bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Vitro Production of Ethanol in Urine by Fermentation
Authors: Sulkowski HA , Wu AHB , McCarter YS
Published: August 2015

Driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI) can lead to serious injuries to the intoxicated driver and surrounding individuals, in addition to revocation or suspension of driving privileges. The accuracy and interpretation of the testing procedures may be compromised if an individual's urine contains sugar, and either bacteria or yeast. Under these conditions, ethanol can be produced in vitro, producing a result that may be erroneously indicative of DUI. In this study three yeast species and six bacterial species were added to a blank urine sample devoid of any alcohol or sugar. Samples were incubated at 0, 25, and 35°C for 24, 48, and 144 hours in the presence of one of four different sugars. Ethanol concentrations were assayed using an enzymatic alcohol dehydrogenase assay. Results showed that when glucose was used as a substrate, all yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosi, and Candida sp. not albicans) and three bacterial species (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis) were capable of producing ethanol while the other three (Enterococus sp., Staphylococcus sp. not aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were not. The rate of ethanol production is temperature dependent and can be inhibited by storage of samples at 0°C or the use of approximately 1% sodium fluoride as an antimicrobial agent. Many of these species were also able to use other substrates (sucrose, fructose, and galactose) to produce ethanol by fermentation.
The Case Against Daubert: The New Scientific Evidence “Standard” and the Standards of the Several States
Authors: Bohan TL , Heels EJ
Published: August 2015

In June of 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., rejected the Frye “general acceptance” rule under which evidence proffered as scientific had long been evaluated for admissibility by Federal Courts and most state courts. In the body of the following paper, we argue that Daubert was a disastrous decision and one reflecting a general lack of understanding of the scientific/technical enterprise. We argue that, far from achieving the goal of excluding bogus expert testimony, Daubert invites it. We also argue that the bad result that is Daubert arose from addressing a non-question: whether the Federal Rules of Evidence superseded Frye. In the section on The Scientific Evidence Standards in the States in the Wake of Daubert to the paper we provide an annotated listing of the scientific evidence standards governing the courts of the 50 states one year after Daubert issued, by which time many state high courts had had an opportunity to enunciate their respective states' approach to scientific evidence with the guidance of Daubert. That summary indicates as of that time which state courts were governed by Frye and which ones by Daubert. It also shows that many state high courts show a confusion that is traceable to the phrasing of Daubert. More happily, this summary also shows that a number of state high courts have a very good grasp of scientific evidence and have enunciated readily-applied rules by which their trial courts are to evaluate it. It is to be fervently desired that these state decisions or the thought processes producing them lead to widespread judicial rules for evaluating would-be scientific evidence, rules which will readily exclude “junk science” from the courtroom while not raising unreasonable barriers to valid expert testimony.
Computer Imaging for Questioned Document Examiners I: The Benefits
Authors: Frank Hicks A
Published: August 2015

Computers are touching every aspect of our lives. Many computer software programs are beneficial to Forensic Document Examiners. These include word processing programs and databases for typewriter reference files. A new area of interest is the use of digital imaging programs to address some document problems. Many imaging packages, such as Adobe Photoshop 3.0, allow the examiner to quickly and easily tackle problems that, otherwise, would require some very expensive instrumentation and/or a great deal of time and trouble. This software can also be of benefit in preparing demonstrative exhibits of the examiner's findings. Illustrations and step-by-step instructions will assist examiners in putting this technology to work for them.
Computer Imaging for Questioned Document Examiners II: The Potential for Abuse
Authors: Frank Hicks A
Published: August 2015

Just as today's digital imaging products can be a great deal of help to Forensic Document Examiners, they also provide an opportunity for the creation of fraudulent documents. Part 2 of this paper will discuss two ways in which the use of Adobe Photoshop 3.0 might cause some real headaches in Questioned Document examinations.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis on DNA from Human Compact Bone
Authors: Rankin DR , Narveson SD , Birkby WH , Lai J
Published: August 2015

DNA typing techniques primarily identify specific genetic markers that are highly polymorphic within a population and have found great utility in forensic science. The established DNA identification protocol, termed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), has been admitted as physical evidence in the investigation of crimes such as assault, sexual assault, and homicide. The limitation associated with this procedure concerns the integrity of the genetic material. This study sought to evaluate human bone as a source material for DNA identification following exposure to common forensic field conditions. Often, with the onset of decomposition and eventual disarticulation of a body, soft tissues, hair and teeth may not be recovered. The significance of this study lies in the fact that, within forensic anthropology, human bone represents the most biologically stable evidence and is sometimes all that remains after periods of exposure. Genomic DNA was extracted from human bone following exposure to surface deposit, shallow burial, and fresh water immersion. Samples were collected over a three month time course and analyzed by spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis as well as RFLP analysis. The data suggest that high molecular weight DNA may indeed be extracted from human bone and typed by RFLP analysis for use in forensic identification. Under simulated forensic field conditions, the severity of DNA degradation was in the order of fresh water immersion > shallow burial > surface deposit. Genomic DNA from bone deposited on the desert surface for up to 4 weeks was detected by RFLP analysis. No spurious bands were detected in any specimens, and to the extent that bands were still present, the RFLP patterns matched. These findings demonstrate that human bone can be a reliable source of genomic DNA, and that bone recovered from surface deposit is the most desirable for use in forensic identification.
Postmortem Diagnosis of Diabetic Metabolic Derangement: Elevated α1-Antitrypsin and Haptoglobin Glycosylation Levels as an Index of Antemortem Hyperglycemia
Authors: Ritz S , Mehlan G , Martz W
Published: August 2015

