bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Particle Reagent: Developing Latent Prints on Water-Soaked Firearms and Effect on Firearms Analysis
Authors: Onstwedder J , Gamboe TE
Published: August 2015

Small particle reagent (SPR) is a technique for developing latent prints on watersoaked items. Current research in processing wet firearms indicates that SPR may be a valid technique for developing latent prints with negligible effect on firearms analysis. Six different firearms each composed of different materials were immersed in water at time intervals ranging from eight to thirty-five days. At the end of the first and second phases, all firearms were processed for latent prints using SPR. A third phase involved using cyanoacrylate ester fuming followed by black powder as a generally accepted processing technique. Results of the experiment revealed that SPR yielded more suitable latent impressions than cyanocrylate ester fuming followed by black powder.
Identification of Plant Stains Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Hayashiba Y , Nagata T , Miyajima I , Kimura K , Kudo K
Published: August 2015

A study was designed to identify stains derived from plant pigments. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 13 species of common weeds were examined, and 12 flavonoids were detected from as low as 100 to 200 μg of dried leaves and from their stains. Identification of plant species could be made, based on the various chromatographic patterns of the flavonoids with different retention indices, using rutin and rhamnetin as the reference standards. A brief practical case of application is described.
Death in the Dental Chair
Authors: Robinson EM
Published: August 2015

Death during dental anesthesia is relatively rare. Review of eight such cases which occurred in our county, including the different anesthetics used, revealed one apparent basic pattern that prevailed … a need for awareness that something might go wrong and recognition of the fact that it was going wrong.
Application of Trace Evidence in the Forensic Medical Examination
Authors: He Z-N
Published: August 2015

The statistics in this paper were based on the classification, lifting, general detection, and results of instrument analysis of trace evidence (354 samples) in 211 cases involving homicide, suicide, rape, and traffic accidents which were handled in our institute since 1982. The study showed that trace evidence plays a critical role in crime investigation. We expect the application of trace evidence to be further developed and more widely used by our colleagues in the forensic science community.
Compulsive Gambling and the Expert Witness
Authors: Lorenz VC
Published: August 2015

Compulsive gambling is a mental disorder which affects an estimated 3% of the adult population of the United States. This psychological addiction is often associated with other addictive behaviors and with criminal activities.

Attorneys and judges have only minimal training in understanding mental disorders. Few know the differences in types of gamblers, understand the nature and progression of the disorder, or know the types of crimes committed by compulsive gamblers; nor are they aware of treatment options.

The expert witness must not only evaluate the defendant, but must also educate the defense and prosecuting attorneys, probation and parole officers, and the judge. In this regard, the expert must consider factors binding upon the legal and judicial systems, the potential for restitution for the victims, and treatment options for the compulsive gambler.

Guidelines and frequent problems encountered by the compulsive gambling expert witness are included.
When Doctors Divulge: Is There a “Threat from Within” to Psychiatric Confidentiality?
Authors: Goldstein RL
Published: August 2015

Psychiatrists, as a profession, have always asserted the central importance of confidentiality. The American Psychiatric Association (APA), in its recently released “Guidelines on Confidentiality,” reaffirms this position. In an age of progressive erosion of the traditional psychiatrist-patient confidentiality, the threat to confidentiality is invariably perceived as exogenous, emanating from external sources such as the legal system, third-party payers, and peer review organizations. In rare instances, there appears to be a threat from within, when the psychiatrist (or nonpsychiatrist physician dealing with a psychiatric patient) deliberately chooses to divulge the patient's confidential communications in the absence of any clearcut legal requirement to do so (and against the express wishes of the patient). Four case examples of these unusual breaches of confidentiality are presented. The author concludes that although significant assaults on patient confidentiality are occurring from without, it is quite rare for such violations to come from within the profession itself.
A Problem of Hydrocarbon Profile Modification by Charcoal
Authors: Buckleton JS , Bettany BL , Walsh KAJ
Published: August 2015

A selective modification of mineral turpentine in the presence of charcoal was observed to the extent that the trace resembles evaporated or “weathered” petrol.
Development and Application of Immunoassay for Paraquat: Radioimmunoassay
Authors: Nagao M , Takatori T , Terazawa K , Wu B , Wakasugi C , Masui M , Ikeda H
Published: August 2015

A sensitive radioimmunoassay for paraquat is reported. Anti-paraquat antisera were produced by repeated immunization in rabbits with 1-methyl,1′-hexanoic acid-4,4′-bipyridinium (MHBP) coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA). Less than 0.5 ng of paraquat dichloride was detectable by this assay system. These antisera were strongly cross-reactive with the bipyridyl ring and methyl group in either the 1- or 1′-position of paraquat. The determination of paraquat in tissues of paraquat-poisoned cadavers was also carried out.
The Identification of Heroin and Three Structurally Related Isoheroins
Authors: Medina F
Published: August 2015

