Trial for the geographical identification using JC viral genotyping in Japan

Despite progress in methods of scientific investigation, the increasing number of unidentified cadavers is a growing problem world-wide. We performed detailed statistical analysis based on reported data for Japanese JC virus (JCV) genotype distribution, and obtained two curves showing a marked north-south difference in the JC viral genotype, in spite of the frequent movement of people in Japan. This suggested the possibility of determining the origin of unidentified cadavers numerically, thus making the police investigation of unidentified cadavers much more economical and efficient. If the distribution of JC viral genotypes could be investigated in detail, it would be possible to obtain geographic information about unidentified cadavers even in a certain area.     

论权力资源的法律调控方式

对权力资源实施法律调控 ,需要以民主宪政制度为基础并建立分权制衡体制。除此之外 ,还应注意对相关权力实行重点调控 ,注重以法律形式确认和保障权利 ,从法律上健全权力的责任追究制度。契约形式是区别于传统命令方式的权力资源法律调控的新形式。除法律形式外 ,权力资源的实现还有非法律形式 ,应当合理界分两种权力资源实现形式的适用范围     

问题奶粉损害赔偿中的因果关系研究

含有三聚氰胺的三鹿等品牌奶粉致人损害事件的受害人,要成功获得损害赔偿,就必需证明其损害同食用被告奶粉之间具有因果关系.必要条件说可以作为因果关系判断的一般规则.但对于加害人是复数的情形,需要灵活多样的判断标准.充分条件之必要因素说、协同一致方法、证明责任转移、市场份额方法等都可针对特定情况.帮助受害人走出证明困境,获得赔偿.     

A Minimally Invasive Technique for the Detection and Analysis of Pulmonary Fat Embolism: A Feasibility Study*

We investigated the feasibility of postmortem percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) for obtaining pulmonary samples adequate for the study of pulmonary fat embolism (PFE). Samples of both lungs were obtained from 26 cadavers via two different methods: (i) PNB and (ii) the double-edged knife technique, the gold standard at our institute. After water storage and Sudan III staining, six forensic pathologists independently examined all samples for the presence and severity of PFE. The results were compared and analyzed in each case regarding the vitality of the PFE and its relationship to the cause of death. The results showed that PFE was almost identically diagnosed and graded on the samples obtained via both methods. The discrepancies between the two techniques did not affect the diagnoses of vitality or cause of death related to PFE. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the PNB sampling method for the diagnosis and interpretation of PFE in the postmortem setting.     

Preliminary quantitative investigation of postmortem adipocere formation

The accurate determination of postmortem interval (PMI) using the formation of adipocere presents a significant challenge to forensic scientists interested in determining the time of death. Several attempts have been made to determine the time since the occurrence of death. However, up to date, this has been difficult because previous approaches have been mainly qualitative, focusing on the later stages of degradation processes. This work presents preliminary results of an experimental model of postmortem adipocere formation using liquid chromatography. Three pig cadavers were submerged in distilled water, chlorinated water, and saline water. Fresh specimens resulting from the degradation in the subcutaneous fat were obtained from the pigs at two-week intervals for a period of ten weeks, and were subjected to chromatographic analysis. By correlating the ratio of the disappearance of hydrolyzed fatty acids with the formation of hydroxystearic and oxostearic acids after death, a simple, quantitative analytical method was developed for the determination of PMI. Experimental observation of the chemistry of adipocere formation indicated that adipocere can be formed only a few hours after an incidence of death and this continues until the saturation of oleic acid degradation after several weeks. Different time courses were obtained for cadavers immersed in distilled, chlorinated, and saline water, respectively. This work has not in any way solved the time since death problem. But it may be an approach to the problem that has not been adequately explored.     

