bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Vitreous Humor as an Alternative to Whole Blood for the Analysis of Benzodiazepines
Authors: Scott KS , Oliver JS
Published: August 2015

In postmortem drug analysis, the most commonly used sample matrix is whole blood. However, postmortem changes can denature this matrix, resulting in a loss or degradation of drugs, thus biasing analytical findings. Vitreous humor is thought to be less affected by these changes and should, therefore, have the potential to provide a more reliable estimation of antemortem drug concentrations.

To assess the usefulness of vitreous humor for the analysis of benzodiazepine drugs, vitreous humor and whole blood were obtained postmortem in 27 cases. Three benzodiazepine drugs were investigated—temazepam, diazepam, and desmethyldiazepam. For temazepam and diazepam, some correlation was found between the matrices (R2 = 0.789 and 0.724, respectively). However, for desmethyldiazepam, no correlation was observed (R2 = 0.068). Regression analysis on plots of vitreous humor versus blood concentrations produced gradients of less than 1.0 showing that, in general, levels in blood are higher than the corresponding levels in vitreous humor.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in a Case of Suspected Chronic Heavy Metal Poisoning
Authors: Oehmichen M , Schulz-Schaeffer W , Kretzschmar H , Theuerkauf I , Gerling I , Windl O , Meissner C
Published: August 2015

We describe a patient who died of suspected heavy metal poisoning after a nine-month history of rapidly worsening dementia. Autopsy at a forensic-pathological institute established the postmortem diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) based on demonstration of the proteinase-resistant prion protein (PrPSc) in Western-Blot on native brain tissue. Microscopic examination of the macroscopically largely inconspicuous brain revealed marked spongiform changes in the gray matter—mainly affecting the cerebral cortex, nucleus caudatus, and putamen—with confluent vacuoles. Patchy or perivacuolar deposits of PrPSc were found as well as granular PrPSc deposits. The cerebellum contained focal PrPSc deposits. There was an astrogliosis in the white matter and a proliferation of microglia in the gray matter with a simultaneous clear reduction in neuronal elements. The differential diagnosis is discussed, as is the potential risk to those performing autopsy on forensic cases with a clinical picture of rapidly progressing dementia, especially in cases where a prion disease is not initially suspected.
Entrapment in Small, Enclosed Spaces: A Case Report and Points to Consider Regarding the Mechanism of Death
Authors: deJong JL , Adams T
Published: August 2015

The mechanism of death due to confinement in an enclosed space is usually ascribed to asphyxia from oxygen deprivation. We report the case of the decomposed remains of a 23-year-old man discovered in an unused industrial size refrigerator in which the mechanism of death is heatstroke. The investigation of the death indicates the subject most likely voluntarily entered the refrigerator and for unknown reasons, closed the door. Injuries identified at autopsy and damage to the inside of the structure indicate he struggled to exit the cabinet. The autopsy shows no significant natural disease processes and toxicology studies were negative. The diagnosis of heat stroke typically rests on the evaluation of multiple features, including the age and size of the decedent, the ambient temperature, the medical history of the decedent, whole body hydration, body fat content, alcohol and drug use, medication history, general physical condition, and many other factors. The diagnosis of heatstroke due to confinement in an enclosed container requires evaluation of the heat stress of the container, the heat strain experienced by the individual, autopsy findings suggesting signs of a struggle to exit the container, and other factors. In all such cases, a careful death investigation with correlation of autopsy findings is required to accurately determine the mechanism and cause of death. We suggest that for all such deaths, physiological and environmental factors promoting hyperthermia and heatstroke be considered as a possible mechanism of death, along with those associated with the more obvious danger of asphyxiation.
Seat Belt Induced Transection of the Trachea in a Child on the Lap of an Adult
Authors: Uemura K , Yoshida K
Published: August 2015

As a victim of his parents' suicide, a three-year-old boy was found dead on the lap of the passenger in the left front seat of a car that dove from the wharf and crashed into the sea. He died from the transection of trachea due to shoulder belt in the absence of the signs of drowning. The seat belt paradoxically injured the child on the passenger's lap in the traffic accident. The popular custom of Japanese parents of holding their children on their laps in cars is dangerous, while another custom of killing their children upon suicide of parents or couples should be socially and legally controlled.
Neuropathological Findings Associated with Retained Lead Shot Pellets in a Man Surviving Two Months After a Suicide Attempt
Authors: Malandrini A , Villanova M , Salvadori C , Gambelli S , Berti G , Di Paolo M
Published: August 2015