Heroin and three structurally related isomers were studied. The configurational assignments of the structural isomers supported from nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data are discussed. Infrared spectroscopy spectra are also presented. Gas chromatography procedures using packed and capillary systems demonstrated how the isomers could be best fully resolved.
Use of Aquatic Insects in Determining Submersion Interval
Authors: Haskell NH , McShaffrey DG , Hawley DA , Williams RE , Pless JE
Published: August 2015

Although its potential is great, the use of aquatic insects in determining submersion intervals at death-scene investigations has not been exploited in the past. Aquatic environments have no known true specific indicator species, as do terrestrial habitats. However, aquatic environmental studies show that organisms may colonize a substrate dependent on factors such as size, position, exposure to current, water temperature, current speed, water depth, the presence of algal communities, or detritus. Certain aquatic insects such as the chironomid midges (Diptera, Chironomidae), and the caddisflies (Trichoptera), are capable of colonizing immersed bodies; and with the known biology of a specific species of insect for a certain geographic area, time intervals of submersion can be established.
A Professional Profile of the Physical Anthropology Section Membership, American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Authors: Wienker CW , Stanley Rhine J
Published: August 2015

The membership of the Physical Anthropology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences was surveyed regarding training; section activity; teaching; forensic science activities; and trial, deposition, and caseloads over the last 20 years. Over 75% of the active members responded. Over half of the respondents had formal forensic anthropology training, 70% held a Ph.D. degree and 52% had primary appointments in university and college departments of anthropology. Approximately half of those involved in teaching were producing forensic anthropology students. Local areas (36%) and states (45%) are primary sources of cases. Respondents spend nearly 60% of their professional time on forensic science activity, mostly in casework and research/writing. Over the past 20 years, there has been a revolution in the training of forensic anthropologists, in terms of formal coursework and supervision of student cases. Also in that time, caseloads, depositions given, and trial appearances have greatly increased. When region, highest degree earned, membership status, and board certification are considered, there are few significant differences in the forensic anthropology activity of members, and most of these differences are in training and Academy membership status.
Detection of Orosomucoid 1 Phenotypes in Semen and Semen Stains
Authors: Harada A , Umetsu K , Yuasa I , Ikeda N , Suzuki T
Published: August 2015

Orosomucoid 1 phenotypes were detected in seminal plasma by isoelectric focusing and immunoprinting. The orosomucoid 1 phenotypes in seminal plasma correlated with the types found in the corresponding serum specimens. Semen stains stored for ten days could be typed for orosomucoid 1. The present work revealed that orosomucoid 1 is a useful genetic marker for the medicolegal grouping of semen stains.
Cardiac Rhabdomyoma Presenting as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Rigle DA , David Dexter R , McGee MB
Published: August 2015

A case of cardiac rhabdomyoma presenting as sudden infant death in a four-and-one-half month-old infant is reported. The child was the product of an essentially uncomplicated pregnancy and enjoyed good health before his unexpected, sudden death. Autopsy examination revealed the presence of multiple cardiac lesions which histologically were diagnosed as rhabdomyomas. Death was attributed to fatal cardiac arrhythmia caused by the tumor. To the authors' knowledge this represents the first reported case in the forensic science literature of death as a result of cardiac rhabdomyoma presenting as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
True Paternity or Exclusion: Analysis in the Case of a Deceased Party
Authors: Boonlayangoor PW
Published: August 2015

State-of-the-art technology can play a significant role in solving forensic and parentage problem cases if an expert scientist is employed in the analysis and interpretation of test results. As presented in this paper, there are differences of opinion among witnesses examining the same evidence, therefore illustrating the need for careful examination of evidence even by the expert.
Detection of Organophosphate Poisoning in a Putrefying Body by Analyzing Arthropod Larvae
Authors: Gunatilake K , Lee Goff L
Published: August 2015

Deaths as a result of organophosphate poisoning are usually detected by analysis of body fluids and tissues for the presence of the toxic agent. These procedures present particular difficulties when performed on remains in an advanced stage of decomposition. Malathion poisoning was suspected in a case in which the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition and the presence of malathion was confirmed by analyses of gastric content and body fat. Two species of fly larvae, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), were present on the remains. A sample of these larvae was analyzed for malathion content. A total of 574 μg of malathion was detected in 0.26 g of pooled larvae, or a level corresponding to 2050 μg/g of larvae. Presence of organophosphates in arthropod larvae has not been documented previously and the analysis of larvae from decomposing remains may prove a useful technique for detection of these toxicants in decomposing remains.
A Review of Police Professionalism
Authors: Labowitz DI
Published: August 2015

We of the forensic sciences work very closely with the police in the United States yet know very little of how those police organizations became what they are today. Thomas J. Deakin, an attorney and editor of the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin attempts to correct that in this book. This would be an excellent text for a police science course or for any individual who would like to learn somewhat how today's police organizations came to be. The text stresses the “professionalization” of police and more specifically, the philosophy of how such organizations changed from the political handiwork of the 19th century to the efficient and mostly apolitical police forces of today.
Effect of Hyperthermia on Breath-Alcohol Analysis
Authors: Fox GR , Hayward JS
Published: August 2015

