bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of DNA Profiling Database in an HAE III Based RFLP System for Chinese, Malays, and Indians in Singapore
Authors: Chow ST , Tan WF , Yap KH , Ng TL
Published: August 2015

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiles were obtained for blood specimens from the three population groups—Chinese, Malays and Indians—in Singapore. The population databases were collected from Hae III digested high molecular weight DNA hybridized with four variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) loci - D2S44, D10S28, D4S139 and D1S7. The data were analyzed statistically using the fixed bin system. Comparison of ratio of bin frequencies of these population data with published data on whites, blacks, and hispanics shows that the alleleic distribution at these loci is not seriously different among the six groups. This has important implications to the statistical significance of forensic DNA applications.
The Homogenization of Illicit Heroin Samples: An Empirical and Statistical Approach
Authors: Chow ST , Lee TK , Saw CG , Soon TW , Ng TL
Published: August 2015

Although methods for sampling and testing illicit heroin are well known, a method for the homogenization of a heroin sample has not been statistically established. This paper reports the conditions for homogenizing granular or powdery illicit heroin samples using a blender. The experimental results and statistical analysis show that the homogenization of illicit heroin containing various concentrations of diamorphine can be achieved after blending for three min.
A Comparative Study of Erotomanic and Obsessional Subjects in a Forensic Sample
Authors: Zona MA , Sharma KK , Lane J
Published: August 2015

Erotomania is the delusional belief that one is passionately loved by another. These persons often go to great lengths to approach their object of desire, often necessitating the attention of the law. We have reviewed a forensic sample to select subjects who meet criteria for the diagnosis of erotomania.

Case histories from all of the case files of the Threat Management Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department were reviewed to compare erotomanic subjects with those who were suffering from other disorders. Various demographic and other relevant data were examined to determine if the erotomanic subjects presented similar or different profiles.
Delusional Misidentification and Dangerousness: A Neurobiologic Hypothesis
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Leong GB , Weinstock R , Wine DB
Published: August 2015

Delusional misidentification syndromes have intrigued this century's psychiatric researchers. More recently, the dangerousness posed by individuals suffering from these syndromes has been a subject of scientific inquiry. A series of five individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes was studied from a phenomenologic and neuropsychologic perspective. Using this information, a hypothesis involving the psychobiological contributions to the dangerousness of delusional misidentification can be generated. This may further our understanding of the dangerousness posed by psychotic individuals.
Postmortem Alcohol Production in Fatal Aircraft Accidents
Authors: Canfield DV , Kupiec T , Huffine E
Published: August 2015

During 1989 and 1990, the Civil Aeromedical Institute received specimens from 975 victims of fatal aircraft accidents. The maximum concentration of ethanol allowed under FAA regulations (0.04%, 40 mg/dL) was exceeded in 79 of these cases (8%). It was determined based on the distribution of ethanol in urine, vitreous humor, blood, and tissue that 21 of the positive cases (27%) were from postmortem alcohol production. Twenty-two of the positive cases (28%) were found to be from the ingestion of ethanol. In 36 cases (45%), no determination could be made regarding the origin of the ethanol. In two cases, postmortem alcohol production exceeded 0.15% (150 mg/dL).

The opinion held by some toxicologists that postmortem alcohol production can be inferred from the presence of acetaldehyde, acetone, butanol, and other volatiles was found to be incorrect. Several cases with postmortem ethanol had no other volatiles. Volatile compounds were found in several cases where no ethanol was present. In addition a case was found in which the relative ethanol concentrations in blood, bile, and vitreous humor were solely consistent with the ingestion of ethanol, but acetaldehyde, acetone, and 2-butanol were also found in blood. This clearly indicates that the presence or absence of other volatiles does not establish postmortem ethanol production.
Product Tampering Crime: A Review
Authors: Logan B
Published: August 2015

Product tampering crime has become more common over the last ten years, with a single documented event often triggering an avalanche of false alarms, copycat cases, tampering threats, and falsified reports of suspected tampering. Cyanide has seen widespread use as the toxic agent in many instances of product tampering, and is potentially the most lethal of all agents used. Ingestion of cyanide through tampered food, drink or drug has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people in the last ten years. This paper reviews prominent tampering incidents, examines their common features, notes the propensity for copycat cases, and discusses apparent motives for product tampering, threats of tampering and falsified incidents. The identification of three prominent cyanide tampering incidents (two in Seattle, one in Chicago) is discussed, and the importance of requesting appropriate toxicological tests is discussed. Potential motives include terrorism, sabotage, homicide, insurance fraud, malicious mischief, and attention seeking. The limitations of tamper-evident packaging are noted.
The Analysis of Mono- and Divalent Cations Present in Explosive Residues Using Ion Chromatography with Conductivity Detection
Authors: Hall KE , McCord BR
Published: August 2015

The separation of nine mono- and divalent cations of interest in explosives residue analysis was achieved using a Waters IC Pak-C Cation M/D column with a 3 mN HNO3 eluent and conductivity detection. The apparatus was then used to collect data on the types of cations found in a variety of explosive residues including black powder, smokeless powder, and ammonium nitrate based explosives.
Improved Long-Term Stability of Blood Cocaine in Evacuated Collection Tubes
Authors: Baselt RC , Yoshikawa D , Chang J , Li J
Published: August 2015

A study was undertaken to determine if a relatively minor modification of our existing specimen collection tubes could enhance the long-term stability of blood cocaine. We added cocaine, benzoylecgonine (BE) and ethanol to whole sheep blood in glass tubes that were prepared to contain one of several combinations of preservatives and anticoagulant.

