bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of: Forensic Accident Investigation: Motor Vehicles:Forensic Accident Investigation: Motor Vehicles—2
Authors: Batterman SD
Published: August 2015

This two-volume set is comprised of a collection of chapters (articles) submitted by various authors on topics relating to the forensic investigation of motor vehicle accidents. The editors are to be complimented for compiling a relevant collection of timely topics.
Stability of Nitrobenzodiazepines in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Robertson MD , Drummer OH
Published: August 2015

Studies were undertaken to determine the stability of nitrobenzodiazepines and their 7-amino metabolites in water and blood. At 22°C nitrazepam and clonazepam were stable in sterile fresh blood containing preservative over 28 days, whereas 25% of flunitrazepam was degraded. At 37°C all three drugs were substantially lost over 9 h (29–51%). There was only a small loss observed for the 7-amino metabolites and no substantial amounts of parent drug and 7-amino metabolite were degraded in water under these conditions. In the absence of preservative substantial amounts (25–50%) of parent drugs were lost in fresh blood over 10 days at 22°C. In bacterially-contaminated postmortem blood all three drugs were completely degraded over 8 h at 22°C with almost all drug completely converted to the respective 7-amino metabolite. These metabolites were also partially degraded (10–20%) over 45 h at 22°C. All 3 nitrobenzodiazepines were stable in blood stored for up to 24 months at −20°C, or 4°C over 10 months. Their respective 7-amino metabolites were, however, relatively unstable at −20°C with a significant loss (29%) after 2 months. At 4°C a 21% loss occurred after 1 month. Freeze/thawing was found not to affect the concentration of nitrobenzodiazepine and 7-amino metabolites. These results show that the nitrobenzodiazepines and their metabolites are unstable chemically and metabolically in blood. We advise that blood collected for the purpose of nitrobenzodiazepine determinations should be preserved with sodium fluoride, stored at −20°C and assayed as soon as practicable, preferably within a week of collection.
Postmortem Distribution and Redistribution of Nitrobenzodiazepines in Man
Authors: Robertson MD , Drummer OH
Published: August 2015

The distribution of the nitrobenzodiazepines, flunitrazepam, clonazepam and nitrazepam, and their respective 7-amino metabolites were examined in blood, serum, vitreous humor, liver, bile and urine of decedents taking these drugs. Peripheral blood, serum and liver concentrations were not significantly different to each other. However, vitreous concentrations were one-third of blood, while bile concentrations were 5–12 fold higher. Blood, serum and vitreous contained predominantly the 7-amino metabolite, liver contained only the metabolite, while bile contained significant concentrations of both the parent drug and the 7-amino metabolite. Urine contained only small concentrations of parent drug, however, as expected a number of metabolites were detected. Redistribution studies compared the drug concentrations of femoral blood, taken at body admission to the mortuary, with femoral blood taken at autopsy approximately 39 h later in 48 cases. The concentrations of 7-amino metabolites were not significantly different, however the concentrations of parent nitrobenzodiazepines were significantly higher in the admission specimens. In 6 cases in which subclavian blood was taken, the concentrations were not significantly different to the concentrations in admission blood. Similar findings were observed when femoral and subclavian blood concentrations were compared in 6 cases. There was also no apparent difference in total blood concentrations of nitrobenzodiazepines when blood concentrations taken in hospital shortly prior to death were compared to postmortem blood. Postmortem diffusion into peripheral blood is therefore not a confounding factor in the interpretation of nitrobenzodiazepine concentrations.
Drug Concentration in Selected Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Langford AM , Taylor KK , Pounder DJ
Published: August 2015

We evaluated the homogeneity of drug concentrations in muscle in 14 cadavers, comprising 11 drug overdoses and three cases of chronic therapeutic drug use. Analyses were performed on samples from twelve named muscles and femoral venous blood. Standard analytical techniques and instrumentation were used throughout. There was marked within-case variability in drug concentrations with highest:lowest concentrations ranging up to 21.7. Overall highest concentrations were found in the diaphragm and mean diaphragm:blood ratios ranged from 1.1 (temazepam, two cases) and 1.2/1.3 (paracetamol, six cases) up to 6.5/13.5 (amitriptyline, three cases) and 5.3/21.3 (propoxyphene, four cases). Excluding the diaphragm, mean muscle:blood ratios ranged from 0.4 (prothiaden), 0.5 (temazepam), and 0.7 (paracetamol) up to 3.7 (temazepam), 4.3 (propoxyphene) and 5.7 (amitriptyline). We suggest that muscle is suitable for qualitative analysis but not for quantitative corroboration of a blood sample or as a quantitative alternative to blood.
Cause and Manner of Death in Fatalities Involving Methamphetamine
Authors: Logan BK , Fligner CL , Haddix T
Published: August 2015

