bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Death as a Result of Asthma in Wayne County Medical Examiner Cases, 1975–1987
Authors: Campbell S , Hood I , Ryan D , Biedrzycki L , Mirchandani H
Published: August 2015

All deaths ascribed to asthma in the 5-to-40-year age group at the Wayne County Medical Examiners' Office were reviewed from 1975 to 1987 inclusive. Fifty-eight deaths were attributed solely to asthma, and the annual number increased fivefold in the 1980s to a rate of approximately 0.5 per 100 000 per year when extrapolated to the Wayne County population. Blacks were overrepresented to double their proportion in the general population. Almost all cases were known asthmatics, and many had received previous emergency care. Most fatalities occurred at night and did not demonstrate any seasonal variation. The onset of the fatal attack was apparently very rapid in most cases, with many engaged in routine activities and few surviving any length of time in hospital or having sought treatment earlier. Our data reveal a significant increase in sudden death in previously well asthmatics in Wayne County in the 1980s. Similar increases in deaths as a result of asthma have been noted previously in other countries for reasons that remain unclear.
The Significance of Postmortem Radiographs in Infants
Authors: Williamson SL , Perrot LL
Published: August 2015

The radiographs of 108 infants were analyzed prospectively before autopsy to correlate radiographic findings with those found at the postmortem examination. There was poor correlation between radiographs and autopsy findings when pulmonary pathology was present, and there was no gut pathology when radiographs revealed portal venous air. The radiographs were most helpful when either bony abnormalities (that is, fractures or congenital abnormalities) or free air were found before autopsy.
Prison Mental Health Services: Results of a National Survey of Standards, Resources, Administrative Structure, and Litigation
Authors: Metzner JL , Fryer GE , Usery D
Published: August 2015

The formation of adequate mental health systems within prisons has accelerated as a result of successful class action lawsuits. Our recent national survey questioned all state correctional departments about the existence of standards in each system, compliance with such standards, prevalence of class action lawsuits involving the issue of providing adequate mental health services for inmates, issues related to consent decrees, available mental health resources within the correctional system, and the administrative structure of the mental health system. Our purpose was to identify those factors correlated with certified class action lawsuits involving issues related to mental health services. Twenty-one states were involved in such litigation. Only the presence of psychiatric hospitals operated by the department of corrections correlated with the presence of certified class action lawsuits involving mental health services. Prison systems larger than 15 000 inmates were at higher risk for such litigation. Smaller systems having psychiatric hospitals run by the state mental health agency appeared to be at less risk for such litigation.
Application of the VSC-1/Atari 1040ST Image-Processing System to Forensic Document Problems
Authors: Wenderoth M
Published: August 2015

In 1987, Foster and Freeman introduced a software package for image processing using the Atari 1040ST computer. The software and computer are interfaced with their video spectral comparator (VSC) to form a complete processing system. There are five basic image-processing functions and several display operations that permit the enhancement of images with this system. These image enhancement capabilities have direct application to problems encountered by forensic document examiners. Three such problems are set forth to demonstrate the direct application of these processing functions. The techniques used in these problems will also be presented.
Psychiatric Patients and AIDS: The Forensic Clinician Perspective
Authors: Weinstock R , Leong GB , Arturo Silva J
Published: August 2015

A survey was completed by American Acdemy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Psychiatry and Behavioral Science members regarding their opinions on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, (AIDS)-related issues. A considerable range of opinions was found, probably reflecting such differences in society. There was general agreement that psychiatric hospitals should not be allowed to refuse AIDS patients and that education about AIDS is useful for psychiatric patients. There was also support for notifying the public health department, known sexual contacts, and hospital staff about human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients.
Lithium-Ammonia Reduction of Ephedrine to Methamphetamine: An Unusual Clandestine Synthesis
Authors: Ely RA , McGrath DC
Published: August 2015

A suspected clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was seized in Vacaville, California. Ephedrine, a precursor for the manufacture of methamphetamine, was discovered at the site. However, the chemicals normally expected to be found at an ephedrine conversion laboratory were not recovered. Other chemicals found at the scene included tetrahydrofuran, ammonium chloride, lithium metal, and ammonia gas. Examination of the suspect's notes showed several different common synthesis routes to methamphetamine and a novel route utilizing a lithium/ammonia/ammonium chloride reduction. The reduction of ephedrine to methamphetamine using this dissolving metal procedure has not been reported in the literature. The authors reproduced the suspect's reaction scheme and found the lithium/ammonia/ammonium chloride reduction of ephedrine to be a viable synthesis for methamphetamine.
The Response of the Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A® to a Number of Possible Interfering Substances
Authors: Cowan JM , McCutcheon JR , Weathermon A
Published: August 2015