Fatal diabetic metabolic derangement is difficult to diagnose postmortem because of the paucity of characteristic morphologic findings. Hyperglycemia is an indicator of diabetic derangement. Conventional biochemical parameters for postmortem diagnosis of antemortem hyperglycemic states are not sufficiently resistant to antemortem and postmortem non-diabetic influences or are suited only for long and medium-term assessment of diabetes control. In the search for other, more reliable, indices of immediately antemortem blood glucose levels, we investigated the value of glycosylation levels of serum proteins with very brief biologic half-lives: a) In vitro studies were performed on the glycosylation course of the short-lived serum proteins α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) and haptoglobin (HP). b) Glycosylation levels were measured after purification of α1-AT and HP from sera of living and deceased non-diabetics and diabetics. c) The resistance of α1-AT and HP glycosylation levels to autolysis was investigated. Our studies revealed the following: 1) α1-AT and HP glycosylate considerably more rapidly than either albumin or hemoglobin. This rapid glycosylation, combined with the rapid turnover of both proteins, facilitates detection of short-term changes in glycemia. 2) α1-AT and HP glycosylation levels are autolysis-stable and can be assessed even after advanced hemolysis. 3) α1-AT and HP glycosylation levels appear to allow reliable ante- and postmortem discrimination between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic metabolic states. As a tool in the postmortem diagnosis of antemortem hyperglycemic states, α1-AT and HP glycosylation levels combine the advantages of a short-term parameter with resistance to non-diabetic influences.
Homicide in Newfoundland: A Nine-Year Review
Authors: Avis SP
Published: August 2015

Newfoundland has one of the lowest homicide rates in North America. The following study examined homicides in the province of Newfoundland for a nine-year period from 1985 to 1993. During this time there were 45 homicides, 25 male and 20 female victims with an average homicide rate of 0.74 per 100,000 persons. Sharp-force either by stabbing or incised wounds was the most common method followed by blunt-force and firearms. For sharp-force homicides the most frequent victim was a male between the ages of 31–40, while for firearm homicide the most frequent victim was female. A positive blood alcohol was found in almost 54% of victims tested but varied with the sex of the victim and the method of homicide used. Illicit drug use was not detected in any victim. The majority of victims knew their assailant, and the most frequent location for a homicide to occur were the victims home. There were two justifiable homicides during the study period.
On Pathways for Small Molecules Into and Out of Human Hair Fibers
Authors: Pötsch L , Moeller MR
Published: August 2015

This paper represents an experimental approach of histology of the human hair fiber in dyeing and diffusion phenomena and its contribution to the interpretation of hair analysis results for drug abuse. Rhodamine B was applied to human hair fibers from either aqueous solution or methanol/ethanol solvent. The experiments were performed on natural hair of different ethnic groups as well as on extensively bleached hair strands. The microscopical study of the pathway of diffusion of rhodamine B into the hair fibers indicated that the reagent had entered the unmodified fibers at the scale edges between the cuticle cells. At the beginning of the diffusion process intercellular diffusion was the preferred route predominantly along the nonkeratinous regions of the cell membrane complex (CMC) and intermacrofibrillar cement. Penetration into the high sulfur regions of the fiber occurred as dyeing in aqueous solution proceeded and resulted in evenly stained cross sections. The dye distribution pattern observed in natural hair exposed to nonaqueous solution showed that rhodamine B did not penetrate the cortex cells as easy as from aqueous solution and selectively stained nonkeratinous regions only. The determination of the amount of dye taken up by the fibers by spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated that samples diffusion generally increased by time and temperature. It also depended on the morphology of the hair sample. The penetration of rhodamine B from aqueous solution was much greater than from methanol/ethanol solvent.
The Effect of Postmortem Interval on the Concentrations of Cocaine and Cocaethylene in Blood and Tissues: An Experiment Using Rats
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y
Published: August 2015

