bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snowmobile Fatalities
Authors: Avis SP
Published: August 2015

Autopsy protocols on all snowmobile fatalities were reviewed for a five year period covering the years 1988–1992, with respect to the age of the victim, sex, operator status, type of accident, fatal injuries sustained, the presence of ethanol, and the month of the year and day of the week the fatality occurred. During the study period there were 31 snowmobile fatalities, accounting for 9.4% of all transportation fatalities. The majority of deaths (54.8%) resulted from drowning and or hypothermia, either as a result of breaking through the ice or driving into open waters. Collision with a stationary or moving object accounted for 22.6% of fatalities, while being thrown from the machine accounted for 16.1% of deaths. Pedestrians accounted for 6.5% of all snowmobile deaths. Head and chest injury were responsible for deaths due to collision, while head and neck injury accounted for deaths due to being thrown from the machine. All victims were male with an average age of 34.7 years and the majority (87%) were vehicle operators at the time of the fatality. Of those tested for the presence of ethanol 86.3% tested positive, 72.7% of whom were legally intoxicated. Accidents occurred throughout the months of December through May, with more accidents occurring on Friday and Tuesday than any other day of the week. Based on these findings snowmobile fatalities could be significantly reduced, with operator education regarding the hazards of ethanol and instruction in ice safety.
Validation of Dental Radiographs for Human Identification
Authors: MacLean DF , Kogon SL , Stitt LW
Published: August 2015

Visual comparison of dental bitewing radiographs in simulated forensic identification, using observers of varying degrees of experience and radiographs with a range of time intervals from one to fifteen years showed an accuracy of 93%.
Fluorescence of Petroleum Products V: Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Capillary Gas Chromatography of Neat and Evaporated Gasoline Samples
Authors: Sheff LM , Siegel JA
Published: August 2015

Nine brands and grades of gasoline were analyzed by three dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3-DF). Capillary gas chromatograms were also obtained in order to monitor the loss of components during evaporation. All samples were examined neat, then after 50% evaporation, and then after evaporation until only a semi-solid residue remained (nearly evaporated). It was found that the fluorescence technique was capable of distinguishing among the samples in both neat and evaporated conditions and that it showed similarities between neat and 50% evaporated samples. The totally evaporated samples could not be associated with its corresponding neat sample.
Fluorescence Detection of Ethyl Centralite in Gunshot Residues
Authors: Meng H-H , Caddy B
Published: August 2015

A fluorescence method has been developed to detect ethyl centralite in gunshot residues. Residues were recovered from shooters' hands with cotton wool swabs. The swabs were extracted by a syringe elution procedure and the extracts cleared by TLC. The cleaned samples were hydrolyzed in phosphoric acid at 178 °C for 20 min to yield N-ethylaniline. Any N-ethylaniline was dansylated directly on a TLC plate, which was then developed two-dimensionally. The fluorescent dansyl-N-ethylaniline spot was scraped off and extracted for fluorometric determination. The detection limits for ethyl centralite standards and spiked hand samples are 1 ng and 5 ng respectively. Three out of six test firings of a .38 revolver gave extracts that were found to contain ethyl centralite. One of these was swabbed 180 min after firing three rounds of ammunition.
Analysis of the HUMTH01 Allele Frequencies in the Spanish Population
Authors: Lorente JA , Lorente M , Budowle B , Wilson MR , Villanueva E
Published: August 2015

Genetic marker typing based on DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) increasingly is being employed in forensic casework and for paternity testing. The allele frequencies were determined using PCR for 120 unrelated Spanish Caucasians for the locus HUMTH0H1. Six alleles were observed, with frequencies ranging from 0.013 (allele 11) to 0.254 (allele 10). The observed heterozygosity was 75.8%, and the power of discrimination is 0.92. The genotype distribution meets Hardy-Weinberg expectations.
A Method for Estimating Weight in Children from Femoral Midshaft Diameter and Age
Authors: Sciulli PW , Pfau RO
Published: August 2015

In this investigation, we relate transverse midshaft diameter of the femur, age, and weight in a sample of 183 children from Central Ohio. Age and femur diameter considered separately are similar in their ability to predict weight. Considering all sex and ancestry groupings (male, female, white, black), age explains between 90% to 96.8% of the variation in weight while femur diameter explains between 93% to 97.4%. However, estimates of individual weight from age or femur diameter have very large 95% prediction limits.

