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Gómez Ó, Mesejo P, Ibáñez Ó, Valsecchi A, Bermejo E, Cerezo A, Pérez J, Alemán I, Kahana T, Damas S, Cordón Ó. Evaluating artificial intelligence for comparative radiography. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:307-327. [PMID: 37801115 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03080-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Comparative radiography is a forensic identification and shortlisting technique based on the comparison of skeletal structures in ante-mortem and post-mortem images. The images (e.g., 2D radiographs or 3D computed tomographies) are manually superimposed and visually compared by a forensic practitioner. It requires a significant amount of time per comparison, limiting its utility in large comparison scenarios. METHODS We propose and validate a novel framework for automating the shortlisting of candidates using artificial intelligence. It is composed of (1) a segmentation method to delimit skeletal structures' silhouettes in radiographs, (2) a superposition method to generate the best simulated "radiographs" from 3D images according to the segmented radiographs, and (3) a decision-making method for shortlisting all candidates ranked according to a similarity metric. MATERIAL The dataset is composed of 180 computed tomographies and 180 radiographs where the frontal sinuses are visible. Frontal sinuses are the skeletal structure analyzed due to their high individualization capability. RESULTS Firstly, we validate two deep learning-based techniques for segmenting the frontal sinuses in radiographs, obtaining high-quality results. Secondly, we study the framework's shortlisting capability using both automatic segmentations and superimpositions. The obtained superimpositions, based only on the superimposition metric, allowed us to filter out 40% of the possible candidates in a completely automatic manner. Thirdly, we perform a reliability study by comparing 180 radiographs against 180 computed tomographies using manual segmentations. The results allowed us to filter out 73% of the possible candidates. Furthermore, the results are robust to inter- and intra-expert-related errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Gómez
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Pablo Mesejo
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Panacea Cooperative Research S. Coop., Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Óscar Ibáñez
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Panacea Cooperative Research S. Coop., Ponferrada, Spain
- Faculty of Computer Science, CITIC, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Andrea Valsecchi
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Panacea Cooperative Research S. Coop., Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Enrique Bermejo
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Panacea Cooperative Research S. Coop., Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Andrea Cerezo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Alemán
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Tzipi Kahana
- Faculty of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sergio Damas
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Software Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Óscar Cordón
- Andalusian Research Institute DaSCI, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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2
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Brooks JK, Franco A, Thompson RB, Biederman DE, Kumar V, Michel SLJ, Pritts Bs JD, Frederickson CJ, Bashirelahi N, Price JB. Radiographic presentation of artifactual dyed hair on lateral cephalograms, chemical processing, and forensic application: Novel case report. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1274-1279. [PMID: 35023580 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14971] [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: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Forensic assessment employs an array of methods to identify human remains. Radiologic examinations with panoramic radiographs, computed tomography scans, Waters view, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging may offer evidentiary clues in challenging cases, such as mass disasters. In these cases, alternative forensic tools are used to narrow lists of target victims using their biological features. This study aims to I) report on the unusual radiographic aspect of chemicals used for hair dyeing, and II) discuss the potential forensic application of this finding for human identification. The case depicts an asymptomatic 14-years-old female who presented for orthodontic therapy. During radiographic examination on a lateral cephalogram, numerous thin radiopaque streaks were visible, extending to the posterior neck between the occipital region of the skull base and vertebra C6. Clinical investigations revealed that these were artifactual hair images (possibly documented for the first time in the scientific literature). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of the patient's scalp hair was performed for 10 heavy metals, including zinc, copper, iron, chromium, nickel, cadmium, tin, lead, antimony, and bismuth. Eight of these metals were detected at normal levels, ranging from 160 parts per million (ppm) for zinc to less than 1 ppm for nickel, cadmium, tin, lead, and antimony. Conversely, slightly elevated levels of chromium at 0.41 ppm and bismuth at 0.025 ppm were found in the hair sample. The distinctive radiographic presentation of artifactual hair images combined with the chemical properties of hair exposed to dye products may provide useful traces for human identification, especially in mass disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Brooks
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ademir Franco
- Centre of Forensic and Legal Medicine and Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Richard B Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Vandana Kumar
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, USA
| | - Sarah L J Michel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jordan D Pritts Bs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Nasir Bashirelahi
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jeffery B Price
- Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, USA
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3
