bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the 1987 Indianapolis Airport Ramada Inn Incident
Authors: Clark MA , Hawley DA , McClain JL , Pless JE , Marlin DC , Standish SM
Published: August 2015

On October 20, 1987, a military reserve aircraft lost power during a transcontinental flight and attempted an emergency landing at The Indianapolis International Airport. The pilot ejected and the disabled and pilotless aircraft struck a bank building. It then skidded across the street and entered the lobby of The Airport Ramada Inn where it exploded. This incident was unusual in that the fatal injuries occurred in individuals on the ground and not in the occupant of the aircraft. Seven people were killed in the lobby area and two were trapped in a laundry where they died of smoke inhalation. A tenth person died of burns ten days later. Minor injuries were reported among four hotel guests, two firefighters and the Air Force pilot. A multiagency mass disaster-plan had been formulated and rehearsed in preparation for the Panamerican Games, which had been held in Indianapolis in August 1987. A number of volunteers arrived before a security perimeter was established. They began an undocumented removal of the bodies from the scene and were about to remove valuables for “safekeeping” when stopped by coroners' office personnel. Fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation, burns or a combination. Bodies were identified by a combination of dental records, personal effects and visual means within 24 hours. The problems encountered in managing this disaster scene will also be compared with previously reported incidents.
Deaths Due to Firearms Injuries in Children
Authors: Choi E , Donoghue ER , Lifschultz BD
Published: August 2015

There has been a marked increase in firearms-related deaths in this country over the past several decades. Especially in urban areas this increase has been correlated with a greater availability of handguns. Children have become more common victims of gunfire. Both accidental and homicidal shooting deaths have increased in the lower age groups. We examined deaths due to gunfire in children ten years and younger in Cook County, Illinois, which contains the large city of Chicago. Homicidal shootings predominated in this age group with the most common circumstances being a child struck by a stray bullet. Accidental shooting deaths always occurred when one or more children were playing with a gun they found in the home.
Analysis of HLA DQα Allele and Genotype Frequencies in Populations from Florida
Authors: Crouse CA , Feuer WJ , Nippes DC , Celia Hutto S , Barnes KS , Coffman D , Livingston SH , Ginsberg L , Glidewell DE
Published: August 2015

HLA DQα allele and genotype frequencies for Caucasian, African American, Haitian, and Hispanic populations in Florida have been estimated. The Florida laboratories involved in these studies collected donor samples from a variety of sites including clinical laboratories, victim and suspect standards, blood banks, county jail detainees, and laboratory personnel. We have determined that the Caucasian and African American DQα genotype frequencies do not deviate significantly from Hardy-Weinberg expectations and as a result of this heterogeneity analyses, data from the four Florida Caucasian populations may be combined and data from the four Florida African American populations may be combined to form two large HLA DQα genotype frequency databanks. Further, data from the Florida Haitian population may be combined with the Florida African American population. Comparison of the combined Florida Caucasian populations, combined Florida African American populations, the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (PBSO) Hispanic, and PBSO Haitian population with other databases does not support combination because allele frequency distributions are heterogenous.
A Fatal Case of Trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11) Poisoning. Tissue Distribution Study by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Groppi A , Polettini A , Lunetta P , Achille G , Montagna M
Published: August 2015

A case of lethal poisoning due to trichlorofluoromethane (FC11) inhalation is described. The fluorocarbon was determined in biological tissues by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. FC11 was detected in all the examined tissues, with decreasing levels in heart, lung, brain, liver, blood, kidney, and spleen. The highest concentration measured in heart could be related to the mode of toxic action of fluorocarbons postulated by many authors, characterized by the sensitization of the myocardium to the catecholamines producing arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Nevertheless the aspecific picture of the anatomo-pathological and histological findings does not exclude that the described accidental fatality may have been caused by the combination of direct freon toxicity with hypoxemic asphyxiation, due to the saturation of the atmosphere by FC11 in the closed environment in which the intoxication occurred.
Review of Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol Determination in Biological Specimens
Authors: Cravey RH
Published: August 2015

Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol Determination in Biological Specimens was first published by PSG Publishing Company in 1988. This reprint of the book by Lawyers and es Publishing Company leaves each chapter intact with the exception of the deletion he delightful cartoons from the New Yorker magazine in chapter 14.
The Cherokee Syllabary
Authors: Ramsey SL
Published: August 2015

In order to recognize and correctly evaluate basic letter forms regarding their rarity, or general character, forensic document examiners are expected to have a ready reference file of the various systems of writing used in the United States during the last 100 years [1]. However, one system of writing appears to have been omitted from the reference/study materials. This paper provides information on that system of American writing known as the “Cherokee Alphabet,” which is still in use today.
Bochdalek Hernia in Adulthood: A Review and an Autopsy Case Report
Authors: Salaçin S , Alper B , Çekin N , Gülmen MK
Published: August 2015

Bochdalek hernia is rare in adulthood with fewer than 100 cases having been reported in the world literature. We present a delayed case of Bochdalek hernia in an adult leading to sudden death, first diagnosed at medicolegal autopsy.
Ejection Seat Aircraft Fatalities in the United States Military, 1966 to 1990
Authors: Lowry MA , Mellen PFM , Weedn VW
Published: August 2015