We reviewed a series of deaths in which methamphetamine was detected in the decedent's blood. Analysis of postmortem whole blood was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with a limit of quantitation of 0.05 mg/L. Methamphetamine was detected in 146 cases; 52 were drug caused, i.e., a death in which the direct toxic effects of the drug caused or contributed to the death, 92 were classified as drug related, i.e., a death in which the drug was demonstrated in the blood, but did not directly cause death. A large proportion of the deaths resulted from homicidal (27%) or suicidal (15%) violence. An examination of methamphetamine concentrations in drug related deaths (n = 92), suggests that the range of concentrations in the recreational abusing population is substantial (0.05–9.30 mg/L) but with a median concentration of 0.42 mg/L, and with 90% of that population having concentrations less than 2.20 mg/L. There was substantial overlap in methamphetamine concentration between drug related deaths and drug caused deaths, although the highest concentrations were seen in the unintentional (accidental or undetermined) drug caused deaths. Methamphetamine related traffic deaths (n = 17) showed patterns of driving behavior consistent with reports elsewhere, and showed blood methamphetamine concentrations ranging from 0.05–2.60 mg/L (median 0.35 mg/L).

The data show that most methamphetamine deaths occur with blood concentrations greater than 0.5 mg/L, but can occur with levels as low as 0.05 mg/L, though usually in conjunction with other drugs or significant natural disease. Neither apparently toxic nor therapeutic concentrations should be used in isolation to establish conclusively whether a death was caused by methamphetamine; proper classification of deaths involving methamphetamine requires complete death investigation, including investigation of the scene and circumstances of death, and a complete autopsy.
Homicide or Suicide: The Killing of Suicidal Persons by Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Wilson EF , Davis JH , Bloom JD , Batten PJ , Kamara SG
Published: August 2015

This paper presents 15 deaths of suicidal persons in Oregon and Florida who, by their behavior, sufficiently provoked law enforcement officers into killing them. Four deaths were certified as suicide, one as undetermined and ten as homicide. All of the deaths are individually described in detail and their case characteristics are presented in a table.

The method of study is a descriptive analysis of the case characteristics, including 21 variables which are determined to be relevant to the classification of death. The variables were grouped into six categories: (a) personal information; (b) criminal behavior during the fatal incident; (c) dangerous behavior during the fatal incident; (d) toxicological data; (e) mental illness information; and (f) certification data. From the analysis, reasons for the opinions on manner of death classification are presented.

All incidents were perceived as life-threatening to law officers, family members, or hostages. All victims were male except one, and all were Caucasian except two. All victims resisted arrest and verbally threatened homicide during the fatal incident. Two-thirds of the victims took hostages. All victims possessed an apparent handgun or other weapon (knife, iron bar). All victims posed their weapon and threatened others during the incident. 60% of victims actually used the weapon with apparent intent to inflict damage to others, 40% of victims were intoxicated with alcohol but other drug-involvemen was uncommon. Seven of 15 had previous suicide attempts, 40% had medically documented psychiatric diagnoses and 60% had reasonable historical evidence of psychiatric diagnoses, most commonly depression or substance abuse.

One of the co-authors presents the case for some of the deaths to be certified as suicides, whereas two present the case for all to be certified as homicide. A brief discussion of psychiatric issues is also presented concerning individuals who use others to commit suicide and who may engage in dangerous and/or criminal behavior to do so.

A major conclusion is that there is lack of a unified opinion on death certification procedures for individuals who have provoked law enforcement officers to kill them. For such cases, it is recommended that professional organizations of medical examiners/coroners develop guidelines to promote consistency in death certification practices including manner of death classification and selection of death certificate wording so that “police-assisted suicide” may be appropriately reported and studied.
Taking Account of Peak Areas when Interpreting Mixed DNA Profiles
Authors: Evett IW , Gill PD , Lambert JA
Published: August 2015

This paper establishes a logical framework for taking account of peak areas when interpreting mixed DNA STR profiles. The principles apply wherever such data are available but they are illustrated here by means of data which have been collected from made up mixtures of known concentrations analyzed at short tandem repeat loci. The data have led to some modeling assumptions which are used for numerical examples. In actual casework the proportions of the various components will not be known and there is a discussion of whether they should be allowed for by integrating over a prior distribution. This is a conceptual paper, rather than a prescription for casework, and the scope for further work is outlined.
A First Assessment of the Reliability of an Improved Scent Identification Line-up
Authors: Schoon GAA
Published: August 2015

To properly evaluate different forensic techniques, it is important to know how reliable these different techniques are. The reliability of scent identification line-ups is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe, and employ, a reliability testing method for scent identifications using trained police dogs and a novel scent identification procedure. Two kinds of experiments were prepared: suspect = perpetrator experiments, and suspect ≳ perpetrator experiments. Six dog/handler teams participated in 10 experiments, five of each kind. The reliability of an identification, or the diagnostic ratio, is the percentage correct identification in suspect = perpetrator experiments divided by the percentage false identification of the suspect in suspect ≳ perpetrator experiments. Factors that influence the reliability of scent identifications are discussed, and the results of the scent identifications are compared with recent reliability estimates of other forensic techniques.
Application of Solid-Phase Microextraction to the Recovery of Organic Explosives
Authors: Paul Kirkbride K , Klass G , Pigou PE
Published: August 2015

