认知脑电位检测在目击证人心理面孔重建中的应用

检验目击证人对犯罪嫌疑人面孔记忆的正确性是一项困难的工作。在证人面孔记忆的语义提取过程中,严格遵守完形原则,尽量减少影响证人记忆和再认的因素,把握细节,可以提高目击证人心理面孔重建的质量。认知脑电位检测法可以通过对记忆反应的脑电图成分、潜伏期、波幅等指标的测量,有效判断证人对列队辨认中的面孔是否存有记忆。本文对脑电位检测在目击证人心理面孔重建中的研究和应用进行综述,希望能为相关研究和实践提供参考。     

Four novel alkyl 2-cyanoacylate monomers and their use in latent fingermark detection by mid-infrared spectral imaging

Four novel alkyl 2-cyanoacrylate monomers (alkyl=1-cyanoethyl, 2-cyanoethyl, trideuteromethyl and pentadeuteroethyl) have been tested for their ability to develop latent fingermarks that can then be visualized using mid-infrared spectral (chemical) imaging. Each of the four monomers was chosen for its potential to produce a strong, isolated infrared spectral band in its corresponding polymer (to provide spectral contrast against most backgrounds), as well as for its potential ability to be fumed onto fingermarks in the manner of conventional ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (superglue). With the exception of the 2-cyanoethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, which had to be fumed under reduced pressure, all of the monomers were found to be sufficiently volatile to be fumed in a conventional fuming cabinet. All four monomers polymerized selectively on fingermark ridges on a variety of non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, leading to excellent development of the fingermarks. Unfortunately, although high quality mid-infrared spectral images of the fingermarks could be formed for all of the polymers at various frequencies, the new CN or CD stretching vibrations did not give rise to strong enough absorption intensities for good contrast on difficult backgrounds such as polymer banknotes. However, in the 1-cyanoethyl 2-cyanoacrylate polymer, the presence of the additional nitrile group had the unintended but desirable effect of shifting the strong CO absorption to higher frequencies, moving it away from interfering banknote absorptions. This enabled fingermark contrast to be achieved even against the intaglio printing on the banknotes.     

The GC-MS detection and characterization of reticuline as a marker of opium use

Reticuline (a precursor of opium alkaloids) was detected and characterised as its trimethylsilyl ethers, acetyl esters and methyl ethers by GC-EIMS and GC-CIMS in opium and the urine of opium users after hydrolysis by acid or beta-glucuronidase as coextractive of morphine. Because this compound cannot be detected in heroin and poppy seeds, it is suggested as a differentiating marker between opium and heroin use, opium and poppy seeds use, or opium and "pharmaceutical" codeine use in cases when opiate use has been confirmed by detection of morphine and codeine in the urine. As well as being a constituent of opium, reticuline in the urine of opium users may also result from the metabolic demethylation of the three other benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline opium alkaloids: codamine, laudanosine and laudanine.     

Rapid postmortem changes of rat striatum dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites as monitored by brain microdialysis

Brain microdialysis was used to monitor changes in extracelluar dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and their metabolite levels in the rat striatum at death by cervical dislocation. Maximum respective 450-fold and 150-fold increases in the extracelluar output of DA and 5-HT were observed within the first 30 min of death. DA and 5-HT outputs remained elevated over the following 2 h at levels about 100-fold and 50-fold above pre-death values, respectively. In contrast with monoamine outputs, the outputs of the DA metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and the 5-HT metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), rapidly decreased by 10% and 20%, respectively 1 h after death. 5-Hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) gradually decreased after death. Before death both the extracellular DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios were about 400; after death these ratios dropped to 0.56 and 4.0, respectively at 30 min. These observations suggested that regulation of neurotransmitter releases through the neuronal membrane and metabolisms in the rat striatum were seriously disrupted at death. This finding may be helpful in the determination of death in the field of forensic medicine.     