Cocaine and cocaethylene concentrations in blood and tissues at early stages postmortem (0–6 h) were investigated using alcohol-treated rats. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry following a liquid/liquid extraction procedure was employed to detect these drugs. Calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 0 to 2,500 ng/mL with correlation coefficients of 0.9999 and 0.9998 for cocaine and cocaethylene, respectively. In a group treated with cocaine and ethanol orally, the liver lost over 25% of the cocaine present at death after 1 h. Conversely, the hepatic cocaethylene concentrations at this time reached more than twice those at death. Thereafter, the hepatic concentrations of cocaine and cocaethylene were maintained at a constant level until 6 h postmortem. Similar results were obtained with rats given cocaine intramuscularly. No changes in the cocaine and cocaethylene concentrations in any other tissues during the 6-h of postmortem period were observed. The forensic pathologist and toxicologist should be aware of these phenomena when selecting postmortem specimens for the analysis of cocaine and cocaethylene and take them into account when interpreting the results.
A PCR-Based Strategy for ABO Genotype Determination
Authors: Ladd C , Bourke MT , Scherczinger CA , Pagliaro EM , Gaensslen RE , Lee HC
Published: August 2015

The ABO blood group system has been widely used in forensic serology. Several techniques have been developed which detect ABH antigens. To overcome the problems associated with conventional methods such as bacterial contamination, extreme environmental conditions, antigen activity, non-secretor issues, and non-specific absorption, several new strategies have been employed to detect ABO genotypes by PCR. We have developed improved amplimers for the glycosyl transferase locus on chromosome 9 and examined the suitability of PCR-based ABO genotyping for forensic identification. We show that the ABO system is primate specific and that DNA extracted from various tissues commonly encountered in criminal cases can be quickly and reliably typed by ABO-PCR. The results indicate that ABO genotyping by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion of the amplified product is a useful procedure for forensic analysis that can provide additional discriminating power compared to conventional immunological methods.
A Simplified Amplification Procedure for Two Regions of the Glycosyl Transferase (ABO Blood Group) Gene
Authors: Herrin G
Published: August 2015

The ability to classify the ABO blood group of physiological stains has been an important tool for forensic scientists. A streamlined method for the determination of glycosyl transferase (ABO) genotypes using PCR amplification is described and validated here. Successful amplification and typing is possible with 1–2 ng template DNA. Concordance studies with samples of known types and nonprobative forensic casework samples were performed. Bloodstains from a single individual from one case produced results discrepant from those obtained by conventional serological ABO typing. All other samples produced results in complete agreement with expected ABO phenotypes. The method described here is relatively simple to perform, requires minimal template DNA and can be completed in less than one day.
HUMTH01 Validation Studies: Effect of Substrate, Environment, and Mixtures
Authors: van Oorschot RAH , Gutowski SJ , Robinson SL , Hedley JA , Andrew IR
Published: August 2015

New DNA typing methods need to be thoroughly validated prior to use in forensic investigations. This includes determining the effects different sample conditions have on the typeability of those samples. Biological samples routinely encountered in forensic case work were exposed to a series of different substrates, environmental conditions, and mixtures and typed for the STR HUMTH01 using PCR. None of the conditions resulted in a false typing or preferential allele amplification. It is demonstrated that the application of HUMTH01 typing methods in forensic case work can be reliable, robust, and efficient.
A Convenient Derivatization Method for the Determination of Amphetamine and Related Drugs in Urine
Authors: Jonsson J , Kronstrand R , Hatanpää M
Published: August 2015

The most commonly abused CNS stimulant in Sweden is amphetamine followed by phenmetrazine. Methamphetamine and phentermine are rarely seen but still of interest. This paper describes a rapid and sensitive method for the analysis of amphetamine, methamphetamine, phentermine, and phenmetrazine in urine using gas chromatography with nitrogen sensitive detection (GC-NPD). The method also qualitatively determines ephedrine and norephedrine. The derivatization was carried out at room temperature with methyl chloroformate to form the corresponding carbamates. Other chloroformate analogues were also tested. Because methyl chloroformate is relatively stable in the presence of water the extraction and derivatization were combined in one step. A concentration step was not necessary to achieve sufficient sensitivity. The recovery was more than 83% for all analytes. The LOQ was 0.05, 0.03, 0.07 and 0.01 (μg/mL urine) for amphetamine, methamphetamine, phentermine and phenmetrazine respectively. The cut-off was set at 0.2 μg/mL. The within-day and between-day relative standard deviation (RSD) for amphetamine were 2.2% (n = 9) and 4.7% (n = 5) respectively. There was a good quantitative correlation (r2 = 0.995) between GC-NPD using chloroformate derivatives and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFA) as derivatizing agent for the determination of amphetamine in authentic samples.
Standardization Model for Describing the Extent of Burn Injury to Human Remains
Authors: Glassman DM , Crow RM
Published: August 2015

This paper provides a model for standardizing descriptions of the extent of burn injury to human bodies consumed in fire. Its intent is to simplify and make comparable case reports and legal descriptions by medical examiners, pathologists, crime scene investigators, forensic odontologists, forensic anthropologists, fire fighters, paramedics, and others responsible for recovery, analysis, or identification of burn victims. The Crow-Glassman scale (CGS) is divided into five levels depicting increasing destruction to the body relative to burn injury. Each level relates to a unique set of circumstances that may affect on the recovery procedure, analysis strategy for identification, and choice of personnel most suited for making identifications.
Fatal Accidental Ingestion of Carbon Tetrachloride: A Postmortem Distribution Study
Authors: Tombolini A , Cingolani M
Published: August 2015

