bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shots Fired with Silencers—A Report on Four Cases and Experimental Testing
Authors: Missliwetz J , Denk W , Wieser I
Published: August 2015

Four cases of homicide, in which silenced firearms were used, are reported and supplemented by data from experimental investigations regarding wound features, marks, traces, and ballistic behavior. Wound features are largely determined by the construction of the silencer. In one case, even a muzzle imprint was produced by a silenced weapon fired at contact range. In general, silencers are likely to result in a decrease in bullet energy and accelerated energy release in the target (tissue). In terms of wound morphology, silencers produced a reduction in or even a lack of the contact ring (ring of dirt). In close-range and contact wounds, any features indicative of shots fired at close range were missing (such as soot deposit and powder tattooing). It is also worth mentioning that biological matter may get into the silencer in shots fired at contact range.
Corrections and Criminalistics: Pragmatism, Principles, and Policy
Authors: Stoney DA , Klug DJ , McConville S
Published: August 2015

A survey and analysis was conducted regarding the use of forensic science services in a correctional setting. Within the broader context of issues affecting involvement of police and prosecutions in custodial criminality, we have considered (a) whether existing forensic science services meet the needs of those who live and work in prisons and (b) the likely benefits of making specially tailored and easily accessible forensic services available. Investigative policies were reviewed for three correctional institutions including federal, state, and county jurisdictions. Also examined were types of cases, investigative effort, and relationships with outside investigative bodies. This study found a surprising underutilization of forensic science matters. The potential benefits of such services are considered from the view of the forensic scientist, the prison investigator, and society. In the light of these benefits, policy options are discussed.
On the Predictability of Violent Behavior: Considerations and Guidelines
Authors: Palermo GB , Liska FJ , Palermo MT , Forno GD
Published: August 2015

Following a semantic discussion of dangerousness, and having established its dynamic concept, the authors define the prediction of dangerous behavior as the anticipation of an antisocial act towards others. The present-day dilemma of predicting dangerous behavior is discussed. An extensive review of sociological and psychiatric studies is presented. Further, the authors stress the vital importance of predicting violent behavior in view of statistical data concerning rampant violent crime in the United States. They encourage more cooperation between psychiatric experts and the judicial system in view of the common social problem all are faced with. Better diagnostic procedures and more logically deductive factual expert reports are hoped for. The authors postulate that prediction is strictly connected with the possible prevention of dangerous behavior and the continuation of a civilized, secure society.
Drug and Alcohol Involvement in Railroad Accidents
Authors: Moody DE , Crouch DJ , Smith RP , Cresalia CW , Francom P , Wilkins DG , Rollins DE
Published: August 2015

Postaccident testing of railroad employees for drugs and alcohol was performed in 175 qualifying accidents or incidents (events) from April 1987 through March 1988. Initial tests for drugs were performed on urine, and for alcohol on blood. Presumptive positives were confirmed and quantitated using both blood and urine when available. In 42 of these events (24%), at least 1 employee tested positive (6.7% of 736 employees) for drugs or alcohol. A higher proportion of drug or alcohol-positive events, or both, 40 versus 21%, was found when a fatality was involved. In 11 of the 32 fully investigated drug or alcohol-positive events (involving 14 employees), the investigating agencies determined that substance use was determined to be a probable cause of, or a factor relating to, the accident. Cannabinoids, ethanol, cocaine, or multiple-drug use were found in 5, 3, 3, and 3 of those employees, respectively. Detectable drug and alcohol use occurs among railroad employees; occasionally it has resulted in accidents.
Effects of Luminol on the Subsequent Analysis of Bloodstains
Authors: Laux DL
Published: August 2015

The effects of luminol upon additional presumptive chemical tests, subsequent confirmatory blood tests, species determination by immunoelectrophoresis, ABO typing by absorption elution, and genetic marker analysis by multienzyme system electrophoresis were examined. Results indicate that luminol does not affect additional presumptive chemical tests, confirmatory tests, species determination, or ABO typing, but does affect certain genetic marker systems.
Haptoglobin Typing in Canine Bloods
Authors: Harrington J , Heaney H , McSweeney C , Quarino L , Schwartz T , Versoza J
Published: August 2015

Haptoglobin typing by vertical electrophoresis in a discontinuous polyacrylamide gel was conducted on 47 dog blood samples, of which 19 were from Doberman pinschers, 20 from German shepherds, and 8 from pit bullterriers. Two phenotypes were common in the three breeds and could not be used to differentiate between them. Canine haptoglobin phenotypes were, however, sufficiently different from those of humans to warrant using haptoglobin typing as a method for determining the origin of bloodstains.
Use of an Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Ring as a Matrix in the Recovery of Bite Mark Evidence
Authors: Sweet DJ , Bastien RB
Published: August 2015

Valuable forensic information can be obtained from analysis of human bite mark injuries after careful retrieval of such evidence from living or deceased victims. It is difficult, however, to maintain the anatomical configuration of the skin, especially where body contours complicate the recovery process.

