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Chang EK, Abrahams S, Mole CG. Hiding the evidence: Preliminary investigation of heat-induced alterations to pre-existing saw mark trauma. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112142. [PMID: 38981415 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Dismemberment and subsequent burning are common methods employed in an attempt to conceal or destroy evidence. While kerf characteristics can be utilised to identify tool(s) used for dismemberment, further research is necessary to assess the effect of burning on these characteristics. In this study, a back (tenon) saw (13 teeth per inch) was used to manually inflict trauma on Ovis aries de-fleshed femur bones (n = 18). Three different cut marks (shallow false start, incomplete cut and complete transection) were made on the mid-shaft of each bone. Subsequently, the bones were burned for 20 minutes in a muffle furnace. Three burn temperatures were assessed: 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C. Saw mark characteristics of each cut type were assessed and compared pre- and post-burning. All pre-existing trauma was recognisable post-burning; however, metric and morphological alterations were apparent. An increase in kerf width was observed at 600 °C in false start lesions and 800 °C in incomplete cuts. Breakaway spur thickness decreased post-burning (at 400 °C and 800 °C) but length was not significantly affected. Mean inter-striation distance decreased post burning at all temperature groups. Saw marks were distinguishable from heat-related fractures across all temperature groups. One false start lesion was obliterated at 800 °C. Exit chipping, pull-out striae as well as striation regularity appeared to be more enhanced after heat exposure. These alterations indicate a temperature-dependent impact on these characteristics. Further research is necessary to assess the role of burn duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya K Chang
- Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shameemah Abrahams
- Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Calvin G Mole
- Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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D'Apuzzo A, Mazzarelli D, Caccia G, Palamenghi A, Franceschetti L, Poppa P, De Angelis D, Cattaneo C. Autopsy doesn't always tell all: The importance of exhuming skeletal remains of cemetery unidentified decedents. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 71:102498. [PMID: 39059332 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The process of personal identification differs according to the state of preservation of the corpse, becoming more complicated when dealing with remains altered by taphonomic variables. Since 2015, the staff of the Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology (LABANOF) of the University of Milan has been engaged in recovering the skeletons of 36 unknown people from the cemeteries of the city of Milan, to redraw their biological profiles and give them back the possibility of being identified. Of the 36 starting skeletons, 7 have been identified and therefore are not the object of this study, 25 individuals were previously subjected to an autopsy examination and 4 skeletons were studied for the first time in the present work. The post-mortem data of all the individuals who had previously undergone autopsy and had not yet been identified (n = 25) have been retrieved from the archives of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Milan and allowed for a comparison with those obtained from the new anthropological study of each exhumed skeleton. The authors aim to present the three most interesting cases to better highlight the results that emerged from the comparison. The autopsy information alone lacked important details. In all cases, the anthropological examination proved to be capable of detailing the biological profile of the unknowns even after a long period of inhumation (even more than 20 years). The limitations of instrumental investigations in achieving the goal single-handedly and the importance of recovering the unknown skeletons from cemeteries for identification purposes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa D'Apuzzo
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Caccia
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy; Dipartimento Di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Palamenghi
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy; LAFAS (Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Franceschetti
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Poppa
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo De Angelis
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
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3
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Bernardi C, Nogueira L, Amoretti N, Carle GF, Alunni V. Comparison of false starts by saw created on flesh and dry bones; as close as possible to the real conditions of criminal dismemberment. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03256-6. [PMID: 38763927 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
In most experimental protocols, false starts are produced on dry bones obtained through a maceration process for anthropological analyses, for the sake of reproducibility. Although this allows for controlled experimental conditions, the absence of soft parts when experimentally creating false starts does not correspond to the real conditions of criminal dismemberment. The main objective of this study was to determine if the results of experimental work on the characteristics of false starts were valid under medico-legal conditions. In this experimental study, a hand saw (rip saw, wavy set, TPI 32) was used. 240 false starts were produced on human and pig bones. Randomly, the false starts were either produced on a dry bone or on a flesh bone. The criteria for microscopic analysis included the shape of the walls, the shape and visibility of striae on the floor, the shape of the profile, and the minimum width of the false start. On human bone, 100% of the false starts produced on a bone that had previously undergone a maceration process for anthropological analyses (dry bone) allowed the definition of all the blade characteristics. This was the case for 78.3% on bone in the presence of soft tissue (flesh bone). The striae on the floor of the false start are in some cases less visible with flesh bones, implying that it may be more difficult to conclude on the characteristics of a saw under medico-legal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bernardi
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex 2, 06107, France.
