胸腰椎压缩性骨折压缩程度评估方法比较

目的探讨胸腰椎压缩性骨折压缩程度不同评估方法间的差异。方法 1.选取211例胸腰椎压缩性骨折X线片资料,用4种方法以压缩椎体前缘高度分别与其后缘、上一椎体前缘、下一椎体前缘、上下椎体前缘高度均值比较,评估相应压缩程度并比较各方法间的差异。2.选取其中146例,测量压缩椎体相邻上方三个正常椎体高度,比较中位椎体前缘高度分别与其后缘、上一椎体前缘、下一椎体前缘、上下椎体前缘高度均值的差异。结果 1.压缩椎体前缘分别与后缘、上一椎体前缘、上下椎体前缘高度均值评估的压缩程度,两两组间P0.05;但压缩椎体前缘与后缘、下一椎体前缘评估组间P0.05。2.正常中位椎体前缘与后缘、上一椎体前缘、下一椎体前缘高度组间均P0.05,而与上下椎体前缘高度均值组间P0.05,且一致性较好。结论本文不同方法对胸腰椎骨折压缩程度评估存在差异,压缩椎体前缘与上下椎体前缘高度均值比较评估其压缩程度更准确。     

A simple technique for imaging the human skeleton using a flatbed scanner

A simple technique for imaging the human skeleton with a flatbed scanner is presented using the auricular surface of the ilium as an example. A flatbed scanner with resolution capabilities of 600 dpi or greater allows for images of human bones. The auricular surface of the ilium was selected to demonstrate this technique as it is a fairly three-dimensional area that can be difficult to record photographically. Fifty left ilia of various ages at death from the Athens Collection were selected from which three observers (SCF, CE, and IM) scored the morphology of the auricular surface using a well-established aging method. Observations were taken of the dry bone, of digital photographs of the bone, and of scanned images of the bone, and in that sequence. Results indicate that scores of scanned images are equivalent or better than digital images of the same ilia. This technique allows for sharing data electronically with ease.     

Rethinking the IQ-delinquency relationship: A longitudinal analysis of multiple theoretical models

Criminological research has consistently demonstrated a relationship between IQ and delinquency, yet scholars continue to debate the precise mechanisms by which IQ should have an effect on delinquent behavior. Although researchers typically view the IQ-delinquency relationship as a function of “school performance,” additional explanations exist that have yet to be formally tested in conjunction with one another within the same analysis. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) we extend existing research by assessing the indirect effect of IQ on delinquency through three intervening processes: school performance, deviant peer pressure, and self-control. The results indicate strong support for the school performance model (especially when linked with self-control), yet considerable evidence exists of an indirect effect of IQ on delinquency through both deviant peer pressure and self-control. The implications for future theoretical development and integration are discussed.     

Healed fractures of the larynx and lingual bone in forensic autopsy]

Laryngohyoid fractures are a frequently investigated matter, especially in the forensic literature. On the other hand, there are only very few (old) forensic reports of such fractures in survived cases. However, healed fractures are not seldom found in forensic autopsies: In a personal series of 1160 forensic autopsies (adult persons) a careful dissection of the laryngohyoid complex was done by 1 investigator. Only a macroscopic examination of the cartilages was carried out; radiographs and histological slices were not regularly made. Therefore only a part of existing old fractures is detectable; for example, healed fissures are not visible with this simple method. Furthermore, asymmetries of the thyroid laminae cannot be declared as posttraumatic without additional examination, because this condition is described as possible anatomic anomaly. From that, the injury frequencies presented here only mark the lower threshold of the existence of such findings. Healed fractures of the upper thyroid horns and the major hyoid horns can be easily detected even in a routine examination, if healing resulted in a fixed dislocation or apposition of bone surrounding the former fracture site. In the present series, this was the predominant localization of old fractures: the upper thyroid horns (43 cases), followed by the hyoid cornua (12 cases), a combination of both sites (5) and cricoid fractures (5). Of the total 65 healed fractures (5.6%), 35 were found in the group of 290 chronic alcoholics (12.1%) and only 3.4% in non-alcoholics. In the subgroup of middle-aged alcoholics, the fracture rate increased up to 19%. However, this group did not present a higher rate of fresh laryngohyoid injuries (not related to strangulation) than the other cases. The old fractures probably resulted from minor "daily" injuries (like falls), which are common, especially in chronic alcoholics. The frequency of such findings should be in mind if an apparently fresh fracture, found in an actual autopsy, should be related to the cause of death: there is a real chance, that this fracture occurred prior, and without causal connection to the factors resulting in death. Therefore a histological examination of the age of this finding is necessary. Cricoid fractures are quite uncommon, except in serious external neck trauma. In 1 of our 5 cases, this fracture was caused by repeated cruelty, finally resulting in death.     