The application of solid-phase microextraction to the recovery of residues of organic explosives by headspace sampling is discussed. It was found that the technique was rapid and simple. Polydimethylsiloxane and polyacrylate resin were examined as adsorption phases and the latter was found to be more effective. It was found that non-volatile explosives (PETN, RDX, and TNT) should be extracted at about 100°. Acceptable limits of detection were achieved using bench top quadrupole mass spectrometry and short extraction times (about 30 min). Increasing the extraction times to many hours resulted in significantly enhanced detection. Desorption of PETN from the solid phase was found to induce some decomposition of the explosive, but the technique was still valuable for the analysis of this compound.
Characterization of Fibers by Raman Microprobe Spectroscopy
Authors: Keen IP , White GW , Fredericks PM
Published: August 2015

A set of fibers, mainly synthetic, has been examined by Raman microprobe spectroscopy. It was found that high quality spectra, requiring no sample preparation, are easy to obtain and that fibers with different molecular structure have very different Raman spectra. Fluorescence was occasionally a problem with excitation at 632.8 nm, but could be significantly reduced by using a semiconductor laser emitting at 780 nm. Fibers of the same polymer type from different manufacturers have Raman spectra which are only slightly different but which could be distinguished by the multivariate statistical technique of principal components analysis (PCA). Dyed fibers gave spectra with bands due to the polymer, but also with intense bands due to the dye, because of the high Raman cross-section of dye molecules. Extraction of the dye, followed by a spectral subtraction procedure allowed separate spectra of the polymer and the dye to be obtained.
The Contribution of Trace Elements from Smokeless Powder to Post Firing Residues
Authors: Miyauchi H , Kumihashi M , Shibayama T
Published: August 2015

The smokeless powders in 22 kinds of ammunitions seized from one of the Japanese gang groups were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX). Copper(Cu), sulfur(S), potassium(K), silicon(Si), aluminum(Al), calcium(Ca), iron(Fe), chlorine(Cl), and barium(Ba) were detected. Cu was found in all samples. One sample contained a high amount of Ba. One part of the burnt smokeless powder was found to contain Cu, K, Ca, Fe and S, the other part contained Cu, Fe, and zinc(Zn). It has been reported that the elements in gunshot residues originate from a bullet and/or a primer. However, this demonstrates that smokeless powder could be the source of some of the elements detected.
Differentiation of Asphalt and Smoke Condensates from Liquid Petroleum Distillates Using GC/MS
Authors: Lentini JJ
Published: August 2015

A method of comparing selected ion profiles of fire debris extracts for the purpose of differentiating background residues produced by burning asphalt from liquid petroleum distillates is discussed. Passive headspace concentration (ASTM E 1412) has the capacity to fractionate asphalt condensates, resulting in the production of chromatographic patterns remarkably similar to fuel oils. By examining the alkenes produced when asphalt burns, the smoke condensates can be differentiated from kerosene or diesel fuel.
A Physical Method for Separating Spermatozoa from Epithelial Cells in Sexual Assault Evidence
Authors: Chen J , Kobilinsky L , Wolosin D , Shaler R , Baum H
Published: August 2015

The analysis of genetic markers for the purpose of individualization of semen specimens is extremely important in cases of sexual abuse and assault. The serological analysis of sexual assault evidence can sometimes be complicated because stains are often composed of a mixture of spermatozoa, vaginal epithelial cells and white and red blood cells. A filtration method has been developed to cleanly separate spermatozoa from epithelial cells based upon differences in size and shape. Nylon mesh filters of the appropriate pore size can be used to separate the smaller oval shaped spermatozoal cells from the larger and flatter epithelial cells. The former pass freely through the membrane while the latter are retained on the filter.

In this study, cell separation was demonstrated by (a) microscopic observation of stained cells, (b) amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of DNA obtained from separated cells. The results of these analyses indicate that: (1) Approximately 70% of spermatozoa in the mixed cell sample will penetrate the 10 µm pore size filter, (2) Only about 1–2% of intact epithelial cells will do so, and (3) A small number of nuclei from spontaneously lysed epithelial cells will cross the filter. Experimental results using mixtures of spermatozoa and vaginal epithelial cells prepared in different ratios support the conclusion that the filtration process is an efficient and reliable method to separate spermatozoa from epithelial cells in casework specimens for subsequent DNA analysis.
Sampling Protocols for the Detection of Smokeless Powder Residues Using Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: MacCrehan WA , Smith KD , Rowe WF
Published: August 2015

Present techniques for the detection of gunshot residue rely primarily metallic primer components such as lead, barium and antimony. With the advent of reformulated primers that reduce or eliminate these elements, new methods for the detection of organic residue compounds will be needed. Micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis (MECE) is one technique that has been successfully applied to the analysis of these smokeless powder residue compounds.

