bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Drug Abuse Lead to Criminal Behavior? An Analysis Based on Criminal Registers of 117 Drug-Related Deaths, Examined in 1992 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Risser D , Bönsch A , Schneider B
Published: August 2015

That there is a link between drug abuse and criminal behavior has been established. However, explaining the nature of this relationship has proven difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the traditional view that drug abuse leads to future criminal behavior holds true in case of the drug-related deaths examined in 1992 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Vienna, Austria. For this purpose postmortem reports and criminal registers of 117 drug-related deaths were analyzed. A total of 43% of the examined sample had no criminal register. Regarding age at time of death there was no difference between those with or without a criminal register. A total of 57% had at least one conviction. A minority committed about one third of offenses. Property offenses were the most frequent type. Those who started their criminal history with a property offense were younger at time of first conviction and committed more offenses during their life. In summary, the traditional view that drug abuse leads to future criminal behavior does not seem to hold true in case of the drug-related deaths examined in 1992 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Vienna, Austria. The results of this retrospective study speak in favor of a view that drug abuse may be a part of contemporary delinquent behavior, rather than the cause of criminality.
Postmortem Drug Metabolism by Bacteria
Authors: Robertson MD , Drummer OH
Published: August 2015

Studies were undertaken to determine the possible role of enteric bacteria in the postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam. Flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam were completely metabolized in blood in the presence of eight species of enteric bacteria to their respective 7-amino-metabolites. The rates of metabolism, at 37°C, ranged from 0.1 ng/mL/min for Streptococcus faecalis to 8.8 ng/mL/min for Clostridium perfringens. The rate of conversion was reduced to 87% by a combination of 0.7% (w/v) sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, and almost completely inhibited (96%) by 1% (w/v) sodium fluoride. pH had variable effects on the rate of metabolic bioconversion of nitrobenzodiazepines, while increasing temperatures were found to generally increase the rate of nitrobenzodiazepine bioconversion. These data support the proposal that bacteria may mediate postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines.
Cocaine, Opiates, and Ethanol in Homicides in New York City: 1990 and 1991
Authors: Tardiff K , Marzuk PM , Leon AC , Hirsch CS , Stajić M , Portera L , Hartwell N
Published: August 2015

Studies using medical examiner cases are useful in monitoring drug use in special populations. This study assesses the presence of cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE), opiates and ethanol in all homicide victims who were injured and who survived two hours or less after injury in 1990 and 1991 in New York City. There were 2824 homicides in the study period and cocaine and/or BE were found in 884 (31.3%) of cases. In over half of the cases positive for cocaine/BE, ethanol or opiates were found. African-Americans and Latinos were much more likely than whites or Asians to be positive for cocaine/BE. There were no differences between men and women in regard to being positive for cocaine/BE. Cocaine/BE was most frequently identified among victims 25 to 44 years of age. Males were more likely to be positive for ethanol. There were no differences among age groups or ethnic groups in regard to ethanol except for a very low ethanol incidence among Asians. Victims positive for cocaine/BE were more likely to be killed with firearms in open places. The percentage of victims positive for cocaine/BE remains approximately that found by other studies in the late 1980s, however, the percentage of opiate-positive homicides seems to be increasing. Opiates usually were found with cocaine/BE. Two-thirds of the cocaine and/or BE positive cases had cocaine present, thus they were under the influence of the drug at the time they were injured. The authors discuss how the use of cocaine, ethanol and opiates may be related to one's becoming a homicide victim.
Synthesis and Characterization of the 2,3-Methylenedioxyamphetamines
Authors: Casale JF , Hays PA , Klein RFX
Published: August 2015

Synthetic methods and spectroscopic and chromatographic data are provided for four 2,3-methylenedioxyamphetamines (2,3-MDA, N-methyl-2,3-MDA, N-ethyl-2,3-MDA and N,N-dimethyl-2,3-MDA). These compounds are aromatic positional isomers of the corresponding 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines, which are well known, widely abused central nervous system stimulants with euphoric properties. Direct spectroscopic and chromatographic comparisons of the two isomeric series indicate that the 2,3-MDA's may be easily and unambiguously differentiated from the corresponding 3,4-MDA's via standard analytical methodologies.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Typing of DNA Extracted from Nasal Secretions
Authors: Tahir MA , Caruso JF , Hamby PP , Sovinski SM , Tahir UA
Published: August 2015

The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of blood, semen, and other body fluids, has become increasingly important in violent criminal cases. The identification of additional tissues suitable for comparison with suspected donors has obvious potential benefit. One type of tissue, that found in nasal secretions, has previously received little attention with regards to genetic analysis. We collected blood and nasal secretion samples from eight individuals, subjected them to traditional RFLP typing methods, and analyzed the results using probes for loci D2S44, D1S7, D10S28, D4S139, and D17S79. All nasal samples provided high DNA yields and hybridization results that matched the corresponding blood standards. Thus, nasal secretions are shown to have potentially significant evidentiary value.
Identification and Quantitation of Norcocaine in Illicit Cocaine Samples
Authors: Kumar A , Kiser WO
Published: August 2015