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Hona TWPT, Byrd JE, Stephan CN. Infracranial radiographic comparison for human identification: A study of image quality and tissue shielding effects. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:854-867. [PMID: 34958121 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we explore how image resolution and tissue shielding can impact correct classification rates (CCRs) of infracranial radiographic comparisons undertaken using small field-of-view radiographs. Thirty-six identification arrays (using clavicles and seventh cervical vertebra) were constructed with each array comprised of five radiographs: one X-ray of a single dry bone (postmortem [PM] skeletal image) and four simulated antemortem [AM] radiographs (radiographs taken pre-skeletization). One AM radiograph in each array represented the ground truth match to the PM radiograph (=25% rate of randomly selecting the correct match). Radiographs were digitally manipulated, so that four varieties of decreasing blur (Gaussian blur = 12-0 pr across 24 arrays), and, for PM clavicles, four varieties of decreasing hard tissue shielding (opacity of 40-0% across 12 arrays) existed. Arrays were evaluated, for their correct PM/AM pair, by 8 anthropologists trained in chest radiograph comparison (CXR; either currently or formerly competency certified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency CXR training program), 28 current American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) diplomates and 30 novices. Analysts' CCRs substantially improved when Gaussian blur was <10 pr (55% CCR at >10 pr vs. 89% for <10 pr). Tissue shielding effects increased CCRs on average by +10% for each -10% opacity step (between 40-0% opacity). The CXR anthropologists were the most tolerant of the more challenging identification contexts (highest blur and opacity), reconfirming that analyst training and expertise is an important factor, especially when poorer quality radiographic images are the subject of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Wai Pounamu T Hona
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John E Byrd
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Hickam, Hawaii, USA
| | - Carl N Stephan
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Gómez Ó, Mesejo P, Ibáñez Ó, Cordón Ó. Deep architectures for the segmentation of frontal sinuses in X-ray images: Towards an automatic forensic identification system in comparative radiography. Neurocomputing 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2020.10.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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5
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Gómez Ó, Mesejo P, Ibáñez Ó. Automatic segmentation of skeletal structures in X-ray images using deep learning for comparative radiography. FORENSIC IMAGING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2021.200458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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6
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Hona TWPT, Olditch C, Byrd JE, Stephan CN. Infra-cranial radiographic comparison for human identification: A study of analyst expertise. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:2126-2137. [PMID: 34403144 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14863] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Radiographic comparison for identification is widely utilized. However, these methods are qualitative and subject to analyst ability to correctly read and interpret radiographs. With regards to infra-cranial radiographs, few studies have been conducted to explore the role of practitioner expertize on correct classification rates (CCRs). Here, we undertake two such studies using forensic anthropologists [American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) certified, practicing but not board-certified anthropologists, and chest radiograph comparison (CXR) anthropologists trained via the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency CXR competency training program] and compare their results to novices. To ensure participants only referred to the same skeletal morphology, we cropped radiographs to single bones. An array of four simulated antemortem radiographs was presented to each assessor with each postmortem radiograph. Assessors evaluated arrays for a correct match, which was always present, yielding a 25% rate for random correct selections. Study 1 used anteroposterior C7, posteroanterior second metacarpal, and lateral calcaneus radiographs (three arrays each for nine arrays total), which yielded 86, 81, 69, and 68% mean CCRs for CXR experts, ABFA anthropologists, non-ABFA anthropologists and novices, respectively. Study 2 used anteroposterior C7 and left clavicles (three arrays each for six arrays total), yielding mean CCRs of 100, 96, and 84% for CXR experts, ABFA anthropologists and novices, respectively. As reflected by the CCRs, expertise is clearly a factor for radiographic comparisons, evident not just between novices and anthropologists, but also between anthropologists. We recommend all radiographic comparison analysts be subject to competency/proficiency tests prior to their engagement for forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Wai Pounamu T Hona
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chelsea Olditch
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John E Byrd
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hickam, Hawaii, USA
| | - Carl N Stephan
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Valente-Aguiar MS, Castro-Espicalsky TL, Magalhães T, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Computerized delineation of the teeth and comparison with a smiling photograph: identification of a body skeletonized by cadaverous ichthyofauna action. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:517-521. [PMID: 34106426 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00384-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amazonian's forensic experts usually experience considerable difficulties in the identification of drowned bodies rescued from the rivers of the Amazon basin, since they are frequently found skeletonized by the action of the cadaverous ichthyofauna. In these circumstances, especially when the soft tissues are completely absent, bones and teeth may represent the unique source of information for the identification of the body. This work reports a case of positive identification of a body skeletonized by scavenger ichthyofauna. The identification was performed by comparing computerized delineation of the dental characteristics of the cadaver with those observed in a smiling photograph of the victim. This report also highlights the ferocity of Cetopsis candiru (candiru cobra), Cetopsis coecutiens (candiru-açu) and Calophysus macropterus (piracatinga).
