Anomalies of the human chest plate area. Radiographic findings in a large autopsy population

Anomalies of the sternal rib ends and costal cartilages, sternal foramina, and epi(supra)sternal bones from a large, modern autopsy population have been described. Rib abnormalities (duplications, fusions, and spurs) were found in 55 of 2,016 plastron roentgenograms, sternal foramina were found in 135, and episternal bones were found in 51. Sternal foramina were significantly more common in blacks than in whites and episternal bones more common in whites than blacks; rib anomalies had no recognizable racial predilection. Rib anomalies were almost three times more common in males than females, whereas episternal bones were only slightly more common in males. Sternal foramina had no sex predilection. Episternal bones were slightly more often unilateral than bilateral and, when unilateral, were twice as often located on the left. While none of the malformations studied appeared to be of clinical significance, they are of potential forensic value in individual identification.     

胸骨形态变化与年龄关系的研究进展

胸骨在发育和退化的过程中,随年龄增长发生着规律性形态改变.国内外学者对胸骨形态变化与年龄的关系做了大量研究,积累了一些宝贵资料,这些成果为研究胸骨三维重建影像的形态变化奠定了基础.三维重组技术的引入,有望引起利用胸骨推断活体年龄方法的突破性发展.本文对相关研究进展进行综述.     

Is the length of the sternum reliable for estimating adult stature? A pilot study using fresh sterna and a test of two methods using dry sterna

Stature estimation is one of the four attributes of the biological profile obtained from human skeletal remains. The length of the long bones has been consistently used to estimate stature from regression equations, but these may be useless when dealing with fresh or decomposed mutilated remains. Until recently, there was no consistent assessment of the reliability of measurements of the sternum for stature estimation. The purpose of this paper is to test previously developed regression formulae for stature based on measurements of the dry sternum and to assess the reliability of measurements of the fresh sternum in estimating stature. The formulae developed by Menezes et al. and Singh et al. were applied to a sample of 5 known stature skeletons from the identified human skeletal collection curated at the National Museum of Natural History, in Lisbon, Portugal. Testing of these formulae showed that estimated stature confidence intervals do not allow discrimination between individuals with similar stature. The length of the fresh sternum was measured on a sample of 45 male individuals autopsied at the National Institute of Legal Medicine - North Delegation (Porto, Portugal). Cadaver length was regressed on sternum length and a simple linear regression formula was obtained. The regression model provided a 95% confidence interval of 13.32 cm and a correlation coefficient of only 0.329. Compared to other studies, regression formulae based on the length of the sternum provided considerably larger standard errors than that based on long bone lengths. These results suggest that the length of the sternum has limited forensic value and relatively low reliability in estimating stature from mutilated human skeletal remains, either skeletonized or fresh.     

Sacral fusion as an aid in age estimation

The degree of fusion at the anterior aspect of the sacral vertebrae has been scored in 242 male and female skeletons from the Lisbon documented collection, ranging from 16 to 59 years old in age. Statistical tests indicate a sex difference towards earlier fusion in young females compared with young males, as well as a clear association between degree of fusion and age. Similar results have been found by other authors in documented skeletal samples from Coimbra and Sassari, and the recommendations stated by these authors regarding age estimation have been positively tested in the Lisbon collection. Although more research from geographically diverse samples is required, a general picture of the pattern of sacral fusion and its associations with age and sex is emerging. We also provide a practical example of the usefulness of the sacrum for age estimation in a forensic setting, a mass grave from the Spanish Civil War. It is concluded that the scoring of the degree of fusion of the sacral vertebrae, specially of S(1-2), can be a simple tool for assigning skeletons to broad age groups, and it should be implemented as another resource for age estimation in the study of human skeletal remains.     