A gas chromatographic method for determining norcocaine concentration in cocaine powder is presented. The lower detection limit was 0.01%. GC/MS was used to confirm the presence of norcocaine. Norcocaine concentrations in 170 of 198 illicit cocaine samples tested ranged from 0.01% to 3.70%, with an average of 0.54%. Norcocaine was not detected in 28 of the 198 samples.
Viscosity Comparisons of Polydimethylsiloxane Lubricants in Latex Condom Brands via Fourier Self-Deconvolution of their FT-IR Spectra
Authors: Blackledge RD
Published: August 2015

Many brands of latex condoms use a polydimethylsiloxane lubricant. The lubricant viscosity in ten different brands was compared by determining the average chain length through the ratio of the dimethyl to trimethyl peak area obtained after applying the resolution enhancement technique of Fourier self-deconvolution to their diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectra in the area around 800 cm−1.
Sensitive Detection of Strychnine in Biological Samples by Gas Chromatography with Surface Ionization Detection
Authors: Ishii A , Hattori H , Seno H , Kumazawa T , Suzuki O
Published: August 2015

Strychnine was found measurable with high sensitivity by gas chromatography (GC) with surface ionization detection (SID) and using brucine as the internal standard. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 62.5 to 1000 pg, on column. The detection limit of strychnine was about 50 pg on column (2.5 ng/mL sample); the sensitivity was 70 times higher than that reported by high-performance liquid chromatography. A detailed procedure for extraction of strychnine from human whole blood and urine was established using Sep-Pak C18 cartridges; the recovery of strychnine and brucine, which had been spiked in both body fluids, was about 90%.
A Fatality and the American Mountain Lion: Bite Mark Analysis and Profile of the Offending Lion
Authors: Rollins CE , Spencer DE
Published: August 2015

Attacks on humans by mountain lions have been infrequent in the history of the United States. Of the 64 authenticated attacks since 1890 in North America, there have been 13 fatalities. This paper reports a case of an adult mountain lion which attacked and killed a female jogger during the spring of 1994 in California. The lion left an imprint of its teeth on the victim's chin. The authors used this bite mark to aid authorities in profiling the approximate age and gender of the attacking animal. The authors subsequently utilized bite mark analysis to establish that the lion actually responsible for the attack had been removed from the area.
Sexual Asphyxiation: An Unusual Case Involving Four Male Adolescents
Authors: Burch PM , Case MES , Turgeon R
Published: August 2015

A case of sexual asphyxiation is described involving children, adolescent males, homosexuality and two bizarre strangulations.

Two adolescent males (ages 13 & 10) initially engaged in homosexual activity in conjunction with sexual asphyxiation. This unusual activity was by chance observed by one of the boy's younger brother and his friend. The younger children (aged 7 & 8) expressed a desire to join in the activity, which they did by letting ligatures be tied around their necks and engaging in anal intercourse to the point of fatal asphyxiation.

This case is of interest in the reported way the younger boys discovered the practice (a sexually explicit magazine) and is unusual because of the young ages of the boys involved.
Detection of Drugs-of-Abuse in Meconium of a Stillborn Baby and in Stool of a Deceased 41-Day-Old Infant
Authors: Moriya F , Chan K-M , Noguchi TT , Parnassus WN
Published: August 2015

When blood or urine is unavailable, postmortem meconium or stool from infants or stillbirths can be used to detect drugs-of-abuse, thus providing datum in assessing drug-abuse exposure.

Two case reports illustrate how drugs-of-abuse findings in postmortem specimens were used to substantiate exposure prior to death or a history of maternal drug abuse. The first, a congenital hydrocephalus, born to a non-drug abusing mother, expired at the age of 41 days, had opiates in the stool by screening method, enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique, confirmed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis. Investigation revealed that morphine had been administered for three days prior to death. The second was a stillbirth infant born to a drug abuser. Almost equal amounts of benzoylecgonine were found in different bowel segments, a finding consistent with admitted cocaine use throughout pregnancy.
D1S80 Typing of DNA from Simulated Forensic Specimens
Authors: Baechtel FS , Presley KW , Smerick JB
Published: August 2015

The reliability of a D1S80 typing procedure has been evaluated using simulated forensic specimens. D1S80 alleles were detectable in DNA recovered from bloodstains exposed to sunlight for up to 20 weeks. However, D1S80 alleles were undetectable in semen stains after six weeks sunlight exposure. Analysis of blood and semen that had been deposited on a variety of substrates and examined over a twenty-week period, revealed no systematic influence of substrate on the ability to type D1S80. A study in which body fluids were exposed to household chemical substances, such as bleach, acids, oil, and gasoline, indicated that only HCI and bleach had a deleterious effect on the ability to type D1S80. In addition, personal care chemical products were without effect on D1S80 allele patterns derived from semen. Exposure of blood and semen to four different species of microorganisms resulted in no alteration of D1S80 genotype patterns in these body fluids. D1S80 genotypes could be reliably determined even when body fluids from different individuals were mixed. DNA from no animals other than humans and higher primates could be amplified at locus D1S80 when the DNA had been isolated through an organic procedure.