On day 1 and at intervals of up to one year, the drugs were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (cocaine and BE) or headspace gas chromatography (ethanol). Storage of blood containing 200 ng/mL cocaine at 4°C for one year resulted in 100% loss of the drug using our normal 10 mL specimen collection tubes containing 100 mg sodium fluoride and 20 mg potassium oxalate. The substitution of oxalic acid for potassium oxalate reduced this loss to 76% without any significant effect on the benzoylecgonine or ethanol concentrations. Further addition of 10 mg echothiophate iodide, a quaternary ammonium compound, brought the cocaine loss down to 60% of the original concentration by one year. Further work will be required to determine if oxalic acid and/or echothiophate iodide could be used in blood collection vials intended for forensic toxicological purposes without any detrimental effect on other assays.
Observations of Differential Decomposition on Sun Exposed v. Shaded Pig Carrion in Coastal Washington State
Authors: Shean BS , Messinger L , Papworth M
Published: August 2015

The decomposition of two pig carcasses in close proximity to each other, one exposed and the other shaded, in a continuous woodland were observed and different rates of decay were recorded. The exposed pig decomposed much faster than the shaded pig, reaching a stable minimal weight two weeks before the shaded carcass. Bloat size, body weight, occurrence of blow fly larvae, and ambient air temperatures are compared. Maggot development appeared to be a major factor in the overall rate of decomposition and was affected primarily by different temperature patterns at the two sites.
Cholinesterase Activity in Postmortem Blood as a Screening Test for Organophosphate/Chemical Weapon Exposure
Authors: Klette KL , Levine B , Dreka C , Smith ML , Goldberger BA
Published: August 2015

This study was undertaken to determine whether postmortem blood cholinesterase activity could be used as a screening test for exposure to nerve agents. Whole blood cholinesterase activity at 25°C was analyzed for a one week period in order to simulate the battle field collection problems of: hemolyzed blood samples, delayed recovery of the specimen, and unrefrigerated transfer to the testing facility. A total of 53 nonpreserved postmortem whole blood specimens were analyzed in triplicate for cholinesterase activity by the Δ pH method of Michel. There was a negligible loss of cholinesterase activity by the seventh day of the study. The enzyme activities of the specimens had a mean value (range) of 0.48 (0.20 to 0.74) initially and 0.45 (0.07 to 0.70) pH units after one week. Whole blood from five healthy adults remained essentially unchanged during this period, with an initial value 0.59 (0.52 to 0.67) and a final value of 0.52 (0.46 to 0.62) pH units. To compare postmortem and simulated nerve agent values, aliquots from 18 of the original 53 postmortem specimens were frozen during day one of the study, thawed on day seven and a cholinesterase inhibitor added. These specimens were then analyzed with the other specimens. All values from inhibited specimens were essentially zero (0.0 to 0.01) pH units compared to a range of 0.07 to 0.61 pH units for matched, uninhibited, day seven postmortem specimens. Fifteen actual nonpreserved specimens from the battlefield were analyzed as verification of screen performance. Their results fell within the uninhibited postmortem range above. All of the 53 day one postmortem, day seven postmortem, and 13 of 15 battlefield specimen cholinesterase activities were significantly greater than the levels found in the 18 specimens exposed to the cholinesterase inhibitor. We conclude that the cholinesterase activity in postmortem specimens collected within a one week period of death can be used as a screen for possible nerve agent exposure.
ABO Blood Grouping on Dental Tissue
Authors: Xu XZ , Liao J , Fang H , Li M , Liu ZY
Published: August 2015

Twenty-five permanent teeth, including eight carious ones whose pulp cavities had been exposed, were used for this research 3–5 weeks after extraction. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, at pH 7.2) was employed to extract ABO blood group substance from tooth powder. ABO grouping was performed on blood-stained compresses from the extraction wound (as controls), tooth fragment, tooth powder, and cotton fibers immersed in PBS extract by absorption-elution (AE) technique and on the PBS extracts by the two-dimensional absorption-inhibition (2-D AI) technique. It was found that blood grouping in PBS extracts by 2-D AI yielded reliable results: no false positive results, and a high rate of correct grouping, (24/25), while blood grouping on other dental materials, such as tooth fragments, tooth powders, immersed fibers, by AE gave an unacceptable rate of false positive/negative results.
Identification of Human DNA in Complex Biological Samples Using the Alu Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Tsongalis GJ , Coleman WB , Esch GL , Smith GJ , Kaufman DG
Published: August 2015

