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The sensory cortices of many mammals consist of modules in the form of cortical columns. By analyzing functional connectivity and neural responses to visual stimuli, the authors show that this organization may extend to the human temporal lobe.

Background: Direct electrical stimulation of the human brain has been used to successfully treat several neurological disorders, but the precise effects of stimulation on neural activity are poorly understood. Characterizing the neural response to stimulation, however, could allow clinicians and researchers to more accurately predict neural responses, which could in turn lead to more effective stimulation for treatment and to fundamental knowledge regarding neural function. Objective: Here we use a linear systems approach in order to characterize the response to electrical stimulation across cortical locations and then to predict the responses to novel inputs. Methods: We use intracranial electrodes to directly stimulate the human brain with single pulses of stimulation using amplitudes drawn from a random distribution. Based on the evoked responses, we generate a simple model capturing the characteristic response to stimulation at each cortical site. Results: We find that the variable dynamics of the evoked response across cortical locations can be captured using the same simple architecture, a linear time-invariant system that operates separately on positive and negative input pulses of stimulation. We demonstrate that characterizing the response to stimulation using this simple and tractable model of evoked responses enables us to predict the responses to subsequent stimulation with single pulses with novel amplitudes, and the compound response to stimulation with multiple pulses. Conclusion: Our data suggest that characterizing the response to stimulation in an approximately linear manner can provide a powerful and principled approach for predicting the response to direct electrical stimulation.

Memories formed around the same time are linked together by a shared temporal context. Here, the authors show that the ability to selectively retrieve distinct episodic memories formed close together in time is related to how quickly neural representations of temporal context change over time during encoding.

Photography is essential in forensic medicine documentation. While visible-light photography uses the human eye's spectrum (approximately 380-780 nm), infrared (IR) photography captures wavelengths invisible to the naked eye (approximately 700-1100 nm). This study aimed to assess the reliability of IR photography in detecting subcutaneous hematomas in deceased individuals. In postmortem examinations of 23 individuals with different skin tones, 43 hematomas were evaluated; for ethical reasons, hematomas on the face, neck, hands, or feet were excluded. Standardized photographs were taken using two different cameras: a Nikon D810 (visible-light) and a Nikon D800E modified with a 700 nm IR filter. Subsequently, tissue samples including the hematomas were excised. Hematoma density was assessed on paraffin-embedded samples using a Keyence VHX 5000 digital microscope. Raw IR photographs were processed with Photoshop to obtain tonal values of the darkest hematoma spot and the brightest spot of the surrounding intact tissue. Visual inspection of the excised samples confirmed that infrared photography accurately depicted 100 % of the 43 hematomas, whereas using visible-light photography, only 53.5 % were well visible and 46.5 % poorly visible. Tonal values correlated positively with microscopic densities of the hematomas, yielding a moderate to strong linear correlation coefficient of 0.70 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, IR photography is highly reliable in visualizing subcutaneous hematomas and has clear advantages over visible-light photography. Our results suggest that IR photography could be valuable as an additional tool in depicting suspected hematomas in living individuals., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None, (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We present lattice-QCD results for the electromagnetic form factors of the proton and neutron including both quark-connected and -disconnected contributions. The parametrization of the Q^{2} dependence of the form factors is combined with the extrapolation to the physical point. In this way, we determine the electric and magnetic radii and the magnetic moments of the proton and neutron. For the proton, we obtain at the physical pion mass and in the continuum and infinite-volume limit sqrt[⟨r&#95;{E}^{2}⟩^{p}]=0.820(14)  fm, sqrt[⟨r&#95;{M}^{2}⟩^{p}]=0.8111(89)  fm, and μ&#95;{M}^{p}=2.739(66), where the errors include all systematics.

We present a lattice-QCD based analysis of the nucleon sigma terms using gauge ensembles with N&#95;{f}=2+1 flavors of O(a)-improved Wilson fermions, with a complete error budget concerning excited-state contaminations, the chiral interpolation as well as finite-size and lattice spacing effects. We compute the sigma terms determined directly from the matrix elements of the scalar currents. The chiral interpolation is based on SU(3) baryon chiral perturbation theory using the extended on-mass shell renormalization scheme. For the pion nucleon sigma term, we obtain σ&#95;{πN}=(43.7±3.6)  MeV, where the error includes our estimate of the aforementioned systematics. The tension with extractions based on dispersion theory persists at the 2.4-σ level. For the strange sigma term, we obtain a nonzero value, σ&#95;{s}=(28.6±9.3)  MeV.