- UMR E4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut Joliot, Université Nice Sophia- Antipolis, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
| | - Luísa Nogueira
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex 2, 06107, France
| | - Nicolas Amoretti
- Service de Radiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur 2, 30 Voie Romaine, Nice, 06000, France
- Laboratoire de Médecine Moléculaire, FRE CNRS 3472 Nice. iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur UMR7277 CNRS - UMR1091 INSERM, Nice, France
| | - Georges F Carle
- UMR E4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut Joliot, Université Nice Sophia- Antipolis, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Alunni
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex 2, 06107, France
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Moreno-Ibáñez MÁ, Saladié P, Ramírez-Pedraza I, Díez-Canseco C, Fernández-Marchena JL, Soriano E, Carbonell E, Tornero C. Death in the high mountains: Evidence of interpersonal violence during Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age at Roc de les Orenetes (Eastern Pyrenees, Spain). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24909. [PMID: 38415956 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test a hypothesis on interpersonal violence events during the transition between Chalcolithic and Bronze Age in the Eastern Pyrenees, to contextualize it in Western Europe during that period, and to assess if these marks can be differentiated from secondary funerary treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Metric and non-metric methods were used to estimate the age-at-death and sex of the skeletal remains. Perimortem injuries were observed and analyzed with stereomicroscopy and confocal microscopy. RESULTS Among the minimum of 51 individuals documented, at least six people showed evidence of perimortem trauma. All age groups and both sexes are represented in the skeletal sample, but those with violent injuries are predominantly males. Twenty-six bones had 49 injuries, 48 of which involved sharp force trauma on postcranial elements, and one example of blunt force trauma on a cranium. The wounds were mostly located on the upper extremities and ribs, anterior and posterior. Several antemortem lesions were also documented in the assemblage. DISCUSSION The perimortem lesions, together with direct dating, suggest that more than one episode of interpersonal violence took place between the Late Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age in northeastern Spain. The features of the sharp force trauma indicate that different weapons were used, including sharp metal objects and lithic projectiles. The Roc de les Orenetes assemblage represents a scenario of recurrent lethal confrontation in a high mountain geographic context, representing the evidence of inferred interpersonal violence located at the highest altitude settings in the Pyrenees, at 1836 meters above sea level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Moreno-Ibáñez
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Palmira Saladié
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Departamento de Paleobiología, Unit associated to CSIC, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Ramírez-Pedraza
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Celia Díez-Canseco
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Fernández-Marchena
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Departament de Prehistòria, Arqueologia i Història Antigua, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Eni Soriano
- Departament of Prehistory, Facultat de Filosofia i Lletres, Edifici B, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eudald Carbonell
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Carlos Tornero
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), Tarragona, Spain
- Departament of Prehistory, Facultat de Filosofia i Lletres, Edifici B, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
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Sanyavises K, Vachirawongsakorn V. Stereomicroscopic analysis of cut marks inflicted by a knife with blade damage. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:15-23. [PMID: 37843622 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal cut mark analysis provides relevant information on the general class characteristics of suspect knife. However, there is a lack of research on the influence of blade damage on cut mark analysis. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate the effects of damaged knife blades on cut marks' morphological and morphometrical characteristics. Fifteen undamaged, non-serrated knives were used to cut human ribs to make control cut marks. The knife blades were then damaged by a series of cuts on the bones. A comparison was made between the control cuts and 3 groups of cut marks inflicted by blades that had been damaged to different degrees. The results showed that the damaged blades created wider cut marks than undamaged one. Kerf morphology was likely to imitate the cuts made by the serrated blades such as an elliptical shape, a V-shaped cross-section and the presence of coarse striations. Wear-related features can affect cut mark analysis as the marks left behind by blades damaged to different degrees showed dissimilar dimensions and morphologies. The findings of this study can be applied to a forensic investigation when cut marks were caused by a knife with a damaged blade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawin Sanyavises
- Forensic Pathology Unit, Phrapokklao Hospital, Chanthaburi, Thailand
| | - Vijarn Vachirawongsakorn
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Bergman L, Brock F, Errickson D. Use of different imaging techniques in stab wound analysis. Sci Justice 2024; 64:50-62. [PMID: 38182313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Stab wound analysis is a relatively new field of study in forensic science, and there is currently much debate regarding the effectiveness of the analysis due to a lack of validation studies. Furthermore, the underlying viewpoints on the success of stab wound analysis vary. Examination of cut marks, for example, can reveal a variety of characteristics which can be used to determine the type of weapon that was used to inflict them. However, published studies are not consistent when identifying knife blade characteristics, instead considering a wide variety of morphological aspects and their potential value in forensic scenarios. The existing research methodology is therefore inadequate to reliably inform in such contexts, and future experimental design should be influenced by the conditional variance in stabbings in order to provide reliable findings. The research presented here takes a systematic approach to the problem, compiling the published literature (up to September 2023) on the use of different imaging methods applied to stab wound examination to create a taxonomy to examine trends in methodological approaches in both research and investigative settings. This approach identified that published studies could be classified as either morphological or morphometrical, and further sub-classified based on their degree of success and the findings reached. This emphasises the importance of prioritising research into mark data, and the need for a multi-technique, multi-disciplinary approach. A decision tree was created to illustrate which mark attributes should be studied for which purpose, and using which imaging method(s). Furthermore, the research presented identifies two key areas in stab wound research which should be the focus of standardisation efforts, namely methodological procedures and mark characteristic collection. Knife markings are difficult to interpret, but further research and standardisation of kerf mark analysis, as highlighted here, will improve the efficiency and reliability of both forensic investigations and future experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Bergman
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham SN6 8LA, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Brock
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
| | - David Errickson
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham SN6 8LA, United Kingdom
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Applications of 3D printing in forensic medicine and forensic pathology. A systematic review. ANNALS OF 3D PRINTED MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stlm.2022.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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8
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Franchetti G, Viel G, Fais P, Fichera G, Cecchin D, Cecchetto G, Giraudo C. Forensic applications of micro-computed tomography: a systematic review. Clin Transl Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-022-00510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of micro-CT current applications in forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, and neonatology.