When a military jet aircraft becomes incapable of controlled powered flight, the aircrew has the alternative of initiating the ejection sequence. In a majority of cases the ejection sequence is successful in extracting the aircrew from probable death. However, in a minority of cases the ejected aircrewmember does not survive. We analyzed 57 autopsy cases from 1966 to 1990 of military aircraft fatalities in which ejection was initiated. These cases were analyzed for injury patterns, age, rank, military branch, type of aircraft, and circumstances surrounding the ejection. The majority of fatalities occurred during “out-of-envelope” ejections and were associated with extreme whole-body trauma. Drowning fatalities were associated with relatively minor traumatic injury. Parachute malfunctions resulted in extreme total-body decelerative injuries. The remainder of the fatalities were due to man-seat separation failure, human error, and unfortunate circumstances. Two cases of hangman's type cervical neck fracture were observed during high-speed ejection.
Flow Cytometry: A Screening Tool for High Molecular Weight DNA
Authors: Cina SJ , Gelven PL , Gittinger CK , Re GG , Self SE
Published: August 2015

Decomposition is the degradation of tissues due to a combination of autolysis and putrefaction. As the postmortem interval lengthens, chromatin is degraded until no high molecular weight DNA (HMW-DNA) remains. The DNA complement per cell can be measured by flow cytometry; the integrity of the DNA within a tissue can be determined using gel electrophoresis. In this study, splenic tissue was harvested at autopsy and was allowed to decompose over several days. Serial samples were taken and submitted for gel electrophoresis and flow cytometric analysis. Gel electrophoresis showed HMW-DNA was present at postmortem days one through three but little remained by day four. Flow cytometry closely reproduced the same results with peaks near the 2n control indicating the presence of HMW-DNA. This implies that flow cytometry may substitute for gel electrophoresis as a quick, inexpensive assay for the presence of HMW-DNA.
Identification of Sex from Metacarpals: Effect of Side Asymmetry
Authors: Lazenby RA
Published: August 2015

This study tests the effect of bilateral asymmetry on the success rate of correct prediction of sex based on osteometric dimensions of the second metacarpal, using a method proposed by Scheuer and Elkington. A total of 351 bones from 179 individuals (47 documented as to age and sex), including 172 pairs, obtained from a 19th century cemetery were used to test the null hypothesis of no effect. A high success rate (>90%) for correct identification was found for males irrespective of side, although the larger right second metacarpal was a significantly better predictor. Conversely, there was a much lower success rate for females irrespective of side (<65%), although the smaller left metacarpal tended to give better results. The high success rate for males and low rate for females likely reflects the greater skeletal robustness of this historic sample relative to modern individuals. It is concluded that side asymmetry can have a significant effect on predictive efficiency for the Scheuer and Elkington model. As well, it is questionable whether the technique should be applied to non-industrial, that is, more skeletally robust, populations.
Amplification of cDNA via RT-PCR Using RNA Extracted from Postmortem Tissues
Authors: Phang T-W , Shi C-Y , Chia J-N , Ong C-N
Published: August 2015

Analysis of cDNA derived from messenger RNA is of advantage over using genomic DNA in genetic analysis of large genes, especially those with lengthy intron sequences. However, because of its instability and rapid degradation, RNA extraction from postmortem tissues has not been attempted. Here, we report the successful extraction of intact mRNA from various postmortem tissues from accidental and sudden death cases. Subsequently with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we were able to amplify cDNA fragments of different lengths up to 0.9 kb. The described method therefore provides a useful tool in genetic analysis of postmortem tissues.
An Experimental Methodology for the Study of Postmortem Changes in Toxic Concentrations of Drugs, Using Secobarbital As an Example
Authors: Quatrehomme G , Bourret F , Liao Z , Ollier A
Published: August 2015

Postmortem changes in alcohol and drug concentrations are well known today. The authors used an HPLC assay of barbiturates in postmortem tissue, and developed a rat model in order to evidence postmortem changes in toxics concentrations. Postmortem changes in secobarbital concentrations were evidenced using a rat-secobarbital model. This work emphasizes the difficulty of postmortem toxicology, as concentrations found at the time of autopsy may be different from concentrations at the time of death.
A Suicidal Wound Inflicted by a “Power Head”
Authors: Frost RE
Published: August 2015

A case of suicide using a device known as a “power head” is presented. The devices, which are used in underwater fishing and other activities, are common and readily available in many areas where diving is practiced, but we are unaware of previously published cases of fatal injuries resulting from their use. The appearance and functioning of a power head are described, as well as regulations concerning the devices.
Positive Identification by Means of Trabecular Bone Pattern Comparison
Authors: Kahana T , Hiss J
Published: August 2015

Positive identification of human remains is often achieved by comparing antemortem and postmortem radiographs. Usually, radiographs contain a number of markers that can serve as reference for comparison, one of these markers is the trabecular bone pattern depicted in the roentgenograms. In the present case, densitometric analysis of the trabecular bone pattern was used as the sole means of identification. Later on, two other methods confirmed the original positive identification.
Laser Interrogation of Latent Vehicle Registration Number
Authors: Russo RE , Pelkey GE , Grant P , Whipple RE , Andresen BD
Published: August 2015