It is well known that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is temperature sensitive, which is highly relevant for post mortem examinations. Therefore, the determination of the exact temperature of the investigated body site, e.g. the brain, is crucial. However, direct temperature measurements are invasive and inconvenient. Thus, in view of post mortem MR imaging of the brain, this study aims at investigating the relation between the brain and the forehead temperature for modelling the brain temperature based on the non-invasive forehead temperature. In addition, the brain temperature will be compared to the rectal temperature. Brain temperature profiles measured in the longitudinal fissure between the brain hemispheres, as well as rectal and forehead temperature profiles of 16 deceased were acquired continuously. Linear mixed, linear, quadratic and cubic models were fitted to the relation between the longitudinal fissure and the forehead and between the longitudinal fissure and the rectal temperature, respectively. Highest adjusted R 2 values were found between the longitudinal fissure and the forehead temperature, as well as between the longitudinal fissure and the rectal temperature using a linear mixed model including the sex, environmental temperature and humidity as fixed effects. The results indicate that the forehead, as well as the rectal temperature, can be used to model the brain temperature measured in the longitudinal fissure. Comparable fit results were observed for the longitudinal fissure-forehead temperature relation and for the longitudinal fissure-rectal temperature relation. Combined with the fact that the forehead temperature overcomes the problem of measurement invasiveness, the results suggest using the forehead temperature for modelling the brain temperature in the longitudinal fissure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