Using age and femur diameter together results in a greater proportion of the variation in weight explained, 97.7% for the total sample, but the 95% prediction limits are similar to those using femur diameter alone.
Isolation of Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline from Fly Puparia (Phoridae) and Beetle Exuviae (Dermestidae) Associated with Mummified Human Remains
Authors: Miller ML , Lord WD , Goff ML , Donnelly B , McDonough ET , Alexis JC
Published: August 2015

The use of anthropophagic fly larvae (maggots) as alternative toxicological specimens is well documented in the entomological and forensic science literature. Detection of various toxins and controlled substances in insects found on decomposing bodies has contributed to the assessment of cause/manner of death. With the development of hair extraction technologies, attention has recently focused on the analysis of chitinized insect remnants which are frequently encountered with mummified/skeletalized remains. In such cases, the standard toxicological specimens are often absent. Herein, we report the first detection of drugs from chitinized insect tissues.
A Fatal Ketamine Poisoning
Authors: Licata M , Pierini G , Popoli G
Published: August 2015

An unusual case of death by ketamine overdose is reported. The drug's administration was a homicide for homosexual ends. Authors discuss a rapid and effective solid-phase extraction procedure using Bond-Elute* C18 for Ketamine and Nor-Ketamine detection in biological fluids and tissues with a 75% recovery. The drug analysis was carried out by the means of gas-chromatography (GLC) and gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The yield of the procedure for Ketamine was: blood 27.4 µg/mL; urine 8.51 µg/mL; bile 15.2 µg/mL; brain 3.24 µg/mL; liver 6.6 µg/mL; kidney 3.38 µg/mL. Nor-Ketamine was detected in all samples, but not quantified.
Estimation of Dental Age Using HPLC-Technique to Determine the Degree of Aspartic Acid Racemization
Authors: Mörnstad H , Pfeiffer H , Teivens A
Published: August 2015

Age determinations of adult individuals are of great importance within the forensic sciences. Presently, age changes in the teeth provide good means for this. The best method up to now has been “Gustafson's method” with modifications. Over the last 10 years a new chemical method, based on the racemization of aspartic acid in enamel and dentine, has been developed. Enamel and dentine belong to the very few tissues that do not have metabolic turn-over after formation. Both reliability and validity have been shown to be high, and this method therefore seems to be the best choice for the future. However, most studies to date have been using expensive and special instruments (gas chromatographs or amino acid analyzers) for these determinations. This study was performed to explore if the same determinations can be carried out with ordinary HPLC technique. It was shown that there is a good correlation between the ratio of D- and L-forms of the aspartic acid and age of the tooth. The correlation coefficient was 0.97, which is close to those presented with the other techniques, where r has been 0.95 – 0.99. The prediction of an individual are can be made with a 95% confidence interval of about ± 12 years.
The Descriptive Epidemiology of Unnatural Deaths in Oregon's State Institutions: A 25-Year (1963–1987) Study. IV. The Reduction of Unnatural Death Rates During 1988–1992 in Three Facilities As a Result of Planned Changes
Authors: Kamara SG , Concannon KW , Butler JF , Batten PJ
Published: August 2015

This paper documents the most recent five-year (1988–1992) analysis of unnatural deaths in Oregon's state mental and correctional institutions. The current findings are compared with those of the preceding five years (1983–1987) within the context of the long term trend in unnatural death rates for the previous 25 years. The unnatural death rates for the institutional clients are also compared with those for the noninstitutionalized citizens of Marion County, Oregon.

There are two major findings in these 1988–1992 data: (a) There have been highly significant reductions in unnatural death rates in Oregon State Hospital and in the Forensic Psychiatric Program, which the authors believe are largely due to the implementation of planned changes to reduce the previously very high suicide rates in these two facilities; and (b) There was a dramatic reduction (to zero) of unnatural deaths at the Fairview Training Center. The authors also believe that this was attainable mostly because of large-scale improvements made at that facility, by the Department of Human Resources and the Oregon Legislature, just before and during the present study time frame.

Changes in these three facilities which led to the improvement in unnatural death rates of clients are discussed.
The Dangerousness of Persons with the Othello Syndrome
Authors: Leong GB , Arturo Silva J , Garza-Treviño ES , Oliva D , Ferrari MM , Komanduri RV , Caldwell JCB
Published: August 2015

The Othello syndrome, or delusional jealousy, often raises significant forensic issues, particularly dangerousness. Dangerous patients suffering from the Othello delusion may present with hostility ranging from verbal threats to homicidal acts. We present three cases of individuals suffering from Othello syndrome associated with significant hostility and organic mental factors. We analyze these cases along with Othello syndrome cases culled from the recent anglophonic literature, especially in terms of implications for domestic and public safety.
Fatal Carbon Dioxide Embolism Complicating Attempted Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lantz PE , David Smith J
Published: August 2015

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the surgical procedure of choice for individuals with symptomatic gallbladder disease. The procedure has gained popularity among surgeons and patients because of inconspicuous abdominal incisions/scars, less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, and reduced medical costs. Bile duct, vascular, and gastrointestinal iatrogenic injuries are major complications.

We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman who died of CO2 embolism during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. With the patient under general anesthesia, a 1.5 cm incision was made just below the umbilicus, and a pneumoperitoneum was created by CO2 insufflation with a pneumoperitoneum (modified Veress) needle. Immediately, she experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest and could not be resuscitated. At autopsy, air bubbles were admixed with blood in the epicardial veins and leptomeningeal blood vessels. A triangular 0.1 cm perforation in the left common iliac vein had been created by the pneumoperitoneum needle.