Methods
A bibliographic research on the electronic databases Pubmed and Scopus was conducted in the time frame 01/01/2001–31/12/2021 without any language restrictions and applying the following free-text search strategy: “(micro-computed tomography OR micro-CT) AND (forensic OR legal)”. The following inclusion criteria were used: (A) English language; (B) Application of micro-CT to biological and/or non-biological materials to address at least one forensic issue (e.g., age estimation, identification of post-mortem interval). The papers selected by three independent investigators have been then classified according to the investigated materials.
Results
The bibliographic search provided 651 records, duplicates excluded. After screening for title and/or abstracts, according to criteria A and B, 157 full-text papers were evaluated for eligibility. Ninety-three papers, mostly (64) published between 2017 and 2021, were included; considering that two papers investigated several materials, an overall amount of 99 classifiable items was counted when referring to the materials investigated. It emerged that bones and cartilages (54.55%), followed by teeth (13.13%), were the most frequently analyzed materials. Moreover, micro-CT allowed the collection of structural, qualitative and/or quantitative information also for soft tissues, fetuses, insects, and foreign materials.
Conclusion
Forensic applications of micro-CT progressively increased in the last 5 years with very promising results. According to this evidence, we might expect in the near future a shift of its use from research purposes to clinical forensic cases.
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Radiological detection of sharp force skeletal trauma: an evaluation of the sensitivity of Lodox in comparison to CT and X-ray. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1417-1430. [PMID: 35654876 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02845-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Victims of violent crime often have evidence of sharp force trauma (SFT) which needs to be examined to accurately investigate these cases. The abilities of CTs, X-rays, and Lodox to detect skeletal SFT defects and the minimum number of impacts were assessed, as were their abilities to macroscopically interpret SFT with the aim of identifying the class of weapon used. Ten pigs were, post-mortem, stabbed using a kitchen knife on one side of the body and chopped using a panga on the other side. They were then scanned and macerated. The number of SFT defects, type of SFT, and minimum number of impacts identifiable osteologically were recorded, as well as when using each imaging modality. CTs were most sensitive for detecting stab and chop defects (56.7% and 78.3%, respectively) and the minimum number of impacts (82.8%), while X-rays were least sensitive (17.2% for stab wounds, 46.5% for chop marks, and 43.5% for impacts). Lodox detected 26.8% of stab defects, 59.3% of chop marks, and 58.4% of impacts. The type of SFT for more than 70.0% of identified defects was correctly classified using all methods, while only Lodox had moderate sensitivities for stab wounds (52.4%). When radiological assessments of skeletal SFT are required, CTs should be performed, but Lodox can be used as an alternative. However, dry bone analyses still produce the best results and should be performed whenever possible. Macroscopic interpretations of skeletal SFT to broadly determine the class of weapon used is possible radiologically.
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Braun S, Indra L, Lösch S, Milella M. Perimortem Skeletal Sharp Force Trauma: Detection Reliability on CT Data, Demographics and Anatomical Patterns from a Forensic Dataset. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050666. [PMID: 35625394 PMCID: PMC9138488 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The increased use of computed tomography images in forensic anthropology is easily explained with a variety of benefits: among other reasons they are digitally stored, they can easily be shared and they are non-invasive. However, it is not clear how suitable these images are for forensic anthropologists to detect sharp force trauma. Therefore, we analyzed computed tomography images, by observing digital images of 41 forensic cases in different viewing modalities. In addition, we looked for anatomical injury patterns in the soft- and hard-tissues and any significant correlations between the manner of death (suicide or homicide) with different parameters. Our findings indicated a superiority of viewing the images in 2D, but not all bone lesions were detected. The manner of death was significantly correlated to some of the parameters, which could be extrapolated to future forensic anthropological cases. We promote the inclusion of imaging training into the anthropological curricula. Abstract The increasing importance of trauma analysis by means of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is insufficiently reflected in forensic curricula, nor are best practice manuals available. We attempt to detect sharp force bone lesions on PMCT of closed forensic cases with the aims of assessing errors and pointing out patterns in anatomical location and manner of death (MOD). We investigated 41 closed sharp force fatality cases, with available PMCT and forensic reports. Two observers with different radiological training assessed the lesions on PMCT scans (2D and 3D) for comparison with the reports. Between 3% (suicides) and 15.3% (homicides) of sharp force injuries caused visible bone lesions. While our observations were repeatable, each forensic investigation left a similar number of bone lesions undetected. Injury patterns differed between MOD, with thoracic bone lesions being most frequent overall. Soft tissue injury location varied between the MOD. Associations between MOD and age as well as number of injuries were significant. The detection of bone lesions on PMCT for untrained forensic specialists is challenging, curricula and pertinent manuals are desirable. With the low frequency of bone lesions compared to soft tissue injuries, we should be aware when analyzing decomposed bodies.