Optimally tuned laser light illumination through the back of multilayered license-plate decals provided nondestructive absolute identification of a latent registration number.
Acute Aortic Dissections and Ruptured Berry Aneurysms Associated with Methamphetamine Abuse
Authors: Davis GG , Swalwell CI
Published: August 2015

Sudden, unexpected death can occur following rupture of an artery weakened by aneurysmal dilatation or by medial dissection. In both of these diseases the arterial abnormality is exacerbated by hypertension. This arterial weakness could also be aggravated by the use of drugs with a hypertensive effect. We report seven cases of sudden death in patients abusing methamphetamine—four cases of ruptured berry aneurysms and three cases of aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade. The autopsy findings are reviewed, and various mechanisms are considered by which methamphetamine may contribute to death in such cases.
Differentiation of Diethyl Ether/Acetone and Ethanol/Acetonitrile Solvent Pairs, and Other Common Volatiles by Dual Column Headspace Gas Chromatography
Authors: Logan BK , Case GA , Kiesel EL
Published: August 2015

Gas chromatography is the most widely used method for the analysis of ethanol and other low molecular weight volatiles for forensic applications. Many laboratories use only a single analytical method for this analyte. Concern over the possible misidentification of acetonitrile as ethanol, and our experience in a case where we misidentified diethyl ether as acetone using a single method approach, led us to develop and adopt the dual column method described herein. Two columns, 5% carbowax on 60/80 Carbopak B, and 0.8% THEED on 80/100 carbopak C, were used for the complementary analysis of 32 common volatile organic compounds.
Metal Particles as Evidence in Criminal Cases
Authors: McDermott SD
Published: August 2015

Three cases of a link between metal particles, generated by a grinder fitted with an abrasive disc, and suspects are reported. One involves a safe breaking, another a warehouse robbery and the third is an explosive find. The persistence of these particles on clothing is also examined.
Recapturing a Five-Month-Old Bite Mark by Means of Reflective Ultraviolet Photography
Authors: David TJ , Sobel MN
Published: August 2015

After a brutal rape, which the victim survived, a bite mark was photographed and other evidence was collected. It was not until several months later when the bite mark became a critical piece of evidence, that the problem with its collection became apparent to the prosecutor. The photograph of the bite mark taken by law-enforcement officials at the time of the crime did not include a reference scale. Therefore the bite mark was of little evidentiary value. The authors subsequently examined the victim (five months later) and “recaptured” the bite mark pattern with a proper reference scale by means of reflective ultraviolet photography.
Mentally Abnormal Killers in the UK Health Care System: Issues Facing the Multidisciplinary Team
Authors: Hambridge JA
Published: August 2015

In the UK, mentally ill offenders can be assessed and given treatment and rehabilitation in a secure health care setting rather than in a correctional facility. Beds in such health care facilities are limited and evidence suggests that only the most serious offenders, such as those who have committed a homicide, are given priority. This paper examines the role of the Regional Secure Unit, a National Health Service provision, in the assessment and treatment of these offenders. A number of issues facing the multidisciplinary team are raised. A case study is presented to illustrate some of these points.
Benzoylecgonine and Ecgonine Methyl Ester Concentrations in Urine Specimens
Authors: Ramcharitar V , Levine B , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

The two major urinary metabolites of cocaine are benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME). The major advantage of BE screening is that many commercial immunoassays are designed to detect BE. On the other hand, EME is more amenable to gas chromatographic screening. To ascertain the merits of screening BE versus EME for identifying cocaine use, 380 consecutive urine specimens presented to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner-State of Maryland were tested for BE by EMIT (cutoff 0.3 mg/L) and for EME by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detection (cutoff 0.05 mg/L). Each presumptive positive was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One hundred four specimens tested positive for BE or EME. Ninety three specimens were positive for both BE and EME, seven were positive for BE (cutoff 0.05 mg/L) only and four were positive for EME only. BE concentrations ranged from 0.08–386 mg/L while EME concentrations ranged from 0.06–72 mg/L. The BE concentration was greater than or equal to the EME concentration in 73% of the cases. Using BE as a sole screen, 96% of the cases of cocaine use were identified while EME screening identified 93% of the cases.
Evaluation of the Abuscreen Online Assay for Amphetamines on the Hitachi 737: Comparison with EMIT and GC/MS Methods
Authors: Baker DP , Murphy MS , Shepp PF , Royo VR , Caldarone ME , Escoto B , Salamone SJ
Published: August 2015

