Clinically Detectable Dental Identifiers Observed in Intra‐oral Photographs and Extra‐oral Radiographs,Validated for Human Identification Purposes

Screening the prevalence and pattern of dental identifiers contributes toward the process of human identification. This research investigated the uniqueness of clinical dental identifiers in photographs and radiographs. Panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs and five intra‐oral photographs of 1727 subjects were used. In a target set, two observers examined different subjects. In a subset, both observers examined the same subjects (source set). The distance between source and target subjects was quantified for each identifier. The percentage of subjects in the target set being at least as close as the correct subject was assessed. The number of molars (34.6%), missing teeth (42%), and displaced teeth (59.9%) were the most unique identifiers in photographs and panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs, respectively. The pattern of rotated teeth (14.9%) was the most unique in photographs, while displaced teeth was in panoramic (37.6%) and lateral cephalometric (54.8%) radiographs. Morphological identifiers were the most unique, highlighting their importance for human identifications.     

Introducing Human Mandible Identification [(hu)MANid]: A Free,Web‐Based GUI to Classify Human Mandibles

Statistical programs have revolutionized the way in which forensic anthropologists conduct casework by allowing practitioners to use computationally complex analytics at the click of a button. Importantly, the products of these statistical programs are reproducible and contain measures of error or uncertainty, thereby strengthening conclusions. This paper is an introduction to (hu)MANid, a free, web‐based application that uses linear and mixture discriminant function analyses to classify human mandibles into one of many worldwide and/or periodic reference groups. The mechanics, development, and use of the application will be discussed. Further, the program was tested against other software to compare model performances and classifications. Total correct classifications among the test cases and programs were identical. Ten mandibles were tested using both statistical procedures. Mixture discriminant analysis improved classification by an average of 9.3% and correctly identified three more mandibles than LDA. Therefore, we believe (hu)MANid will be an asset to the anthropological community.     

The Effect of Decomposition on the Efficacy of Biometrics for Positive Identification

Biometrics, unique measurable physiological and behavioral characteristics, are used to identify individuals in a variety of scenarios, including forensic investigations. However, data on the longevity of these indicators are incomplete. This study demonstrated that iris and fingerprint biometric data can be obtained up to four days postmortem in warmer seasons and 50 + days in the winter. It has been generally believed, but never studied, that iris recognition is only obtainable within the first 24 hours after death. However, this study showed that they remain viable for longer (2–34 days) depending upon the environmental conditions. Temperature, precipitation, insects, and scavenger activity were the primary factors affecting the retention of biometrics in decomposing human remains. While this study is an initial step in determining the utility of physiological biometrics across postmortem time, biometric research has the potential to make important contributions to human identification and the law enforcement, military, and medicolegal communities.     

Failure of anthropometry as a facial identification technique using high-quality photographs

Anthropometry can be used in certain circumstances to facilitate comparison of a photograph of a suspect with that of the potential offender from surveillance footage. Experimental research was conducted to determine whether anthropometry has a place in forensic practice in confirming the identity of a suspect from a surveillance video. We examined an existing database of photographic lineups, where one video image was compared against 10 photographs, which has previously been used in psychological research. Target (1) and test (10) photos were of high quality, although taken with a different camera. The anthropometric landmarks of right and left ectocanthions, nasion, and stomion were chosen, and proportions and angle values between these landmarks were measured to compare target with test photos. Results indicate that these measurements failed to accurately identify targets. There was also no indication that any of the landmarks made a better comparison than another. It was concluded that, for these landmarks, this method does not generate the consistent results necessary for use as evidence in a court of law.     

Skeletal Trauma Resulting From Fatal Low (≤3 m) Free Falls: An Analysis of Fracture Patterns and Morphologies

The skeletal trauma resulting from fatal low (≤3 m) free falls is poorly researched and understood by forensic practitioners. The aim of this study was to identify the types of skeletal trauma resulting from low falls through investigating fracture patterns and morphologies. Skeletal trauma was analyzed using full‐body postmortem computed tomography scans of 145 individuals who died from a low free fall. Trauma was then contextualized to the variables that influence how a person falls using multiple logistic regression. Results showed fracture patterning primarily involved the axial skeleton and that there were a number of patterns significantly associated with the height fallen, pre‐existing health conditions, and age. Analysis of fracture morphologies showed 108 possible fracture types, six of which were significantly associated with the height fallen. Understanding the skeletal trauma characteristic of low free falls will further inform anthropological interpretations of trauma in cases where a fall may be considered the possible mechanism.     