This paper reports a fatality involving a 75-year-old white male, who ingested an unknown quantity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)—a toxic agent able to induce central neryous system depression and severe renal and hepatic damage—and who died after two days of intensive care. The analytical assessment of CCl4 concentration was performed on several biological fluids and tissues employing gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) head space method. Both urine (328.5 mg/L) and bile (169.8 mg/L) had high concentrations of CCl4, proving that the chemical undergoes extensive urinary and biliary excretion. In accordance with the high clearance power of lungs, systemic venous blood, (143.4 mg/L) had a concentration of CCl4 almost two and half times greater than in arterial blood (57.5 mg/L), representing the best specimen to correlate CCl4 blood concentration with the deep of narcosis. Vitreous humor, (170.5 mg/L) concentration of CCl4 proves the capability of the chemical to enter eyes and its relatively slow release into the systemic blood. Pancreas (657.9 mg/kg), brain (243 mg/kg) and testis (237.3 mg/kg) have great affinity for CCl4. The concentrations of the chemical in brain are cortex: 243.2 mg/kg, basal ganglia: 216.1 mg/kg, medulla oblongata: 243.3 mg/kg and crebellum: 175.3 mg/kg. As the depth of narcosis is correlated with CCl4 concentration, brain represents the most suitable tissue for toxicologic analysis. Lower concentrations of the chemical are found in lungs (127.3 mg/kg), kidneys (150.5 mg/kg), muscle (71.1 mg/kg), myocardium (78.5 mg/kg) and spleen (68.3 mg/kg). Liver (58.6 mg/Kg), a frequently analyzed tissue in forensic toxicology, shows the lowest concentration.
The Analysis of Small Glass Fragments Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Parouchais T , Warner IM , Palmer LT , Kobus H
Published: August 2015

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using solution nebulization has the ability to analyze up to 70 elements with good precision, accuracy, and sensitivity and is, therefore, well suited for the trace element analysis of glass. However, the technique places severe restrictions on sample preparation. High concentrations of acids or dissolved solids, changes in sample viscosity and molecular compound formation can cause physical, spectral and chemical interference. Solubilization of the glass samples based on a three acid digestion procedure (HF, HNO3, HCl 2:1:1) has been found to minimize these problems. Up to 62 elements have been determined in a range of glass samples. Glasses that could not be distinguished on the basis of refractive index measurement could be discriminated. A procedure of measuring a range of elemental ratios, which eliminated the need for weighing, was used to compare small samples typical of casework.
Producing STR Locus Patterns from Bloodstains and Other Forensic Samples Using an Infrared Fluorescent Automated DNA Sequencer
Authors: Roy R , Steffens DL , Gartside B , Jang GY , Brumbaugh JA
Published: August 2015

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is increasingly being used in forensic case analysis because of the large number of STR loci in the human genome and their highly polymorphic nature. An automated DNA sequencer using high sensitivity infrared (IR) fluorescence technology was used to detect STR allele patterns from simulated forensic samples. The amplification strategy used a 19 base pair extension on the 5′ end of one of the PCR primers. This sequence is identical to the sequence of a universal M13 Forward sequencing primer which is included in the amplification reaction. Allelic bands were detected by incorporation of the M13 primer-fluorescent dye conjugate into PCR products thus eliminating the need for direct conjugation of fluorescent dye to individual STR primers.

By using an IR-based automated DNA sequencer and Tth DNA polymerase, polymorphic STR alleles were detected on-line rapidly and efficiently from bloodstains using only a high temperature incubation to extract DNA from blood cells. Five STR loci were also amplified using Chelex extracted DNA from simulated forensic samples. Multiplexing of three primer pairs in a single PCR mixture for amplification was accomplished using Taq polymerase.

This system combines IR fluorescence chemistry and laser technology thus eliminating the need for radioactivity and the gel handling required with silver staining and fluor detection systems. Real-time detection permits immediate visualization of the data and STR alleles are displayed as familiar autoradiogramlike images that can be analyzed by computer. By loading a 64 lane gel twice and multiplexing with three primer pairs, forensic scientists can type at least three loci from 120 samples in one day.
Continuous River Monitoring of the Diatoms in the Diagnosis of Drowning
Authors: Ludes B , Coste M , Tracqui A , Mangin P
Published: August 2015

The diagnosis of drowning is one of the most difficult in forensic pathology. Diatom analysis has been proposed to provide supportive evidence of drowning but the reliability and applicability of quantitative and qualitative diatom analysis in the diagnosis of drowning is still disputed in the literature. In order to further examine such cases, the authors report the development of a water monitoring system based on algae performed each month at three aquatic locations where drowning victims are frequently found. Water samples and stones were taken from the surface and from the bed of the river. This protocol was performed during 1993 with analyses both on water samples and human tissue samples (30 bodies). The diatom profile of the drowning sites was compared with the tissue analysis. The extraction of diatoms from the tissues was performed with an enzymatic digestion method using Proteinase K.