The performance of the ONLINE Assay for Amphetamines on the Hitachi 737 was compared to the Syva Emit d.a.u. Assay and GC/MS. Randomly screened (n = 2964) patient urine samples were assayed using ONLINE and Emit d.a.u. assays concurrently, using d-amphetamine, 1000 ng/mL and d-methamphetamine, 1000 ng/mL as the screening cutoff for ONLINE and Emit d.a.u. assays, respectively. All presumptive positives were confirmed by GC/MS. The specificity was 99% (2937/2964) for ONLINE and 97% (2873/2964) for Emit. Agreement with GC/MS was 80% (110/137) for ONLINE and 55% (110/201) for Emit.
Validation of the AmpliFLP™ D1S80 PCR Amplification Kit for Forensic Casework Analysis According to TWGDAM Guidelines
Authors: Cosso S , Reynolds R
Published: August 2015

The validation of the AmpliFLP™ D1S80 PCR Amplification Kit for use in forensic casework was accomplished by performing all the relevant experiments outlined in the TWGDAM guidelines. Standard specimen and reproducibility studies were performed using organic and rapid DNA extraction techniques on both stain and liquid samples (blood, semen and saliva). Over 300 samples from three different populations (US Caucasians, African Americans and US Hispanics) were analyzed to determine allele and genotype frequencies. Purified DNA was mixed in defined ratios (ranging from unmixed DNA samples to 1:9 mixtures of 2 different DNA samples) prior to amplification to demonstrate that samples containing DNA from more than one individual can be detected and, in many cases, that the genotypes contributing to the mixture can be identified. Since casework samples frequently are exposed to environmental insults that can result in DNA degradation, purified DNA was degraded in the laboratory to analyze the effect of DNA fragment length on D1S80 amplification. It is crucial in the validation process to examine actual casework evidentiary material. This D1S80 kit can be used successfully by forensic scientists to amplify and type nonprobative evidentiary material, including bloodstains collected from crime scenes and rape kit materials collected for sexual assault cases. The D1S80 kit is specific to human DNA, and the D1S80 alleles are inherited according to the laws of Mendel. The sensitivity of the novel gel electrophoresis gel matrix allowed the PCR cycle number to be reduced to 29 cycles and the D1S80 kit sensitivity to be increased to 2.5 ng from the previous D1S80 Reagent Set specifications of 30 cycles and 5 ng, respectively.
1994 Award-Winning Research Paper from the Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Section
Authors: Rosner R
Published: August 2015

The Psychiatry ehavioral Science Section is proud to announce the winners of its 1994 awards for the best research papers by Fellows in Forensic Psychiatry or Forensic Psychology.
Hamartomatous Malformation of the Left Ventricle Associated with Sudden Death
Authors: Koponen MA , Siegel R
Published: August 2015

We describe unusual left ventricular cardiac lesions in a 17 year old boy who died suddenly during exertion. These consisted of two grossly evident regions of deficient myocardium, containing cavernous spaces which represented exaggerated inter-trabecular regions of the left ventricular cavity. Dense fibro-elastotic tissue was deposited around these spaces along with a variable admixture of mature adipose tissue, fibrous tissue and blood vessels. The etiology of these presumably congenital developmental abnormalities is obscure. The lesions most probably represent a hamartomatous malformation, which is a poorly documented pathological entity.
“The Santa Claus Syndrome” Entrapment in Chimneys
Authors: Boglioli LR , Taff ML
Published: August 2015

In recent years, there have been sporadic reports in the lay press of individuals stuck in chimneys primarily during burglary attempts. Most of these individuals suffered from suffocation or soot inhalation. Because of the similarities between this form of breaking and entering and Santa Claus' traditional entrance into homes on Christmas Eve, we define the “Santa Claus Syndrome” as postural (positional) asphyxia, inhalational injuries and body burns, and/or complications related to compartment syndrome due to entrapment in chimneys. We report a case of a man who became trapped in a chimney during a burglary attempt and died a delayed death due to postural asphyxia associated with inhalational and burn injuries and anterior compartment syndrome. An analysis of this unusual case is presented. Exhaustional and postural asphyxia, compartment syndromes, and confined space-hypoxia syndrome are also discussed.
Myocardial Hypertrophy and Coronary Artery Disease in Male Cocaine Users
Authors: Karch SB , Green GS , Young S
Published: August 2015

We compared the heart weights and the incidence of atherosclerotic lesions in trauma fatalities testing positive for cocaine with the hearts of cocaine negative trauma fatalities, with the hearts of decedents dying from cocaine overdose, and with historic controls derived from the literature. There were 116 trauma victims, 83 men and 33 women, aged 20–50 years, and 26 men with cause of death listed as cocaine toxicity. The 32 cocaine (+) male trauma fatalities had a mean age 34 ± 10 years and a mean heart weight of 375 ± 82 grams. The 51 cocaine free males had a mean age 31 ± 9 years, and mean heart weight 337 ± 54 grams (P = .01). Heart weights in the cocaine using group were also significantly greater than historical controls from World War I, Korea, and Vietnam. The incidence of atherosclerotic changes was similar in both groups, but cocaine (+) men had more frequent coronary artery lesions involving multiple vessels (P = .01). Comparisons between 16 cocaine (+) females and 17 cocaine (−) female controls disclosed no significant differences in heart weight or the frequency of atherosclerotic lesions. The 26 men dying of cocaine overdose also had larger hearts than the controls (379 ± 64 g, P = .004), and more severe CAD (30% had involvement of 2 or more vessels, P = .02). The degree of myocardial hypertrophy documented in this study was highly significant, but because the increase is modest (around 10%), it is likely to go unrecognized at autopsy. Cardiac enlargement and coronary artery disease in cocaine users may be much more prevalent than has previously been appreciated, and may be responsible for some unexplained cases of sudden death in cocaine users.
PCR Amplification of Animal DNA with Human X-Y Amelogenin Primers Used in Gender Determination
Authors: Buel E , Wang G , Schwartz M
Published: August 2015