A crucial task in forensic investigations is the identification of unknown deceased. In general, secure identification methods rely on a comparison of ante mortem (AM) with post mortem (PM) data. However, available morphologic approaches are often dependent on the expertise and experience of the examiner, and often lack standardisation and statistical evidence. The objective of this study was therefore to overcome the current challenges via developing a fully automated radiologic identification (autoRADid) method based on the sternal bone. An anonymised AM data set consisting of 91 chest computed tomography (CT) scans, as well as an anonymised PM data set of 42 chest CT scans were included in this work. Out of the 91 available AM CT data sets, 42 AM scans corresponded to the 42 PM CT scans. For the fully automated identification analysis, a custom-made python pipeline was developed, which automatically registers AM data to the PM data in question using a two-step registration method. To evaluate the registration procedure and subsequent identification success, the image similarity measures Jaccard Coefficient, Dice Coefficient, and Mutual Information were computed. The highest value for each metric was retrieved in order to analyse the correspondence between AM and PM data. For all three similarity measures, 38 out of the 42 cases were matched correctly. This corresponds to an accuracy of 91.2%. The four unsuccessful cases incorporated surgical interventions taking place between the AM and the PM CT acquisition or poor CT scan quality preventing robust registration results. To conclude, the presented autoRADid method seems to be a promising fully automated tool for a reliable and facile identification of unknown deceased. A final pipeline combining all three similarity measures is open source and publicly available for efficient future identifications of unknown deceased., Competing Interests: Declarations of interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: In 1975, the mummified body of a female has been found in the Franciscan church in Basel, Switzerland. Molecular and genealogic analyses unveiled her identity as Anna Catharina Bischoff (ACB), a member of the upper class of post-reformed Basel, who died at the age of 68 years, in 1787. The reason behind her death is still a mystery, especially that toxicological analyses revealed high levels of mercury, a common treatment against infections at that time, in different body organs. The computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis showed bone lesions in the femurs, the rib cage, and the skull, which refers to a potential syphilis case., Results: Although we could not detect any molecular signs of the syphilis-causing pathogen Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, we realized high prevalence of a nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) species in brain tissue sample. The genome analysis of this NTM displayed richness of virulence genes and toxins, and similarity to other infectious NTM, known to infect immunocompromised patients. In addition, it displayed potential resistance to mercury compounds, which might indicate a selective advantage against the applied treatment. This suggests that ACB might have suffered from an atypical mycobacteriosis during her life, which could explain the mummy's bone lesion and high mercury concentrations., Conclusions: The study of this mummy exemplifies the importance of employing differential diagnostic approaches in paleopathological analysis, by combining classical anthropological, radiological, histological, and toxicological observations with molecular analysis. It represents a proof-of-concept for the discovery of not-yet-described ancient pathogens in well-preserved specimens, using de novo metagenomic assembly., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: MRI temperature sensitivity presents a major issue in in situ post mortem MRI (PMMRI), as the tissue temperatures differ from living persons due to passive cooling of the deceased. This study aims at computing brain temperature effects on the MRI parameters to correct for temperature in PMMRI, laying the foundation for future projects on post mortem validation of in vivo MRI techniques., Materials and Methods: Brain MRI parameters were assessed in vivo and in situ post mortem using a 3 T MRI scanner. Post mortem brain temperature was measured in situ transethmoidally. The temperature effect was computed by fitting a linear model to the MRI parameters and the corresponding brain temperature., Results: Linear positive temperature correlations were observed for T 1 , T 2 * and mean diffusivity in all tissue types. A significant negative correlation was observed for T 2 in white matter. Fractional anisotropy revealed significant correlations in all gray matter regions except for the thalamus., Discussion: The linear models will allow to correct for temperature in post mortem MRI. Comparing in vivo to post mortem conditions, the mean diffusivity, in contrast to T 1 and T 2 , revealed additional effects besides temperature, such as cessation of perfusion and active diffusion., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Lower back pain is a common condition with significant morbidity and economic impact. The pathophysiology is poorly understood but is in part attributable to degenerative disc disease (DDD). The healthy intervertebral disc ensures spine functionality by transferring the perceived load to the caudally adjacent vertebrae. The exposure to recurring mechanical load is mirrored in the mineralization pattern of the subchondral bone plate (SBP), where increased bone density is a sign of repetitive localized high stress. Computed tomography -osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM) is a technique based on conventional CT scans that displays the mineral density distribution in the SBP as a surface-color map. The objective of this study was to measure and analyze the SBP mineral density patterns of healthy lumbar intervertebral disc (IVDs) and those suffering DDD using CT-OAM densitograms. These findings should provide in vitro insight into the long-term morphological properties of the IVD and how these differ in the state of disc degeneration., Methods: The CT-data sets of spines from 17 healthy individuals and 18 patients displaying DDD in the lumbar spine were acquired. Individual vertebrae of both cohorts were 3D reconstructed, processed using image analysis software, and compared to one another. Maximum intensity projection of the subchondral mineralization provided surface densitograms of the SBP. The relative calcium concentration, the local maxima of mineralization, and a mean surface projection of level-defined SBPs were calculated from the densitogram and statistically compared., Results: The inferior SBP, adjacent to degenerating disc, display an 18-41 % higher relative calcium concentration than their healthy counterparts. In the opposing superior SBPs the relative calcium content is significantly increased. Whereas it is reasonably consistent for L1-L3 (L1: 132 %, L2: 127 %, L3: 120 %), the increase grows in caudal direction (L4: 131 %, L5: 148 %, S1: 152 %). Furthermore, a change in the areal distribution of excessive mineralization can be differentiated between healthy and diseased motion segments., Conclusions: The acquired data provide in vitro proof of the mechanical and anatomical properties of the SBP in relation to the state of disc degeneration. In conjunction with the diagnostic use of CT-osteoabsorptiometry, our data provide a basis for a non-invasive and sensitive technique that correlates with disc functionality. This could be promising in various cases, from early identification of early stages of DDD, tracking disease progression, and assessing the repercussions of surgical procedures or experimental therapies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

We present the first study of baryon-baryon interactions in the continuum limit of lattice QCD, finding unexpectedly large lattice artifacts. Specifically, we determine the binding energy of the H dibaryon at a single quark-mass point. The calculation is performed at six values of the lattice spacing a, using O(a)-improved Wilson fermions at the SU(3)-symmetric point with m&#95;{π}=m&#95;{K}≈420  MeV. Energy levels are extracted by applying a variational method to correlation matrices of bilocal two-baryon interpolating operators computed using the distillation technique. Our analysis employs Lüscher's finite-volume quantization condition to determine the scattering phase shifts from the spectrum and vice versa, both above and below the two-baryon threshold. We perform global fits to the lattice spectra using parametrizations of the phase shift, supplemented by terms describing discretization effects, then extrapolate the lattice spacing to zero. The phase shift and the binding energy determined from it are found to be strongly affected by lattice artifacts. Our estimate of the binding energy in the continuum limit of three-flavor QCD is B&#95;{H}^{SU(3)&#95;{f}}=4.56±1.13&#95;{stat}±0.63&#95;{syst}  MeV.