Results indicate that the monitoring of river diatom populations is an accurate method of generating profiles of the river flora, which can then be compared with the diatom genera found in tissues.
An Investigation of Medical Examiner Cases in Which Methadone Was Detected, Harris County, Texas, 1987–1992
Authors: Barrett DH , Luk AJ , Gibson Parrish R , Stephen Jones T
Published: August 2015

In 1991, media reports of an increase in the number of deaths attributed to methadone toxicity in Harris County, Texas, raised public concern about the safety of methadone. This concern was heightened by publicity surrounding the closure of three Harris County methadone maintenance treatment programs due to their poor compliance with federal methadone regulations. In response to this concern, the Texas Department of Public Health requested that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assist in an epidemiologic study to determine the extent of methadone-related mortality in Harris County during 1991 and to determine the role of methadone maintenance treatment in these deaths.

We reviewed cases investigated by the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office from 1987 through 1992 in which methadone was detected by postmortem drug testing. The autopsy reports for cases occurring in 1991 were also reviewed by three independent forensic pathologists who were asked to determine the role of methadone in the death. In addition, we attempted to document Harris County methadone maintenance treatment program enrollment for each decedent.

We identified 91 decedents in whom methadone was detected at the time of death, with the largest number of cases occurring in 1991 (n = 27). Other substances, including alcohol, were detected in 85% of the cases. The Harris County Medical Examiner attributed 11 of the deaths to methadone toxicity. No more than three cases per year from 1987 through 1992 were attributed to methadone toxicity. In contrast, 34 deaths were attributed to polydrug toxicity, the largest number occurring in 1991 (n = 11). There was good agreement between the results of the independent review and the opinions of the Harris County Medical Examiner. Only 20% of the decedents were found to have been enrolled in a Harris County methadone maintenance treatment program at the time of death. Four people died of drug toxicity shortly after enrolling in a methadone maintenance treatment program.

We found an increase in the number deaths occurring in Harris County, Texas, in 1991 in which methadone was detected. We also found that methadone blood levels were higher among decedents identified for 1991 and 1992 than among those identified in the previous years studied. However, we did not find evidence that the cause of these deaths could be attributed solely to methadone toxicity. Instead, for all years studied, the use of multiple drugs was the leading cause of death among people in whom methadone was detected. This finding points out the difficulties involved in determining the role of methadone as a cause of death.
Image Enhancement of RFLP Autoradiograms Through the Use of Neutral Density Filters
Authors: Barna CE , Buel E
Published: August 2015

Autorads that were difficult to size due to unequal band intensities were evaluated and a simple inexpensive procedure developed to allow accurate sizing of these unbalanced films. The procedure uses neutral density filters to increase the working range of video systems employed in autorad assessment.
Post-Amplification Primer Extension of Heat-Denatured AmpliType® PCR Products: Effects on Typing Results
Authors: Grow M , Phillips V , Reynolds R
Published: August 2015

Alleles of the HLA DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HGBB, D7S8 and GC loci, which are amplified using the AmpliType® PM PCR Reaction Mix and Primer Set, can be detected using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes immobilized on a nylon membrane strip. Using reagents supplied in AmpliType PCR Amplification and Typing Kits, patterns of blue dots corresponding to particular alleles are visualized on the DNA probe strips. Frequently, the correct interpretation of typing results is dependent not only on the presence of probe signals but also on their relative intensities. The relative probe signal intensities obtained from an undegraded DNA sample extracted from a single individual will be different from those obtained from degraded DNA and from samples containing DNA from more than one source. Because probe signal intensity is an essential consideration for interpretation, factors that can influence it need to be identified. Clearly, the time and temperature of the assay steps and the salt concentration in the typing solutions can affect probe signal intensity. Also, if heat-denatured PCR products are allowed to cool for several minutes, the strands will reanneal and become unavailable for binding to the probes immobilized on the strips. However, the selective loss of GC B and HLA DQA1 4.1 probe signals observed after shorter cooling times cannot be explained by these factors. We demonstrate that following heat denaturation of PM PCR products there is sufficient residual Taq DNA polymerase activity to extend primers as the solution cools and that this primer extension occurs at a more rapid rate than PCR product reannealing. Primer extension across probe binding sites will prevent hybridization of the PCR product to complementary probes on the strip. The extent of signal reduction is dependent on the position of the probe binding site relative to the 3′ ends of the primers and on the strand to which the probe is complementary. We recommend a simple modification to the AmpliType typing protocol to ensure all probe binding sites will be available for hybridization to PM and HLA DQA1 DNA probe strips.
An Introduction to the Gel Pen
Authors: Gernandt MN , Urlaub JJ
Published: August 2015