Transillumination of the injury pattern in the skin after removal and preservation of the tissue from a deceased victim can provide significant information in the investigation process. A dimensionally stable matrix is required to support the skin's anatomical configuration during and after its removal. The authors have developed a unique and convenient method of heating and contouring a ring of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic using table salt over a heat source. When this ring is applied to the deceased victim's skin, and a backing material is added for support, removal of the skin and the bite mark can be accomplished more predictably while maintaining the anatomical contour.

It is important to record bite marks accurately as soon after discovery as possible; the authors believe that this technique will significantly aid recovery of such evidence either at the crime scene or in the laboratory. A method of inscribing appropriate anatomical markers and case numbers on the rings is also described.
Chloroquine Distribution in Postmortem Cases
Authors: Kuhlman JJ , Mayes RW , Levine B , Jones R , Wagner GN , Smith ML
Published: August 2015

Chloroquine concentrations in blood and tissues were examined in overdose and non-overdose cases to determine appropriate ranges for interpretation. Twenty-nine literature overdose cases and 8 non-overdose literature cases were compared with this laboratory's findings. The results indicate significant postmortem redistribution of chloroquine. Combining this laboratory's results and the literature results indicates that using a liver concentration of 150 mg/kg as a cutoff between overdose and non-overdose concentrations properly identified 30 of the 34 published cases containing liver chloroquine and 19 of the 20 presented cases.
Detection of Haptoglobin from Concentrated Urine Samples by Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Roy R
Published: August 2015

The detection of haptoglobin (Hp) from serum and bloodstains is utilized extensively in forensic science laboratories in order to include or exclude possible donors. There is an increasing need to make the same discriminations utilizing genetic markers from urine samples. This paper describes the use of enzyme immunoassay and Western blotting (electrophoretic) techniques to determine Hp phenotypes from concentrated urine samples.

Serum and urine specimens were collected from volunteer donors. The serum sample from each donor was typed for Hp. The urine specimens were concentrated 3000-fold from the starting volume of 15 mL to a final volume of 5 μL and applied to the gradient polyacrylamide gels. This procedure allows the separation of Hp samples into the three common phenotypes as well as the other rare variants found in humans.

The Western blotting electrophoretic technique was used to achieve the transfer of Hp bands from the gels to the nitrocellulose membranes. Enzyme immunoassay with goat anti-Hp antiserum and rabbit anti-goat immunoglobulin alkaline phosphatase conjugate were used to identify the Hp bands from the concentrated samples. Specimens stored for six months at −22°C were also concentrated and typed successfully.

Recent implementation of drug-screening policies has resulted in an increase in the submission of substituted urine specimens. The above procedure can be used to detect an additional genetic marker from urine samples and thus facilitate the identity of the donor.
90° North?—Examination of Robert E. Peary's Polar Journal No. 1, 1909
Authors: Anthony AT
Published: August 2015

The controversy continues as to whether or not Robert Edwin Peary actually reached the North Pole, 90° N. In the recent past, a crucial journal/diary chronicling Peary's success at being the first man to reach the top of the world was made public. Separate leaves inserted into the notebook have raised questions of authenticity. Is this Journal a rewritten version of an undisclosed original, or a work prepared to counter skepticism by detractors, including members of Congress? This paper describes information gained from a controlled, restricted examination of Journal No. 1, 1909, at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
Typing of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Extracted from Compact Bone from Human Remains
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Budowle B , Borer UV , Eggmann U , Comey CT , Dirnhofer R
Published: August 2015

The application of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing methods for the potential identification of unknown human remains was investigated. DNA was isolated from compact bone tissue from badly decomposed bodies and from known and unknown human remains, using a decalcification and ion wash procedure. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) loci yielded results in some cases, but more often the DNA was too degraded to produce RFLP patterns. No RFLP profiles could be obtained from putrified soft tissues.

However, DNA extracted from compact bone tissue of human remains up to eleven years old was successfully amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the VNTR loci D1S80, D17S5, COL2A1, and APO B, as well as the HLA-DQ alpha locus. This is especially significant, since PCR results were obtained from those samples whose DNA had been degraded substantially and had yielded no RFLP patterns. All DNA types determined from the compact bone tissue from decomposed bodies whose identification had been established first by other means (and whose parents or offspring were available for typing) demonstrated mendelian inheritance of the alleles of the loci analyzed. These results suggest that amplification and typing of DNA extracted from compact bone of human remains could be useful in establishing the identity of a person, as well as in excluding possible false identifications.
A Rapid Method for the Determination of Cocaine in Brain Tissue
Authors: Browne SP , Moore CM , Scheurer J , Tebbett IR , Logan BK
Published: August 2015