Five Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A®s were tested for their response to eleven chemicals and one mixture of chemicals. The air/water partition ratios were also determined for these eleven chemicals and one mixture. The chemicals tested and their approximate partition ratios were the following: acetaldehyde (190:1), acetone (341:1), acetonitrile (578:1), isoprene (1:1), isopropanol (1671:1), methanol (3229:1), methylene chloride (11:1), methyl ethyl ketone (229:1), toluene (5.5:1), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (14:1), trichloroethylene (20:1), and a 50:50 mixture of 1.1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethylene (14:1). Of the eleven chemicals and one mixture studied during this experiment, only three, isopropanol, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone, could reasonably interfere with the test, and then only under unusual circumstances—those circumstances being a slight additive effect to a breath ethanol concentration near the level required for prosecution. Any substantial additive effect from these three substances would illuminate the interference light which invalidates the test. The mean illumination point of the interference light was 0.0286 g/210 L for methyl ethyl ketone, 0.0294 for toluene, and between 0.0116 and 0.0292 for the apparent alcohol concentration for isopropanol, depending on the amount of isopropanol metabolized to acetone. Even with these unusual circumstances considered, the Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A must be viewed as an effective way of determining the ethanol concentration in human breath for evidential purposes.
A Discriminant Function Analysis of Deciduous Teeth to Determine Sex
Authors: De Vito C , Saunders SR
Published: August 2015

Studies of deciduous teeth have concluded that crown size differences in these teeth between males and females are not reliable sex discriminators, in contrast to such differences in permanent teeth. This study measured the mesiodistal and faciolingual crown diameters of all deciduous teeth, as well as those of the permanent first molars, of 162 children from the Burlington Orthodontic Growth Study, conducted earlier in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. All 40 deciduous tooth diameters (20 mesiolingual and 20 faciolingual) were significantly different between the sexes, as were the permanent tooth diameters. Using three to five measurements of deciduous teeth, discriminant analyses of several samplings of these children produced discriminant functions in which 76 to 90% of the holdout samples were correctly classified by sex. Combinations of deciduous and permanent measurements were used to classify 83 to 85% of the holdout samples correctly. When compared with published data on other sample populations, the Burlington group is the most dimorphic for deciduous teeth and is within the range of permanent tooth dimorphisms of other populations. The level of classification accuracy, when using discriminant analysis of the deciduous teeth, can approach the accuracy levels of analysis using the permanent teeth.
Crossbow Injuries
Authors: Rogers C , Dowell S , Choi JH , Sathyavagiswaran L
Published: August 2015

The crossbow is an uncommon source of fatal injury. In Los Angeles County, two crossbow homicides have occurred in the past 20 years. Following the second case, a crossbow was test-fired into a fresh pork thigh, resulting in distinctive wounds. Experimental studies also showed that the vanes of the bolt (arrow) may be a source of trace material found in the wound.
Abuse of Psychiatric Legal Defenses Revisited: Mandatory Psychiatric Student Withdrawal
Authors: Weinstock R , Pruett H
Published: August 2015

Insanity defenses and competency to stand trial have had a history of abuse in forensic psychiatry. Currently Pavela has proposed a procedure for mandatory withdrawal from universities of students with psychiatric problems. Students can be removed who either meet criteria for being incompetent to stand “trial” or meet criteria for the McNaghten insanity “defense” after breaking even a minor university rule. By being forced to withdraw, they can receive worse than the maximum penalty for the offense.

An alternative procedure is proposed which makes the disciplinary process primary for withdrawal of all students and does not abuse psychiatric “defenses.” Withdrawal of students who violate rules should occur only because the behavior itself warrants it. Psychiatric explanations should be reserved for possible mitigation in a role analogous to that in a criminal trial. Consultation between mental health professionals and university administrators also is recommended to help in understanding problem situations and behavior.
Medical Examiner/Coroner Records: Uses and Limitations in Occupational Injury Epidemiologic Research
Authors: Conroy C , Russell JC
Published: August 2015

Epidemiologic research often relies on existing data, collected for nonepidemiologic reasons, to support studies. Data are obtained from hospital records, police reports, labor reports, death certificates, or other sources. Medical examiner/coroner records are, however, not often used in epidemiologic studies. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Division of Safety Research has begun using these records in its research program on work-related trauma. Because medical examiners and coroners have the legal authority and responsibility to investigate all externally caused deaths, these records can be used in surveillance of these deaths. Another use of these records is to validate cases identified by other case ascertainment methods, such as death certificates. Using medical examiner/coroner records also allows rapid identification of work-related deaths without waiting several years for mortality data from state offices of vital statistics. Finally, the records are an invaluable data source since they contain detailed information on the nature of the injury, external cause of death, and results of toxicologic testing, which is often not available from other sources. This paper illustrates some of the ways that medical examiner/coroner records are a valuable source of information for epidemiologic studies and makes recommendations to improve their usefulness.
The Use of Plasma Ashing on Samples for Detection of Gunshot Residues with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDXA)
Authors: Varetto L
Published: August 2015