Alu-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify human DNA from complex mixed sources of DNA. Amplification of human DNA sequences by Alu-PCR could be accomplished in samples containing low concentrations of template in the presence of excess heterologous DNA sequences. Thus, sensitivity and specificity are maintained in complex DNA mixtures allowing positive identification of the presence of human DNA sequences by this technique.
Two Deaths Involving Isoflurane Abuse
Authors: Kuhlman JJ , Magluilo J , Levine B , Smith ML
Published: August 2015

Two deaths due to isoflurane abuse are reported. One case was a suicide and the other a multiple drug death including isoflurane. A simple headspace gas chromatographic method was used for isoflurane quantitation. A review of the literature did not reveal blood and tissue concentrations of isoflurane. Drug tissue distributions and a discussion of the toxicological findings are presented.
Transection of Trachea Due to Improper Application of Automatic Seat Belt (Submarine Effect)
Authors: Roh LS , Fazzalaro W
Published: August 2015

The seat belt has been a major contributor in minimizing injuries in automobile accidents. However, it often causes characteristic patterned injuries to the body relative to its application at the time of an accident. We report an unusual case of a driver who sustained a transection of the trachea due to the “submarine effect” from improper application of the seat belt.
A Suicide by Self-Decapitation
Authors: Prichard PD
Published: August 2015

A young male obtained some polyethylene rope, drove to a secluded spot in the nearby woods and used it, a tree stump and his vehicle to decapitate himself.
Positive Identification in a Case of Intentional Extreme Fragmentation
Authors: Owsley DW , Mann RW , Chapman RE , Moore E , Cox WA
Published: August 2015

The investigation of the first of the murders of young males to which Jeffrey Dahmer confessed led to systematic survey of two acres of semirural property in Bath Township, Ohio. The survey revealed the fragmentary skeleton of a young adult male, as well as bones of several species of animals. Through archaeobiological analysis, the animal bones were identified and taphonomic modifications documented. The human bones were dry and weathered, and many were rodent-gnawed, indicating that they had been exposed for many years. The human bones displayed an extreme degree of splintering, warping, bending, and spiral breakage. The only relatively complete bone was a cervical vertebra. Dismemberment and breakage had been accomplished by cutting, blunt force, and, in the case of the ribs, manual bending. Even in so extreme a case of intentional fragmentation, however, forensic anthropological analysis resulted in positive identification, with the primary criteria based on matching osteological features evident in premortem and postmortem radiographs of a cervical vertebra.
Radiographic Identification of Human Remains Through Deformities and Anomalies of Post-Cranial Bones: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Rougé D , Telmon N , Arrue P , Larrouy G , Arbus L
Published: August 2015

Human remains can be identified radiographically by anomalies and deformities of the post-cranial bones when there are no old fractures and the cranium and extremities are not available. These anomalies and deformities of the sternum, vertebrae, sacrum and innominate bone are often protected from damage by scavengers. We report their use to exclude a proposed identity in one case and to confirm identity in another case. The value and number of these criteria and their pathogenesis is discussed with reference to their prevalence and their expression of inter- and intraindividual variability.
Examination of Random Weld Bead Flow Patterns on Welding Slag and Comparison of These Patterns to the Flow Patterns Present on Welded Surfaces
Authors: Krone CS
Published: August 2015

During the process of welding metal together, a scale or slag develops over the surface of the weld. This slag is a by-product of the welding process. It is composed of metallic oxides and residue of the fluxing agents present in the welding rods. This scale is normally removed when the weld is completed. If the scale remains on the weld, it will chip off when the weld is struck with a hard object or the weld breaks.

When the inside surface of these pieces of slag are examined, random flow patterns are observed that can be compared to the random weld bead flow patterns on the surface of the weld. These patterns are produced by the pooling of molten metal during the fluxing of work surface metal and the welding rod material. These patterns are produced at random and are unique to each and every welded surface.

The author of this paper is not aware of any literature discussing the examination and comparison of random weld bead flow patterns on welded material. In this case discussed herein, such a comparison was made. Specifically, the author was able to compare these flow patterns on the slag removed from a victim's upper torso with the flow patterns on welded surfaces on a wall decoration.