A pneumoperitoneum is required for laparoscopy and CO2 is the most commonly used gas. Carbon dioxide is highly soluble in blood and fairly innocuous to the peritoneum. Small amounts absorbed into the circulation cause slight increases in arterial and alveolar CO2 and in central venous pressure. When CO2 enters the venous circulation through iatrogenically opened vascular channels, catastrophic and potentially fatal hemodynamic and respiratory compromise may result.
125I Radioimmunoassay for the Dual Detection of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
Authors: Ward C , McNally AJ , Rusyniak D , Salamone SJ
Published: August 2015

A radioimmunoassay that exhibits a nearly equivalent response to D-amphetamine and D-methamphetamine in urine over the assay range of 0 to 1000 ng/mL while displaying low cross-reactivity to L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine (4.6% and 2.4%, respectively) has been developed. In addition, methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were detectable in the assay with cross-reactivity levels of >100% and 77% respectively. Little cross-reactivity was observed with the commonly encountered over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and this cross-reactivity was further reduced by the addition of sodium periodate into the reaction mixture to oxidize the β-hydroxylamines. The double (second) antibody assay uses 125I-radiolabeled derivatives of both D-amphetamine and D-methamphetamine as tracers in combination with two highly specific sheep antisera directed against D-amphetamine and D-methamphetamine. The assay exhibits a dose-response of approximately 90,000 dpm from 0 to 1000 ng/mL of D-amphetamine or D-methamphetamine with a minimum detectable dose for either drug of approximately 25 ng/mL. With a cut-off level of 500 ng/mL, the assay gave a positive result for 100% of the 111 clinical samples containing GC/MS confirmed (at or above the NIDA GC/MS cut-off values) levels of amphetamine and/or methamphetamine. Eighty-eight samples that screened negative in a clinical laboratory were all negative in the assay. Nineteen samples which were incorrectly identified as positive by other commercially available amphetamine assays were negative in this RIA.
Hair Analysis for Buprenorphine and Its Dealkylated Metabolite by RIA and Confirmation by LC/ECD
Authors: Kintz P , Cirimele V , Edel Y , Jamey C , Mangin P
Published: August 2015

Hair samples were obtained from 14 subjects admitted 2 or 3 months previously to a detoxification center. All reported an history of intravenous heroin abuse. After decontamination by two dichloromethane washes, about 50 mg hair were pulverized in a ball mill and incubated at 56°C overnight in 1 mL 0.1 HCl.

After neutralization, buprenorphine analyzed by RIA was in the range of 0.01 to 0.47 ng/mg. To confirm buprenorphine, liquid chromatography was used. After neutralization, drugs were extracted with toluene at pH 8.5 during a 3-step extraction procedure. A portion of the reconstituted residue was injected into a Lichrosorb CN column, with a mobile phase of phosphate buffer (pH 4.0)-acetonitrile-1-heptane sulfonic acid-butylamine (85:17:2:0.01, v/v).

Detection was achieved by coulometry, and the potential of the electrodes was 0.15 and 0.50 V, respectively.

Linear calibration curves were obtained from 0.02 to 2.0 ng/mg with a correlation coefficient r > 0.99 for both drugs. The detection limit for the major metabolite was about 0.01 ng/mg and 0.02 ng/mg for buprenorphine, using a 50 mg hair sample. Recovery (at 0.2 ng/mg) was 54 and 62% for norbuprenorphine and buprenorphine, respectively. Drugs concentrations in hair were in the range 0.02–0.59 and not detected—0.15 ng/mg for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine, respectively. Results suggest that a dose-reponse relationship exists between the concentration of buprenorphine in hair and the administered dose.
Improved Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Barbiturates in Urine Using Centrifuge-Based Solid-Phase Extraction, Methylation, with d5-Pentobarbital as Internal Standard
Authors: Liu RH , McKeehan AM , Edwards C , Foster G , Bensley WD , Langner JG , Walia AS
Published: August 2015

Effective solid-phase extraction, derivatization, and GC/MS procedures are developed for the simultaneous determinations of butalbital, amobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital, using a deuterated pentobarbital (d5-pentobarbital) as the internal standard. Buffered (pH 7) urine samples were extracted with Bond Elute Certify II™ cartridge. Iodomethane/ tetramethylammonium hydroxide in dimethylsulfoxide was used for methylation, while a HP 5970 MSD equipped with a 13 m J & W DB-5 column (5% phenyl polysiloxane phase) and the Thru-Put Target® software package were used for GC/MS analysis and data processing. This protocol was found to be superior, in both chromatographic performance characteristics and quantitation results, over a liquid-liquid extraction procedure without derivatization using hexobarbital as the internal standard. Extraction recoveries observed from control samples containing four barbiturates range from 80% to 90%. Good one-point calibration data are obtained for all four barbiturates in the 50 to 3200 ng/mL range. Interestingly, the one-point calibration data for pentobarbital are inferior to the other three barbiturates—due to interference from the internal standard (d5-pentobarbital). The calibration data of pentobarbital are best described by a hyperbolic curve regression model. Precision data (% CV) for GC/MS analysis, over-all procedure, and day-to-day performance are approximately 2.0%, 6.0%, and 8.0%, respectively. With the use of a 2 mL sample size, the attainable detection limit is approximately 20 ng/mL.
Detection of Cocaine, Norcocaine, and Cocaethylene in the Meconium of Premature Neonates
Authors: Browne S , Moore C , Negrusz A , Tebbett I , Covert R , Dusick A
Published: August 2015