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Image segmentation of post-mortem computed tomography data in forensic imaging: Methods and applications. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2021.200483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Fukumoto W, Kitera N, Mitani H, Sueoka T, Kondo S, Kawashita I, Nakamura Y, Nagao M, Awai K. Global illumination rendering versus volume rendering for the forensic evaluation of stab wounds using computed tomography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2452. [PMID: 35165357 PMCID: PMC8844357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared three-dimensional (3D) CT images of stabbing victims subjected to volume-rendering (VR) or global illumination-rendering (GIR), a new technique now available for the reconstruction of 3D CT images. It simulates the complete interactions of photons with the scanned object, thereby providing photorealistic images. The diagnostic value of the images was also compared with that of macroscopic photographs. We used postmortem 3D CT images of 14 stabbing victims who had undergone autopsy and CT studies. The 3D CT images were subjected to GIR or VR and the 3D effect and the smoothness of the skin surface were graded on a 5-point scale. We also compared the 3D CT images of 37 stab wounds with macroscopic photographs. The maximum diameter of the wounds was measured on VR and GIR images and compared with the diameter recorded at autopsy. The overall image-quality scores and the ability to assess the stab wounds were significantly better on GIR than VR images (median scores: VR = 3 vs GIR = 4, p < 0.01). The mean difference between the wound diameter measured on VR and GIR images and at autopsy were both 0.2 cm, respectively. For the assessment of stab wounds, 3D CT images subjected to GIR were superior to VR images. The diagnostic value of 3D CT GIR image was comparable to that of macroscopic photographs.
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Carew RM, Iacoviello F, Rando C, Moss RM, Speller R, French J, Morgan RM. A multi-method assessment of 3D printed micromorphological osteological features. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1391-1406. [PMID: 35141777 PMCID: PMC9375746 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02789-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The evaluation of 3D printed osteological materials has highlighted the difficulties associated with accurately representing fine surface details on printed bones. Moreover, there is an increasing need for reconstructions to be demonstrably accurate and reliable for use in the criminal justice system. The aim of this study was to assess the surface quality of 3D prints (n = 9) that presented with micromorphological alterations from trauma, taphonomy and pathology processes. The archaeological bones were imaged using micro-CT scanning and 3D printed with selective laser sintering (SLS) printing. A multi-method experimental approach subsequently identified: (1) the 3D printed bones to be metrically accurate to within 1.0 mm; (2) good representation of micromorphological surface features overall, albeit with some loss of intricate details, depths, and fine textures that can be important for visual processing; (3) five of the nine 3D printed bones were quantitatively scored as accurate using the visual comparison method; and, (4) low mesh comparison distances (± 0.2 mm) between the original models and the digitised 3D print models. The findings offer empirical data that can be used to underpin 3D printed reconstructions of exhibits for use in courts of law. In addition, an adaptable pathway was presented that can be used to assess 3D print accuracy in future reconstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Carew
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK. .,UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK.
| | - Francesco Iacoviello
- The Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Rando
- UCL Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, UK
| | - Robert M Moss
- UCL Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Robert Speller
- UCL Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - James French
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK.,UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK.,UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
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14
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Alsop K, Norman DG, Baier W, Colclough J, Williams MA. Advantages of micro-CT in the case of a complex dismemberment. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1258-1266. [PMID: 35118663 PMCID: PMC9305105 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This case study reports the advantages of micro‐CT to aid the investigative process in a complex dismemberment case. Micro‐CT was successfully implemented to scan all skeletal remains of a dismembered female. The digital models were utilized to (i) screen for any further injuries not related to the dismemberment, (ii) provide measurements from false starts non‐destructively, and (iii) visually represent the evidence in a structured format in court to improve the understanding of the forensic evidence by the jury. Acquiring high‐resolution scans in this manner improved the efficiency of the forensic investigation by screening the remains and provided complementary toolmark evidence to the investigating team and forensic pathologist. A total of 14 false starts were identified along with the directionality of each dismemberment cut. Furthermore, the visual 3D representation of the remains in court provided a powerful tool to communicate this important evidence to the jury and form a prosecution narrative. As a forensic radiological method, micro‐CT provided valuable information both in the investigation and the court presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Alsop
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Danielle G Norman
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Waltraud Baier
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Mark A Williams
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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15
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Baiker-Sørensen M, Herlaar K. Variability and specificity of bone cutting mark properties in cases involving stabbing with knives. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:603-621. [PMID: 35001168 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02752-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sharp force traumas are frequently encountered in stabbing crime victims. During an examination, the properties of cutting marks in bones are compared with the properties of suspect tools, particularly knives. Therefore, the variation and specificity of knife and cutting mark properties must be known. This article provides the variability and specificity of a set of knife blade and cutting mark properties. Plain and serrated knives are used to create experimental cutting marks in porcine ribs, knife properties are derived from surface acquisitions of the blades and mark properties from Micro-CT data. We consider two conditions, automated stabbing using a motorized stage and manual stabbing. In addition, we study the influence of maceration on marks. For knives, the blade edge angle, blade thickness, and bevel height, and for cutting marks, the shape, the wall angle, the width, and the bevel height are determined and compared. The results show that the relationship between corresponding properties of blades and marks depends on the knife type. For plain knives, the width and wall angle of the marks are dependent on the mark depth and are significantly smaller than the blade properties edge angle and width. For serrated knives, this is not the case. The mark shape only provides slight support for a knife type for marks deeper than the blade bevel height. In conclusion, mark properties are only specific for a particular knife brand and model if the blade properties differ significantly and assuming a specific knife type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Baiker-Sørensen
- Team Firearms and Tools (WEW), Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, Den Haag, The Netherlands.