Protocols for the recovery of the organic residue components under a variety of sampling conditions were evaluated and improved for MECE analysis. The collection of residue samples where external contaminants such as grease or blood were present on the residue substrate were investigated using both tape lifts and solvent swab protocols. In addition, residue component recovery using supercritical fluid extraction techniques was preliminarily evaluated for samples contaminated with blood.
Comparative Determination of 2-Carbomethoxy-3-Alkyloxy- and Heteroaroyloxy-Substituted Tropanes in Illicit South American Cocaine Using Capillary Gas Chromatography-Single Ion Monitoring
Authors: Casale JF , Moore JM , Odeneal NG
Published: August 2015

Methodology is presented for the isolation and comparative determination of 16 alkyloyl and 2 heteroaroyl ecgonine methyl esters in illicit cocaine samples. These trace-level alkaloids, five of which are reported for the first time, were partially isolated from cocaine using alumina column chromatography and recrystallization and determined using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using selected ion monitoring. Acetoxy-, propionoyl-, isobutyroyl-, butyroyl-, 2-methylbutyroyl-, isovaleroyl-, valeroyl-, senecioyl-, trans-4-hexenoyl-, tigloyl-, hexanoyl-, 3′-furanoyl-, trans-2-hexenoyl-, 2′-furanoyl-, trans-3-heptenoyl-, cis-, trans-; trans-, cis-; and trans-, trans-2,4-hexadienoyl- ecgonine methyl esters were detected at levels less than 1 × 10−5 % (w/w relative to cocaine).
Behavior and the Law Reconsidered: Psychological Syndromes and Profiles
Authors: Edwards CN
Published: August 2015

Recently, a new concept of behavior and the law has emerged which looks beyond the defendant's satisfaction of the elements which define the charge. This formulation, which considers not simply the objective facts but motive, intent, and circumstance, has marked a legal shift from diminished capacity to diminished responsibility. Still in evolution, this trend has challenged the relationship between law and the behavioral sciences, and prompted serious reconsideration of the role of each. This paper examines the landmarks of the movement, considers its implications, and looks to the future.
Competence to Stand Trial: Clinician Reliability and the Role of Offense Severity
Authors: Rosenfeld B , Ritchie K
Published: August 2015

As research strategies for studying competence to stand trial evolve, interest in the decision-making process of clinicians and the factors that may influence the clinical process has grown. This study assesses the reliability of clinical opinions regarding the basis for competence decisions and the influence that severity of the offense has upon the clinical determinations of competence. One-hundred eighty-eight criminal defendants in an outpatient forensic clinic were evaluated by pairs of clinicians (psychiatrists and clinical psychologists). Each clinician was asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the defendant's overall degree of competence on a 0 to 10 rating scale, ability to understand charges and proceedings and ability to assist in one's defense, and the likelihood that the defendant was malingering. Results demonstrated a high degree of reliability not only in clinical determinations of competence (agreement in 187 of 188 cases), but in estimates of overall degree of competence and the basis for findings of competence or incompetence (e.g., the Dusky criteria). Misdemeanor defendants were more likely to be found incompetent to stand trial. However, degree of competence was only associated with offense severity for defendants found incompetent to stand trial. There was no relationship between these variables for competent defendants. These results suggest that clinicians may require a higher degree of competence for defendants charged with more serious offenses, although this process may not apply equally to competent and incompetent defendants. Furthermore, conducting competence interviews jointly appears to increase the concordance of competence opinions.
Nocturnal Wandering and Violence: Review of a Sleep Clinic Population
Authors: Guilleminault C , Leger D , Philip P , Ohayon MM
Published: August 2015

Sleep consists of two complex states—NREM and REM sleep—and disturbances of the boundaries between the states of sleep and wakefulness may result in violence. We investigated our population for reports of violence associated with sleep. REM behavior disorder is rarely associated with injury to the sufferer or others. NREM sleep related nocturnal wandering associated with self-inflicted injuries has variable etiologies. In the elderly, it is associated with dementia. In young individuals, it may be associated with mesio-temporal or mesio-frontal foci and an indication of a complex partial seizure. It also may be related to abnormal alertness and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, micro-sleeps, and hypnagogic hallucinations in sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or sleep disordered breathing.
Chilean Population Data on Ten PCR-Based Loci
Authors: Jorquera H , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Allele frequencies for ten PCR-based loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, HLA-DQA1, D1S80, CSF1PO, TPOX and THO1 were determined in unrelated Chileans from Santiago. All loci except HBGG and THO1 meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations. There is little evidence for association of alleles among the ten loci. Only 3 out of 45 pairwise comparisons demonstrated departures from independence. The allelic frequency data are similar to other comparable data.
Two Quantitative Methods for Rib Seriation in Human Skeletal Remains
Authors: Hoppa R , Saunders S
Published: August 2015

