A molecular genetic approach for forensic animal species identification

This study investigated potential markers within chromosomal, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) with the aim of developing a DNA based method to allow differentiation between animal species. Such discrimination tests may have important applications in the forensic science, agriculture, quarantine and customs fields. DNA samples from five different animal individuals within the same species for 10 species of animal (including human) were analysed. DNA extraction and quantitation followed by PCR amplification and GeneScan visualisation formed the basis of the experimental analysis. Five gene markers from three different types of genes were investigated. These included genomic markers for the beta-actin and TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Mitochondrial DNA markers, designed by Bataille et al. [Forensic Sci. Int. 99 (1999) 165], examined the Cytochrome b gene and Hypervariable Displacement Loop (D-Loop) region. Finally, a ribosomal RNA marker for the 28S rRNA gene optimised by Naito et al. [J. Forensic Sci. 37 (1992) 396] was used as a possible marker for speciation. Results showed a difference of only several base pairs between all species for the beta-actin and 28S markers, with the exception of Sus scrofa (pig) beta-actin fragment length, which produced a significantly smaller fragment. Multiplexing of Cytochrome b and D-Loop markers gave limited species information, although positive discrimination of human DNA was evident. The most specific and discriminatory results were shown using the TP53 gene since this marker produced greatest fragment size differences between animal species studied. Sample differentiation for all species was possible following TP53 amplification, suggesting that this gene could be used as a potential animal species identifier.     

Some problems in identification of an unidentified corpse

Presents data on the number of unidentified corpses sent to the morgue of Bureau of Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations of the Rostov region and discusses the shortcomings in organization of medical criminalistic personality identification. Discusses some scientific problems investigated at Department of Forensic Medicine of Rostov State Medical University.     

Personality identification of unidentified corps in the morgue

In order to identify unidentified corps in morgue, new possibilities of craniofascial identification based on use of the dental status and facial skeleton asymmetry were studied. An original computer program was created. The program contains all identification signs and information search base making it possible to improve corpse authentication and identification.     

Utilization of complex technologies of molecular genetics for forensic expert identification of unidentified remains of victims of terrorist acts in Moscow in 1999

This paper presents the first experience gained in Russia in expert identification practice with complex utilization of technologies of molecular genetic individualization of biological objects for solving identification tasks requiring the maximum complete armory of mutually supplementing means. This is particularly important for forensic expert personality identification in cases with many deaths, when indirect identification has to be resorted to, consisting in the use of biological samples from relatives of the victims as the identifying objects. Methodological approaches and concepts of expert studies, used for identification of the remains of people who died in terroristic acts committed in Moscow in September, 1999, are discussed. The results of this study and methodological experience notably extend the potentialities of expert evaluation as regards forensic medical identification of victims of overall disasters, terroristic acts, and war conflicts.     

A new algorithm for use in computer identification

On 9 May 1987, a Soviet-made IL-62M Polish airliner, LOT Flight 5055, crashed, exploded, and burned, killing the crew and 183 passengers. A forensic science team from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, comprised of 6 dental officers, 3 forensic pathologists, and 3 medical photographers, worked in concert with the Polish forensic science team. The small number of antemortem records and the extreme fragmentation of the remains presented a new scenario for computer use. Typically, the Computer-Assisted Postmortem Identification (CAPMI) software is used to compare remains against an antemortem database. Results are listed by the number of tooth-to-tooth matches based on restorative or other characteristics or both. The Polish disaster confounded this approach to some degree, however, and suggested a reconsideration of the theory on which the sort is made, that is, that the cases with maximum number of matches to preexisting dental records would be the most likely identification (ID) match. A hypothesis was constructed that, if searches were accomplished for fragments with a minimum number of mismatches, the correct matches would appear higher in the rank order. Six antemortem records (that had all dental information) were sorted against one hundred and twelve postmortem fragmented records. The resulting report was reordered so that records were listed by minimum number of mismatches. There was significant improvement in rank placement for all of the records. Thus it was accepted that in the situation of highly fragmented remains a different sorting based on the number of mismatches is indicated. Programming changes to make this option available have been implemented in the new version of CAPMI.     

Briefly unidentified: a study of a peculiar source of identification.

In May of 1992, unidentified human remains were received at the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida for identification. The decedent was identified as a white female in her early sixties between 62 and 63 in. in stature. Significant trauma was observed at various skeletal sites. The identity of the decedent was meant to be obscured due to the decapitation of the head and removal of the lower arms including the hands. Examination of the clothing revealed that the first initial and last name of the decedent had been written in ink inside the label of the underpants. Subsequently, this information was matched with missing persons reports. Identification of the decedent was confirmed by comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiographs.     

Design of the automatic system of processing data on mitochondrial DNA "mDNAbase" sequestration for expert identification of the unidentified bodies under the conditions of mass reception of human remains

The authors consider utilization of software which provides indirect personality identification by establishment of biological kinship using a comparative analysis of nucleotide sequences (NS) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in unidentified bodies and suspected relatives of these victims. The software supports data bases with information on NS. To secure automatic search there are modes of cross-processing. Results of identification are formed as lists of exclusions and tables with calculated frequencies of mitotypes of identification objects as well as protocols of a comparative analysis of nucleotide position in mtDNA sequences under comparison. The proposed computer approach is a new highly effective tool for identification of personality based on data on mtDNA analysis in conditions of stream information processing under mass reception of unidentified bodies.     