The X-Y homologous gene amelogenin has been described for use as a PCR sex typing test for humans. Previous studies have revealed that appropriate primers yield a 106 and 112 bp fragment from the human X and Y chromosome respectively. Our studies have found that a PCR product is also obtained from DNA isolated from a number of common animals. This animal PCR product is very close in size to that of the human female PCR derived product and may be confused as human under routine agarose gel electrophoresis. In this report we detail the variety of animals examined and a method that can maximize the usefulness of this system.
Investigation of Species Specificity Using Nine PCR-Based Human STR Systems
Authors: Crouse CA , Schumm J
Published: August 2015

Several eukaryotic genomes contain polymorphic markers consisting of trimeric and tetrameric short tandem repeats (STR). Recent reports have demonstrated the variability of short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms at a variety of loci among several human population groups. Currently, there are nine commercially available STR PCR systems from Promega Corporation that may be utilized for human identification. We report here the analysis of 23 different species DNA's using these nine STR primer systems to assess their specificity for human euchromatin. The STR systems tested include, CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, HPRTB, FESFPS, vWF and F13A01 as single systems and as triplex systems (CSF1PO/TPOX/THO1 and HPRTB/FESFPS/vWF). There were no STR PCR products observed for seventeen of the twenty-three species regardless of the STR system. Amplified STR fragments were detected in rhesus DNA for CSF1PO, TPOX and HPRTB systems. STR PCR products were detected for human, gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan DNAs using eight of the nine systems. FESFPS primers did not amplify DNA fragments from any of the species tested. Most of the STR PCR products detected from primate DNAs electrophoretically migrated outside of the human allelic ladder fragments and as a result, allele designations were not possible.
Distinguishing Amphetamine and Methamphetamine from Other Interfering Sympathomimetic Amines After Various Fluoro Derivatization and Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dasgupta A , Gardner C
Published: August 2015

Misidentification of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as methamphetamine has been reported because of similar retention times of their derivatives in the gas chromatograph as well as very similar mass fragmentation pattern. This problem of misidentification is avoided by chemical ionization mass spectrometry using methane as the reagent gas. Chemical ionization mass spectral patterns of trifluoroacetyl, pentafluoropropionyl, heptafluorobutyryl and perfluorooctanoyl derivatives of amphetamine, methamphetamine, the internal standard d8-methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine were studied after extraction from human urine. The mass spectral patterns of all these drugs are distinctively different in chemical ionization mode from commonly interfering sympathomimetic amines, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phentermine and phenylpropanolamine.
Officers, Their Weapons and Their Hands: An Empirical Study of GSR on the Hands of Non-Shooting Police Officers
Authors: Gialamas DM , Rhodes EF , Sugarman LA
Published: August 2015

To help determine the potential of secondary gunshot residue (GSR) transfer from officers onto subjects to be tested for GSR, the presence of GSR on non-shooting patrol officers' hands were evaluated. Forty-three officers were sampled with adhesive-lift discs, which were subsequently concentrated and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) microanalysis. GSR levels on the officers' hands were lower than expected considering that a firearm was carried and handled by all officers. Only three of the 43 officers had unique GSR particles. No officer had more than one unique GSR particle. Twenty-five of the 43 officers had no particles of GSR on their hands. Although the potential for secondary transfer contamination from an arresting officer to a subject exists, the low empirical numbers of GSR particles found on these non-shooting officers suggest that the potential for this occurrence is relatively low.
Shaken Babies—Some Have No Impact Injuries
Authors: Gilliland MGF , Folberg R
Published: August 2015

One study has questioned the validity of shaking as a mechanism of head injury in children. A prospective, postmortem study investigated 80 deaths from head trauma to identify the roles of shaking and direct impacts. Evidence of shaking was defined as two or more of the following criteria: 1) finger marks and/or rib fractures, 2) subdural and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage, or 3) a history of vigorous shaking. Shaking to the exclusion of other head trauma was defined as the presence of two or more of the above criteria together with the complete absence of scalp or skull injuries. Nine (11.3%) of the 80 study deaths qualified as exclusively shaking injuries by this definition. Thirty (37.5%) of the deaths had direct injuries as well as two of the criteria of shaking; these deaths were classified as combined shaking and blunt trauma. Forty-one (51.3%) of the deaths had impact injuries without having two of the criteria of shaking. We reviewed the extent of ocular injuries in all the cases. We found ocular hemorrhages with increased frequency in cases with two or more of the criteria of shaking compared to cases with only impact mechanism of injury. Retinal hemorrhages continue to show themselves to be a good marker of infants injured by vigorous, intentional shaking. This study likewise confirms the observations of others that most, but not all, shaken babies have impact injuries as well.
Development of Test Material for Narcotics Detection Equipment: Sand/Drug Mixtures
Authors: Pilon P , Hupé M , Chauhan M , Lawrence A
Published: August 2015

