bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrolyte Concentration Differences Between Left and Right Vitreous Humour Samples
Authors: Pounder DJ , Carson DO , Johnston K , Orihara Y
Published: August 2015

Between-eye differences in electrolyte concentrations were studied in 200 medico-legal autopsies using an ion-specific electrode system. Taking the highest of the paired vitreous potassium concentrations, cases <15 mM/L were classified as biochemically nonputrefied (Cat.1, n = 124), cases 15 to 20 mM/L as early putrefaction (Cat.2, n = 51), and cases >20 mM/L as biochemically putrefied (Cat.3, n = 25). Mean paired vitreous sodium for all cases (n = 200) was 112 to 173 mM/L (mean 148, standard deviation (SD) = 8.9); between-eye differences were 0 to 8 mM/L (0% to 5.1% of mean), averaging 1.5 mM/L (1%) and with only one case (in Cat.3) outside instrument accuracy (±3 mM/L). Mean paired vitreous chloride for all cases was 73 to 124 mM/L (mean 109, SD = 7.8); between-eye differences were 0 to 9 mM/L (0% to 8.8% of mean), averaging 1.7 mM/L (1.5%) and with 5 of 200 cases outside instrument accuracy (±3 mM/L). Thus between-eye concentration differences of sodium and chloride are tolerable using this methodology. Previous reports of greater variability likely reflect errors introduced by sample manipulation prior to analysis. By contrast, between-eye differences in potassium in Cat.1 cases were 0 to 2.34 mM/L (0% to 21.8% of mean) averaging 0.37 mM/L (3.3%). Significant and erratic between-eye differences in potassium undermine the usefulness of vitreous potassium in estimation of time of death.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Section Award-Winning Papers of 1997
Authors: Rosner R
Published: August 2015

The Award for the best paper by a forensic psychiatrist or forensic psychologist for 1997 was bestowed on Catherine F. Lewis, M.D. for her paper, Factors associated with weapon use in filicidal women. Honorable Mention was bestowed on Philip J. Candilis, M.D. for his paper, Ethics, malingering and a lie-detector at the bedside.
Ethics, Malingering, and a Lie-Detector at the Bedside
Authors: Candilis PJ
Published: August 2015

A psychiatric consultation is presented in which the physician uses a cardiac monitor in the manner of a lie-detector. Ethical analysis of a clinician's duties in cases of suspected malingering addresses both the standard of informed consent necessary for such assessments and the potential forensic consequences of unanticipated clinical findings.
Screening of Pharmaceuticals and Drugs in Synovial Fluid of the Knee Joint and in Vitreous Humor by Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA)
Authors: Felscher D , Gastmeier G , Dressler J
Published: August 2015

The investigations presented are aimed at testing whether ABBOTT's fluorescence polarization immunoassays for identification of drugs of abuse and pharmaceuticals in serum and urine are applicable to knee joint synovial fluid and vitreous humor. The survey confirms the general applicability of the tests to the respective body fluids without previous precipitation, only after liquefaction using hyaluronidase. The calculated cross-reactivities are shown in tables.
Automated Extraction of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and N-demethyl-LSD from Blood, Serum, Plasma, and Urine Samples Using the Zymark RapidTrace™ with LC/MS/MS Confirmation
Authors: de Kanel J , Vickery WE , Waldner B , Monahan RM , Diamond FX
Published: August 2015

A forensic procedure for the quantitative confirmation of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the qualitative confirmation of its metabolite, N-demethyl-LSD, in blood, serum, plasma, and urine samples is presented. The Zymark RapidTrace™ was used to perform fully automated solid-phase extractions of all specimen types. After extract evaporation, confirmations were performed using liquid chromatography (LC) followed by positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS) without derivatization. Quantitation of LSD was accomplished using LSD-d3 as an internal standard. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for LSD was 0.05 ng/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) for both LSD and N-demethyl-LSD was 0.025 ng/mL. The recovery of LSD was greater than 95% at levels of 0.1 ng/mL and 2.0 ng/mL. For LSD at 1.0 ng/mL, the within-run and between-run (different day) relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2.2% and 4.4%, respectively.
Detection of Cocaine on Various Denominations of United States Currency
Authors: Negrusz A , Perry JL , Moore CM
Published: August 2015