A method is described for the removal of organic material from the adhesive tape employed for collecting particles on the hands. It utilizes the coupled action of contamination by the electron beam of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and oxygen plasma ashing. The cells of the epidermis are destroyed and only thin filaments are left, while particles that were previously concealed become evident. The treatment does not alter the morphology or composition of gunshot residue (GSR) or of inorganic environmental particles.
Document Image Transmission by Telecommunication
Authors: Gernandt MN
Published: August 2015

Photophone® is an image-transmission device which uses telecommunications to transmit questioned documents for examination on an international scale. This instrument, now in use by the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is a combination video camera and monitor screen, high-power microscope, diskette storage facility, and thermal printer. The Photophone video camera and zoom lens can be focused close up on a document, or on a particular portion of a document, or even out to infinity to capture a high-fidelity image on the Photophone screen. The video camera can also be attached to a zoom microscope for high-quality, increased-magnification pictures. The image generated on a Photophone screen can be image processed for increased contrast, spot zoom capabilities, and negative images. All pictures can be either stored on diskette or printed for hard copy, or both. Photophone creates for the INS a vitally integrated system for examination of questioned documents and identifying individuals at all U.S. Ports of Entry and offices containing a Photophone.
Unique Aspects of a New, Hand-Reloadable Ammunition
Authors: Lauridson JR , Hunt Scheuerman E
Published: August 2015

The unique shape and ballistics aspects of a new variety of hand-reloadable ammunition manufactured by the United States Ammunition Co. are described. The thin copper plating of the projectiles will usually be lost after the weapon is fired. As a result, specific rifling marks will usually be lost, making identification difficult. The medical examiner should be aware of the implications of finding these projectiles during death investigations.
Lethal Poisoning by Zipeprol in Drug Addicts
Authors: Crippa O , Polettini A , Avato FM
Published: August 2015

Two cases of lethal intoxication involving or due to oral ingestion of zipeprol are described. The two cases concerned abusers of the substance for nonmedical purposes. Data regarding the distribution of the unmodified drug in biological fluids and tissues are presented.
An Accelerant Classification Scheme Based on Analysis by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Authors: Nowicki J
Published: August 2015

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using ion chromatography profiling allows the arson examiner to gather information about the chemical nature of the hydrocarbons present in a fire debris sample. Fragmentions have been identified that provide specific analyses for alkanes, cycloparaffins, aromatics, naphthalenes, and dihydroindenes. An accelerant classification scheme currently used only classifies accelerants by their boiling point ranges into light, medium, and heavy petroleum distillates and gasoline. Many flammable liquids do not properly fall into one of these categories. An expanded accelerant classification scheme that takes into account the chemical nature of the accelerant, in addition to its boiling point range, is described here.
Barium and Antimony Distributions on the Hands of Nonshooters
Authors: Havekost DG , Peters CA , Koons RD
Published: August 2015

Barium and antimony levels from selected areas of the left and right hands of 269 nonshooters provide a database for interpretation of gunshot residue swab analysis results. The database represents a variety of activities of individuals sampled by collectors throughout the United States. Nonshooting exposure to barium and antimony can generally be distinguished from firearms-associated exposure by considering the relative levels of the elements, location on the hands, and condition of the swabs. Consistent definition of sampling procedures and accurate analytical results make this database applicable for interpretation of data generated by most gunshot residue swab examiners.
Chemically Sensitized Erythrocytes for Hemagglutination Reactions
Authors: Harrington JJ , Gordon RE , Ross JP , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

The use of chemically modified indicator erythrocytes for hemagglutination reactions can result in increased sensitivity. Treatment of erythrocytes with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or dextran T40 (10% weight/volume) induces changes in the cell surface in the form of extensions and blebbing, thereby increasing the surface area. These sensitized cells can be used in forensic science when detection or quantitation of erythrocyte surface reacting antibodies is important. The effect of altering membrane lipid fluidity on erythrocyte surface antigens has also been investigated. Treatment of cells with a reagent that increases the membrane ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid results in enhanced hemagglutination capacity despite the lack of extensive spiculation.
The Rapid Determination of the ABO Group from Body Fluids (or Stains) by Dot Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Dot-ELISA) Using Enzyme-Labeled Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Zhou B , Guo J-Y , Wang C-X , Chen J
Published: August 2015