We describe the neuropathological findings in a 30-year-old man who died two months after attempting suicide with a shotgun. We focused our study on lesions associated with retained lead shot pellets and distant therefrom, as well as lesions distant from the principal site of injury. At the sites of the retained lead shot pellets, we found macrophage proliferation and astrocyte activation, together with axonal spheroids and signs of neuronal damage. In the remaining white matter we observed axonal swellings, astrocyte activation and rarefaction of the neuropil; regressive phenomena of the neurons were also present. All axonal spheroids immunoreacted with antibodies against APP. αB-crystallin, NF subunits and ubiquitin. Most reactive astrocytes were positive for GFAP and αB-crystallin immunostaining. Some neurons immunoreacting with αB-crystallin were also found. These data indicated that an important local reaction developed at the sites of lead shot retention, and mild signs of diffuse axonal damage were found throughout the brain.
Tenerife Revisited: The Critical Role of Dentistry
Authors: Brannon RB , Morlang WM
Published: August 2015

The authors record the contribution of dentistry to the identification of victims of one of the most significant disasters in the history of aviation—the March 1977 collision of two Boeing 747 jumbo jets in the Canary Islands, which resulted in 583 fatalities. Dental identification was the primary method of victim identification because a high percentage of the bodies were severely burned. Virtually all aspects of the U.S. identification efforts have been reported with the exception of the valuable role of dentistry. The dental team's organization, methodology, and significant contributions to forensic dentistry and a variety of remarkable problems that the team encountered are documented.
Accidental Dichloromethane Fatality: A Case Report
Authors: Zarrabeitia MT , Ortega C , Altuzarra E , Martinez MA , Mazarrasa O , Calvet R
Published: August 2015

A case of accidental dichloromethane poisoning by inhalation is presented. It is of interest that carboxyhemoglobin levels were within the normal range, suggesting that the narcosis and respiratory depression were due to the direct effect of DCM on the central nervous system. The accidental death was attributed to improper ventilation of vapors in the working area.
Blood, Brain, and Hair GHB Concentrations Following Fatal Ingestion
Authors: Kalasinsky KS , Dixon MM , Schmunk GA , Kish SJ
Published: August 2015

Despite the increasing incidence of illicit use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), little information is available documenting levels of the drug in GHB fatalities. We measured GHB levels in postmortem blood, brain and hair specimens from a suspected overdose case by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) following solid phase extraction (SPE) and derivatization with bis(trimethyl-silyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). Examination found 330 µg/mL GHB in femoral blood and 221 ng/mg GHB in frontal cortex brain tissue, values higher than those typically reported in the literature. The hair shaft was negative for GHB whereas the plucked root bulbs with outer root sheath attached (2221 ng/mg) and root bulbs after washing and removal of the outer root sheath (47 ng/mg) contained the drug. Our results are consistent with an acute single dose of GHB and, as the toxicology screen was negative for other drugs of abuse, emphasize the significant danger of this drug.
Fingerprint Forgery—A Survey
Authors: Geller B , Almog J , Margot P
Published: August 2015

The article describes and analyzes the international survey of fingerprint and laboratory personnel about fingerprint forgery, conducted in four countries during the years 1998 through 1999. The awareness and the attitude of the professionals to the problem of fingerprint forgery was tested.
STR Data for the Amp FℓSTR Profiler Plus Loci Among Golla Population of Southern Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy BM , Sun G , Ranjan D , Deka R
Published: August 2015

STR Data for the Amp FℓSTR Profiler Plus Loci Among Golla Population of Southern Andhra Pradesh, India
Allele Frequencies for Fourteen STR Loci of the PowerPlex™ 1.1 and 2.1 Multiplex Systems and Penta D Locus In Caucasians, African-Americans, Hospanics, and Other Populations of the United States of America and Brazil
Authors: Levedakou EN , Freeman DA , Budzynski MJ , Early BE , McElfresh KC , Schumm JW , Amin AS , Kim YK , Sprecher CJ , Krenke BE , Silva DA , McIntosh TM , Grubb JC , Johnston LJ , Sailus JS , Ban JD , Crouse CA , Nelson MS
Published: August 2015

Allele Frequencies for Fourteen STR Loci of the PowerPlex™ 1.1 and 2.1 Multiplex Systems and Penta D Locus In Caucasians, African-Americans, Hospanics, and Other Populations of the United States of America and Brazil
Review of: Breaking the Chains
Authors: Rossi D
Published: August 2015

These two volumes contain a wealth of information directly pertinent to the understanding of criminal behavior but also significant to comprehending a significant part of the 20th Centuries contribution to the evolution of criminological thought, the practice of forensic psychiatry, and the concept of “clinical criminology.” Perhaps, most importantly, they chronicle the work of a man who's efforts aimed to better understand the criminal and improve the environment of incarceration. The place in criminal psycho dynamics and its application to “clinical criminology” defined by Bruno M. Cormier (1919C1991) is known and acknowledged by most students and practitioners in the field. These two volumes are a tribute to his memory, his work, and the influence he had on a discipline vital for civilization and yet ignored by it.
Review of: Criminal Profiling
Authors: Rossi D
Published: August 2015

