bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Sex Offenders Minimize Psychiatric Symptoms?
Authors: Grossman LS , Cavanaugh JL
Published: August 2015

With increasing frequency, forensic psychiatrists are called upon to evaluate sex offenders for the courts and criminal justice system. While many clinicians have observed that denial of paraphilia is common in sex offenders, few studies have examined whether this population has severe psychopathology other than paraphilia. Similarly, little is known about whether sex offenders minimize or deny symptoms of psychopathology when undergoing psychiatric evaluations. To study these questions, the authors administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to 36 sex offenders, comparing the degree to which they minimized or denied psychopathology, dividing subjects along 2 dimensions: (a) whether they admitted to, or denied, paraphilia, and (b) whether or not they faced legal charges for sex offense. Results indicated that, first, patients who denied paraphilia were significantly more likely to minimize psychopathology than were those who admitted to paraphilia (P < 0.05); second, patients who faced no legal charges showed significantly more psychopathology than did those who faced charges (P < 0.05); and third, the most frequent forms of psychopathology were antisocial attitudes, depressive features, somatization, and thought disorder. These findings suggest that many sex offenders may experience, and deny, widespread and severe psychiatric symptoms in addition to their sexual disorders.
Validity Testing of Commercial Urine Cocaine Metabolite Assays: III. Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Detection of Cocaine and Cocaine Metabolite
Authors: Cone EJ
Published: August 2015

A validity assessment study was performed on the Genetic Diagnostic Enzyme Immunoassay test kit, a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (GDC ELISA) for detection of cocaine and cocaine metabolite in urine. A set of 290 urine specimens, comprised of clinical cocaine urines collected from 5 male subjects who had received single doses of intravenous cocaine, drug-free urines spiked with cocaine, cocaine metabolites, cocaine isomers, and other drugs of abuse, were assayed by GDC ELISA. The results were compared with results by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) assay for benzoylecgonine. Concordance was high between the GDC ELISA assay and GC/MS and with results reported earlier for other commercial assays. Detection times and specificity of the GDC ELISA antibody were most similar to those of the Abuscreen® radioimmunoassay for cocaine metabolite. Overall, the assay produced no false negative or false positive results and appeared to be a reliable screening test for detection of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in human urine.
A Review of Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders
Authors: Grey TC
Published: August 2015

Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders is a well-written discussion of the Mark Hofmann bombing murders that took place in Salt Lake City in October of 1985. The authors have sorted through a wealth of interviews, police reports, court transcripts, news stories, and historical documents to craft their account of Mark Hofmann's intricate web of forgery and deceit that culminated in the pipe bomb killings of two people. The narrative is well paced and very readable. While directed primarily at the general reader, this book should be of interest to those in forensic science fields, particularly document examiners, homicide and fraud investigators, and attorneys. The appendix by Mr. George J. Throckmorton, giving a forensic science analysis of 21 Hofmann documents, is especially interesting with its discussion of the techniques used to expose the Hofmann forgeries.
Evaluation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Isolated from Human Bloodstains Exposed to Ultraviolet Light, Heat, Humidity, and Soil Contamination
Authors: McNally L , Shaler RC , Baird M , Balazs I , Forest PD , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

This study was designed to analyze the effects of common environmental insults on the ability to obtain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) restriction fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLP) patterns from laboratory prepared specimens. The environmental conditions studied include the exposure of dried bloodstains to varying amounts of relative humidity (0, 33, 67, and 98%), heat (37°C), and ultraviolet light for periods of up to five days. In addition, the effect of drying over a four-day period in whole blood collected with and without ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) was examined.

The results of the study showed that, under the conditions studied, the integrity of DNA is not altered such that false RFLP patterns are obtained. The only effect observed was that the overall RFLP pattern becomes weaker, but individual RFLP fragments are neither created nor destroyed.
Computer-Assisted Interpretation in Forensic Toxicology: Morphine-Involved Deaths
Authors: Spiehler VR
Published: August 2015

Case data from 200 morphine-involved deaths (Spiehler, V. and Brown, R., Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 32, No. 4, July 1987, pp. 906–916) were analyzed for patterns and relationships using artificial intelligence (AI) computer software. Case parameters were blood unconjugated morphine, blood, brain, and liver total morphine, sex, age, frequency of use, time of death after injection, cause of death, and presence of other drugs. The programs used were Expert 4 (Biosoft-Cambridge), BEAGLE (Warm Boot Ltd.), and KnowledgeMaker (Knowledge Garden Inc.). Interpretation was defined as estimating the dose, response, and time after drug dosing.

