25 January 2016, Volume 41 Issue 1

    

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Reviews
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  Comparison on Forensic Science Standardization between China and the United States

  HUA Feng, ZHOU Hong

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 5-12. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.001

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  This paper provides an overview of the development and current situation of forensic science standardization in China and the United States. With inquisition into standardization management mechanism of the two countries, the comparison was made among the items of standard organization construction, standard formulation and revision, and standard application. Similarities of forensic science standardization were found such as their management mechanisms, which are both dominated by government departments. However, there are some differences existing on various aspects. The Chinese standardization organization presents singleness but that of us diversified, meanwhile the standard review and approval procedure demonstrate the specificity of Chinaʼs decentralization and USʼ centralization. Neither their voting regulations for forensic standards nor the focus of standard development is the same. In the United States, subcommittees are set up at a wider range of professional areas with more diversified and standardized membership forms and terms, and its committee meeting is more specific and operational with sufficient financial support. In order to ensure their quality and application, the formulation of USʼ standards, based on openness, concerns with more external factors which might affect the development of standards. The standards are set forth with more extensive sources, more coexistent of transformation and formulation, therefore more acceptable and easy to be implemented. Thus, the author calls for learning experience from American counterparts to narrow the gap between the two countries. By strengthening the building of standardization bodies and financial support to promote the effective application of consensus-based standards, a sustainable mechanism will be able to set up for the development and maintenance of standards in Chinese forensic communities.
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  Virtopsy in Forensic Medical Diagnosis of Drowning

  YAN Siqian, LIU Li

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 13-15. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.002

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  Drowning is a common cause of death. There are several assays to examine drowning bodies, but none of them becomes widely recognized. Virtopsy is considered to be a new imaging technology in post-mortem studies. Such non-invasive or minimally invasive method is utilized to examine corpses out of drowning, with the traditional autopsist’s knife or scissors replaced by surface scanning, X-ray, magnetic resonance. Accordingly, some researchers develop interests in the virtual autopsy of bodies from drowning, mainly placing their focuses in the following systems of the respiratory, nervous, digestive, and parts of the cardiovascular. Compared with the others, the research in respiratory system is more comprehensive and accurate. Unfortunately, the theory is yet to advance, because there are only a few researchers specializing in this field, and the studies are somehow limited. This paper summarizes the virtopsy-based studies in the diagnosis of drowning and evaluates this new technology in forensic practice, with the purpose to provide a reference for the further study.
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  Inference of Human Race Using Genetic Information

  NIE Hao, LIN Ziqing, MO Xiaoting, WEI Yiliang, SUN Qifan

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 16-19. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.003

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  Due to the increase of floating population, the current trans-regional and cross-boundary crimes increase significantly. Human phenotype description studies covering race, age, appearance and other physiological characteristics, are of high interest in genetic association studies. With the extracted genetic information, the biologic evidence could reveal its origin and aid in criminal investigation. Among these is racial inference, which remains an important topic in forensic context. Ancestry informative markers (AIMs) are genetic sites with great different frequency between populations. It can be used to describe the genetic components of a population, to infer the ancestral origin of a DNA sample and then the possible physical characteristics of DNA donor. Of those said above, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is the most commonly used because of its larger number and wider distribution in genome. The panel of SNPs can be designed by calculating the genetic parameters such as Fst, In, and others of the kind. The available techniques for SNP typing include multiple single base extension SNP (SNaPshot), SNPstream and MassArray. Many panels of ancestry informative SNPs have been proposed in recent years. These techniques are playing important roles in practical cases and thus enhance the ability of forensic genetic technology in mining human genetic information. Here we present the development, application and the research on the inference of human race from DNA evidence, aiming to provide a reference for further studies and the application of this technology in a wide range.
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  Research Progress of Detection Methods for Phthalate Esters in Food and Food Packing Materials

  FANG Yao, SHA Wanzhong

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 20-24. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.004