These studies, in concert with the reports of others, indicate that the procedures for the amplification and detection of genetic variation at locus D1S80 are suitable for use on forensic evidentiary materials.
An Evaluation of 42 Accelerant Detection Canine Teams
Authors: Tindall R , Lothridge K
Published: August 2015

It is estimated that over 200 accelerant detection canines (ADCs) are currently assisting in fire investigations throughout the United States. On many occasions, their ability and reliability have been called into question. The Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory evaluated 42 accelerant detection canine teams in their ability to discriminate between common accelerants and pyrolysis products, to detect common accelerants at low concentrations, to precisely locate accelerants and, to detect different classes of accelerants. Ultimately, the accuracy, dependability and overall effectiveness varied from canine to canine and handler to handler and appeared to be somewhat limited by the canine's training, handling and maintenance. While most of the canine teams performed extremely well and could be an asset to fire investigation, some proved to be unreliable. A universal endorsement or condemnation of all accelerant detection canines could not be made; however, endorsements of specific canine teams and trainers were possible. Every working canine team should be evaluated independently. Routine testing is imperative to establish the canine abilities and limitations.
Estimating Maggot Age from Weight Using Inverse Prediction
Authors: Wells JD , LaMotte LR
Published: August 2015

Forensic entomological evidence is most often used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). Satisfactory techniques have not been available to quantify the precision of such a PMI estimate. For Cochliomyia macellaria (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), we describe construction of a confidence interval on age of a larva, given its weight. The method requires a controlled experiment by which weights of larvae are observed at ages spread over sufficient range to cover the time from egg hatch up to postfeeding stage. A statistical model relating distributions of weights to age is formulated and fit to these data. We assumed a simple model in which both means and variances of weight distributions are linearly interpolated between sampled ages. The weight of a larva of unknown age is then compared to the fitted model via inverse prediction to compute the confidence interval on age of the larva.
Should Coroners Be Able to Recognize Unintentional Carbon Monoxide-Related Deaths Immediately at the Death Scene?
Authors: Risser D , Bönsch A , Schneider B
Published: August 2015

The aim of this retrospective survey of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna was to determine whether the cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis is a reliable finding for the coroner to suspect a carbon monoxide-related death immediately at the death scene. In addition, we investigated the recognition pattern of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths by Viennese coroners between 1984 and 1993. Therefore, we analyzed autopsy reports of postmortems performed at the Viennese Institute of Forensic Medicine between 1984 and 1993. The study involved 182 unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths: 92 females and 90 males. We found a strong association between the carboxyhemoglobin level and the cherry-pink coloring of livor motis. In 98.4% of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths livor mortis were clearly cherry-pink. During the 10-year study period Viennese coroners recognized only 61% of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths immediately at the death scene. The percentage of unrecognized carbon monoxide fatalities with a clear cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis almost doubled from 1984 to 1993. The older the victim, the worse the coroners recognition. In summary, we have shown that coroners should be able to recognize unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths immediately at the death-scene, because fresh corpses with carboxyhemoglobin levels greater than 31% show a clear cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis. Therefore, coroners should be encouraged to examine naked corpses thoroughly, especially regarding the color of livor mortis. Thus, a carbon monoxide-related death can be recognized immediately and the source of gas release identified as soon as possible protecting people who otherwise would also be at risk of poisoning. A careful investigation at the death-scene and a good degree of suspicion remain the key to early identification of such a hazard.
Coronary Artery Thromboembolism and Unexpected Death in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Stahl J , Santos LD , Byard RW
Published: August 2015

Two cases of unexpected death in childhood and adolescence associated with coronary artery thromboembolism are reported involving a 6-year-old girl with acute rheumatic fever and left ventricular vegetations, and an 18-year-old adolescent with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. Although coronary artery thromboembolism is rarely reported in childhood or adolescence, these cases demonstrate that careful examination of the coronary arteries during pediatric autopsy may be helpful in determining factors contributing to death, even at quite young ages. This is particularly so in the presence of predisposing cardiac pathology.
CEDIA for Screening Drugs of Abuse in Urine and the Effect of Adulterants
Authors: Wu AHB , Forte E , Casella G , Sun K , Hemphill G , Foery R , Schanzenbach H
Published: August 2015