Accurate rib sequencing is of importance to both forensic anthropologists and human osteologists, but until recently there have been few traits used to aid in the seriation of ribs within a human burial. This study examines two measurements (head to tubercle length and superior costotransverse ligament crest height) for the purpose of aiding rib identification and seriation in human skeletal remains. A sample of 344 ribs from 43 individuals from the 19th century Anglican Church cemetery of St. Thomas in Belleville, Ontario were used for the current study. While the head to tubercle length appeared unreliable for rib seriation, the superior costo-transverse ligament crest height may provide an alternative technique for assessing rib sequence. More importantly though, the method provides a basis on which the identification of the central ribs can be made.
Comparison of Properties of Adhesive Tapes, Tabs, and Liquids Used for the Collection of Gunshot Residue and Other Trace Materials for SEM Analysis
Authors: Wrobel HA , Millar JJ , Kijek M
Published: August 2015

The use of adhesive tapes, tabs and liquids is a simple and cost-effective method for sampling gunshot residues and other trace or particulate materials prior to analysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adhesive material is placed directly onto a standard stub (specimen mount) used in scanning electron microscopy. The use of these prepared stubs can decrease sample preparation and collection time as well as reducing the risk of sample loss.

In this study, a number of adhesives are examined for their suitability in the areas of elemental composition, adhesive properties, and adhesive stability under vacuum and an electron beam.
A Specimen Positioning Device for Dental Radiographic Identification—Image Geometry Considerations
Authors: Goldstein M , Sweet DJ , Wood RE
Published: August 2015

Preventative dental treatment has reduced caries incidence and thereby rendered dental identification, in caries-free individuals, more difficult. An alternate method comparing spatial relationships of dental structures in digitized superimposed antemortem and postmortem radiographs has been previously developed. This paper examined the limitations of this technique and demonstrates a positioning device suitable for reproducing antemortem radiographic image geometry. The paper also examined three specific aspects of image geometry namely horizontal angulation, vertical angulation and focal film distance. Deviations in horizontal angulations between antemortem and postmortem radiographs by as little as 5 degrees makes identification difficult. Changes in vertical angulation or focal-film distance had no affect. This procedure, and the positioning device used to accurately replicate antemortem image geometry is an economical, easy to use adjunct to current methods of dental identification.
Technique for Dissecting the Cervical Vertebral Column
Authors: Berzlanovich AM , Sim E , Muhm MA
Published: August 2015

Dissecting the cervical vertebral column usually is presumed in the course of a routine autopsy to be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, most techniques described in the literature lead to extensive mutilation of the corpse. We present a method which can be performed quickly and is learned easily. The major advantage of our technique is that the integrity of the corpse, in particular of the facial surface, is maintained.
Urine Drug Testing for Social Service Agencies in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Fraser AD
Published: August 2015

In Nova Scotia Canada, governmental authorities expressed concern in the late 1980s about the adverse effects of drug use by parents on the welfare of their children. Since 1991, parents with a history of drug abuse may be required to submit to urine drug and alcohol testing when ordered by the Family Courts of this province. The objective of this paper is to present this drug testing program and the results of drug testing on 125 clients from 1994–1996. Urine specimens were collected in the parents' residence by a nurse and transferred directly to the laboratory by the collector or a courier. Specimens were screened by immunoassay and TLC followed by GC-MS confirmation. Results were sent directly to the social worker. In the 3,613 urine specimens analyzed, 50.2% of specimens were negative, 45.6% were positive for one or more drug/metabolite and 4.2% of specimens were dilute (creatinine <25 mg/dL). The distribution of positive results were: cannabinoids (11.5%), cocaine metabolite (5.0%), benzodiazepines (14.5%), codeine/morphine (7.1%), codeine (6.6%), diphenhydramine (2.2%) and ethyl alcohol (1.6%). Drug testing has been considered a success by these agencies since testing provides an objective indication of recent drug use and the overall prevalence of drug use in this drug abusing population has reduced from 100% to <50%.
Determining Sodium Azide Concentration in Blood by Ion Chromatography
Authors: Kruszyna R , Smith RP , Kruszyna H
Published: August 2015

We describe a simple method for measuring sodium azide concentrations in aliquots of blood and other tissues. Aliquots are acidified, converting azide to volatile hydrazoic acid (HN3) which is then trapped in sodium hydroxide. We analyze the resulting aliquots by ion chromatography, using a sodium tetraborate eluent and suppressed conductivity detection. The method is sensitive to at least 100 ng/mL.
Distinguishing Between New and Slightly Worn Underwear: A Case Study
Authors: Frank Booth R , Lott PF
Published: August 2015

This case study relates to a suspect accused of shoplifting a pair of underwear briefs from a department store. The report presents a method that was used to distinguish between new and used underwear employing both laser examination for biological staining and microscopical examination for thread wear.
Arrow Damage to Textiles—Analysis of Clothing and Bedding in Two Cases of Crossbow Deaths
Authors: Taupin JM
Published: August 2015