The results of the comparison concluded positively that the slag was once attached to a welded surface on the wall decoration.
The Effects of Specific Latent Fingerprint and Questioned Document Examinations on the Amplification and Typing of the HLA DQ alpha Gene Region in Forensic Casework
Authors: Presley LA , Baumstark AL , Dixon A
Published: August 2015

The apparent stability of DNA in forensic samples has permitted the successful application of several techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis to forensic cases. PCR-based typing of the HLA-DQ alpha region in forensic casework has been shown to be a valid and reliable technique. This inherent stability of DNA in forensic evidence has led us to address the question of whether DNA could successfully withstand certain evidence processes such as latent fingerprint and electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) processing and still yield a sufficient quantity and quality of DNA for PCR HLA DQ alpha typing. Through testing done with biological material on simulated and casework envelope, stamp, and cigarette butt type evidence, it was determined that samples could be processed for specific latent fingerprint and ESDA examinations and still yield sufficient DNA for conclusive HLA DQ alpha typing results.
A Comparison of the Fixed Bin Method with the Floating Bin and Direct Count Methods: Effect of VNTR Profile Frequency Estimation and Reference Population
Authors: Monson KL , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

When the results of a forensic comparison of highly polymorphic variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci fail to exclude a suspect as a possible contributor of biological evidence, it is desirable to convey to the trier of fact the significance of the match. Furthermore, in a forensic context, it is desirable that the estimated frequency of occurrence be conservative, that is, that any uncertainty in the estimate will favor the accused. Using an empirical approach with a data base of 2046 individuals belonging to one of four population groups, this study examined the effect of the method used to estimate frequency of occurrence of a VNTR profile from a reference data base, and the consequences of using a data base that may not represent the circumstances of the crime. The fixed bin method was at least as conservative as the floating bin and genotype counting (direct counting) methods. Secondly, for forensic purposes, profile frequency estimates from different reference populations do not deviate greatly. VNTR profiles are rare in any of the data bases.
Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) Typing from Semen Stains: Low Enzyme Activity in Vaginal Fluids Does Not Interfere with Seminal DNase I Typing from Mixture Stains
Authors: Sawazaki K , Yasuda T , Nadano D , Iida R , Takeshita H , Uchide K , Kishi K
Published: August 2015

We describe the use of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) polymorphism for individualization of semen in body fluid stain mixtures, as a means of providing new and more useful information to practicing forensic biologists as a genetic marker. We have already reported that human DNase I isozyme patterns from different subjects are classificable into ten groups. Isoelectric focusing of DNase I isozymes on polyacrylamide gel (IEF-PAGE, pH 3.5 to 5) was accomplished using a 0.5 mm thick gel. Pretreatment of semen samples with neuraminidase enhanced the isozyme band resolution and sensitivity. Activity detection using the dried agarose film overlay (DAFO) procedure was reliable, sensitive and simple, with high resolution, and the phenotypes of DNase I were determined in semen stains of about 0.3 µL stored at room temperature for up to a year in most of the samples tested. The DNase I types in semen stains were correlated with the types found in the corresponding blood and urine samples, although most of the vaginal fluid samples had no typable DNase I activity. This is considerably advantageous for seminal individualization from body fluid mixture stains in criminal cases. An evaluation of DNase I typing by IEF-PAGE and DAFO was also performed on casework samples submitted to our laboratory, and the results showed that DNase I was expected to be one of the most useful individualization marker of semen in practical application.
Transferrin Subtyping in Dental Pulps
Authors: Kido A , Kimura Y , Oya M
Published: August 2015

Serum transferrin (TF) subtypes were also found in dental pulps by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. The types observed in dental pulps completely agreed with those in serum samples from the same individuals. The allele frequencies in 105 samples were TF*C1 = 0.757 and TF*C2 = 0.243. Reliable subtyping was possible for 4 weeks following extraction of the teeth. The TF system can provide a useful genetic marker for the medicolegal individualization of teeth.
Correlates of Sex Offender and Offense Traits by Victim Age
Authors: Harry B , Pierson TR , Kuznetsov A
Published: August 2015

The authors studied offender, offense, and victim characteristics according to victim age cohort among a sample of over 800 incarcerated sex offenders. Their findings were somewhat different from those previously reported, and suggest that rapists of adults were more psychopathic, sexual assailants against adolescents appeared to be more typical family men, and child molesters were more opportunistic chronic sex offenders. The authors believe their findings begin to shed light on the nature of sex crimes committed against victims of different age.
Seroprevalence of Parenterally Transmitted Viruses (HIV-1, HBV, HCV, and HTLV-I/II) in Forensic Autopsy Cases
Authors: Li L , Zhang X , Constantine NT , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

HIV, HBV, HCV, and HTLV show similar modes of transmission and infection is frequently identified in certain population groups. The seroprevalence of these infectious agents and interrelation in forensic autopsy populations are described here.

A total of 414 serum samples were collected sequentially from autopsy cases at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland. All samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV-1, HCV, HTLV-I/II, and hepatitis B core antigen, using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Samples yielding repeatedly reactive results were confirmed by Western Blots (WB) for HIV-1 and HTLV-/I/II, while for HCV confirmation, the second generation recombinant immunoblot (RIBA-2) was used.

Of the 414 cases, 32.6% (135/414) were infected with at least one of the four viruses. 5.6% were seropositive for HIV-1, 23.2% for HBV, 19.1% for HCV, and 1.0% for HTLV-I/II. Intravenous drug users (IVDU) showed significant increased prevalences of HIV-1, HBV, and HCV. 83.6% of the IVDU were infected with at least one of the three viruses, 25.5% with HIV-1, and 47.3% with both HBV and HCV.