The performance of the Microgenics CEDIA® DAU assays for screening amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencylidine (PC), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was evaluated on the Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi 717 in urine. Limits of detection ranged from 0.6 ng/mL for PCP, to 34.1 ng/mL for benzodiazepines. The average within run and total precision for these assays ranged from 1.3 to 7.3% for controls at cutoff concentrations, and control values at −25% and +25% of cutoffs. The rate separations by CEDIA between the negative and cutoff calibrators for all drugs were greater than corresponding EMIT II (Syva Co.) assays. The relative sensitivity and specificity of CEDIA as compared to EMIT II were 95.6 and 98.8%, respectively, on 13,535 urine samples. All positive samples, and those samples producing discordant results between the assays were confirmed by quantitative gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Using SAMHSA cutoff limits (and including barbiturates and benzodiazepines at 300 ng/mL), the relative sensitivity and specificity of CEDIA vs. EMIT II were 96.7 and 98.8%, respectively. The overall sensitivity of CEDIA vs. GC/MS was 98.9% with 179 false positives, as compared to 96.2% with 189 false positives for EMIT II vs. GC/MS. The effect of adulterants added to urine to potentially invalidate screening results was also tested. CEDIA produced strong interferences for most drug assays in the presence of glutaraldehyde, detergent, and high concentrations of bleach and Drano. Minimal or selective interferences were seen with golden seal tea lemon juice, Visine, and low concentrations of bleach and Drano. Essentially no interference was observed with bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and vinegar.
Testing Human Hair for Cannabis II. Identification of THC-COOH by GC-MS-NCI as a Unique Proof
Authors: Kintz P , Cirimele V , Mangin P
Published: August 2015

To validate information on cannabis use, 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic (THC-COOH) was investigated in human hair. The identification of THC-COOH in hair would document cannabis use more effectively than the detection of the parent drug which might have come from environmental exposure in a smoky atmosphere. Samples (100 mg) were decontaminated with methylene chloride and destroyed by incubation in 1 mL of 1 N sodium hydroxide for 30 min at 95°C in presence of 10 ng of THC-COOH-d3. After cooling, samples were extracted by n-hexane/ethyl acetate after acidification with acetic acid. After derivatization by PFPA-PFP-OH of the dry extract, drugs were separated on a HP1 capillary column, and detected by mass spectrometry (m/z 602) using negative chemical ionization with methane as reagent gas. Among 30 samples obtained from subjects deceased from fatal heroin overdose, 17 tested positive for THC-COOH, in the range 0.02–0.39 ng/mg, with an average of 0.12 ng/mg.
A New Europium Chelate as a Fluorescent Dye for Cyanoacrylate Pretreated Fingerprints—EuTTAPhen: Europium ThenoylTrifluoroAcetone Ortho-Phenanthroline
Authors: Lock ERA , Mazzella WD , Margot P
Published: August 2015

The use of luminescent dyes to enhance fingerprints developed with cyanoacrylate is now a well established procedure in most fingerprint laboratories. Misner, Wilkinson and Watkin [1] have proposed a new fluorescent dye using an Europium complex (TEC). The purpose of the present paper is to report on further studies of this dye (TEC) and some analogues. Preliminary tests on cyanoacrylate pretreated fingerprints showed that a formulation of EuTTAPhen (Europium ThenoylTrifluoroAcetone ortho-phenanthroline) was the most efficient complex giving the best luminescence intensity of the treated fingerprints, a Stokes shift of 262 nm and reduced practical drawbacks.
Elemental and Microscopic Analysis in the 1993 Soft Drink/Syringe Product Tampering Incidents
Authors: Heitkemper DT , Platek SF , Wolnik KA
Published: August 2015

Throughout the summer of 1993, a large number of alleged product tamperings were reported to the US Food and Drug Administration concerning medical syringes and numerous other items found in carbonated soft drinks. In response to several of these claims, FDA's National Forensic Chemistry Center (NFCC) utilized microscopic and elemental analysis to help establish the veracity of the allegations. The techniques used include inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, stereoscopic light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. This report describes, in part, studies which were performed in response to some specific product tampering scenarios.
Moves of Murder
Authors: Ballou SM
Published: August 2015

A missing person report was filed with the local Police Department. In the ensuing days it became apparent this was not just a missing person case when a bloody pillow and pillowcase were recovered from a wooded area not far from the missing woman's home. Careful examination of the pillowcase revealed fragments of a bloody fingerprint and bloody patterns that seemed to indicate the type of weapon used. A thorough search of the woman's bedroom resulted in the recovery of three small blood stains, a wig fiber and a head hair. Although the body of the victim was not recovered during the investigation, the evidence collected and techniques used by the forensic investigators resulted in a guilty plea to second degree murder.
Determination of Fentanyl in Hair: The Case of the Crooked Criminalist
Authors: Selavka CM , Mason AP , Riker CD , Crookham S
Published: August 2015

When a State Crime Laboratory Director found that fentanyl patches were missing from a case submission stored in his evidence vault, he performed an investigation of those members of his staff who had access to the materials. As part of this investigation, two staff members were forced to submit to hair testing for fentanyl and other opiates and opioids. This unusual testing protocol was used to identify a senior Criminalist as a chronic abuser of fentanyl, and led to the rapid resolution of the case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the forensic analysis of hair for drugs of abuse in which the technology was used to identify an individual as a chronic fentanyl abuser.
Biotransformation of Acetone to Isopropanol Observed in a Motorist Involved in a Sobriety Check
Authors: Jones AW , Andersson L
Published: August 2015