Our objective was to investigate the methodologic detection of cocaine abuse during pregnancy by determining the viability of meconium analysis for cocaine and its metabolites using chromatographic procedures as an alternative to urine testing using enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique.

Our design was as follows: meconium and urine were taken from 106 very low birthweight premature babies. Meconium analysis for cocaine and its metabolites using extraction and chromatographic analysis was compared with the criterion standard immunoassay testing for urine.

The work was carried out at The University of Chicago Hospital, Department of Pediatrics and the University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Pharmacodynamics. Our patients were very low birthweight, premature babies (mean birthweight 1109 g; mean gestational age 29.1 weeks). Gender was evenly divided between male and female.

The outcome measures were as follows: two active metabolites, norcocaine and cocaethylene, were detected in the meconium, but not in the urine, of some of the neonates. Determination of cocaine exposure in the newborn influenced assignment of babies in research studies as well as psychosocial evaluation and subsequent treatment of the neonate.

Our results were: of the 106 meconium samples analyzed, 21 (19.8%) were positive for cocaine (n = 19, 0.24–0.78 mg/kg), norcocaine (n = 7, 0.10–0.56 mg/kg), cocaethylene (n = 1, 0.12 mg/kg) or combinations thereof. Benzoylecgonine was not detected in any of the samples. Of the urine samples analyzed by immunoassay, only 8 (7.5%) were positive for cocaine metabolites.

We conclude that meconium is a better sample than urine for determining cocaine exposure in utero. The presence of two neuroactive metabolites, norcocaine and cocaethylene, is reported, norcocaine for the first time. Immunoassay screening procedures for urinalysis are inadequate because false-negative results are obtained.
A Fatality Due to Flurazepam
Authors: McIntyre IM , Syrjanen ML , Lawrence KL , Dow CA , Drummer OH
Published: August 2015

A fatality attributed to suicidal ingestion of up to 2.2 grams of flurazepam is described. The deceased was a 52-year old female with a history of depression and suicidal attempts. No significant pathology was found at autopsy. Full toxicological analyses detected only flurazepam and metabolites in her tissues. The concentrations of flurazepam in femoral blood, liver, bile, vitreous humor and urine were 5.5 mg/L, 130 mg/kg, 33 mg/L, 1.3 mg/L and 3.3 mg/L, respectively. Analysis of gastric contents showed 600 mg of flurazepam. Desalkylflurazepam was also detected in blood, liver, bile and vitreous, but at much lower concentrations than the parent compound.
Analysis of Primer Residue from CCI Blazer® Lead Free Ammunition by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray
Authors: Harris A
Published: August 2015

Traditional gunshot residue analysis is based on the detection of lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and antimony (Sb). CCI's recent development of a lead free centerfire primer for their Blazer® Lead Free ammunition presents a new challenge for forensic scientists since it does not contain lead, barium or antimony. Research presented here is the result of the analysis of this new primer by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray which involved analyzing CCI's lead free primer directly as well as the gunshot residue obtained by test firing a series of firearms using CCI's Blazer® Lead Free ammunition. Analysis of the residue from a fired primer determined that the only metal present was strontium; however, when the lead free ammunition is discharged in firearms previously fired using traditional primer ammunition, particles containing lead, barium and antimony were detected. These findings hold true for older firearms cleaned prior to testing as well as a “new” firearm that had only been test fired by the manufacturer.
D1S80 Population Data in African Americans, Caucasians, Southeastern Hispanics, Southwestern Hispanics, and Orientals
Authors: Budowle B , Baechtel FS , Smerick JB , Presley KW , Giusti AM , Parsons G , Alevy MC , Chakraborty R
Published: August 2015

Allele frequencies for the locus D1S80 were determined in African American, Caucasian, Southeastern Hispanic, Southwestern Hispanic, and Oriental sample populations using the polymerase chain reaction and subsequent electrophoresis and silver staining of the amplified products. Due to the presence of anodal and cathodal electrophoretic variants (in reference to the steps in an allelic ladder), allele frequencies were established using a classification protocol based on the steps in the allelic ladder. All sample populations met Hardy-Weinberg expectations for D1S80. In addition, there was no evidence for association of alleles between the loci D1S80 and D1S7. The product of allele frequencies from the data from the sample populations in this study can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a D1S80 DNA genotype.
Validation and Population Studies of the Loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and Gc (PM loci), and HLA-DQα Using a Multiplex Amplification and Typing Procedure
Authors: Budowle B , Lindsey JA , DeCou JA , Koons BW , Giusti AM , Comey CT
Published: August 2015