The post mortem evaluation of a brain edema is routinely performed by pathologists based on the macroscopic signs during autopsy. This method represents the current gold standard, but is subjective and observer dependent. Therefore, three post mortem evaluation methods of brain samples were analyzed in this work: histology, wet-dry weight and normalized cerebral weight, which was described in 2020 by Bauer et al. Tissue samples from six different regions of 34 brains were collected and examined both by rating of histological slides and by measuring the water content by using a drying oven. The rating of the histological slides, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, was performed by two pathologists independently. For the water content, the wet weight and the dry weight of each sample were set in relation. The normalized cerebral weight was calculated by dividing the brain weight by the brain volume, which were both determined during autopsy and in computed tomography images, respectively. A fair to moderate interrater agreement was obtained for the histologic evaluation and a significant correlation was present between one rater and the wet-dry weight and the normalized cerebral weight method. When classifying according to the gold standard, a significant difference was detected between the edematous and nonedematous cases by using the wet-dry weight method in the cerebral cortex and by using the normalized cerebral weight method. However, the significant correlations and group differences were limited to the aforementioned results. In conclusion, both the histological and the wet-dry weight method show limited benefits for the classification of brain edema and the histology analysis is highly observer dependent. The normalized cerebral weight method, however, reveals a significant effect between the edematous and nonedematous cases when classifying according to the gold standard. Therefore, we suggest to apply this method for the assessment of brain edema since it is objective and rater independent. Nevertheless, the exact evaluation of brain edema remains a challenging task, especially due to the continuous transition between no edema and edema., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The current literature about histological alterations and artefacts associated with postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is scarce and limited to qualitative research. The aim of this study was to describe and quantify histological alterations and artefacts in histologic specimens of the inner organs. The spleen, the liver, the kidneys and the pancreas were eviscerated in the course of standard forensic autopsy, followed by manual arterial and venous perfusion of the organs with the lipophilic contrast agent Angiofil®. Computed tomography (CT) of the organ packages was executed to evaluate if the perfusion with Angiofil® was sufficient. The CT scans revealed a good delineation of the vessel trees up to the organ periphery, suggesting a sufficient perfusion. Tissue samples were taken before and after perfusion, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and examined by using microscopy. Native and perfused specimens were assessed on the basis of a qualitative rating scale in regard to the integrity of the cells, the tissue architecture and induced alterations. Subsequently the observed differences before and after perfusion with Angiofil® were analyzed quantitatively. While the liver, spleen and kidneys could be evaluated, further microscopic examinations of the pancreatic tissue were not possible due to vast autolytic changes. On the cellular level no changes in the liver, spleen and kidneys were observed after administering Angiofil®. While the tissue architecture of these organs remained intact, a significant blood volume displacement occurred. As a consequence, tissue with hypoemic or normal blood state demonstrated congestion. Further, optically empty spaces emerged regularly in the vessels and the parenchyma of each organ as a surrogate for the lipophilic contrast agent. With a few exceptions an adequate perfusion up to the microscopic level was observed. Following the results of this investigation, CT-controlled manual injection of Angiofil® into isolated organs may be an alternative to the generalized in situ application of contrast agents in the course of PMCTA. It is of eminent importance to know the artefacts induced by an Angiofil® injection in order to avoid a misinterpretation or a masking of findings. Thus, a collection of native tissue specimens has to be done before contrast agent application., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We present results for the strange contribution to the electromagnetic form factors of the nucleon computed on the coordinated lattice simulation ensembles with N&#95;{f}=2+1 flavors of O(a)-improved Wilson fermions and an O(a)-improved vector current. Several source-sink separations are investigated in order to estimate the excited-state contamination. We calculate the form factors on six ensembles with lattice spacings in the range of a=0.049-0.086  fm and pion masses in the range of m&#95;{π}=200-360  MeV, which allows for a controlled chiral and continuum extrapolation. In the computation of the quark-disconnected contributions, we employ hierarchical probing as a variance-reduction technique.