We report the identification of acetone (0.45 mg/mL) and isopropanol (0.17 mg/mL) but without the presence of ethanol in a blood sample from a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. A preliminary breath screening test with an electrochemical instrument (Alcolmeter S-L2) was positive and an evidential breath-test with a dual wavelength infrared analyzer (Intoxilyzer 5000), recognized the presence of an interferant in the subject's breath. The man admitted drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (vodka) the previous evening and was being treated by his doctor for hyperglycemia by special dietary control. This case scenario provides a good example of severe metabolic ketoacidosis in an ostensibly healthy man driving on the highway. Biotransformation of the abnormally high concentration of blood-acetone to isopropanol occurs through the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway.
Positive Identification By Post-Surgical Defects from Unilateral Lambdoid Synostectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Hogge JP , Messmer JM , Fierro MF
Published: August 2015

The comparison of pre- and postmortem radiographs as a method of identification of unknown human remains is well established in the forensic and radiologic literature. Identification can be based on a single bony feature when there is evidence of prior surgery, trauma or unusual anatomic variation. We present a case in which a positive identification was made using bony changes in the skull secondary to prior surgery for correction of unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis. The unusual radiographic appearance of the bony defect initially raised the question of trauma and foul play.
Confirmation of the Identity of Human Skeletal Remains Using Multiplex PCR Amplification and Typing Kits
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Budowle B , Borer UV , Rudin O , Bohnert M , Dirnhofer R
Published: August 2015

The identity of human skeletal remains found in a wooded area approximately one year after the person was reported missing was provisionally established by routine methods and circumstantial evidence. Multiplex PCR systems—the AmpliType® PM PCR Amplification and Typing Kit and the GenePrint™ STR Triplex Amplification and Typing Kit—were used to confirm the identification. DNA profiles from femur bone from the remains were compared with profiles derived from head hairs from a hairbrush recovered in the missing woman's apartment. In addition, a sex typing procedure using the X-Y homologous gene amelogenin was carried out. This is the first report of a case using commercially available multiplex PCR amplification and typing kits to confirm the identity of skeletal remains.
Toolmark Examinations—A Review of Its Development in the Literature
Authors: Springer E
Published: August 2015

The development of toolmark examinations in the literature is reviewed.
Separation of Latent Fingermark Residue by Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Bramble SK
Published: August 2015

A method for the separation of the lipid and nitrogeneous constituents of latent fingermarks using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is described. The lipid partition is separated into bands corresponding to fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, and triglyceride controls. Observation of developed plates using ultraviolet fluorescence detection in the region 310–390 nm has determined that the major fluorescent material is lipid in nature and runs with the squalene control band. After running, the TLC plates were treated with the following latent fingermark enhancement procedures: visible fluorescence, ninhydrin, 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one and physical developer. The technique provides an approach to understanding the chemical and photoluminescent processes of latent fingermark enhancement.
Arson Trend Increasing—A Real Challenge to Psychiatry
Authors: Räsänen P , Hakko H , Väisänen E
Published: August 2015

This research evaluated the arson trend in Finland since the 1960s by analyzing the Official Crime Statistics of Finland registered by the police and examined more detailed about arsonists (n = 98), who had been in the forensic psychiatric pretrial examination by using homicide offenders (n = 55) as control subjects. From 1965 to 1991 the percentage of arson in relation to all crimes increased fivefold and in the same timeframe the amount of arson increased nearly tenfold. According to the police in Finland there are committed over 700 arsons every year, of which 90% are committed by men. The percentage of women has however increased 0.2% yearly. Women today commit about 10% and juveniles 10 to 15% of all arsons. The arsonists differed from the homicide offenders regarding rural residence (P = 0.009), poor education (P = 0.004), absence of regular work at the time of the crime (P = 0.004), suicidality (P = 0.001), alcohol problems (P = 0.002), psychiatric care (P = 0.000,02) and arsonists more commonly found to be not responsible for the crime committed (P = 0.01).
Postmortem Acetaminophen Pharmacokinetics: An Experimental Study of Site and Time-Dependent Concentration Changes
Authors: Gomez HF , McKinney P , Phillips S , Roberts DV , Brent J , Watson WA
Published: August 2015

Postmortem blood drug concentrations are obtained routinely for assessment of the cause of mortality. However, the relationship of postmortem drug concentration to blood concentrations at the time of death remains poorly characterized. Using Ketamine sedation, 10 New Zealand white rabbits were sacrificed 20 minutes after oral gavage with liquid acetaminophen 160 mg/kg as a model drug. Blood samples were obtained from peripheral (femoral vein) and central sites (heart & inferior cava) over time and compared with heart blood concentrations obtained at the time of sacrifice. The mean ± SE antemortem acetaminophen concentration was 63.1 ± 14.6 mcg/mL. Postmortem central blood concentrations were as follows: T = 3 h: 200.8 ± 129.2 µg/mL, T = 6 h: 100.8 ± 39.6 µg/mL and T = 12 h: 480.8 ± 128.8 µg/mL. Postmortem peripheral site results were: T = 3 h: 50.2 ± 21.4 µg/mL, T = 6 h: 100.8 ± 18.1 and T = 12 h: 117.7 ± 37.2 µg/mL.