The AI programs were used to advise on time and response outcomes for cases, to calculate the probability of the estimate being true, to develop rules for interpretation of morphine-involved cases, and to diagram a decision tree. On known cases the AI programs were successful 70 to 90% of the time in classifying the cases as to response and time. No data on dose were available in this database. The success rate in individual cases was proportional to the program-estimated probability. All three programs found the case parameters of most value in predicting response to be blood unconjugated morphine, blood total morphine, and liver total morphine. The case data most useful in estimating time of death since drug injection were blood unconjugated morphine, percent unconjugated morphine in blood, and brain total morphine. The rule induction programs found that morphine overdoses were characterized by blood unconjugated morphine greater than 0.24 µg/mL, liver morphine greater than 0.50 to 0.75 µg/g, brain morphine greater than 0.08 µg/g or greater than blood unconjugated morphine, and percent blood unconjugated morphine greater than 37%. Rapid deaths were characterized by percent unconjugated morphine greater than 44 to 50%; blood unconjugated morphine, as a function of other drugs present, greater than 0.09 to 0.21 µg/mL; and brain total morphine greater than 0.16 to 0.22 µg/g.

This work demonstrates that inexpensive AI programs commercially available for personal computers can be useful in interpretation in forensic toxicology.
Sex Determination with the Head of the Radius
Authors: Berrizbeitia EL
Published: August 2015

Analysis of a sample of 1108 radii corresponding to 567 black and white North Americans in the Terry Collection at the Smithsonian Institution demonstrates that the diameter of the radial head is an accurate sex discriminator for human remains. A simple “radial-head method” of sex determination consists of measuring the maximum and minimum diameters of the head and comparing such measurements with the test cutoff points. The subject is female when the maximum radial head diameter (either left or right) is less than or equal to 21 mm, and male when the maximum diameter (either left or right) is greater than or equal to 24 mm. The same decisions apply to the minimum diameters of 20 mm or less and 23 mm or more, respectively. When the maximum diameter is 23 mm or the minimum is 22 mm, the subject is more likely male; when the maximum diameter is 22 mm or the minimum is 21 mm, the subject is more likely female. The sample frequency of any one of these latter diameters is never more than 16%.

Cross-validation of the method with a sample of 50 pairs of radii of the Terry Collection, different from the original specimens, resulted in 92% sexing accuracy when using the left radius singly, 94% accuracy when using the right radius singly, and 96% accuracy when using both radii jointly.
Sex Determination of Chinese Femur by Discriminant Function
Authors: Wu L
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to provide a method of sex determination for Chinese femur, especially for fragmentary remains. Statistical analysis of 17 measurements based on 141 northeastern Chinese femora shows that all measurements have significant sex differences. Sex determination by the midpoint method of a single measurement can obtain an average accuracy of 76.8%. The results indicate that of all dimensions the maximum head diameter is the best discriminator of sex. It alone can determine the sex of a femur with 85.1% accuracy. The results also show that maximum head diameter, transverse head diameter, epicondylar breadth, upper breadth, and medial condylar length have higher sexual dimorphisms than the dimensions of length. According to the result to stepwise discriminant analysis and the need for sexing fragmentary remains, 22 discriminant functions composed of various combinations of variables were calculated which can determine the sex of the femur correctly 82.3 to 87.2%. The methods of sex determination provided by this paper can be used to sex poorly preserved femora.
Biostatistical Evaluation of Evidence from Continuous Allele Frequency Distribution Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Probes in Reference to Disputed Paternity and Identity
Authors: Morris JW , Sanda AI , Glassberg J
Published: August 2015

We present a development and discussion of the biostatistical evaluation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe evidence in forensic science cases of disputed paternity and identity. We restrict ourselves to single-locus codominant systems (highly analogous to more conventional systems) which have the apparently novel complication of an experimentally continuous allele frequency distribution. This complication necessitates reformulations of standard biostatistical summaries of the evidence (the paternity index (PI) and the phenotype frequency, respectively). These reformulations, rather than representing a unique case, have applicability to the evaluation of evidence obtained in standard genetic systems now in widespread use.
Typewriting Versus Writing Instrument: A Line Intersection Problem
Authors: Hart LJ , Carney BB
Published: August 2015

It may be possible to answer the question of whether or not a document was signed in blank, or after typing, by a microscopic examination of the line intersections. By removing the typewriter carbon at the point of the intersection, it can be clearly seen whether there is ink under the carbon or if the ink was removed with the carbon. A technique for determining the sequence of typewriting and most types of inked entries was developed. The results may be recorded photographically and subsequently used as a demonstrative exhibit in presenting the evidence during trial.
Dental Characteristics of a Large Military Population Useful for Identification
Authors: Friedman RB , Cornwell KA , Lorton L
Published: August 2015

The number and complexity of dental restorations has decreased for younger Americans. Since the presence and extent of restorations are important data for forensic science identification purposes, the Computer-Assisted Postmortem Identification (CAPMI) system was used to assess the practical effect of the decreased selectivity expected as a result of improved dental health.