Mild hyperthermia to the extent of a 2.5°C increase above normal body temperature was produced by immersion of ethanol-intoxicated subjects in a warm water bath. Hyperthermia did not influence the blood-alcohol decay curve of the subjects. Hyperthermia did cause a significant distortion of the breath-alcohol decay curve, up to as much as a 23% increase above blood-alcohol concentration. The magnitude of this distortion effect was calculated to be a 8.62% increase in breath-alcohol concentration over blood-alcohol concentration for each °C increase in core body temperature. The forensic relevance of these results is that further support is given to previous recommendations that temperature monitoring be included in procedures for breath-alcohol analysis. This leads to the recommendation that mouth temperature be measured before breath sampling to screen for abnormal body temperature and to allow for potential use of a “temperature correction factor.” This modification to existing analytical procedures would optimize the reliability of breath-ethanol analysis for prediction of blood-ethanol concentration.
Comparison of Drug Abuse in Different Military Populations
Authors: Needleman SB , Romberg RW
Published: August 2015

Quantitative analytical data, generated at the Navy Drug Screening Laboratory, Great Lakes, Illinois, expressed as percent confirmed positives for four drugs of abuse (marijuana metabolite, cocaine metabolite, amphetamines, and opiates) are summarized and compared according to their population of origin. The four populations of interest included U.S. Navy and Marine Corps recruits and service school members.

Confirmed positive urines for marijuana showed a small but significant decline (p < 0.001) from about 1.2% confirmed positive among U.S. Navy recruits entering service school commands in 1984 to 0.9% among Navy service school members in 1988 and from 2.0% among U.S. Marine Corps recruits entering service schools in 1984 to 0.8% among Marine Corps service school members in 1988. Navy and Marine Corps recruits showed a significantly higher (p < 0.001) confirmed positive use rate (6.1 and 3.3%, respectively) compared to service school members, perhaps reflecting their recent civilian use pattern. The relatively high confirmed positive cocaine rate among all groups may have reflected an increasing trend in all populations, confirming a similar trend in high school and other civilian populations. Generally, the frequency of confirmed positive urines with amphetamines and opiates, based upon the findings at the Navy Drug Screening Laboratory at Great Lakes, has been static except for an apparent recent increase in amphetamine use in 1988. The decline in confirmed positive drug urinalyses among service school members from both the Navy and Marine Corps indicated that perhaps education and maturity had a positive effect upon their behavior.
An Early Twentieth-Century Skeleton Collection
Authors: Gindhart PS
Published: August 2015

The collecting of human remains for study in museums and medical schools has been a vital scientific endeavor for many years. In some cases, such as the fetal and neonatal skeletons discussed, surreptitious dealings were involved. However, one must consider the attitudes that prevailed at the time, the high rate of fetal and infant mortality, and the blossoming role of museums as repositories of knowledge.
Assay of Free and Total Tocainide by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Ultraviolet (UV) Detection
Authors: Harris SC , Guerra C , Wallace JE
Published: August 2015

A rapid high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of tocainide, using N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-amino-butanimide as an internal standard, was developed. A methylene chloride extraction involving salting out at pH 9.0 was employed. An 85:15 mixture of 0.025M monobasic potassium phosphate at pH 3.0 and acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase. The separation and quantitative analysis of tocainide was performed on a mixed phase column with a 1.0-mL/min flow rate and detection at 210 nm. Separation of tocainide from some of its metabolites required the use of heptane sulfonic acid as an ionpairing reagent. For the free-drug assay, the specimen was centrifuged through an Amicon Centrifree filter before being processed.
The Stereoisomers of 4-Methylaminorex
Authors: Klein RFX , Sperling AR , Cooper DA , Kram TC
Published: August 2015

Physical constants and instrumental data (melting point [mp], thin-layer chromatography [TLC] [Rf], gas chromatography [GC] [Rt], [α]D25, 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], infrared (IR), 70-eV, electron impact-mass spectroscopy [EI-MS], color, and microcrystalline tests) are reported for the individual stereoisomers, racemates, and corresponding hydrochloride salts of 4-methylaminorex (2-amino-4-methyl-5-phenyl-Δ2-oxazoline, 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolamine, McN-822, “U4Euh,” “ICE”). The data allow identification and differentiation of illicit samples of 4-methylaminorex.
Determination of C3 Phenotype in Dried Bloodstains Using Isoelectric Focusing
Authors: Garg RK , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

Fresh whole blood and bloodstains were analyzed by isoelectric focusing (IEF) to determine the C3 phenotype of the blood donor. Three common phenotypes exist as a result of two autosomal alleles. The three phenotypes can be identified in fresh serum or in serum samples which had been stored at −20°C for more than a year. Bloodstains maintained in a desiccator at 25 or at 37°C retained the native form of C3 which could be detected for at least two weeks. Beyond two weeks of storage, stains became difficult to phenotype due to decreased banding intensity. Bloodstains aged longer than one month could not be phenotyped. C3 could not be detected in human semen by the serological methods employed.
The Computer-Assisted Postmortem Identification (CAPMI) System: Sorting Algorithm Improvements
Authors: Lorton L , Rethman M , Friedman R
Published: August 2015