A rapid procedure is described for the extraction and analysis of brain samples for cocaine and benzoylecgonine. Human brain tissue was sectioned at autopsy, and samples were subjected to a lipase digestion, subsequent to solid-phase extraction. The distribution of cocaine and benzoylecgonine throughout different regions of the brain was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.
Isolation, Identification, and Origin of Three Previously Unknown Congeners in Illicit Cocaine
Authors: Ensing JG , Hummelen JC
Published: August 2015

Three previously unknown, overlooked, or perhaps wrongly identified impurities in illicit cocaine seized in the Netherlands Antilles are traced by various combinations of chromatographic and extraction methods. Once isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography, the compounds are identified as norcocaine, N-benzoylnorecgnonine methyl ester, and N-formyl norcocaine. Their presence in the illicit cocaine samples is explained as a result of the permanganate bleaching procedure that is nowadays routinely performed as part of the illegal production protocol.
Arson Evidence Container Evaluation: II. “New Generation” Kapak Bags
Authors: Kinard WD , Midkiff CR
Published: August 2015

Packaging for arson evidence must be convenient to transport to and from the scene, available in a range of sizes, water resistant, easy to seal, and effective at providing containment of accelerant vapors. Traditional containers have several limitations for use in the field and the laboratory. A polyester-polyolefin composite film bag was an attractive candidate but had been largely abandoned because of a contamination problem. Similar bags made with film from a modified process designed to eliminate the contaminant were studied to assess their suitability as containers for routine use by arson investigators. This study showed the “new generation” bags to be free of the prior contaminant and sufficiently retentive for packaging and storage of arson evidence.
Autoerotic Asphyxial Death Initially Misinterpreted as Suicide and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Garza-Leal JA , Landrón FJ
Published: August 2015

Death during autoerotic activities is of special concern to law enforcement officials, medical examiners, the family of the decedent, and society in general. As in the probing of any violent demise, accurate identification, management, and preservation of all physical evidence; complete photographic documentation of the scene and the body; reconstruction of the scene; and interviews with the family and acquaintances (psychological autopsy) are mandatory for proper study, evaluation, and interpretation of the case. Because of a lack of knowledge on the part of many people, including professionals, about these activities and the fact that many autoerotic fatalities share common characteristics with suicide and homicide, these cases are often misinterpreted. The authors present a case of autoerotic accidental asphyxial death which was initially misinterpreted as suicide.
Cardiac Laceration and Pericardial Tamponade Due to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Noffsinger AE , Blisard KS , Balko MG
Published: August 2015

Complications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), such as rib fractures and pneumothorax, are not uncommon. The authors report the case of a 69-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a perforated duodenal ulcer. Eighteen hours postoperatively she sustained a cardiac arrest; vigorous resuscitation efforts, using advanced cardiac life-support procedures, failed. At autopsy, she had 350 mL of fresh blood in her pericardial sac, which had caused cardiac tamponade. Three ribs were fractured at the left sternal border. Directly underneath the fractured ribs were a 0.4-cm laceration of the pericardium and an accompanying 0.7-cm laceration of the left ventricle. There was an acute thrombus in the left anterior descending artery. Microscopic examination of the heart showed acute infarction of the left ventricle in the vicinity of the laceration. This case demonstrates that vigorous CPR performed on an acutely infarcted heart can result in lethal cardiac laceration and tamponade.
Identification of Human Remains by Comparison of Frontal Sinus Radiographs: A Series of Four Cases
Authors: Marlin DC , Clark MA , Standish SM
Published: August 2015

The value for identification purposes of the radiographic frontal sinus outline, which is unique to each individual and remains constant throughout that individual's lifetime, is discussed. A general discussion of identification using frontal sinus X-rays is presented, along with four cases.
Ethanol Distribution Ratios Between Urine and Capillary Blood in Controlled Experiments and in Apprehended Drinking Drivers
Authors: Jones AW
Published: August 2015