Dental examination data from 7030 soliders were recorded on optical mark read forms and entered into a database. The data were reorganized and analyzed to generate summary statistics about the incidence of each type of restoration (divided into 16 categories) for both anterior, posterior, upper, lower, and combined segments. Patients' ages ranged from 17 to 49 with a mean of 24 years 5 months. Sixty percent were from 18 to 25 years old. A characteristic is defined as any situation other than a virgin tooth; for example, extracted, missing, unerupted, or restored. The average subject had 7 dental characteristics with approximately 75% having 4 or more. Within the entire population, 9% had 32 unrestored teeth. 3.6% had only one characteristic.

To test the selectivity and uniqueness of various combinations of dental characteristics, 363 simulations using the CAPMI system were made against the entire 7030 subject database. Sample records (33 per group) with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9–11, 12–14, 15–18, and 19+ characteristics were chosen at random from the database and searches were made.

The variety of dental restorations was such that even the more common restorative situations yielded only two to four first-place ties. Eighty-five percent of all comparisons made with two or more characteristics gave a unique correct answer. Thirteen percent of the remainder were tied with three or fewer other records. It was concluded that although dental restorations are diminishing in frequency in the younger population they still provide a high degree of selectivity for forensic science purposes.
Forensic Science Identification of Drugs of Abuse
Authors: McBay AJ , Mason AP
Published: August 2015

The guidelines for forensic urine drug testing do not specify the gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) procedure to be used for confirmation. Full mass spectral documentation together with a positive immunoassay and supporting data should insure the most certain identification. Preparation of specimens which test proficiency adequately is difficult, particularly for marijuana testing. The use of a full-spectrum GC/MS method should make the results admissible under the Frye Standard and the Federal Rules of Evidence, whereas ion monitoring methods could be challenged effectively. Duplicate specimens should be available, one for employer and the other for the employee. Precision suffers when determining low substance concentrations.
Examination and Analysis of Seat Belt Loading Marks
Authors: Gorski ZM , German A , Nowak ES
Published: August 2015

In moderate to severe collisions, large decelerations and hence large forces are generated. Various components of the seat belt system are loaded, and physical evidence of this loading may be observed long after the collision event. Such witness marks result from interaction between different components of the restraint system, or between the restraint and portions of the vehicle interior. Detailed examination and analysis of such marks can establish whether or not the seat belt was in use, and also the precise manner in which the seat belt was worn. Such investigative techniques are critical for evaluating the collision performance of occupant restraint systems, and for positively identifying cases of restraint system misuse. This paper reviews the types of physical evidence which may be observed to determine restraint usage.
Isotopic Analog as the Internal Standard for Quantitative Determination: Evaluation of Mass Spectra of Commonly Abused Drugs and Their Deuterated Analogs
Authors: Ho YS , Liu RH , Nichols AW , Kumar SD
Published: August 2015

Mass spectra of several commonly abused drugs and their deuterated analogs are compared and evaluated with emphasis on the selection of suitable ions for selective ion monitoring when the isotopic analogs are used as the internal standards in a quantitative determination process. Ions selected for this purpose should be of relative high mass with significant intensities, retain at least three labeling isotopes, and be free of interference from the corresponding compound.
Families, Murder, and Insanity: A Psychiatric Review of Paternal Neonaticide
Authors: Kaye NS , Borenstein NM , Donnelly SM
Published: August 2015

Neonaticide is the killing of a newborn within the first 24 h of life. Although relatively uncommon, numerous cases of maternal neonaticide have been reported. To date, only two cases of paternal neonaticide have appeared in the literature. The authors review neonaticide and present two new case reports of paternal neonaticide. A psychodynamic explanation of paternal neonaticide is formulated. A new definition for neonaticide, more consistent with biological and psychological determinants, is suggested.
The Cocaine Body-Packer Syndrome: Evaluation of a Method of Contrast Study of the Bowel
Authors: Marc B , Baud FJ , Aelion MJ , Gherardi R , Diamant-Berger O , Blery M , Bismuth C
Published: August 2015

The questionable reliability of the conventional procedures for detection of ingested drug packages triggered us to evaluate the accuracy of a method of contrast study of the bowel in 23 nonsurgically managed cocaine body-packers. A single dose (60 mL) of a water-soluble contrast compound (amidotrizoate + meglumine) was given orally after initial clinical examination and drug detection in urine. Thereafter, roentgenograms were performed daily after spontaneous passage until obtaining two packet-free stools and negative views. Roentgenograms showed packages when performed at least 3 h after the ingestion of the contrast compound. Sensitivity and specificity of the method with respect to the detection of residual packets in the body, assessed by subsequent examination of stools, was good and did not diminish as the number of packages decreased during the time spent in ward. No side-effects were observed. We conclude that oral administration of a water-soluble contrast compound is an easily performed, efficient, and safe method for the nonsurgical management of cocaine body-packers.
Incompetency to Stand Trial: Treatment Unaffected by Demographic Variables
Authors: Bennett GT , Kish GR
Published: August 2015

