William R. Maples

An improved technique using dental histology for estimation of adult age.

Multiple regression analysis has allowed considerable improvement of age estimates on adult human teeth. Not only were the estimates more precise, but they also involved fewer variables, decreasing the probability of observer error. There was consistent evidence that the second molar (Position 7) was the best to use for histological aging techniques. The reduction in variables to just secondary dentin and root transparency has also resulted in a technique that can be used with some confidence in populations other than the one sampled. Thus, dental aging can be used in the same way as epiphyseal fusion, osteon aging, cranial sutures, and changes in the public symphysis that have been used with other contemporary and prehistoric populations.

Some Difficulties in the Gustafson Dental Age Estimations

The Gustafson technique was a significant contribution to forensic identification. Unfortunately, many statistical errors were present in the published articles. It now seems clear that greater precision can be achieved through modification of the original technique. One of the authors (W. R. M.) will report soon on multiple regression formulae that offer both increased precision and technical simplicity.

Estimation of age from individual adult teeth.

When one must identify a deceased individual, accurate estimation of the age of the individual is important. Teeth are particularly useful in age evaluations because they display a number of observable age-related variables and they tend to remain intact under circumstances which might alter or obliterate the rest of the skeleton. Where dental records are available, of course, separate determination of age may not be necessary, but when little or no information is available about the deceased individual, a simple estimation of age is of great value.

The Anthropometry of Contemporary Commercial Cremation

This study establishes baseline parameters and examines those variables thought to influence cremains weights. Data were collected during the cremation of 100 individuals. A series of measurements was taken to determine relative skeletal robusticity. The weight, stature, sex, and age of each cadaver was recorded prior to cremation. The average cremains weight for the fully developed adults (n = 91) was 2430 g and ranged from 876 g to 3784 g. Male and female means were separated by 1053 g, but there was considerable overlap in the distribution. All cremains weights above 2750 g were male and all cremains weights below 1887 g were female. Five amputees and one long bone donor produced cremains weights below the means for their respective groups, reflecting the relative contribution of the thick cortical bone of the limbs to total skeletal weight, and thus to total cremains weight. Cremains weight represented approximately 3.5% of total body weight in adults, 2.5% of total body weight in children, and approximately 1% of total body weight in fetuses. The most accurate predictor of cremains weight was cadaver stature (r = .8473; p < .01). Calculated skeletal weight was also highly correlated with cremains weight (r = .7986; p < .01). Cadaveric weight was least correlated with cremains weight (r = .5470; p < .01). Regression formulae were calculated for each of the variables.

STAGES OF EPIPHYSEAL UNION FOR THORACIC AND LUMBAR VERTEBRAL CENTRA AS A METHOD OF AGE DETERMINATION FOR TEENAGE AND YOUNG ADULT SKELETONS

Many current methods of age determination available to forensic anthropologists are limiting in that the age ranges provided are often broad, particularly for individuals in their late teens to early 20s. This study introduces an improved method for aging teenagers and young adults. The pattern and stages of union of the superior and inferior epiphyses of the vertebral centra (or ring epiphyses) were examined in 55 individuals, females and males, black and white, between ages 11 and 32 years. Vertebral ring epiphyseal union was found to be a good predictor of age. The correlation between stages of union and known age was 0.78 (P < .0001). The standard deviation was 2.566 years at the 99.9% confidence level. Sex differences were observed, but were not statistically significant. A larger sample size may perhaps demonstrate statistically significant differences in sex, and may or may not yield differences in race. A preliminary interobserver bias test showed high replicability. Results of this study compare favorably with results of other aging studies. Current age information for the progress of vertebral ring epiphyseal union is supplied for young males--and for the first time--females. This improved aging method provides necessary corroborative information for use with observations from other skeletal age indicators. Data collected from epiphyseal union of the vertebral centra aid in lessening the gap for early adult age determination.

Identification of cocaine analytes in fingernail and toenail specimens.

Fingernail and toenail specimens were obtained from 18 suspected cocaine users. The nails were cut, heated under methanolic reflux, and the methanolic extracts were purified by solid-phase extraction. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was utilized for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of nine cocaine analytes. Comparison of conventional postmortem analysis of blood and urine with nail analysis revealed a marked increase in the detection of cocaine use by nail analysis. Cocaine analytes were present in 14 (82.3%) subjects utilizing nail analysis. Out of those 14 subjects, only 5 (27.7%) were positive by conventional postmortem drug analysis. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were the predominant analytes in all positive nail specimens. Anhydroecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine ethyl ester, cocaethylene, norcocaine, and norbenzoylecgonine were detected in a limited number of specimens. The ratio of cocaine to benzoylecgonine ranged from 2-10:1. These findings suggest that nails may be a useful alternative matrix for the detection of cocaine exposure.

The Death and Mortal Remains of Francisco Pizarro

When Francisco Pizarro was assassinated in 1541, he was buried near the Cathedral of Lima, but was later moved into the crypt under the altar. In 1891 mummified remains were identified as those of Pizarro and placed in a sarcophagus on public exhibition. In 1977 bones were discovered in a walled over niche in the crypt. The skull was in a lead box engraved with Pizarros name. Which remains--the bones, or the mummy--are those of Pizarro? This question and more can now be answered. This paper will give evidence of the exact wounds that Pizarro received in his final sword fight, as well as a facial sculpture of the skull now identified as that of the conqueror of Peru.

Optical and Digital Techniques for Enhancing Radiographic Anatomy for Identification of Human Remains

Out of a total of more than 300 radiographic identifications made by one of us (JJF), there were 11 cases in which radiologic adjuncts were used because the antemortem radiographs were either miniaturized or because anatomical landmarks could not be clearly discerned. The techniques used included slide projection (two cases), photographic enlargement and enhancement (two cases), digitization (three cases), and digitization with computer enhancement (three cases), commercial digitization (one case). In a 12th case, where identification was made by comparison of antemortem and postmortem film X-rays, the films were digitized as a further evaluation of a commercial system. This is the first reported use of these techniques.