Sequencing of a modified oil red O development technique for the detection of latent fingermarks on paper surfaces

A modified detection sequence is presented for the recovery of latent fingermarks on porous substrates. 1,2-Indanedione, Oil Red O (ORO) in propylene glycol, and physical developer (PD) were successfully used to develop recently deposited latent fingermarks when applied in the order given. The incorporation of ORO into the detection sequence increased the number of latent fingermarks that were detected compared to using the standard sequence of 1,2-indanedione followed by PD only

Investigations into the initial composition of latent fingermark lipids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A more comprehensive understanding of the variability of latent fingermark composition is essential to improving current fingermark detection capabilities in an informed manner. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to examine the composition of the lipid fraction of latent fingermarks collected from a population of over 100 donors. Variations in the appearances of chromatograms from different donors were apparent in the relative peak sizes of compounds including free fatty acids, squalene, cholesterol and wax esters. Principal component analysis was used as an exploratory tool to explore patterns in this variation, but no correlation to donor traits could be discerned. This study also highlights the practical and inherent difficulties in collecting reproducible samples

Fingermark simulants and their inherent problems: A comparison with latent fingermark deposits

Commercially available fingermark simulants werecompared to latent fingermark deposits to assess their efficacy asstandards for a quality control assessment of fingermark developmentreagents. Deposits of the simulants and latent fingermarks were madeon paper substrates and were developed using reagents that targetamino acids (ninhydrin, 1,2-indanedione) and sebaceous secretions(Oil Red O, physical developer). The resulting marks were comparedfor visibility and color. Significant differences were observed betweenthe simulants and latent fingermarks in response to the fingermarkdevelopment reagents. Infrared spectroscopic analysis of the simulantscompared to untreated latent fingermarks revealed differencesin chemical composition. These results indicate that these simulantsare not well suited as quality control standards in forensic laboratoriesand should be used with extreme caution in any form of research intolatent fingermark detection

Variability and subjectivity in the grading process for evaluating the performance of latent fingermark detection techniques

When assessing latent fingermark development methods, forensic researchers commonly evaluate treated samples using a grading scale. However, the subjective nature of these evaluation methods leaves the results of such investigations open to criticism for potential grader bias. Assessment of fingermark development quality is ultimately dependent on an individual's background and experience. A pilot study was conducted as a preliminary stage of a large-scale international collaboration. A set of 80 fingermark samples was developed with 1,2-indanedione-zinc chloride. Grades for photographic images of the developed fingermarks were assigned independently by 11 fingermark researchers. Sixty-seven percent of the scores given to each individual sample were the same as the median grade, and 99% of the scores were within 1 grade. The researchers were also assessed on their consistency by including 20 duplicate images to be graded. Seventy-eight percent of the grades given were identical to their original scores. These results indicate that a small group of independent fingermark graders is sufficient to produce reliable and consistent data in projects requiring the assessment of fingermark quality

Evolutionary games on graphs

Game theory is one of the key paradigms behind many scientific disciplines from biology to behavioral sciences to economics. In its evolutionary form and especially when the interacting agents are linked in a specific social network the underlying solution concepts and methods are very similar to those applied in non-equilibrium statistical physics. This review gives a tutorial-type overview of the field for physicists. The first three sections introduce the necessary background in classical and evolutionary game theory from the basic definitions to the most important results. The fourth section surveys the topological complications implied by non-mean-field-type social network structures in general. The last three sections discuss in detail the dynamic behavior of three prominent classes of models: the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Rock-Scissors-Paper game, and Competing Associations. The major theme of the review is in what sense and how the graph structure of interactions can modify and enrich the picture of long term behavioral patterns emerging in evolutionary games.Comment: Review, final version, 133 pages, 65 figure

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease: evidence and guidance for management

Even at low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal, patients with cardiometabolic abnormalities remain at high risk of cardiovascular events. This paper aims (i) to critically appraise evidence for elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as cardiovascular risk factors, and (ii) to advise on therapeutic strategies for management. Current evidence supports a causal association between elevated TRL and their remnants, low HDL-C, and cardiovascular risk. This interpretation is based on mechanistic and genetic studies for TRL and remnants, together with the epidemiological data suggestive of the association for circulating triglycerides and cardiovascular disease. For HDL, epidemiological, mechanistic, and clinical intervention data are consistent with the view that low HDL-C contributes to elevated cardiovascular risk; genetic evidence is unclear however, potentially reflecting the complexity of HDL metabolism. The Panel believes that therapeutic targeting of elevated triglycerides (≥1.7 mmol/L or 150 mg/dL), a marker of TRL and their remnants, and/or low HDL-C (<1.0 mmol/L or 40 mg/dL) may provide further benefit. The first step should be lifestyle interventions together with consideration of compliance with pharmacotherapy and secondary causes of dyslipidaemia. If inadequately corrected, adding niacin or a fibrate, or intensifying LDL-C lowering therapy may be considered. Treatment decisions regarding statin combination therapy should take into account relevant safety concerns, i.e. the risk of elevation of blood glucose, uric acid or liver enzymes with niacin, and myopathy, increased serum creatinine and cholelithiasis with fibrates. These recommendations will facilitate reduction in the substantial cardiovascular risk that persists in patients with cardiometabolic abnormalities at LDL-C goal