Подлинность в уголовном праве, криминалистике и судебной экспертизе

The authenticity of products, documents and some other objects is of paramount importance in all areas of human activity. Illicit manufacturing of the counterfeit goods, documents, money, and a number of other objects entails legal liability, including criminal.The questions about authenticity are commonly put before experts when appointing several forensic examinations: handwriting, traceological, commodity, materials, substances and products analysis. The techniques for forensic expert authenticity verification of a significant part of the objects require further improvement.The article reviews the objects, the forgery or falsification of which entails criminal liability, as well as the methods to establish the authenticity in criminalistics and forensic science. The authors also analyze the features of scientific substantiation of conclusions about authenticity in forensic examinations, and the questions of the evaluation of the expert opinions that resolved the issue in criminal cases. The article provides some examples of unique authenticity studies from the history of forensic science, as well as data on some contemporary studies of rare cultural objects. The authors highlight the need to further develop forensic methods that have become relevant concerning new objects known to contain deliberately false information.Подлинность изделий, документов и ряда других объектов имеет первостепенное значение во всех областях человеческой деятельности. Незаконное изготовление поддельных товаров, документов, денег, ценных бумаг и некоторых других предметов влечет предусмотренную законом ответственность, в том числе уголовную.Вопросы о подлинности нередко ставятся перед экспертами при назначении ряда судебных экспертиз: почерковедческих, судебно-трасологических, судебно-товароведческих, криминалистической экспертизы материалов, веществ и изделий. Методики судебно-экспертного определения подлинности значительной части объектов требуют дальнейшего совершенствования.В статье рассмотрены объекты, подделка или фальсификация которых влечет уголовную ответственность, методы установления подлинности в криминалистике и судебной экспертизе, проанализированы особенности научного обоснования выводов о подлинности при проведении судебных экспертиз, а также вопросы оценки заключений экспертов, разрешавших данный вопрос по уголовным делам. Приведены примеры уникальных исследований подлинности объектов, имевшие место в истории криминалистики, а также данные о некоторых современных исследованиях редких культурных ценностей. Отмечается необходимость разработки ставших актуальными методов судебно-экспертного исследования относительно новых объектов, содержащих заведомо ложную информацию

Судебно-экспертное определение стоимости культурных ценностей

Forensic determination of the worth of various objects involved in legal proceedings is essential for ensuring a fair trial. Determining the worth of mass-produced goods does not usually pose any difficulties. The situation is different for unique cultural values and items that are in particular demand among collectors, history buffs, and others, but are withdrawn from civil circulation for moral reasons.The article analyzes the most significant aspects of the current market of cultural values, considers the methodological foundations of the forensic assessment of the worth of cultural values, mainly works of fine and applied art. The authors substantiate the necessity for a comprehensive forensic examination of cultural values due to the requirement for preliminary identification of the authenticity of items, their author, circumstances, and time of creation. The types of research necessary for this have been identified, such as traceological, documentary, materials analysis, historical, art, and others.The paper shows that forensic assessment of the worth of the items withdrawn from civil circulation based on the data on their worth on the black (illegal) market or on the legal markets of countries where the circulation of such items is not legally prohibited is inadmissible. The prohibition on using information about events that occurred after assessing the worth of cultural property is substantiated.Вопросы судебно-экспертного определения стоимости различных объектов, попадающих в орбиту судопроизводства, имеют важное значение для обеспечения справедливого судебного разбирательства. При этом определение стоимости товаров массового производства обычно не вызывает трудностей. Иная ситуация складывается в отношении уникальных культурных ценностей, а также предметов, имеющих определенный спрос среди коллекционеров, любителей истории и пр., однако изъятых из гражданского оборота по причинам нравственного характера.В статье проанализированы наиболее важные аспекты современного рынка культурных ценностей, рассмотрены методологические основы судебно-экспертного определения их стоимости, главным образом произведений изобразительного и прикладного искусства. Обоснована необходимость комплексного судебно-экспертного исследования культурных ценностей, что обусловлено требованием предварительного установления подлинности изделий, их авторства, обстоятельств и времени создания. Определены виды судебно-экспертных исследований, необходимых для установления стоимости данных изделий: трасологические, документоведческие, материаловедческие, исторические, искусствоведческие и ряд других.Показано, что судебно-экспертное определение стоимости изъятых из гражданского оборота предметов на основании данных об их стоимости на черном (нелегальном) рынке либо на легальном рынке стран, где оборот таких предметов законодательно не ограничен, недопустим. Обоснован запрет на использование при определении стоимости культурных ценностей сведений о событиях, произошедших после даты оценки