The data indicate that the overall prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV seropositivity in the autopsy population of an inner city medical examiner office is much higher than that of the general population. Routine testing only for HIV-1 would have missed 86% of the infections with HCV or HBV. Universal precautions should be strictly employed by all personnel working in this environment.
Sudden Out-of-Hospital Coronary Death in Patients with No Previous Cardiac History. An Analysis of 221 Patients Studied at Autopsy
Authors: Fornes P , Lecomte D , Nicolas G
Published: August 2015

Many epidemiological, clinical, and autopsy studies have demonstrated that the risk of sudden coronary death (SCD) is linked to the severity of coronary atherosclerotic lesions and to their thrombotic potential. However it remains unknown why some individuals manifest no clinical evidence of coronary disease until the onset of sudden death. The aim of this autopsy study has been to analyze the sociodemographic, clinical, and pathological features in case of sudden out-of-hospital coronary death where the death was the first manifestation of coronary disease. The results have been compared with those obtained from victims of SCD with known cardiac history. A total of 377 autopsies of sudden out-of-hospital cardiovascular deaths were performed at the Forensic Institute of Paris between 1989 and 1991. A total of 221 were SCD. A total of 160 of these subjects (72.4%) had no cardiac history (group A). The other 61 victims of SCD had cardiac antecedents (group B). Men account for 63% and 77% of the SCD in groups A and B respectively and are 12 years younger than women at the onset of SCD in both groups (65/77 years). Our study showed that in both groups SCD occurs in 83% of cases at home (and at rest) and in 30% of these cases while sleeping. Autopsy showed that SCD be it with or without antecedent occurs on a background of severe coronary disease with multivessels stenoses but coronary thrombosis was rarely observed (15%). SCD occurred in the context of underlying cardiomegaly. The increase in heart weight was significantly less marked in subjects of group A than in those of group B whereas the average age at the onset of SCD was the same in both groups. In conclusion it appears from our results that more than 70% of victims of SCD have no cardiac history and thus are unknown to cardiologists and to hospital statistics. The present study carried out in Paris over a three-year period is of interest and use not only to forensic pathologists but also to epidemiologists and cardiologists concerned with the problem of sudden death.
Neck Injuries: III. Ligamentous Injuries of the Craniocervical Articulation Without Occipito-atlantal or Atlanto-axial Facet Dislocation. A Pathologic Study of 21 Traffic Fatalities
Authors: Adams VI
Published: August 2015

Craniocervical ligamentous injuries without dislocation of the occipito-atlantal or atlantoaxial motion segments have been described rarely if at all. Among 155 traffic fatalities were 21 persons with such injuries. Among the 21 fatalities were 20 alar ligament injuries, eight tectorial membrane injuries, and ten injuries of the subaxial cervical spine. All 21 had craniocerebral trauma, including twelve with skull fractures, seven with facial or mandibular fractures, eight with subdural hemorrhages, twelve with subarachnoid hemorrhages, seven with cerebral contusions, five with cerebral lacerations, two with midbrain lacerations, nine with pontomedullary lacerations, and four with spinomedullary injuries. The mechanism of death was acute neurogenic shock in seven victims, acute neurogenic shock in combination with other physiological derangements in six, acute neurogenic respiratory arrest in three, brain swelling in two, and mechanisms unrelated to head and neck trauma in three victims. In six victims, the neck injury did not contribute to death. No conclusions regarding the biomechanical mode of injury are drawn.
Study of the Extraction of LSD from Illicit Blotters for HPLC Determination
Authors: Veress T
Published: August 2015

The effect of different parameters (extraction method, temperature, time, solvent) on the extraction efficiency of LSD from impregnated papers has been investigated. Designed experiments have been applied according to the Plackett-Burman method. For the quantitative determination of LSD reversed phase ion-pair chromatography has been used with UV detection. The experimental conditions assuring maximal LSD recovery have been determined, as well as the constant and proportional bias of the extraction procedure elaborated.
Comparative Examination of Inks by Using Instrumental Thin-Layer Chromatography and Microspectrophotometry
Authors: Aginsky VN
Published: August 2015

It is well-known that in thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) densitometry and reflectance microspectrophotometry (MSP) the relationship between signal output and content of substance(s) absorbing light is neither a directly, nor reciprocally proportional one. For this reason, the discriminating power of the widespread signal-to-signal ratio technique is not high in relation to similarly colored materials, especially to those having subtle differences of same colored components.

In this paper the modified signal-to-signal ratio approach applicable for both, TLC and MSP methods, is proposed. The approach includes transforming (by using the recommended equations and iterative procedure) the values of the signals obtained for compared materials, in such a manner that the ratios of these transformed signals become less mass-dependent in compared with the ratios obtained by using the signal-to-signal ratio technique. As a result of applying this approach, the discriminating power of densitometric TLC and MSP methods has been enhanced significantly. The value and limitations of the proposed techniques are considered
Forensic Examination of “Slightly Soluble” Ink Pigments Using Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Aginsky VN
Published: August 2015

A three-step thin-layer chromatographic procedure for examining colored components of printing and writing inks and other marking materials is described. The procedure uses the original stage of separating phthalocyanine pigments and other “slightly soluble” organic pigments.