Purpose To determine if postmortem computed tomography (CT) and postmortem CT angiography help to detect more lesions than autopsy in postmortem examinations, to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and to define their indications. Materials and Methods Postmortem CT angiography was performed on 500 human corpses and followed by conventional autopsy. Nine centers were involved. All CT images were read by an experienced team including one forensic pathologist and one radiologist, blinded to the autopsy results. All findings were recorded for each method and categorized by anatomic structure (bone, organ parenchyma, soft tissue, and vascular) and relative importance in the forensic case (essential, useful, and unimportant). Results Among 18 654 findings, autopsies helped to identify 61.3% (11 433 of 18 654), postmortem CT helped to identify 76.0% (14 179 of 18 654), and postmortem CT angiography helped to identify 89.9% (16 780 of 18 654; P < .001). Postmortem CT angiography was superior to autopsy, especially at helping to identify essential skeletal lesions (96.1% [625 of 650] vs 65.4% [425 of 650], respectively; P < .001) and vascular lesions (93.5% [938 of 1003] vs 65.3% [655 of 1003], respectively; P < .001). Among the forensically essential findings, 23.4% (1029 of 4393) were not detected at autopsy, while only 9.7% (428 of 4393) were missed at postmortem CT angiography (P < .001). The best results were obtained when postmortem CT angiography was combined with autopsy. Conclusion Postmortem CT and postmortem CT angiography and autopsy each detect important lesions not detected by the other method. More lesions were identified by combining postmortem CT angiography and autopsy, which may increase the quality of postmortem diagnosis. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Identification of deceased with unclear identity is a common problem in forensic science, whereby radiologic comparison can be applied as method for identification. As this comparison is mostly made on a visual basis, it is highly dependent on the examiner and often lacks standardized procedures and statistical support. The aim of this study therefore was to develop a reproducible and examiner independent method for radiologic identification (RADid) based on morphometric and morphological features of sternal bone computed tomography (CT). Furthermore, the feasibility of an automated comparison of a post-mortem (PM) case against a database of ante-mortem (AM) cases was evaluated. 44 in situ PM CT scans of sternal bone and their corresponding AM CT scans were analysed and reproducible features were selected based on intra- and interrater reliability assessments. The selected features were further tested by contrasting AM and PM data. Moreover, an automated identity evaluation was developed by calculating the number of matching features between each PM case and an AM database consisting of 94 cases including the 44 with corresponding PM scans. Several features showed to be reliable according to their resulting correlation coefficient values (greater or equal to 0.60). The suitability and stability of these features was confirmed by contrasting AM and PM CT scans. Finally, the automated comparison was successful in 76.7% of the cases, whereby an unambiguous identification was possible in 65.1%. The present study reflects the benefits of a standardized and statistically established identification method and demonstrates the high potential of the sternal bone as a suitable structure for RADid., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: In this study, an Inca bundle was examined using computed tomography (CT). The primary aim was to determine the preservation status of bony and soft tissues, the sex, the age at the time of death, possible indicators for disease or even the cause of death, as well as the kind of mummification. A secondary aim was to obtain a brief overview of the wrapping in order to gain additional information on the cultural background., Materials and Methods: The bundle belongs to the Museum of Cultures in Basel, Switzerland, and was bought in Munich, Germany, in 1921. Radiocarbon dating of the superficial textile yielded a calibrated age between 1480 and 1650 AD. The mummy was investigated using multi-slice CT with slice thickness of 0.75 mm and 110 kilovolt. For standardized assessment of soft tissue preservation, a recently developed checklist was applied., Results: CT revealed the mummy of a seven to nine year old boy with superior preservation of bony and soft tissues allowing detailed assessment. Indicators of neurofibromatosis type 1 (paravertebral and cutaneous neurofibromas, a breast neurofibroma, sphenoid wing dysplasia), Chagas disease (dilatation of the esophagus, stomach, rectum, and large amounts of feces), and lung infection (pleural adherence, calcifications), probably due to tuberculosis, were found. Furthermore, signs of peri-mortem violence (transection of the chest and a defect in the abdominal wall) were detected. CT images revealed a carefully performed wrapping., Conclusion: CT examination of the Inca bundle proved to be an important non-destructive examination method. Standardized assessment, especially of the soft tissue structures, allowed for diagnoses of several diseases, indicating a multi-morbid child at the time of death. The careful wrapping pointed to a ceremonial burial. Within the cultural background, the signs of fatal violence were discussed as a possible result of war, murder, accident, or human sacrifice.