This study outlines the preparation and testing of a reliable test material for the evaluation of cocaine and heroin detectors based on chemical systems. The test material is simple to prepare and use. It consists of a homogeneous sand/drug mixture that can be transferred reproducibly to a surface for subsequent sampling and analysis. The ratio of sand to drug can be varied easily, allowing for the testing of instruments with varying sensitivities to the drugs of interest.
Attribution of Hand Bones to Sex and Population Groups
Authors: Smith SL
Published: August 2015

Forensic anthropologists assign sex and population group (race) to individuals on the basis of skeletal remains. While the most useful bones for these determinations are cranial and pelvic, these are not always available. The purpose of this paper is to provide models for classification using metacarpals and hand phalanges. Four samples of 40 individuals each (black and white males and females) form the dataset. Measurements include lengths and radioulnar and dorsopalmar widths of the 19 bones of each hand. The large number of total variables necessitated separate models for metacarpal and phalangeal categories; due to the considerable number of significant differences between corresponding right and left hand variables, separate models were created for right and left sides. A stepwise discriminant procedure was used to select variables, with some highly correlated (r > 0.85) variables subsequently removed. The model for left hand metacarpals has the greatest power of discrimination (89.4%); that for right hand middle phalanges, the least (71.7%). Metacarpals assign approximately 87–89%, proximal phalanges 76–79%, middle phalanges 72–79%, and distal phalanges 81–83% of individuals to their correct sex and population groups. Models exchanging variables selected from one side for corresponding variables on the other show discriminating power ranging from 72.3 to 85.6%. Thus roughly 70–90% of individuals are correctly classified by these models; more conservative “jackknife” estimates yield a success rate of approximately 67–82%. When these models are used for classification of sex alone, 89.9–94.4% (“jackknife” range, 88.7–94.4%) of cases are correctly classified; for race alone, 80.5–98.1% (“jackknife” range, 77.4–96.9%).
Efficient and Reliable PCR-Based Detection of the ABO Blood Group Alleles: Genotyping on Stamps and Other Biological Evidence Samples
Authors: Liechti-Gallati S , Neeser D
Published: August 2015

PCR-based ABO genotyping was established using restriction enzyme digestion followed by horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. The method described here is fast, with results obtained within hours, not days, it obviates the need for radioisotopes and can be performed with 1–2 ng of extracted genomic DNA. ABO blood group determination was successful in various types of biological materials of forensic interest such as bloodstains, vaginal swabs, cigarette butts, and hair roots. Moreover, after preincubation in distilled water, DNA (2–8 ng) was extracted from 12 up to 10-years-old stamps and was correctly typed at the ABO locus. The results presented here indicate that the PCR-based ABO genotyping is a fast, sensitive, reliable, and economic method providing blood group determination in DNA from a variety of different types of specimens. It can provide determination from specimens of limited amount and/or with partially degraded DNA as well. Therefore, it is very useful for first-step suspect screening as well as in forensic research for the analysis of biological evidence.
Multiplex Amplification and Typing Procedure for the Loci D1S80 and Amelogenin
Authors: Budowle B , Koons BW , Errera JD
Published: August 2015

A method has been developed that enables multiplex amplification and simultaneous typing of the loci D1S80 and amelogenin using discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. The protocol is sensitive, simple, rapid, and relatively inexpensive. The results of the multiplex analysis of the D1S80 and amelogenin loci were comparable to those obtained when each locus was analyzed individually. A small validation study was undertaken to evaluate the forensic applicability of this multiplex system. The data demonstrate that DNA exposed to a variety of environmental insults yields reliable multiplex typing results.
The Wrong Urn: Commingling of Cremains in Mortuary Practices
Authors: Kennedy KAR
Published: August 2015

Personal identification of human skeletal remains altered by the heat of crematory furnaces in modern mortuaries may be complicated by the presence of more than a single individual in a sample. When identification of cremains of neonates and young children is required in legal disputes, as in cases where relatives suspect that a funeral establishment has presented them with the ashes of another individual, the forensic anthropologist may be consulted by their legal representative.

Problems to be considered in personal identification of cremated bodies are (1) presence or absence of commingled remains in a sample; (2) identification of one or more individuals present. Methods used in sorting and identifying neonate, infant and pre-adolescent remains include reconstruction of stature in situations where long bone diaphyses are preserved, as this may provide evidence of age at time of death, and assessment of dental crown development of unerupted and erupted deciduous teeth also for age determination. These procedures were used in the case reported here concerning mortuary practices of a funeral home and a family claiming that they were presented with the cremains of an adult and not those of their 15-hour-old daughter.
The Effect of Contact Pressure and Test-Foot Sliding on Slip Resistance: Experimental Results
Authors: Marpet M , Brungraber R
Published: August 2015

Since the inception of interest in friction, the effect, if any, of contact pressure has been investigated. DaVinci, Amontons, and Coulomb, three early investigators, found no effect. The development of interest in walkway safety tribometry, the measurement of friction at the shoe-bottom/walking-surface interface, suggests a reassessment of the applicability of Amontons-Coulomb because the shoe bottom is resilient and because the interface between the shoe bottom and the walkway surface is frequently contaminated, for example, with a liquid such as water. In any such reassessment, the relationship between contact pressure and the friction coefficient becomes worthy of attention. Contact pressures in normal walking can vary upwards from a few psi to over a thousand psi (heelstrike in high-heeled shoes).