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  Food and food packing materials commonly contain phthalate esters (PAEs). PAE, one of the most common pollutants, can accumulate in body and cause damage to the host. In response to the increasingly serious food safety problems, the detection of phthalate esters draws more critical attentions, especially in the investigation of food-safety-related cases. Currently, there are many technologies in the detection of PAEs. The conventional detection methods employ spectrometry, thin layer chromatography(TLC), gas chromatography(GC), liquid chromatography(LC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Generally, these methods boast the advantages of popular utilization, simple principle, easy operation, and as such, yet having disadvantages like complicated sample pretreatment. Some promising technologies are emerging, such as capillary zone electrophoresis, micellar electrokinetic chromatography, immunoassay, and ionization technique. These technologies are outstanding in their detection sensitivity, sample pretreatment process, and qualitative and quantitative analysis but require special skills, and their universality and automated testing still need to be enhanced. Therefore, on the basis of PAEs detection technology review, this paper analyzes the problems of current detection technologies, and proposes potential future direction of the correlated analysis.
Research Articles
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  Synthesis of Octadecyltrichlorosilane-modified Amphiphilic Silica Nanoparticle for Latent Fingerprint Development

  HUANG Wei, LI XiaoJun, WANG Hongfei

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 25-31. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.005

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  Motivated by the demand for the development of latent fingerprint with nanotechnology, a new type of nanometer-sized amphiphilic silica particles was synthesized by sol-gel method and modified using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). The prepared particles were characterized by various methods to show that their structure and properties were adequate for fingerprint development in the forensic science field. When compared to other silica particles, the modified powder appeared highly lipophilic and monodisperse. The effects of synthesis conditions and size of silica sphere were also discussed. The high-quality fingerprints on smooth nonporous objects were developed using the new type of particles, indicating that a new sensitive latent fingerprint developing assay was obtained. The prepared particle exhibits such attractive features as time saving, simple procedures, convenient operation and reasonable price.
  
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  Victimology in Homicide Crime Scene Analysis (Part VI)

  MIN Jianxiong

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 32-34. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.006

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  As the sixth (the final) portion of the serial treatise of victimology in homicide crime scene analysis, this paper relates the homicide crime scene analysis to victim’s life state. The life state of victim can be classified into four major types relating to time and space, dressing, work and rest, and body position, respectively. The time-and-space state refers to the time, location and position when the victim is attacked. The dressing state is the victim’s apparel when the crime occurs. The work-and-rest state is the living status when the victim is killed, usually being divided into three types of normal, rest and sleep. The body position refers to the victim’s physical condition during and after the attack. In this paper, the four aspects are analyzed and discussed with specific cases aiding. In practice, we might be able to analyze the relationship between the victim and the suspect, and the suspect’s identity according to the life state of the victim.
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  Specificity of Pollen Complex in Fuzhou Mountainous Soils

  HAO Yanli, XUAN Yu, ZHOU Yuzhuo, TANG Weijun, GUO Jian

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 35-39. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.007

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  Objective To study the specificity of plant pollen complex in mountainous soils in Fuzhou. Methods Soil samples were collected from the different locations and depths of Mount Ping and Mount Gai of Fuzhou City in different seasons. To separate the pollen from the soil, the samples were soaked in ethyl acetate and 30% hydrochloric acid solution respectively, and plant pollens in soils were collected after being stirred and centrifugation. Microstructures of pollen were analyzed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Different types of plant pollen can be identified according to their external features including shape, size, surface pattern and aperture of pollen. Different plants grew at different places and their pollen grains were dispersed with wind or animals. Some larger pollen grains, such as corn pollen, cannot travel far and can only drift with the wind for about one-half mile. The different mountainous soils can be distinguished according to pollen complex contained in them. Results Mount Gai soil samples and Mount Ping soil samples contained different pollen, and different pollen complexes were found in mountainous soils collected in different mountain locations (mountainʼs foothills, mountainside and mountaintop), depths (surface, 2 cm beneath surface and 4 cm beneath surface), and different seasons (spring, summer and winter). Conclusions Pollen complexes contained in the soils of Mount Gai and Mount Ping from different locations, depths, and different seasons, exhibited obvious specificity. Therefore, mountainous soils from different mountain locations, depths and seasons can be distinguished according to the specificity of pollen complex contained in them.
  