Refinements to the original Computer-Assisted Postmortem Identification (CAPMI) software algorithms and general data handling were suggested as a result of observations made following the Gander plane crash of 1985. The presence of highly fragmented and scattered remains following most plane crashes suggested that changes to procedure might improve CAPMI performance for use in these types of disasters. A total of 162 ante- and postmortem dental records which had been used successfully to identify victims of the Gander disaster were coded for anonymity and used for this investigation. Changes in data construction and management were made to CAPMI, according to concepts which were thought might improve system performance, and tested. Although most tested techniques improved CAPMI performance, the data suggested that replacement of “virgin” chartings with “data unknown” results in improved performance of CAPMI largely independent of other factors. Of 162 possible record matches, the original algorithm successfully listed the true record match in the top 20 possibilities 74% of the time; the tested variations on the original algorithm yielded results across a range of 38 to 83% successes, with most techniques performing better than the original algorithm. Results of this investigation have been incorporated into improved CAPMI procedures and software.
Improved Sample Holder for Refractive Index Measurements of Small, Single, Glass Fragments
Authors: Zeichner A , Feingold G
Published: August 2015

A simple method is described to convert the flat microscope slide into an improved sample holder for refractive index determination of single, small, glass fragments and their subsequent easy recovery for additional examinations.
Population Data of Casework in West Virginia on Six Genetic Marker Systems
Authors: Zain FS , Smith TA , Myers HB
Published: August 2015

Blood specimens and stains submitted from all geographic regions of West Virginia were analyzed for six genetic markers: International ABO, phosphoglucomutase (PGM), esterase D (ESD), erythrocyte acid phosphatase (EAP), adenylate kinase (AK), and adenosine deaminase (ADA). The four-year study indicates that markers identified were distributed in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and are consistent with population data previously reported.
A Trajectory Analysis of Billy Dixon's Long Shot
Authors: Thornton JI , Shirokawa JM
Published: August 2015

At the Second Battle of Adobe Walls, in June 1874, Billy Dixon shot an Indian at a range of 1538 yd, give or take just a few. A computer analysis of this trajectory indicates that the bullet drop would have been 3823.8 in., the time of flight 4.838 s, and the windage adjustment would have been 337.8 in.
A Review of The Testimony of Teeth
Authors: Campbell HR
Published: August 2015

The oft-quoted saying “You cannot judge a book by its cover” holds true once again. Should potential purchasers of this book go further than the dust cover description of its contents, they should prepare for a disappointment.
A Review of Practical Forensic Pathology
Authors: Reay DT
Published: August 2015

There are few forensic pathology books or manuals which one can enjoyably read cover to cover in one evening. The book Practical Forensic Pathology (138 pages) is worthy of the effort. This is a very readable book and should provide valuable information to pathologists who do occasional forensic autopsies. For full-time forensic pathologists, the book is highly recommended since it provides an opportunity for the experienced who are dulled by routine and repetition to compare current procedures with those recommended by the authors.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Authors: Sessions WS
Published: August 2015

In many ways, the past several years have been banner years for the FBI. We have had major successes in our priority areas—organized crime, terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, white-collar crime, and our newest priority area, drugs.
The Effects of Environment and Substrata on Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA): The Use of Casework Samples from New York City
Authors: McNally L , Shaler RC , Baird M , Balazs I , Kobilinsky L , De Forest P
Published: August 2015

This study was designed to analyze the effects of the environment and substrata on the quality of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from evidentiary specimens. The quality of DNA isolated from actual casework specimens was determined by measuring its size by agarose gel electrophoresis. The information obtained could be used to predict the suitability of the DNA in the samples for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The evidentiary specimens chosen for DNA were classified according to substrate (scrapings, plastic bags, synthetics, denim, and carpet) and according to a subjective evaluation of the condition of the stain (soiled, damp, or putrified) and to its size (small or large). The results show that DNA of sufficient quality and high molecular weight (HMW) can be reliably isolated from bloodstains deposited on evidentiary items which have an unknown environmental history and which have dried onto a variety of substrata. Subsequent RFLP analysis of a selected number of these samples verified that the DNA was suitable for this type of analysis.
The Detection of Soluble ABH Blood Group Substances in Semen and Saliva Using Monoclonal Blood Grouping Reagents
Authors: Mudd JL
Published: August 2015