| | - Koen Herlaar
- Team Firearms and Tools (WEW), Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, Den Haag, The Netherlands
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16
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Carew RM, French J, Morgan RM. Suitability of 3D printing cranial trauma: Prospective novel applications and limitations of 3D replicas. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2021.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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17
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Vachirawongsakorn V, Painter J, Márquez-Grant N. Knife cut marks inflicted by different blade types and the changes induced by heat: a dimensional and morphological study. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:329-342. [PMID: 34713335 PMCID: PMC8813839 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Detailed information on skeletal trauma analysis of burned bone is important to ascertain the manner and cause of death in forensic casework. This research used three different knife types, one with a non-serrated blade, one a fine-serrated blade, and one a coarse-serrated blade, to inflict trauma to manually macerated Sus scrofa ribs (n = 240), and these ribs were later exposed to heat. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using macroscopic and microscopic techniques to assess specific characteristics of the cut marks. Differences in cut mark dimension and morphology of the ribs were investigated. After heat exposure, the cut marks on the rib samples remained recognisable and did not alter considerably. A level of dimensional and morphological preservation was reliant on the cutting action and the features of the knife blade as well as surrounding bone injury. The cut marks inflicted by the non-serrated blade remained recognisable despite exposure to the burning process. However, the cut marks inflicted by the coarse-serrated blade were likely to change significantly when exposed to heat. This study leads to two important results: (1) identification of pre-existing cut marks prior to heat exposure is possible in reconstructed burned bone fragments, and (2) cut marks from different types of knife blades showed dissimilar responses to heat. The outcomes obtained in this study stressed the need to adopt great care with the effects of heat on skeletal trauma analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijarn Vachirawongsakorn
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jonathan Painter
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, UK.
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, UK
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18
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Alsop K, Norman D, Remy G, Wilson P, Williams MA. Quantitative characterisation of ballistic cartridge cases from micro-CT. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 326:110913. [PMID: 34311286 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of cartridge cases is essential within forensic ballistic analysis and is used in an attempt to establish a connection to the weapon used to fire it. This study consists of two experiments. The aims of Experiment 1 were to establish whether micro-CT is appropriate and repeatable for ballistic cartridge case analysis and if measurements can be extracted repeatably and reliably. Experiment 2 aimed to compare cartridge cases from two weapons to establish the magnitude of variation within and between weapons. A total of 48 cartridge cases fired by two distinct weapons were collected and micro-CT scanned to a high resolution. One randomly selected cartridge was scanned ten times under the same conditions to ensure repeatability of the scanning conditions in Experiment 1. Three novel measurements to quantitatively assess the firing pin impressions were proposed in Experiment 1 and comparatively analysed from two weapons in Experiment 2. Experiment 1 showed that micro-CT is an effective and highly repeatable and reliable method for 3-dimensional imaging and measurement of ballistic cartridge cases. Furthermore, high agreement for inter-rater reliability was found between five raters. Quantitative micro-CT analysis of the firing pin impression measurements in Experiment 2 showed a significant difference between the two studied weapons using Welch's t-test (p < 0.01). This study shows the advantage and reliability of utilising micro-CT for firing pin impression analysis. Quantitation of the firing pin impression allows distinction between the weapons studied. With expansion to further weapons, application of this methodology could complement current analysis techniques through classification models.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Alsop
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - D Norman
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - G Remy
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - P Wilson
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - M A Williams
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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19
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Mata-Tutor P, Villoria-Rojas C, Márquez-Grant N, Alvarez de Buergo Ballester M, Pérez-Ema N, Benito-Sánchez M. Measuring dimensional and morphological heat alterations of dismemberment-related toolmarks with an optical roughness metre. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:343-356. [PMID: 34223994 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02627-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This experimental study provides a further understanding of the post-burning nature of sharp force trauma. The main objective is to analyse the distortion that fire may inflict on the length, width, roughness, and floor shape morphology of toolmarks induced by four different implements. To this end, four fresh juvenile pig long bones were cut with a bread knife, a serrated knife, a butcher machete, and a saw. A total of 120 toolmarks were induced and the bone samples were thus burnt in a chamber furnace. The lesions were analysed with a 3D optical surface roughness metre before and after the burning process. Afterwards, descriptive statistics and correlation tests (Student's t-test and analysis of variance) were performed. The results show that fire exposure can distort the signatures of sharp force trauma, but they remain recognisable and identifiable. The length decreased in size and the roughness increased in a consistent manner. The width did not vary for the saw, serrated knife, or machete toolmarks, while the bread knife lesions slightly shrunk. The floor shape morphology varied after burning, and this change became more noticeable for the three knives. It was also observed that the metrics of the serrated knife and machete cut marks showed no significant variations. Our results demonstrate that there is a variation in the toolmark characteristics after burning. This distortion is dependent on multiple factors that influence their dimensional and morphological changes, and the preservation of class features is directly reliant upon the weapon employed, the trauma caused, and the burning process conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Mata-Tutor
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología Y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Catherine Villoria-Rojas
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología Y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, UK
| | | | | | - María Benito-Sánchez