女性胸骨X线变化与年龄关系的研究

研究北京地区137例女性胸骨X线影像学变化，以其与年龄关系密切相关的影像学标志点作为变量，并依据各标志点在不同年龄阶段的变化，制定了各自的评分标准。用该标准观测全部样本，将所得数据与年龄一起输入电子计算机，建立了根据女性胸骨X线变化推算年龄的多元回归方程，即：Y=9．6641＋1．6999X（1）＋2．7486X（2）十1．8929X（3）＋1．5561X（4）＋0.4255X（5）。经方差分析F＞F0.01（5.131），回归高度显著。本研究所建立的预测年龄方程，在无名尸骨的法医学鉴定中具有实用价值。     

Testing the effectiveness of two cranial base foramina for metric sex assessment of fragmentary remains

Sex differences in linear and area dimensions of the foramen ovale and external opening of the carotid canal were analyzed in a documented French sample (35 men and 32 women). The results demonstrated that a low level of sexual dimorphism is present in the cranial base foramina of this sample, with only two-thirds of the examined variables exhibiting statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the sexes. The cross-validated sex classification accuracy rates obtained for univariate and multivariate discriminant functions ranged from only 54.7 to 72.1%. In addition, measurements of the cranial base foramina were found to be difficult to record with precision, with intra-observer error percentages ranging from 2.35 to 4.23%. Error rates of this magnitude may result in the misallocation of specimens. Therefore, osteometric analysis of the foramen ovale and carotid canal external opening cannot be recommended as a useful method for cranial sex assessment in this population group.     

应用回归分析方法推算女性胸骨年龄

研究89例中国汉族女性胸骨（11～61岁）上的8个部位的形态随年龄增长而变化的规律，并分别划分形态等级，然后采用多元线性回归和逐步回归分析方法，求出了由女性脑骨形态推算年龄的多元回归方程；对手柄—一体和／或体——剑突骨性融合的胸骨也建立了相应的方程。上述各方程经检验P＜0.01，r=0．99，SD在1．33～1．71岁之间。与国内外同类研究相比，本方法较为简便、准确，更具实用价值。     

The Examination of Commercial Printing Defects to Assess Common Origin,Batch Variation,and Error Rate*

Abstract: The examination of printing defects, or imperfections, found on printed or copied documents has been recognized as a generally accepted approach for linking questioned documents to a common source. This research paper will highlight the results from two mutually exclusive studies. The first involved the examination and characterization of printing defects found in a controlled production run of 500,000 envelopes bearing text and images. It was concluded that printing defects are random occurrences and that morphological differences can be used to identify variations within the same production batch. The second part incorporated a blind study to assess the error rate of associating randomly selected envelopes from different retail locations to a known source. The examination was based on the comparison of printing defects in the security patterns found in some envelopes. The results demonstrated that it is possible to associate envelopes to a common origin with a 0% error rate.     

根据胸骨形态变化推算年龄的研究

<正> 本文运用多元线性回归分析的方法,对74例成人汉族男性胸骨(19～48岁)的形态变化与年龄的关系进行了研究。通过胸骨上选定的7个形态变化标志点,依其各自的形态变化规律,制定出相应的等级评分标准。根据此标准对74例胸骨标本进行了观察评分。然后将所得原始数据和年龄一起输入电子计算机,求出由胸骨形态变化,计算年龄的多元回归方程: =10.78+0.82X_1+0.85X_2+0.80X_3+0.38X_4+2.51X_5+0.64X_6+3.02X_7±2.45 经方差分析表明P<0.01,回归高度显著。本文提出的胸骨判定年龄的方法,在无名尸骨的法医学鉴定中,具有实用价值。     

Carotid and vertebral artery circulation in forearm choke holds in Doppler sonography

By means of continuous wave doppler the effect of two choke holds (Carotid sleeper, Nami-juji-jime) on the carotid and vertebral arteries was investigated. For both choke holds, which are characterized by pressure on lateral parts of the neck, we found an obstruction up to a complete stop of flow. The degree of obstruction depended on the direction of force. The vertebral artery can be compressed between the subclavian artery and the foramina transversaria, therefore it was most effective to press on the lower neck. Tensing the neck muscles can reduce the effect of choking.     