This work of Mr. Turvey appears as a text book of 25 chapters enhanced by several appendices, a glossary, and an index. While the book is under Turvey's authorship there are four contributors identified. The writing style is generally casual with expressions of personal sentiment and bias included. There is a suggestion that the author is more in need of impressing rather than educating the reader. Neither the comprehension nor the objectivity are strengths of this work. To the casual reader the omissions of historical work in criminal psychopathology and psycho dynamics may not be noticeable nor will that be of behavioral analysis and its variance through different schools of thought. The presentations are superficial and fail to reveal the actual depth to which one's training and experience need be to function as a member of an investigation team and perform crime scene behavioral reconstruction, analysis, and profiling. Mr. Turvey does not enlighten the reader with the normal differences in “profiling” based on the variance between schools of thought on human behavior. At present one may consider three categories of approach strategies and within each there can be expected variances. These issues are not addressed and the uninformed reader is left to believe that “profiling” is some generic process.
Review of: Geographic Profiling
Authors: Rossi D
Published: August 2015

Dr. Rossmo, a criminologist and a police officer has formulated a procedure that has been titled “geographic profiling” which is explained and illustrated in this relatively easy-to-follow book. A seasoned specialist in law enforcement, Dr. Rossmo has combined his experiences as a police officer with his education in criminology to offer an interesting formula intended to facilitate the process of investigating particularly serial crimes. The book's 12 chapters are enhanced by a glossary and lengthy bibliography. Criminal behavioral demography occupies nine of the chapters with one devoted to “geographic profiling,” another to applications and a final concluding chapter. The reader will find a preponderance of descriptive criminology and an relative absence of criminal psycho dynamics. This is not a work focusing on causality or etiology of criminal behavior. Rather, the author utilizes characteristics similar to diagnostic symptoms, a procedure that lends itself to the formula proposed by Dr. Rossmo. At the center of his model is computer analysis of variables associated with crime scene locations ideally resulting in the identification and apprehension of the perpetrator.
Review of: Drug Effects on Psychomotor Performance
Authors: Logan BK
Published: August 2015

The first book reached for by most forensic toxicologists practicing in the postmortem drug testing arena is Baselt's Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, currently in its fourth edition. Baselt has, with this new volume, provided those toxicologists practicing in the impaired driving arena with a similarly valuable resource. Covering most of the commonly prescribed, centrally acting drugs, and a wide range of illicit drugs, the book contains 140 monographs. The format will be familiar to users of Baselt's original work. Each section succinctly reviews the pharmacology of each drug, considering publications of clinical trial data, recommended doses and associated plasma concentrations of both the parent and metabolites, when they are known, the drug's metabolism, and the warnings contained in the Physicians Desk Reference for the drug with respect to its potential effects on driving, or psychomotor skills. This is followed by a review of laboratory studies, which have included assessment of psychomotor effects from the use of the drug. Review of these studies is made more intelligible by the inclusion of a glossary of technical terms. Further sections are included on driving studies (where they exist) and epidemiology. Finally, Baselt summarizes all the material in terms of whether, and in what circumstances, there is evidence of psychomotor impairment. He is careful, however, to stress when these conclusions are based on specific driving studies and when they are inferred from more primary effects.
Review of: Experimental and Clinical Neurotoxicology
Authors: Logan BK
Published: August 2015

For practicing postmortem forensic toxicologists there are a small number of undisputed first line texts, such as Baselt's Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, relied on daily for interpretive assistance. There are then the second line texts such as Ellenhorn and Barceleoux, and Goodman and Gilman, relied on for more specific pharmacological information, and clinical presentation, and in cases where there is no prior published data to assist in interpretation. Spencer and Schaumburg's text would fit well on the shelf beside these other volumes, as a resource for some of the specific neurotoxicological mechanisms that can be invoked to rationalize or explain the evident consequences of overdose with therapeutic or abuse drugs, or exposure to environmental, bacterial, animal, and fungal toxins.
Symposium: Essays Honoring Ellis R. Kerley, Ph.D. (1924–1998)
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Jantz RL
Published: August 2015

This collection of essays was organized and edited by Douglas A. Ubelaker, P11.D. of the Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. and Richard L. Jantz, Ph.D. of the Department of Anthropology of the University of Tennessee. Knoxville. The symposium was presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Reno. NV, within the physical anthropology section. on February 25, 2000.
Contributions of Ellis R. Kerley to Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Ubelaker DH
Published: August 2015

Ellis R. Kerley (1924 to 1998) represents an important figure in the history of American forensic anthropology. In research, he is best known for pioneering the microscopic approach to the estimation of age at death from human bone. A university professor for 22 years, Kerley also served as Scientific Director of the Army identification laboratory in Hawaii and worked on many forensic cases. He was a leader in the formation of the Physical Anthropology section of the AAFS and the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and held many offices within the AAFS, including President from 1990 to 1991.
A Career Takes Form: Ellis Kerley's Tenure at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (1957–1966)
Authors: Sledzik PS
Published: August 2015