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología Y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Lupariello F, Genova T, Mussano F, Di Vella G, Botta G. Micro-CT processing's effects on microscopic appearance of human fetal cardiac samples. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 53:101934. [PMID: 34225094 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Higher resolution than common computed tomography has been reached through Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) on small samples. Emerging forensic applications of micro-CT are the study of fetal/infant organs and whole fetuses, and their two/three-dimension reconstruction; it allows: to facilitate pathologists' role in the identification of causes of fetal stillbirth and of infant death; to create digital two and/or three-dimension representations of fetal/infant organs and whole fetuses which can be easily discussed in civil and/or penal courts. Micro-CT reconstructs cardiac anatomy of animal and human sample. There are no studies that are specifically aimed to evaluate possible effects of micro-CT processing on cardiac microscopic evaluation. This study analyzed microscopic effects of micro-CT processing on human-fetal-hearts. After processing with Lugol-solution or Microfil-MV-122-injection in coronary branches, fetal hearts underwent micro-CT scan. Then, hearts were microscopically analyzed using hematoxylin/eosin, trichrome, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for actin-protein, and IHC for desmin-intermediate-filament stains. In all cases staining was present in all fields. In all slides, disarranged myocardial proteins with increase of inter filaments and inter cellular spaces was reported. This manuscript allowed to observe post micro-CT appropriate staining and antigenic reactivity, and to identify cytoarchitecture modifications that could compromise slides' microscopic evaluation. It also highlighted a possible role of micro-CT determining this cytoarchitecture phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lupariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche - Sezione di Medicina Legale - "Università degli Studi di Torino", corso Galileo Galilei 22, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Tullio Genova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, UNITO, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy; CIR Dental School, Department of Surgical Sciences UNITO, via Nizza 230, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Mussano
- CIR Dental School, Department of Surgical Sciences UNITO, via Nizza 230, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Vella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche - Sezione di Medicina Legale - "Università degli Studi di Torino", corso Galileo Galilei 22, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Botta
- A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza - Anatomia Patologica U, Sezione Materno-Fetale-Pediatrica, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Torino, Italy
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21
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Collings AJ, Brown K. Reconstruction and physical fit analysis of fragmented skeletal remains using 3D imaging and printing. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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22
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Alsop K, Baier W, Norman D, Burnett B, Williams MA. Accurate prediction of saw blade thicknesses from false start measurements. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110602. [PMID: 33279765 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND False start analysis is the examination of incomplete saw marks created on bone in an effort to establish information on the saw that created them. The present study aims to use quantitative data from micro-CT cross-sections to predict the thickness of the saw blade used to create the mark. Random forest statistical models are utilised for prediction to present a methodology that is useful to both forensic researchers and practitioners. METHOD 340 false starts were created on 32 fleshed cadaveric leg bones by 38 saws of various classes. False starts were micro-CT scanned and seven measurements taken digitally. A regression random forest model was produced from the measurement data of all saws to predict the saw blade thickness from false starts with an unknown class. A further model was created, consisting of three random forests, to predict the saw blade thickness when the class of the saw is known. The predictive capability of the models was tested using a second sample of data, consisting of measurements taken from a further 17 false starts created randomly selected saws from the 38 in the experiment. RESULTS Random forest models were able to accurately predict up to 100% of saw blade thicknesses for both samples of false starts. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the applicability of random forest statistical regression models for reliable prediction of saw blade thicknesses from false start data. The methodology proposed enables prediction of saw blade thickness from empirical data and offers a significant step towards reduced subjectivity and database formation in false start analysis. Application of this methodology to false start analysis, with a more complete database, will allow complementary results to current analysis techniques to provide more information on the saw used in dismemberment casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Alsop
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - W Baier
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - D Norman
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - B Burnett
- Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre Manager, UHCW NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - M A Williams
- Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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23
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Baier W, Norman DG, Donnelly MJ, Williams MA. Forensic 3D printing from micro-CT for court use- process validation. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110560. [PMID: 33183864 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Forensic application of 3D scanning and printing technology is gaining momentum with 3D printed evidence starting to be produced for court. However, the processes for creating these forensic 3D models requires still rigorous assessment to ensure they adhere to the relevant legal standards. Although, previous work has examined the accuracy of 3D prints created from medical grade Computed Tomography (CT), no such assessment has been carried out for Micro Computed Tomography (micro-CT) which offers superior resolution and the ability to capture forensically relevant injuries. This study aimed to quantify the error rates associated with forensic 3D printed models and toolmarks, created using three different printing technologies, based on micro-CT data. Overall, 3D printed models, based on micro-CT scans, replicate bone surface geometry to sub-millimetre accuracy (<0.62mm for overall shape and <0.36mm for toolmarks). However, there were significant differences between the printing technology employed (mean errors of -0.3%, -0.8%, and 0.7% for shape geometry and -0.8%, 14.1%, and 0.7% for toolmark geometry for Printers 1-3 respectively). Where possible, the authors recommend micro-CT imaging for producing forensic 3D printed bone models particularly when injuries are present.