A new “class” of writing ink, whose ink has new chemical features, is being introduced into the United States from Japan. The new ink is known as gel ink and it is water-based. It can be differentiated from the traditional water-based roller ball and porous tip class of writing inks by its chemical composition and physical properties. Gel inks differ from other water-based inks by the incorporation of colored pigments to give the inks a full range of colors without the use of colored dyestuffs commonly used in water-based inks. Other differences include gel ink's high viscosity, leading to the name “gel ink.” The gel pen is visually identifiable and different in appearance from other writing instruments by its clear outside barrel and fill tube, which contains the pigmented gel ink. The pen housing and fill tube is clear in order to display the actual color of ink. The plastic fill tube will be a larger diameter than the tube found in a ballpen and will contain a clear silicon grease plug. Gel inks are tested and differentiated from other writing inks by the same battery of tests used in the past. Nondestructively, gel pen writing can be visually examined for ink absorption into the paper fibers, color difference and overall line quality of the writing. Ultraviolet and infrared light examinations will also aid in differentiating gel inks from other writing inks. Destructive methods of testing gel ink may prove to be the most identifiable and demonstrative of all the available tests. Thin layer chromatography may be used to separate detectable components of inks. Gel inks that contain pigments and no dyestuffs for separation, will have a negative reaction in this area. The gel pen is a unique writing instrument because of the chemistry in the gel coupled with a new pen design. The water-based gel ink is environmentally friendly and permanent. These attributes may allow the gel pen a sizeable impact on the U.S. market.
Elimination of Fluconazole Interference in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometric Confirmation of Benzoylecgonine, the Major Metabolite of Cocaine Using Pentafluoropropionyl Derivative
Authors: Dasgupta A , Mahle C , McLemore J
Published: August 2015

Cocaine is a widely abused drug and causes death from overdose. Benzoylecgonine, the major metabolite of cocaine in urine is usually confirmed after derivatization by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to demonstrate cocaine abuse. Recently, Wu et al. demonstrated that fluonazole coelutes with benzotlecgonine after conversion to trimethylsilyl analogs and causes false-negative result in the confirmation test. However, fluconazole did not interfere with the screening assay using a enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique. We demonstrated that by converting benzoylecgonine to the corresponding pentafluoropropionyl derivative, the interference of fluconazole can be completely eliminated. The pentafluoropropionyl derivative of benzoylecgonine eluted at 14.7 min while the derivatized fluconazole eluted at 15.6 min. The mass spectral fragmentation pattern of derivatized benzoylecgonine was distinctively different from the mass spectral features of derivatized fluconazole in both electron ionization and chemical ionization mode of operation of mass spectrometers. The quantitation of benzoylecgonine in positive urine specimens has not affected when the specimens were supplemented with 50 μg/mL of fluconazole.
Two Fatal Cases of Dichloromethane or Chloroform Poisoning
Authors: Kim NY , Park SW , Suh JK
Published: August 2015

The two cases presented here involve deaths that were due to dichloromethane or chloroform poisoning. The dichloromethane and chloroform were determined in biological specimens by headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector. In one case, dichloromethane concentrations found were 252 mg/L (blood), 75 mg/kg (brain) and 30 mg/kg (heart). From the case investigation, it was determined that the death was accidental but related to the dichloromethane poisoning. In the other case, chloroform concentrations were 60 mg/kg (blood) and 14 mg/kg (lungs), respectively. This case, the cause of death was chloroform poisoning by forced inhalation in addition to oronasal obstruction.
Postmortem Stability of Cocaine and Cocaethylene in Blood and Tissues of Humans and Rabbits
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y
Published: August 2015

A study was conducted to examine the postmortem stability of cocaine and cocaethylene in rabbit blood and tissues, and to determine whether cocaethylene is produced in decomposed human specimens containing cocaine and endogenous ethanol. Heart blood, liver, brain and femoral muscle taken from rabbits 20 min after oral administration of 20 mg/kg cocaine together with 2 g/kg ethanol were kept at 20–25°C for 5 days. Cocaine and cocaethylene concentrations were in the order brain>liver>muscle>blood, and showed very large intersubject variations at the time of death. Cocaine was degraded rapidly in the blood and liver. However, 12.0 ± 8.5% and 26.2 ± 19.4% of the original cocaine was still detectable in the brain and muscle, respectively. Cocaethylene was degraded more slowly than cocaine in all of the specimens. The pH of the blood remained around 7.4 during a 5-day period; all the other specimens showed pH values of 6.2–6.7 on and after the first day postmortem. When 10,000 ng/g cocaine was incubated with decomposed human blood, liver, brain and muscle homogenates containing 0.29–0.60 mg/g endogenous ethanol at 20–25°C and 37°C, no change in cocaine concentration was observed during the study period of 24 h, and no cocaethylene was detected. The pH values of the homogenates were within the range 4.2 to 5.2 at the beginning of the experiment. It was found that: 1) cocaethylene was more stable in postmortem specimens than cocaine; 2) muscle as well as brain was specimen of choice for detecting cocaine and cocaethylene postmortem; 3) cocaine was resistant to decomposition under acidic conditions; and 4) putrefactive bacteria had no ability to produce cocaethylene even in the presence of cocaine and endogenous ethanol.
Initial Studies on Insect Succession on Carrion in Southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Anderson GS , VanLaerhoven SL
Published: August 2015