The presence of cocaine on U.S. paper currency collected in many cities in the United States has previously been reported. Currency becomes contaminated during the exchange, storage and use of cocaine. Different currency denominations are also rolled by drug users and used to snort cocaine. Illicit cocaine is widely abused and therefore the contaminated paper currency can be easily found in common use. A total of 18 bills were analyzed in our laboratory for cocaine. Ten $20 bills were randomly collected in Rockford, IL and four $1 bills in Chicago. An additional four uncirculated S1 bills were analyzed as a control group. All bills were extracted with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid followed by solidphase extraction. Cocaine was identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in full scan mode, and drug quantitation was performed in selected ion monitoring mode. A standard curve was prepared and doxepin was used as an internal standard. In addition, for method validation two levels of control solutions were analyzed simultaneously. Precision and accuracy values were within acceptable ranges. Cocaine was present on 92.8% of all bills collected from the general circulation. All $20 bills were contaminated with cocaine and the amount of drug varied from 0.14 to 10.02 µg of cocaine per bill (itx} = 2.86 µg). Only one $1 bill was cocaine free. In one case ($1 bill), only traces (below quantitation limit) of cocaine were found. All four uncirculated $1 bills were cocaine-free.
A Convenient Derivatization Method for Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometric Determination of Phenmetrazine in Urine Using 2,2,2-Trichloroethyl Chloroformate
Authors: Dasgupta A , Handler MS , Nine JS
Published: August 2015

Phenmetrazine is a central nervous system stimulant currently used as an anorectic agent. The drug is abused and is reported to cause death from overdose. We describe a new derivatization method for phenmetrazine using 2,2,2-trichloroethyl chloroformate. Quantitation of urinary phenmetrazine can be easily achieved by using N-propylamphetamine as an internal standard. The phenmetrazine 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbamate showed a molecular ion isotope cluster at m/z 351, 353, 355, and 357 (isotope effect of three chlorine atoms in the derivatized molecule) and other peaks at m/z 247, 245, 204, 114, and 70 in the electron ionization mass spectrometry, thus aiding in unambiguous identification. The underivatized phenmetrazine showed a relatively weaker molecular ion at m/z 177 and a base peak at m/z 71. The N-propylamphetamine 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbamate (internal standard) showed a very weak molecular ion at m/z 351 and a base peak at m/z 260. Another strong characteristic peak at m/z 91 was also observed. The retention time of derivatized phenmetrazine (9.5 min) was substantially longer than the retention time of the underivatized molecule (2.5 min). Moreover, underivatized phenmetrazine showed poor peak shape (substantial tailing) while derivatized phenmetrazine had excellent chromatographic property. The within-run and between-run precisions of the assay were 1.9% and 3.2% at a urinary phenmetrazine concentration of 20 · g/mL. The assay was linear for urinary phenmetrazine concentration of 1 · g/mL to 100 · g/mL with a detection limit of 0.5 · g/mL.
Gas Chromatography-Electron Ionization and Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Urinary Phenmetrazine After Derivatization with 4-Carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl Chloride—A New Derivative
Authors: Dasgupta A , Hart A , Humphrey P , Blackwell W
Published: August 2015

Phenmetrazine is a central nervous system stimulant currently used as an anorectic agent. The drug is abused and is reported to cause death from overdose. We describe a new derivatization method for phenmetrazine using 4-carbethoxy-hexafluorobutyryl chloride. Quantitation of urinary phenmetrazine can be easily achieved by using N-ethyl amphetamine as an internal standard. The electron ionization mass spectrum of 4-carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl derivative of phenmetrazine showed a molecular ion at m/z 427 and a base peak at m/z 70. In the methane chemical ionization mass spectrum, the base peak was observed at m/z 428 (protonated molecular ion). In the electron ionization mass spectrum of 4-carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl derivative of the internal standard, N-ethyl amphetamine we did not observe a molecular ion. However, in the chemical ionization mass spectrum, the protonated molecular ion at m/z 414 was the base peak. The retention time of derivatized phenmetrazine (8.4 min) was substantially longer than the retention time of the underivatized molecule. Moreover, underivatized phenmetrazine showed poor peak shape (substantial tailing) while derivatized phenmetrazine had excellent chromatographic properties. The within-run and between-run precisions of the assay were 2.6% and 3.1% respectively at a urinary phenmetrazine concentration of 10 µg/mL. The assay was linear for urinary phenmetrazine concentration of 1 to 100 µg/mL with a detection limit of 0.2 µg/mL.
Automated Firearms Evidence Comparison: A Forensic Tool for Firearms Identification—An Update
Authors: Tontarski RE , Thompson RM
Published: August 2015

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) laboratories is applying the new technology of computerized image analysis for the identification of bullets and cartridge casings recovered in open cases, and to a database of test fired weapons. The Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) accomplishes these comparisons in minutes, when the same task using conventional microscopical techniques would require weeks to carefully sort through the firearm evidence. The networking of remote Data Acquisition Stations (DAS) can build a regional firearms evidence database, making the IBIS a powerful resource for the investigation of violent firearm crimes from multiple jurisdictions. A technical overview of the IBIS image acquisition hardware, image storage, case data input, “surface signature” analysis, and correlation scoring to an image database is reported.
DNA Typing of Human Dandruff
Authors: Herber B , Herold K
Published: August 2015

Dandruff particles contain a considerable portion of nucleated cells within the aggregates of nuclei-free corneocytes. The nuclei could be partially degraded due to epidermal differentiation processes. To test the suitability of DNA from dandruff for forensic application, a study of 35 subjects and two crime cases has been carried out using different STR polymorphisms. In 90% of the samples DNA genotyping could be easily performed indicating that DNA from dandruff is at least suitable for STR analysis. DNA quantity per dandruff particle varies extremely within a range from 0.8 to 16.6 ng DNA for the tested subjects. Genotyping was also possible for a single dandruff particle if DNA extraction volume had been reduced. In mixed samples from dandruff coextracted with bloodstains or semen stains dandruff genotype was detectable in some cases.