Experimental conditions are given.
Some New Ideas for Dating Ballpoint Inks—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Aginsky VN
Published: August 2015

This paper introduces four techniques developed with the goal of estimating the age of ballpoint inks. These techniques are based on using the microspectrophotometric determination of the rates of color changing in inks as a result of the reaction with chemicals—the older the ink the less the rate (procedure 1); a combination of gas chromatographic (GC) and spectrophotometric methods for determining the masses' ratios “volatile component/dye component” in ink that decrease with the age of inks (procedure 2); a GC method of determining the extent of extraction of ink volatile components that decreases as ink ages on paper (procedure 3); a thin-layer chromatographic method for determining age changes in resins and other colorless nonvolatile ballpoint ink components: these changes are detected by observing the resulting thin-layer chromatograms under UV illumination and can be evaluated by using scanning densitometry (procedure 4). Suggestions for further work are proposed.
HPLC Analysis of Printing Inks
Authors: Löfgren A , Andrasko J
Published: August 2015

The high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analyzing printing inks extracted from documents is described. The procedure is sufficiently sensitive for analysis of small areas of printing inks. The analysis can distinguish between different production lots from the same manufacturer. The method was applied on two forensic cases involving forged documents.
Lead Isotope Ratios in Lead Smears and Bullet Fragments and Application in Firearm Investigations
Authors: Andrasko J , Kopp I , Åbrink Å , Skiöld T
Published: August 2015

This paper describes the use of lead isotopes ratios for an investigation of a homicide. Lead smears and bullet fragments recovered from a victim's clothing were compared with lead samples from two suspect bullets.

More than 90 bullets of the same caliber and produced by the same manufacturer as the suspect bullets were analyzed. The lead isotopic compositions were found homogeneous within individual bullets. Different bullets from the same ammunition box also showed indistinguishable lead isotope ratios. Bullets from ammunition boxes produced in 27 different months were analyzed. The results were compared with those obtained for bullets and bullet fragments from the homicide case. The high precision isotope ratio measurements could distinguish between lead from the homicide case and nearly all bullets from the ammunition boxes that were investigated. The isotope ratios for bullets from one of the ammunition boxes were indistinguishable from those for the homicide bullets. Some bullets of the same caliber as the suspect bullets but produced by different manufacturers were also analyzed by this technique. All these bullets showed clear differences in their lead isotope ratios.
Microbial DNA Challenge Studies of Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) Probes Used for DNA Profiling Analysis
Authors: Webb MBT , Williams NJ , Sutton MD
Published: August 2015

DNA probes commonly used for forensic DNA profiling analysis were hybridized to Hinfl digested DNA isolated from various common microbial species. Extended exposures to light sensitive film failed to detect any DNA fragments of a microbial origin following hybridizations to radio-labeled DNA insert single-locus probes (SLPs) and nonisotopically labeled oligonucleotide SLPs.
Multigenerational Amplification of a Reference Ladder for Alleles at Locus D1S80
Authors: Baechtel FS , Smerick JB , Presley KW , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

The interlaboratory typing of DNA specimens that have been amplified at the D1S80 locus necessitates the use of a standard allelic reference ladder. This communication describes a technique in which individual, amplified alleles are isolated, combined, and amplified by PCR to produce a functional reference ladder composed of many of the alleles that occur at this locus. The amplified ladder can serve directly as a template source for production of the next generation of reference ladder. This process, in which each amplified ladder serves as the template for the next has been carried through multiple generations.
A Simplified Method for Phenotyping Alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein
Authors: López-Abadía I , Ruiz de la Cuesta JM
Published: August 2015

Alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein is considered a reliable genetic marker for paternity testing and forensic investigation.

We describe a simple, semiautomated method for phenotyping this protein in serum samples, bloodstains and dental pulp using isoelectric focusing methods followed by immunofixation techniques. This method produces clear results even with very old biological evidence.
Comparison of Postmortem Autolysis in Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Tokunaga I , Takeichi S , Yamamoto A , Gotoda M , Maeiwa M
Published: August 2015

To understand the mechanism in postmortem autolysis better, processes in the postmortem degradation of myofibril proteins in the presence of protease inhibitors were studied. Male Wistar rats were given injections of the carboxyl-, thiol-, and serine-protease inhibitors, pepstatin, Ep-475[L-transepoxysuccinyl-leucylamide(3-methyl) butane; E-64-C], and chymostatin, via the femoral vein. Control rats were similarly treated with saline. Then, myofibril proteins were isolated from their cardiac and femoral muscles and from those of control animals at various times after death, and degradation of these myofibril proteins with time was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

In cardiac muscle, α-actinin was degraded rapidly, followed by the heavy chain of myosin and light chain of myosin (L2). Actin and the light chain of mosin (L1) were degraded slowly. The degradations of the heavy chain of myosin, α-actinin, tropomyosin and L2 after 14 days were not inhibited by pepstatin, but were inhibited by Ep-475 and chymostatin.