The results of previous studies of the assessment of a defendant's competence to stand trial have suggested that demographic characteristics of the defendant have influenced diagnostic and treatment decisions. This study investigated the effect of three such demographic characteristics on the length of treatment of defendants committed because of incompetency to stand trial. Length of treatment was chosen because it had been the focus of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Jackson v. Indiana. The institution from which data were analyzed was the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center, a forensic mental health treatment center located in Gainesville, Florida. The records of 1090 defendants committed for such treatment between 1978 and 1984 were coded and collected. The demographic composition of the institution was found to parallel that found in the prior studies and to reflect that of the criminal justice system generally. Statistical analysis, using linear regression, revealed, contrary to researchers' expectations, that length of treatment did not appear to be influenced by the demographic factors of race, education, or marital status.
Sleep Violence—Forensic Science Implications: Polygraphic and Video Documentation
Authors: Mahowald MW , Bundlie SR , Hurwitz TD , Schenck CH
Published: August 2015

During the past century, infrequent, anecdotal reports of sleep-related violence with forensic science implications have appeared. Recent rapid developments in the field of sleep-disorders medicine have resulted in greater understanding of a variety of sleep-related behaviors, and formal sleep-behavior monitoring techniques have permitted their documentation and classification. Sleep-related violence can be associated with a number of diagnosable and treatable sleep disorders, including (1) night terrors/sleepwalking, (2) nocturnal seizures, (3) rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-behavior disorder, (4) sleep drunkenness, and (5) psychogenic dissociative states occurring during the sleep period. Potentially violent automatized behavior, without consciousness, can and does occur during sleep. The violence resulting from these disorders may be misinterpreted as purposeful suicide, assault, or even homicide. Sleep-related violence must be added to the list of automatisms. A classification system of both waking and sleep-related automatic behavior is proposed, with recommendations for assessment of such behavior.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Causing Sudden, Unexpected Death—A Series of Eight Patients
Authors: Bell MD , Barnhart JS , Martin JM
Published: August 2015

Eight patients were presented to the medical examiner after dying suddenly and unexpectedly from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Compared with patients who die after prolonged hospitalization and treatment, these patients showed fewer neurologic symptoms and correspondingly fewer or no microthrombi within the brain. Only four of eight subjects developed fever, which further contributed to misdiagnosis. The differences in clinical presentation between our cases and most published series is striking and may be explained by shorter duration and no treatment. Each case contained the characteristic histology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Ischemic injury to the heart and conduction system was the most likely mechanism of sudden death. Included in this series is a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosed at autopsy, a concurrence that is now appearing more frequently in the medical literature.
Identification of Decomposed Human Remains by Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Profiling
Authors: Haglund WD , Reay DT , Tepper SL
Published: August 2015

After routine methods failed to establish positive identification of a decomposed homicide victim, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing techniques using blood from the victim and putative parents of the victim were used. This is the first report in the literature of a case using DNA fingerprinting in a “parentage” context to establish identity of unidentified, decomposed human remains.
Undiagnosed, Untreated Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting as Suspected Child Abuse
Authors: McClain JL , Clark MA , Sandusky GE
Published: August 2015

Natural disease being mistaken for child abuse is rare. A two-year-old child was found unresponsive at home and transported to a local hospital, where she expired in the emergency room. Several cutaneous contusions were observed. Prior to the autopsy it was learned that an anonymous report of “child abuse” had been previously filed concerning this child. At autopsy there were multiple metasynchronous cutaneous contusions, but no radiologic or gross evidence of other injuries. A pericardial effusion, massive hepatosplenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy were apparent. The bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidneys, pancreas, heart, stomach, and dura mater showed a monotonous lymphocytic infiltrate. Immunocytochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood. This case reaffirms the need for an objective examination of all cases by a forensic pathologist.
Surface Analysis of a Musket Shot Dated Between 1645 and 1655 Found in Historic St. Mary's City, Maryland
Authors: Stacy CC , Miller HM , Froede RC
Published: August 2015

A number of large lead musket shot have been found in the Pope's fort site at historic St. Mary's City in Maryland. These collected shot have been dated to the period from 1645 to 1655 by Dr. Henry Miller. One of these musket shot has an interesting flattened configuration and appears as if it hit a very solid object. The impact surface has been examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrophotometry (EDS). The results of these examinations have been compared with examinations of bone and an oyster shell of the same age found at the site. The findings are consistent with the impact site containing sand and probably also bone.
Lingual Markings of Anterior Teeth as Seen in Human Bite Marks
Authors: Sperber ND
Published: August 2015

A review of the available literature does not reveal a plausible explanation as to why the incisal edges of maxillary anterior teeth do not always mark clearly. Generally, the mandibular incisal edges do mark with some consistency. This paper demonstrates through test bites on skin that the answer lies in the position of the mandible.
Sex Determination in the Subadult Ilia: An Indirect Test of Weaver's Nonmetric Sexing Method
Authors: Hunt DR
Published: August 2015

The sexing of subadult remains has been an ongoing problem in physical anthropology for many years. This is due in part to the scarcity of subadult collections of known age and sex which are large enough to be used to develop and test analytical methods. Several methods have been devised but few have produced reliable results. In 1980, Weaver presented a method for sexing subadult ilia using a nonmetric trait (the raised versus nonraised auricular surface), which has an accuracy of 75% in fetal females and 92% in fetal males. His method has not been tested for reliability on a different subadult sample. An indirect test of Weaver's method was made on a sample of subadult South Dakota Arikara Indian ilia by comparing the ratio of raised to nonraised auricular surfaces with an expected 1:1 sex distribution.