关于中国人牙齿形态图像的比对研究

在现代法庭科学中,人身识别主要采用下列四种技术:指纹识别、虹膜纹识别、DNA技术和牙齿形态识别.指纹载体是综合性有机物,虹膜是软组织,在重大灾难性案件中,它们极易被毁坏,且我国也尚未建立起非犯罪人口档案库;DNA技术虽然鉴定精确,但成本高、检验周期较长,因此这三种技术都有不足之处.相比之下,牙齿形态鉴定法效果较好,文章对此作了详细介绍.     

双针挂针疗法结合温和灸治疗周围性面瘫急性期疗效观察

目的 观察双针挂针疗法结合温和灸悬灸翳风穴治疗周围性面瘫急性期的临床疗效。方法 将60例符合周围性面瘫急性期诊断标准的患者随机分为观察组与对照组,每组30例。在急性期单纯使用基础药物治疗的基础上,观察组采用双针挂针疗法,并辅以温和灸,对照组则不加用针刺治疗。两组各治疗7 d后,均改用常规针刺手法,以7 d为1个疗程,共治疗3个疗程。观察两组患者治疗前、治疗第7天及治疗第21天面神经功能评分及疗效。结果 观察组基于面神经功能评分的疗效优于对照组（P＜0.05）。两组患者治疗7 d、21 d后面神经功能评分均显著高于治疗前（P＜0.05）;治疗7、21 d后,观察组患者面神经功能评分均显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 在周围性面瘫急性期使用双针挂针疗法结合温和灸的治疗方案,可恢复患侧面神经功能,改善患者预后。     

数字图像复原技术的原理及在刑事技术中的应用

目的介绍数字图像处理技术在刑事案件复原的应用,促进该技术的发展。方法利用数字算法、滤波、几何运算等计算机图像处理技术进行复原处理。结果对案件的隐含、残缺、微弱信息,模糊图像、变形物证复原及特征显现。结论刑事数字图像复原技术在刑事技术领域有了广阔的应用前景。     

Beyond the sphere of the English facial approximation literature: ramifications of German papers on western method concepts

In the English literature, facial approximation methods have been commonly classified into three types: "Russian,"American," or "Combination." These categorizations are based on the protocols used, for example, whether methods use average soft-tissue depths (American methods) or require face muscle construction (Russian methods). However, literature searches outside the usual realm of English publications reveal key papers that demonstrate that the Russian category above has been founded on distorted views. In reality, Russian methods are based on limited face muscle construction, with heavy reliance on modified average soft-tissue depths. A closer inspection of the American method also reveals inconsistencies with the recognized classification scheme. This investigation thus demonstrates that all major methods of facial approximation depend on both face anatomy and average soft-tissue depths, rendering common method classification schemes redundant. The best way forward appears to be for practitioners to describe the methods they use (including the weight each one gives to average soft-tissue depths and deep face tissue construction) without placing them in any categorical classificatory group or giving them an ambiguous name. The state of this situation may need to be reviewed in the future in light of new research results and paradigms.     

Chemical composition and structure of the microcrystals formed between silver(I) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and gamma-hydroxyvaleric acid

This study examined microcrystals formed by silver with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and gamma-hydroxyvaleric acid (GHV), the five-carbon analog of GHB, in the presence of silver, copper, and lanthanide nitrates. Distinct microcrystals formed with silver (+1) and lanthanum (+3) ions but not with the copper (+2) ions. The crystals formed with GHB were distinctly different than those formed with GHV and in all cases, the drug microcrystals were easily distinguishable from reagent crystals. X-ray diffraction analysis provided definitive structure for the microcrystals. The morphological differences between the silver-GHB and silver-GHV crystals were characterized using simple measurements such as size and angles provided by image recognition software. The utility of the test for casework was demonstrated using spiked beverage samples.