Studies were performed to evaluate the forensic applicability of multiplex amplification of the loci low density lipoprotein receptor, glycophorin A, hemoglobin G gammaglobin, D7S8, and group-specific component (PM loci) and simultaneous typing of these loci using a reverse dot blot approach where allele specific oligonucleotide probes are immobilized on a nylon membrane strip. These results were obtained by using the AmpliType® PM PCR Amplification and Typing Kit. The experiments included: mixed body fluid studies; chemical contaminant effects on the DNA in body fluid samples; the effect of typing DNA from body fluid samples deposited on various substrates; the effect of microorganism contamination on typing DNA derived from blood and semen; the effect of sunlight and storage conditions on DNA typing; determination of the sensitivity of detection of the PM test kit; determination of cross-reactivity of DNA from species other than human; typing DNA derived from various tissues from an individual; and an evaluation of the hybridization temperature of the assay. The data demonstrate that DNA exposed to a variety of environmental insults yields reliable PM typing results. Allele and genotype frequencies for six loci (PM loci and HLA-DQα) were determined in African Americans, Caucasians, southeastern Hispanics, and southwestern Hispanics. All loci meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations and there is little evidence for association of alleles between the loci. The frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a multiple locus DNA profile in various general United States populations.
Extraction of Psychotropic Drugs From Human Scalp Hair
Authors: Couper FJ , McIntyre IM , Drummer OH
Published: August 2015

A comparison of techniques for the extraction of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs in human scalp hair is described. Human scalp hair was obtained from cadavers known to be taking psychotropic drugs prior to their death. Following a washing step, hair was either solubilized in sodium hydroxide, or treated with dilute hydrochloric acid, methanol or subtilisin. Digests were treated with a solvent and the extracted drugs quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The alkaline digestion procedure was found to be significantly more effective (P < 0.01) in recovering a range of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs from hair than either the acidic, methanolic or enzymatic treatments.
Detection of Antidepressant and Antipsychotic Drugs in Postmortem Human Scalp Hair
Authors: Couper FJ , McIntyre IM , Drummer OH
Published: August 2015

The presence of therapeutic drugs in postmortem human scalp hair was investigated. Hair samples from 21 cadavers known to have taken antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs were solubilized in 1 M sodium hydroxide. Drugs were extracted using solvent extraction procedures and analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antidepressant drugs detected were amitripty-line, dothiepin, doxepin, imipramine, trimipramine, and mianserin. Antipsychotic drugs detected were haloperidol, chlorpromazine and thioridazine. Concentrations of these drugs and their metabolites ranged from 1.3 to 242 ng/mg hair. Segmental analysis demonstrated that the drug concentrations detected were either consistent with the known dosing regime of the deceased, or were able to provide an indication of drug use within the last few months prior to death. This study reinforces the potential of hair as a useful tissue in forensic investigations, in establishing a history of past exposures to therapeutic drugs.
Evaluation of a Rapid Assay System, HIV 1/HIV 2 Testpack, Abbott, to Detect Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibodies in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Zehner R , Bratzke H , Mebs D
Published: August 2015

For evaluating the HIV 1 / HIV 2 Testpack (Abbott, Chicago, IL) to detect antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in whole postmortem blood 456 samples were collected prior forensic autopsies. All samples were tested using the enzymelinked immunoassay (ELISA) and the Testpack; positively reactive samples and samples with equivocal results were confirmed by Western blot. Of the 456 samples 21 (4.6 per cent) proved to be reactive in both systems (confirmed by Western blot). In 17 cases (3.7 percent) interpretation of the result was difficult, but no serious misinterpretations occurred.

It is concluded that the HIV-Testpack provides accurate results in testing whole postmortem blood for HIV antibodies.
The Identification of Cathinone in Khat (Catha edulis): A Time Study
Authors: Lee MM
Published: August 2015

Previous studies on the khat plant (Catha edulis) illustrated the importance of using freshly harvested young shoots and leaves such that cathinone, the principal active component and Schedule I controlled drug contained within the plant, could be suitably isolated and identified. Upon drying and storage of the cut plant material, cathinone readily converts to the reduced product, cathine, which necessitates rapid extraction and chemical analysis for cathinone identification. This study demonstrates that by air drying the young khat shoots at ambient temperature, cathinone may be detected in khat samples that have been harvested for more than 10 days. Refrigeration for two weeks and freezing for one month of the khat samples also yield identifiable levels of cathinone. Cathinone and cathine are both specifically determined and differentiated by vapor phase infrared detection, which is the method of choice in relation to mass spectrometry.
An ELISA Procedure for the Detection of Soluble ABH Blood Group Substance in Semen, Saliva, and Vaginal Samples
Authors: Parigian MJ
Published: August 2015