We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, D - and B -meson physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the particle-physics community. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor [Formula: see text], arising in the semileptonic [Formula: see text] transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio [Formula: see text] and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Chiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the [Formula: see text] parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four B parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. The latter quantities are an addition compared to the previous review. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (also new compared to the previous review), as well as those for D - and B -meson-decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. Finally, we review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant [Formula: see text].

A problem of forensic photography, especially when using direct flashlight, is the appearance of highlights on wet or shiny surfaces because of light reflections. Highlights can cause considerable difficulties if they interfere with relevant findings, because in a flare image information is reduced. Forensic literature describes several procedures to prevent the formation of highlights, which we compared to each other using flashlight in order to find the most effective and practicable method for reducing reflections. First, bounce flash photography can completely prevent flashlight flares on shiny surfaces such as putrefied bodies. Second, powdering such surfaces with rice powder can eliminate disruptive flares even when using direct flashlight but causes visible artefacts when using higher magnifications. As our study showed, bounce flash photography is an easy way to reduce highlights on photographs without the application of complex techniques or methods that may even alter relevant findings.

Photography during autopsy is an important part of forensic imaging and essential for the documentation of autopsy findings. A forensic photograph mainly serves the purpose of providing evidence and should be authentic. But aesthetic artwork may improve both the attractiveness and acceptance of autopsies and thus help to increase the autopsy rate. Different materials were compared to each other as photographic backdrop, particularly with regard to reflection and contrast, stability of exposure measurement and monitoring of colour fidelity. The photofoil 9010 Dove Grey proved to be a material of outstanding quality. In practical application, the foil was scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Furthermore, backdrop boards with a gap, e.g. for head and neck, allow special perspectives without a distracting background.

The presented case report describes the exclusion of the suspect of a sexual offence by means of methods of molecular genetics. Pretests for prostate-specific antigen performed at the beginning of the investigation and cytological sperm tests were negative. Nevertheless, by combining the methods of differential lysis and DNA quantification a small number of spermatozoa could be demonstrated in the trace evidence. Subsequently, the profile of the woman's boyfriend, with whom she had had unprotected vaginal intercourse two days before the incident, could be detected in the fraction of the hard lysis.

Sequence analysis of the human mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) has proven to be a valuable tool in forensic identity testing and the analysis of crime scene stains. In contrast to the very expensive sequencing technique, typing of different length variants can greatly facilitate screening of a large number of traces for their relevance during casework. Within the mitochondrial control region, a dinucleotide (CA)( n ) repeat locus is present. To assess the discrimination power of this marker, we have determined (CA)( n ) allele distribution and the frequency of heteroplasmy in a population sample of 2,458 Germans. The inclination to develop heteroplasmic mixtures (CA)( n )/(CA)( n-1) was positively correlated with the number of CA repeats in the mtDNA. In addition, we have studied the inheritance patterns of (CA)( n ) repeat sequence heteroplasmy in two pedigrees. In one pedigree, we also found a length heteroplasmy in the homopolymeric C-tract (nt 303-309). Our data show stable inheritance of heteroplasmy within the homopolymeric C-stretch, but rather unstable inheritance regarding the (CA)( n ) repeat locus.

We compute the leading-order low-energy constants of the DeltaS=1 effective weak Hamiltonian in the quenched approximation of QCD with up, down, strange, and charm quarks degenerate and light. They are extracted by comparing the predictions of finite-volume chiral perturbation theory with lattice QCD computations of suitable correlation functions carried out with quark masses ranging from a few MeV up to half of the physical strange mass. We observe a DeltaI=1/2 enhancement in this corner of the parameter space of the theory. Although matching with the experimental result is not observed for the DeltaI=1/2 amplitude, our computation suggests large QCD contributions to the physical DeltaI=1/2 rule in the GIM limit, and represents the first step to quantify the role of the charm-quark mass in K-->pipi amplitudes. The use of fermions with an exact chiral symmetry is an essential ingredient in our computation.