In skeletal muscle, L1 and L2 were degraded rapidly, followed by the heavy chain of myosin and α-actinin. Actin was degraded slowly and was still unchanged 2 weeks after death. The degradations of protein components were inhibited by pepstatin, Ep-475 and chymostatin. These results indicated that after death the components of myofibrils are degraded by various proteases at various rates depending on their properties or structures. This degradation is fundamentally the same in cardiac and skeletal muscles, but inhibitors have somewhat different effects on the postmortem degradation processes after death in the two types of muscle.
A Systematic Approach to the Sampling of Dental DNA
Authors: Smith BC , Fisher DL , Weedn VW , Warnock GR , Holland MM
Published: August 2015

As investigations into the forensic aspects of DNA analysis continue, the human tooth will play a dual role in identification. Dentin and enamel provide a protective enclosure for genomic and mitochondrial DNA as well as providing the basis for radiographic, biochemical, and ultrastructural forensic studies. The purpose of this investigation is to establish technical guidelines, based on histology and experimental evidence, for the management and sampling of dental DNA. The anatomic location of dental DNA is discussed with emphasis on the conservation of tooth structure during sampling. Ten pairs of maxillary right and left third molars were sampled for DNA following storage for 18 weeks at ambient temperature and humidity. Right third molars were crushed, whereas the left third molars were sectioned conservatively prior to sampling the DNA. The quantity and quality of human DNA obtained from each tooth was compared, as well as the radiographic appearance of remaining hard tissue and the overall simplicity of each approach. DNA typing was performed, both sequence and length based analyses, comparing teeth from the same individual and teeth from different donors. The results of this study suggest that the odontologist will maximize the dental DNA yield by crushing the entire specimen but that substantial yields of human DNA can be obtained by using a conservative technique that preserves the tooth structure. In addition, the method of sampling does not affect the ability to perform DNA typing analyses.
GC/MS Quantitation of Benzoylecgonine Following Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Urine
Authors: Gerlits J
Published: August 2015

An analytical procedure for the determination of benzoylecgonine in urine by GC/MS using a two step liquid-liquid extraction scheme has been developed. Benzoylecgonine is one of the principle metabolites of cocaine. The extraction uses a wash step prior to extraction and derivatization and requires 0.5 mL of urine. Benzoylecgonine is extracted in good % recovery at a basic pH by using 4 mL of dichloromethane. The method is accurate and sensitive and allows the quantitation of benzoylecgonine in urine at or below the National Institute on Drug Abuse confirmation cutoff level of 150 ng/mL.
Endomyocardial Fibrosis in a Scuba Diving Death
Authors: Obafunwa JO , Purdue B , Busuttil A
Published: August 2015

A death of an amateur SCUBA diver with undiagnosed late phase endomyocardial fibrosis is reported. This 27-year-old man found himself in difficulties during a Sub-Aqua Club outing and drowned.

Autopsy revealed features of drowning in addition to severe endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) with collagenization of the left ventricle and interventricular septum with foci of chronic myocarditis. Other organs were essentially normal and toxicological studies were negative.

Examination of the air tank revealed a normal oxygen circulation with elevation of the carbon dioxide content above recommended limits. Sudden ventricular arrhythmia underwater due to EMF is believed to have precipitated drowning.

Stricter medical monitoring of amateur divers should prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Incredible Bouncing Bullet: Projectile Exit Through the Entrance Wound
Authors: Grey TC
Published: August 2015

A case of a suicidal gunshot wound of the head where the projectile ricocheted within the calvarium and exited through the entrance wound is reported. Findings at the scene and from examination of the victim and the suspect weapon are presented and discussed.
Victim Selection in the Jeffrey Dahmer Slayings: An Example of Repetition in the Paraphilias?
Authors: Bennett KA
Published: August 2015

It has been suggested that Jeffrey Dahmer, who was convicted for the serial murders of 15 people, carefully selected most of his victims on the basis of their external phenotype. Although the sample size is small, both univariate and multivariate methods support the possibility that similarity in craniofacial architecture strongly influenced his choice of victims. Because necrophilia played a key role during expert testimony at his trial, and because Dahmer retained most of the skulls and one postcranial skeleton, the results suggest that his actions represent an example of repetition in the paraphilias.
A Condom—the Critical Link in a Rape
Authors: Brauner P , Gallili N
Published: August 2015

An intact condom, reputedly used during a rape, was submitted for forensic examination. Conventional biochemistry results indicated that blood found on one side of the condom may have originated from the victim. Semen from the other side of the condom was not characterizable by conventional biochemical methods. Pubic hairs recovered from the condom matched those of the victim and not those of the suspect.