分泌抗人精液特异蛋白P_(30)单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞系的建立和初步应用

作者通过杂交瘤技术建立了9株产生抗精浆特异蛋白 P_(30) 单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞系。它们是由 SP2/0骨髓瘤与经 P_(30) 免疫的 BALB/C 小鼠脾细胞按常规方法进行细胞融合、并经克隆化筛选得出.这些细胞株均经体外培养3个月以上能够稳定分泌抗 P_(30) 单克隆抗体。该抗体只能识别纯化的 P_(30) 和精液中的 P_(30) ;与人精液以外的其他体液和多种人体组织无交叉反应;与几种常见动物的精液和血液无交叉反应。这些 P_(30) 单克隆抗体均属 IgG 类和 IgG_1亚类。其培养上清液和腹水的抗体效价最高分别达到320和128,000。以 ELISA 法应用这些单克隆抗体能很好地鉴定精液和精斑。     

Cone‐beam Computed Tomography for Analyzing Variations in Inferior Alveolar Canal Location in Adults in Relation to Age and Sex*

Abstract: Previous studies have indicated that the relative position of the inferior alveolar canal and its mental and mandibular foramina in adults vary with age and show sexual dimorphism. Conceivably, these purported differences could be of forensic value for determining identity of human remains. This study was designed to determine the influence of age and sex on the relative position of inferior alveolar canal and its foramina in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies of adults. Existing CBCT studies of the maxillofacial region from dentate adult patients selected at random and ranging in age from 18 to 80 years (110 women and 55 men) were acquired, and the location of the inferior alveolar canal was assessed at three points: the mandibular foramen in axial view, the inferior alveolar canal in coronal view, and the mental foramen in coronal view. Measurements were also expressed for the mental foramen as the percentile position from the nearest superior bony crest to the inferior border; corresponding position of the mandibular foramen from the anterior to the posterior border of the mandibular ramus; and for the inferior alveolar canal at the level of first permanent molar from the nearest buccal bony surface to the lingual surface and from the superior alveolar crest to the inferior border. Regression analyses were performed on the variables with regard to the effects of age and sex. Most analyses resulted in no statistical significance (p < 0.05). A few of the sex‐specific traits demonstrated near‐statistically significant effects; however, these characterizations generally resulted in a 1% or less change per age decade. Overall, the results demonstrated that the relative location of the inferior alveolar canal and associated foramina in adults remain fairly constant without regard to age and sex.     

Muti murders form South Africa: a case report

In Southern Africa, human body parts are sometimes used for medicinal (muti) purposes. The human body is seen as being very powerful. Although ritual killing for this purpose is not common, some cases have been reported. This paper reports on an unusual muti murder, where the remains of two individuals were found in a medicine man's house. Three pots were found, two of which were constructed around human skulls. Various objects, such as coins, bullets, stones, human and animal bones were found inside the pots. They were decorated with beadwork, whistles, skin bangles, etc. Osteological analysis revealed that the human remains probably belonged to a young, white adult male individual, and a juvenile individual of Negroid descent. All associated objects probably have ritual significance, and some of these are discussed.     

应用判别分析法判断胸骨性别的研究

本文测量了85例国人胸骨(男52,女33)的全长、柄长、体长、柄最大宽、体最大宽、柄最大厚及体最大厚七个项目,发现所有项目都具有非常显著的性别差异,但两性间重迭率较高,用单项难以准确判定性别。为此,采用 Fisher 判别分析法建立了判定胸骨性别的判别函数,判别率最高达90%。考虑到残缺胸骨的性别鉴定,亦建立了相应的判别函数。与国外研究相比,本文方法判别率较高且更具有实用价值。     