From 1957 to 1966, Ellis Kerley was employed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) in Washington, DC. Kerley worked in the Orthopedic Pathology section under the supervision of Lent C. Johnson, MD. As the only staff anthropologist at the AFIP, he lectured, conducted research, and consulted on forensic cases. His best-known research completed during these years was the osteon aging technique. He also conducted research and lectured on paleopathology and skeletal identification. Kerley's AFIP experience aided him in pursuing a distinguished career as a forensic scientist, within both academia and the federal government.
A Tribute to Dr. Ellis R. Kerley: The Kansas Years
Authors: Bass WM
Published: August 2015

Dr. Ellis R. Kerley, one of the founders of the Physical Anthropology section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, was born in Kentucky and received his undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky. Following the completion of his doctoral degree (University of Michigan) he was a visiting professor at the University of Kentucky before joining the faculty at the University of Kansas in 1966. At Kansas he was a major advisor for many graduate students who were to become leaders in the new area of Forensic Anthropology.
Ellis Kerley's Service to the Military
Authors: Hinkes MJ
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present the contributions Ellis Kerley has made to the United States Department of Defense in the area of forensic anthropology. His service began at the end of the Korean War in the identification laboratory established in Kokura, Japan, under the direction of T.D. Stewart. Ellis developed his research on the quantification of cortical bone microstructure as a means of age estimation while at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. In December 1985, Ellis was asked by the Army to form a commission to evaluate the Central Identification Laboratory, HI (CILHI). This lab is tasked with the mission of search and recovery and identification of American personnel killed or listed as missing from past military conflicts. Ellis's team reviewed the identification process and documentation, the qualifications of lab personnel, the adequacy of facilities and equipment, and some questionable cases. Their written report was supplemented with testimony in front of congressional committees. Ellis served as scientific director of CILHI from 1987 until 1991. In addition to overseeing the daily case work, he led several missions to Vietnam to examine human remains and served as spokesman for the lab. His input helped the lab gain needed scientific credibility. Despite the frustrations of trying to identify human remains within the Army's casualty and memorial affairs system, Ellis always maintained the utmost dignity, compassion, and respect for the victims and their families.
Cranial Change in Americans: 1850–1975
Authors: Jantz RL
Published: August 2015

This paper examines the pattern and magnitude of craniofacial change in American blacks and whites over the past 125 years. Standard metric data from 885 crania were used to document the changes from 1850 to 1975. Data from 19th century crania were primarily from anatomical collections, and 20th century data were available from the forensic anthropology data bank. Canonical correlation was used to obtain a linear function of cranial variables that correlates maximally with year of birth. Canonical correlations of year of birth with the linear function of cranial measurements ranged from 0.55 to 0.71, demonstrating that cranial morphology is strongly dependent on year of birth. During the 125 years under consideration, cranial vaults have become markedly higher, somewhat narrower, with narrower faces. The changes in cranial morphology are probably in large part due to changes in growth at the cranial base due to improved environmental conditions. The changes are likely a combination of phenotypic plasticity and genetic changes over this period.
Stature, Maturation Variation and Secular Trends in Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Klepinger LL
Published: August 2015

A twentieth-century trend for increased stature has received considerable attention in the forensic literature with regard to its effects on stature estimation, but a secular trend for earlier maturation has received little attention. Current evidence indicates that within populations with similar climatic adaptation, truncation or extension of the same trajectory of ontogenetic allometry accounts for the secular trend and the within-cohort stature variation, as well as the scaling of limb proportion to stature and intralimb proportions. Since secular increase is small compared to interindividual variation, the Trotter and Gleser formulae are still appropriate as long as the 95% confidence intervals are applied. A secular trend for increasing childhood and adolescent obesity is associated with a trend for accelerated skeletal maturation, but does not predict a consistent direction or a quantitative correction for traditional standards. Secular trends for increased stature and earlier maturation are overshadowed by increasing nonsecular intrapopulational variation.
Racial Variation in the Proximal and Distal Femur: Heritability and Forensic Utility
Authors: Gill GW
Published: August 2015

The femur has been studied successfully by physical anthropologists for many years. Such traits as femoral head diameter and bicondylar width have been examined extensively and are of great value to forensic anthropologists and other skeletal biologists in sex identification. A number of studies over the past decade by the author and his former students have shown marked racial differences in the shape of the proximal femur and in at least one trait of the distal femur—intercondylar notch height. Anteriorposterior (AP) diameter of the proximal femur is much greater among Whites and Blacks than among East Asians and American Indians. Blacks have slightly greater intercondylar notch height than Whites. Other features, such as torsion, also differ between the major geographic racial populations. Current analysis suggests that the East Polynesians fall close to the American Indians and East Asians in the degree of flatness of the proximal femur.