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24
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Nichols-Drew L, Armitage R, Hillman R, Sheridan KJ, Farrugia KJ. On a knife edge: A preliminary investigation of clothing damage using rounded-tip knives. Sci Justice 2020; 60:495-503. [PMID: 33077032 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bladed weapons are frequently encountered in violent crime offences including street based and armed robberies, murder, sexual assaults and terrorism. A study was conducted involving four frequently encountered clothing fabrics: t-shirt (knitted cotton), denim jeans (twill woven cotton), long sleeved top (knitted synthetic blend), and skirt (non-woven faux leather) and five knives to investigate any damage resulting from a downward stabbing motion, with 300 stabs in total. Any resultant penetrating severance damage was then photographed, measured and analysed. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the stab hole size and shape, as a consequence of the design of a bladed weapon (in particular, the tip shape) that caused it. There is a notable correlation between the Assure knife (rounded tip) and no resulting severance damage, as the fabric surfaces were not breached with this knife. This suggests a clear alternative to pointed tip knife blades. These findings will be of interest to investigators of knife crime offences, crime-reduction units, knife manufacturers and practitioners, who share the goal of identifying a safer alternative to conventional knife blade design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisa Nichols-Drew
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK.
| | - Rachel Armitage
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Robert Hillman
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Kelly J Sheridan
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Kevin J Farrugia
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
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25
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Bonney H, Goodman A. Validity of the use of porcine bone in forensic cut mark studies. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:278-284. [PMID: 33080061 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Porcine bone is often used as a substitute for human bone in forensic trauma studies, but little has been published on its comparative mechanical behavior. The factors affecting mechanical properties and therefore selection of bone models are complex and include the age of the animal at death, and physiological loading conditions, the latter being of particular relevance when using a quadrupedal animal as a human substitute. The regional variation in hardness of adult and infant porcine bones was investigated using Vickers' indentation tests and compared to published data for human limb bones to relate differences to inherent genetic effects and loading influences, and to examine the validity of the porcine-human model. Significant differences in hardness were observed both along and around the adult porcine humerus and femur, but no significant differences were found along the length of the infant bones. Significant differences were found between the forelimb and hindlimb, but only in the infant specimens. The hardness values for porcine adult cortical bone from the femur (52.23 ± 1.00 kg mm-2 ) were comparable to those reported in the literature for adult human cortical bone from the fibula, ilium, and calcaneus. These data will help inform subject selection in terms of both species and bone type for use in future trauma studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Bonney
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Adrian Goodman
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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26
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Baier W, Donnelly MJ, Payne M, Williams MA. A Holistic Multi-Scale Approach to Using 3D Scanning Technology in Accident Reconstruction. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1774-1778. [PMID: 32315452 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional scanning and documentation methods are becoming increasingly employed by law enforcement personnel for crime scene and accident scene recording. Three-dimensional documentation of the victim's body in such cases is also increasingly used as the field of forensic radiology and imaging is expanding rapidly. These scanning technologies enable a more complete and detailed documentation than standard autopsy. This was used to examine a fatal pedestrian-vehicle collision where the pedestrian was killed by a van while crossing the road. Two competing scenarios were considered for the vehicle speed calculation: the pedestrian being projected forward by the impact or the pedestrian being carried on the vehicle's bonnet. In order to assist with this, the impact area of the accident vehicle was scanned using laser surface scanning, the victim was scanned using postmortem CT and micro-CT and the data sets were combined to virtually match features of the vehicle to injuries on the victim. Micro-CT revealed additional injuries not previously detected, lending support to the pedestrian-carry theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waltraud Baier
- Warwick Manufacturing Group, International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, England
| | - Michael J Donnelly
- Warwick Manufacturing Group, International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, England
| | - Mark Payne
- West Midlands Police Police Headquarters, Lloyd House, Colmore Circus, Birmingham, B4 6NQ, England
| | - Mark A Williams
- Warwick Manufacturing Group, International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, England
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27
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Baiker-Sørensen M, Herlaar K, Keereweer I, Pauw-Vugts P, Visser R. Interpol review of shoe and tool marks 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:521-539. [PMID: 33385145 PMCID: PMC7770457 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in shoe and tool mark examination from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Baiker-Sørensen
- Section of Firearms and Tools, Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Koen Herlaar
- Section of Firearms and Tools, Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Isaac Keereweer
- Section of Firearms and Tools, Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Petra Pauw-Vugts
- Section of Firearms and Tools, Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Richard Visser
- Section of Firearms and Tools, Division of Chemical and Physical Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB, The Hague, the Netherlands
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Using micro-computed tomography to examine the larynx in cases of suspected strangulation-a comparison of case findings and control images. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:1441-1450. [PMID: 31713681 PMCID: PMC7295822 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The examination of strangulation is one of the most challenging causes of death diagnoses encountered in forensic pathology. The injuries are often subtle and difficult to detect, especially in cases that lack superficial marks. Fractures of the laryngeal skeleton are commonly regarded as evidence of strangulation but these can be too subtle to be detected during autopsy. Micro-CT is a novel imaging technique that achieves a spatial resolution 1 μm or less which lends itself to the examination of small and delicate structures such as the larynx. However, there is little information to date regarding the appearance of the larynx at this scale, thus complicating the interpretation of the micro-CT images. This study therefore uses micro-CT to examine ten larynges from strangulation deaths and to compare them to nineteen samples from donor individuals in order to distinguish between naturally occurring features and actual trauma. It was found that there are several features which mimic damage in the donor group. Using associated case information, initial trends and patterns of different strangulation methods were established.