Bimodal sex distributions in the Arikara formed unrealistic sex ratios, following an age-related shift from a 6:1 raised/nonraised ratio in newborns to a 1:4 ratio in young adolescence. Significant age correlations were found both in the present study and in Weaver's published results. The age-to-sex correlations indicated no confounding in the present study. The results of this test suggest that auricular surface morphology is not sex specific in subadult ilia, but may be related to aspects of shape and morphology in pelvic growth.
The Role of Ethanol Abuse in the Etiology of Heroin-Related Death
Authors: James Ruttenber A , Kalter HD , Santinga P
Published: August 2015

Toxicology analyses and other forensic science data were used to examine the mechanisms through which ethanol increased the risk for death caused by injected street preparations of heroin. The authors studied 505 victims of fatal heroin overdose and compared subjects who had concentrations of blood ethanol greater than 1000 mg/L (n = 306) with those who had concentrations less than, or equal to 1000 mg/L (n = 199). We found significant negative correlations between concentrations of ethanol and morphine (a heroin metabolite) in blood (R2 = 0.11, P = 0.0001 for log10-transformed variables) as well as between concentrations of blood ethanol and bile morphine (R2 = 0.16, P = 0.0001 for log10 bile morphine versus blood morphine). Toxicologic evidence of infrequent heroin use was more common in decedents with blood ethanol concentrations greater than 1000 mg/L than in those with lower concentrations. Our data suggest that ethanol enhances the acute toxicity of heroin. and that ethanol use indirectly influences fatal overdose through its association with infrequent (nonaddictive) heroin use and thus with reduced tolerance to the acute toxic effects of heroin.
A Review of Forensic Toxicology: Proceedings of the 25th International Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists
Authors: Baselt RC
Published: August 2015

The theme of the 25th International Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) was “Interpretation of Analytical Results.” A number of the 52 papers included in these proceedings do address themselves to this topic and provide much useful information. Most of the other articles cover either general or specific analytical techniques: immunoassay and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry are equally well represented, and there appears to be more emphasis on high-performance liquid chromatography methods than in past TIAFT proceedings. The preface by the editors provides a welcome overview, and a delightful commentary by Dr. V. Spiehler presents a more personalized profile of the attendees, their scientific interests, and the social functions included in the program.
Field Performance of the Intoxilyzer 5000: A Comparison of Blood- and Breath-Alcohol Results in Wisconsin Drivers
Authors: Harding PM , Laessig RH , Field PH
Published: August 2015

IntoxilyzerEM 5000 and blood-alcohol results from drivers arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and for related offenses were compared during a two-year period. Three hundred and ninety-five pairs of results were studied. The breath- and blood-alcohol specimens in this study were collected within 1 h of each other. The mean blood-alcohol concentration obtained was 0.180 g/dL, with a range from zero to 0.338 g/dL. By comparison, the mean Intoxilyzer 5000 result was 0.16 g/210 L with a range from zero to 0.32 g/210 L. Compared with the blood-alcohol result, Intoxilyzer 5000 results were lower by more than 0.01 g/210 L 67% of the time, within 0.01 g/210 L 31% of the time, and higher by more than 0.01 g/210 L 2% of the time.
Survey of Gunshot Residue Analysis in Forensic Science Laboratories
Authors: DeGaetano D , Siegel JA
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this survey was to determine the methods of analysis being used on gunshot residue (GSR) samples in forensic science laboratories across the United States. In addition, the two general techniques of GSR analysis are compared and contrasted. Problems encountered by analysts using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) are discussed.
Management Analysis: A Mathematical Model for Determining the Staffing Requirements of a Forensic Science Laboratory System
Authors: Nelson LK
Published: August 2015

A staffing model was developed for use by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory Command in determining the number of personnel required to staff the 15 technical divisions of its three forensic science laboratories adequately. Regression analysis was used to develop formulas for predicting the number of technical man-hours required to process a predicted evidence work load. Techniques were adopted for estimating the requirements for nontechnical man-hours. A forecasting system was designed to project future work load requirements. The model links these components to predict manpower requirements based upon year-to-year changes in case submissions.
Orosomucoid 1 Phenotyping from Human Urine by Isoelectric Focusing
Authors: Harada A , Umetsu K , Yuasa I , Ikeda N , Suzuki T
Published: August 2015