The study and forensic significance of drill bit use indicators

Abstract:  A case study involving an improvised pipe bomb with a drilled fuse hole is presented. This case study and its accompanying research details drill bit use and/or nonuse indicators. These indicators are then further classified to develop relevant conclusion criteria. These criteria are: (1) trace deposits in the form of particulate and/or smears on the drill bit, especially inside the flute and the tip area, (2) physical damage including chipping, abrasion, and fissuring on the drill bit which mostly occurred on the flute edge bevels and lip edges, and (3) thermal damage. One or any combination of these indicators could be used as effective criteria for concluding drill bit usage. This study also determined that a drill bit produces well-defined toolmarks on swarf shavings that could be identified back to that particular tool, and there is no mechanical break-in period for obtaining reproducible toolmarks on newly manufactured or unused bits.     

Analysis of energy consumption and indicators of energy use in Bangladesh

Rapid growth in the demand for commercial energy in Bangladesh poses serious development constraints in recent years. Per capita energy consumption of Bangladesh is one of the lowest in the world (252 kgoe in 2005). This paper undertakes an empirical investigation to find out the trends in energy intensities by comparing the energy consumption per capita and energy consumption per GDP for agriculture, industry, commercial, and transport sectors of Bangladesh and investigate their conditions over the long run. Only 43% of total population has access to electricity facility. Though natural gas provides two-third of the nation’s commercial fossil fuel supply, only 4% households have access to natural gas networks. Biomass fuels are estimated to account for about 73% of the country’s primary energy supply. The daily electricity output totals around 3800 MW against the demand of 6000 MW, leaving a supply crunch of 2200 MW. Natural gas has so far fuelled more than 90% of the power plants of the country. Hydro-electricity contributes only 3% of the total energy supply in Bangladesh. More than 90% of the oil and petroleum products are imported. The country has a substantial potential for coal, most of which has yet to be explored. Overall energy intensity increased approximately twofold from 1980 to 2005. The findings of the study show that change in energy intensity is due to structural effect, while increase in aggregate energy consumption is due to both the activity effect and structural effect. Renewable energy sources will largely mitigate the dire energy crisis in rural areas of Bangladesh. Over 400,000 Solar Home Systems (SHSs) have been installed so far, benefiting over 4 million rural people. More fiscal and other incentives should be included in the recently formulated Renewable Energy Policy to investors for rapid development of clean energy. In addition, regional cooperation should be enhanced specially in case of hydro-power and natural gas. Finally, coal based power plant should be set up as early as possible.     

Avian vitreous humor concentrations of inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid, uracil and uridine as influenced by age and sex: their relevance as indicators of ante-mortem hypoxia

An investigation was made to determine the effects of age and sex on postmortem concentrations (mumol/l) of inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid, uracil and uridine in the vitreous humor of chickens (Gallus domesticus). Five male and 5 female chickens were sampled each week from 0-10 weeks of age. Samples were collected at 0 and 24 h postmortem and analysed by HPLC. Hypoxanthine, uric acid and uridine were detected at both 0 and 24 h postmortem whereas inosine, xanthine and uracil were detected only at 24 h postmortem. Neither sex nor the sex X age interaction influenced the concentrations of the compounds investigated (P greater than 0.01). Age had a significant influence on the concentrations of all compounds at 24 h postmortem (P less than 0.0001). At 0 h postmortem, age significantly affected the levels of hypoxanthine and uridine (P less than 0.0001) but not uric acid (P = 0.014). All compounds occurred at higher concentrations at 24 than 0 h postmortem with the exception of uridine at 0 and 1 week of age. Previous studies using data confounded by age and postmortem sampling time have concluded that postmortem vitreous humor hypoxanthine concentration is a useful indicator of antemortem hypoxia. The results of this study cast doubt on that conclusion. Age and postmortem sampling time should be rigorously controlled when conducting quantitative analyses of these compounds in vitreous humor.     