This is the first report of an ongoing study of insect succession on carrion in British Columbia. Pig (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were used as human models to determine insect succession on carrion over time in an open, sunlit, rural area in summer in southwestern British Columbia, in order to begin a database of insect colonization of carrion in this province. Insects colonized the remains in sequence over 271 days postmortem. Some species, in particular, those in the Piophilidae and Dermestidae families, were collected earlier in the decomposition process than usually reported from other regions, probably indicating geographic variation in colonization times. Maggot activity raised internal carcass temperature, but minimum and maximum internal temperatures fluctuated more than ambient temperatures, with diel internal temperature differences of more than 35°C. Soil fauna also showed considerable changes in identity and number of species, and had not returned to pre-carcass levels 271 days postmortem.
The Incidence of Acute Cocaine or Methamphetamine Intoxication in Deaths Due to Ruptured Cerebral (Berry) Aneurysms
Authors: Davis GG , Swalwell CI
Published: August 2015

Acute intoxication with either cocaine or methamphetamine may contribute to formation and rupture of a berry aneurysm by causing transient hypertension and tachycardia. We report the results of a retrospective study to determine the incidence of acute cocaine or methamphetamine intoxication in deaths due to ruptured berry aneurysm in our jurisdictions. We reviewed all deaths from ruptured cerebral aneurysms that fell within our jurisdictions during the seven years from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 1993 and found 83 cases. The mechanism of death invariably involved subarachnoid hemorrhage, although some cases also had intracerebral hemorrhage. A history of drug abuse was found in 13 cases. Toxicological analysis was performed in 39 cases. Of these methamphetamine was detected in six cases and cocaine in three cases—an incidence of 21%. (In one case both methamphetamine and cocaine were detected.) The incidence of acute cocaine intoxication in all autopsies in Jefferson County was 13.6%. The incidence of methamphetamine intoxication in all autopsies in San Diego County was 4.9%.

Although the exact mechanism by which berry aneurysms form remains undetermined, research indicates that propagation and rupture of the aneurysm are aggravated by hypertension and tachycardia, both of which are pharmacologic side effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. Based on the preponderance of methamphetamine associated with deaths due to ruptured berry aneurysms it appears that methamphetamine is more toxic than cocaine, perhaps owing to the longer half-life of methamphetamine.
Caliber Estimation from Cranial Entrance Defect Measurements
Authors: Ross AH
Published: August 2015

Caliber estimation from entrance defects has long been rejected by forensic scientists. This appears to be a consequence of soft tissue perspective of forensic pathologists. This study examined the relation between caliber and cranial entrance defects and maximum cranial thickness. The calibers considered in this inquiry were .22, .25, .32, and .38. The sample consisted of 73 specimens obtained at autopsy (thirty-seven of .22 caliber, five of .25, six of .32, and twenty-five of .38).

To test the strength of the relation between caliber, minimum diameter, and maximum thickness Pearson correlation coefficients were conducted. The strongest relationship was observed between caliber and minimum diameter. A relationship between minimum diameter and maximum thickness was also observed. To test the null hypothesis that the mean minimum diameter is not significantly different between calibers an analysis of variance procedure was performed. The ANOVA yielded a strong relationship between dependent variable minimum diameter and caliber. Multiple regression analysis measuring the association between minimum diameter, caliber, and maximum thickness was also conducted. The Pr > F .0001 suggests that the overall model is significant.

Discriminant functions and canonical variables were obtained. Classification was first performed by using two values small and large calibers. The large caliber group consisted of .38, while the small caliber group included .22, .25, and .32. The correct classification rate using crossvalidation for large caliber is 86.96%, and 93.33% for the group small caliber. A narrower classification was also performed by using three values, .23 caliber (.22 and .25 calibers grouped), .32, and .38 as the criterion variable groups also using minimum diameter and maximum thickness as predictors. The correct classification rate using crossvalidation is 82.02% for .23 caliber, 73.94% for .38 caliber, and 16.67% for .32 caliber defects. The discriminant functions can be used with appropriate caution to classify observations into groups defined by caliber using minimum diameter and maximum thickness as the predictors. Caution is suggested when attempting to estimate caliber from defects that are not produced from the perpendicular entrance of a bullet.
Dangerous Delusional Misidentification and Homicide
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Harry BE , Leong GB , Weinstock R
Published: August 2015