These results demonstrate the relevance of dandruff in forensic casework either as an additional sample or as a source of inadvertent contamination.
Subtyping of the HLA-DQA1 Locus and Independence Testing with PM and STR/VNTR Loci
Authors: Budowle B , Koons BW , Moretti TR
Published: August 2015

Allele and genotype frequencies for six loci (HLA-DQA1 and PM loci) were determined in African Americans, United States Caucasians, and Southwestern Hispanics. The data include allele frequencies of the HLA-DQA1 4 subtypes. The HLA-DQA1 4 allele subtyping affords greater power of discrimination in African Americans and Southwestern Hispanics than in Caucasians, due to the relatively lower 4.2/4.3 allele frequency in Caucasians. Based on the exact test, all loci, except the GYPA locus in the African American sample (p = 0.011), meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations. There were two examples of significant departures from expectations of independence between alleles of the HLA-DQA1 and PM loci (HBGG/Gc in African Americans, p = 0.30; LDLR/DQA1 in Caucasians, p = 0.023). The HLA-DQA1 and PM loci also were tested for associations with three STR loci and the D1S80 locus. There were four examples of significant departures from expectations of independence (TPOX/D7S8 and THO1/HBGG in African Americans, p = 0.035 and 0.028, respectively; THO1/LDLR in Caucasians, p = 0.028; and GYPA/D1S80 in Hispanics, p = 0.046). The HLA-DQA1 and PM allele frequency data were compared with previously reported data on other sample populations of the same population categories from our laboratory; the allele frequencies at all loci, except the D7S8 locus in Hispanics (p = 0.028), were statistically similar. The frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a multiple locus DNA profile in various general United States populations.
Greek Cypriot Allele and Genotype Frequencies for Amplitype® PM-DQA1 and D1S80 Loci
Authors: Cariolou MA , Manoli P , Christophorou M , Bashiardes E , Karagrigoriou A , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

A sample from the Greek Cypriot population was typed at seven forensically important PCR-based loci: LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC, HLA-DQA1, and D1S80. The results showed that all loci meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations and that there is no evidence for association of alleles between loci. Allelic frequency distributions at all loci, except HLA-DQA1 and two D1S80 alleles, were similar to those of U.S. Caucasians. Greek Cypriot population databases have been created and can be used for forensic analyses to estimate the frequency of a multiple locus DNA profile.
An Illustrated Guide to RFLP Troubleshooting
Authors: Benzinger EA , Emerick E , Grigsby N , Lovekamp ML , Logeman R , Sallee PJ , Boster KL , Rehnstrom A , Riech AK , Small AT , Glasner JA , Coons TM , von Beroldingen C
Published: August 2015

A large number of reagents and steps are required for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, which at times make determining the cause of any observed anomaly difficult. Troubleshooting problems in RFLP analysis is difficult and often the exact cause of a problem cannot be determined. In this paper a collection of controlled experiments detail the consequences of a number of human or materials problems. Although the focus is on forensic applications, this troubleshooting guide will be helpful to anyone employing Southern analysis.
Forensic Analyses of Suspect Illicit Nuclear Material
Authors: Grant PM , Moody KJ , Hutcheon ID , Phinney DL , Haas JS , Volpe AM , Oldani JJ , Whipple RE , Stoyer N , Alcaraz A , Andrews JE , Russo RE , Klunder GL , Andresen BD , Cantlin S
Published: August 2015

A small metal sample, alleged to be a substance that could substitute for highly enriched uranium in a nuclear weapon, was subjected to qualitative and quantitative forensic analyses using methods of materials science, radioisotopic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. The specimen was determined to be moderately pure Sc, likely derived from a uranium refining operation. Although no fissionable species or weaponization signatures were detected, the sample did exhibit some unusual properties. These anomalies included lanthanide fractionation, with concentrations of Dy, Ho, and Er elevated by factors greater than 100 over normal levels, and the presence of long, odd-chain fatty acids.
Fingerprint Identification Using Image Enhancement Techniques
Authors: Moler E , Ballarin V , Pessana F , Torres S , Olmo D
Published: August 2015

This report presents an application of image enhancement techniques in fingerprints as a tool for forensic sciences. Digital image processing technology was applied to restore fingerprints with non-uniform contrast. Whenever the results obtained by applying conventional enhancement techniques were not satisfactory, we combined spatial domain as well as frequency domain techniques in order to enhance the features that allowed later identification. The fingerprints correspond to a person who was murdered by military forces in 1976. The processed fingerprints where sent to the Court of Justice where forensic experts could finally find out the identity of a person who had been unknown until that moment.
Identification of Zinc Phosphide in a Falsely Labeled Rodenticide Bait
Authors: Azoury M , Levin N
Published: August 2015