中国汉族成人胸骨多项测量值与身高关系的研究

目的 研究中国汉族成人胸骨多项测量值与身高的关系,建立以胸骨推算身高的方法。方法 测量135例(男100,女35)已知身高的中国汉族成年人干燥胸骨的全长、柄长、体长、柄最大宽、柄最小宽、体最大宽、体最大厚、柄厚、柄最大厚9项指标,采用多元逐步回归分析的方法,分别求出由男性(分年龄组)和女性胸骨的多项测量值推算身高的多元回归方程式。结果 所建立的4个男性(分年龄组)和1个女性胸骨推算身高的多元回归方程式,其复相关系数(R)在0.6237～0.7350之间,标准差(s)在4.5720—7.0348之间。结论 根据人体胸骨的多项测量值可以推算其身高,准确性略低于四肢长骨的同类推算;相同身高组的男女性胸骨多项测量值均存在明显的性别差异,胸骨柄长不能作为单因素推算身高的测量指标。     

论赠与人的责任

赠与合同是现实生活中常见的合同之一,《合同法》设专章进行了规定,但对赠与人的责任规定得较为简单和概括。赠与人的责任可归纳为瑕疵责任（包括故意不告知受赠人瑕疵、保证无瑕疵、附义务的赠与）、缔约责任（包括无故撤销赠与及恶意磋商等）和违约责任等三种,其承担责任的条件、责任方式、赔偿范围等各不相同。     

Handedness and the bilateral asymmetry of the jugular foramen.

This paper examines the proposed association of bilateral asymmetry of the jugular foramen as an indicator of handedness observable from cranial morphology. The jugular foramina of 54 subjects were observed for size asymmetry during routine autopsy procedures. Hand preference data were collected on each subject from family members. Of the 54 subjects, 47 were documented as being right-handed and 7 as being left-handed. These values approximate the average percentage of right-handed versus left-handed individuals from larger populations. Jugular foramen asymmetry was qualitatively identified for 36 subjects (66.7%) and was judged equivocal for the other 18 (33.3%). Of the 36 subjects exhibiting asymmetry, 28 (77.7%) showed positive correlation between the asymmetry direction and handedness. This moderate level of congruence, coupled with the result that 4 of the 7 left-handers exhibited dominant right-side foramina, casts doubt on the reliable use of jugular foramen asymmetry for estimating handedness.     

Applying the Skill-Deficit Concept of Deviance to Juvenile Delinquents

Many theories have been advanced to account for juvenile delinquency. Most theories provide convincing partial explanations for some phenomena, but not others. Furthermore, most theories of delinquency offer only vague guidelines for treatment. The social learning school of psychology has developed a skill-deficit conception of deviance which has implications for treatment. In order to determine the applicability of this approach, a sample of 411 adjudicated male delinquents was obtained. They were assessed along a number of dimensions, and were found to be deficient as a group in all the skill areas measured. Implications for delinquency theory are discussed, as are treatment recommendations.     

A test of sex determination from measurements of chest radiographs

Sexually dimorphic distinctions within the human thoracic area may include morphological as well as metric differences in the sternum and 4th rib. This research assesses the validity of a set of previously published measurements from chest radiographs and their use in contemporary forensic situations. The chest plates from 130 adult individuals of a known sample undergoing medico-legal post-mortem examination were examined at autopsy. Thoracic radiographs were taken using a Faxitron cabinet X-ray machine at 40 kV using Kodak Diagnostic Film Ready Pack X-Omat TL. Measurements were taken to the nearest millimetre using a sliding calliper. Logistic regression analysis of measurements of the sternum and 4th rib was undertaken to determine sex. Using 4th rib width and sternal area, sex was predicted at an accuracy of 95.8% for males and 90.3% for females.     

The Scientific Integrity of Applied Research

This paper reviews some of the threats to scientific independence in the Netherlands that have recently alerted the scientific community. The problems are not only apparent in research requested by the government or local authorities; they are also found in a variety of research fields. They are essentially related to the increasing dearth of research funding in the universities. In Europe in general, and the Netherlands in particular, there are no large, independent research foundations which exist elsewhere, so research funding generally depends on funding by government, local authorities or industry. The problem has long been underappreciated and no effective action has been taken. However, more recently and as a consequence of media reports, a number of drastic measures are being taken. This paper deals first with the nature of the threats to the integrity of scientific research, and then reviews the type of actions that have been, and could be taken.