Testing the blood and semen from the condom by DNA analysis gave the profile of the victim from the blood and the profile of the suspect from the semen.
Identification of Ammunitions Used in a Lethal Robbery. Comparison Between Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDX) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) Measurements
Authors: Moauro A , Falso G
Published: August 2015

Gunshot residues (GSRs) sampled in proximity of the hole left by a bullet on the clothes of a person wounded during a homicidal robbery, have been examined by the authors, on request of the Court. These investigations have shown that gunshot residues GSRs can be considered consistent with a shot discharged by a pistol SIG SAUER, found on the crime scene, with Sellier & Bellot (S&B) ammunition. Actually, these cartridges leave residues in which tin is present together with lead and barium, as found in the examined GSRs. An evaluation of the firing distance and a comparison between scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) have been also performed.
Problems with the Dating of a Polaroid SX-70 Photograph
Authors: Davis NA
Published: August 2015

In most cases the dating of a Polaroid SX-70 photograph is accomplished by deciphering the manufacturing code found on the frame located on the reverse side of the photograph. However, instances arise where the numerals are either faded or obliterated to the extent that the reading and deciphering of such numbers are impossible. Research has determined the existence of chemical pod codes which can also be used to date Polaroid photographs.
Alcohol in Decomposed Bodies: Postmortem Synthesis and Distribution
Authors: Gilliland MGF , Bost RO
Published: August 2015

Blood alcohol (ethanol) concentrations in decomposed bodies can mean drinking during life and/or endogenous production after death. The correct interpretation is important in medicolegal cases. This retrospective study of 286 autopsied medical examiner cases was undertaken to evaluate alcohol concentrations and distribution in various fluids and tissues in decomposed bodies. Cases with alcohol present were classified as endogenous production, ingestion, or unable to determine based upon one or more of the following criteria: the presence of ethanol in only one of more than one body fluids, an atypical distribution of ethanol in body fluids, reliable scene or historical information, the presence of C3 alcohols in body fluids.

Alcohol was classified as endogenously produced in 55 cases. The presence of alcohol was attributed to ingestion in 130 cases. No alcohol was detected in 39 cases. We were unable to determine the source of the remaining 62 alcohol concentrations.

The highest blood alcohol concentration derived from endogenous production was 0.07% in the cases with other fluids negative. The mean blood alcohol concentration was 0.06% and ranged as high as 0.16% in cases having atypical ratios. Alcohol was found in blood and bile while urine and vitreous fluid were negative or had lower concentrations in cases with endogenous production.

We conclude that for the majority of cases in which endogenous blood production of alcohol occurs the concentration in blood may be as high as 0.15%.
The Anatomy of a Cocaine Comparison Case: A Prosecutorial and Chemistry Perspective
Authors: Moore JM , Meyers RP , Jimenez MD
Published: August 2015

Methodology used for the comparative chemical analyses of two illicit cocaine seizures, and its application in a successful criminal prosecution, is described. A description of events leading to the arrest of the defendant and an overview of the jury trial are provided. Illicit cocaine, found in the defendant's suitcase and wallet, was subjected to chemical derivatization and three distinct gas chromatographic methods for the detection and relative quantitation of cocaine manufacturing impurities/by-products. The cocaine impurities included cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine, the isomeric truxillines and the hydroxy-cocaines. Among the cocaine manufacturing byproducts detected were benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine, N-benzoylnorecgonine methyl ester and N-norcocaine. Chemical derivatization of the cocaine samples was accomplished using heptafluorobutyric anhydride and N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide. The derivatized impurities/by-products were subjected to capillary gas chromatographic analysis using both flame ionization and electron-capture detectors. The comparative chemical analyses provided a positive correlation between the suitcase and wallet cocaine samples.
Method Comparison of EMIT II and OnLine with RIA for Drug Screening
Authors: Armbruster DA , Schwarzhoff RH , Pierce BL , Hubster EC
Published: August 2015

The newest formulation of the EMIT assay for drugs of abuse, EMIT II, and a new immunoassay, OnLine, using the kinetic interaction of microparticles in solution methodology, were evaluated for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, and phencyclidine. Both types of immunoassays were performed on an Hitachi 717 analyzer. Calibration curves, the degree of separation between negative and cutoff calibrators, precision, probability of carryover from positive to negative samples, and overall ease and speed of analysis were evaluated. EMIT II and OnLine were compared with RIA tests for the five drugs to determine each assay's ability to detect samples which confirm positive by GC/MS. The RIA and OnLine marijuana tests detected >99% of confirmed positive samples while EMIT II detected about 90%. All three immunoassays performed equivalently for cocaine and opiates, each assay detecting at least 98% of positives. Barbiturates showed the greatest disparity with OnLine detecting 96%, EMIT II 85%, and RIA 79% of confirmed positive samples. Too few phencyclidine positive samples were detected for a method comparison study. The fully automated EMIT II and OnLine assays are preferable for a variety of reasons to our laboratory's current semi-automated RIA tests for large volume urine testing. The immunoassays offer comparable performance for some drugs but not for others.