“Kela” is a commercial rodenticide bait commonly used in Israel, made of wheat grains, which, according to its label, contains chlorophacinone. This product was involved in the death case of a man in which the victim's female companion was accused of assisting in this suicide and was subsequently convicted. Analysis of the wheat grains revealed zinc phosphide, whose use is restricted to authorized exterminators only, instead of chlorophacinone. Zinc phosphide was identified using microscopic examination, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD).
Use of Nested PCR to Identify Charred Human Remains and Minute Amounts of Blood
Authors: Strom CM , Rechitsky S
Published: August 2015

Reliable single cell PCR requires nested or heminested PCR and careful optimization of conditions. This report describes the successful use of nested PCR for gender identification and reverse paternity testing in a forensic case where the only available materials consisted of charred human remains and a minute quantity of blood that were unsuitable for standard PCR. Use of nested PCR allowed the blood and burned tissue to be identified as human female. Analysis of two PCR length polymorphisms (AMPFLP) was successful on the blood sample and reverse paternity testing yielded a 98% probability that the blood spot was from the victim. The defendant was convicted of murder following a bench trial and the verdict was upheld by the Appellate court.
An Unusual Case of Multiple Mesosternal Foramina
Authors: McCormick WF , Flournoy LE , Rogers NL , Ross H
Published: August 2015

We present an unusual example of multiple mesosternal foramina (MMF). The alignment of the paired defects is unlike any previously described. Although single sternal defects are often encountered, paired defects are quite uncommon. This is the first documented example of bilateral paired defects in the sternum.
Sudden Unexpected Death Resulting from an Anomalous Hypoplastic Left Coronary Artery
Authors: Erin McConnell S , Collins KA
Published: August 2015

We present a case of sudden death in a 24-year-old, healthy white female who was physically active and participated in sports, including soccer. Two weeks prior to her death, an insurance physical examination revealed an abnormal electrocardiogram which demonstrated flipped T waves in the anterior leads. There was no other remarkable medical history.

At autopsy, only one coronary ostium was demonstrated and it originated from the right aortic sinus. Approximately 0.8 cm from this right coronary artery (RCA) ostium, a left coronary artery (LCA) branched off the RCA at a 90-degree angle. The LCA had luminal diameter of 0.4 m but the LCA had a luminal diameter of only 0.1 cm. The LCA coursed anterior to the base of the pulmonary artery and down the anterior ventricular septum reflecting the usual course of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. The LCA and RCA paths appeared to merge or terminate at the anterior left ventricular myocardium which was discolored gray, a process that involved the inner and middle thirds of the myocardium.

Based on the autopsy findings, we certified the cause of death as a probable arrhythmia due to myocardial fibrosis and dystrophic calcification resulting from complications of an anomalous hypoplastic left coronary artery.

Anomalies of coronary arteries have been classified and studied at autopsy and by clinical angiography. Coronary artery anomalies can be divided into minor and major forms with major anomalies often resulting in cardiac dysfunction that may cause failure and death. Minor anomalies, in general, have no pathophysiological significance and are compatible with life. Minor anomalies include variations in number and location of coronary ostia. A single coronary ostia is exceedingly rare in hearts with no other congenital malformations. The prognostic significance can be unpredictable. A single coronary artery has the potential to be dangerous if obstructed at its main stem, or if it branches at an acute angle. Additionally, hypoplasia of one or more coronary arteries has been found to be associated with sudden death.
9 mm Ammunition Used in a 40 Caliber Glock Pistol: An Atypical Gunshot Wound
Authors: Thogmartin JR , Start DA
Published: August 2015

Atypical gunshot wounds due to ricochet and intermediate targets have been well described in the literature. We represent a case of suicide with an atypical entrance wound and bullet without rifling marks due to 9 mm ammunition being loaded and fired from a 40 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
Absorption of Intubation-Related Lidocaine from the Trachea during Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine whether lidocaine is absorbed from the trachea during the artificial circulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The tissue distribution of lidocaine was investigated in eight individuals (Cases 1–8) who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation before being pronounced dead.

In Cases 1–4, there was no restoration of heart beat during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Heart massage had been continued for 5 min in Cases 1 and 2, and for 60 min in Cases 3 and 4. Relatively high concentrations of lidocaine (more than 0.1 mg/L) were detected in the blood left in the heart and/or in the large thoracic vessels in the four cases. In Cases 1–3, a large proportion of the lidocaine detected in these blood samples may have diffused from the trachea after cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation since no lidocaine was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, cerebrum, liver, right kidney, and/or right femoral muscle. In Case 4, however, tracheal lidocaine was thought to have been absorbed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation because 0.167–0.340 mg/L or mg/kg lidocaine was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, liver, right kidney, and right femoral muscle. This was substantiated in experiments performed in rabbit carcasses given 50 µL/kg Xylocaine™ jelly (a 2% lidocaine hydrochloride preparation) intratracheally, followed by rhythmical thoracic compressions (100–150 times per minute) for 60 min. A possible reason for lack of absorption of lidocaine from the trachea of Case 3 during a 60-min cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure may have been that effective blood circulation was not obtained during cardiopulmonary resuscitation because of bleeding and pulmonary collapse.