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), this study investigated the use of monoclonal antibodies for detecting secreted ABH blood group substances in semen and saliva. The results demonstrated that the behavior of some monoclonals were unpredictable and often failed to detect the corresponding antigen in a number of the specimens tested. The suitability of the monoclonal reagents for detecting soluble blood group antigens could not be predicted by their behavior with red cell antigens. Consequently, care must be taken in the selection of monoclonal reagents for use in the detection of secreted blood group antigens.
Genetic Analysis of Erythrocyte Uridine Monophosphate Kinase and Aminolevulinate Dehydrase and Its Application to Biological Paternity Testing
Authors: Caeiro JLB , Llano C , Garcia-Luengo S , Canabal O
Published: August 2015

Simultaneous determination of uridine monophosphate kinase (UMPK) and aminolevulinate dehydrase (ALAD) has been carried out after discontinuous starch gel electrophoresis in the Galician population (NW Spain), including 129 families with a total of 291 descendents. Formal genetic studies are in agreement with the autosomal codominant way of inheritance for each locus. No evidence of phenotype association between both loci among the offspring is observed. Chance of exclusion for non-fathers is 0.041 13 for UMPK and 0.0702 for ALAD configuring a total exclusion rate of 0.1085 when both systems are evaluated together.
Behavior of Animal Blood in Blood Typing Systems. Isoelectric Focusing of Erythrocyte Acid Phosphatase and Phosphoglucomutase
Authors: Stowell LI , Thomson DG , Vintiner SK , Dick GL
Published: August 2015

Isoenzyme band patterns of animal blood erythrocyte acid phosphatase (EAP) and phosphoglucomutase-1 (PGM) were studied by isoelectric focusing on ultrathin polyacrylamide gels. For blood from all animals tested (dog, cat, cow, sheep, and goat), the overall band patterns for both isoenzymes were different from those of the most common human types of these enzymes, although some animal EAP and PGM bands appeared in the human band areas. When mixtures of human and animal red blood cells were studied, it was found that misinterpretation of human types was possible only if the overall band pattern of the mixtures was ignored. For the animal blood tested, the strong PGM bands appearing outside the human band areas could be used as “markers” for the possible presence of animal blood in the samples tested.
Behavior at School and Social Maladjustment
Authors: Osuna E , Luna A
Published: August 2015

School maladjustment is one of the first symptoms to appear in response to alterations in the child's development and maturation. The aim of this paper is to study school maladjustment in minors confined in juvenile court center and its associations with sociofamiliar, psychobiographical, and social maladjustment variables among others, given the fact that school is one of the earliest agents of socialization. The results point to the influence of family conflict on the subject's behavior in association with the anxiety trait and extroversion. We believe that an accurate diagnosis of school maladjustment is essential as it is in this setting where the treatment of social maladjustment can be initiated with a minimum of delay.
Transcripts for Law Enforcement: Special Requirements
Authors: Pickett PO
Published: August 2015

Problems for law enforcement, both in the examination of taped evidence and in the presentation of evidential transcripts in the courtroom, have arisen as a direct result of misconceptions of what constitutes a transcript of a voice recording. This paper introduces a variety of transcript types, pointing out that transcripts for use by the law enforcement community have special requirements that need to be recognized, that are not being met by transcript types presently in use, and that would distinguish this type of transcript from other types. To assist the law enforcement community in meeting these special requirements, a unique format for transcribing voice recordings is presented, with accompanying guidelines.
Characterization of N-Ethyl-1-Phenylcyclohexylamine Reaction Components
Authors: Krefft RH , Masumoto SS , Caldwell TV
Published: August 2015

Impurities found in the two principal methods of the manufacture of N-ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (cyclohexamine, PCE) are identified. Identification of N-ethylcyclohexanecarbonitrile allows the forensic science analyst to determine the specific synthesis route.
The Biohazard Potential of Cyanide Poisoning During Postmortem Examination
Authors: Andrews JM , Sweeney ES , Grey TC , Wetzel T
Published: August 2015

A case of suicide by ingestion of cyanide salts provided an opportunity to determine whether personnel involved in postmortem examination of such cases are exposed to any significant degree of biohazard from cyanide remaining in body cavities or tissues of the decedent or both. It was found that potentially toxic concentrations of cyanide can develop in personnel so exposed. These findings have implications not only for the safety of pathologists and pathology assistants, but also for first responders (for example, police, firemen, emergency medical technicians [EMTs], paramedics, R.N.s) and emergency room personnel who may be involved in resuscitation efforts or removal of gastric contents or both in cyanide poisoning victims. Symptoms of cyanide toxicity and recommendations for reducing the potential for clinically significant cyanide exposure in medical settings are briefly reviewed.
A Review of Analytical Procedures for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Emergency Toxicology, 2nd ed.
Authors: Poklis A
Published: August 2015