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Horsman G, Errickson D. When finding nothing may be evidence of something: Anti-forensics and digital tool marks. Sci Justice 2019; 59:565-572. [PMID: 31472802 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There are an abundance of measures available to the standard digital device users which provide the opportunity to act in an anti-forensic manner and conceal any potential digital evidence denoting a criminal act. Whilst there is a lack of empirical evidence which evaluates the scale of this threat to digital forensic investigations leaving the true extent of engagement with such tools unknown, arguably the field should take proactive steps to examine and record the capabilities of these measures. Whilst forensic science has long accepted the concept of toolmark analysis as part of criminal investigations, 'digital tool marks' (DTMs) are a notion rarely acknowledged and considered in digital investigations. DTMs are the traces left behind by a tool or process on a suspect system which can help to determine what malicious behaviour has occurred on a device. This article discusses and champions the need for DTM research in digital forensics highlighting the benefits of doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Horsman
- Teesside University, Campus Heart, Southfield Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - David Errickson
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
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Obertová Z, Leipner A, Messina C, Vanzulli A, Fliss B, Cattaneo C, Sconfienza LM. Postmortem imaging of perimortem skeletal trauma. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Jurda M, Urbanová P, Chmelík J. Digital restoration of fragmentary human skeletal remains: Testing the feasibility of virtual reality. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 66:50-57. [PMID: 31220789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Experts in forensic anthropology and medicine have become gradually accustomed to examining components of the human body in the virtual workspace. While the computer-assisted approach offers numerous benefits, the interactions with digital three-dimensional biological objects are often problematic, particularly if conducted with mouse, keyboard and flat-panel screen. The study focusses on feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) system for virtual restoration of fragmentary skeletal remains. The VR system was confronted with three cases of fragmentary remains. The cases were reassembled manually by twenty participants using a HTC Vive headset combined with an in-house application A.R.T. The same task was performed using a CloudCompare software in conjunction with a desktop peripheral. The two systems were compared in terms of time efficiency, the geometric properties of the resulting restorations, and convenience of use. Restoration using the VR system took approximately half the time the desktop set-up did. The VR system also yielded a lower error rate when a severely fragmented skull was reassembled. Ultimately, although the efficiency of the reassembling was shown to be strongly dependent on the operator's experience, the use of the VR system balanced out the uneven levels of proficiency in computer graphics. The current generation of virtual reality headsets has a strong potential to facilitate and improve tasks relating to the virtual restoration of fragmented skeletal remains. A VR system offers an intuitive digital working environment which is less affected by an operator's computer skills and practical understanding of the technology than the desktop systems are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikoláš Jurda
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petra Urbanová
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Chmelík
- Department of Visual Computing, Faculty of Informatics, Botanická 554/68a, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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Baier W, Mangham C, Warnett JM, Payne M, Painter M, Williams MA. Using histology to evaluate micro-CT findings of trauma in three post-mortem samples — First steps towards method validation. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297:27-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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34
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Norman D, Baier W, Watson D, Burnett B, Painter M, Williams M. Micro-CT for saw mark analysis on human bone. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 293:91-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Shelmerdine SC, Simcock IC, Hutchinson JC, Aughwane R, Melbourne A, Nikitichev DI, Ong JL, Borghi A, Cole G, Kingham E, Calder AD, Capelli C, Akhtar A, Cook AC, Schievano S, David A, Ourselin S, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. 3D printing from microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) in human specimens: education and future implications. Br J Radiol 2018; 91:20180306. [PMID: 29698059 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20180306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfocus CT (micro-CT) is an imaging method that provides three-dimensional digital data sets with comparable resolution to light microscopy. Although it has traditionally been used for non-destructive testing in engineering, aerospace industries and in preclinical animal studies, new applications are rapidly becoming available in the clinical setting including post-mortem fetal imaging and pathological specimen analysis. Printing three-dimensional models from imaging data sets for educational purposes is well established in the medical literature, but typically using low resolution (0.7 mm voxel size) data acquired from CT or MR examinations. With higher resolution imaging (voxel sizes below 1 micron, <0.001 mm) at micro-CT, smaller structures can be better characterised, and data sets post-processed to create accurate anatomical models for review and handling. In this review, we provide examples of how three-dimensional printing of micro-CT imaged specimens can provide insight into craniofacial surgical applications, developmental cardiac anatomy, placental imaging, archaeological remains and high-resolution bone imaging. We conclude with other potential future usages of this emerging technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Ian C Simcock
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - John Ciaran Hutchinson
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,3 Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK
| | - Daniil I Nikitichev
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK.,5 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London , London , UK
| | - Ju-Ling Ong
- 6 Craniofacial Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | | | | | - Emilia Kingham
- 8 UCL Culture, Bidborough House, 38-50 Bidborough Street, London UK
| | - Alistair D Calder
- 2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Claudio Capelli
- 9 Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.,10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Aadam Akhtar
- 10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Andrew C Cook
- 10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Silvia Schievano
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,9 Cardiorespiratory Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.,10 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London , London , UK
| | - Anna David
- 11 Institute for Women's Health, University College London , London , UK
| | - Sebastian Ourselin
- 4 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Translational Imaging Group, University College London , London , UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,3 Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- 1 UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London , UK.,2 Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
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