Cases 5–8 survived for 3 h to 10 days after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation; it was obvious that lidocaine was distributed to the tissues under the influence of the natural circulation. The kidney to liver lidocaine ratio in Case 4 (0.8) was much lower than that in Cases 5–8 (1.3–4.6), although the lidocaine ratio in the blood in the left ventricle when compared to blood in the right ventricle was similar in the five cases. The kidney to liver lidocaine ratio may be helpful in judging whether the lidocaine detected was absorbed during the artificial circulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or naturally. Additionally, postmortem diffusion of tracheal lidocaine into the blood in the left ventricle was much greater than into the blood in the right ventricle due to their anatomical location during a supine position. The pattern of tissue distribution of lidocaine gives useful information on the state of decedents during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Interval Duration Between Injury and Severe Symptoms in Nonaccidental Head Trauma in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Gilliland MGF
Published: August 2015

Forensic pathologists are frequently asked to describe the interval between injury and the onset of symptoms in child abuse head injury deaths. A prospective, postmortem study examined the interval between injury and onset of symptoms in 76 head injury deaths in which this information was available. The head injury deaths were divided by mechanism of injury. The mechanisms were shake (no impact), combined shake and blunt impact, and blunt impact (no history of shaking). The interval was less than 24 hours in 80% of shakes, 71.9% of combined, and 69.2% of blunt injuries. The interval was greater than 24 hours in more than 25% of each of these latter groups and was more than 72 hours in four children. The variable intervals between injury and severe symptoms warrant circumspection in describing the interval for investigators or triers of fact. It should be noted that in all of the cases where information was supplied by someone other than the perpetrator, the child was not normal during the interval.
College and University Forensic Science Programs—Graduate and Undergraduate
Authors: Midkiff CR
Published: August 2015

Four years ago, the journal published listings of worldwide educational programs in forensic science and closely related areas [J Forensic Sci 1994;39(2,Mar)]. One of the lists illustrated opportunities for graduate study for those active in the field and desiring further formal education. It could also be useful to individuals with an undergraduate degree in another area but interested in entering the forensic science field. The second list provided information on institutions offering undergraduate programs in forensic science, criminalistics or forensic chemistry. This list was intended to provide a guide of available programs to assist high school or college students initially considering a forensic career. It listed institutions offering undergraduate programs, the program type and points of contact for further information. The graduate list also included information on number of credits for the degree, internship or thesis requirements, areas of specialization, financial assistance, etc. This list encompassed primarily programs at the Master's level with a few options for study toward a doctoral degree.
Review of Abortion & Reproductive Rights: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicine, Ethics & the Law
Authors: Williams MA
Published: August 2015

Researchers will find this multimedia CD-ROM a useful tool for investigating the medical, ethical & legal issues of abortion and reproductive rights. The CD-ROM offers text, hyperlinks graphics, video, and slides from a variety of sources.
A Content Analysis of Textbooks on Criminal Investigation: An Evaluative Comparison to Empirical Research Findings on the Investigative Process and the Role of Forensic Evidence
Authors: Horvath F , Meesig R
Published: August 2015

A content analysis of textbooks on criminal investigation was carried out to determine the degree to which their coverage corresponded to empirical findings on the investigative process and the role of forensic evidence. The results showed that the texts overemphasize forensic evidence relative to its actual use. They underemphasize the role of patrol officers, detective post-arrest activities and the importance of interpersonal communication in investigations. Moreover, the texts are virtually silent on a number of key points such as detective evidence collection activities and how detectives use and give meaning to physical evidence. An analysis of material in newer texts, those available after research findings became widely known, showed little change in emphasis from older volumes. The findings are discussed in relation to training needs for those in the justice system who collect, use and make practical and policy decisions about forensic evidence and investigative outcomes.
Cranial Thickness in American Females and Males
Authors: Ross AH , Jantz RL , McCormick WF
Published: August 2015

To date, numerous studies have examined the range of cranial thickness variation in modern humans. The purpose of this investigation is to present a new method that would be easier to replicate, and to examine sex and age variation in cranial thickness in a white sample. The method consists of excising four cranial segments from the frontal and parietal regions. The sample consists of 165 specimens collected at autopsy and 15 calvarial specimens.