Healthy men drank 0.51, 0.68, and 0.85 g of ethanol per kilogram of body weight as neat whisky in the morning after an overnight fast. During 6 to 8 h after the whisky was consumed, nearly simultaneous specimens of fingertip blood and pooled bladder urine were obtained for analysis of ethanol using an enzymatic method. The mean ratios of ethanol concentration [urine alcohol concentration (UAC)/blood alcohol concentration (BAC)] were mostly less than unity during the absorption phase. The UAC exceeded the BAC in the postpeak phase. The mean UAC/BAC ratios varied between 1.4 and 1.7 when the BAC exceeded 0.50 mg/mL. When the BAC decreased below 0.40 mg/mL, the UAC/BAC ratios increased appreciably. The mean UAC/BAC ratios of ethanol were not dependent on the person's age between the ages of 20 and 60 years old, but there were large variations within the age groups. In apprehended drinking drivers (N = 654) with a mean BAC of 1.55 mg/mL, the UAC/BAC ratio of ethanol varied widely, with a mean value of 1.49. In 12 subjects (3.2%), the ratio was less than or equal to unity. In a second specimen of urine obtained approximately 60 min after an initial void (N = 135), the mean UAC/BAC ratio was 1.35 (standard deviation = 0.17). The magnitude of the UAC/BAC ratio of ethanol can help to establish whether the BAC curve was rising or falling at or near the time of voiding. The status of alcohol absorption needs to be documented if drinking drivers claim ingestion of alcohol after the offence or when back-estimation of the BAC from the time of sampling to the time of driving is required by statute.
A Single-Column Procedure on Bond Elut Certify for Systematic Toxicological Analysis of Drugs in Plasma and Urine
Authors: Chen X-H , Wijsbeek J , Franke J-P , de Zeeuw RA
Published: August 2015

A single-column solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for the screening of acidic, neutral, and basic drugs from plasma. The recoveries of all 25 tested drugs exceeded 82%. After the plasma had been diluted with phosphate buffer (pH 6.0), the drugs were extracted using a single Bond Elut Certify column. The acidic and most of the neutral drugs were eluted by acetone/chloroform (1:1) and the basic drugs were eluted by 2% ammoniated ethyl acetate. Some neutral drugs appeared in both fractions. The two fractions were collected separately and evaporated until approximately 100 μL of solvent remained in the tube. Both fractions were analyzed separately on a gas chromatograph equipped with a wide-bore capillary column and a flame ionization detector. The procedure could also be used for urine samples.
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Recruit Training Deaths in San Diego, California, 1973–1985; A Review of 31 Cases
Authors: Wagner SA , Clark MA
Published: August 2015

The deaths of military recruits associated with training activities nearly always fall under close scrutiny from relatives of the deceased recruit and the media. The literature contains isolated case reports of recruit deaths but no comprehensive reviews of all deaths at a single training facility. The purpose of this study is to describe the circumstances and causes of all recruit deaths occurring at the Naval Training Command and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, from 1973 through 1985. Thirty-one male recruits died in training during this period; eight died from medical conditions not detected by preenlistment questioning or examination. In five of these cases, the conditions were probably known to the recruit but were not listed on a medical history form. Seven recruits died in incidents related to training, and there were six cases of “sudden cardiac death,” as well as eight deaths caused by infectious diseases.
Toneline Bite Mark Photography
Authors: Robinson E , Wentzel J
Published: August 2015

In bite mark analyses, the initial photograph is critical for the collection and presentation of evidence. A high-contrast film technique previously used primarily in the graphic arts field has been refined and applied to forensic odontology. The process, called toneline, reduces the interpretational bias of the investigator and yields a transparent overlay with a photographic outline of the bite mark which can be directly compared with models of the suspect's teeth.
Unnatural Deaths in Nursing Home Patients
Authors: Corey TS , Weakley-Jones B , Nichols GR , Theuer HH
Published: August 2015

Nursing home residents comprise a large and rapidly growing segment of the national population. Despite this fact, the majority of deaths occurring in nursing homes are not investigated because of the significant medical illnesses suffered by most residents. Herein, we report a series of unnatural deaths in nursing home residents, including two homicides and seven accidental deaths. In four of the deaths, there was an attempted concealment of the cause and manner of death. Fearing criminal or civil proceedings, nursing home personnel may attempt to conceal homicidal or accidental deaths in nursing home residents. Because of the serious, chronic illnesses suffered by these patients, attending physicians are often willing to sign death certificates without personally investigating the circumstances surrounding the patient's demise. The authors contend that unnatural deaths of nursing home patients are significantly underreported. Attending physicians and death investigators should be urged to investigate more fully sudden deaths in nursing home patients.
Personality Traits in Juvenile Maladjustment
Authors: Osuna E , Alarcón C , Luna A
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to establish the role of some personality traits, measured by psychological tests, in minors and adolescents experiencing problems in their social integration. We studied 189 subjects (110 male, 79 female) ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. All the subjects were from centers under the administration of the juvenile court of Murcia, Spain. Each subject underwent individual clinical psychological examination as well as psychometric and psychological studies. Our results show a statistically significant association between the scores on some of the tests used and variables related to familial and social maladjustment. These personality traits define a set of individuals with a characteristic profile, for whom unfavorable biographical events have made integration in, and adaptation to, the established social milicu difficult.
Class Characteristics of Alphabetic Speedwriting Shorthand Systems
Authors: Finch T
Published: August 2015