Enzyme immunochemical detection of the use of hashish and confirmation by thin-layer chromatography

The EMIT cannabinoid assay was used for screening blood and urine after smoking tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 10 mg) or ingestion of THC (30 mg). Cannabinoid levels in urine remain detectable up to 1 week. Confirmation was done by adsorption of the THC carboxylic acid onto a C18 extraction column and elution with acetone and TLC. The method is simple and sensitive and is applicable with common laboratory equipment. The detection limit is 10 ng/ml, using 10 ml urine.     

Face recognition as a function of distance and illumination: A practical tool for use in the courtroom

Abstract

This paper describes a practical courtroom tool that provides insight in face recognition accuracy as a function of distance and illumination. Subjects were shown 3/4 target portraits with an exposition time of 12 seconds, immediately followed by a target-absent or target-present lineup of six full-face portraits. Subjects were asked to identify the target. Seven distances (3 to 40 meter) and nine illumination levels (0.3 to 3000 lux) were used which resulted in a 7?9 matrix, with in the cells a hit score and a false alarm score. From these rough data several other measures were derived, like d-prime, diagnostic value and some idealised scores. The scores represent the upper margins of recognition accuracy with the memory component reduced to a minimum. The results clearly indicate a systematic increase of recognition performance with decreasing distance and increasing illumination. The end result is a practical rule of thumb, the Rule of Fifteen: Even in ideal conditions the desired diagnostic value of 15 is reached at not more than 15 meters, not less than 15 lux.     

Improved detection of semen by use of direct acid phosphatase testing

Acid phosphatase (AP) reagent (Fast Black) is used as a presumptive test for the presence of seminal fluid on exhibits submitted in allegations of sexual assault. Research was carried out to determine whether the direct application of AP reagent to exhibits is a viable alternative to the traditional indirect (blot) testing method used routinely in the laboratory. The relative sensitivity of the indirect and direct testing methods was investigated as was the effect of AP reagent on histological staining of spermatozoa, the incidence of false positives from vaginal material and saliva, and the effect of AP reagent on subsequent DNA testing. Also included are the results of specificity studies from validations of the direct AP testing method. The results of this research show that, provided the incidence of false positives is borne in mind, direct AP testing can be especially useful when screening exhibits which are difficult to indirectly (blot) AP test or when it is problematic to relocate an AP positive stain. Direct application of AP reagent can also be beneficial for locating dilute semen stains. Three case examples are given which illustrate the use of direct AP testing in laboratory casework.     

The GC–MS detection and characterization of reticuline as a marker of opium use

Reticuline (a precursor of opium alkaloids) was detected and characterised as its trimethylsilyl ethers, acetyl esters and methyl ethers by GC–EIMS and GC–CIMS in opium and the urine of opium users after hydrolysis by acid or β-glucuronidase as coextractive of morphine. Because this compound cannot be detected in heroin and poppy seeds, it is suggested as a differentiating marker between opium and heroin use, opium and poppy seeds use, or opium and “pharmaceutical” codeine use in cases when opiate use has been confirmed by detection of morphine and codeine in the urine. As well as being a constituent of opium, reticuline in the urine of opium users may also result from the metabolic demethylation of the three other benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline opium alkaloids: codamine, laudanosine and laudanine.     

Occurrences of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) on human cadavers in Switzerland, and their importance as forensic indicators

From 1993 to 2008, criminal investigations were conducted in the western part of Switzerland with special attention to blowfly and flesh fly species in order to estimate the post-mortem interval when requested by the police authorities. Flesh flies were found in only 33 cases out of 160. Five species of the genus Sarcophaga were identified (S. africa, S. argyrostoma, S. caerulescens, S. similis and S. sp.). The main species found on corpses (larval stage) was S. argyrostoma. The thermal constant (K) calculated for this species in Switzerland is 380.6 ± 16.3 (mean ± S.D.) degree-days. With the exception of S. caerulescens, found three times in the larval stage on corpses, the three other species are of minor forensic importance. S. argyrostoma is found during summer and indoors. This species colonises dead bodies, usually the same day as blowfly species, and it could be used to estimate the post-mortem interval. Other species are discussed in the light of current knowledge on their biology and ecology. It is recommended that voucher material be deposited in a museum, allowing further studies by relevant specialists, thereby helping investigators and avoiding misidentifications.     