One study has tracked the degree of change in flatness during individual development, and finds little change within major populations from the youngest to the oldest individuals. Temporal changes within populations are likewise minimal. Two studies have examined sex differences within populations, which are also found to be very slight. Racial differences, on the other hand, are quite significant, and individuals of admixed ancestry fall intermediate between the two parental populations. Such suggestions of high heritability in the shape of the proximal and distal femur make these traits very useful in assessing ancestry in forensic contexts.
Publications of Ellis R. Kerley (1924–1998)
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Jones EB
Published: August 2015

Ellis R. Kerley (1924–1998) published at least 40 works between the years 1957 and 1988. These include four reviews, 10 abstracts, 23 articles and book chapters, and three monographic works.
Comparison of Transmission and Internal Reflection Infrared Spectra of Cocaine
Authors: Koulis CV , Reffner JA , Bibby AM
Published: August 2015

Comparing the infrared transmission spectrum of cocaine HCl to its attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectrum has raised questions about the use of ATR spectra for forensic drug analysis. Whenever infrared spectra are collected using different modes or sample preparation methods, small variations in peak intensity ratios or peak positions are possible. These variations in infrared spectra are small and do not interfere with qualitative analysis, but they can cause confusion when unrecognized as normal effects of the different spectroscopic techniques. Comparison of the absorption and ATR spectra of cocaine hydrochloride illustrates the type of differences that can be expected. These differences are explained by the fundamental differences in the collection techniques. For the best quantitative results, only spectra collected by the same technique should be compared.
A Simple Method for Detection of Gunshot Residue Particles from Hands, Hair, Face, and Clothing Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray (SEM/WDX)
Authors: Kage S , Kudo K , Kaizoji A , Ryumoto J-i , Ikeda H , Ikeda N
Published: August 2015

We devised a simple and rapid method for detection of gunshot residue (GSR) particles, using scanning electron microscopy/wavelength dispersive X-ray (SEM/WDX) analysis. Experiments were done on samples containing GSR particles obtained from hands, hair, face, and clothing, using double-sided adhesive coated aluminum stubs (tape-lift method). SEM/WDX analyses for GSR were carried out in three steps; the first step was map analysis for barium (Ba) to search for GSR particles from lead styphnate primed ammunition, or tin (Sn) to search for GSR particles from mercury fulminate primed ammunition. The second step was determination of the location of GSR particles by X-ray imaging of Ba or Sn at a magnification of ×1000–2000 in the SEM, using data of map analysis, and the third step was identification of GSR particles, using WDX spectrometers. Analysis of samples from each primer of a stub took about 3 h. Practical applications were shown for utility of this method.
Fibers Under Fire: Suggestions for Improving Their Use to Provide Forensic Evidence
Authors: Grieve MC , Wiggins KG
Published: August 2015

The current emphasis on DNA technology in forensic science has led many to believe that trace evidence examinations, including fibers, may be of little value. Reasons are given here to show that this is an erroneous assumption. In the face of this situation, fibers examiners have been challenged to consider ways in which they can improve the services they offer to the Criminal Justice System not only by increasing the efficiency of the examinations, but also by expressing the evidential value of the findings in a clearer way. The separate stages within fibers casework from evidence collection to report writing are critically examined. Suggestions are made on how improvements may be achieved. Areas where particular progress can be made include improving communication and exchange of information between the investigator and the scientist and streamlining analysis by using the latest equipment in conjunction with effective case management. In addition, ways of making better use of existing data pertaining to fiber frequencies, accumulating new data by using the resources of working groups, and improving training procedures with respect to evidence interpretation are discussed.
Human Hair Histogenesis for the Mitochondrial DNA Forensic Scientist
Authors: Linch CA , Whiting DA , Holland MM
Published: August 2015

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence from human hairs has proven to be a valuable complement to traditional hair comparison microscopy in forensic cases when nuclear DNA typing is not possible. However, while much is known about the specialties of hair biology and mtDNA sequence analysis, there has been little correlation of individual information. Hair microscopy and hair embryogenesis are subjects that are sometimes unfamiliar to the forensic DNA scientist. The continual growth and replacement of human hairs involves complex cellular transformation and regeneration events. In turn, the analysis of mtDNA sequence data can involve complex questions of interpretation (e.g., heteroplasmy and the sequence variation it may cause within an individual, or between related individuals). In this paper we review the details of hair developmental histology, including the migration of mitochondria in the growing hair, and the related interpretation issues regarding the analysis of mtDNA data in hair. Macroscopic and microscopic hair specimen classifications are provided as a possible guide to help forensic scientists better associate mtDNA sequence heteroplasmy data with the physical characteristics of a hair. These same hair specimen classifications may also be useful when evaluating the relative success in sequencing different types and/or forms of human hairs. The ultimate goal of this review is to bring the hair microscopist and forensic DNA scientist closer together, as the use of mtDNA sequence analysis continues to expand.
Distortion of Teatree Stems by Twine as a Means to Determine the Number of Years that the Stems Have Been Used to Support Cannabis Plants
Authors: Horrocks M , Wallace R
Published: August 2015