At the forensic autopsy of a sexual murder victim, some trace hairs, possibly belonging to the perpetrator, were saved. Initially, the analysis of a pubic hair shaft only revealed the presence of the mitochondrial (mt) DNA haplotype profile consisting of the (CA)(6) allele and the complete hypervariable region 1 (HV1) and 2 (HV2) sequence. Later, typing of some further telogene trace hairs, which had been stored for several years, yielded a nuclear short tandem repeat (STR) profile. We used both the mtDNA haplotype and the STR profile to start a DNA mass screening project involving 2,335 male citizens of the relevant communities. MtDNA screening was carried out by using the CA repeat amplification in combination with an SNP typing procedure based on the restriction site analysis of amplified d-loop sequences. The aim of our paper is to put mass screening with mtDNA up for discussion.

The relativistic correction to the QCD static interquark potential at O(1/m) is investigated nonperturbatively for the first time by using lattice Monte Carlo QCD simulations. The correction is found to be comparable with the Coulombic term of the static potential when applied to charmonium, and amounts to one-fourth of the Coulombic term for bottomonium.

Following the introduction of limit values for blood alcohol and breath alcohol concentrations of 0.5 g/kg and 0.25 mg/L, respectively, as provided under s. 24 a of the German Road Traffic Act the question is whether also breath alcohol concentrations can be back calculated to the time of the traffic offence in cases where it is definite that the person to be examined is in the period of alcohol elimination. To this end, a study was performed in which 56 healthy volunteers consumed 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 g of ethanol mixed with fruit juice per kilogram of body weight over a period of 10-20 min. Calculations included all 391 pairs of concurrent blood alcohol and breath alcohol concentration values obtained after 2 h following the end of drinking. All volunteers exceeded the peak value of the alcohol curve. The measured values included were above 0.1 g/kg and 0.05 mg/L. For an average intake of alcohol of 0.88 g/kg the following regression lines were calculated for the period starting 2 h after the end of drinking: blood alcohol concentration [g/kg] = 1.318 - 0.172 h and breath alcohol concentration [mg/L] = 0.589 - 0.079 h. Subtracting the simple standard deviation from the mean value yielded hourly degradation rates above 0.1 g/kg and above 0.05 mg/L, respectively. Subtracting two standard deviations, the values fell below this level in both cases. In fact, back calculation of breath alcohol concentrations based on 0.05 mg/h seems to be possible for traffic offences if certain conditions are complied with, such as the use of Evidential 7110, a calibrated breath alcohol analyser approved by the Federal Physical-Technical Laboratory for measuring the breath alcohol concentration.

The incorporation of reference DNA is crucial to the validation of any DNA typing protocol. This paper aims to provide a panel of reference DNAs for actual forensic profiling strategies, i.e. autosomal and gonosomal STR typing as well as mtDNA sequencing. We have characterised three human lymphoid cell lines, GM9947, GM9948 and GM3657, and considered 58 autosomal and gonosomal microsatellites as well as the mitochondrial control region sequence. Well-established markers and STRs recently developed for forensic use were involved. K562 DNA samples which we purchased from two different suppliers were also analysed. They revealed conflicting results with regard to the ChrX STR marker genotype. Hence, we suggest that K562 is no longer used for the calibration of profiling techniques. Our investigation establishes a panel of one female and two male DNA samples as an STR allelic ladder calibration tool and offers information on six alleles of each autosome (AS) marker, three alleles of each X chromosome (ChrX) marker and two alleles of each ChrY marker. In addition, sequences of the mitochondrial control region of the three DNAs are communicated in order to provide sequencing quality control.