Mapping the lateral extent of human cadaver decomposition with soil chemistry

Soil below decomposing cadavers may have a different lateral spatial extent depending upon whether scavengers have access to the human cadaver or not. We examined the lateral spatial extent of decomposition products to a depth of 7cm of soils beneath two decomposing corpses, one in which the subject was autopsied, unclothed and placed under a wire cage to restrict scavenger access and one in which the subject was not autopsied, unclothed and exposed to scavengers. The two bodies had accumulated degree days (ADD) of 5799 and 5469 and post mortem interval (PMI) of 288 and 248d, respectively. The spatial extent for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and organic nitrogen (DON) for both bodies was large but similar suggesting some movement off site for both compounds. Mean DOC was 1087±727 and 1484±1236μgg(-1) dry soil under the two corpses relative to 150±68μgg(-1) in upslope control soils. Sulfate tended to have 'hot spots' of lower values relative to the control soils indicative of anaerobic respiration. pH was lower and electrical conductivity was higher in the soil under both decomposing cadavers relative to control soils. Some of the nutrients examined downslope of the human remains were significantly higher than control soils upslope suggesting movement of decomposition products off-site which could be an important factor when using human remains detector dogs.     

A “concrete” identification in a dismemberment case

Homicide perpetrators can use concrete as a means to conceal their victims. When concrete encasement is encountered in the forensic field, albeit rarely, it is often coupled with postmortem dismemberment. This method of obscuring the evidence presents unique investigative obstacles, specifically related to identification. Various approaches to obtaining fingerprints from decedents encased in concrete have been suggested and implemented over the years. The presented case is that of an initially unidentified 44-year-old male, who was subject to postmortem dismemberment and concrete encasement. Meticulous excavation techniques facilitated preservation of evidence and an anatomical reconstruction of the body. These techniques enabled inspection of the incision sites of the dismembered remains during the postmortem examination. Identifiable jewelry and tattoos were noted at autopsy. Further, the resulting concrete molds could be utilized to obtain fingerprints. These prints were used to ultimately identify the decedent.     

气单胞菌aerA和hlyA两基因在溺死诊断中的应用

目的建立溺死尸体脏器气单胞菌气溶素(aerA)和溶血素(hlyA)两基因的PCR-CE检测方法,验证该方法的特异性和灵敏度,并探讨其在溺死诊断中的应用价值。方法设计气单胞菌(Aeromonas)特异性引物aer-A1和hlyA-1,构建PCR-CE方法;扩增52种标准株DNA;确定最低DNA检测浓度;检测16只实验猪和40例真实案件尸体组织样本,分别计算两对引物总阳性率。结果引物aerA-1可特异性扩增杀鲑气单胞菌和温和气单胞菌,产物片段为180bp,灵敏度分别为0.034、0.92ng;引物hlyA-1可特异性扩增杀鲑气单胞菌和嗜水气单胞菌,产物片段为150bp,灵敏度分别为0.94、0.034ng。利用aerA-1检测溺死实验猪和真实案件尸体组织样本,溺死阳性率分别为70.00%、78.38%;利用hlyA-1检测溺死实验猪和真实案件尸体组织样本,溺死阳性率分别为80.00%、83.78%。结论基于气单胞菌aerA基因和hlyA基因建立的PCR-CE检测方法进行溺死诊断,快速灵敏,特异性好,有良好的应用前景。     

Dynamic liveness and forgeries detection of the finger surface on the basis of spectroscopy in the 400-1650 nm region

Differentiation of living fingers, fake fingers and fingers from dead bodies was investigated using spectral analysis. For this purpose, reflection and transmission spectra in the wavelength region from 400 to 1650 nm were recorded from living volunteers and corpses. In an additional small test series (one living volunteer, three cadavers), time-resolved spectral images were prepared using reflectance (derived from pulse oximetry). The dynamic differences in the curves (including the absorption changes caused by the blanching effect and the pulse) provide initial approaches for the realisation of systems for liveness detection. Significant differences that would be useful for the integration into fingerprint recording systems of methods to defend against forgeries are discussed.     

Prediction of stature based on radiographic measurements of cadaver long bones: a study of the Croatian population

We tested a new approach to the stature prediction that could be used in the identification process of human skeletal remains of unknown identity. The stature of 19 female and 21 male adult cadavers was measured within 24 h after death and considered to be equal to the living stature. The antero-posterior radiographs of all limbs were taken, and the maximum length of the six long bones was measured from radiographs. There was a significant difference in the stature and maximum length of long bones between female and male cadavers (p<0.001 for all). The correlation between the stature and long bone length was the best for the humerus in females (r=0.792) and the tibia in males (r=0.891). Regression equations specific to the Croatian population were computed separately for each long bone in males and females and proven to be reliable in predicting the living stature of the individual.     