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  Haplotyping of GH1 Gene Proximal to Promoter Region and the Association with Adult Height in Chinese Han Population

  GE Yunying, CHEN Song, ZHANG Guangfeng

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 40-45. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.008

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  Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at the GH1 gene proximal to promoter region in Chinese Han population, and to explore its haplotype association with adult height. Methods SNP typing was performed by direct DNA sequencing in a control Chinese population of 109 unrelated male adults. By using both allele-specific PCR and the Haploview software, the haplotypes on the basis of the SNPs were obtained. Haplo.stats software was employed to analyze the association between haplotype and adult height. Results 69 samples were successfully genotyped with 34 samples bearing at least two polymorphic sites. 13 SNPs were found in the GH1 gene proximal to promoter region in Chinese Han population, and three of them located at sites of -261, -250 and +20, were discovered for the first time. The same results of haplotypes were obtained by using both allele-specific PCR and Haploview software. Three tag SNPs were found at -278, -57 and -6 sites. Seven haplotypes were detected (GGA、GGG、GTA、TGA、TGG、TTA、TTG), and statistical results indicated that people with TTA, GGG and TTG haplotypes were significantly shorter in height than those with GTA, the most common type in Chinese Han population (P<0.05).Conclusions Computation of haplotypes on SNPs based on the population data is relatively correct and can be applied to the haplotype analysis independently. The GH1 gene proximal to promoter region in Chinese Han population is highly polymorphic and differs among races, and its haplotypes may contribute to the human height. Taken together, this paper provides essential data on the associations between human height and GH1 proximal haplotypes.
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  Simultaneous Quantification of Thirteen Benzodiazepines and Metabolites in Whole Blood by UPLC-MS/MS

  WANG Zhaohong, ZHANG Lin, ZHAO Meng, LIU Yong, CHU Jianxin, JIANG Wenhui

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 46-49. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.009

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  A rapid and sensitive method has been developed for simultaneous determination of 13 benzodiazepines and metabolites including diazepam, nitrazepam, bromazepam, flurazepam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, 7-amino-nitragepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam and chlordiazepam in whole blood samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The separations were carried out on an ACQULTY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm ×100 mm, 1.7 μm) at 35°C and with a constant flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and the gradient-elution consisting of acetonitrile and 5 mmoL ammonium hydrogen carbonate buffer. The MS parameters were set as capillary voltage (3 kV), desolvation gas temperature (550°C), desolvation gas ?ow (800 L/h), cone gas ?ow (150 L/h) and collision gas flow (0.15 mL/min). Ostra^TM 96-well plate was used to extract the samples. 100 μL of human whole blood containing target drugs and D5-diazepam as internal standard was transferred into the Ostra^TM 96-well plate, followed by 400 μL of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Phospholipids were removed from the whole blood via the Ostra^TM 96-well plate effectively, and the filtrate was collected under a constant pressure of 20 psi. Thereafter, the 96-well receiving plate was capped and placed on the suitable position in sample manager and was analyzed with UPLC-MS/MS system coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The samples were measured in the mode of electraspray positive ionization (ESI+) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). 13 benzodiazepines and metabolites were linear in the range of 0.2~20 ng/mL with coefficients higher than 0.99. The extraction recoveries ranged from 65.2% to 113.9% for all analytes, and the limits of detection (LODs) were 0.008~0.15 ng/mL. The method presented here is validated to be simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate for the determination of trace benzodiazepines and metabolites in whole blood samples.
  
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  HPLC Fingerprint of Gelsemium and Its Source Analysis

  WANG Yi, WANG Jiong

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 50-53. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.010

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  Objective To establish HPLC fingerprint of gelsemium for its different source analysis. Methods 9 batches of gelsemium collected from Guangxi, Hubei, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces were studied on their similarities. HPLC method was employed with Welchrom C18 column, and a mixture liquid of acetonitrile (A) and 0.025% trimethylamine (B) as mobile phase in a gradient elution (0 min, 0.5%A; 5 min, 1%A; 10 min, 3%A; 15 min, 8%A; 20 min, 15%A; 40 min, 30%A; 46 min, 36%A; 60 min, 65%A), at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, column temperature of 30℃ and detection wavelength of 272 nm. 1 g of gelsemium plant sample was boiled in 45 mL of water for 2 hours and was concentrated by vortex filtration through a 0.45 μm microporous membrane. The HPLC fingerprints were analyzed in cluster. The sample precision, repeatability and stability were tested for at least 6 times. Results The HPLC fingerprint method was established with good precision, repeatability and stability, effective for the principal component analysis and cluster analysis of different-origin samples of gelsemium. 9 groups of gelsemium from different origin could be broadly divided into four categories. Gelsemium of varied sources differs in its intrinsic chemical composition, showing a different classification in SPSS.Conclusions The HPLC fingerprint technology could provide the basis for the source analysis of gelsemium plants in vitro. Further characteristic study of the indicators is required in order to establish a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation method when involvement in poisoning cases.
  