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo Sérgio Valente-Aguiar
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Legal Medical Institute of Porto Velho, Civil Police of the State of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.
| | | | - Teresa Magalhães
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Sciences, IINFACTS - Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra, CRL, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Sciences, IINFACTS - Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra, CRL, Portugal. .,Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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8
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Gómez O, Ibáñez O, Valsecchi A, Bermejo E, Molina D, Cordón O. Performance analysis of real-coded evolutionary algorithms under a computationally expensive optimization scenario: 3D–2D Comparative Radiography. Appl Soft Comput 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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9
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Zhan MJ, Li CL, Fan F, Zhang K, Chen YJ, Deng ZH. Estimation of sex based on patella measurements in a contemporary Chinese population using multidetector computed tomography: An automatic measurement method. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 47:101778. [PMID: 32829289 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex estimation is an important part of creating a biological profile, and ultimately assisting in creating a presumptive identification of unidentified skeletal remains. However, manual methods of anthropometric are time-consuming and prone to observer variability. The present study is an attempt to estimation of sex from automatic measurement of patella by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in a contemporary Chinese population. Four measurements for every patella, including maximum height (MAXH), maximum breadth (MAXB), maximum thickness (MAXT) and patellar volume (PV), were automatically provided by the software from CT image of 300 Chinese. The sample is composed of 156 males and 144 females with an average age of 41.44 and 45.68 years, respectively. The statistical analyses showed that all variables were sexually dimorphic. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate sex from patella. The univariate analysis of each patellar parameter yielded a sex classification accuracy rate of 73.1% to 85.7%. The classification accuracy rates of sex estimation using the combination of the patellar parameters are 81.9% to 91.6%. This paper provides indications that the patella is important bone for sex estimation and it may be used as an alternative in forensic cases when the skull and pelvis are unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jun Zhan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China
| | - Chun-Lin Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Kui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Yi-Jiu Chen
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China
| | - Zhen-Hua Deng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
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Deloire L, Diallo I, Cadieu R, Auffret M, Alavi Z, Ognard J, Ben Salem D. Post-mortem X-ray computed tomography (PMCT) identification using ante-mortem CT-scan of the sphenoid sinus. J Neuroradiol 2018; 46:248-255. [PMID: 30179688 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate forensic identification of individuals through visual comparison of sphenoid sinus anatomical configuration using ante- and post-mortem CT-scans. METHOD AND MATERIALS Ante- and post-mortem head CT-scan of 33 individuals were retrospectively collected. Ten head CT-scans were randomly selected from various neurological contexts and added to the ante-mortem group. Ten other head CT-scans were randomly selected from our post-mortem PACS and added to the post-mortem group. These CT-scans were assigned into 2 groups for analysis: an ante-mortem group (33 + 10) and a post-mortem group (33 + 10). For ethics and to avoid identification bias, CT-scans were anonymized - not showing any head structure but only sphenoid sinuses. An anatomical based classification system using the sphenoid sinuses anatomical variations was created according to anatomical and surgical literature. This classification was used by readers to identify in two different steps a maximum of matched and then unmatched scans. RESULTS The first reader had a sensitivity of 100% [CI: 89.4%-100%] and a specificity of 100% [CI: 99.8%-100%]. Sensitivity and specificity were respectively 93.9% [CI: 79.8%-99.3%] and 99.9% [CI: 99.6%-100%] for the second reader. Positive and negative predictive values were respectively 100% [CI: 89.4%-100%] and 100% [CI: 99.8%-100%] for the first reader. Positive and negative values were respectively 96.9% [CI: 83.8%-99.9%] and 99.9% [CI: 99.7%-100%] for the second reader. Inter-reader variability was estimated by Cohen's kappa and an excellent agreement was found. CONCLUSION We reported an excellent validity and reliability of subjective visual comparison of ante- and post-mortem CT-data using an anatomical based classification of the sphenoid sinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Deloire
- Forensic Imaging Unit, University Hospital of Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France
| | - Idris Diallo
- Imaging and Radiology Department, Cornouaille Hospital of Quimper, 14 bis, avenue Yves-Thépot, 29107 Quimper cedex, France
| | - Romain Cadieu
- Forensic Imaging Unit, University Hospital of Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Auffret
- Imaging and Radiology Department, Brittany Atlantic Hospital of Vannes, 20, boulevard Général-Maurice-Guillaudot, 56000 Vannes, France
| | - Zarrin Alavi
- Inserm CIC 1412, University Hospital of Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France
| | - Julien Ognard
- Forensic Imaging Unit, University Hospital of Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France
| | - Douraïed Ben Salem
- Forensic Imaging Unit, University Hospital of Brest, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France; LaTIM, Inserm UMR 1101, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 2, avenue Foch, 29609 Brest cedex, France.