Some aspects of normal behavior: their use in understanding problems encountered by document examiners.

The premise that progress in document examination will depend on employing techniques useful in the more formal branches of science is not exactly logical. The correlation between the work of the document examiner and the behavioral sciences has been discussed by presenting some random thoughts which have occurred to the author over a period of years. The suggestion is made, by illustration and implication, that the unfortunate connotation of the word "behavior" with the word "graphology" has tended to direct the attention of document examiners away from a study of the behavioral sciences, a branch of science from which much can be learned. The fact that the subjective concepts of probability formed by the mature document examiner will approach mathematical expectation has been noted.     

Comprehensive examination reading lists as indicators of scholar impact and significance

The current study extended prior citation analyses in criminology and criminal justice by drawing upon an alternative, non-published source for inquiry—reading lists provided to PhD students to aid in their preparation for criminological theory doctoral examinations. Reading lists were analyzed and the most-cited scholars were identified using various measures. The strengths and weaknesses of this methodological approach as well as implications are discussed.     

Copyright and the creative use of visual artworks in the 1990s

This article analyzes the legal conflicts during the 1990s over the extent of copyright limitations on the use of a visual artwork within another creative work in three types of media: postmodern art, publications and movies and television. The authors conclude that if a visual work is incorporated into a film or television program such that the presence of the visual work is scarcely perceptible, such a use might be considered so insignificant that copyright law will not forbid the use. Perceptibility depends on how closely, how long and how clearly the artwork is shown. The authors also express concern over the application of copyright law to postmodern art, arguing that freedom of expression would be better served if courts and Congress recognized the broad category of satire as a type of fair use.     

重型颅脑损伤数字计算ERP特征及与智商的相关性

目的 根据ERP理论和韦氏智力量表内容建立数字计算ERP范式,探讨正常人与重型颅脑损伤患者数字计算ERP特征及与智商的相关性.方法 采用Neuroscan-ERP仪和韦氏智力量表对29名重型颅脑损伤患者(外伤组)和46名正常人(对照组)进行ERP及智商检测,比较引出的ERP成分特征及与智商的相关性.结果 数字计算范式的题目、正确、错误答案3类刺激引出的ERP波形包括外源性成分N1c、P2c及内源性成分N2c和P3c;对照组引出的N1c和P2c波幅和潜伏期相近,但N2c和P3c有明显差异,其中正确答案的P3c波幅最高,错误答案的P3c潜伏期最长;外伤组引出的各ERP成分波幅降低、潜伏期延长,N2c和P3c具有显著性差异(P＜0.05);对照组错误答案引出的P3c潜伏期与言语智商和总智商呈中度负相关,高于题目和正确答案;外伤组P3c潜伏期与言语智商、操作智商和总智商的相关系数分别为-0.64、-0.46和-0.60(P ＜0.05),明显高于对照组.结论 数字计算ERP范式可引出特征性ERP波形,其P3c潜伏期与智商有一定相关性,可作为评价重型颅脑损伤后数学能力损害程度的参考指标.     

