Comparison of natural and artificial aging of ballpoint inks

Abstract:  Solvent evaporation caused by aging from ballpoint inks was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The sample preparation was carried out with two different thermal desorption systems. The results are compared. Thirteen inks were classified with regard to their solvents, polymers, and additives. The variation of the aforementioned compounds caused by aging was monitored for naturally and artificially aged samples. In this paper, the results are compared and discussed with respect to forensic casework.     

The effect of chlorine and hydrogen chloride on latent fingermark evidence

Exposure of forensic evidence to either hydrogen chloride or chlorine can result in acidification to such an extent that enhancement of fingermarks with ninhydrin or cyanoacrylate is inhibited. Under these circumstances, pretreatment of samples with volatile bases such as triethylamine or ethanolamine prior to using these enhancement techniques can lead to successful visualization of fingermarks. Alternatively, physical enhancement techniques such as powder dusting or small particle reagent can be used on acidified non-porous substrates, although the former technique is subject to increased background under such conditions.     

Analysis of pathological and non-pathological human skeletal remains by FT-IR spectroscopy

In this study, we report the chemical analyses of various non-pathological, tuberculosis and syphilis infected bone samples from different burial environments by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), in the framework of a general study of diagenesis. Dating human skeletal remains is one of the most important and yet unreliable aspects of forensic anthropology. In this paper, a new method has been suggested, using the crystallinity index and carbonate-phosphate index as a means of distinction between recent and archaeological, anthropological bone samples. Pathological bone samples were analyzed with the same method to see if changes in crystallinity interfere with the process of dating.     

The spectroscopic detection of exogenous material in fingerprints after development with powders and recovery with adhesive lifters

The application of powders to fingerprints has long been established as an effective and reliable method for developing latent fingerprints. The powders adhere to the ridge pattern of the fingerprint only, thus allowing the image to be visualised. Fingerprints developed in situ at a crime scene routinely undergo lifting with specialist tapes to facilitate subsequent laboratory analysis. As with all recovered evidence these samples would be stored in evidence bags to allow secure transit from the scene to the laboratory and also to preserve the chain of evidence. In this paper, the application of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of exogenous material in latent fingerprints is reported for contaminated fingerprints that had been treated with powders and also subsequently lifted with adhesive tapes. A selection of over the counter (OTC) analgesics were used as samples for the analysis and contaminated fingerprints were deposited on clean glass slides. The application of aluminium or iron based powders to contaminated fingerprints did not interfere with the Raman spectra obtained for the contaminants. In most cases background fluorescence attributed to the sebaceous content of the latent fingerprint was reduced by the application of the powder thus reducing spectral interference. Contaminated fingerprints developed with powders and then lifted with lifting tapes were also examined. The combination of these two techniques did not interfere with the successful analysis of exogenous contaminants by Raman spectroscopy. The lifting process was repeated using hinge lifters. As the hinge lifters exhibited strong Raman bands the spectroscopic analysis was more complex and an increase in the number of exposures to the detector allowed for improved clarification. Raman spectra of developed and lifted fingerprints recorded through evidence bags were obtained and it was found that the detection process was not compromised in any way. Although the application of powders did not interfere with the detection process the time taken to locate the contaminant was increased due to the physical presence of more material within the fingerprint. The presence of interfering Raman bands from lifting tapes is another potential complication. This, however, could be removed by spectral subtraction or by the choice of lifting tapes that have only weak Raman bands.     

磁共振波谱技术推测不同温度下的死亡时间

目的利用单体素质子磁共振波谱技术推断不同温度下的死亡时间(postmortem interval,PMI),探讨不受外界环境温度影响下推断PMI的可行性。方法选取24只白兔,分为A组(10℃)、B组(30℃),利用磁共振单体素波谱测定死后0.5、1、2、4、6、8、12、16和24h脑内N-乙酰天冬氨酸(N-acetyl-aspartate,Naa)、胆碱复合物(Choline,Cho)、磷酸肌酸和肌酸(phosphocreatine and creatine,Cr)峰下面积(相对含量)及各代谢物之间相对含量的比值。结果在死后24h内Naa和Cr峰下面积随PMI的延长而减少,Naa/Cr、Cho/Cr随PMI的延长而降低。回归分析:自变量为Naa/Cr的二次多项式方程为:y=0.0019x2-0.803x 1.4498(R2=0.962);自变量为Cho/Cr的二次多项式方程为:y=-0.0024x2 0.926x 1.1777(R2=0.986)。用Naa/Cr的方程推测PMI,当PMI<24h时,平均偏离时间为2.10～37.90min,用Cho/Cr的方程推测PMI,当PMI<24h时,平均偏离时间为1.69～40.87min。结论Naa/Cr、Cho/Cr的死后变化与时间呈强相关性且受环境温度影响不大,可用于不同温度下PMI推断。     