Using ABH enzyme-labeled monoclonal antibodies, the authors could rapidly detect the ABO group from body fluids and body fluid stains by the dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA). In this test, the antigen was immobilized on nitrocellulose paper; the entire piece of paper was coated with an appropriate dilution of enzyme-labeled McAb directly against the antigen of interest; and, finally, 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) substrate solution was added. The site of a positive reaction is clearly visible as a brown spot. We analyzed 521 samples and got satisfactory results. We also analyzed 99 practical case samples by this method and achieved the same results as those obtained by other researchers using other methods. This method is accurate, simple, direct, rapid, and sensitive; it also produces easily observed results, requires no equipment, and can be completed in 30 min. The test proved to be clearly more sensitive for the detection of the ABO blood group in secretor saliva than the conventional hemagglutination inhibition test. Also saliva diluted 10−4 to 10−5 and the ABO group of nonsecretor saliva and urine could be easily detected by this method.
Applying Speech Enhancement to Audio Surveillance
Authors: O'Shaughnessy D , Kabal P , Bernardi D , Barbeau L , Chu C-C , Moncet J-L
Published: August 2015

Audio surveillance tapes are prime candidates for speech enhancement because of the many degradations and sources of interference that mask the speech signals on such tapes. In this paper, the authors describe ways to cancel interference when an available reference signal is not synchronized with the surveillance recording, for example, when the reference is obtained later from a phonograph record or an air check recording from a broadcast source. As a specific example, we discuss our experiences processing a wiretap recording used in an actual court case. We transformed the reference signal to reflect room and transmission effects and then subtracted the resulting secondary signal from the primary intercept signal, thus enhancing the speech of the desired talkers by removing interfering sounds. Before the secondary signal could be subtracted, the signals had to be aligned properly in time. The intercept signal was subjected to time-scale modifications made necessary by the varying phonograph and tape recorder speeds. While these speed differences are usually small enough not to affect the perceived quality, they adversely affect the ability to cancel interference automatically. In working with recording devices, we took into account four factors that affect the signal quality: the frequency response, nonlinear distortion, noise, and speed variations. The two methods that were most successful for enhancement were the least-mean-squares (LMS) adaptive cancellation and spectral subtraction.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism DNA Analysis by the FBI Laboratory Protocol Using a Simple, Convenient Hardware System
Authors: Lewis ME , Kouri RE , Latorra D , Berka KM , Lee HC , Gaensslen RE
Published: August 2015

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using two probes, pYNH24 and CMM101, was performed on the BIOS Timeframe™ system following the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory protocol and some variations of it. Comparable results were obtained by the different methods used.
Amplification of a Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Locus (pMCT118) by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Its Application to Forensic Science
Authors: Kasai K , Nakamura Y , White R
Published: August 2015

A genetic locus (D1S58, detined by DNA probe pMCT118) that contains a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) has been successfully amplified from a very small amount of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA sequence of the locus was determined and was found to consist of a 16-base consensus sequence and flanking sequences. Oligonucleotide primers complementary to the flanking sequences were synthesized to serve as primers for amplification of MCT118 by the PCR method. Human genomic DNA isolated from blood (2 ng from each sample) was successfully amplified at the MCT118 locus, and polymorphic bands were detectable by ethidium bromide staining after electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. Determination of genotypes at this VNTR locus can now be routinely achieved within 24 h, without the need for Southern blots or radioactive materials. Furthermore, the small size (387 to 723 base pairs) of the DNA fragments produced in the PCR amplification permits good resolution of individual alleles that differ by only one repeat unit. The precise specification of the number of tandem repeats present in each allelic fragment is reproducible from one analysis to another.
Distributions of Genetic Markers in a Nebraska Population
Authors: Roy R , Schmidt K , Gaensslen RE
Published: August 2015

Seven genetic marker systems were analyzed from liquid blood and dried bloodstain specimens submitted to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory from various law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska. The phenotypic and genotypic frequencies for the ABO, Lewis, esterase D (ESD), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), adenylate kinase (AK), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and haptoglobin (HP) systems were calculated. The results indicate that the phenotypic frequencies are generally in agreement with frequencies reported in other populations in the United States.
Multiple Gunshot Wounds of the Head: An Anthropological View
Authors: Stanley Rhine J , Curran BK
Published: August 2015

A decomposed body was judged at the scene to have two gunshot wounds of the thorax and three of the head. Confirmed at autopsy, the condition of the remains precluded conclusions about the precise nature of the defects. Preparation and reconstruction of the skull disclosed seven large cranial defects and a series of fractures. This preparation allowed the application of well-known principles of gunshot wound analysis. Although the analysis of specific gunshot wound defects is well covered in the literature, there are few examples of the application of gunshot wound principles to complex wound cases. Three entrances and three exits were identified. A seventh defect resulted from bullet passage. Finally, the wounds were sequenced.
A Review of Profiling Violent Crimes: An Investigative Tool
Authors: Meloy JR
Published: August 2015

Dr. Ronald Holmes, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Louisville ol of Justice Administration, has written a diminutive book which expands the iling chapters in his coauthored previous work Serial Murder (Sage, 1988). This newest is intended to be read by law enforcement personnel and is written in a simple, ging style.
A Review of The Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Techniques
Authors: Owens MC
Published: August 2015