图片再认ERP在重型颅脑损伤后记忆障碍鉴定的应用

目的探讨图片再认事件相关电位（ERP）对重型颅脑损伤（sTBI）后记忆障碍法医学鉴定的应用价值。方法采用韦氏记忆量表（WMS—RC）和Neuroscan ERP仪,对74例健康志愿者（对照组）及需评定精神伤残等级的29例重型颅脑损伤后记忆障碍者（sTBI组）进行记忆能力和图片再认ERP检测。结果sTBI组WMS-RC各分测验量表分及记忆商数（MQ）均值均明显低于对照组（P〈0．01）;完成ERP任务的反应时、正确率明显延长和降低（P〈0．01）。对照组在靶与非靶刺激呈现后170ms和500ms左右均可记录到潜伏期无显著性差异的二个正向波（P170和P500）,但靶刺激诱发的P500波幅明显高于非靶刺激（P〈0．01）;sTBI组可记录到相似的ERP波形,但各成分的波幅、潜伏期均明显降低和延长（P〈0．01）。sTBI组P500潜伏期与WMS—RC的记图、再认、再生分测验量表分和MQ值均呈高度负相关（r=-0．73～-0．83,P〈0．01）,而与伤残等级呈明显正相关（r=0．65,P〈0．01）。结论图片再认诱发的Psoo潜伏期与WMS-RC反映的短时记忆功能及鉴定的精神伤残等级明显相关,可为sTBI后记忆障碍的伤残鉴定提供一项较客观的神经电生理依据。     

Clinical and forensic indicators of "suicide by cop"

This paper reviews the literature pertaining to the phenomenon of "suicide by cop"--any incident in which a suicidal individual attempts to get law enforcement to kill him. This article defines the term "suicide by cop," discusses the various motivations of individuals who engage in this type of behavior, presents the risk factors and indicators for suicide and violence, and describes specific indicators for suicide by cop. Proper recognition of these events, prior and subsequent to their occurrence, has important implications for prevention, officer safety, equivocal death analysis and psychological autopsy, civil litigation, criminal justice proceedings, and community stability. This paper presents seven case studies which demonstrate the clinical and forensic indicators of this phenomenon.     

SEM/EDAX检测内脏异物元素成分诊断溺死

为探讨溺死诊断的依据和推断入水地点，用扫描电镜／X－射线谱仪（SEM／EDAX）检测19例溺死尸体及28只溺死兔的肺、肾、心、肝等组织异物颗粒及其元素成分和含量，并以陆地上死亡尸体14具及8只陆地上勒死兔（2只勒死后入水浸泡6天）作实验对照。结果发现，19例溺死尸体及28只溺死兔的肺边缘区呼吸性细支气管、肺泡管、肺泡囊及肺泡内均可见高能谱值的异物颗粒，其大小自数微米至数十微米不等，多为无定形异物颗粒或细小异物颗粒集落。其中元素成分为硅、铝、钙、铁、铬、钛、钼、铅、锡、铜、溴等，与入水地点溺液中所含元素成分相同；肾、心、肝组织异物颗粒检出率分别为77％、53％及47％，数量较少，颗粒较小，大小自1微米以下至十数微米。非溺死尸体及实验兔的肺、肾、心、肝组织未检出或偶尔检出异物颗粒，其元素成分多为铁、钙或硅等，可能是病理及生理性异物颗粒，如含铁血黄素、钙化灶等。用SEM／EDAX检测水中尸体组织中异物颗粒及其元素成分和含量，可以诊断溺死，推断入水区域，为明确案件性质和确定侦察范围提供科学依据。     

Crime patterns and their relation to subjective social stress and support indicators: The role of gender

This study investigated the relationship between the subjective perception of stress and support in the population (as independent variables) and the prevalence of homicide, robbery, and property offenses in society, while controlling for the effect of gender, i.e., how these crimes are related to the differential perception of stress and support among males and females. The theoretical framework is provided by a stress-support model which postulates that crime in society will be positively related to stress factors and negatively related to support systems. Eight stress indicators and four support (solidarity) indicators were included. The data regarding these indicators were derived from continuing surveys of representative samples of the urban population in Israel during the years 1967–1979. The theoretical model was supported by the findings, especially those relating to property offenses. The effects of the female indicators were strongest (and greater than those of males) with regard to property offenses. The regression coefficients of the female indicators were also consistently larger than those of males, indicating that women's perceptions of stress are better predictors of crime rates than those of males. The results are compared to those of previous studies and suggestions are made for future studies in this new line of criminological research.