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  Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty for the Determination of Morphine in body Fluids

  DONG Ying, LUAN Yujing, DU Hongyan, CHANG Jing, WANG Ruihua

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 54-56. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.011

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  Objective To evaluate the measurement uncertainty for the determination of morphine content in body fluids because of its great significance in the field of forensic toxicology. Methods A mathematical model of uncertainty evaluation was designed for the determination results of morphine in body fluids performed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The various sources and quantity of uncertainty were determined by the established mathematical model. A reasonable evaluation method was selected to calculate the combined standard uncertainty and expanded uncertainty. Results The expanded uncertainty of 5.4 ng/Ml (k=2) was derived with 224.3 ng/mL of morphine. The repeatability of detection was regarded as the major source of uncertainty of measurement. Conclusions It is necessary and important to control experimental conditions strictly and perform repeated measurements by different people to ensure the accuracy of the testing results.
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  Application of Fe₃O₄ Nanopowder in the Development of Latent Fingermarks

  YU Yanlin, YAN Lei

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 57-61. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.012

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  Objective To prepare novel magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanopowder for developing latent fingermarks on various surfaces, including the porous and nonporous, the smooth and rough. Methods Highly pure Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized by microwave irradiation, and characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The process of synthesis was fast, simple and of higher yield. It was also an effective and environment-friendly technique. The prepared magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanopowder was applied to develop latent fingermarks on various surfaces, including porous and nonporous, smooth and rough, using the traditional magnetic brushing technique. The nanopowders were compared with some conventional powders, such as copper powder, black magnetic powder and aluminum powder. Results Magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanopowder developed the sharp and clear latent fingermarks with good contrast. Either on the painted metal or glass surface, the developed prints showed clear ridges and good contrast, even for the minutiae and pore. Especially for the rough surface, the small, fine nano-sized magnetic powder demonstrated great advantages. Conclusions The magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanopowder can be widely used to develop latent fingerprints on different surfaces, such as non-porous surfaces (painted metal, glasses, plastic etc.) and porous surfaces (commonly used papers), ideal for latent fingerprints to develop on the rough surface, such as that of filter paper and uneven panel. Powdering technique of latent fingerprint development with this novel Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle is proven to be relatively simple, inexpensive, and effective.
  
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  Impression Examination of Bionic Fingerprint Membrane and Seal Membrane

  CAI Lihong, YUAN Zhaofeng

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 62-64. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.013

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  Objective To study the characteristics of impressions produced with bionic fingerprint membrane and seal membrane and to discuss the examination techniques. Methods Experiments on the bionic fingerprint membrane and seal membrane, both made from silicone material, were designed with red inkpad as the medium and the receipt paper as the displaying object. The fingermarks and seal marks were made along with the obtainment of impressions of fingerprint membrane and seal membrane through the subjects being pressed on displaying objects. The characteristics of the impressions from relevant membrane were observed and compared with the real ones. Results The impression of fingerprint membrane could be identified by comparison of its feature with that of fingermark because fingerprint membrane had shown rough lines, irregular edges, bubbles, inkpad accumulation and no obvious sweat-pore imprints. As for seal membrane impression, it appears rough lines, font details deformation, revealing matrix specifics of the seal membrane itself, inkpad accumulation, bubbles, and relatively wide impression lines. Conclusions For the examination of impressions of fingerprint membrane and seal membrane, it can be carried out based on the following three aspects: their essential features, fabrication traits and distinctions caused from use.
  