The handwriting class characteristics of four alphabetic speedwriting shorthand systems are identified and compared. The four systems are analyzed and compared primarily by (1) letter form simplification; (2) printed and cursive capital letter forms; (3) disjoined and joined letter forms; (4) superscript and subscript letter or number forms, or both; (5) capital and small letters or symbols, or a combination of these, used as abbreviations; (6) nonalphabetic symbols; and (7) phrasing or combinations of symbols.
Differentiation of Illicit Phenyl-2-Propanone Synthesized from Phenylacetic Acid with Acetic Anhydride Versus Lead (II) Acetate
Authors: Allen AC , Stevenson ML , Nakamura SM , Ely RA
Published: August 2015

The illicit synthesis of phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) in clandestine drug laboratories from phenylacetic acid and acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium acetate or pyridine, or from the dry distillation of phenylacetic acid and lead (II) acetate is examined. These two routes are investigated using capillary gas chromatography (GC) combined with vapor-phase Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and electron impact mass spectrometry (EIMS) detection (GC-FTIR-EIMS), and using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify 21 reaction by-products. The mechanisms of the two reactions producing P2P are presented, along with the mechanisms giving rise to these by-products. This investigation has identified 4 reaction-specific compounds which can be used to differentiate the two synthetic methods.
The Evidence Notwithstanding—A Case Report on a Rape
Authors: Brauner P
Published: August 2015

This report concerns the rape of a woman by a stranger. The complainant stated that, during the course of the rape, penetration took place without ejaculation: these details were later confirmed by a suspect. This suspect, who was identified by the complainant, confessed and was convicted.

Laboratory findings, however, indicated that the suspect could not have been the source of the semen found on the complainant's underpants. Further, a vaginal swab taken from the complainant contained intact sperm cells, an indication of a recent sexual contact.

In spite of the presence of semen on the underwear which could not have come from the suspect, and the nonoccurrence of an ejaculation during the rape, the complainant maintained that she had not had a sexual contact for a month prior to the rape. This apparent contradiction and its implications are discussed.
Luke May of Seattle—“America's Sherlock Holmes”
Authors: Beck J
Published: August 2015

This paper provides a brief biography of Luke S. May (1886–1965), whose pioneering work in forensic science in the United States has not received full recognition. May began as a private detective in Salt Lake City, Utah, shortly after the turn of the century and later established his own agency, the Revelare International Secret Service, which he moved to Seattle, Washington, in 1919. Although basically self-taught in scientific matters, May built a solid reputation among police agencies and attorneys in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada as a serious and effective scientific investigator in the era before public crime laboratories. This reputation as “America's Sherlock Holmes” also led to his being consulted on the establishment of the first American crime laboratory at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and on a laboratory for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Regina, in Saskatchewan, Canada. He contributed to a landmark case of court acceptance of toolmark identification, invented specialized instruments, and founded an institute to teach scientific criminal investigation to police officers. His earliest associates were John L. Harris and J. Clark Sellers, both of whom became recognized document examiners on the West Coast and were followed by a second and a third generation of practitioners.
A Review of Forensic Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Peat MA
Published: August 2015

According to the editor, the purpose of this book is “to bring together the available information on the use of mass spectrometry in forensic science.” The book certainly achieves this aim but at the expense of critical evaluation of the approaches used to solve several of the analytical problems commonly faced by forensic scientists.
Reporting of Highly Individual Genetic Typing Results: A Practical Approach
Authors: Stoney DA
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the interpretation of serological typing data as a problem in forensic science, as opposed to a problem in population genetics or statistics. Controversies arising in this area are partly due to an overly narrow perspective that ignores basic forensic science principles. After an initial discussion of the special problem that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) blood typing poses to forensic science, the three difficulties common to all the proposed interpretive methods are discussed. These are: predicting genotype incidence from allele frequencies, predicting frequencies for the joint occurrence of genotypes in a number of different genetic marker systems, and determining the appropriate population to use to measure the frequencies. The inability to test assumptions that are inherent in our routine methods is noted. This is a procedural weakness that unnecessarily limits the admissibility of DNA typing evidence in court. A practical solution to this problem is offered that begins with minimal assumptions. Initially a statement is made based on (1) how many reference samples the laboratory has typed and (2) how many of these samples show genotypes corresponding to the case samples.

The second stage of the presentation begins with a statement that additional assumptions are necessary to fully interpret the evidence and that although these assumptions are scientifically very reasonable, they cannot be absolutely proven. The presentation can then proceed, if desired, to consideration of the specific assumptions and frequency estimates of any of the methods that have been proposed to date.