Overall, blood acetaminophen concentrations increased significantly over time for central sampling sites. Drug concentration increases seen in the central sampling sites were several times higher than that seen in peripheral blood. Blood samples taken from peripheral sites did not alter significantly. The results of this controlled study were consistent with previous autopsy case series and case reports suggesting that postmortem drug concentrations do not reflect premortem values. Variables affecting postmortem drug concentrations include both postmortem sampling time and anatomic blood collection site.
The Validity of Bitewing Radiographs for the Dental Identification of Children
Authors: Kogon SL , McKay AE , MacLean DF
Published: August 2015

Visual comparison of antemortem and postmortem bitewing radiographs of children and adolescents were made by observers with a range of experience using an established protocol. There was no statistically significant difference between the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the test results between children (6–9 years) and adolescents (8–11 years). The average sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the pooled results for children was marginally less than for adults, but the difference was not statistically significant.
The Differentiation of Illicit Methaqualone Tablet Formulations Using Principal Component and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy Analysis of Their Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectra
Authors: Van Zyl EF , Louw M
Published: August 2015

The viability of using principal component analysis (PCA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy analysis (SIMCA) of the near-infrared reflectance spectra of illicit methaqualone tablet formulations as an aid in sample differentiation was investigated.

Near-infrared spectra of ten different illicit species occurring on the South African market was obtained through direct diffuse reflectance measurements made on the tablet surfaces using a bidirectional fiber-bundle probe.

The learning set was analyzed using PCA and SIMCA and resolved in well-separated clusters thus making differentiation possible.
Casework Experience of GSR Detection in Israel, on Samples from Hands, Hair, and Clothing Using an Autosearch SEM/EDX System
Authors: Zeichner A , Levin N
Published: August 2015

Casework experience in the detection of GSR particles on samples from hands, hair and clothing is reported for the period of 6 years (1989–1994). The overall “success” rate on the examined samples is about 10%. Aspects of the sampling procedures, the number of particles detected per sample and problems of possible contamination are discussed.
Provenance and Authenticity of Roman Sculptures by Petrographic Techniques
Authors: Lazzarini L , Lombardi G
Published: August 2015

Forensic petrographic methods—such as microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thin section examination—applied to materials of archaeological interest—provided reliable answers to questions related to their provenance. It could be demonstrated that the patina on a Roman marble statue had been faked and that the genetic history of earthy incrustations on the sculptures and on a fragment of marble from an illegal excavation site was the same, therefore indicating a common provenance. Moreover, the same techniques proved that a terracotta fragment found in the belts of an excavator was from the same area as the illegal excavation site.
Visceral Larva Migrans Induced Eosinophilic Cardiac Pseudotumor: A Cause of Sudden Death in a Child
Authors: Boschetti A , Kasznica J
Published: August 2015

A case of fatal cardiac larva migrans in a 10-year-old boy is described. The autopsy findings were quite dramatic, with a bosselated, sessile polypoid mass involving the left ventricular myocardium and protruding into the ventricular lumen. The precise morphologic characterization of the zoonotic ascarid larva was impaired by advanced resorption of the larva by an inflammatory infiltrate. Nonetheless, morphometry of the larval remnants strongly suggested the raccon ascarid, Baylisascaris procyonis, as the causative agent.
A Survey and Comparison of Heroin Seizures in Israel During 1992 by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry
Authors: Levy R , Ravreby M , Meirovich L , Shapira-Heiman O
Published: August 2015

During 1992, a survey was performed on heroin powder exhibits seized throughout Israel. The main objectives were to detect salt forms and additives and compare the powders for intelligence and investigation purposes. A total of 3817 exhibits were scanned by FTIR; five major groups were distinguished: heroin free base, heroin base with caffeine, heroin base with paracetamol (acetaminophen), heroin base containing both caffeine and paracetamol, and a mixture of heroin base, heroin HCl and caffeine. In addition, 419 exhibits collected during a two month period were compared amongst themselves and categorized into sub-groups based on the similarity of their spectra. Based on this data, it was possible to define 116 different sub-groups, of which 56 sub-groups contained from 2 to 47 samples. Of the total number of cases tested, 78% were in the weight range 1 mg-1 g, that is, user quantities. Results were tabulated on both a geographical and monthly basis. Differences were found in the distribution of additives between different geographical areas of the country.
pH Indicators As Chemical Reagents for the Enhancement of Footwear Marks
Authors: Glattstein B , Shor Y , Levin N , Zeichner A
Published: August 2015

Enhancement of weak two-dimensional shoemarks is often necessary due to the poor image detail. Thiocyanate is regarded in the literature as the most effective reagent for the chemical enhancement of footwear marks. In this study we have examined the possibility of using pH indicators, Bromophenol Blue and Bromocresol Green, as chemical reagents for the enhancement of footwear marks. The performance of these reagents on various surfaces, such as plastic sheets, brown paper, cardboard, porcelain bathroom tiles and cotton cloth, was compared to that of the thiocyanate reagent. It was found that these reagents were much more effective than ammonium thiocyanate for the samples of shoeprints in various regions of Israel. The mechanism of chemical enhancement of footwear marks by these reagents was elucidated. A solution of 1% Bromophenol Blue and 5% of water in methanol was chosen as the Bromophenol Blue formulation in this laboratory for the chemical enhancement of shoeprints.
Navajo, Pueblo, and Sioux Population Data on the Loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, and D1S80
Authors: Scholl S , Budowle B , Radecki K , Salvo M
Published: August 2015