An increase in cranial thickness with age was observed. The results suggest that cranial thickness is not sexually dimorphic outside the onset of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI).
Classification and Identification of Color Photocopiers By FT-IR and GC/MS
Authors: Mizrachi N , Aizenshtat Z , Levy S , Elkayam R
Published: August 2015

Colored toner samples and counterfeit money processed from color photocopiers were collected from the same six manufacturers. Through infrared spectroscopy, a spectral match between the standard toner prowder and the toner extracted from the respective copies counterfeit banknote and documents was achieved. The results allowed the identification of the manufacturers and models, except for one manufacturer for which only partial identification was obtained. The toners were characterized and classified into different groups. Characterization or elimination of the toner extracted from counterfeit money processed by suspected photocopiers, is foreseen through building a transpose library of infrared data. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry results showed that it can be used as a complementary method.
Maternal Identification from Skeletal Remains of an Infant Kept by the Alleged Mother for 16 Years with DNA Typing
Authors: Yamamoto T , Uchihi R , Kojima T , Nozawa H , Huang X-L , Tamaki K , Katsumata Y
Published: August 2015

This is a case study concerning maternal identification by DNA typing at various loci. An infant skeleton was found in the alleged mother's apartment after it was kept for 16 years. We obtained the skeletal remains as well as saliva stains from the alleged mother. DNA typing was conducted for three loci in the HLA class II region (HLA-DQA1, -DPB1, and DRB1), five loci with the AmpliType PM kit (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC), five STR loci (LPL, vWA, F13B, TH01, and TPOX) and D-loop region in mtDNA for maternal identification. Sex determination was accomplished using fluorescent DNA capillary electrophoresis typing. Approximately 5 ng of human DNA was recovered from 1 g of femur bone retrieved from the infant skeletal remains. The probability of two unrelated Japanese sharing the same genotypes was estimated as 7.2 × 10−11. The combined probability of exclusion that an individual is not the mother was also calculated at 0.998. We therefore conclude that the skeleton is from a female infant, and that there is no inconsistency in the claim that the infant was a daughter of the alleged mother.
Ion Chromatographic Analysis of Corrosive Materials in Product Tampering Investigations
Authors: Kaine LA , Jackson DS , Heitkemper DT
Published: August 2015

Investigations of product tampering cases involving corrosives focus on the cause of extreme pH, and then attempt to determine the source of the contaminant. The application of ion chromatography to several product tampering cases is discussed. Examples include lye in cold medicine, ammonia in milk, and strong acids in eye drops and a food supplement.
Molecular Phenotyping of a Trinucleotide Repeat (D5S373) Experimental Conditions
Authors: Luis JR , Dios S , Carril JC , Herrera R , Caeiro B
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study is to assess the utility of the STR D5S373 in human identification. PCR amplification and electrophoretic separation were optimized in order to achieve unambiguous phenotyping. We concluded that primer concentration and annealing temperature are the main factors affecting the specificity of PCR. In our population survey including three human major groups (Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia), up to six alleles and six interalleles have been found ranging in size from 86 to 101 bp. The phenotypes were determined using horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a technique which has turned out to be suitable for separating fragments as close as 1 bp. In each population, the genotype frequencies conformed to the expectations of genetic equilibrium. Sequence studies were carried out to make the allele nomenclature fit to ISFH recommendations. Results from our population analysis of D5S373 show clear differences in allelic frequency patterns among the three major human groups examined. Human identification parameters estimated from our study are similar to those obtained for other STRs currently used in DNA testing.
Attempted Suicide by Cop: A Case Study of Traumatic Brain Injury and the Insanity Defense
Authors: Bresler S , Scalora MJ , Elbogen EB , Moore YS
Published: August 2015

Over the years, there have been a number of well-publicized incidents involving persons who seemingly maneuver police officers into shooting them. Such cases, while relatively rare compared with most forms of violence, nevertheless pose difficult challenges to law enforcement agencies. Relatively little is known about persons who engage in suicide by cop incidents. To our knowledge, there has been no published in-depth research on instigators of suicide by cop who survived. In this paper, we present a case study of an individual who engaged in and lived through three separate “attempted suicide by cop” incidents. After describing relevant history as well as events of the most recent incident, we compare the case with the extant literature on suicide by cop and analyze commonalities and differences. Finally, we examine the legal considerations involved, with particular attention devoted to the role the individual's traumatic brain injury played in applying the insanity defense.
Pseudo-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage of the Head Diagnosed by Computerized Axial Tomography: A Postmortem Study of Ten Medical Examiner Cases
Authors: Chute DJ , Smialek JE
Published: August 2015

In this report, we describe ten cases of pseudosubarachnoid hemorrhage on computer axial tomography (CT) scan of the head. A pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage is a false positive finding by CT of the head in which the scan is interpreted as being positive for a subarachnoid hemorrhage not substantiated by subsequent neuropathologic findings. This study is a retrospective review of postmortem cases brought into the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland over a three-year period (from 1997 to 2000). We compared the clinician's impression of the CT scan with the postmortem neuropathology. The clinical diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage was based on misinterpretation of noncontrast CT scans of the head. In six of the ten cases, the reading was performed by a radiologist and in four cases by nonradiologist physicians (emergency room physician, neurologist, or neurosurgeon).