This is the second edition of a popular laboratory procedures manual first published in 1980. The volume retains the same format as the original work. Drugs or classes of drugs commonly analyzed for in therapeutic monitoring or clinical toxicology are indexed in alpha-betical order with one or more specific procedures for their analysis in blood, plasma, serum, and/or urine presented. Each procedure includes: the principle of the method, necessary reagents and their preparation, instrumental conditions, extraction protocol, calculation of results, performance characteristics, and possible interferences with the assay. The directions are well written, clear, concise, and easy to follow. Should the analyst wish to inquire further, at least one reference is presented for each procedure. One hundred seventy-four procedures for the analysis of one hundred and one drugs are presented. Unfortunately, only IS of these are new additions to the 1980 first edition. The remaining 159 procedures are exactly as previously published reflecting 1970s technologies (for example, packed gas chromatographic [GC] columns, flame ionization detectors [FID]).
A Review of Legal Medicine 1986
Authors: McCloskey KL
Published: August 2015

Once again Dr. Wecht has presented the medical and legal professions with a useful and fascinating series of articles. This work contains a dozen well-written and informative reviews, each of which rightfully deserves separate consideration. However, because of neces- sary space constraints, this discussion will focus on selected chapters. This selection is dictated more by the personal interests and knowledge of the reviewer rather than by any variations in quality among the individual papers.
Inactivation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by Ionizing Radiation in Body Fluids and Serological Evidence
Authors: Bigbee PD , Sarin PS , Humphreys JC , Eubanks WG , Sun D , Hocken DG , Thornton A , Adams DE , Simic MG
Published: August 2015

A method to use ionizing radiation to inactivate HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in human body fluids was studied in an effort to reduce the risk of accidental infection to forensic science laboratory workers. Experiments conducted indicate that an X-ray absorbed dose of 25 krad was required to completely inactivate HIV. This does not alter forensically important constituents such as enzymes and proteins in body fluids. This method of inactivation of HIV cannot be used on body fluids which will be subjected to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing.
Group Specific Component: Isoelectric Focusing Subtyping and Immunoblot Detection
Authors: Arndt RE
Published: August 2015

A method for the detection of group specific component (Gc) by immunoblotting, following isoelectric focusing (IEF), is described. This isoelectric focusing method resolves the six common phenotypes of Gc using a narrow range pH 4.5 to 5.4 ampholyte. The Gc proteins were passively transferred from the IEF gel to nitrocellulose and detected with goat anti-Gc followed by peroxidase labeled anti-goat immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody. The increased sensitivity of this technique results in the typing of stains older than one year and also those stains with minimal concentrations of the Gc protein. The polyacrylamide gel can also be used for the subtyping of esterase D.
The Use of k Values in the Interpretation of Glass Density and Refractive Index Data
Authors: Thornton JI
Published: August 2015

A k value represents a type of summary statistic by means of which glass evidence may be interpreted. This statistic is defined as k = V/D, where the dispersion V = (nD − 1)/(nF − nC), and where D is the density. The k value is therefore the slope of a line through the 0,0 origin and a plot of dispersion versus density. Obtaining a k value facilitates the interpretation of commonality of source, since “within-item” variation in density and refractive index does not significantly alter the k value. “Between-item” variation, on the other hand, profoundly influences the k value, even if the density and one of the refractive indices are coincidentally similar.
A Perspective on Probability and Physical Evidence
Authors: Kingston C
Published: August 2015

Evaluating the significance of physical evidence often requires a consideration of the probability of chance occurrence of the evidential properties and an appropriate target population. These are used to calculate the probability of duplication of the properties within the target population, which in turn is used to evaluate the significance of the evidence. The target population chosen for consideration by the expert witness generally cannot be the same as that used by investigators or a jury. This paper discusses the choice of an appropriate target population by the expert and offers a suggestion for aiding the jury in evaluating the expert's opinion with respect to other evidence in a case.
Unexpected Death as a Result of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Cohle SD , Graham MA , Sperry KL , Dowling G
Published: August 2015

Thirteen cases of infective endocarditis (IE) diagnosed for the first time at autopsy or, in those patients with a previous diagnosis of IE, not thought to be active at the time of death, are presented. Of the six patients who died within 24 h of the onset of symptoms, two died of obstruction of a valve orifice, two died of sepsis, one died of sepsis and alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and one died of a coronary artery embolus. Of the five patients with symptoms lasting more than 24 h, three died of sepsis and congestive heart failure. One died from sepsis alone and one died from congestive heart failure (CHF). In two patients whose duration of symptoms is unknown, one died of sepsis and CHF, and in the other the mechanism of death is unknown. Predisposing factors present in 11 of 13 patients included alcoholism (three), intravenous (IV) drug abuse (three), prosthetic valves (three), aortic stenosis (two), past rheumatic fever (one), and nonstenotic congenitally bicuspid valves (two). The reasons for no antemortem diagnosis were a missed or incorrect clinical diagnosis in three patients seen by a physician shortly before death, no signs or symptoms or found dead (four), non-specific signs and symptoms (three), refusal of medical treatment (one), and a solitary lifestyle (one); there was insufficient information about one patient. Individuals with needle tracks, generalized petechiae, Osler's nodes, splinter hemorrhages, intravenous catheters, pacemaker wires, and infected aortic-valve (A-V) shunts are at risk of IE. Blood and the vegetations should be cultured. The attending physician should be notified of the diagnosis in such cases.
Wounding Characteristics of .38 Caliber Revolver Cartridges
Authors: Klatt EC , Tschirhart DL , Noguchi TT
Published: August 2015