An approximate model for cancellous bone screw fixation

This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published article is available from the link below. Copyright @ 2013 Taylor & Francis.This paper presents a finite element (FE) model to identify parameters that affect the performance of an improved cancellous bone screw fixation technique, and hence potentially improve fracture treatment. In cancellous bone of low apparent density, it can be difficult to achieve adequate screw fixation and hence provide stable fracture fixation that enables bone healing. Data from predictive FE models indicate that cements can have a significant potential to improve screw holding power in cancellous bone. These FE models are used to demonstrate the key parameters that determine pull-out strength in a variety of screw, bone and cement set-ups, and to compare the effectiveness of different configurations. The paper concludes that significant advantages, up to an order of magnitude, in screw pull-out strength in cancellous bone might be gained by the appropriate use of a currently approved calcium phosphate cement

Biplane double-supported screw fixation (F-technique): a method of screw fixation at osteoporotic fractures of the femoral neck

The present work introduces a method of screw fixation of femoral neck fractures in the presence of osteoporosis, according to an original concept of the establishment of two supporting points for the implants and their biplane positioning in the femoral neck and head. The provision of two steady supporting points for the implants and the highly increased (obtuse) angle at which they are positioned allow the body weight to be transferred successfully from the head fragment onto the diaphysis, thanks to the strength of the screws, with the patient’s bone quality being of least importance. The position of the screws allows them to slide under stress with a minimal risk of displacement. The method was developed in search of a solution for those patients for whom primary arthroplasty is contraindicated. The method has been analysed in relation to biomechanics and statics. For the first time, a new function is applied to a screw fixation—the implant is presented as a simple beam with an overhanging end

Greater incidence of depression with hypnotic use than with placebo

Abstract Background Although it has been claimed that insomnia causes an increased risk for depression, adequate controlled trials testing this hypothesis have not been available. This study contrasted the incidence of depression among subjects receiving hypnotics in randomized controlled trials versus those receiving placebo. Methods The incidence of depression among patients randomized to hypnotic drugs or placebo was compiled from prescribing information approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from FDA New Drug Application documents. Available data for zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone, and ramelteon were accessed. Results Data for 5535 patients randomized to a hypnotic and for 2318 randomized to placebo were compiled. The incidence of depression was 2.0% among participants randomized to hypnotics as compared to 0.9% among those randomized in parallel to placebo (p Conclusion Modern hypnotics were associated with an increased incidence of depression in data released by the FDA. This suggests that when there is a risk of depression, hypnotics may be contra-indicated. Preventive treatments such as antidepressant drugs, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or bright light might be preferred. Limitations in the FDA data prevented a formal meta-analysis, and there was a lack of information about drop-out rates and definitions of depression. Trials specifically designed to detect incident depression when treating insomnia with hypnotic drugs and better summarization of adverse events in trials submitted to the FDA are both necessary.</p

Induction of Inflammation by West Nile virus Capsid through the Caspase-9 Apoptotic Pathway

West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family of vector-borne pathogens. Clinical signs of WNV infection include neurologic symptoms, limb weakness, and encephalitis, which can result in paralysis or death. We report that the WNV-capsid (Cp) by itself induces rapid nuclear condensation and cell death in tissue culture. Apoptosis is induced through the mitochondrial pathway resulting in caspase-9 activation and downstream caspase-3 activation. Capsid gene delivery into the striatum of mouse brain or interskeletal muscle resulted in cell death and inflammation, likely through capsid-induced apoptosis in vivo. These studies demonstrate that the capsid protein of WNV may be responsible for aspects of viral pathogenesis through induction of the apoptotic cascade

Variability of the pullout strength of cancellous bone screws with cement augmentation