This well-written text provides a clear and concise overview of document examination problems and the methods utilized in attempting to resolve them. At times, the author seems to cover all variables that might be encountered in a given problem, which reflects his considerable experience in this field. The book is directed primarily to the user of document examination services, although the practitioner will find it extremely useful and informative as a quick reference source.
Further Evaluation of Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparisons
Authors: Wickenheiser RA , Hepworth DG
Published: August 2015

Placing value on associative hair evidence is an integral part of court presentation. A modified repeat of the hair probability study by Gaudette and Keeping has been undertaken, with steps taken to remedy shortcomings of the original work. The results of this study demonstrate that, with the application of rigid selection criteria, the frequency of coincidental matches in forensic science hair comparisons is low. It also demonstrates that routine hair classification is not feasible, because of inconsistency in examiner discrimination. The macroscopic selection of 5 to 13 mutually dissimilar hairs has been shown to be frequently unrepresentative of the microscopic range of features present in a known hair sample.
Delayed Ethanol Analysis of Breath Specimens: Long-Term Field Experience with Commercial Silica Gel Tubes and Breathalyzer Collection
Authors: Parker KM , Green JL
Published: August 2015

Delayed ethanol analysis was performed on breath specimens collected with commercial silica gel tubes using multiple Breathalyzer® instruments. Eleven hundred and nine results were obtained from an ethanol testing program over a five-year period. Only 2.5% of the specimens had apparent collection errors. For the valid specimens, the most frequent result was 0.11 g/210 L and the mean result was 0.14 g/210 L. For 642 specimens, delayed results were compared with direct results. Direct results were greater than delayed results for 55%, less than for 27%, and equal to for 18% of the pairs. When fixed tolerance limits of ±0.03 were used, 81% of the direct results were confirmed. The confirmation percentage was best in the critical range of direct results, 0.05 to 0.15 g/210 L. The collection tubes showed no substantial variability in retaining ethanol during storage and releasing ethanol for analysis.
Brain Markers and Suicide: Can a Relationship Be Found?
Authors: Little KY , Sparks DL
Published: August 2015

Recent work suggests that some persons who commit suicide have altered neurochemistry in their brains. It remains unclear which of the many reported abnormalities are most reliably present and whether they reflect a specific psychiatric disorder or a disposition to violent impulsivity. A number of technical and interpretive problems must be clarified, but a postmortem test indicating that a subject was at high risk for suicide may eventually emerge. This approach would not be useful for ruling out suicide, since altered neurochemistry is not likely to be involved in every case.
Euthanasia: A Challenge for the Forensic Toxicologist
Authors: Uges DRA , Greijdanus B
Published: August 2015

People die daily in the hospital. Mostly, they die because their illnesses were no longer treatable (natural death). Unfortunately, some people die an unnatural death, in particular, as the result of euthanasia. In contrast to the situation in most countries, in the Netherlands euthanasia is accepted by the courts under strict conditions. It can be very difficult for the legal authorities to establish whether a person has died from natural causes or from suicide, euthanasia, or murder. In addition to the pathologist and the lawyer, the toxicologist also has a number of problems in showing whether euthanasia has been carried out. These can consist of the following analytical problems:

(a) interactions—the patients involved have frequently been receiving a large number of toxic and nontoxic drugs simultaneously;

(b) identification—not all drugs administered are included in general screening procedures;

(c) metabolites—a large number of metabolites may have accumulated toward the end of a long therapeutic regimen; and

(d) determination—determination of quaternary muscle relaxants and their various metabolites, as well as other drugs, can be problematic.

There are also toxicokinetic problems: because of poor kidney and liver function, low serum albumen, general malaise, and interactions between these factors and other drugs, the kinetics of a given drug can differ from normal. This makes it all the more difficult to determine whether the patient died from an accumulation of medication or from a so-called “euthanetic” drug mixture.

The case report of a 79-year-old man who died as a result of either pneumonia or a high pentazocine blood concentration (2200 µg/L) is discussed as an example of these problems. Using a pharmacokinetic calculation, it can be shown that the patient died as the result of an overdose of pentazocine rather than as a result of normal medication.
The Detection of Group Specific Component (Gc) in the General Population of West Virginia
Authors: Smith TA , Myers HB
Published: August 2015

An isoelectric focusing method is described for the detection of group specific component (Gc) in forensic casework. Gc can be subtyped in one day using this reliable and reproducible method. The gene frequency data collected indicate that the occurrence of Gc phenotypes in the population of West Virginia is consistent with established frequencies for the system.
Attempted Murder with Pancuronium
Authors: Briglia EJ , Davis PL , Katz M , Dal Cortivo LA
Published: August 2015