In New Zealand, stems of teatree (Kunzea/Leptospermum) growing around illicit cannabis plots have been used to anchor lengths of twine running through the plots to hold cannabis plants upright. Forensic examinations of distortions of teatree stems caused by the twine have been carried out to determine when the twine had been first tied around the stems, in order to estimate the number of years that plots have been in operation. In this experiment, baling twine was tied around stems of a teatree (Kunzea ericoides) and the effect monitored for a period of three years. Varying degrees of stem distortion occurred during the first year, caused initially by expansion of callus (a wound tissue) rather than constriction of the growth (annual) rings of the xylem. Although this callus has a type of growth ring, these are not annual, therefore cannot be used to determine the number of years that stems have had twine attached. Xylem growth rings of the teatree in this experiment were not restricted until the third year. Distortion of teatree stems allows the determination of a minimum (not absolute) number of years that twine has been attached.
Interpapillary Lines—The Variable Part of the Human Fingerprint
Authors: Stücker M , Geil M , Kyeck S , Hoffman K , Röchling A , Memmel U , Altmeyer P
Published: August 2015

The dermatoglyphic pattern of human palms and soles is individually unique and unchanging. Their prints show the course of the papillary ridges as papillary lines. Case reports and a few older studies of repeatedly taken fingerprints could, however, show that so-called interpapillary lines can develop between the papillary lines. The questions of this study were: How often do interpapillary lines occur? Can the differences between papillary and interpapillary ridges be quantified?

Five-hundred and two ink prints of the palms and fingers from the archive of the Bochum Police Department were examined retrospectively. In 121 volunteers, the appearance of interpapillary lines was examined prospectively. From the later collective, the fingerprints of 13 people with interpapillary lines and nine people without were examined further by taking two silicon prints and measuring them with laser profilometry

In 215 of the 502 ink prints (42.8%) interpapillary lines could be demonstrated. In those subjects younger than 20 years they were less frequently observed (34.1%) than in those above the age of 20 (51.8%). In all cases using laser profilometry the interpapillary lines could be related to a corresponding interpapillary ridge. The interpapillary ridge heights were 24.9 ± 10.0 µm, significantly lower than the papillary ridges, which measured 59.0 ± 19.2 µm. Interpapillary ridge widths were with 194.8 ± 65.1 µm significantly narrower as compared to 435.5 ± 57.4 µm in the papillary ridge. Those papillary ridges, between which interpapillary ridges were found, were significantly further apart from each other (610.5 ± 78.9 µm) than those without interpapillary ridges (484.9 ± 70.6 µm).

During the course of a lifetime new ridges between the regular papillary ridges can develop or manifest. The fact that interpapillary lines are more frequently found on the right hands in men and those with increasing age is consistent with the theory that they correspond to degenerative changes and with sensitivity of touch.
Length Variation in HV2 of the Human Mitochondrial DNA Control Region
Authors: Stewart JEB , Fisher CL , Aagaard PJ , Wilson MR , Isenberg AR , Polanskey D , Pokorak E , DiZinno JA , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Hair samples were typed from three individuals who exhibited length heteroplasmy in the homopolymeric cytosine stretches (C-stretch) in hypervariable region 2 (HV2). The study demonstrated that for different hairs within an individual, the HV2 C-stretch region can vary with respect to the number of cytosines and/or proportion of C-stretch length variants. Length heteroplasmy may occur regardless of the prominent length variant present in this region. Differences in the number of cytosines at the C-stretch region, or a variation in the relative amounts of heteroplasmic length variants, cannot be used to support an interpretation of exclusion.
Development of Latent Fingerprints on Metallic Surfaces Using Electropolymerization Processes
Authors: Bersellini C , Garofano L , Giannetto M , Lusardi F , Mori G
Published: August 2015

We propose a new process for developing latent fingerprints on metal items, applicable to unfired weapons made of Ergal in particular. The method is based on the presence of fatty acids that are contained in fingerprints and act as an insulator on the surface where fingerprints are to be developed. The process of polymerization occurs on the metal portions left untouched by finger contact. Hence, the developing process results as a negative pattern of the original fingerprint. The reaction consists in the electropolymerization of pyrrole and substituted porphyrins, i.e., tetra (o-aminophenyl) porphyrine: radical-cations are generated on superficial nucleation sites by oxidation of monomer, close to the electrode surface; subsequently, the radical species react with the neutral monomer, which begins to diffuse to the electrode. We have also studied the polymer's morphology by means of SEM and AFM, in order to find a correlation between the reagent to be used and the quality of the enhancement process. These are only preliminary results; however, they show that the suggested method is a new way to increase the rate of success in developing latent fingerprints on metal surfaces. In this regard, it may be considered complementary to other conventional procedures, due to the low costs of the instruments and reagents, and the rapidity and simplicity of the treatment.
Evaluation of Principal Components Analysis with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Photodiode Array Detection for the Forensic Differentiation of Ballpoint Pen Inks
Authors: Kher AA , Green EV , Mulholland MI
Published: August 2015