Background Orthopaedic surgeons often face clinical situations where improved screw holding power in cancellous bone is needed. Injectable calcium phosphate cements are one option to enhance fixation. Methods Paired screw pullout tests were undertaken in which human cadaver bone was augmented with calcium phosphate cement. A finite element model was used to investigate sensitivity to screw positional placement. Findings Statistical analysis of the data concluded that the pullout strength was generally increased by cement augmentation in the in vitro human cadaver tests. However, when comparing the individual paired samples there were surprising results with lower strength than anticipated after augmentation, in apparent contradiction to the generally expected conclusion. Investigation using the finite element model showed that these strength reductions could be accounted for by small screw positional changes. A change of 0.5 mm might result in predicted pullout force changes of up to 28%. Interpretation Small changes in screw position might lead to significant changes in pullout strength sufficient to explain the lower than expected individual pullout values in augmented cancellous bone. Consequently whilst the addition of cement at a position of low strength would increase the pullout strength at that point, it might not reach the pullout strength of the un-augmented paired test site. However, the overall effect of cement augmentation produces a significant improvement at whatever point in the bone the screw is placed. The use of polymeric bone-substitute materials for tests may not reveal the natural variation encountered in tests using real bone structures.Dr V. Stadelmann (AOR, Davos, Switzerland) and Mr. M. Behrens (Stryker, Selzach, Switzerland). Professor Procter and Dr Arnoldi were employed by Stryker Trauma. Dr Bennani's PhD studies at Brunel University were funded by Stryker Trauma AG

Acute Flaccid Paralysis and West Nile Virus Infection

Acute weakness associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection has previously been attributed to a peripheral demyelinating process (Guillain-Barré syndrome); however, the exact etiology of this acute flaccid paralysis has not been systematically assessed. To thoroughly describe the clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic features of this paralysis syndrome, we evaluated acute flaccid paralysis that developed in seven patients in the setting of acute WNV infection, consecutively identified in four hospitals in St. Tammany Parish and New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi. All patients had acute onset of asymmetric weakness and areflexia but no sensory abnormalities. Clinical and electrodiagnostic data suggested the involvement of spinal anterior horn cells, resulting in a poliomyelitis-like syndrome. In areas in which transmission is occurring, WNV infection should be considered in patients with acute flaccid paralysis. Recognition that such weakness may be of spinal origin may prevent inappropriate treatment and diagnostic testing

The Combined Dexamethasone/CRH Test (DEX/CRH Test) and Prediction of Acute Treatment Response in Major Depression

In this study the predictive value of the combined dexamethasone/CRH test (DEX/CRH test) for acute antidepressant response was investigated. In 114 depressed inpatients suffering from unipolar or bipolar depression (sample 1) the DEX/CRH test was performed at admission and shortly before discharge. During their stay in the hospital patients received different antidepressant treatment regimens. At admission, the rate of nonsuppression (basal cortisol levels >75.3 nmol/l) was 24.6% and was not related to the later therapeutic response. Moreover, 45 out of 114 (39.5%) patients showed an enhancement of HPA axis function at discharge in spite of clinical improvement. In a second sample, 40 depressed patients were treated either with reboxetine or mirtazapine for 5 weeks. The DEX/CRH test was performed before, after 1 week, and after 5 weeks of pharmacotherapy. Attenuation of HPA axis activity after 1 week was associated with a more pronounced alleviation of depressive symptoms after 5-week mirtazapine treatment, whereas downregulation of HPA system activity after 5 weeks was related to clinical response to reboxetine. However, early improvement of HPA axis dysregulation was not necessarily followed by a beneficial treatment outcome. Taken together, performance of a single DEX/CRH test does not predict the therapeutic response. The best predictor for response seems to be an early attenuation of HPA axis activity within 1 or 2 weeks. However, early improvement of HPA system dysfunction is not a sufficient condition for a favourable response. Since a substantial part of depressive patients display a persistence of HPA axis hyperactivity at discharge, downregulation of HPA system function is not a necessary condition for acute clinical improvement either. Our data underline the importance of HPA axis dysregulation for treatment outcome in major depression, although restoration of HPA system dysfunction seems to be neither a necessary nor a sufficient determinant for acute treatment response