Injury patterns in both artificial media and animal tissues were analyzed, and the results were then correlated with autopsy findings in subjects who died from gunshot wounds to determine the wounding characteristics of bullets from two standard .38 caliber revolver cartridges. The 150-grain round nose bullet, in comparison with a 110-grain semi-jacketed controlled-expansion round (hollowpoint bullet), was found to have greater penetration and a greater tendency to deviate from its flight path. The controlled expansion round was found to produce a wider bullet track with greater deformation and bullet fragmentation than the round nose ammunition in artificial media and animal tissue. Autopsy study of shooting victims indicated more through-and-through wounds with round nose bullets than with hollowpoint rounds, and overall survival in shooting victims was greater with roundnose bullets, but was modified by site of injury and availability of prompt medical treatment. Neither round appeared to differ in inherent “knockdown” power. Though distinct differences in wounding patterns can be demonstrated in artificial and animal media, the differences between round nose and controlled expansion round bullets are not marked in actual human subjects with gunshot wounds.
Drug Testing in Urine
Authors: Caplan YH
Published: August 2015

Testing for drugs in the workplace has become commonplace as federal and private industry programs are developed. Effective use of laboratory results derived from testing urine specimens is a function of many factors including choice of specimen, testing modalities, specimen handling, and reporting. Since significant consequences can occur from positive test results, full understanding of the factors and the process is required.
Drug Use Testing: The Canadian Scene
Authors: Robinson AE
Published: August 2015

Mandatory drug testing became a public issue in Canada during the summer of 1986 as a result of action taken in the United States. Initial reactions were emotional and polarized. Of prime concern currently are the employment-related issues; there is emphasis on facilitating access to employee assistance programs for workers having alcohol or drug abuse problems. There is no legal prohibition of testing, but there have been demands for such legislation. Testing of railway workers for alcohol and drugs has been proposed, subject to strict conditions, for employees in designated positions (where public safety is at risk), for cause and after an accident. Public reaction will be taken into account before these proposals are implemented.
Legal Considerations in Drug Use Testing: Privacy Rights, Contracts, and Wrongful Use of Test Results
Authors: Chamberlain RT
Published: August 2015

Although there are many legal issues associated with substance abuse testing, this presentation deals with only three areas: privacy, employee contractual concerns, and wrongful use of test results. Privacy must be considered under the federal and state constitutional guarantees to public employees, or whether one is a private employee so as not to determine applicability. In addition, there are state and federal statutes to deal with along with private civil actions such as the tortious invasion of privacy. Under contractual relationships, courts have gone a long way from allowing termination-at-will to public policy exceptions of forensic and implied covenants and guarantees of requiring just cause before discharge. Union involvement may necessitate bargaining in the implementation of substance abuse testing. The wrongful use of test results most often leads to actions of defamation.
A Review of Pathology Annual 1988
Authors: Zumwalt RE
Published: August 2015

This collection of eleven monographs on anatomic pathology topics should appeal to the surgical pathologist in a hospital practice. The selected topics are timely and cover a wide range. The individual articles are all well written, thoroughly referenced, and adequately illustrated. The editors have done a commendable job in their selection of authors to present state-of-the-art information and techniques on their subjects. The general hospital pathologist should find his time well spent in reading this collection of review articles.
The Comparison of Brake and Accelerator Pedals with Marks on Shoe Soles
Authors: von Bremen A
Published: August 2015

The driver of a motor vehicle that was involved in a collision may sometimes be identified by marks on shoe soles or pedals. Forceful contact of an automotive pedal with a shoe sole may leave characteristic features on either or both. An optical method was developed to compare these features that are illustrated with 15 photographs. Four cases are discussed in detail and conclusions are given.
Intramolecular Energy Transfer in the Europium-Ruhemann's Purple Complex: Application to Latent Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Menzel ER , Mitchell KE
Published: August 2015

The reaction product of ninhydrin with amino acids reacts further with europium chloride hexahydrate (EuCl3 · 6H2O) to form an organo-rare earth complex which exhibits Eu3+ luminescence at 615 nm with a lifetime of 0.4 ms. This emission is sensitized by intramolecular ligand to europium resonance energy transfer. Benzo(f)ninhydrin is better suited to this energy transfer process than ninhydrin and yields more intense Eu3+ emission. The emission is effectively excited by argon-ion laser near-ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be modulated such that time-resolved imaging can reveal amino acids on strongly fluorescent surfaces which would otherwise not be tractable. This is applied to the detection of latent fingerprints.
The Identification of Maternity in an Unusual Pregnancy-Related Homicide
Authors: Clark EGI , Zumwalt RE , Schanfield MS
Published: August 2015