Orosomucoid 1 polymorphism was revealed in human urine by isoelectric focusing and immunoprinting on polyacrylamide gels. The orosomucoid in urine samples was recovered and concentrated by using immobilized allo A lectin. The orosomucoid 1 phenotypes of 60 urine samples correlated with those of the corresponding serum samples.
Inadvertent Clavicular Fractures Caused by “Chiropractic” Manipulations in an Infant: An Unusual Form of Pseudoabuse
Authors: Sperry K , Pfalzgraf R
Published: August 2015

A nine-month-old child was found unresponsive in his crib, five hours after his last feeding. At autopsy, there were no external or internal signs of abuse or neglect, and a few visceral pleural and epicardial petechiae were consistent with the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, postmortem total body radiographs revealed healing, symmetrical clavicular fractures and a healing left medial humeral epicondyle fracture. The parents had no explanation for these injuries and denied causing any harm to the child. The location and nature of the fractures strongly suggested abusive origin, and the case was reported to the police and the district attorney's office as child abuse. During the investigation, information from the parents indicated that the child had undergone “chiropractic” manipulations by an unlicensed therapist, between three and four weeks prior to death, to correct supposed “shoulder dislocations.” This time interval correlated with the histologic age of the injuries, and the history explained their unusual bilateral location and appearance. The parents were exonerated of abuse charges, and the death was ascribed to SIDS.
Effect of Fabric Washing on the Presumptive Identification of Bloodstains
Authors: Cox M
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the retention of blood stains on twelve different types of fabrics after washing at various drying times. The findings of this study, supported by chi-square analysis, indicate that the retention of bloodstains on washed fabrics depends upon the particular fiber composition of the fabric, the specific blood screening test used, and whether or not a detergent was used in the wash. The results of this research did not reveal a significant effect of the drying time on the retention of bloodstains, as tested during the 48-h limit of this experiment. The author concludes that the forensic serologist should consider the factors investigated in this study before rendering an opinion on the retention of bloodstains on washed garments.
A New Approach to Unraveling Tangled Adhesive Tape for Potential Detection of Latent Prints and Recovery of Trace Evidence
Authors: Choudhry MY , Whritenour RD
Published: August 2015

Occasionally, crumpled adhesive tape strips are encountered in criminal cases involving rape, murder, kidnapping and explosives (bombing). Such tape is usually submitted to a crime laboratory for the detection of latent prints, to establish a physical match with other strips or roles of tape, or to be examined for associative evidence, such as hair, fibers, or paint, which may be adhering to the tape surfaces. To achieve these objectives, it is often necessary to unravel the tape without affecting the potential latent prints which may be present on the adhesive or nonadhesive surfaces. This paper describes a new technique, using a solvent consisting of a blend of aliphatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, to unravel tangled tape which, unlike existing freezing or heating methods, minimizes disturbance of latent prints. This procedure was used on various types of commercially available adhesive tapes bearing latent prints, which were subsequently detected by crystal violet, cyanoacrylate fuming, and fluorescent dye stain development procedures. This simple technique proved to be very convenient and successful in unraveling various types of adhesive tapes for the detection of latent prints and possible recovery of trace evidence.
Sudden Cardiac Death During Exercise in a Weight Lifter Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Pathological and Toxicological Findings
Authors: Luke JL , Farb A , Virmani R , Sample RHB
Published: August 2015

A 21-year-old, previously healthy weight lifter collapsed during a bench press workout. He had taken anabolic androgenic steroids parenterally for the previous several months. Pertinent autopsy findings included marked cardiac and renal hypertrophy and hepatosplenomegaly, with regional myocardial fibrosis and focal myocardial necrosis. Nandrolone (19-nor-testosterone) metabolites were identified in postmortem urine. The possible etiologies of the cardiac findings are discussed.
A Review of Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes
Authors: De Forest PR
Published: August 2015

Crime scene reconstruction, and bloodstain pattern interpretation in particular, although potentially very powerful investigative approaches, are misunderstood, misused, and abused areas of forensic science. Misinformation aboundsl and a coherent source of reliable information is needed. However, writing a text on crime scene reconstruction or bloodstain pattern interpretation is no easy task. If it were, such a text would probably have been written some time ago. Certainly, the importance of this area of forensic science has been widely recognized for about 20 years, largely as a result of Herbert MacDonell's publications and courses. Clearly, a book dealing with bloodstain pattern interpretation would be expected to be very welcome. Unfortunately, the present book does not deliver on the promise implicit in its title. It offers little in the way of scientific insight or discussions of general principles.
A Review of The Psychopathic Mind: Origins, Dynamics, and Treatment
Authors: Metzner JL
Published: August 2015

