) in 35 of the 929 proteins matched and analyzed. Approximately, a third of these alterations were increased in protein expression, two-thirds declined with JP-8 exposure. Peptide mass fingerprint identification of effected proteins revealed a variety of functional implications. In general, altered proteins involved endocytotic/exocytotic mechanisms and their cytoskeletal components, cell stress, and those involved in vesicular function.

Cells, Cultured↗

Ultra-low-temperature non-aqueous capillary electrophoretic separation--77 K fluorescence spectroscopic detection for the on-line identification of photo-converted analytes of trans-resveratrol.

We demonstrate here, for the first time, that non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) can be interfaced with any ultra-low-temperature (ULT) separation method and 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy (FS). This novel ULT-NACE-FS system consists of a modular CE system, a dry ice bath, and instrumentation for 77 K fluorescence detection. The ULT-NACE method serves to separate structurally similar molecules by a combination of a low electrophoresis current and a high voltage at approximately -70 degrees C. When the ULT-NACE-separated analytes move into the quartz Dewar flask and traverse into the capillary detection window, liquid nitrogen was added, thus freezing the separating analyte zones, allowing the collection of 77 K fluorescence spectra for on-line spectral fingerprint identification. The first application of the ULT-NACE-FS system is described for the analysis of photo-converted analytes of trans-resveratrol; prospects and future applications of ULT-NACE-FS are also briefly addressed.

Cold Temperature↗

[Direct detection of loci with pathologic trinucleotide repeats in diseases with anticipation].

We describe a simple method for the identification of pathologically expanded (CCG)n and (CTG)n three nucleotides repeat arrays in the human genome and for the recovery of flanking sequences. We were able to detect the presence of novel high-molecular-weight alleles in at least two of three subjects known to have expanded (CCG)n tracts at the FRAXA locus. The above method may be used for testing of small families or even single affected individuals with disease thought to display clinical evidence of anticipation. The (CCG)n > 200 and (CTG)n > 250 probes may also be useful for individual "DNA fingerprint" identifications.

Alleles↗

Novel subunits of the TATA binding protein free TAFII-containing transcription complex identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry following one-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Initiation of transcription of protein-encoding genes by RNA polymerase II was thought to require the transcription factor II D (TF(II)D), a complex comprising the TATA binding protein (TBP) and TBP-associated factors. However, another multiprotein complex isolated more recently and called TFTC (TBP-free TAF(II )containing complex), was shown to mediate initiation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription in the absence of TF(II)D as well as specific acetylation of histone H3 in a nucleosomal context. Several subunits of the TFTC complex were already identified using classical methods such as Edman based microsequencing and Western blot analysis. In this article we present a mass spectrometry based proteomic approach to confirm previous results and to identify other possible subunits of the TFTC complex. The TFTC complex was separated on one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis and analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting. Identifications were realized after databank searches. This new characterization of TFTC complex confirmed the presence of already described subunits (TRRAP, GCN5, SAP130/KIA0017, TAF(II)150, TAF(II)135, TAF(II)100, TAF(II)80, TAF(II)20, SPT3 and PAF65beta). Moreover, a good coverage of these sequences was obtained. Interestingly, TAF(II)32 and PAF6alpha were also determined as potential novel subunits of TFTC. These results together show the suitability and the great potential of this method and offer new perspectives in fundamental studies of transcription factor complexes.

Blotting, Western↗

Analysis of the relative abundance of different types of bacteria capable of toluene degradation in a compost biofilter.

A microbial community of a compost biofilter treating toluene vapors was investigated using serum-bottle assays and mineral-agar plates. Toluene was not consumed in the absence of oxygen. However, filter-bed extracts exposed to toluene vapor as the only carbon source produced distinct colony types (phenotypic groups) that were counted separately. Strains from each group were isolated and checked for toluene-degradation activity in serum bottles. Only 15% of colonies were true toluene degraders. This population was divided into 11 genotypic groups based on DNA fingerprints. Identification of a member of each group using 16S rRNA gene-sequence comparison showed that they belonged to seven genera: Acinetobacter, Azoarcus, Mycobacterium, Nevskia, Pseudomonas, Pseudonocardia and Rhodococcus. Together, members of the genera Pseudonocardia and Rhodococcus were 34 times more numerous than all the others. We hypothesized that these two organisms are K-strategists (adapted to a resource-restricted and crowded environment) and that the compost biofilter is a K-environment. This would explain why they are not outnumbered by faster growers like Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter species, which would be r-strategists (adapted to a resource-abundant and uncrowded environment).

Bacteria↗

Selection strategy for a seedling seed orchard design based on trait selection index and genomic analysis by molecular markers: a case study for Eucalyptus dunnii.

Molecular genetic analysis was applied to 162 individuals of 37 half-sib selected families belonging to six provenances of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden in a provenance/family trial. The individuals were selected by a trait selection index and genetic diversity criteria were later applied for designing seedling seed orchards. Genetic diversity and its distribution, as well as relationships among individuals, were assessed on the basis of nine microsatellite loci and 243 amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. High diversity was found with both kinds of markers. Clear-cut genomic patterns of identification (fingerprinting) were obtained for each individual. Genetic differentiation estimates consistently showed low differentiation among provenances (R(ST1) = 0.069, theta(P) = 0.026 and F(CT) = 0.035) and great differentiation among families (R(ST2) = 0.223, theta(S) = 0.174 and F(SC) = 0.164). A high proportion of the total variation was observed within families (around 80% by both marker analyses), suggesting that orchard design should be based on individual or family selection rather than on provenance selection, and that individual ranking by both trait selection index and molecular genetic diversity criteria should be considered. A selection procedure for a seedling seed orchard design is proposed.

DNA Fingerprinting↗

Supervised range-constrained thresholding.