Mitochondrial DNA sequences of the hypervariable regions HV I and HV II were analyzed in 300 unrelated individuals born and living in the northeast corner of Germany (Western Pomerania) to generate a database for forensic identification purposes in this region. Sequence polymorphism were detected using PCR and direct sequencing analysis. A total of 242 different haplotypes were found as determined by 147 variable positions. The most frequent haplotype (263G, 315.1C) was found in 10 individuals and is also the most common sequence in Europe. Three other haplotypes were shared by 5 individuals, 2 sequences by 4, 8 haplotypes by 3, 15 sequences by 2 persons, and 213 sequences were unique. The genetic diversity was estimated to be 0.99 and the probability of two random individuals showing identical mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes is 0.6%. A comparison with other studies from Germany showed only little differences in the distribution of haplogroups. Nevertheless, one frequent haplotype in northeast Germany (five unrelated individuals) could only rarely be found in other German and European regions. Our results may indicate that despite a high admixture proportion in the German population some regions could demonstrate certain characteristic features.

Identification in forensic casework by mtDNA sequencing is predominantly done by sequencing the non-coding control region (HVI and HVII). In an attempt to further increase the discriminatory power of mtDNA analysis, we sequenced a coding region between nt8306 and nt9021 to identify additional polymorphisms in a group of 61 unrelated German individuals who had mtDNA profiles that occurred more than two times each, as well as a control group of 119 unrelated Germans whose profiles occurred one or two times each. Within these 180 individuals, 38 different polymorphisms in this region were observed; 64.4% of these individuals displayed the Cambridge reference sequence profile plus A8860G. For 28 individuals with the two most common profiles, A263G-315.1insC (N = 18) and A263G-309.1insC-315.1insC (N = 10), additional polymorphisms in this coding region permitted further discrimination of 56 and 40% of the individuals, respectively.

We report a case in which STR typing failed to identify the minor component of a mixed saliva stain, but a mitochondrial restriction analysis succeeded in discriminating between the two components. To identify the nt16093 and nt16265 transitions, the template was amplified with the mismatch primers L16092-mm16085 and H16266-mm16269. In the presence of the transitions the mismatch primers created a BsaB I and a Cac8 I restriction site, respectively. Subsequently, aliquots were restricted separately using the enzymes Cac8 I and BsaB I which clearly identified the minor stain component.

Pholedrine (4'-hydroxymethamphetamine) is a cardiovascular agent exerting hypertensive and adrenergic effects. High doses may cause a drop in the peripheral circulation blood flow and increase blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature up to a state of central respiratory paralysis. A 15-year-old girl who suffered from heavy agitation and hallucinations was admitted to the intensive care unit in a comatose state. The clinical findings included a maximum heart rate of 170 bpm and a body temperature of 43.8 degrees C. Resuscitation measures were in vain and abandoned after approximately 2h. A toxicological emergency analysis using GC/MS revealed a considerable amount of pholedrine in blood and urine. A method for determining pholedrine in human body fluids utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a turbo ion-spray source was developed, using D11-methamphetamine and D5-methylenedioxymethamphetamine as internal standards. Samples were prepared by SPE extraction using SPEC-C18AR/MP3((R)) columns, which yielded the best extraction recovery (67%). Chromatographic separation was achieved at pH 5 on an RP-18 stationary phase applying gradient elution from 50 to 70% of B (methanol/acetonitrile 3/1 (v/v), 0.02% acetic acid) in A (5mM ammonium acetate/acetonitrile 95/5 (v/v), 0.02% acetic acid). Supra-pure acetic acid was added to the post-column effluent with a flow rate of 0.2 microl/min to optimize ionization. Detection was carried out in the positive ionization, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The chromatograms showed no interference from other substances. The limit of detection (LOD, S/N=3) of pholedrine was 0.8 ng/ml and its lower limit of quantification (LLOQ, S/N=10) 3ng/ml. The calibration curve was linear (r=0.999) in the range 1-100 ng/ml. Samples with higher concentrations were diluted to suit the working range. The intra-day R.S.D. between 5 and 80 ng/ml were 3.8-8.7% and the inter-day R.S.D. between 5 and 100 ng/ml were 6.7-10.7%. The pholedrine concentrations in blood and urine collected when the girl was still alive were 16.1 microg/ml (R.S.D. 10.5%) and 1120 microg/ml (R.S.D. 8%), respectively. In post-mortem samples, they were 23.0 microg/ml (R.S.D. 5.1%) in heart blood and 27.3 microg/g (R.S.D. 6.6%) in the liver.