Two cases of crossbow deaths involving analysis of damage to clothing and bedding are described. The distinctive characteristics of the damage examined in these cases indicate that there is merit in examining damage to clothing as well as wounds to the body in crossbow injuries. Clothing damage analysis may be especially useful if the body is badly decomposed or never recovered. Furthermore, damage to textiles may reflect a clearer geometry of the weapon than that of the associated wounding.
Serotonin Syndrome in a Prisoner
Authors: Zimmerschied JA , Harry B
Published: August 2015

The authors present a case of serotonin syndrome in a prisoner who was transferred to a psychiatric hospital because of increasing psychotic symptoms. They discuss some factors that appear to put some populations at higher risk for such syndromes, and recommend increased vigilance for such problems in those identified populations.
Three Case Studies in Forensic Entomology from Southern Italy
Authors: Introna F , Campobasso CP , Di Fazio A
Published: August 2015

Three cases of forensic interest regarding the estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) by entomological data are presented. The three cases concerning criminal investigations were performed in Southern Italy by the Entomological Laboratory of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Bari. For each case the authors present a detailed description of the remains as observed at the crime scene and a description of the arthropods collected from the remains. The PMI estimation was based on comparison of data from autopsy reports (rate of decay), local environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, rainfall) and development times for the immature stages of each species of local arthropod and succession patterns. The collection of insects was performed at the discovery site and during autopsy procedures. In the first case a PMI of 5 to 8 days was established based on the presence of adult specimens of Saprinus aeneus (family Histeridae), and mature larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Sarcophaga carnaria (3rd instar). In the second case, on the charred remains of a corpse, larvae of Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis (3rd instar) and Protophormia terraenovae (2nd instar) were observed in different developmental stages, as indicated, giving a PMI of 3 to 4 days based on entomological data. In the third case a PMI of 36 to 48 hours was defined from the evidence of Calliphora vicina 2nd instar on the two burnt bodies. In all cases the entomological evidence alone led to conclusions on PMI.
Seatbelt Injury to the Common Iliac Artery: Case Report
Authors: Dell'Erba A , Di Vella G , Giardino N
Published: August 2015

In traffic accident victims, the seat belt syndrome is a well known injury which rarely involves the common iliac artery due to its posterior anatomical position and to protection by the pelvis. We report a case of blunt abdominal trauma related to the type of seat belt worn. The trauma provoked subintimal haemorrhaging of the left common iliac artery, without skeletal lesions or other visceral injuries. Correct diagnosis was delayed for three months after the crash, when an angiogram was performed to investigate disabling claudication and vascular pulse change in the left leg. This arterial injury could have been related to the association of two different types of force created during the crash (“compression/deceleration-type mechanism”) that might have produced shearing forces causing a vascular wall discontinuity and/or an intimal flap. The authors speculate that the vascular lesion was observed on the same (left) side as the fastening point of the seat belt (a lap-and-shoulder belt with a three-point attachment) where the shearing forces may have been most intense due to the junction between the lap strap and the diagonal shoulder belt.
Alleged Forgery of Sonography Report Leads to Elective Abortion of Late 23 Week-Old Fetus
Authors: Huxley AK , Andrew Sibley M
Published: August 2015

In this case report, a very obese young woman who claimed to be 17 gestational weeks into pregnancy, sought an elective abortion. Upon dilation and curettage, the doctor assessed the fetal remains to be nearly 26 gestational weeks. After contacting local authorities, who turned the case over to the Office of the Medical Examiner, the doctor determined that the woman had apparently forged her sonography report from the radiology clinic. She was thus able to obtain an abortion at more than 23 gestational weeks. While abortion laws vary from state to state, most doctors are reluctant to perform an abortion on a woman so far into term, since serious medical complications may arise and fetal viability must be considered. This case history may demonstrate the importance of independent confirmation of gestational age prior to such a procedure.
Lacerations of the Hepatoduodenal Ligament, Pancreas and Duodenum in a Child due to Blunt Impact
Authors: deRoux SJ , Prendergast NC
Published: August 2015

Descriptions of the nature of pediatric injury as reported by parents and caretakers is frequently tainted, even fraudulent. We present here such a case of trauma incurred in the presence of a parent which resulted in hepatoduodenal ligament laceration with associated pancreatic and duodenal injuries, the certain result of severe blunt force abdominal trauma. These findings were at variance with the father's description of the events leading up to the child's untimely demise.
Fatal Embolization of Ball Portion of Starr-Edwards Aortic Valve Prosthesis
Authors: Reddy KK , Anders KH , Sathyavagiswaran L
Published: August 2015

We report an unusual case of a Starr-Edwards aortic valve malfunction with fatal dislodgment and embolization of its ball portion to the distal abdominal aorta, just above the bifurcation, leading to sudden death. This case is unusual in that it is, to date, the longest time elapsed between valve placement and ball dislodgment.
Open Air Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Jumbelic MI
Published: August 2015