The Initial Changes of Fat Deposits During the Decomposition of Human and Pig Remains

Abstract:  The early stages of adipocere formation in both pig and human adipose tissue in aqueous environments have been investigated. The aims were to determine the short-term changes occurring to fat deposits during decomposition and to ascertain the suitability of pigs as models for human decomposition. Subcutaneous adipose tissue from both species after immersion in distilled water for up to six months was compared using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Changes associated with decomposition were observed, but no adipocere was formed during the initial month of decomposition for either tissue type. Early-stage adipocere formation in pig samples during later months was detected. The variable time courses for adipose tissue decomposition were attributed to differences in the distribution of total fatty acids between species. Variations in the amount of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were also detected between species. The study shows that differences in total fatty acid composition between species need to be considered when interpreting results from experimental decomposition studies using pigs as human body analogs.     

Automated SEM/EDS Analysis of Airbag Residue. II: Airbag Residue as a Source of Percussion Primer Residue Particles

Abstract:  Automated scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy has been used to analyze airbag residue particles. Analysis of airbag residue from some passenger side airbags revealed some residue particles which are consistent with gunshot residue (GSR) samples. The source of these particles was determined to be percussion primers used to initiate the chemical reaction for deployment. This article identifies some vehicles which contain this type of airbag and demonstrates the types of particles which could be misidentified as being GSR. The low numbers of GSR particles in among the large particle populations of zirconium and/or copper–cobalt particles, which are clearly airbag residue, allow the trained analysts to distinguish the correct source of this residue. Particles containing high aluminum levels, elevated levels of allowable elements in GSR particles, or the presence of elements that are rare in GSR particles stand out as indications that the particles are not GSR in origin. This study serves as a guide to analysts who perform particle analysis in forensic investigations.     

国际核安全合作法律机制研究

核武器扩散、核能利用安全、核恐怖主义问题是当前国际核安全领域急需解决的热点问题,亦是关乎世界和平与安全的重大命题.解决该问题需要各国超越政治制度的差异和意识形态的分歧,实现真诚的谅解和持久的合作,建立国际核安全法律机制.现有的国际核安全合作法律机制是以限制核能军用、促进核能民用的国际法律文件为基础、以国际原子能机构为组织核心辅以多边及双边实践的初具规模的体系,然而该体系仍有诸多不足.完善国际核安全合作法律机制需要:改善核安全机制的法律基础;优化国际原子能机构的效能;建立稳定、合作与互信的国际安全大环境;在集体安全的框架里,加强国际社会的团结合作.     

Detection of Gunshot Residue in Blowfly Larvae and Decomposing Porcine Tissue Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS)*

Abstract: Blowfly larvae and porcine tissue contaminated with gunshot residue (GSR) were collected during summer and winter months, over a 37‐day and a 60‐day sampling period, respectively. Wound samples were microwave‐digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) for the detection of antimony, barium, and lead. During summer, the 37‐day sampling period encompassed all stages of decomposition, except skeletonization. The three elements were detected in larvae only on days 3 and 4 after death but were detected at significant levels in tissue samples throughout the entire sampling period. In winter, no significant decomposition was observed throughout the 60‐day sampling. Although temperatures were too low for blowfly activity, the three elements were detected in the tissue samples at relatively constant, significant levels. Hence, GSR determination in tissue was more dependent on decomposition stage rather than time since death.     

Stubs Versus Swabs? A Comparison of Gunshot Residue Collection Techniques

Abstract: The collection efficiency of two widely used gunshot residue (GSR) collection techniques—carbon‐coated adhesive stubs and alcohol swabs—has been compared by counting the number of characteristic GSR particles collected from the firing hand of a shooter after firing one round. Samples were analyzed with both scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐rays by an experienced GSR analyst, and the number of particles on each sample containing Pb, Ba, and Sb counted. The adhesive stubs showed a greater collection efficiency as all 24 samples gave positive results for GSR particles whereas the swabs gave only positive results for half of the 24 samples. Results showed a statistically significant collection efficiency for the stub collection method and likely reasons for this are considered.