Psychopathy, as defined by Dr. Meloy, is “a deviant developmental disturbance characterized by an inordinate amount of instinctual aggression in the absence of an object relational capacity to bond.” The author initially provides a psychobiological foundation for understanding psychopathy and later uses object relations theory to conceptualize this disorder further. Four sections, consisting of eight chapters which can be read independently, comprise this book.
Natural Death as Viewed by the Medical Examiner: A Review of 1000 Consecutive Autopsies of Individuals Dying of Natural Disease
Authors: Di Maio VJM , Di Maio DJM
Published: August 2015

A study of 1000 consecutive autopsies of individuals dying of natural disease was conducted. Cardiovascular disease was responsible for 60.9% of all deaths with coronary artery disease—not only the main cause of cardiovascular death but also the main cause of all natural deaths—accounting for 45.1% of such cases. Diseases of the central nervous and respiratory systems accounted for 8.7 and 8.6%, respectively, of the natural deaths. Seizure disorders and pneumonia were the main causes of death in these organ systems. There were 124 deaths of children less than one year in age, 91 which were due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). All of the SIDS deaths were in children less than 10 months old.
Cocaine Babies: The Scourge of the '90s
Authors: Sturner WQ , Sweeney KG , Callery RT , Haley NR
Published: August 2015

Six cases of cocaine-related deaths of infants have covered the spectrum of potentially devastating effects. They include an intrauterine death of a 35-week-old fetus following acute maternal cocaine abuse; anoxic encephalopathy at birth with 3 months' vegetative survival from a similar episode; traumatic compression asphyxia in a 4-month-old; infectious cardiomyopathy with heart failure in a twin at age 21 months following maternal cocaine abuse at birth; malnutrition and dehydration in a 7-week-old during continuing cocaine abuse by the parents; and a teenage sibling's cocaine lacing of a baby milk bottle ingested by his 6-week-old brother. All the cases had positive toxicological screening for cocaine or metabolites or both in the mother at delivery or in the infant at birth, or both. There were no instances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or “crib death”). Pathologic and toxicologic, as well as birth, developmental, and social data are presented.

An integrated medical, public health, law enforcement, and educational policy to prevent or at least ameliorate these tragic cases, now approaching epidemic proportions, has yet to be developed. A careful obstetrical history and examination of the mother, indication on the birth certificate of maternal drug abuse, and notification of health authorities (by birth certificate checking, among other ways) may send an early warning message to providers for intercession. Active ingestion/injection and passive inhalation by older children and teenagers require more intensive monitoring and aggressive interaction by pediatricians, social workers, school authorities, and employers. Postmortem toxicologic analysis for cocaine and other drugs in each fetus, infant, and child has now become essential, given the frequency of positivity in obstetrical and other clinical situations and recent forensic reports.
The Synthetic Drug 3-Methylfentanyl: Identification and Quantitation of Powdered Samples
Authors: Esposito FM , Winek CL
Published: August 2015

Paraphernalia, residue in plastic bag corners, and powdered street samples analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revealed the presence of cis and trans isomers of 3-methylfentanyl (3-MF). The isomers were differentiated by their retention times and by the smaller abundance ratios of ions at m/z 160 and 203 to the base ion of 259 for the more stable trans isomer.

Quantitation of powdered samples was accomplished using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer with a HP5 column (25 m by 0.20 mm) and ketamine as an internal standard. Two cut street samples revealed higher percentages of the more potent cis isomer (0.26 and 0.37%) than the trans isomer (0.15 and 0.16%). With an average purity of 0.47% (4.7 µg/mg), about 100 µg of 3-MF would be present in a typical 20-mg packet, in comparison with 2000 µg of heroin with an average street composition of 10%. Since the potency of 3-MF is about 1000 times that of heroin, the 3-MF samples should have been diluted another 50-fold to contain about 0.1 µg/mg. The difficulty of cutting and inexperience with 3-MF contributed to the rash of overdoses in our area.
Sarcosaprophagous Fly Activity in Maryland
Authors: Introna F , Suman TW , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

Eighty-six successful rearings of sarcosaprophagous flies characteristic of the first successional insect wave of infestation of a corpse were conducted under field conditions in Maryland. Different species were observed to be active during spring and summer. The development times for the immature stages of each species, with the related temperatures at which the development occurred are reported for both seasons studied.
Identification of a Checkwriter Based on Ink Deposit Pattern
Authors: Singer Jackson K
Published: August 2015

An F&E Hedman checkwriter was identified with questioned checkwriter impressions on the basis of unusually heavy ink patterns, which were the result of accumulated debris in the typeface of the checkwriter. This report details a 1989 case and presents photographs of portions of the checkwriter impressions and the checkwriter machine.
Hmong Folk Remedies: Limited Acetylation of Opium by Aspirin and Acetaminophen
Authors: Martin Smith R , Nelsen LA
Published: August 2015