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  Quantitative Analysis of Black Laser Printing Based on Decision Tree

  MU Xiaobin, LI Ruilin, CHENG Weiguo

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 65-69. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.014

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  Objective To explore an assay to classify short-term printing samples produced with different laser printers using ImageXaminer and quantitative analysis. Methods 360 pages of short-term printing sample from 18 different laser printers were collected and 116 features, such as area, perimeter, gray scale, were scanned and measured by the ImageXaminer. Samples of different laser printers were input at the resolution of 800dpi and full-page measured by choosing the same-size target region. The corresponding mathematical model was established based on decision tree algorithm C4.5, and the measured values of 116 parameters were analyzed to find out the appropriate ones which had a strong correlation to the classification of different laser printers. Results Short-term printing samples of different laser printers could be correctly classified according to the comprehensive analysis of the following 11 parameters: median gray level threshold of 128, mode gray threshold of 80, Stat. Area Stedv threshold of 117 and the minimum area of 1 pixel, area coverage ratio threshold of 80, Stat. Area Stedv threshold of 160 and the minimum area of 1 pixel, median gray level threshold of 80, Stat. roundness Stdev threshold of 80 and the minimum area of 1 pixel, distribution symmetry threshold of 128, area coverage ratio threshold of 117, median gray level threshold of 160, Stat. roundness Average threshold of 117 and the minimum area of 1 pixel. These 11 parameters have quite strong correlation to the classification of different laser printers. Conclusions It is feasible to make a distinction between short-term printing samples produced with different laser printers by using the quantitative analysis method of the ImageXaminer.
  
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  Dating of Questioned Documents Using the Chronological Characteristics of Font

  OUYANG Guoliang, LI Biao

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 70-73. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.015

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  The chronological characteristics of fonts were studied to determine the date of questioned documents utilizing the time-tracing analysis of linguistics. Five types of characters originated from different historical times were collected, including the simplified Chinese of the Republic of China, variant characters, simplified characters, traditional characters, and second batch of simplified Chinese characters. Their separate years of beginning and ending were identified. Then the date was marked on the questioned documents based on the implicaton by the fonts, and whether the two (the beginning and ending)were in contradiction was judged to infer the date. The simplified Chinese of the Republic of China could be deduced the date of some questioned documents at around 1936. The lower limit of time of questioned documents deduced by variant Chinese character was 1955. The upper limit of deduction by simplified character was 1964. It should be cautious when identifying the differences between simplification of ancient writing and the simplified Chinese character of Republic of China. The lower limit of the date deduced by traditional Chinese was 1964. The date range of questioned documents deduced by second-round simplified Chinese characteristics was from 1977 to 1986. This study demonstrates that the date of the questioned documents could be inferred by analyzing the chronological characteristics of fonts. To some extent, this method, based on the years of beginning and ending of the five fonts and their morphological features, is also applicable to some of contemporary documents.
Technical Notes
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  Genetic Polymorphism of 18 STR Loci in Guangxi Yao and Miao Population

  XU Ying, MA Wenhua, SUN Qifan, WU Biao, LIN Ziqing, YE Jian

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 74-76. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.016

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  Objective To determine the frequencies and parameters of 18 short tandem repeat loci (STR) in Guangxi Yao and Miao population. Methods DNATyper^TM19 kit was used to detect the allelic frequencies of 18 STR loci (D5S818, D21S11, D2S1338, vWA, D8S1179, PentaE, D19S433, D18S51, FGA, D6S1043, D13S317, D12S391, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, D16S539, TPOX, TH01) in 70 unrelated Yao and 68 Miao individuals while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and capillary electrophoresis were employed. The population genetic parameters were calculated. Results 167 alleles were recognized with relevant frequencies ranging from 0.007 to 0.579 for Yao people and 0.007 to 0.537 for Miao people. No deviation was observed of the allele frequency from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). For statistical analysis of Yao and Miao people, their respective parameters were heterozygosity (H) 0.571 to 0.943 and 0.603 to 0.956, the discrimination power (DP) 0.767 to 0.971 and 0.782 to 0.968, the polymorphic information content(PIC) 0.520 to 0.890 and 0.580 to 0.870, the probability of paternity exclusion (PE) 0.258 to 0.884 and 0.294 to 0.910, total discrimination power (TDP) 0.99999999999999999997602 and 0.99999999999999999997338, and cumulative probability of paternity exclusion (CEP) 0.9999999788 and 0.9999999921. Conclusions The genetic polymorphism of 18 STR in Guangxi Yao and Miao population is essential data for human population genetics and forensic medicine.
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  A New DNA Extraction Method for Burned Bones