Navajo, Pueblo, and Sioux population databases were established for the loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, and D1S80. With the exception of HLA-DQA1, the loci appear to be almost as informative in the Native American population samples as for Caucasians, for identity testing purposes. HLA DQA1 is not as informative as the other loci, due to the high frequencies of the ‘3’ and ‘4’ alleles in these Native American groups. Except for GYPA in Navajos, the distribution of the genotype frequencies for the various loci meet Hardy Weinberg expectations. The deviation at the GYPA locus had no affect on generating statistical estimates. Also, there is little evidence for departures from expectations of independence of alleles across loci. The data demonstrate that estimates of multiple locus profile frequencies can be obtained from the Native American databases for identity testing purposes using the product rule under the assumption of independence. In addition, the Navajo, Pueblo, and Sioux databases were more similar to each other than to U.S. Caucasians and African Americans.
The Remains of Dr. Carl Austin Weiss: Anthropological Analysis
Authors: Ubelaker DH
Published: August 2015

Anthropological analysis of the remains of Dr. Carl Austin Weiss revealed biological information consistent with his known characteristics. Postmortem changes included decomposition of amalgam dental restorations, likely releasing mercury that stained the anterior dentition, deposition of sulphur compounds on much of the skeleton, and the formation of numerous small bone fractures. Analysis revealed extensive perimortem trauma, indicating multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. Trajectory analysis of the bony trauma suggested that at least 20 projectiles penetrated Dr. Weiss's body. They originated from many different directions, but mostly from the posterior. No bony changes associated with perimortem trauma of the hands were noted.
The Abstractability and Consistency of Medical Examiner/Coroner Reports: Results from the 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey Pilot
Authors: Kung H-C , Parrish RG , Spitler J
Published: August 2015

The 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey (NMFS) is designed to provide national estimates of important characteristics of the 2,218,940 people aged 15 years and older who died in 1993. One topic of special interest in the survey is injury-related deaths. Previous followback surveys have not obtained data from medical examiner and coroner offices (ME/Cs), who investigate most injury-related deaths. In this study, we sought to determine the feasibility of collecting data from various ME/C offices for the NMFS and the usefulness and limitations of data derived from their records.

Methods. We 1) developed a pilot survey instrument, the Medical Examiner/Coroner Abstract (MECA); 2) attempted to collect ME/C records on 159 deaths from 55 ME/C offices in four states with a variety of death investigation systems; and 3) assessed the feasibility of abstracting data from these records using the MECA.

Results. We received records on 105 deaths from 39 ME/C offices in three states. We identified items that could be abstracted from the records of most deaths and found that different abstractors could reproducibly and reliably identify information on these core items. Using the results of this study, we revised the MECA for use in the NMFS.
Observations on Drug Abuse Deaths in the State of Maryland
Authors: Li L , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

The problem of drug abuse in America encompasses all ages, economic, and ethnic groups. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has recorded a continuous increase in drug abuse deaths in Maryland over the past seven years. This report focuses on the epidemiological characteristics and pathological findings of victims of fatal drug abuse in Maryland investigated by the OCME in 1992 and 1993.

A retrospective study of OCME cases in 1992 and 1993 yielded a total of 605 deaths caused by drugs of abuse. 426 deaths were the result of narcotic drug use, 66 deaths due to cocaine, 102 deaths involved both narcotics and cocaine, 6 deaths were due to phencyclidine (PCP) and 5 involved both PCP and narcotic drugs. Drug abuse deaths most often involved individuals who were male (86%) and black (64%). Their ages ranged from 15 to 68 years with the majority (58%) of victims being in their 30's. Of the 605 drug deaths, 393 (65%) had a known history of drug abuse. 279 (46%) exhibited needle tracks, of which only 94 (16%) had identifiable fresh needle puncture marks. Drug paraphernalia (needles, syringes, etc.) was found at the scene in 22% of the cases. Twenty-nine (4.8%) cases showed complications of drug abuse which included pneumonia, endocarditis or myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, AIDS and intracerebral hemorrhage, 87 (14.4%) were positive for HIV antibodies, an incidence much higher than that identified in our general autopsy population (2.6%).