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11
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The utility of elliptical Fourier analysis for estimating ancestry and sex from lateral skull photographs. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:352-362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Antinick TC, Foran DR. Intra- and Inter-Element Variability in Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA from Fresh and Environmentally Exposed Skeletal Remains. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:88-97. [PMID: 29940697 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful identification of skeletonized remains often relies upon DNA analyses, frequently focusing on the mid-diaphysis of weight-bearing long bones. This study explored intra-bone DNA variability using bovine and porcine femora, along with calcanei and tali. DNA from fresh and short-term environmentally exposed bone was extracted utilizing demineralization and standard lysis buffer protocols, and DNA quantity and quality were measured. Overall, femoral epiphyses, metaphyses, and the tarsals had more nuclear and mitochondrial DNA than did the femoral diaphyses. DNA loss was much more rapid in buried bones than in surface exposed bones, while DNA quality differed based on environment, but not bone region/element. The demineralization protocol generated more DNA in some bone regions, while the standard lysis was more effective in others, and neither significantly affected DNA quality. Taken together, these findings reinforce the importance of considering inter- and intra-bone heterogeneity when sampling skeletal material for forensic DNA-based identifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Antinick
- Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 655 Auditorium Road, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| | - David R Foran
- Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice and Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, 655 Auditorium Road, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI, 48824
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13
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Lynch JJ. An Automated Two-dimensional Pairwise form Registration Method for Pair-matching of Fragmented Skeletal Remains. J Forensic Sci 2018; 63:1790-1795. [PMID: 29637565 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study introduces an automated pairwise method for osteological pair-matching of fragmented skeletal remains using two-dimensional fragmented outlines extracted from photographs. The form data are used in pairwise iterative closest point registrations with rigid transformations. A modified version of the average Hausdorff distance is calculated to remove any coordinate correspondences with outline fracture margins, which allow the distance analysis of fragmented outlines. A dilation modification to the Hausdorff distance is proposed creating a greater separation between true- and false-pairs. The sample consists of 122 calcanei (61 pairs) from the UI-Stanford collection. Performance statistics are provided for simulated fragmented and complete assemblages. Results indicate up to 98% accuracy for fragmented and complete assemblages. The dilated Hausdorff distance performed similarly across assemblages, but showed a slight decrease in performance for the complete assemblage. This approach provides a useful short listing tool to reduce the number of visual comparisons required in large commingled assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey James Lynch
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, 106 Peacekeeper Drive, Bldg 301, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, NE, 68113-4006
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14
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Lynch JJ. An Automated Two-Dimensional Form Registration Method for Osteological Pair-Matching. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:1236-1242. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey James Lynch
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency; 106 Peacekeeper Drive, Bldg. 301, Offutt AFB Omaha NE 68113-4006
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15
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Caple J, Byrd J, Stephan CN. Elliptical Fourier analysis: fundamentals, applications, and value for forensic anthropology. Int J Legal Med 2017; 131:1675-1690. [PMID: 28213868 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1555-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The numerical description of skeletal morphology enables forensic anthropologists to conduct objective, reproducible, and structured tests, with the added capability of verifying morphoscopic-based analyses. One technique that permits comprehensive quantification of outline shape is elliptical Fourier analysis. This curve fitting technique allows a form's outline to be approximated via the sum of multiple sine and cosine waves, permitting the profile perimeter of an object to be described in a dense (continuous) manner at a user-defined level of precision. A large amount of shape information (the entire perimeter) can thereby be collected in contrast to other methods relying on sparsely located landmarks where information falling in between the landmarks fails to be acquired. First published in 1982, elliptical Fourier analysis employment in forensic anthropology from 2000 onwards reflects a slow uptake despite large computing power that makes its calculations easy to conduct. Without hurdles arising from calculation speed or quantity, the slow uptake may partly reside with the underlying mathematics that on first glance is extensive and potentially intimidating. In this paper, we aim to bridge this gap by pictorially illustrating how elliptical Fourier harmonics work in a simple step-by-step visual fashion to facilitate universal understanding and as geared towards increased use in forensic anthropology. We additionally provide a short review of the method's utility for osteology, a summary of past uses in forensic anthropology, and software options for calculations that largely save the user the trouble of coding customized routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Caple
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - John Byrd
- Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency, 590 Moffet St., Building 4077, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu, HI, 96853, USA
| | - Carl N Stephan
- Laboratory for Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID Lab), School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Wiersema JM. Evolution of Forensic Anthropological Methods of Identification. Acad Forensic Pathol 2016; 6:361-369. [PMID: 31239912 PMCID: PMC6474555 DOI: 10.23907/2016.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Forensic identification of human remains has long been a core contribution of forensic anthropologists to death investigations. The array and scientific robusticity of the identification methods employed by the anthropologist has evolved in the last several decades, and as with other nonidentification methods, anthropologists have embraced the progression toward the use of validated and statistically defensible methods for identification. This article presents an overview of the role that the forensic anthropologist plays in the identification of human remains and the evolution of anthropological methods of identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Wiersema
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences - Forensic
Anthropology Division
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