  TU Zheng, SHI Yi, ZHANG Guangfeng, LI Wanshui

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 77-79. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.017

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  This paper introduces a new DNA extraction approach for burned skeletal remains. The burned bones were grinded into powder, and then decalcified and digested in a large volume. Amicon^® Ultra-15 centrifugal filter device was adopted to concentrate the supernatant after decalcification and digestion in order to increase the DNA recovery efficiency. Then the concentrated DNA supernatant was purified using silica gel membrane method. Autosomal STR genotyping was performed with commercial STR typing kits. Using this method, we have successfully identified the severely burned bones in two real cases, providing the key evidences for solving these cases.
  
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  Neonatal Death of Congenital Mesenteric Hernia and Intestinal Necrosis: A Case Report

  HUANG Sizhe, SU Jun, LIU Liang, LIU Qian

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 80-81. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.018

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  Congenital mesenteric hernia in the newborn is a rare abdominal hernia. Usually, it is difficult to diagnose the disease because of its low morbidity, untypical symptoms during the early stage and lack of specific symptoms even in assitance with auxiliary examinations. With the clinical features mentioned above, the disease often deteriorates rapidly and badly, causing a high rate of death. Either determination of the cause of death or judicial authentication on medical treatment fault requires forensic experts to carry out systematical autopsy. Forensic pathological examination must be carefully made on abdominal cavity, mesenteric hernia and the intestine incarcerated in the hernia sac. A case is reported here, in which an infant suffered from congenital mesenteric hernia, and died of intestinal necrosis as a result of a misdiagnosis. The author would like to call for the thorough consideration of surgical abdominal hernia-like acuteness when acute abdominal symptoms happen to neonates, and to emphasize the importance of systematically forensic autopsy in such cases.
  
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  Analysing the Nature of Death Involving in an Arson Case

  JIANG Yanwei, MA Jing, YANG Zhenlai

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 82-83. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.019

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  Most of fires are of either accidents or disasters. It is rare that someone sets a fire to commit suicide or homicide. But sometimes fire could be set to destroy the dead body for the evidence to be covered purposively. When the dead body is found on the fire scene, legal medical examiners should cooperate with mark inspectors, firefighters and others related in the scene investigation. The conclusion could then be reached to identify the reason of death, and determine the nature of the case exactly. This paper reports an arson involving one death. No one witnessed the fire occurrence and the burning process. The fire had already extinguished when the dead was found. All the objects in the scene were kept relatively completed, therefore it was figured out to be the original scene. Determining the manner of death was a key point before determining the case’s nature. It was concluded that it was the victim himself to set the fire, then hanging himself. The rope was burned out, and the body fell down on the ground and was burned.
  
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  Methods on Processing Human Video Images under High Light Conditions

  LIAO Guangjun, QIU Wenmin, ZHOU Wudeng

  Forensic Science And Technology. 2016, 41(1): 84-86. https://doi.org/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2016.01.020

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  Objective Under high light conditions, human video images are often blurred, resulting in the details to be lost, therefore, a study on processing methods of human video images under high light is conducted in this paper. Methods Firstly, the problems of human video images under high light are analyzed in detail. Secondly, the flow chart for processing human video image is presented. The methods on how to process the high light human video images are described under normal and/or infrared monitor mode. Finally, the specific processing methods are introduced. The human video images of high quality, less affected by high light and their key frame of larger size, are picked out. In spatial domain, curve adjustment and gamma correction have been used for enhancing the high light human images. And so have that in frequency domain with utilization of high pass and/or homomorphic filtering. Results For the high light human images video, it is necessary to enhance the original high light human images before their reconstructing and synthesizing. For facial details missing, it is better for human images to inhibit high light on comparison of the reconstructed and synthesized human images with the original ones. From the processing effect, the methods established for enhancing human images in frequency domain are suggested. Compared to the color video ones, the infrared human video images lose their color. It is indispensable for the processing to conduct curve adjustment or gamma correction before sharpening in enthancement by high pass filtering. In some cases, the processed results by gray imaging are clearer than by color handling. Thus, conversion of the color image to grayscale one is optional sometimes. Conclusion The right way for processing high light human video images can provide more accurate clues for video investigation. The methods proposed here could improve the visual effect of high light human images.