Inks from seven black and eight blue ballpoint pens were separated by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method utilizing a photodiode array detection (PDA). A classifier flowchart was designed for the chromatographic data based on the presence or absence of certain peaks at different wavelengths to qualitatively discriminate between the inks. The same data were quantitatively classified by principal components analysis (PCA) to estimate the separation between a pair of classes of ink samples. It was found that the black ballpoint pen inks were discriminated satisfactorily utilizing two-dimensional data of the peak areas and retention times at the optimum wavelengths. The blue pens were discriminated by analyzing the chromatographic data at four different wavelengths simultaneously with a cross-validated PCA. The results of this study indicated that HPLC-PDA coupled with chemometrics could make a powerful discriminating tool for the forensic chemist, especially when analyzing extensive and/or complex data.
Signature Authentication by Forensic Document Examiners
Authors: Kam M , Gummadidala K , Fielding G , Conn R
Published: August 2015

We report on the first controlled study comparing the abilities of forensic document examiners (FDEs) and laypersons in the area of signature examination. Layersons and professional FDEs were given the same signature-authentication/simulation-detection task. They compared six known signatures generated by the same person with six unknown signatures. No a priori knowledge of the distribution of genuine and nongenuine signatures in the unknown signature set was available to test-takers. Three different monetary incentive schemes were implemented to motivate the laypersons.

We provide two major findings: (i) the data provided by FDEs and by laypersons in our tests were significantly different (namely, the hypothesis that there is no difference between the assessments provided by FDEs and laypersons about genuineness and nongenuineness of signatures was rejected); and (ii) the error rates exhibited by the FDEs were much smaller than those of the laypersons. In addition, we found no statistically significant differences between the data sets obtained from laypersons who received different monetary incentives.

The most pronounced differences in error rates appeared when nongenuine signatures were declared authentic (Type I error) and when authentic signatures were declared nongenuine (Type II error). Type I error was made by FDEs in 0.49% of the cases, but laypersons made it in 6.47% of the cases. Type II error was made by FDEs in 7.05% of the cases, but laypersons made it in 26.1% of the cases.
Differences in Morphological Age-Related Dental Changes Depending on Postmortem Interval
Authors: Mandojana JM , las Heras SM , Valenzuela A , Valenzuela M , Luna JD
Published: August 2015

Morphological methods for age estimation from teeth have been developed and applied to samples without taking the postmortem interval into consideration. We studied differences in morphological age-related changes between fresh extracted teeth and teeth from human skeletal remains in order to develop appropriate dental age estimation methods according to the time after death. Forty-three permanent teeth from dental patients were compared to 37 teeth obtained from human skeletal remains with a postmortem interval from 21 to 37 years. Morphological age-related changes were investigated by measuring variables on intact and half-sectioned teeth. A new computer assisted image analysis procedure to avoid subjectivity was developed to measure variables in sectioned specimens. Dental color, translucency length, attrition, cementum apposition, and secondary dentin showed higher values in teeth from human skeletal remains than in fresh extracted teeth. Variables obtained by morphometric analysis of computer-generated images (tooth length, tooth width, root length, and root area) showed higher values in fresh extracted teeth than in teeth from skeletal remains. The postmortem interval affects age-related morphological changes, and therefore different methods should be used for teeth of unknown postmortem interval.
Dental Age Estimation in Belgian Children: Demirjian's Technique Revisited
Authors: Willems G , Van Olmen A , Spiessens B , Carels C
Published: August 2015

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Demirjian's dental age estimation (1,2) in children in a Belgian Caucasian population and to adapt the scoring system in case of a significant overestimation as frequently reported. We selected 2523 orthopantomograms of 1265 boys and 1258 girls, of which 2116 (1029 boys and 1087 girls) were used for estimating the dental age with the Demirjian's technique. The 407 other orthopantomograms were beyond the original age limit (1). A second sample of 355 orthopantomograms was used to evaluate the accuracy of the original method and the adapted method. A signed-rank test was performed to search for significant age differences between the obtained dental age and the chronological age. A weighted ANOVA was performed in order to adapt the scoring system for this Belgian population. The overestimation of the chronological age was confirmed. The adapted scoring system resulted in new age scores expressed in years and in a higher accuracy compared to the original method in Belgian Caucasians.
Factors in Prison Suicide: One Year Study in Texas
Authors: He X-Y , Felthous AR , Holzer CE , Nathan P , Veasey S
Published: August 2015