A comprehensive regression tree to estimate body weight from the skeleton

The purpose of this research is to estimate actual body weight (in particular obesity) from the human skeleton. Known individuals (total n=187) were studied from the Bass Collection from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This research combines bone density, cross-sectional geometry of the femur and skeletal pathologies. Bone mineral density was calculated for the proximal femur. Three-dimensional bone surface models were created from computed tomographic scans. Cross-sectional geometry of the femur was calculated at five locations along the diaphysis. The pathologies analyzed were heel spurs, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and tibial osteoarthritis. The best regression tree model included only four variables. The first split to estimate body weight was the minimum moment of inertia (I(y) ) at the distal femur, the second was midshaft width, then anteroposterior thickness at the proximal slice and the final split was the degree of DISH (SD 17.1-31.0 kg). The ability to estimate body weight from the skeleton is one more useful tool for the osteologist.     

Positive identification by a skull with multiple epigenetic traits and abnormal structure of the neurocranium, viscerocranium, and the skeleton

Wormian bones are small ossicles appearing within the cranial sutures in more than 40% of skulls, most commonly at the lambdoid suture and pterion. During the skeletal analysis of an unidentified male war victim, we observed multiple wormian bones and a patent metopic suture. Additionally, the right elbow was deformed, probably as a consequence of an old trauma. The skull was analyzed by cranial measurements and computerized tomography, revealing the presence of cranial deformities including hyperbrachicrania, localized reduction in hemispheral widths, increased cranial capacity, and sclerosis of the viscerocranium. Besides unique anatomical features and their anthropological value, such skeletal abnormalities also have a forensic value as the evidence to support the final identification of the victim.     

A formal representation of declaration-related legal relations

A formal language is introduced that contains expressions for the dependency of a legal relation on the claims that the concerned individuals make and on the permissions that they grant. It is used for a classification of legal relations into six major categories: categorical obligation, categorical permission, claimable obligation, grantable permission, claim-dependent obligation and grant-dependent permission. Legal rights may belong to any of these six categories, but the characteristics of a right-holder are shown to be different in each of the six types.     

Determination of age based on the skeleton

A skeleton is reported that was found 40-100 cm under the surface of the earth; the light, porous bones had partially fallen to pieces. The most remarkable point was the discrepancy between the age of the bone and that of the teeth: based on the bones, the age of the living human being was about 30-40 years; on the basis of the teeth, however, the person was much older. The matter was cleared up with the help of a neck chain that was a precursor to the torques worn by the Celts; thus the skeleton was about 2500 years old. As the teeth were worn down much more through more use in prehistoric times than they are today, the age of the living person is likely to be the bone age, which was about 35 years.     

面颅种族判定的测量研究

通过对国内外面颅种族判定测量研究现状的回顾和评析,指出目前尚没有进行中国黄种人面颅测量种族判定的有效方法。在已进行的面颅种族判定测量研究中,上面部指标的种族判定效果最好,而上腭区和下颌骨指标的种族判定效果较差。所以对于中国黄种人面颅种族判定的测量研究应当更多借鉴上面部的研究成果。     

Medical and legal problems of multiple death certificates]

In cases of unnatural death and unclear manner of death the police has according to section 159 StPO to inform the prosecution. The prosecutor has to decide how the case shall be handled. Independent inquiries or even independent handling of the case by the police are not scheduled. For legal purposes it is not possible to induce another doctor to issue another death certificate with the manner of death certified as natural.     

Sacroiliac joint bridging: simple and reliable criteria for sexing the skeleton

Vital to the study of past populations and an important phase in executing a forensic anthropological examination is the determination of skeleton sex. The aim of this study is to present an easy and reliable criterion for sexing the skeleton. The ilium and sacrum of 2845 skeletons were examined for new bone formation and for bridging/fusion in/across the sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac joint bridging (SIB) was present in 12.27% of the males and 1.83% of the females. In 97% of the males bridging was extra-articular, whereas in all females bridging was intra-articular. In addition, computed tomograghy images of 81 in vivo individuals were examined for the same phenomenon. SIB was present in 34.2% of the males and 4.6% of the females. Bony spurs present on the ilium for a preliminary partial or full extra-articular bridging of the sacroiliac joint indicate a male skeleton. SIB presents an easy technique for sexing skeletons (especially in elderly individuals where the phenomenon of SIB becomes very common), as no prior knowledge, training, or equipment is required to apply the criterion.     