The effect of cervical inclination and body position on postmortem cephalometric airway measurements

The effects of cervical inclination and body position on airway measurements were studied in 12 cadavers (8 males) aged 26–62 years. None had any injuries in the head and neck region or anomalies of the cervical spine. The upper airway of the tracheostomized cadavers was cleaned by suction and radiopaque contrast media was sprayed into the pharynx. Lateral cephalometric X-rays were taken in a modified cephalostat. In order to obtain maximum cervical flexion and extension as well as a middle position, the cephalostat was adjusted in antero–posterior dimension for three cervical inclinations in both upright and supine positions. When taking the radiographs the Frankfort plane was adjusted so that it was horizontal when the subject was seated and vertical while the subject was recumbent. Cephalometric pharyngeal airway dimensions were measured at five levels ranging from palatopharynx to hypopharynx. We found that pharyngeal airway dimensions increased at all levels with increasing cervical inclination, while supine posture independently decreased the measurements. The effect of cervical inclination was larger at lower levels of pharynx than at higher levels. These findings indicate that cervical inclination plays a major role in modifying the dimensions of the passive upper airway. Therefore the effects of cervical inclination and body position should be adjusted for in studies of the upper airway in cadavers, and probably also in anesthetized subjects.     

Copycatting the smell of death: Deciphering the role of cadaveric scent components used by detection dogs to locate human remains

Human remains detection dogs (HRDD) are commonly used by law enforcement agencies to search for cadavers. Biological material is typically used as a training stimulus, also called aids, to train dogs to recognize the smell of cadavers. While HRDD training approaches have received extensive attention, information remains limited on the olfactory cues used to train them. Here, we aimed to decipher the chemical basis of detection dog olfaction. Five specific objectives were explored to precise whether the composition or the concentration of the training aids drives the HRDDs responses. We recorded the behavioral responses of four HRDDs exposed to different cadaveric-like smells. We found that HRDDs recognized a simplified synthetic aid composed of cadaveric compounds. The lowest concentration at which HRDDs continued to perceive the cadaveric smell was determined. HRDDs were not impacted by slight modifications to the chemical composition of a blend of odors that they have been trained with. HRDDs associated sulfur and nitrogen compounds as human cadaver. Our findings highlight a lack of specificity of HRDDs to cadaveric compounds, which could lead to error of detection. Moreover, all dogs did not positively respond to the same blends, despite being trained with the same aids and procedure. However, we confirmed that dogs could be trained with a simplified blend of molecules. The chemical composition of a training aid has, therefore, high consequences on the performance of the trained animal, and this conclusion opens additional questions regarding olfaction-based detection animals.     

Prison visitation as human ‘right’ or earned ‘privilege’? The differing tales of England/Wales,and Scotland

Prison visitation has been widely recognised as an important feature of a just and humane prison system, providing important benefits for prisoners and their family in maintaining ties. However, emphasis on maintaining prisoner–family ties over the sentence has remained a low priority for the prison service in England and Wales, with prison visits ideologically framed as a ‘privilege’ rather than a ‘right’ for prisoners. This paper contrasts England and Wales with Scotland where a diverging approach to supporting visitation and family contact has been implemented. In Scotland, a strong focus on human rights as a justification for these policies has occurred, in tandem with more palatable historical context of penal welfarism. This paper assesses differences between the two governmental approaches to prison visitation, situated in discussion of some of the broader resettlement outcomes which may be garnered via these policy responses.     

Decomposition of buried bodies and methods that may aid in their location

This is the second report on an ongoing study conducted to collect data on the decompositional rates of human cadavers and the first on buried cadavers. Six unembalmed human cadavers were buried separately in unlined trenches of various depths and allowed to naturally decompose for a time period ranging from a month to a year. During the period of burial, data were collected daily on the air, soil, and cadaver temperature at each burial site. At the end of each specified burial period the cadavers were exhumed and examined for the degree of decomposition which had taken place as well as changes in the soil pH, surface vegetation, and carrion insect activity. Analysis of the data shows that the decomposition rate of buried cadavers is highly dependent on the depth of burial and environmental temperatures. The depth at which the cadaver was buried also directly affected the degree of soil and vegetational changes as well as access by carrion insects. Application of this information can contribute to a more accurate estimation of time since death of a buried corpse and may aid in the location of such corpses.     