The goal of the study was to examine psychopathology and stressors suffered by suicide victims, and to describe the characteristics of the suicides in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice between June of 1996 to June of 1997. Data on 25 completed suicides were collected from the records department. Results: The authors identified 60% of the suicide victims with a history of psychiatric disorders. Seventy-six percent had been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders while incarcerated. The most frequent psychiatric disorders were mood disorders (64%), psychotic disorders (44%), personality disorders (56%), and comorbidity with a history of presentencing alcohol and drug abuse was common. Most of the victims experienced chronic and/or acute stressors of acute trauma, disrupted relationship, sentence hearing, and/or medical condition. We concluded that important factors associated with increased risk of prison suicide include psychiatric disorders, comorbid substance abuse, a history of suicide attempt, and chronic and/or acute stressors.
Child and Adolescent Suicide in a Large, Urban Area: Psychological, Demographic, and Situational Factors
Authors: Weinberger LE , Sreenivasan S , Sathyavagiswaran L , Markowitz E
Published: August 2015

We examined all completed suicides by children and adolescents in Los Angeles County who died during 1996 and 1997. There were 46 subjects, aged 11 through 16. The majority of the decedents were males and over age 14. The predominant racial group was Hispanic. There was an almost even split between firearms and hanging as the means of death. Females had a statistically significantly higher rate of prior suicide attempts than males. Over one-third left a suicide note, almost one-half were noted to be depressed, and 22% tested positive for alcohol or illicit drugs. Less than one-quarter were in mental health treatment. Eighty-seven percent had difficulty transitioning to or during adolescence; e.g., problems at home, legal and school difficulties, and relationship losses. These findings are discussed in terms of Eriksonian developmental theory. We offer recommendations for intervention and prevention of suicide.
Fingerprinting the Deceased: Traditional and New Techniques
Authors: Kahana T , Grande A , Tancredi DM , Penalver J , Hiss J
Published: August 2015

Identification of the deceased is an important task in medicolegal investigations. Fingerprints rank as the most widely used identification method, although obtaining the prints from the cadaver is not always easily accomplished. Various techniques for fingerprinting decomposed, mummified, and burn victims have been suggested in the literature. In the present review, the diverse fingerprinting procedures implemented for cadavers in various conditions, with an emphasis on mummified fingers, are presented.
Septo-Optic Dysplasia and Unexpected Adult Death—An Autopsy Approach
Authors: Gilbert JD , Scott G , Byard RW
Published: August 2015

A 20-year-old woman who suffered from septo-optic dysplasia died unexpectedly following a presumed viral gastroenteritis. Autopsy and neuropathological examination confirmed optic nerve hypoplasia with absence of the septum pellucidum. Marked adrenal gland hypoplasia reflected hypothalamic hypopituitarism. The small and large intestines were dilated and filled with liquid fecal material. This case demonstrates that individuals with septo-optic dysplasia may be at risk of unexpected death at all ages. The complexity of mechanisms of death in rare dysmorphic conditions may be overlooked if relevant clinical information is not available at the time of autopsy and unless specific steps are taken to clearly delineate the underlying features of the condition.
Detection of Benzodiazepines in Different Tissues, Including Bone, Using a Quantitative ELISA Assay
Authors: Gorczynski LY , Melbye FJ
Published: August 2015

Benzodiazepines were analyzed in different tissue samples, including bone, by ELISA. The sensitivity of detection for different benzodiazepines was consistent with the manufacturer's reports of the cross reactivities of the antibodies used, with the greatest sensitivity for midazolam and the least for diazepam; in addition the pharmacokinetics was consistent with the known duration of action of the different benzodiazepines, with midazolam cleared rapidly, and diazepam slowly. Following intramuscular injection of 300 μg of midazolam at 16 h intervals for ten days, the drug was detectable in bone tissue samples obtained from skeletonized remains buried in soil at room temperature for three weeks.
GHB and Driving Impairment
Authors: Couper FJ , Logan BK
Published: August 2015

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was identified in the blood of 13 subjects arrested for impaired driving. GHB concentrations ranged from 26 to 155 mg/L (mean 87 mg/L, median 95 mg/L). In eight cases, GHB was the only drug detected, and signs of impairment were consistent with those of a CNS depressant, including erratic driving (weaving, swerving, ignoring road signs), confusion, incoherent speech, unresponsiveness, lack of balance, unsteady coordination, poor performances on field sobriety tests, and varying states of wakefulness. Given the ability of GHB to induce sleep and unconsciousness, it is evident from these cases that recreational use of the drug has the potential to impair a person's driving ability.
Measurements of Ulna—A New Method for Determination of Sex
Authors: Purkait R
Published: August 2015

Identification of sex from skeleton parts is of paramount importance to medicolegal investigations. The present study makes an attempt to assess sex from the ulna by devising new measurements for fragmentary bones. Dry and adult ulnae (100 male and 60 female) of Madhya Pradesh, India were subjected to three measurements (Olecranon—coronoid angle, length, and width of inferior medial trochlear notch) that were devised specifically for this study. The data were analyzed using discriminant function analysis. Direct analysis using single or multiple variables revealed the Olecranon-Coronoid angle as the best single parameter, yielding 85% accuracy. Measurements of the inferior medial trochlear notch have an additional advantage of being used in fragmentary bone where only the upper end is available. The calibrated discriminant functions correctly classified 90.6% of all males and females in an independent test sample.