This paper will explore the historical background and experimental research in the literature and present the results of our experiments which explore the relationships between contact pressure and friction. The effect on friction of test-foot sliding is experimentally analyzed.

The relationship between the tribological results presented here and real-world walkway safety are discussed. The effect of test-foot polishing is analyzed. Future areas of investigation are discussed.
A Review of Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror
Authors: Thornton JI
Published: August 2015

I have never met Hazel Thornton, although in the past few months, I have spoken to her on the phone a couple of times. We share the same last name, and apparently, the same great great grandfather. But until very recently, we were oblivious to each other's existence.
Optical and Digital Techniques for Enhancing Radiographic Anatomy for Identification of Human Remains
Authors: Fitzpatrick JJ , Shook DR , Kaufman BL , Wu S-J , Kirschner RJ , MacMahon H , Levine LJ , Maples W , Charletta D
Published: August 2015

Out of a total of more than 300 radiographic identifications made by one of us (JJF), there were 11 cases in which radiologic adjuncts were used because the antemortem radiographs were either miniaturized or because anatomical landmarks could not be clearly discerned. The techniques used included slide projection (two cases), photographic enlargement and enhancement (two cases), digitization (three cases), and digitization with computer enhancement (three cases), commercial digitization (one case). In a 12th case, where identification was made by comparison of antemortem and postmortem film X-rays, the films were digitized as a further evaluation of a commercial system. This is the first reported use of these techniques.
Dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine—A Potential Interference in the Detection of Explosives Traces
Authors: Hiley RW
Published: August 2015

A strong peak was encountered in the analysis of a case sample for explosives traces by gas chromatography with chemiluminescence detection. According to the standard laboratory criteria, the peak did not coincide with any common explosive, but it lay close to pentaerythyritol (PETN) and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX). Subsequent investigation discovered that the peak was caused by dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, a chemical blowing agent used in plastics manufacture. Details of the compound, its mass spectrum, and chromatographic responses are given.
An Update on the Use of the Sodium Rhodizonate Test for the Detection of Lead Originating from Firearm Discharges
Authors: Bartsch MR , Kobus HJ , Wainwright KP
Published: August 2015

We have made a comprehensive investigation of the chemistry associated with the Sodium Rhodizonate Test for particulate lead deposited on surfaces as a consequence of a firearm discharge. This has been directed at addressing some of the problems that have hitherto compromised the value of this test to forensic science. In particular, we have found that aqueous solutions of sodium rhodizonate are considerably more stable if stored below pH 3. The rhodizonate dianion is then diprotonated, forming rhodizonic acid, and the half-life of the solution increases from about one hour to about ten hours. By ensuring that the area to be examined is pretreated with tartrate buffer so that its pH is adjusted to 2.8 prior to treatment with rhodizonic acid, the formation of a nondiagnostic purple complex, instead of the desired scarlet complex, is avoided. Whereas the scarlet complex changes to a blue-violet complex, upon secondary treatment with 5% HCl, which is diagnostic of the presence of lead, the purple complex decolorises completely under these conditions and thus its formation represents wastage of lead from within the test area and is associated with the fading problem that has previously plagued the test. The fading of the blue-violet complex can be eliminated by removing excess HCl, by means of a hair drier once the color has fully developed.
Flow Chart HLA-DQA1 Genotyping and Its Application to a Forensic Case
Authors: Pai C-Y , Chou S-L , Yang C-H , Tang TK
Published: August 2015

The detection of genetic polymorphism has become increasingly important in forensic science as well as in medical genetics. In this report, we describe a systematic flow chart system for HLA-DQA1 genotyping by an improved PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) method coupled with the PRSM (PCR-mediated restriction site modification) method. This flow chart typing system can easily discriminate between a total of eight reported DQA1 alleles commonly found in Chinese. We have applied this flow chart typing system in a forensic case as well as in the determination of the frequencies of the eight DQA1 alleles in 121 unrelated Taiwan Chinese subjects. Our results show that the flow chart DQA1 genotyping is a simple, fast, and accurate system which, in the future, may be considered as an alternative method for routine individual identification in forensic casework, and for paternity testing and tissue typing in medical genetics.
Visualization Fluids: The Search for an Inexpensive Alternative to Chlorinated Fluorocarbons
Authors: Burkes TM
Published: August 2015

The restrictions being placed on chlorinated fluorocarbons by the U.S. Government are driving the need to find a suitable alternative for use as a visualization fluid.

Visualization fluid is the term given to fluids that will make paper translucent with little or no damage to paper, ink, correction fluid, or photographs.