Automatism: comparison of common law and civil law approaches--a search for the optimal

This article reviews common and civil law approaches to automatism with discussion of legal definitions and the conditions in which automatism occurs. The common law approach to sane (exogenous) and insane (endogenous) automatism is examined. Despite a change in the law, which obviates mandatory incarceration for all persons found not guilty on the basis of insane automatism, the stigma of insanity remains. A number of Continental jurisdictions, though, have adopted an approach divorced from judgmental labels, whereby acts, which result from automatism, are classified under the rubric of unconsciousness. The article draws upon this approach, analyses alternatives to insane automatism and proposes instead an analysis by reference to "cognitive dysfunction", thereby removing all reference to the concept of insanity.     

Efficacy of entomological method in estimation of postmortem interval: a comparative analysis

Sixteen insect-infested cadavers were examined and analysed to evaluate the reliability of the entomological method in estimation of time elapsed since death, in relation to other medico-legal approaches. The entomological method was found statistically more reliable and superior when compared to other prevalent methods.     

Racemization of aspartic acid from human dentin in the estimation of chronological age

The estimation of chronological age in cadavers, human remains and in living human beings by various methods is discussed. These methods, which are based on the age dependent non-enzymatic changes of l-form amino acids to d-form amino acids, mainly aspartic acid, are among the most reliable and accurate methods to date. Most of these methods use gas chromatography (GC). In this review, results of aspartic acid racemization in dentin at different targets are discussed. In addition, pre-considerations and guidelines are given for the selection of dentin from teeth. A pilot project was run to evaluate the efficiency of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection. New buffer conditions were found to obtain stable derivatives of aspartic acid enantiomers for the estimation of racemization.     

大鼠死后肌肉组织电阻抗幅值和相位角变化推断死后间隔时间的研究

目的研究大鼠死后皮下肌肉组织电阻抗幅值和相位角的变化规律，探讨生物电阻抗技术推断中晚期PMI的价值。方法利用四电极阻抗测量系统测量20只大鼠死后4种不同环境温度皮下肌肉组织电阻抗幅值和相位角，并用Excel及MATLAB对所得的离散阻抗数据进行处理。结果（1）所有死亡大鼠皮下肌肉组织的电阻抗幅值都呈现出相似的先升后降的变化趋势，且中、长期的下降部分有一定的线性变化趋势。电阻抗下降段斜率与温度的变化呈正相关关系，且在不同环境温度时，下降段斜率与PMI的相关性都较高，均大于0．97。因此，有可能利用这一线性关系推断中、晚期PMI。（2）所有死亡大鼠皮下肌肉组织的电阻抗相位角没有相似的变化规律，其变化杂乱无章。结论如果找出电阻抗幅值下降段起点、峰值、斜率这3者之间的确定关系，就可利用下降段的线性关系为推断中晚期PMI提供一定的判断依据。     

United States' and Australian principles on internet jurisdiction: A case for Australia to consider United States' hegemony on jurisdiction

The United States and Australia have been facing the issue of internet jurisdiction. The United States is an epitome of a country that has considered the challenges posed by the internet to the traditional law. It has developed its own tests to help resolve the issue, which have evolved over time and in comparison with other jurisdictions, and it has been successful. Conversely, the Australian legal system is in a stage of infancy regarding such challenges and has developed its own approach. This paper focuses on the anomalies between the United States' and Australian principles or approaches to internet jurisdiction by analysing and discussing the three leading cases that are benchmarks in the respective jurisdictions. Finding the fundamental difference between the two approaches, the paper elucidates the United States hegemony on internet jurisdiction by comparing the shortcomings of the respective cases. Finally, this paper makes a case for the Australian courts to consider an approach based on the one practised by the United States courts to tackle the ever-evolving issue of internet jurisdiction.