Forensic chemical testing of cadaveric material for acetonitrile

Gas chromatographic conditions for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of acetonitrile in biological material were determined, including those for reactive gas chromatography. Absolute and relative time of acetonitrile and concomitant substances retention in three columns of different polarity was determined. Study of the time of acetonitrile retention in biological material showed that acetonitrile concentration in the blood virtually did not change in cadaveric material stored in a hermetically closed flask for 2 weeks at 20 +/- 3 degrees C, while its concentration in the stomach decreased by 10-15%. Distribution of acetonitrile in human viscera in lethal poisoning was studied; the agent was evenly distributed in the gastric wall, intestine, liver, and kidney, while its concentrations in the lung and brain were 2-3 times higher. Forensic chemical expert analyses of the blood, urine, and viscera from corpses of humans dead from lethal acetonitrile poisoning showed that lethal concentration in the blood was 28.3-57.0 mg and in the urine 23.2-40.6 mg/100 ml.     

Incidence of GM-system factors in indigenous peoples of Buryatia

Distribution of blood groups by the serum Gm system was studied in Buryats and in the entire population of Buryatia without consideration for the national appurtenance and with consideration for sex. Differences in the incidence of the factors were detected.     

Criminal Decision Making: The Development of Adolescent Judgment,Criminal Responsibility,and Culpability

Theories of judgment in decision making hypothesize that throughout adolescence, judgment is impaired because the development of several psychosocial factors that are presumed to influence decision making lags behind the development of the cognitive capacities that are required to make mature decisions. This study uses an innovative video technique to examine the role of several psychosocial factors—temporal perspective, peer influence, and risk perception—in adolescent criminal decision making. Results based on data collected from 56 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years revealed that detained youth were more likely to think of future-oriented consequences of engaging in the depicted delinquent act and less likely to anticipate pressure from their friends than nondetained youth. Examination of the developmental functions of the psychosocial factors indicates age-based differences on standardized measures of temporal perspective and resistance to peer influence and on measures of the role of risk perception in criminal decision making. Assessments of criminal responsibility and culpability were predicted by age and ethnicity. Implications for punishment in the juvenile justice system are discussed.