Light petroleum distillates have been the most successful visualization fluids tested to date; however, they are not as effective as chlorinated fluorocarbons, especially with permanent marker inks, carbon, paper, and NCR paper.
Development of a Fluoroimmunoassay for the Detection of Buprenorphine in Urine
Authors: Debrabandere L , Van Boven M , Daenens P
Published: August 2015

The development of a fluoroimmunoassay for the detection of buprenorphine in urine samples is described. Fluore-scein-norbuprenorphine and pseudobuprenorphine, the dimer of buprenorphine, were synthesized as tracer molecules. The antibodies were prepared by coupling the 2-diazobenzoic acid derivative of buprenorphine with bovine serum albumine, using the carbodiimide method. The assay was mainly used for the routine detection of buprenorphine in urine specimens of persons suspected of Temgesic® abuse. The minimum detectable dose of the immunoassay was calculated to be 20 ng/mL.
The Location of Hyoid Fractures in Strangulation Revealed by Xeroradiography
Authors: Pollanen MS , Bulger B , Chiasson DA
Published: August 2015

The location of 19 fractures of 15 hyoid bones was studied from 13 cases of manual strangulation and two cases of hanging. The precise location of the fractures were determined by xeroradiography of isolated hyoid bones. To classify the location of the fractures, the greater cornu was divided into anterior, middle, and posterior thirds and the frequency of fracture occurrence in these locations was determined. In addition, the angle of curvature of the greater cornu was determined at the fracture site to ascertain if specific points along the greater cornu were more susceptible to fracture. Fractures were found with equal frequency in the posterior and middle thirds of the hyoid greater cornu (9/19, 47% for both posterior and middle) but were rare in the anterior portion (1/19, 5%). However, all fractures occurred between 30° and 60° of curvature of the hyoid and most fractures (∼60%) were found at ∼50°. These results indicate that fractures of the hyoid occur at vulnerable angles of curvature of the hyoid bone which, due to anatomic variation in hyoid shape, do not necessarily occur at specific segments of the hyoid bone. On this basis, although the presence of the hyoid fracture in strangulation is determined by the rigidity of the bone, the specific location is determined by the shape of the greater cornu.
Autopsy Cases Among Patients with Mental Disorders: An Unusual Case of Asphyxia Caused by the Iron Roller of a Garbage Truck
Authors: Hayase T , Matsumoto H , Ojima K , Matsubayashi K , Nakamura C , Abiru H , Fukui Y
Published: August 2015

A case of asphyxia of a young man suffering from “Identity Disorder” as delineated by the DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders revised in 1987) is reported. The patient jumped into the drum of a garbage truck and the iron roller in the drum asphyxiated him by compression. In addition to the presentation of this rare category of the DSM-III-R disorders as an autopsy case and an unusual means of asphyxia, we briefly reviewed other autopsy cases of the patients with mental disorders who died in Japan between 1988 and 1992.
Unsuspected Self-Poisoning with Flecainide and Alcohol
Authors: Sadler DW , Quigley C
Published: August 2015

The death of a 23-year-old man by suicidal flecainide and alcohol poisoning is reported. Flecainide was identified by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Flecainide levels, quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection were: femoral blood 7.3 mg/L, urine 117 mg/L, stomach contents 19 mg and liver 302 mg/kg. Ethanol levels in femoral blood, urine and vitreous humor were 107, 136 and 113 mg%, respectively. The importance of carefully considering all the available pathological and toxicological data, together with the past medical history and circumstances surrounding the death in poisoning cases is emphasized.
Long-Term Validation Study of Bitewing Dental Radiographs for Forensic Identification
Authors: Kogon SL , MacLean DF
Published: August 2015

The validity of dental bitewing radiographs for forensic identification, with time lapses between the antemortem and postmortem film of up to 30 years, was tested. The ability to match radiographs from the same subject was expressed using sensitivity and specificity statistics. Although the overall accuracy of the observers was extremely high, it was obvious that radiographs from the same individual, when separated by time intervals greater that 20 years, had significantly reduced accuracy.
ABO Genotyping of Suspects from Sperm DNA Isolated from Postcoital Samples in Sex Crimes
Authors: Sasaki M , Shiono H
Published: August 2015

In sexual assaults against women, one key to identifying the suspect is ABO phenotyping or the typing of other polymorphic markers of the seminal fluid in the victim's vagina. However, ABO phenotyping is frequently unsuccessful, since mixtures of fluids cannot be separated to be subjected to conventional methods for the detection of antibody or antigen material.

We therefore studied ABO blood group genotyping of sperm DNA isolated from contaminating vaginal fluid by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Seminal samples of genotypes OO, AO, BO and AB were experimentally mixed with vaginal fluid (OO, AO, BO and AB), and were successfully separated and genotyped by this method.

In practice, we also separated and genotyped the seminal DNA of suspects from contaminated postcoital vaginal fluid obtained in 4 sexual assaults. These forensic samples were easily separated and completely genotyped. This reliable ABO genotyping method by PCR-RFLP, using separated sperm DNA, should be of value in forensic identification in sexual assaults.