To follow this approach population data must be kept in a form that allows the simple first-stage statement to be made. This means that each individual's record would include typing results in each genetic marker system. Although this method of data storage differs from that used in most forensic science laboratories, it is exceptionally versatile, and allows great flexibility in data analysis.
Isolation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) from Saliva and Forensic Science Samples Containing Saliva
Authors: Walsh DJ , Corey AC , Cotton RW , Forman L , Herrin GL , Word CJ , Garner DD
Published: August 2015

Saliva and saliva-stained materials were examined as potential sources of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for DNA analysis and identity testing. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that DNA was isolated and DNA banding patterns suitable for DNA typing were obtained from fresh saliva and various saliva-stained materials, such as envelopes, buccal swabs, gags, and cigarettes. Furthermore, DNA and DNA banding patterns were obtained from actual forensic evidentiary samples containing mixed saliva/semen stains. The DNA banding patterns obtained from saliva or saliva-stained material were indistinguishable from the patterns obtained from blood or hair from the same individual. Intact DNA was readily isolated and DNA banding patterns were obtained from saliva stored at −20°C and dried saliva stains stored under varying conditions. We conclude that saliva and saliva-stained material can be good sources of DNA for analysis and for DNA typing in certain forensic settings.
The Effect of Ibuprofen on Ethanol Concentration and Elimination Rate
Authors: Barron SE , Perry JR , Ferslew KE
Published: August 2015

Pursuant to a recent driving under the influence (DUI) case, a medical study of six subjects was cited reporting that ibuprofen causes a decrease in the maximum rate of elimination of ethanol. Such a drug interaction is of significant forensic science interest and warrants further examination. This study investigates the effect of ibuprofen on ethanol elimination rate and ethanol concentration in nineteen volunteers. Volunteer subjects were randomly assigned to two groups administered either a placebo followed by ethanol or ibuprofen followed by ethanol. Subjects served as their own control. Blood ethanol concentrations were monitored every 30 to 60 min for up to 4 h with Intoximeter 3000 instruments. A blood sample was drawn at the final Intoximeter test and analyzed for ethanol and ibuprofen by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, respectively. The mean elimination rate (±SD) as calculated using Widmark's elimination factor was 0.018 ± 0.006 g/dL for ethanol and 0.017 ± 0.007 g/dL/h for ethanol with ibuprofen. Mean ethanol concentrations (g/dL ± SD) were: 0.095 ± 0.026 (ethanol) and 0.095 ± 0.033 (ethanol and ibuprofen) at 30 min; 0.077 ± 0.026 (ethanol) and 0.075 ± 0.031 (ethanol and ibuprofen) at 150 min; and 0.089 ± 0.025 (ethanol) and 0.087 ± 0.030 (ethanol and ibuprofen) overall. There was no statistically significant affect of ibuprofen on either the peak blood ethanol concentration or the ethanol elimination rate (p ≤ 0.001). These results reveal no evidence of a significant ethanol-ibuprofen interaction.
Application of Empore C-8 Extraction Disks for Screening Urine in Systematic Toxicological Analysis
Authors: Ensing K , Franke JP , Temmink A , Chen X-H , de Zeeuw RA
Published: August 2015

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) by means of disposable columns has become a widely accepted technique for sample pretreatment in toxicology, both for directed analyses and for screening analyses. However, the sample capacity in SPE is usually limited to a few millilitres.

Therefore, we have investigated to what extent these problems can be overcome by using Empore extraction disks, consisting of chemically modified C-8 reversed-phase silica, embedded in an inert polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix. Human urine was selected as the matrix and dexetimide and mepyramine were initially used as test drugs because these drugs were available in tritiated form. Additional drugs investigated included codeine, hexobarbital, imipramine, methamphetamine, and nitrazepam.

In these investigations, the sample capacity for untreated urine was at least 25 mL, and analyte quantities up to 250 μg could be retained by these filters. Washing with water/methanol mixtures was successful in removing substantial amounts of endogenous interferences, and methanol proved to be an acceptable eluent. Thus, these disks seem to have interesting potential for toxicological analysis in that sample concentration and cleanup can be achieved at the same time.
The Analysis and Identification of Steroids
Authors: Chiong DM , Consuegra-Rodriguez E , Almirall JR
Published: August 2015

In October 1987, anabolic steroids were controlled under Schedule IV of Florida State Statute 893. This study was designed to establish a method of analysis and identification of evidentiary cases. Spot tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance (FT-NMR), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and extractions were performed on standard and pharmaceutical steroids. Mandelin's accompanied by the sulfuric acid test was found to provide the best indication of a steroid among the following four spot tests performed: sulfuric acid, napthol-sulfuric acid, Liebermann's, and Mandelin's. TLC was successfully performed on the steroid samples using two different eluent systems: TP and TQ. GC/MS was a very useful method of analysis applicable to most steroids, with only a few exceptions. FT-IR spectra were found to match the spectra from the literature for all the standards tested. The combination of the above techniques was used successfully to identify all the standards tested.
Analysis of Ballpoint Pen Inks by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectrometry
Authors: Merrill RA , Bartick EG
Published: August 2015