A nurse was accused of attempting to murder her anesthesiologist husband on two occasions by administering to him a neuromuscular blocking agent. In both episodes, urine specimens were obtained from the victim shortly after the suspected assaults. The samples were initially tested fluorometrically using Rose Bengal dye as a pairing agent. Both were presumptively positive for pancuronium. Confirmation of these results was achieved by pairing the drug with potassium iodide, extracting the complex, and submitting the extract to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) cleanup, elution at the appropriate retardation factor (Rf), and, finally, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis in the selectedion monitoring mode. The two quaternary amines of pancuronium appear to undergo pyrolytic N-demethylation in the injection port to yield an entity amenable to capillary column gas chromatography. The mass spectrum of the compound consists of a base peak of m/z 322, with additional fragments of 292, 323, 338, 396, and 397 m/z, each of which was monitored. The confirmed positive findings were instrumental in adjudicating the case.
The Use of Human Skin in the Fabrication of a Bite Mark Template: Two Case Reports
Authors: West MH , Barsley RE , Frair J , Seal MD
Published: August 2015

Comparison of a suspected biter's dental arches with the patterned injury of a bite mark is especially difficult when the bite occurs in an anatomic location with a small radius of curvature or with complex or compound curves. The authors present two case reports in which human skin was used as a template for the reproduction of a bite. In one case the victim's skin was used; in the other, the skin of a anatomically similar person was used. The use of inked dental casts, photography, and transparent overlays significantly reduced the errors common to analysis of bite marks in these highly curved areas.
A Review of Pathology Annual 1990: Part 1
Authors: Jones AM
Published: August 2015

This volume is an excellent continuation of the Pathology Annual series, which has always provided up-to-date valuable pathology information hard to find elsewhere.
The Legacy of Nixon—and Quincy
Authors: Petty CS
Published: August 2015

Perhaps it began with Watergate: the precipitating of confidence into the abyss of disbelief. Tolerance of citizens for the small errors of their government was shattered by their realization of major deceit on the part of their highest elected official. The mood of the people affected even the medicolegal officials, both elected and appointed. Citizens and the media alike now deemed it necessary and appropriate to question the determination and decisions, the rulings and resolutions of the many questions relating to death investigation.
Aminoninhydrins: Fingerprint Reagents with Direct Fluorogenic Activity—Preliminary Studies
Authors: Almog J , Hirshfeld A , Frank A , Sterling J , Leonov D
Published: August 2015

Four hitherto unknown amino derivatives of ninhydrin have been prepared and examined as potential fingerprint reagents. All gave intensive colors upon reaction with amino acids in solution and developed latent fingerprints on paper in a manner similar to ninhydrin. The 5-substituted derivatives, 5-aminoninhydrin and 5-dimethylaminoninhydrin, also exhibited direct fluorogenic activity with amino acids and with latent fingerprints. Addition of Group IIb metal salts had no marked effect on the fluorogenic process.
Improved Charcoal Packaging for Accelerant Recovery by Passive Diffusion
Authors: Dietz WR
Published: August 2015

Two simple procedures for trapping volatile accelerant vapors are presented as alternatives to other techniques which utilize passive diffusion. These procedures take advantage of the simple diffusion of volatiles into the headspace of a closed container and trap the vapors onto charcoal which is either encased in a porous pouch or impregnated into a flexible membrane. Data demonstrating the abilities of these procedures to collect accelerant vapors with respect to changes in adsorption time, temperature, and sample concentration are presented.
Gunshot Entrance Wound Abrasion Ring Width as a Function of Projectile Diameter and Velocity
Authors: Randall B , Jaqua R
Published: August 2015

The relationships between gunshot entrance wound abrasion ring widths versus projectile diameter and velocity, using foam-backed deer hides as targets, were investigated. At a fixed velocity, abrasion ring width increased with increasing projectile diameter but decreased in proportion to the central defect diameter. For fixed-diameter projectiles, very slow and high velocities produced minimal abrasion width. Maximal abrasion width occurred at intermediate velocities.

The authors postulate that abrasion width is a function of the ratio of projectile velocity and the maximum deformation velocity of the target skin. The largest abrasion width occurs when the ratio is one. Using a projectile velocity known to produce maximum abrasion width at an initial warm temperature, then decreasing the target deformation velocity by cooling, produced the expected results of decreasing abrasion width.
Recognition of Cemetery Remains in the Forensic Setting
Authors: Berryman HE , Bass WM , Symes SA , Smith O'BC
Published: August 2015

Cemetery remains exposed through vandalism or natural phenomena are frequently brought to the attention of law enforcement agents or medical examiners. Although it is often difficult to distinguish cemetery remains from those of medicolegal significance, clues to their origin may exist. Characteristics consistent with cemetery remains include physical characteristics associated with the embalming process. Characteristics indicative of cemetery remains include functional or ornamental artifacts associated with the coffin, devices used in embalming the body, and elevated levels of embalming chemicals in the soft tissue.
Empirical Criteria for the Determination of Suicide Manner of Death
Authors: Jobes DA , Casey JO , Berman AL , Wright DG
Published: August 2015