The traditional folk medicine of the Hmong and other Southeast Asian refugees has accompanied them during their immigration to this country over the past two decades. In two recent cases involving Hmong defendants, unknown solids, resembling charcoal in consistency and purported to be “backache remedies,” were analyzed and found to be complex mixtures of aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine, and partly acetylated opium. In particular, significant amounts of acetylacetaminophen, 3-O-acetylmorphine, 6-O-acetylcodeine, 6-O-acetylmorphine, and heroin were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Heating approximately equal weights of solid opium, aspirin, and acetaminophen at 130°C for several hours produced a mixture of compounds showing a similar acetylation pattern.
Evaluation of Instrumental Parameters for Automated Scanning Electron Microscopy/Gunshot Residue Particle Analysis
Authors: Germani MS
Published: August 2015

Computer-controlled analytical scanning electron microscope (SEM) parameters such as the minimum particle size, video threshold, digital clectron beam point spacing, video dwell time, X-ray counting time, and analysis mode, affect the time and accuracy of automated gunshot residue (GSR) particle analysis. The effects of these parameters on automated analysis of a GSR sample are described. This study was performed using custom-written software which includes several features, such as simultaneous energy and wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis, that are not available in commercial packages.

Proper setting of the backscattered electron (BSE) video threshold is critical for automated SEM/GSR particle analysis. Use of a calibrated BSE detector facilitates reproducible setting of the BSE video threshold.

With the results from this and similar studies using different GSR samples, it should be possible to develop standard procedures for automated SEM/GSR particle analysis.
Fentanyl-Related Deaths: Demographics, Circumstances, and Toxicology of 112 Cases
Authors: Henderson GL
Published: August 2015

Since 1979, the potent narcotic analgesic fentanyl and its analogs have been synthesized in clandestine laboratories and sold as heroin substitutes. At least 112 overdose deaths have been associated with their use. In this study, toxicology data, autopsy findings, and coroners' investigative reports were reviewed in order to construct a profile of the typical fentanyl overdose victim and to identify any factors that might heighten the risk of death from fentanyl use. The “typical” fentanyl overdose victim was 32.5 ± 6.7 years of age (range, 19 to 57 years), male (78%, compared with 22% female), and Caucasian (50%, compared with 29% Hispanic, 20% Black, and 0.9% Asian). With the exception of his or her age, the typical fentanyl overdose victim is quite similar to the typical heroin user. Nearly all the deaths (94%) occurred in California, yet within the state they were widely distributed throughout 17 counties and 44 cities. Pulmonary edema and congestion and needle puncture sites were consistent postmortem findings. No preexisting medical conditions were identified as possible risk factors. Although most of the fentanyl victims had a prior history of intravenous drug use, morphine or codeine were not commonly found, which suggests that the victims had little or no opiate tolerance. Ethanol was present in 38% of the cases and is thought to be a significant risk factor. Mean fentanyl concentrations in the body fluids were quite low: 3.0 ± 3.1 ng/mL (0.3 ± 0.31 µg/dL) in blood and 3.9 ± 4.3 ng/mL (0.39 ± 0.43 µg/dL) in urine, measured by radioimmunoassay. Although the potency of the analogs and the purity of street samples varies considerably, it is probably the general availability of the drug rather than the potency of a particular analog that determines the incidence of overdose deaths.
Effect of Heroin in Decomposing Tissues on the Development Rate of Boettcherisca peregrina (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) and Implications of This Effect on Estimation of Postmortem Intervals Using Arthropod Development Patterns
Authors: Goff ML , Brown WA , Hewadikaram KA , Omori AI
Published: August 2015

Larvae of the flesh fly Boettcherisca peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy) were reared on the tissues of rabbits to study the effects of heroin on the development rates of this species. The rabbits were given 6, 12, 18, and 24 mg of heroin by cardiac puncture. From Hours 18 to 96, larvae feeding on tissues containing heroin (as morphine) developed more rapidly than those feeding on tissues from the control. The time required for pupation was significantly greater for colonies fed on tissues from heroin-dosed rabbits than for the control colony. The differences observed in the rates of development were sufficient to alter postmortem interval estimates based on larval development by up to 29 h and estimates based on pupal development by 18 to 38 h.
Finding of a Bullet in the Cervical Column of a Body Hit by a Train
Authors: Navarro JA , Cortés E , Sanz CL , Pellicer MA
Published: August 2015

This case is about the finding of a body of an unidentified male of approximately 70 years of age who was hit by a train. During the carrying out of the corresponding autopsy and after the radiological tests for posterior odontological identification, a foreign body of a cylindrical-cone shape, identical to that of a bullet, was found lodged between the first and second cervical vertebrae. During dissection of the neck, a bullet was found. When the ballistie test was carried out, it was ascertained that the bullet was from a cartridge of 7.92 by 57-mm Mauser caliber, manufactured in Spain in 1936. This ammunition corresponds to that used during the Civil War in Spain (1936–1939). After the identification of the body, it was proved that the bullet was the result of a war wound. However, the victim had been unaware of the existence of the bullet, which had remained in his body for 50 years.