A novel thresholding approach to confine the intensity frequency range of the object based on supervision is introduced. It consists of three steps. First, the region of interest (ROI) is determined in the image. Then, from the histogram of the ROI, the frequency range in which the proportion of the background to the ROI varies is estimated through supervision. Finally, the threshold is determined by minimizing the classification error within the constrained variable background range. The performance of the approach has been validated against 54 brain MR images, including images with severe intensity inhomogeneity and/or noise, CT chest images, and the Cameraman image. Compared with nonsupervised thresholding methods, the proposed approach is substantially more robust and more reliable. It is also computationally efficient and can be applied to a wide class of computer vision problems, such as character recognition, fingerprint identification, and segmentation of a wide variety of medical images.

Algorithms↗

Patients' access to their online electronic health records.

We surveyed a randomized group of 1050 adult patients stratified for age and sex, from a general practice in Oxfordshire, to find out their attitudes to electronic health records (EHRs). Eighty-six per cent thought that patients should have the right to see their records. While 72% knew that they had the right to see their records, only 4% had done so. Private EHR viewing booths with a computer and fingerprint identification system were installed in the primary care centre. Patients were randomly selected from those who responded to the questionnaire and wished to view their EHR. Of the 100 patients who saw their online EHR, 99 found the session useful and 84 found their records easy to understand. Three focus groups were held with 14 patients who said that they did not want to access their EHRs. The reasons patients gave during the focus groups included that they trusted their general practitioner and thought it would imply a lack of confidence. After the focus groups, 11 patients changed their minds and accessed their records. We believe that patient-accessed EHRs will offer substantial benefits to patients, health professionals and the National Health Service as a whole.

Adult↗

Recognition of living fingers with a sensor based on scattered-light detection.

To prevent fraud by use of replicas of human fingers for identity verification, we propose to check variations in color and in a series of previously acquired fingerprint images. Movement of a finger on a human hand induces blood movement, and light scattered inside the finger carries this life-related information. In experiments, we found characteristic changes in color and luminance extracted from the central parts of fingerprint images. Some criteria for recognition of living tissue were tested with input provided by more than 30 participants. Inasmuch as the response of a human body to an external stimulus can be checked by our method with no additional components, this technology can raise the security level of a fingerprint identification system.

Algorithms↗

Dual-LED imaging for finger liveliness detection and its evaluation with replicas.

Unattended fingerprint identification systems need to reject input attempts by a replica. Previously, we proposed detecting the color changes of a finger during an input action as a signature of liveliness. To improve its reliability, a dual-LED imaging system is investigated. It employs two LEDs with peak emissions at 530 and 630 nm to cover the spectral ranges where live fingers show characteristic changes. Using nine types of replicas and the live fingers of 42 participants, we have recorded and analyzed 153 input trials. The two groups of data are successfully separated by some defined criteria.

Biomimetic Materials↗

Fingerprint enhancement revisited and the effects of blood enhancement chemicals on subsequent profiler Plus fluorescent short tandem repeat DNA analysis of fresh and aged bloody fingerprints.

This study was aimed at determining the effect of seven blood enhancement reagents on the subsequent Profiler Plus fluorescent STR DNA analysis of fresh or aged bloody fingerprints deposited on various porous and nonporous surfaces. Amido Black, Crowle's Double Stain. 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO), Hungarian Red, leucomalachite green, luminol and ninhydrin were tested on linoleum, glass, metal, wood (pine, painted white), clothing (85% polyester/15% cotton, 65% polyester/35% cotton, and blue denim) and paper (Scott 2-ply and Xerox-grade). Preliminary experiments were designed to determine the optimal blood dilutions to use to ensure a DNA typing result following chemical enhancement. A 1:200 blood dilution deposited on linoleum and enhanced with Crowle's Double Stain generated enough DNA for one to two rounds of Profiler Plus PCR amplification. A comparative study of the DNA yields before and after treatment indicated that the quantity of DNA recovered from bloody fingerprints following enhancement was reduced by a factor of 2 to 12. Such a reduction in the DNA yields could potentially compromise DNA typing analysis in the case of small stains. The blood enhancement chemicals selected were also evaluated for their capability to reveal bloodmarks on the various porous and nonporous surfaces chosen in this study. Luminol. Amido Black and Crowle's Double Stain showed the highest sensitivity of all seven chemicals tested and revealed highly diluted (1:200) bloody fingerprints. Both luminol and Amido Black produced excellent results on both porous and nonporous surfaces, but Crowle's Double Stain failed to produce any results on porous substrates. Hungarian Red, DFO, leucomalachite green and ninhydrin showed lower sensitivities. Enhancement of bloodmarks using any of the chemicals selected, and short-term exposure to these same chemicals (i.e., less than 54 days), had no adverse effects on the PCR amplification of the nine STR systems surveyed (D3S 1358, HumvWA, HumFGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820) or of the gender determination marker Amelogenin. The intensity of the fluorescent signals was very similar and the allele size measurements remained constant and identical to those of untreated bloody fingerprints. No additional background fluorescence was noted. Continuous exposure (for 54 days) to two of the seven enhancement chemicals selected (i.e., Crowle's Double Stain and Hungarian Red) slightly reduced the amplification efficiency of the longer STR loci in profiles of fresh and 7 to 14-day-old bloodprints. This suggests that long-term exposure to these chemicals possibly affects the integrity of the DNA molecules. This study indicates that significant evidence can be obtained from fresh or aged bloody fingerprints applied to a variety of absorbent and nonabsorbent surfaces which are exposed to different enhancement chemicals for short or long periods of time. It also reaffirms that PCR STR DNA typing procedures are robust and provide excellent results when used in concert with fluorescence-based detection assays after fingerprint identification has taken place.

Blood Chemical Analysis↗