A recent bizarre homicide which culminated in the delivery of a live-born infant necessitated careful determination of true maternal origin. A 23-year-old pregnant woman was abducted, subdued, strangled, and delivered of a term infant by a crude Cesarean section. The infant was stolen and subsequently presented to physicians by a woman posing as the mother. Methods used to help confirm the surviving infant's parentage involved red cell antigen and enzyme system evaluations as well as immunoglobulin allotyping, which ultimately proved to be the most effective serologic test performed. The forensic science investigation of this unusual case also used bite mark analysis and patterned injury interpretation. Immunoglobulin allotyping is specifically discussed as a forensic serology test which is currently available and particularly applicable in cases involving parentage determination.
Thiamylal: Review of the Literature and Report of a Suicide
Authors: Costantino AG , Caplan YH , Levine BS , Dixon AM , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

A 28-year-old white male medical student was found hanging by the neck from the bathroom closet of a hotel room. An intravenous infusion line leading from a bottle of thiamylal sodium (an ultrashort-acting barbiturate) was inserted into the antecubital vein of the left arm. Blood was analyzed for alcohol and other volatiles and for acidic, basic, and neutral drugs. Only thiamylal was detected. Thiamylal was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection, and its presence was confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The tissue distribution of thiamylal was 29 mg/L in blood, 1.4 mg/L in urine, 16 mg/L in bile, 135 mg/kg in liver, 25 mg/kg in kidney, and 0.4 mg in the stomach contents. The uptake and distribution of thiamylal is similar to thiopental. The distribution of the drug in this case was compared to that of other fatalities involving ultrashort-acting barbiturates.
Opiate Analysis in Cadaveric Blowfly Larvae as an Indicator of Narcotic Intoxication
Authors: Introna F , Dico CL , Caplan YH , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

Specimens of liver were collected from 40 cases in which the cause of death had been determined to be opiate intoxication. Rearings of Calliphora vicina larvae were then promoted on the decomposing liver. A control group of 10 decomposed liver specimens from non-opiate deaths was treated similarly. Analysis of larvae and liver for opiates (morphine) was conducted by radioimmunoassay. Good qualitative and quantitative correlation was observed in both the positive and negative groups. Regression analysis comparing the concentrations of opiates found in the larvae with those found in the liver in the positive group resulted in a correlation of r = 0.790.
The Accuracy of Blood Alcohol Analysis Using Headspace Gas Chromatography When Performed on Clotted Samples
Authors: Senkowski CM , Thompson KA
Published: August 2015

Subjects consumed alcoholic beverages and attained blood ethyl alcohol concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.15 g/dL. Sets of blood samples were drawn from these subjects, including some samples that were allowed to clot and some in which anticoagulent was added. A quantitative analysis for ethyl alcohol was performed on these samples using headspace gas chromatography. The mean deviation of the concentration of ethyl alcohol in the clotted samples from the ethyl alcohol concentration in the corresponding control samples was 0.001 g/dL. The 99% confidence interval for this mean was ± 0.0005 g/dL.
Gm/Km Typing of Bloodstains in U-Bottom Microtiter Plates
Authors: Moniri M
Published: August 2015

A technique was developed for Gm/Km typing of bloodstains and sera in U-bottom microtiter plates. Gm/Km typing of sweat and urine samples was also attempted with limited success.
Photoelastic Stress Analysis of Film Ribbons
Authors: Daniels JR
Published: August 2015

Diffused polarized-light microscopy reveals detailed patterns in the film base of used typewriter ribbons inside the de-inked letter impressions. The multicolored patterns, which are observed to match the complex paper fiber configurations found at corresponding letter sites on the typed page, are theorized to be a manifestation of photoelasticity. Wavelength-dependent phase retardation differences, as a result of strain birefringence, correspond to retained microscopic deformations produced in the ribbon base polymer by paper fibers at the page surface at the instant of typing impact stress. Diffuse illumination is observed to enhance such embedded patterns relative to interfering surface features such as manufacturing striations.
Fatal Recreational Inhalation of Enflurane
Authors: Walker FB , Morano RA
Published: August 2015

We report here a case of fatal enflurane poisoning by recreational inhalation, apparently the first published report of such a case.
A Review of Rape — The Evidential Examination and Management of Adult Female Rape Victim
Authors: Mittleman RE
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this book is to provide a “single comprehensive reference” addressing “all the major facets” of rape as well as providing background information bridging the “gap among the may different professionals who are responsible for assessing and helping the rape victim.” The text is divided into six topics including: “Historical Perspectives and Legal Issues,” “The Assailant,” “Medical History, Examinations and Evidence Collection,” “Psychological Impact,” “Forensic Evaluation,” and “Treatment Considerations.” Although such a short volume (only 156 pages of text) cannot be comprehsnive, this book does provide a good, basic overview for professionals from varying disciplines.
A Review of Perspectives in Basic and Applied Toxicology
Authors: Garriott JC
Published: August 2015

This book contains 14 chapters, dealing mostly with specific responses of biological systems to toxicants and descriptions of current toxicity testing procedures.