A framework for the analysis of corruption

The article sets out a framework within which the problem of corruption may be analysed in any specific country. It does not seek to establish the importance of such activity in a general sense, or seek to propose particular economic policy or institutional programmes that should be pursued in order to reduce the impact on the development process. Rather, the objective is to provide a structure for two distinct areas of analysis. Firstly, it considers the investigation of the determinants of corruption, emphasising the environment in which corruption evolves — whether shaped by international, national or specific institutional factors — and the manner in which the different parties to corruption interact and organise themselves in conducting these activities. Secondly, the article focusses on the importance of corruption for economic development by considering the different forms of corruption and the characteristics of these forms that are most critical for economic activity. Here, the distortions that are introduced into on-going economic activity are identified, together with the manner in which these distortions redirect activity in sub-optimal directions. In addition, the nature of the uncertainty attaching to these differing forms of corruption is considered, and especially the degree to which a form may be considered anarchic or structured in character: the former reflecting a system of intense uncertainty, and the latter one of less uncertainty — perhaps, only minimal uncertainty — as a predictable and stable set of relationships between parties is established. Finally, the article reviews the empirical work that has been undertaken in this field. This article, therefore, seeks to identify how detailed case study analysis, focussed on individual countries — and, indeed, on specific institutions or sectors within those countries — could valuably complement these existing studies, and provide a framework for those seeking to design policy that is appropriate to any individual circumstance. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Forensic aspects of spatially and temporally related multiple corpses]

The authors analysed 171 cases of two or more corpses, found in a spatial and temporal coherence. The investigation revealed cases of manifold-homicides, homicides with suicide of the perpetrator, manifold-suicides, affects of cryptic, non human dangers from the outside, joint exposition to potential dangerous situations and casual deaths of two people at one place due to natural, internal diseases. The necessity of an autopsy in each case is pointed out.     

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.     

Multiple murder and criminal careers: A latent class analysis of multiple homicide offenders

PurposeTo construct an empirically rigorous typology of multiple homicide offenders (MHOs).MethodThe current study conducted latent class analysis of the official records of 160 MHOs sampled from eight states to evaluate their criminal careers.ResultsA 3-class solution best fit the data (?2LL = ?1123.61, Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) = 2648.15, df = 81, L² = 1179.77). Class 1 (n = 64, class assignment probability = .999) was the low-offending group marked by little criminal record and delayed arrest onset. Class 2 (n = 51, class assignment probability = .957) was the severe group that represents the most violent and habitual criminals. Class 3 (n = 45, class assignment probability = .959) was the moderate group whose offending careers were similar to Class 2.ConclusionA sustained criminal career with involvement in versatile forms of crime was observed for two of three classes of MHOs. Linkages to extant typologies and recommendations for additional research that incorporates clinical constructs are proffered.     

Beyond collective representation: individual members of parliament and interest representation in the Netherlands

In political representation research it is now generally recognised that in parliamentary systems political parties rather than individual members of parliament are the key actors in the process of political representation. However, this focus on political parties might have led to an underestimation of the role of individual members of parliament in this process, even in purely parliamentary systems. It tends to neglect the efforts of representatives to secure particular benefits for individuals or groups in their constituencies. In this paper we will address the question to what extent these forms of representation are part of the repertoire of activities of members of the Dutch parliament as compared to other European parliaments.     

The analysis of the methylenedioxy derivatives of amphetamine]

Methods for analysis of narcotics belonging to amphetamine methylene dioxy derivatives (MDD) are reviewed. The characteristics of these agents, their metabolism, and methods used for their detection and identification (TLC, GC, HPLC, GC/MS) are described. Methods for their extraction from biological objects (human urine and hair) are described. Efficacy of MDMA and MDEA from the urine by different extractants is assessed. The data demonstrate different potentialities for detection and identification of amphetamine MDD, including those in biological specimens (human urine and hairs), by numerous chromatographic methods.     

22例外伤性上颌骨额突骨折的法医学分析

近年来,随着CT的广泛应用,上颌骨额突骨折的法医学鉴定日益引起大家的重视,笔者就我市1998—2003年22例上颌骨额突骨折进行了法医学统计、分析。一、资料(一)一般情况本组22例中,男20例,女2例,年龄21-65岁。致伤方式有:拳击(15例)、棍棒伤(2例)、砖块伤(2例)、脚踢(1例)、铁锹拍击(1例)、啤酒瓶伤(1例)。临床表现为:颜面、鼻部肿胀,鼻根内陷,呼吸不畅,部分鼻部检验未见明显外伤。(二)扫描方法本组均行鼻部侧位X线检查和鼻部CT水平位扫描(以CM线为基线,层厚2m m细描),其中10例行副鼻部冠状扫描。(三)影像结果本组鼻骨侧位片均未检见额突骨…