Age estimation by using aspartic acid racemization from purified elastin of aorta

Age estimation is the one of biological profiles which plays an important role in identification in forensic field. The application of biochemical approach known as aspartic acid racemization in human provides more accuracy and less error of estimated age in age determination. During aging, amino acids within protein transform between D-and L-form (racemization), which results in increasing concentration of D-amino acids. This change of amino acids is related to aging. Aspartic acid has been generally applied in racemization because it has fastest rate of racemization. Racemization of aspartic acid not only takes place in teeth and many kinds of bone, but also can occur in the flexible structure which contain mostly elastin. For example, skin yellow ligament, lung parenchyma, and aorta. Elastin is essential protein which is comprised most composition of several structures and it is major content in the elastic fibers. Additionally, elastin is the longest lasting protein in the body with slow metabolic turnover rate. Recently, there is a purification technique to obtain only single protein in human aorta. There was a good correlation between degree of racemization (D/L ratio) and age. Therefore, aspartic acid racemization by purifies elastin from aorta is a one of indicator for age estimation. This review provides an overview of aspartic acid racemization, elastin protein, purification method bases on racemization and the application of D/L ratio by purified of elastin in artery for age estimation

Bulks of Al-B-C obtained by reactively spark plasma sintering and impact properties by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar

Mixtures of B4C, α-AlB12 and B powders were reactively spark plasma sintered at 1800 °C. Crystalline and amorphous boron powders were used. Samples were tested for their impact behavior by the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar method. When the ratio R = B4C/α-AlB12 ≥ 1.3 for a constant B-amount, the major phase in the samples was the orthorhombic AlB24C4, and when R < 1 the amount of AlB24C4 significantly decreased. Predictions that AlB24C4 has the best mechanical impact properties since it is the most compact and close to the ideal cubic packing among the Al-B-C phases containing B12-type icosahedra were partially confirmed. Namely, the highest values of the Vickers hardness (32.4 GPa), dynamic strength (1323 MPa), strain and toughness were determined for the samples with R = 1.3, i.e., for the samples with a high amount of AlB24C4. However, the existence of a maximum, detectable especially in the dynamic strength vs. R, indicated the additional influence of the phases and the composite’s microstructure in the samples. The type of boron does not influence the dependencies of the indicated mechanical parameters with R, but the curves are shifted to slightly higher values for the samples in which amorphous boron was used

The historical origins of corruption in the developing world: a comparative analysis of East Asia

A new approach has emerged in the literature on corruption in the developing world that breaks with the assumption that corruption is driven by individualistic self-interest and, instead, conceptualizes corruption as an informal system of norms and practices. While this emerging neo-institutionalist approach has done much to further our understanding of corruption in the developing world, one key question has received relatively little attention: how do we explain differences in the institutionalization of corruption between developing countries? The paper here addresses this question through a systematic comparison of seven developing and newly industrialized countries in East Asia. The argument that emerges through this analysis is that historical sequencing mattered: countries in which the "political marketplace" had gone through a process of concentration before universal suffrage was introduced are now marked by less harmful types of corruption than countries where mass voting rights where rolled out in a context of fragmented political marketplaces. The paper concludes by demonstrating that this argument can be generalized to the developing world as a whole

ASEAN's unchanged melody? The theory and practice of 'non-interference' in Southeast Asia

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published as Jones, Lee. (2010). ASEAN's unchanged melody? The theory and practice of 'non-interference' in Southeast Asia. Pacific Review 23:4, 479-502 as published in PACIFIC REVIEW 2010 © Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09512748.2010.49599

Age estimation from computed tomography of cranial suture closure in a Thai population

Age estimation from human skeletal remains is an important step to reconstruct a biological profile. Cranial suture has long been studied for its age-related closure. However, until now, forensic anthropologists still attempt to investigate the best way of estimating age at death from cranial suture closure because skull is usually found at the crime scene due to its easy recognised-appearance and persistence to post-mortem insults. For these reasons, a study of age estimation from cranial suture closure in a Thai population was conducted, which focussed to study the appearance and visibility of facial suture closure using computed tomography (CT). CT image series of 140 cases were obtained in order to investigate ectocranial closure of the selected facial sutures. The results from CT image analysis revealed that nasomaxillary provided the most consistent examination of suture closure (52%) while frontonasal delivered the lowest consistency in suture closure examination (29%). The inconsistency mostly occurred in assigning the closure score of 1 and 2. Thus, it could be suggested that a 3-scale scoring system of closure: open, closing, and closed, could be an appropriate method of evaluating degree of ectocranial closure of facial sutures obtained from CT imaging. This fundamental information of facial suture closure from CT images could serve as a starting point on development of age estimation technique from suture closure by utilising CT images

Stature estimation from dry bone and radiographic clavicular measurements in a Thai population

Stature is one of the main biological features which can be used to classify unidentified skeletal deceased. Also, precise population data is crucial for forensic anthropology frameworks. Nonetheless, the studies concerning this subject in Thailand are limited and regularly focus on long bones. This study attempts to establish stature estimation equations from clavicular dry bone and radiographic measurements. Both sides of the clavicular bones are separated from 25 female and 112 male deceased in an autopsy room situated in Bangkok, Thailand. Twelve variables of each side of the clavicle are measured. The study outcomes show that stature can be estimated by applying 3 variables in a stepwise regression analysis model in unidentified sex remains, with R2 = 0.49 and standard error of estimation (SEE) 5.238 cm. Moreover, the height of the sternal end of clavicle bones can be used to estimate stature in cases of fragmented clavicles recovered from crime scenes with R2 = 0.238 and SEE 6.353 cm. Maximum length shows the best correlation and model fit with stature (R = 0.562, R2 = 0.316 and SEE 6.020 cm) from radiographic measurements. Therefore, this study presents a complementary, beneficial method for forensic anthropologists to create biological profiles of unidentified skeletal remains in cases where the long bones are not obtainable. Moreover, stature estimation from radiographic measurements can be applied in cases of partial skeletonisation

Political Economy of Southeast Asian Borderlands: Migration, Environment, and Developing Country Firms

Borderland zones in Southeast Asia have become sites of increased economic investment for developing country firms, intra-regional and transnational corporations. As a result of deregulation, these investment opportunities have led to the exploitation of natural and human resources in an unsustainable and unjust way. This article argues that the flows of people and natural resources across borders are connected intimately and that this has been facilitated politically by the acceptance of the porosity of territorial boundaries by all governments in the region and the imperative to export environmentally degrading development projects into neighbouring countries where political mobilisation on environmental issues is much less effective. Conveyed through a series of cases studies (on resource extraction, dam and reservoir construction, and working conditions in apparel companies), this article explores how developing country companies comply with the codes of conduct on corporate responsibility on human rights, labour standards and environmental sustainability) within the context of the governance of the global supply chain