The primary method for the analysis of inks is thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which only permits comparison of dye components. Studies have been done on the usefulness of diffuse reflectance (DR) with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, using a direct deposit sampling technique for the analysis of ballpoint pen inks. This technique allows screening of a composite ink as a whole, including its dye components, resins, and other additives. A total of 184 ink samples were analyzed by FT-IR, and searchable spectral libraries were created of both whole and extracted inks. The results indicate that the additional information provided by the DR analysis, combined with the complementary information from the TLC analysis, provides enhanced value to the forensic examination of inks.
A Study of Paint Coat Characteristics Produced by Spray Paints from Shaken and Nonshaken Spray Cans
Authors: Zeichner A , Levin N , Landau E
Published: August 2015

The influence of shaking spray paint cans, prior to spraying, on the characteristics of the obtained paint coatings was studied. It was found that large variations in the characteristics of sprayed paint coatings can be obtained, depending on whether the cans were shaken before the spray was applied. Therefore, care should be taken in interpretation of the results obtained in comparison of paint when spray paints are involved. To account for the obtained results, the mechanism of spraying with unshaken spray cans was studied using both X-ray radiography of spray paints during spraying and simulated experiments with sand suspensions in water.
Neck Injuries: I. Occipitoatlantal Dislocation—A Pathologic Study of Twelve Traffic Fatalities
Authors: Adams VI
Published: August 2015

Twelve of 155 persons killed in traffic crashes had occipitoatlantal dislocations. Nine were vehicular occupants, 2 were cyclists, and one was a pedestrian. The dislocations involved various combinations of lacerations of the alar ligaments, the occipitoatlantal joint capsules, the dura mater, the tectorial membrane, the rectus capitis muscles, and the suboccipital muscles. In 2 instances, an occipital condyle failed instead of the corresponding alar ligament, producing condyle fractures. Atlas ring fractures occurred in 3 instances. Axial and subaxial cervical trauma were uncommon. Facial or mandibular fractures occurred in a majority of cases, vault skull fractures were uncommon, and basilar fractures were absent. Pontomedullary brainstem lacerations occurred in 9 of the 12, and 4 had midbrain lacerations. The majority of the victims succumbed to acute neurogenic shock as the sole or the major mechanism of death. The biomechanical basis for occipitoatlantal dislocation is discussed, and the author suggests that distraction, in concert with variable combinations of extension, rotation, and posterior translation is responsible for occipitoatlantal dislocations.
Effect of Storage Conditions on Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Bound to Positively Charged Nylon Membranes
Authors: Giusti AM , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

The ability to generate an autoradiogram from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) immobilized on a positively charged nylon membrane could be compromised by the storage conditions of the membrane. HaeIII-digested human DNA was size fractionated and transferred to two types of positively charged nylon membranes. The membranes were stored at −20°C, 4°C, and ambient temperature and humidity for times ranging from 1 day to 13 weeks, then hybridized to variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) probes to examine the effect of the storage conditions on the membrane-bound DNAs. It was shown that such membranes could be successfully hybridized and rehybridized if they were stored at −20 or 4°C, but storage under ambient conditions reduced or eliminated the likelihood of successful hybridization.
Comparison of Abbott Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA) and Roche Radioimmunoassay for the Analyses of Cannabinoids in Urine Specimens
Authors: Budgett WT , Levine B , Xu A , Smith ML
Published: August 2015

Abbott fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (RIA) were compared qualitatively with 142 urine specimens containing 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid. Similar qualitative results were obtained in 132 specimens. When discrepent results were observed, all negative results were within 20% of the 100 ng/mL cut-off. We concluded that FPIA and RIA give comparable results to each other.
Direct Analysis for Cocaine in Urine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Using a Column-Switching Technique
Authors: Larsen AK , Tebbett IR
Published: August 2015

The analysis of urine for the presence of drugs generally requires that the drug be first extracted from relatively large concentrations of endogenous compounds. By replacing the injection loop with a loop incorporating a cyano precolumn, urine can be injected directly onto the high-performance liquid chromatograph. Interfering compounds are washed off of the precolumn, with the valve in the load position. When the valve is then switched to inject, the mobile phase elutes the cocaine from the precolumn onto the analytical column. A preliminary identification of cocaine and benzoylecgonine can be made using this technique, which requires 100 μL of sample and has a detection limit of 10 ng/mL.
A Review of Tire Imprint Evidence
Authors: De Forest PR
Published: August 2015

