The death and mortal remains of Francisco Pizarro

When Francisco Pizarro was assassinated in 1541, he was buried near the Cathedral of Lima, but was later moved into the crypt under the altar. In 1891 mummified remains were identified as those of Pizarro and placed in a sarcophagus on public exhibition. In 1977 bones were discovered in a walled over niche in the crypt. The skull was in a lead box engraved with Pizarro's name. Which remains--the bones, or the mummy--are those of Pizarro? This question and more can now be answered. This paper will give evidence of the exact wounds that Pizarro received in his final sword fight, as well as a facial sculpture of the skull now identified as that of the conqueror of Peru.     

The accuracy of sex identification in European skeletal remains using the phenice characters

Three documented European skeletal series were examined to assess the accuracy and reliability of the pubic variables described by Phenice for correctly identifying the sex of adult human skeletal remains. The accuracy and objectivity of these variables, as reported by Phenice, Kelley, Sutherland and Suchey, and Lovell, could not be confirmed on this European material. In general, the subpubic concavity feature, when used alone, proved to be the most reliable variable for sex identification. In this study, the level of correct sex identification that could be achieved using the Phenice variables was shown to be significantly affected by the previous experience of the observer.     

Age-specific changes in bone tissue microstructure and potential for use for human identification

The possibility of using the data of quantitative microscopy of bone tissue for evaluation of age with the aim of personality identification is discussed. Computer histomorphological analysis of third rib, tibial lower epiphysis and diaphysis fragments from 564 male corpses of known age (0-90 years) was carried out. A complex of parameters most strongly correlating with age was detected: extension of active osteogenesis zone in the longitudinal section of a rib, thickness of layers of internal and external general diaphyseal laminae in the tibial bone, trabecular area in the tibial epiphyseal preparation, etc. Age-specific changes in bone tissue structures is characterized by a great variety and depends on the type and location of these structures. Bone tissue characteristics change irregularly and asynchronously, therefore their correlations with age are different in different age groups. A general biological interpretation of the results is offered.     

Margaret Clitherow: skeletal identification of an historical figure?

This paper describes the use of physical anthropological methods of analysis in attempting to identify an historical figure in England. The historical background to the examination is detailed and reasons for the belief that the skeletal remains excavated from the site were those of a named person, Margaret Clitherow, are discussed. Analysis of age, sex and manner of death indicated that the remains were not those of Margaret Clitherow.     

The use of bacteria for the identification of vaginal secretions

We have used the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region for identifying vaginal specific bacteria. Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus gasseri were detected in vaginal secretions but not in semen, blood or saliva. Our data indicated that both L. crispatus and L. gasseri were detected in vaginal secretions from women with different levels of expression of hormonal genes including pregnant, pre- and post-menopausal women, and a woman who has had a hysterectomy. Therefore, we have demonstrated that these Lactobacilli are promising new markers for the forensic identification of vaginal secretions. We have incorporated the Lactobacilli markers into a mRNA multiplex system to produce an 11-plex assay that can identify circulatory blood, menstrual blood, saliva, semen (in the presence and absence of spermatozoa) and vaginal secretions.     

The use of restrictive labels in juvenile corrections: The case of Ohio

A study was conducted to determine the ramifications of the use of restrictive categories imposed within correctional settings, and an analysis of such classifications within one juvenile correctional institution—The Fairfield School for Boys—was undertaken.     

The use of moxibustion scars in the identification of individuals in forensic medicine

The use of moxibustion today does not only take place in Eastern Asia, but recently also in Europe and the United States. Moxibustion scars are often seen in autopsy cases in Japan. However, no reports of the use of moxibustion in autopsy cases have been reported. This paper reports on an autopsy case in which moxibustion scars were used to extrapolate on the past symptoms of the deceased, date of therapy and the location of the moxibustion clinic which administered the moxibustion.     

The use of thoracolumbar and hip joint dysmorphism in identification

A case of roentgenographic identification of a deceased person is presented. Comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiographs of the vertebral column and hip joint, for the purpose of identification, was based on the deceased medical history, and the fact the deceased was endentulous, and fingerprint comparison was not feasible. Evaluation of anatomical variants, due to the effects of degenerative disease, provided positive identification in a visually unidentifiable deceased person.     

The use of microspectrophotometry for the identification of pigments in small paint samples

The visible reflectance spectra of a number of common pigments are presented. These were measured between 380 nm and 900 nm in paint films using the Nanospec 10S Microspectrophotometer. This data can be used in combination with a computer program based upon simple Kubelka-Munk theory to identify the pigments in paint samples. The use of this approach in forensic science is illustrated by examples from recent cases.     

Differences among species in compact bone tissue microstructure of mammalian skeleton: use of a discriminant function analysis for species identification

In order to develop an identification key for distinguishing between several mammalian species, bone structure of their compact bone tissue was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Ninety femora of adult male humans, pigs, cows, sheep, rabbits, and rats were studied. The average area, perimeter, minimum, and maximum diameter of 1863 Haversian canals and 1863 secondary osteons were measured using a digital image device. The observed data were first used to evaluate inter- and intraspecies diversity. After that, we applied a discriminant function analysis for differentiation of the species by these variables. Classification functions for investigated species give cross-validated correct classification rates for 76.17% of cases. This percentage value can be increased by integrating conclusions from the qualitative analysis.     

DNA鉴定技术及其在刑事侦查中的应用

DNA鉴定技术自产生以来,在国内外有了一定的发展。就其在刑事侦查中的价值而言,它能够起到锁定犯罪嫌疑人、进行尸源认定、为串并案件提供依据、排除犯罪嫌疑等作用。DNA鉴定技术并非绝对可靠,尚有一些问题值得我们注意。