An esoteric technique useful in the identification of unidentified remains from the examination of faded,illegible hospital identification wristbands

A technique routinely used in the examination of questioned documents has been found to be of assistance when employed in the examination of faded and/or partially legible hospital identification wristbands found with unidentified remains (UIDs). A non-destructive test used predominately by forensic document examiners in the analysis of writing inks, handwritten alterations, and obliterations has proven useful throughout the years when confronted with this unusual type of documentary evidence. This discussion paper was prompted by the Tri-State Crematory disaster, Walker County, Georgia, from a request by investigators as to whether or not any information could be obtained from the examination of faded hospital identification wristbands where no information was readily discernable. Subsequent analysis by non-destructive infrared inspection, a standard technique used in the examination of questioned documents, proved useful in assisting with the identification of unidentified skeletal remains.     

电子物证检验中常用数据恢复工具对比研究

目的对电子物证检验中常用的数据恢复工具进行对比研究。方法在对数据使用不同破坏手段的条件下进行数据恢复。结果每种数据恢复工具有其自身特点，不同工具在不同条件下有其使用优势。结论在实际案件检验中，应该根据不同的需要，结合每一种工具的特点，灵活的、有针对性地选择，甚至可以把几种工具结合起来同时使用，以提高检验效率。     

计算机软件专利保护法律问题研究

一、问题的提出 从有关司法判例和趋势来看,美国联邦最高法院于1999年1月维持了联邦巡回上诉法院联邦巡回庭(C.A.F.C.--U.S.Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit)关于州街信托银行诉签记金融集团案件(State Street Bank＆Trust Co.v.Signature Financial Group,Inc.)对轴辅金融服务咨询配置处理系统(DataProcessing System for Hub and Spoke Financial Service Configuration)判决受专利保护.     

A new system for computer aided dental identification in mass disasters

In recent years, several computer programs for dental identification in mass disasters have been developed. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to get access to such programs. The Norwegian police presently utilizes a text retrieval program, NOVA¹STATUS, for detection work. This program is based on the British STATUS ONE program, and it enables the user to find from a large pool of postmortem dental registration one or several sets containing specific information about one tooth or several teeth. The complete relevant set(s) can be displayed for visual examination and comparison. A coding system for dental information has been developed as well as a system for interrogating the computer. This system and its efficiency have been tested on a simulated small scale disaster where various well-known difficulties in dental identification were included.     

Letter to manufacturers of blood establishment computer software products--FDA. Notice

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is publishing a letter sent to known manufacturers of blood establishment computer software products. In the letter, FDA advised these manufacturers that it considers these computer software products to be devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) because these products aid in the prevention of disease by identifying unsuitable donors and preventing the release of unsuitable blood and blood components for transfusion or for further manufacturing use. The letter, accompanied by a registration package and device listing was intended to notify manufacturers of the requirements of the act, to facilitate registration of these manufacturers as medical device manufacturers, and to further ensure the safety of the blood supply.     

Use of Adobe Photoshop software in medical criminology

Describes the method of comparative analysis of various objects in practical medical criminology and making of high-quality photographs with the use of Adobe Photoshop software. Options of the software needed for expert evaluations are enumerated.     

显带染色体电子计算机辅助分析

应用委托开发的软件“中国人群区带染色体辅助分析系统”对国人染色体G带相片进行电子计算机分析。结果显示，该软件能有效快速地记录各个体核型，并能对不同个体来源的相同序号的染色体作直观比较．为染色体多态性应用于亲子鉴定创造了良好条件．     

Approaches to setting up the Center for identification of exhumed bodies in Chechen Republic

The authors participated in the activity of a group of European experts who visited Moscow, Rostov-on-Don and Grozny in September 2005 to clarify situation with identification of exhumed unknown dead bodies of the civil population. The European experts recommend to set up Center for Identification in Chechen Republic (in Grozny). The authors propose to make DNA identification tests in the Russian Federation Center for Forensic Medical Evaluation in Moscow which has much experience and staff skilled in identification of unknown exhumed bodies and can solve the problem of genetic identification of unidentified bodies of people missed in the Chechen Republic more effectively.     

A molecular genetic approach for species identification of mammals and sex determination of birds in a forensic case of poaching from South Korea

DNA-based analysis was performed using partial mitochondrial cytochrome b genes of five mammalian specimens and Chromo-Helicase-DNA-binding (CHD) genes of five pheasants to determine whether specimens were from illegally hunted animals. Mammalian specimens were identified as being those of horse, roe deer, and cow through gene amplification using cytb981f and cytb981r primer set and sequencing. CHD genes were revealed to be those of three male and two female pheasants through polymerase chain reaction amplification. Because hunting of roe deers and female pheasants is prohibited in Korea, these results provided forensic evidences of illegal wild animal hunting.