A 16-item instrument was constructed as a tool to assist medicolegal officials in their investigations and certifications of suicidal deaths. The Empirical Criteria for the Determination of Suicide (ECDS)—derived from a combined set of the 22 criterion items of the Operational Criteria for the Determination of Suicide (OCDS) and 33 other items obtained from experts and the professional literature—was constructed and validated by using 126 suicide and accident cases obtained from 70 medical examiner participants. Analysis of the cases confirmed that suicide is a manner of death in which there is evidence of both self-infliction and intention to die. The 16 items retained in the ECDS discriminated suicides from accidents best in relation to self-infliction and intention. In analysis of its concurrent validity, the ECDS instrument predicted 100% of the suicides and 83% of the accidents, thus correctly identifying 92% of all cases.
Genetic Markers in Human Bone: I. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Analysis
Authors: Lee HC , Pagliaro EM , Berka KM , Folk NL , Anderson DT , Ruano G , Keith TP , Phipps P , Herrin GL , Garner DD , Gaensslen RE
Published: August 2015

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was isolated from a number of spongy and compact human bone tissue specimens, and the yield was estimated on a “per milligram of starting tissue” basis. DNA was, in addition, isolated from a number of corresponding blood and bone tissue specimens. Spectrophotofluorometry and ethidium bromide visualization on minigels were used to estimate the quantity and degree of degradation of DNA. The DNA from several blood-bone pairs is shown to give concordant restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing results by two different typing protocols with five different singlelocus probes. DNA from several additional blood-bone pairs is shown to give concordant results for human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQα phenotypes following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and hybridization to specific allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes, and for the variable numbers of tandem repeats (VNTR) length polymorphisms 3′ to the human apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene following PCR amplification with specific primers and analysis of the products by electrophoresis and ethidium bromide visualization.
An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Residue on Hands
Authors: Fetterolf DD , Mudd JL , Teten K
Published: August 2015

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed for the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in munitions wastewater has been adapted to the detection of TNT residue on hands following contact. Using the procedure developed, as little as 50 pg of TNT could be detected. Accounting for sample size and dilution, the 50 pg equates to 15 ng of TNT recovered from the hands. Following contact with TNT, amounts ranging from 53 ng to more than 1500 ng were recovered from hands. The monoclonal anti-TNT antibodies showed no cross-reactivity with several other explosives or common contaminants. These preliminary results indicate promise for the development of a simple-to-use, immunoassay-based field test kit for TNT and, ultimately, other explosives.
Toxicological Investigation of Liquid Petroleum Gas Explosion: Human Model for Propane/Ethyl Mercaptan Exposures
Authors: Lowry WT , Gamse B , Armstrong AT , Corn JM , Juarez L , McDowell JL , Owens R
Published: August 2015

Four individuals died as the result of a propane explosion. As with many propane explosions, the question was raised as to the adequacy of the product's odorization after the autopsy studies had been conducted. In most cases, this question leads to litigation. Ethyl mercaptan is a widely used odorant for propane and was used in this instance. Three of the four victims had blood available at autopsy for study. Quantitative analyses of the victims' blood, obtained during autopsy, were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, without subjecting the samples to hydrolysis. These analyses determined the relative amounts of porpane and ethyl mercaptan in the blood to be 90, 63, and 175 mL/m3 headspace, and 0.36, 0.34, and 0.77 µg/L blood, respectively.

Since mercaptans have been reported in human blood as products of metabolism, modeling studies were conducted to establish the validity of the autopsy data and to develop an autopsy toxicology protocol for investigating explosion deaths. When subjects were not exposed to an atmosphere containing ethyl mercaptan, dimethylsulfide was the only mercaptan detectable in their blood without severe hydrolysis prior to analysis. Metabolic ethyl mercaptan is sufficiently bound to be undetectable by the methods used without hydrolysis. Human subjects were exposed to a flammable mixture of air and propane odorized with ethyl mercaptan. The analyses of the blood from these subjects produced results which were comparable with those for the explosion victims, establishing that the question of odorant adequacy can be addressed at the autopsy of propane explosion victims. It is extremely important that the pathologist and toxicologist investigating gas explosion deaths recognize the valuable evidence existing in the victim's blood.
Azygos Vein Laceration Due to Blunt Trauma
Authors: Shkrum MJ , Green RN , Shum DT
Published: August 2015

The azygos vein ascends along the thoracic spine through the mediastinum and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra. Fracture-dislocation of the mid-thoracic spine, as a result of blunt thoracic trauma, can tear the azygos vein. Four such fatal cases (three motor vehicle accidents and one fall) were studied, only one of which was recognized prior to death. The vein can also be torn, in the absence of skeletal injuries, by horizontal acceleration/deceleration forces.

The pathologist must consider azygos vein laceration as a possible cause of either hemothorax or hemomediastinum or both in a victim of a blunt chest trauma, if that individual had persistent hypotension during the few hours before death and no identifiable source of hemorrhage can be found postmortem in sites such as the heart, great vessels, lung, and chest wall. A fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine may not necessarily be present.