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of ABH blood group substances in body fluids. The original procedure was modified to provide maximum sensitivity and reliability. The modified ELISA method proved to be more sensitive and required much less sample than previously described techniques.
Identification of an Unknown Corpse by Means of Computed Tomography (CT) of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Riepert T , Rittner C , Ulmcke D , Ogbuihi S , Schweden F
Published: August 2015

For the first time, a case is described in which an unknown corpse is identified by the comparison of antemortem and postmortem computed tomographic (CT) images. A posterolateral disc herniation at L5-S1 on the right side, Schmorl's nodes and a lucency in the ilium were found in identical locations in each case. Additionally there were characteristic morphological similarities in the vertebral bodies, spinous processes, transverse processes and neural arches. In CT identification, as in conventional radiographic identification, one must try to reproduce comparable scanning conditions and images because apparent differences in the roentgenological morphology can occur as a result of different gantry angles or slice thicknesses.
Fatal Moclobemide Overdose or Death Caused by Serotonin Syndrome?
Authors: Hernandez AF , Montero MN , Pla A , Villanueva E
Published: August 2015

A 41-year-old man was found dead in a hotel room. He was previously diagnosed with depression. Multiple containers of medication and paraphenalia were found at the scene. Autopsy findings included fully developed rigor mortis and pulmonary edema with hemorrhage. Toxicologic analysis of different body fluids was performed and the following drugs were identified in the blood (mg/L): moclobemide (59.76), clomipramine (1.69), tramadol (10.89), diazepam (2.08), nordiazepam (0.82) and caffeine (9.64). A fatal serotonin syndrome was presumably developed as a result of moclobemide-clomipramine interaction as has been recently reported. Tramadol could have a synergistic effect on that syndrome. The forensic pathologists ruled that the cause of death was multiple drug intoxication resulting in serotonin syndrome and that the manner of death was suicide. However, an accidental death from drug abuse could be an alternative diagnosis.
A Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation in a Homicide Case Involving an Apparent “Stomping”
Authors: Ristenbatt RR , Shaler RC
Published: August 2015

A New York City homicide case was investigated at the request of the District Attorney's office. The deceased had been violently beaten about the face, neck, and chest area. The bludgeoning left the victim unrecognizable, and produced blood-spatter patterns at the scene that attained heights over nine feet. The suspect claimed that he reacted in self-defense to the victim's attack with a table leg at which point he “knocked him down” and possibly “kicked him a few times.” Our investigation was intended to determine whether the bloodspatter patterns observed at the crime scene were consistent with the statements made by the defendant. Conclusions were drawn from an analysis of the crime scene, autopsy photos and report, physical evidence submitted to the laboratory, and reconstruction experimentation performed at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). The spatter patterns observed at the scene were found to be consistent with those that would be produced from a “stomping” incident.
The Role of Forensic Anthropology in the Recovery and Analysis of Branch Davidian Compound Victims: Recovery Procedures and Characteristics of the Victims
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Owsley DW , Houck MM , Craig E , Grant W , Woltanski T , Fram R , Sandness K , Peerwani N
Published: August 2015

Anthropological contributions to the investigation of the events at the Branch Davidian Compound near Waco, Texas in early 1993, were of two major types: the recovery of human remains from the site and the analysis of most of those individuals at the Medical Examiner's Office in Fort Worth, Texas. This paper describes the role of forensic anthropology in the recovery and analysis of Branch Davidian Compound victims and the recovery procedures and characteristics of the victims.
A Psychiatric-Legal Analysis of Psychotic Criminal Defendants Charged with Murder
Authors: Leong GB , Silva JA
Published: August 2015

A sample of 25 criminal defendants charged with murder and suffering from psychosis from a large urban multiethnic, multi-cultural community pool was studied. Subject characteristics and information about the homicide and decedents are described. Suggestions for further study are briefly discussed.
Offender and Offense Characteristics of Sexual Sadists: A Comparative Study
Authors: Gratzer T , Bradford JMW
Published: August 2015

This paper compares the offender and offense characteristics of 30 sexually sadistic criminals studied by Dietz et al. with those of 29 sexually sadistic criminals and 28 nonsadistic sexual offenders from the Royal Ottawa Hospital. We examined whether the characteristics noted by Dietz et al. would be found among a less violent group of sadistic offenders and also to what extent these characteristics were specific to sexual sadism. Results suggest some offender and offense characteristic are specific to sexual sadism and that others appear to be common to sexually aggressive offenders more generally. In addition, there were a number of characteristics found exclusively among the most violent offenders described by Dietz et al. An explanation of these results in terms of a biopsychosocial understanding of sexual sadistic offenders is provided.
HLA-DQA1 and Amelogenin Coamplification: A Handy Tool for Identification
Authors: Casarino L , De Stefano F , Mannucci A , Canale M
Published: August 2015