An unusual manner of carbon monoxide poisoning claimed the lives of two adults in two separate incidents. In the first case, a young man was four wheeling in a swampy area when his jeep became stuck in the mud as he continued to floor the accelerator. Carbon monoxide fumes entered the vehicle through the rusted floorboards, killing the driver. In the second case, two teens were skinny dipping behind a motor boat when they became affected by the boat exhaust. One of the youths was overcome and submerged into the lake. Both incidents were initially attributed to incorrect causes—a car accident and a drowning—because of the false notion that carbon monoxide is not a hazard in a ventilated area. The carboxyhemoglobin levels in these victims were 78 and 62% respectively. It was only through laboratory testing that carbon monoxide poisoning was identified as the cause of their demise. Physicians as well as the public need to be aware of the potential for this life threatening hazard to occur so that there can be proper emergency treatment and the prevention of fatalities.
Tetrachloroethylene Intoxication in an Autoerotic Fatality
Authors: Isenschmid DS , Cassin BJ , Hepler BR , Kanluen S
Published: August 2015

This case report describes an accidental death due to the inhalation of tetrachloroethylene during an autoerotic episode. Tetrachloroethylene was administered from a can of Fix-A-Flat tire repair. Analysis of tetrachloroethylene was performed using headspace gas chromatography and electron capture detection. The blood tetrachloroethylene concentration of 62 mg/L was consistent with acute tetrachloroethylene intoxication.
Case Report of an Unusual Use of Lidocaine During Episodes of Self Mutilation
Authors: Gaillard Y , Pepin G
Published: August 2015

We are reporting on a case of polyintoxication by cocaine, lidocaine, methadone, and dextromoramide. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of a strand of hair. We note for the first time the detection of dextromoramide as well as lidocaine and desethyl-lidocaine in hair. Concentrations in hair were: cocaine = 2.4 ng/mg, benzoylecgonine = 0.3 ng/mg, methadone = 10.2 ng/mg, EDDP = 1.5 ng/mg, dextromoramide = 1.6 ng/mg, lidocaine = 115.9 ng/mg and desethyl-lidocaine = 1.6 ng/mg. The victim who was seeking an anesthesia effect without the loss of consciousness ingested cocktails during episodes of self mutilation. The wounds were of two different types and with different morphological locations: long and deep without ablation of tissue, clean lacerations found on the neck, the pectoral region, and the left upper extremity; either round or discoid with deep excavation found on the head (ears, forehead, chin, and lips) and also, on the neck and on the left upper extremity. Near the most recent wounds, needle marks were noticed indicating probable local infiltration of lidocaine.
Lack of Effect of Tongue Piercing on an Evidential Breath Alcohol Test
Authors: Logan BK , Gullberg RG
Published: August 2015

Defendants in several driving under the influence cases have asserted that the presence in the mouth of a metal stud through a hole pierced in the tongue invalidates the breath alcohol test because of the prohibition against foreign substances in the mouth, and because of the potential for the jewelry to retain alcohol and interfere with the breath test. Rates of mouth alcohol elimination were evaluated in two subjects with pierced tongues and in two control subjects. No differences in the mouth alcohol elimination patterns were observed. The 15 min alcohol deprivation period prior to the test ensures no effect from residual mouth alcohol. For the purposes of breath alcohol testing, oral jewelry should be treated in the same manner as dental work, and may be left in place during the test without affecting its outcome.
Special Communication
Authors: Henderson C
Published: August 2015

At the 49th Annual Meeting of the AAFS in New York, a new educational venue was offered: the Academy-Wide Luncheon. Modeled after the breakfast seminars, the luncheon seminars try to feature presentations on intellectually challenging and stimulating topics by distinguished speakers. We reproduce here, as a service to readers, one of the presentations at the inaugural Academy-Wide luncheon seminar from the 49th annual meeting in February, 1997.
Enhancing the Relationship of Science and the Courts
Authors: Weinstein JB
Published: August 2015

Learned Hand, at the opening of this century presented us with our common dilemma. How can a lay jury, which by definition does not have the requisite scientific knowledge and background, judge the credibility of scientific presentations by experts who present opposing conclusions?
Review of Inman et al. “An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis”
Authors: Wenk RE
Published: August 2015

The two qualified authors of this attractive, spiral-bound handbook have attempted to expand a previous publication and, simultaneously, to translate “science into English” (p.1). Novices are presented with a number of instructive presentations in both narrative and illustrative formats. Some chapters (e.g., Chapter 7) are succinct, accurate and especially helpful to a beginner. Some appendices and references provide the reader with ready information and means of learning more about specific subjects. The index appears complete and accurate. The illustrations and the paper on which they are printed are of high quality. Unfortunately, the authors have only partly succeeded in meeting their two objectives. I hope the next version of the work will address the issues cited below.
Sex Determination from the Ribs of Contemporary Turks
Authors: Çölolu AS , İşcan MY , Yavuz MF , Sari H
Published: August 2015

