References for determining the time of death by potassium in vitreous humor

The different statements concerning the slope and intercept of the regression line and the 95% limits of confidence are the reason that potassium in vitreous humor is not used (at least in Germany) as an aid in estimating the time of death. The relationship between the concentration of potassium and the time of death is mainly influenced by antemortem electrolyte imbalances caused by disease and/or duration of terminal episode. The influence of terminal episode is best identified by its duration (Adelson et al., J. Forensic Sci., 8 (1963) 503–514). In order to have a method suitable for every case and to be as precise as possible we looked therefore for parameters in vitreous humor which were stable postmortem and indicating antemortem electrolyte imbalance. Urea is such a parameter, being stable postmortem (Coe, Am. J. Clin. Pathol., 51 (1969) 741–750) and useful as a marker of antemortem electrolyte imbalance. Our investigations on potassium in vitreous humor, including sudden and hospital deaths after chronic lingering disease, revealed 95% limits of confidence of ±34 h up to 120 h postmortem. Reviewing only cases with urea less than 100 mg/dl the 95% limits of confidence could be reduced to ±22 h. Considering the duration of terminal episode (<6 h) the precision was ±20 h. In this way our modified procedure is suitable for every case with the resulting precision of estimation being determined only by the duration of the terminal episode and urea concentration.     

Looking for Sustainability: Environmental Coalitions across the State-Society Divide

This paper compares environmental policymaking in two Brazilian cities, Rio de Janeiro and Cubatão. It examines the formation of state-society synergistic interactions in the public policymaking process and their effect on long term sustainability of social mobilization. It concludes that whereas social capital can be constructed in the context of policymaking, it is critically dependent on a concerted effort from both state and society actors to build trust in their daily interactions. The Cubatão and Carioca River cases show that state-society synergy had little effect on the ability of the policy coalitions formed for pollution clean up to sustain themselves over time. Instead, there are indications that rather than a constraint, the flexible and informal nature of such coalitions may have been a critical factor in their ability to carry out policy successfully.     

On the relationship between cognitive abilities and life-course-persistent offending among a sample of African Americans: A longitudinal test of Moffitt's hypothesis

Prior criminological research showed that cognitive abilities were related to delinquent and criminal activity, primarily within adolescent samples. Moffitt's developmental taxonomy anticipates that cognitive abilities will relate to criminal activity differently throughout the population of offenders, mattering more for life-course-persistent than adolescence-limited offenders. Unfortunately, prior research had not examined in great detail the long-term influence of cognitive abilities on criminal activity from birth to adulthood nor had research explored this issue within an African American sample. In this study, data from the Philadelphia portion of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project (NCPP) were used to examine the long-term effect of cognitive abilities on criminal activity from birth to adulthood.     

Evaluation of the 190H analogues of prostaglandins E1, E2, F1 alpha and F2 alpha as specific markers for the identification of human semen in body fluid mixtures

The specificity of antisera raised against each of the prostaglandin series 190H E1/E2 and 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha, produced in males, was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Further, the ability of these antisera to detect semen specific prostaglandins in mixtures of body fluids was examined. Antisera directed against the 190H E1/E2 series cross-reacted with prostaglandin E1 and marginally with E2. Antisera raised to the 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha series were, however, highly specific to the semen specific prostaglandins 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha and 190H E1/E2. It was possible to detect picogramme quantities of contaminating 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha on vaginal swabs taken up to 72 h after intercourse and on vaginal swabs stored at room temperature for up to 2 years. These prostaglandins were not detected on semen free vaginal swabs, in faecal material, saliva, urine or in a sample of human milk (stain). A limited study of casework material is also described. Detection of the 190H F series, as a group, has considerable potential in the identification of human semen at picogramme levels, eliminating the need for alternative chemical tests and extensive microscopic examination.     

A transition zone phenomenon of the skin in cadavers lying in bath water

In three cases a phenomenon is reported, seen on the skin of bodies found dead after a longer time of lying in bathtubs filled with water. The sign was parallel to the surface of the water and showed a breadth up to about 1 cm. Contrary to the surrounding skin, the mark was characterized by paleness and clearly les distinct formation of postmortem alterations as put-refaction. Searching for an explanation, temperature measurements were performed in model. The results showed the marginal paleness of the skin to be a thermal phase transition phenomenon. This mark has a forensic message too: it demonstrates a longer remaining of the corpse in the corresponding position, is a statement concerning the high of the water level, and allows a reconstruction of the original situation after manipulation, but is no sign of vital reaction.     

ORGANIZATIONAL REDUNDANCY? A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE GEAR PROJECT

'Area approaches' have become a new conventional wisdom for dealing with urban deprivation. Such thinking is evident in Michael Heseltine's Liverpool 'initiative'. This article contributes to an emerging critique of such approaches, by highlighting some political and organizational problems rather than stressing their incipient economic difficulties. Arguably the biggest anti-deprivation project in Western Europe, the Glasgow Eastern Area Renewal scheme (GEAR) is taken as a case study. Official claims of success are juxtaposed against an alternative perspective outlining possible weaknesses and dilemmas. Critical analysis leads to the conclusion that the GEAR constellation of organizations may be best regarded as a mutually non-effective organizational set. The persistence of such an institution, while serving short-term political and administrative needs, may unwittingly produce longer-term negative political and social consequences. The authors argue that if such problems are to be avoided in the future, the political and organizational drawbacks of this type of initiative must be appreciated.