A protocol for HLA-DQA1 and gender identification by single amplification is described. The use of the commercial HLA-DQA1 amplification kit (Perkin Elmer) permits a positive response for sex determination by adding primers for a short sequence on the first intron of Amelogenin gene. The suggested amplification protocol results in PCR products easily and clearly detectable on ethidium bromide stained agarose gel or silver stained polyacrylamide gel. In both gels the HLA-DQA1 observations at 242–239 bp are accomplished with a single band at 106 bp in females and a doublet 112–106 bp in males. HLA-DQA1 reverse dot-blot hybridization is unaffected by the presence of X and Y amplified fragments.
Fatal Injuries in a Minor Traffic Collision
Authors: Jumbelic MI
Published: August 2015

An elderly woman was the driver and sole occupant of a midsize car involved in a minor collision with a standard sized automobile. She was restrained with a lap and shoulder belt and the air bag was deployed. Yet she suffered fatal chest injuries. No injuries were sustained by the unrestrained driver and passenger of the larger vehicle. Despite maximum restraint in a fully functioning new model car, even a minor collision can be fatal.
Fatality Due to Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) and Heroin Intoxication
Authors: Ferrara SD , Tedeschi L , Frison G , Rossi A
Published: August 2015

The first case of fatal intoxication due to ingestion of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and intravenous use of heroin is reported. A 42-year-old man, known to have been a heroin addict and to have taken other psychoactive substances, who had been in treatment with GHB for several months, was found dead. Anatomohistopathologic examination showed generalized visceral congestion, edema and pulmonary anthracosis, chronic bronchitis and chronic active hepatitis. Toxicological findings included fluid and tissue distributions of GHB, morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine. GHB and morphine concentrations were respectively 11.5 and 0.77 µg/mL (blood), 84.3 and 0.3 µg/mL (vitreous humor), 258.3 and 1.35 µg/mL (urine), 57.0 and 14.3 µg/mL (bile), 40.0 and 0.43 µg/g (brain), 43.0 and 0.60 µg/g (liver), 47.0 and 0.68 µg/g (kidney). Blood and urine levels of 6-monoacetylmorphine were 28.5 and 12.1 ng/mL respectively. The presumed mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of GHB are briefly reviewed, with reference to its therapeutic use and to reports of non-fatal GHB intoxication.
Differentiation of Perimortem and Postmortem Trauma Using Taphonomic Indicators
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Adams BJ
Published: August 2015

Skeletal remains discovered at a construction site in Georgia display classic “butterfly” fractures on several long bones. Although this fracture pattern is usually associated with perimortem trauma, in this case taphonomic indicators demonstrate that they can also occur on dry defleshed bone. Variations in bone color at the fracture sites indicate recent postmortem trauma. Analysis of the directions of force and points of impact indicates that the bones were most likely disarticulated when the trauma occurred.
D1S80 Locus Typing by Micro Thermal Cycler. Application to Genetic Identity Testing
Authors: Castro A , Fernández-Fernández I , Alonso S , Barbero C , García-Orad A , Tamayo G , de Pancorbo MM
Published: August 2015

Based on a micro thermal cycler apparatus, a new protocol for amplification of the D1S80 locus has been developed. The advantages of this system consist of a reduction in time and costs of the amplification process, which greatly facilitates the analysis of the D1S80 locus at the population level and considerably increases its applicability in forensic samples. Using this protocol, an allele distribution study of the D1S80 locus has been carried out in a sample of 257 individuals residing in the Basque Country. In this study, up to 22 different alleles, ranging from 17 to 40 repetitions have been observed; moreover, the 35 and 38-repetition alleles, not reported in the european populations analyzed to date, have been detected.

The sample studied fits Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the observed heterozygosity being 0.74, and the expected heterozygosity 0.804 ± 0.012. The Chance of Exclusion and Index of Discrimination are 0.638 and 0.072 respectively.

Moreover, the gene frequency distribution from the Basque resident population does not show significant differences when compared to other European and U.S. Caucasian populations.
Dangerous Delusions of Misidentification of the Self
Authors: Silva JA , Leong GB , Weinstock R , Penny G
Published: August 2015

Delusions of misidentification of the self involve radical misidentification of physical and/or psychological aspects of the self. These delusions have received limited attention from a phenomenological as well as from a forensic psychiatric perspective. In this article we present a series of four cases of dangerous delusional misidentification of the self and discuss important factors that may contribute to their dangerousness.
Review: Autoerotic Asphyxiation in the United States
Authors: Uva JL
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this article is to define autoerotic asphyxia and present the enigma as a preventable problem. Articles published between 1856 and 1994 are identified through medline, referenced citations, and expert opinion. The literature selected were those most often cited and for which the methodological assumptions could be identified. Interventional strategies determined included legislation/regulation, technology, and education. Injury and death from autoerotic asphyxia can be controlled by pre-event, event, and post-event phase control. However, there are formidable barriers in the way.
Stages of Epiphyseal Union for Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebral Centra as a Method of Age Determination for Teenage and Young Adult Skeletons
Authors: Albert AM , Maples WR
Published: August 2015

