Use of PCR-RFLP for differentiation of calliphorid larvae (Diptera,Calliphoridae) on human corpses

Blowfly larvae found on human corpses are important for the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) and other questions of forensic relevance. Some of these species are difficult to differentiate morphologically, therefore a molecular method was elaborated for species identification. Specific fragments of the COI and COII region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were amplified followed by digestion with different restriction enzymes. Using a 1.3 kb fragment, identification of Lucilia sericata, Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria was possible by digestion with only one restriction enzyme using either DraI or HinfI. Furthermore, we sequenced 349 bp (a part of the COI and COII regions) from the same three species and found 34 nucleotide distinctions between C. vicina and L. sericata, 30 between C. vomitoria and L. sericata and 15 between the two Calliphora species. These results aid in quick identification of species used for estimation of PMI.     

STR data for 09 autosomal STR markers from Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil)

Allele frequencies for 09 STR autosomal loci (D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D18S51, D21S11, FGA and VWA) included in the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus were obtained from a sample of unrelated individuals from Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil).     

Study of unusual phenomenon of contact firing on gelatine block using .38 Special revolver--forensic importance

Gunshot wounds in suicide cases are self-inflicted wounds. Self-inflicted wounds in suicide cases are usually caused by contact firing and are of great forensic significance. Evaluation of contact wound may be associated with difficulties if the bore gets obstruction prior to firing. This paper investigates the phenomenon and interprets the results of test firing conducted on 20% gelatine block at 10 degrees C, using .38 Special revolver with obstruction of a bullet in the bore. Test firings were conducted in three different muzzle-target contact conditions keeping the muzzle pressed against the gel block in each case. The physical evidence and the wound ballistic parameter namely bullet track, remaining velocity of the bullets and volume of permanent cavity have been studied. When compared with the results of contact firing conducted with the same firearm without having any bore obstruction under similar conditions, it has been found that the physical evidence and the wound ballistic parameters would be helpful for interpretation of such unusual incidents for forensic inference.     

New regionalism(s) in the global political economy. Conceptual understanding in historical perspective

  This paper places the contemporary study of regionalism in historical context. It argues that the study of regionalism has occurred in two waves. The first gathered pace as a sub-field of International Relations from the late 1950s and the second emerged in the context of the globalisation of the late 1980s and the 1990s. RID="*" ID="*" This paper, originally presented as a lecture to the Asia Europe Foundation University, 7^th Summer School, Barcelona: November 11, 2002, represents an abbreviated and revised version of Shaun Breslin and Richard Higgott (2000) Studying Regions: Learning from the Old Constructing the New, New Political Economy 5 (3): 333–352. Permission of the Editors of New Political Economy to publish in this form is gratefully acknowledged. The support of the Economic and Social Research Council in the writing of this paper is also gratefully acknowledged.     

Extraction of 1,2- and 1,4-dihydroxybenzene from water solutions

The results of extraction of 1,2- and 1,4-dihydroxybenzene from water solutions by the hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic solvents are described. The influence of an extragent nature and of a water-phase pH medium on an extraction degree is demonstrated. The repetition factor needed to extract a preset quantity of examined compounds is calculated.     

Determination of 2.4-dinitrophenol,its basic metabolite and 4-oxide diphenyl in biological materials

A possibility was considered to isolate, by using dimethylformamide, 2.4-dinitrophenol, 2-amino-4-nitrophenol and 4-oxid-diphenyl from a biological-origin object. A method of extraction with subsequent chromatography in thin silicon-gel layer was used to purify the isolates from biological materials. The designed technique provides for identifying and for quantitatively defining the discussed phenol structures contained in the isolates from the liver tissue of corpses and human blood.