All the patients survived between a few hours to a few days after being admitted to the hospital. For most of the cases (80%), the neuropathology showed hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy. The most common cause of death (four out of ten cases) was narcotic intoxication. This report is submitted so that clinicians and pathologist become more familiar with this entity.
How the Probability of a False Positive Affects the Value of DNA Evidence
Authors: Thompson WC , Taroni F , Aitken CGG
Published: August 2015

Errors in sample handling or test interpretation may cause false positives in forensic DNA testing. This article uses a Bayesian model to show how the potential for a false positive affects the evidentiary value of DNA evidence and the sufficiency of DNA evidence to meet traditional legal standards for conviction. The Bayesian analysis is contrasted with the “false positive fallacy,” an intuitively appealing but erroneous alternative interpretation. The findings show the importance of having accurate information about both the random match probability and the false positive probability when evaluating DNA evidence. It is argued that ignoring or underestimating the potential for a false positive can lead to serious errors of interpretation, particularly when the suspect is identified through a “DNA dragnet” or database search, and that ignorance of the true rate of error creates an important element of uncertainty about the value of DNA evidence.
Lifting Shoeprints Using Gelatin Lifters and a Hydraulic Press
Authors: Shor Y , Tsach T , Vinokurov A , Glattstein B , Landau N , Levin N
Published: August 2015

A method for lifting two-dimensional dust footwear marks on rough or porous surfaces, such as cardboard or cloth, using a hydraulic press, was examined. It was found that exerting pressure on the lifter by the press usually improves the quality of the results. When the shoeprints were on rough or soft surfaces, the prints transferred to the gelatin lifters were better than those obtained by the conventional method. In other cases, using the press did not improve the results but was much simpler to apply. Based on the results of this study, the hydraulic press/gelatin lifter method (the “press method”) is used at the authors' laboratory, depending on the surface from which the shoeprint is to be lifted. It is the authors' intention to apply the method to other surfaces after finding the optimal pressure for surfaces with loose fibers.
Performance Evaluation of Two Multiplexes Used in Fluorescent Short Tandem Repeat DNA Analysis
Authors: Buse EL , Putinier JC , Hong MM , Yap AE , Hartmann JM
Published: August 2015

The performance of two commercial multiplex kits that together amplify the 13 core short tandem repeat (STR) loci currently in use by forensic laboratories and the U.S. national Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS) were evaluated. The typing systems examined were AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR COfiler™ (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Electrophoretic separation and detection of the fluorescent PCR products was achieved by capillary electrophoresis (CE) using an ABI Prism® 310 Genetic Analyzer. The studies addressed the on-site validation of the instrument, the software, and each typing system. These studies included instrument sensitivity, resolution, precision, binning, peak height ratios, mixtures, stutter, and the amplification of non-probative and simulated forensic samples. Other additional developmentaltype work is also reported herein, such as species specificity testing and amplification of environmentally insulted samples. Amplification conditions were found to be robust and the primer sets shown to be specific to human DNA. Stutter and peak height ratios fell within limits published by the manufacturer and other laboratories. The data demonstrate that the CE instrument can consistently resolve fragments differing in length by one base and that the ±0.5 base bin used by the Genotyper® software is acceptable for making accurate allele calls. Correct typing results were obtained from non-probative and simulated case samples, as well as samples exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The results support the conclusion that DNA extracted from biological samples routinely encountered in the forensic laboratory can be reliably analyzed with AmpFℓSTR Profiler Plus and COfiler using CE.
Statistical Analysis of Barefoot Impressions
Authors: Kennedy RB , Pressman IS , Chen S , Petersen PH , Pressman AE
Published: August 2015

Comparison of the shapes of barefoot impressions from an individual with footprints or shoes linked to a crime may be useful as a means of including or excluding that individual as possibly being at the scene of a crime. The question of the distinguishability of a person’s barefoot print arises frequently. This study indicates that measurements taken from the outlines of inked footprint impressions show a great degree of variability between donors and a great degree of similarity for multiple impressions taken from the same donor. The normality of the set of measurements on footprint outlines that we have selected for this study is confirmed. A statistical justification for the use of the product rule on individual statistical precisions is developed.
Insect Faunal Succession on Decaying Rabbit Carcasses in Punjab, India
Authors: Bharti M , Singh D
Published: August 2015

Insect faunal succession on decaying rabbit carcasses was carried out at Punjabi University, Patiala (Punjab), India, from March 1997 to December 1999. Four stages of decomposition were recognized, i.e., fresh, bloated, decay, and dry. A total of 38 insect species belonging to four orders and 13 families were recorded. Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera dominated the carrion fauna. Calliphorids were the first to arrive in all the seasons of the year. Five species of Calliphoridae, four of Sarcophagidae, ten of Muscidae, and one each from Anthomyiidae and Otitidae were observed on rabbit carcasses. Representatives of six Coleopteran families, i.e., Staphylinidae, Histeridae, Cleridae, Dermestidae, Tenebrionidae, and Silphidae, were recorded. Eight species belonging to family Formicidae (Hymenoptera) were also collected during the present studies. Only one species of Lepidoptera was observed on carrion.
A Metric Method for Sex Determination Using the Hipbone and the Femur
Authors: Albanese J
Published: August 2015