Azygos vein laceration seems to be an uncommon cause of hemothorax and hemomediastinum; however, this injury is probably more frequent than is implied by the few cases described in the medical literature.
Effects of the Taser in Fatalities Involving Police Confrontation
Authors: Kornblum RN , Reddy SK
Published: August 2015

Sixteen deaths associated with the use of the Taser were examined. All involved young males who had a history of abuse of controlled substances; all but three were under the influence of cocaine, phencyclidine [phenylcyclohexylpiperidine (PCP)], or amphetamine. All were behaving in a bizarre or unusual fashion which necessitated calling the police. The cause of death was an overdose of drugs in eleven, gunshot wounds in three, heart disease and Taser shock in one, and an undetermined cause in one. All were considered to be under the influence of PCP by the police at the time of the incident. All were unarmed, which was the reason a Taser was used instead of a more lethal weapon. The conclusion reached after evaluation of these cases is that the Taser in and of itself does not cause death, although it may have contributed to death in one case.
Detection of Nonvisible Writings by Infrared Luminescence and Ultraviolet Fluorescence
Authors: Riordan WM
Published: August 2015

The presence of nonvisible written material was detected on documents during an examination for infrared luminescence. An experiment was conducted to examine absorption by paper of noncolor ink components from documents bearing written material. Various inks were used to prepare sample writings. Each sample writing was prepared on an original sheet of paper with a corresponding undershcet. These sheets were then placed between upper and lower protective sheets. Each four-sheet sample was left intact for a 72-h period. The presence of nonvisible writing resulting from the absorption by paper of noncolor ink components was detected on particular sample sheets when examined for ultraviolet fluorescence and infrared luminescence. The methods used and the results are discussed.
A Simple Histochemical Technique for the Identification of Gunshot Residue
Authors: Tschirhart DL , Noguchi TT , Klatt EC
Published: August 2015

Alizarin red S (ARS) is a commonly used organic dye useful in the histologic identification of calcium deposits. ARS also forms colored reaction products with other metal ions, including barium and lead, which are present in primer residue. In histochemical studies. ARS is shown to identify primer residues from several manufacturers as well as primer residue deposited in tissue, either experimentally or in close-range gunshot wounds. This can be easily accomplished with routine histologic techniques. ARS does not stain gunpowder residue, tattoo pigment, melanin, graphite, india ink, or anthracotic pigment.
Simultaneous Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Assay of Methadone and 2-Ethyl-1, 5-Dimethyl-3,3-Diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) in Urine
Authors: Baugh LD , Liu RH , Walia AS
Published: August 2015

An efficient extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) procedure has been developed for the simultaneous determination of methadone and 2-ethyl-1, 5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine in urine samples. The merits of this procedure include (1) effective high-volume sample processing; (2) excellent gas chromatography characteristics; (3) high precision for quantitative methadone determination—1.0% coefficient of variation (CV) for GC/MS injection replicates and 1.2% for extraction replicates; (4) excellent linearity within the range (0 to 1200 ng/mL) studied; and (5) adequate detection limits (50 ng/mL) for most practical purposes. The detection limit for methadone may be improved 40-fold by using a different internal standard.
Use of a Silicon Carbide Sampling Accessory for the Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Analysis of Samples of Interest to Forensic Science
Authors: Mazzella WD , Lennard CJ
Published: August 2015

An infrared spectroscopy method is described which requires little sample preparation and may be used for analysis of a wide range of samples of interest to forensic science. A small quantity of a sample is rubbed onto an abrasive silicon carbide disk, which is then measured by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The technique has been successfully applied to the infrared analysis of paint, synthetic rubber, cosmetics, corrector fluid, and adhesives.
A Practical Technique for the Fabrication of Transparent Bite Mark Overlays
Authors: Dailey JC
Published: August 2015

A quick, inexpensive, and accurate technique for generating transparent overlays, using office photocopy machines, for use in bite mark case analysis is presented. The critical step in the fabrication process involves determination of the accuracy of the product produced by the photocopy machine. A reliable method for making such a determination is discussed.
A Unique Case of Congenital Bilateral Absence of Parietal Bones in a Neonate
Authors: Dunn R , Stout SD , Dix J
Published: August 2015

The remains of an unidentified female neonate were discovered in a field in central Missouri. Examination revealed bilateral absence of the parietal bones. A search of the literature describing similar defects suggests that the present case represents a unique condition, described here for the first time.
Entrapment of a Cat in a New-Style Pet Food Container
Authors: Clark MA , Sandusky GE
Published: August 2015

Although many regulations exist to protect human consumers from hazardous products, there are no comparable safeguards for products intended for pet use. The authors describe a case in which a new-style cat food container presented a hazard to pets.