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 20's. 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.
Korean Population Data on the PCR-Based Loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, HLA-DQA1, and D1S80
Authors: Woo KM , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Korean population data was generated for the loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, HLA-DQA1, and D1S80. The genotype frequency distributions for the loci do not deviate from Hardy Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, there was no evidence for departures from expectations of independence between the loci. Using a test for homogeneity all the loci, except for D1S80, were similar between the Korean population sample and a Chinese population sample.
A Recovery Method for Airborne Gunshot Residue Retained in Human Nasal Mucus
Authors: Schwartz RH , Zona CA
Published: August 2015

Each living person is equipped with their own personal particle filter, a nose. The human nose is capable of filtering and trapping airborne gunshot residue (AGSR) from discharged firearms. An extraction/concentration technique has been developed to recover the AGSR retained in human nasal mucus. The technique has successfully recovered abundant AGSR from 48 hours post-firing sample collection times. The AGSR particles were characterized by a JEOL™ 6400 scanning electron microscope coupled with a Noran™ Voyager energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer.
Signature Murders: A Report of Several Related Cases
Authors: Keppel RD
Published: August 2015

Three female patrons of singles bars were murdered in separate events in Bellevue, Washington in 1990 within sixty-seven days of each other. An evaluation of those murders revealed that all the murders were linked by a distinct personal “signature” or “calling card” left by the killer. As reported in the literature, the modus operandi of a killer frequently changes from one murder to the next and is different from the killer's signature, which is a permanent psychological imprint at each scene. The murder cases reported here demonstrate an elaborate signature of one killer who engaged in a rare personalization of his necrophilic fantasies by posing, openly displaying, and sexually inserting foreign objects into each one of three victims' bodies.
Applications of Minisatellite Variant Repeat (MVR) Mapping for Maternal Identification from Remains of an Infant and Placenta
Authors: Tamaki K , Huang X-L , Yamamoto T , Uchihi R , Nozawa H , Katsumata Y
Published: August 2015

Minisatellite variant repeat (MVR) mapping using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at D1S8 (MS32) was applied to a practical forensic case of an infant and placenta found in an incinerator. They were thought to be left for a few days postmortem, and the infant was severely burnt when found. DNA was extracted from the infantile muscle and maternal placental hematoma. MVR-PCR analysis as well as other common DNA typing (D1S80, HLA-DQA1) were performed on both DNA samples. Both MVR diploid codes were matched although some extra faint bands in the ladder were observed from the maternal placental sample, which probably indicated superimposing of an allele derived only from the mother, and not the infant. In order to detect the original maternal alleles, three flanking polymorphic sites were typed and allele-specific MVR-PCR was performed. Finally, one maternal allele not inherited by the infant and two alleles from the infant were typed. Two alleles suggested the infant and/or mother was Japanese. The two diploid codes including one possibly from the mother were deduced and compared with other codes in the databases for evaluating the discriminating power.
Selecting an Appropriate Isotopic Internal Standard for Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drugs of Abuse—Pentobarbital Example
Authors: Liu RH , Foster G , Cone EJ , Kumar SD
Published: August 2015

Internal standards are commonly used for the quantitative determination of drugs of abuse and their metabolites (drug/metabolite) in biological fluids and tissues by the selective ion monitoring (SIM) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) procedure. Analogs of drugs/metabolites that are labeled with three or more deuterium atoms (Isotopic analog) at appropriate positions are considered to be the most effective internal standards for these applications. Before a specific deuterated analog can be adopted as an internal standard in a GC/MS assay, the mass spectrum of the compound or its derivative must be evaluated along with the corresponding spectrum from the parent drug/metabolite. There should be an adequate number of sufficiently high-mass ions (typically three for the drug/metabolite and two for the isotopic analog) that can be attributed to each analyte, and these ions should be sufficiently free of interference from the other analyte of the pair (cross-contribution). Interferences may be caused by the presence of an isotopic impurity in the deuterated analog (extrinsic factor) or may be due to the ion fragmentation characteristics of the compound (intrinsic factor). The extrinsic factor may be corrected by the manufacturer with different synthetic methods and purification procedures, while the intrinsic factor may be partially or wholly corrected through the use of different chemical derivatives (sample preparation stage) or different ionization (GC/MS assay stage) procedures.

In this study, pentobarbital/d5-pentobarbital is used as the exemplar analyte/deuterated analog pair to illustrate the ion selection and evaluation procedures. Full-scan mass spectra were employed for preliminary ion selection. SIM data were then used to calculate the extent, if any, of cross-contributions. SIM ion chromatograms obtained under a lower GC oven temperature were used to differentiate sources (ion fragmentation mechanism versus isotopic impurity) of cross-contributions.