This slim book consisting of 20 short chapters deals with a very important topic and will undoubtedly be of some value to criminalist and investigator alike. The author, a retired tire tread designer with several years of experience in helping investigators locate candidate tires capable of making certain tracks and in interpreting casework exhibits, could be expected to contribute the definitive work on the subject. The latter this book is not. There is not a great deal presented that experienced forensic scientists have not learned from casework experience, readings scattered among diverse sources, and, perhaps visits to tire manufacturing facilities. There seems to be no question that Mr. McDonald knows much of forensic science relevance that he could teach us about tires. One would have hoped that some of this expertise could be made available to criminalists. Very little that is not already known to experienced criminalists is shared in this volume. This is probably not a book that will remain on the criminalist's bookshelf. Although it may provide some useful new information for many criminalists, this new information is likely to be mastered in one reading. This is not a reference work.
A Review of When Children Kill: The Dynamics of Homicide
Authors: Perr IN
Published: August 2015

When Children Kill provides an immense amount of data and singular vignettes concerning homicides committed by people under the age of 18--roughly 2000 a year in the United States or about 10% of the total.
A Review of The Acoustics of Crime: The New Science of Forensic Phonetics
Authors: Ladefoged P
Published: August 2015

This is an excellent book by a leader in the field. Professor Hollien has been conducting research in some aspects of forensic phonetics (notably speaker identification) for almost a quarter of a century. He writes well and explains complex topics in a way that a layman can grasp easily. Any lawyer, law enforcement officer, scientist, or criminal who is concerned with. acoustic evidence will profit from a thorough reading of this book.
Simultaneous Quantitation of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in Serum by GC/MS Using Deuterated Internal Standards and Its Application to a Smoking Study and Forensic Cases
Authors: Moeller MR , Doerr G , Warth S
Published: August 2015

A new procedure for the simultaneous detection of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its major metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in serum has been evaluated. The method combines rapid, efficient, solid-phase extraction and simple derivatization by methylation. Analysis and quantitation is performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using deuterated cannabinoids as internal standards (IS). Reproducibility and sensitivity of the method are good.

The procedure is applied to serum specimens collected from a smoking study with 24 volunteers and 212 forensic cases. Results are interpreted based upon the current knowledge about THC metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
The Distribution of Ethanol in Postmortem Blood Specimens
Authors: Briglia EJ , Bidanset JH , Dal Cortivo LA
Published: August 2015

Ethanol was determined by gas chromatography in a variety of tissues and body fluids secured at autopsy in 61 cases. The specimens tested included right and left heart blood, femoral blood, pericardial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, vitreous humor, urine, stomach contents, and brain.

Statistical analysis of the cases revealed no significant differences among the various blood sites tested. However, the variations in blood ethanol concentrations among the various sampling sites within each case were as follows: 40 cases showed differences of less than 25%; 16 cases revealed variability between 25% and 50%, 4 cases had differences exceeding 50%. In one case, satisfactory blood analyses could not be accomplished. The larger variances occurred especially in those instances in which stomach alcohol concentration was 0.50% or greater. In one case, the variability amongst the different blood sites exceeded 400% (femoral blood—0.043%, right atrium—0.070%, root of aorta—0.156%); the brain was 0.050%, and the stomach contents was 1.2%. For all 61 cases, variances in blood alcohol content among the different sampling sites in a single cadaver ranged from 1.8 to 428%.
Asphyxial Deaths from the Recreational Use of Nitrous Oxide
Authors: Wagner SA , Clark MA , Wesche DL , Doedens DJ , Lloyd AW
Published: August 2015

The recreational use of nitrous oxide is widespread. Nitrous oxide for recreational use is usually obtained from anesthesia tanks or whipped-cream machine chargers or cans. Twenty previously described deaths associated with recreational nitrous-oxide use describe anesthesia tanks and whipped-cream machine dispensors as a source. Five deaths associated with nitrous oxide use are presented; two involving whipped-cream cannisters as the source, two involving anesthesia tanks, and one involving a racing fuel tank as a source of nitrous oxide. Autopsy findings in our cases were subtle or negative, but usually suggestive of asphyxia. Through a laboratory simulation, we have confirmed that nitrous oxide displaces oxygen in a closed space, which probably leads to asphyxia. A review of the literature, neuropharmacology, and pathophysiology of nitrous oxide use is also presented.
Characterization of Smokeless Powder Flakes from Fired Cartridge Cases and from Discharge Patterns on Clothing
Authors: Andrasko J
Published: August 2015

Shooting experiments over short distances (30 to 50 cm) deposited apparently non-burnt and partially burned flakes of smokeless powder propellants on clothing around the bullet holes. An approach was made to compare the propellant particles recovered from the clothing with those from a particular cartridge. Evidence of this kind may help the police to identify a shooter in cases when weapon or bullet or both are not found. Gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography were the analytical techniques used.

A series of shooting tests with various types of ammunition produced by different manufacturers was performed. The analyses were expected to reveal which of the shootings used the same kind of ammunition. Predictions were correct in all these experiments.

The analyses of propellant particles collected from clothing or from fired cartridges could also distinguish between a number of different production lots from the same manufacturer.