Drugs of abuse were also found in a significant portion of the homicides examined at this office in 1992 and 1993. 323 of the 1265 homicide victims (25%) showed evidence of some form of illicit drug activity.
Fracture of the Hyoid Bone in Strangulation: Comparison of Fractured and Unfractured Hyoids from Victims of Strangulation
Authors: Pollanen MS , Chiasson DA
Published: August 2015

The hyoid is the U-shaped bone of the neck that is fractured in one-third of all homicides by strangulation. On this basis, postmortem detection of hyoid fracture is relevant to the diagnosis of strangulation. However, since many cases lack a hyoid fracture, the absence of this finding does not exclude strangulation as a cause of death. The reasons why some hyoids fracture and others do not may relate to the nature and magnitude of force applied to the neck, age of the victim, nature of the instrument (ligature or hands) used to strangle, and intrinsic anatomic features of the hyoid bone. We compared the case profiles and xeroradiographic appearance of the hyoids of 20 victims of homicidal strangulation with and without hyoid fracture (n = 10, each). The fractured hyoids occurred in older victims of strangulation (39 ± 14 years) when compared to the victims with unfractured hyoids (30 ± 10 years). The age-dependency of hyoid fracture correlated with the degree of ossification or fusion of the hyoid synchondroses. The hyoid was fused in older victims of strangulation (41 ± 12 years) whereas the unfused hyoids were found in the younger victims (28 ± 10 years). In addition, the hyoid bone was ossified or fused in 70% of all fractured hyoids, but, only 30% of the unfractured hyoids were fused. The shape of the hyoid bone was also found to differentiate fractured and unfractured hyoids. Fractured hyoids were longer in the anterior-posterior plane and were more steeply sloping when compared with unfractured hyoids. These data indicate that hyoids of strangulation victims, with and without fracture, are distinguished by various indices of shape and rigidity. On this basis, it may be possible to explain why some victims of strangulation do not have fractured hyoid bones.
Experimental Investigations on Hair Fibers as Diffusion Bridges and Opiates as Solutes in Solution
Authors: Skopp G , Pötsch L , Aderjan R
Published: August 2015

Diffusion experiments were performed using clipped hair fibers as diffusion bridges and aqueous solutions of morphine, codeine and dihydrocodeine. Natural as well as predamaged hair fibers were investigated. The test series were conducted at ambient temperature and at high humidity. After 312 or 372 hours the middle segments of the strands were clipped, washed and analyzed by GC/MS. Only when virgin hair samples were used the solutes passed along the fiber at full length resulting in a positive immunological finding at the end of the diffusion bridge. Most of the washing fluids were positive for opiates. All centerpieces had a high opiate content. The opiate concentration in damaged hair was significantly higher. Radial swelling of the hair fiber with radial diffusion was the first and main process to appear when hair was exposed to water. The diffusion process in hair could not be placed in a simple mathematical treatment.
Stability of Ecgonine Methyl Ester in Postmortem Urine Specimens
Authors: Levine B , Ramcharitar V , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

In this study, 25 postmortem urine specimens testing positive, for cocaine and ecogonine methyl ester (EME) by full scan electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, were used to evaluate the stability of EME in refrigerated and frozen conditions. After an initial quantitation (t = 0), these specimens were split and stored at either 4°C or −20°C. At several intervals, over a six month period, the specimens were tested for cocaine and EME. Twenty-two of the frozen specimens were within 20% of their t = 0 EME concentration after 6 months; 19 of the 25 refrigerated specimens showed similar stability. At least 50% of the EME present was detected in all specimens under both storage conditions. In addition, there was no evidence to suggest that EME concentrations increased over time even though decreases in cocaine concentrations were observed over the same time period. This suggests that the presence of EME in urine specimens indicates in vivo conversion of cocaine and, therefore, use of cocaine.
Prevention of Occupational Cyanide Exposure in Autopsy Prosectors
Authors: Nolte KB , Dasgupta A
Published: August 2015

Autopsy prosectors examining individuals with cyanide poisoning are at risk for occupational cyanide exposure. No protective autopsy precautions to mitigate this risk have been published. We report an autopsy on an individual with cyanide poisoning where the procedure was performed in a negatively pressured isolation room and the stomach was opened under a biosafety cabinet hood. None of the three autopsy prosectors had measurable cyanide in pre or post procedure blood specimens. We recommend that similar precautions be taken in all autopsies where cyanide is suspected as a possible cause of death.
Decipherment of an Obliterated Vehicle Identification Number
Authors: Srinivasan GJ , Thirunavukkarasu G
Published: August 2015

A case illustrating a novel method adopted by a criminal to conceal the act of tampering with the identification number on a vehicle chassis, and how microscopical study replaced the usual etching techniques in establishing the true identity of the stolen vehicle is described.
The Use of Activated Charcoal Strips for Fire Debris Extractions by Passive Diffusion. Part 1: The Effects of Time, Temperature, Strip Size, and Sample Concentration
Authors: Newman RT , Dietz WR , Lothridge K
Published: August 2015

The introduction of commercially produced activated charcoal strips into fire, debris analysis has provided an easy, efficient and cost effective method for accelerant extraction. Several parameters associated with passive diffusion extraction of fire debris using activated charcoal require consideration in order to obtain a truly representative sample of the accelerant. This study investigated the effects of time, temperature, charcoal strip size and sample concentration on the adsorption of common accelerants. Notable displacement of specific volatile components, similar to the break-through noted in dynamic systems, occurred under certain extreme conditions. An analysis protocol was developed to minimize these effects.