There have been several in-depth studies showing that the sternal extremity of the fourth rib can be used in estimating age as well as in determining sex, as illustrated in North American whites and blacks. Yet biological differences between populations may preclude the cross-application of standards. To test this hypothesis and develop a sex determination standard for the Turkish population, a sample of the sternal ends of the fourth rib was collected from 294 individuals autopsied in Istanbul, Turkey. Dimensions from the superior edge to the inferior one (SI) and the anterior edge to its posterior edge (AP) were measured with a caliper. The sample was divided into three age groups, “young,” “old,” and “total.” Using discriminant function analysis, three formulae were developed, one for each group. The results indicated that SI height is the most dimorphic dimension and that both dimensions together can give an accuracy of 86% to 90%. To reach such an accuracy, the age of the unknown should be estimated, at least whether it is phase 4 or above or below, using the age standards for ribs developed by İşcan and associates. When cross-validation tests are carried out, incorrect formulae reduce accuracy by as much as 20%. Furthermore, it was observed that North American based white sex determination formulae assign many Turkish males into a female category. In conclusion, it is important to note that population and age specificity are essential in determining sex from the rib. Yet its accuracy is as good as, if not better than, many bones of the postcranial skeleton.
Excavation of a Vietnam-Era Aircraft Crash Site: Use of Cross-Cultural Understanding and Dual Forensic Recovery Methods
Authors: Webster ADM
Published: August 2015

The excavation of a 23 year-old aircraft crash site in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the transformational processes preceding its excavation in 1995–1996 are detailed. The history of the site involved an initial catastrophic event, with subsequent reclamation and disturbances. Ultimately, a recovery effort by a joint U.S. team from the Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii (CILHI), Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) and a Socialist Republic of Vietnam contingent yielded numerous human remains, personal effects, and life-support items from the crash site.

This case study should be of interest to the increasing number of forensic anthropologists who carry out work in international contexts. The application of forensic anthropology in human rights abuse cases, for example in Rwanda, Argentina, and Bosnia, provide examples of such cross-cultural endeavors.

Cultural factors act in the development of a site and should not be overlooked as significant taphonomic agents. The approach that an indigenous person takes to a crash site or mass grave may be quite different from our own approach, involving Western science. Holland, Anderson, and Mann (1) describe the postmortem alteration of exhumed and/or curated bone caused by indigenous Southeast Asian peoples; the examples provided by these authors demonstrate how culture affects the treatment of what we would call “evidence.” The international nature of an incident can add complicating “filters” to the reconstruction of events, since reclamation responses by indigenous people vary according to their interpretations of the scene. An investigating forensic anthropologist needs to understand the emic viewpoint (the insider's view), as cultural anthropologists do, when attempting to recover and reconstruct such an incident.

In response to the cultural (and natural) taphonomic agents at work on such a site, the use of dual forensic recovery methods—simultaneously treating the investigation scene like an aircraft crash and a clandestine burial site—is advised. Employing a flexible set of methods will allow for maximal recovery of evidence.
Short UV Luminescence for Forensic Applications: Design of a Real-Time Observation System for Detection of Latent Fingerprints and Body Fluids
Authors: Yosef NB , Almog J , Frank A , Springer E , Cantu AA
Published: August 2015

An assembly that allows a pseudo real-time (one second delay) observation of latent fingerprints by their short ultraviolent luminescence was designed. It is composed of a mercuryxenon lamp and a CCD camera, both water-cooled and computer-controlled. The system is used to study the behaviour of latent fingerprints and stains of body fluids such as blood, semen and saliva under short-UV illumination.
Rapid PCR for Identity Testing Using a Battery-Powered Miniature Thermal Cycler
Authors: Belgrader P , Smith JK , Weedn VW , Northrup MA
Published: August 2015

A microfabricated, battery-powered thermal cycler was implemented in PCR-based DNA typing for human identification. HLA DQα and an STR triplex were PCR amplified using a device known as the Miniature Analytical Thermal Cycling Instrument (MATCI). The extremely efficient heating properties of the MATCI enabled thermal cycling to be completed in as little as 21 min. In addition, the feasibility of using the real-time fluorescent detection system of the MATCI was demonstrated. The successful application of this portable, prototype device to forensic identity testing is a significant milestone towards the eventual development of a completely integrated DNA testing instrument that would also incorporate sample preparation and allele detection.
Forensic Palynology: Variation in the Pollen Content of Soil Surface Samples
Authors: Horrocks M , Coulson SA , Walsh KAJ
Published: August 2015

Surface soil samples from several localized areas were analyzed for pollen and compared using an ordination analysis. The aim was to objectively establish the forensic value of using soil samples to link people or objects to crime scenes. This was done by determining the degree to which pollen assemblages of surface soil samples from within the same localized area differ, and the degree to which the pollen assemblage of a surface soil sample from within a localized area differs from distant localized areas of similar vegetation type. Samples from within the same localized area (the control site) showed a high degree of similarity, suggesting that pollen assemblages of surface soil samples from within a localized area are homogeneous. Results also showed that localized areas of similar vegetation type, even within the same geographic region, have significantly different pollen assemblages.