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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Estimation of bullet striation similarity using neural networks.

A new method that searches for similar striation patterns using neural networks is described. Neural networks have been developed based on the human brain, which is good at pattern recognition. Therefore, neural networks would be expected to be effective in identifying striated toolmarks on bullets. The neural networks used in this study deal with binary signals derived from striation images. This signal plays a significant role in identification, because this signal is the key to the individually of the striations. The neural network searches a database for similar striations by means of these binary signals. The neural network used here is a multilayer network consisting of 96 neurons in the input layer, 15 neurons in the middle, and one neuron in the output layer. Two signals are inputted into the network and a score is estimated based on the similarity of these signals. For this purpose, the network is assigned to a previous learning. To initially test the validity of the procedure, the network identifies artificial patterns that are randomly produced on a personal computer. The results were acceptable and showed robustness for the deformation of patterns. Moreover, with ten unidentified bullets and ten database bullets, the network consistently was able to select the correct pair.

Databases as Topic↗
PubMed2004

Treatment of close-range, low-velocity gunshot fractures of tibia and femur diaphysis with consecutive compression-distraction technique: a report of 11 cases.

Lower extremity injuries secondary to close-range, low-velocity gunshot wounds are frequently seen in both civilian and military populations. A close-range, low-velocity injury produces high energy and often results in comminuted and complicated fractures with significant morbidity. In this study, four femoral, four tibial, and three combined tibia and fibular comminuted diaphyseal fractures secondary to close-range, low-velocity gunshot wounds in 11 military personnel were treated with debridement followed by compression-distraction lengthening using a circular external fixator frame. Fracture union was obtained in all without significant major complications. Fracture consolidation occurred at a mean of 3.5 months. At follow-up of 46.8 months, there were no delayed unions, nonunions, or malunions. Minor complications included four pin-tract infections and knee flexion limitation in two femur fractures. Osteomyelitis and deep soft tissue infection were not observed. This technique provided an alternative to casting, open reduction internal fixation, or intermedullary fixation with an acceptable complication rate.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Modern ideas concerning the mechanisms of gunshot injury formation (Communication 1)].

The affect of gunshot small arms depends on the weight, speed and moment of projectile's inertia, which determine the trajectory of its movement in the object's substance and the degree of braking characterizing the fullness of energy transmission. The experimental investigations on animals show that the mechanism of tissue lesion during the gunshot injuries has a very complex character and includes both the projectile's direct effect and initiation of some physical phenomena leading to significant tissue damage distally from the wound canal.

Firearms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Expert evaluation of the gunshot distance based on the volume of wound canal in flat bones].

Different-distance experimental shots were made from a rifled gun at flat bones. Those shot distances were established, at which the wound canal had the smallest volume, and, at which entry and exit holes were virtually identical and matched the bullet diameter. A bigger shot distance was associated with an increasing volume of the wound canal caused by a bigger exit hole. A smaller shot distance led, also, to an increasing volume of the wound canal caused by bigger entry and exit holes. The volume of the wound canal in flat bones can be used as a reliable criterion in assessing the shot distance.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMed2004

Identification of firearms holders by the [Fe(PDT)3](+2) complex. Quantitative determination of iron transfer to the hand and its dependence on palmar moisture levels.

Quantitative data are reported for the first time on the amounts of iron, which are transferred to the hand upon holding a firearm. Iron levels between 21-315 ng/cm2 were found on volunteers' palms after a single holding of a handgun. Determination of the iron traces was accomplished spectrophotometrically using 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine (PDT) as a complexing agent. The transfer of iron from firearms to the palm was found to be, by and large a chemical (dissolution) rather than mechanical dislodgement. The prime factor that determines the amount of iron transferred from the firearm to the hand is the moisture level on the palm. These findings are likely to be of importance in courts of law, as well as in the war against terrorism and serious crime.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Characteristics of gunshot wounds caused by the special forces shooting knife (NRS and NRS-2)].

Gunshot wounds of skin and long cortical bones inflicted by the special intelligence knife (NRS and NRS-2: special silent cartridges SP-3 and SP-4) from different distances were examined. Stereomicroscopy, emission spectral analysis, contact-diffusion method and regression- step-by-step analysis were made use of within the case study. A lack of mechanical, thermal or chemical impact from firing gas and of fire soot as well as presence of particles of rubber, copper and sealing varnish, i.e. the most informative shot products, were found to be the main distinctive features in the said wounds. The data obtained can be used in the differential diagnosis of a type and model of the used gun.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMed2004

Replication of cranial gunshot wounds.

It is possible to differentiate between entrance and exit wounds in bone by examining the specimen concerned. Because of the evidential usefulness of providing jurists or members of a jury with such specimens, we describe an easy and reliable method for replicating gunshot wounds in the human skull utilizing dental materials and methods.

Forensic Ballistics↗
PubMed2005

Skin penetration assessment of less lethal kinetic energy munitions.

The development of less-lethal technologies has provided law enforcement personnel with an alternative to lethal force. Although the less lethal projectile was produced to engender non-penetrating wounds, case studies show that there have been a number of reported penetrating injuries ranging from minor to significant in morbidity. The objective of this study was to determine the energy per unit area required to penetrate various regions of the body. Eight unembalmed postmortem human specimens were procured for this testing. Each specimen sustained a maximum of 25 impacts consisting of shots to the anterior and posterior thorax, abdomen, and legs. A 12-gauge, fin-stabilized, rubber rocket round was used as the impactor for all of the conducted tests. The energy density required for 50% risk of penetration varied from 23.99 J/cm2 for the location on the anterior rib (p = 0.000) to 52.74 J/cm2 for the location on the posterior rib (p = 0.001).

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Gunshot injuries to the head and brain caused by low-velocity handguns and rifles. A review.

OBJECTIVES: Reconstruction of brain injuries is a basic task of forensic neuropathology. For better understanding of the wound ballistics of gunshot injuries to the brain caused by low-velocity firearms (E(o) < 550 J), we reviewed the respective contributions of: (1) biomechanical reconstruction by postmortem imaging techniques, (2) biometry of the extent of very early microscopic tissue destruction, and (3) microscopic studies on the type and extent of early microscopic reactions around the permanent missile track. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A selected case material of 47 victims of lethal gunshot wounding to the brain was studied. (1) Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were compared with macroscopic findings in 17 cases. (2) Morphometric evaluation of the zones of cellular and axonal destruction around the permanent track was performed in 20 cases (survival time: <90 min). (3) Microscopic studies of the emigration of leukocytes and macrophages plus axonal expression of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) were conducted in 10 cases (survival time: >90 min). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: (1) Imaging procedures provided valuable information on entrance and exit wounds, the missile track and secondary changes. (2) Biometry revealed a destruction zone of ca. 3.6 cm around the permanent track corresponding to the "temporary cavity". (3) Microscopic studies of reactive changes demonstrated axonal injury at sites remote from the permanent cavity that could explain the very early respiratory arrest following low-velocity gunshot injury.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗
PubMed1994

Artefact in forensic medicine: non-missile penetrating injury.

Gunshot wounds are well characterised in forensic textbooks and atypical or unusual ballistic characteristics feature regularly in forensic literature. Forensic practitioners receive continuing education in recognising a variety of gunshot wounds which are created by bullet missiles. Awareness of a non-missile penetrating injury mimicking a gunshot wound is also relevant to forensic medical examiners or others who are likely to attend a scene of death. In this case, which involved self-stabbing with a metal nail, a homicidal firearm death investigation was instigated because of a misinterpretation by crime scene investigators.

Journal Article↗