A case involving a delusional misidentification syndrome associated with homicide is presented. The anglophonic literature concerning delusional misidentification and homicide is reviewed. Delusional misidentification may be a risk factor for potential violence toward others, including homicide of a delusionally misidentified person.
Purification and Determination Procedure of Coumarin Derivatives
Authors: Park SW , Seo BS , Kim EH , Kim DH , Paeng K-J
Published: August 2015

Anticoagulant coumarin derivatives, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, warfarin, and coumatetralyl were analyzed simultaneously with a modified analytical method. The method includes purification by Sep-Pak cartridge and HPLC analysis using isocratic elution with methanol: 0.8% Acetic acid (8:2). The recoveries of coumarin derivatives from biological samples ranged from 96 to 99%. The concentrations of coumarin derivatives in intoxicated rats' organ were also determined with this analytical procedure.
Chasing the Casing: A 38 Special Suicide
Authors: Skinker DM , Coyne CM , Lanham C , Hunsaker JC
Published: August 2015

Multiple self-inflicted gunshot wounds of the head are uncommon. Detailed history, scene investigation, autopsy findings, consideration of ballistics, and evidentiary proceedings are necessary to determine the manner of death in these cases.

This report involves a pattern of atypical, self-inflicted bullet wounds of the head of a 26-year-old male. Investigation confirmed that a single eyewitness and several earwitnesses reported a single discharge of a firearm. The eyewitness testified that the decedent singly discharged a Smith & Wesson revolver, caliber .38 Special, to the right side of his head after interposing several objects between the muzzle and his skin immediately prior to discharge. He was declared brain dead two days later.

At necropsy two contiguous atypical entry wounds were present in the right preauricular temple. The inferior wound was interpreted to be a near contact wound. The gray metal slug fragmented, creating separate tracks to the right maxillary sinus and the mid left posterior cerebrum, respectively. The larger, atypical wound of entry was associated with passage of the projectile through the right temporalis muscle and squamous temporal bone. The projectile, consisting of a slightly distorted empty metallic cartridge case containing a “live” primer, was recovered from its point of final lodgment in the right temporal lobe.

The literature addressing paired entry wounds following single discharge of the firearm with interposed targets is relatively sparse. Cases reporting multiple bullet wounds involving suicide are only sporadically reported. This report summarizes the investigative findings supporting the determination of the manner of death and revealing the interesting origin of the “misplaced” casing.
Walkeway Safety: An Overview
Authors: Marpet MI
Published: August 2015

At the 1995 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Seattle, Washington, the Engineering Science section hosted two program sessions on walkway safety. Of the dozen papers presented at that meeting, five papers were distilled into four of the six papers, technical reports, and case reports which follow in this journal. The two other papers were first submitted to the Journal of Forensic Sciences, and later abstracted and presented at the walkway-safety track in the Engineering Science section of the 1996 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Together, the six papers that follow this introduction should give the reader an understanding of many of the major issues in walkway safety.
On Threshold Values That Separate Pedestrian Walkways That Are Slip Resistant from Those That Are Not
Authors: Marpet MI
Published: August 2015

Pedestrian accidents generate significant direct, morbidity and mortality costs. Slip accidents are generally a result of a number of factors. One factor that has received considerable attention is the walkway-surface slipperiness. It is desirable to be able to isolate, to the extent possible, the contribution of the walkway surface to slipperiness.

It has been the practice of those involved in evaluating walkway slip resistance to test the floor against a standard test foot under specified conditions and compare the results of that testing against a threshold. Those walkway surfaces that produce a friction coefficient above the threshold are considered acceptable.

Past and present tests and associated thresholds are discussed. Abuse issues are discussed.

It is recommended that field tests measure the available friction with a tribometer capable of correctly characterizing the friction model experienced by the pedestrian and compare that against a utilized friction threshold, determined by normative or force-plate means, for activities foreseeable in the area where a fall occurs.
Viscoelastic Characteristics of Typical Shoe Outsole Materials and Their Effects on Walkway Friction Models
Authors: Medoff HP
Published: August 2015

The physical laws governing the forces encountered when two materials in contact move, or tend to move, relative to another, have been developed over the last three hundred years. The assumptions used in these theories considered materials to be elastic in nature. A number of problems arise in applying these theories to footwear outsole materials. For example, the materials can be viscoelastic, which can alter their response to applied loads. Friction in elastomers has been shown to be made up of two different terms: adhesion and deformation. Waves of detachment have been observed in sliding elastomers that are the result of viscoelastic instability at the contact surface. Although this has been established in various laboratory tests, it has not been shown that typical conditions encountered during gait (forces, walking/sliding speed, temperatures, pressures) fit the adhesion/deformation model of elastomers. Available methods to measure/simulate friction during gait are controversial. Viscoelastic materials properties can vary with rate of loading, including friction and mechanical. Tensile tests at various strain rates were performed on typical commercially available shoe outsole materials-leather, and Neolite®. The results did not show any significant trend with respect to strain rate and measured mechanical properties.