Since the earliest descriptions of the pubis length measurement, it has been recognized that the location of the key landmark in the acetabulum has to be estimated. Using samples from the Terry Collection (n = 324) and the Coimbra Collection (n = 232), the purpose of this research is to, first, test the reproducibility of a new alternative to the traditional measurement of the pubis, and second, to use the best measurement of the pubis along with other measurements of the hipbone and femur to develop a metric method that can be used with confidence to determine the sex of individuals of various geographic origins and time periods. In this study, it was found that, first, the alternative pubis measurement, known as the superior pubis ramus length (SPRL), can be collected more reliably with less mean intra-observer error (0.57%) than the more commonly used manner of measuring the pubis (2.7%). Second, a logistic regression sex determination method using the SPRL, along with other measurements of the hipbone and femur, has an allocation accuracy of 90% to 98.5% (depending on the model used and the manner of testing) across independent samples. Third, traditional racial categorization was irrelevant to the accuracy of the method. Fourth, measurement error greater than 2% in the measurement of the pubis can be the difference between a correct and an incorrect allocation of sex, particularly in borderline cases.
Elemental Analysis of Glass Fragments by ICP-MS as Evidence of Association: Analysis of a Case
Authors: Montero S , Hobbs AL , French TA , Almirall JR
Published: August 2015

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyze glass evidence from a case in which a person broke a window in each of 15 vehicles in a parking lot in order to gain entry into the vehicles. The results of the analysis by traditional methods, which measure the properties of color, thickness, density, and refractive index, are also reported. A total of 15 known samples representing the windows on the cars and 42 questioned glass fragments recovered from the suspect and the police vehicle where the suspect was sitting were submitted for analysis. Density comparisons separated one of the known samples into three samples, increasing the number of known samples from 15 to 17. The concentrations of 16 elements were measured for all but three of the samples using an external calibration ICP-MS method with internal standardization. Color assessment (non-instrumental) separated the 17 known samples into two groups, and refractive index measurements resulted in six groups when the Emmons double variation method was used and ten groups when the Glass Refractive Index Measurement 2 (GRIM2) system was used. Elemental analysis, by itself, differentiated all of the known samples from each other and associated four of the known sample fragments with several of the questioned sample fragments. The informing power of RI, density, and elemental analysis comparisons is evaluated and a summary of the case results is reported.
A Novel Fluorescent Quadruplex STR Typing System and the Allele Frequency Distributions in a Thai Population
Authors: Yoshimoto T , Yamamoto T , Mizutani M , Uchihi R , Ohtaki H , Katsumata Y , Waiyawuth W , Songsivilai S
Published: August 2015

We have previously reported a new triplex amplification and typing system by silver staining for three short tandem repeat (STR) loci, 9q2h2 (D2S3020), D15S233, and D14S299 without "microvariant" alleles such as .1, .2, and, .3 alleles in the Japanese population. In the present study, we established a new quadruplex system with an additional locus D7S809 using primer sets labeled with fluorescent multi-color dyes. Using this system, we genotyped 183 Thai people, found only one “microvariant” allele (allele 20.2) at D7S809, and calculated allele frequencies and some statistical properties at these four STR loci. From these allele frequencies at four STR loci, we performed three statistical analyses including a homozygosity test, a likelihood ratio test, and an exact test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Deviations from HWE (p < 0.05) were observed only in the two tests at the locus D7S809.
Cutaneous Current Marks Due to a Stun Gun Injury
Authors: Anders S , Junge M , Schulz F , Püschel K
Published: August 2015

Histological changes of the skin following electrical injury with a stun gun have rarely been described. We report the case of a 61year-old man who died after having been tortured with a stun gun during a robbery. At autopsy two reddish, dot-like lesions where found on the chest and histological examination revealed electric current-related changes. Only a few reports concerning micromorphological cutaneous changes following stun gun injury have been reported; therefore further investigations concerning the frequency and type of histological findings due to stun gun injuries will be necessary in order to provide sufficient characteristic data for a conclusive interpretation.
Fatal Parvovirus B19 Myocarditis in an 8-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Dettmeyer R , Kandolf R , Baasner A , Banaschak S , Eisü-Hubinger AM , Madea B
Published: August 2015

A report is given on an 8-year-old boy who suddenly and unexpected died. Autopsy findings point to acute heart failure. Microscopic examination of the heart showed increased interstitial and perivasal fibrosis and myocarditis with macrophage infiltration. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for parvovirus B19 was positive in heart samples and in the spleen. Immunostaining for parvoviral surface antigens was negative. Although the virus does not appear to have infected the cardiomyocytes, we speculate that myocarditis arose from immunological cross-reaction to epitopes shared between the virus and the myocardium.