bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of “Bedeutung und gerichtsmedizinische Anwendung der DNS-Fluorochromierung von Chromosomen und Zellkernen”
Authors: Bahr GF
Published: July 2015

In this book the author explores the use of the quinacrine fluorochrome in forensic medicine. Caspersson has already indicated that homologue differences might be a personal identifying feature. The author discusses this aspect of cytogenetics and points to the difficulties, mostly of a technical nature.
The Forensic Taxonomic Debate on Cannabis: Semantic Hokum
Authors: Small E
Published: July 2015

Since 1972 there have been numerous cases in North America in which the applicability of legislation governing marihuana has been challenged on the basis of a superficially meritorious argument. In brief, the defense has been advanced that there are several species of the marihuana plant, and since most legislation refers only to the species Cannabis sativa, the other species and marihuana obtained from such other species are not proscribed. This defense has been used so extensively that it has become a textbook exemplar [1]. Recent articles supporting its validity [2–4] have exacerbated the situation.
Extraction Procedures for Some Common Drugs in Clinical and Forensic Toxicology
Authors: Hackett LP , Dusci LJ , McDonald IA
Published: July 2015

There are many reports in the literature which deal with general screening methods for drugs in both clinical patients and postmortem specimens [1–13]. Much attention has been given to the clinical aspects where urgent identification and quantitation of unknown drugs are required. Of prime importance in this work is the selection of a suitable extraction technique. The number of available drugs has increased enormously since the more popular extraction methods were described, when at that time most overdoses involved acidic drugs (salicylates and barbiturates). These extraction systems have not been adequately evaluated with many of the more modern and predominantly basic drugs.
Concentrations of Ethanol in Two Segments of the Vascular System
Authors: Sedman AJ , Wilkinson PK , Wagner JG
Published: July 2015

The determination of ethanol is probably one of the most frequently requested tests in the forensic or clinical toxicology laboratory [1]. Large differences in ethanol distribution between whole blood and various human tissue have been reported [2] as well as ethanol concentration gradients within human and animal vascular systems [3–8]. Forney [9] reported that during the absorption-distribution phase, after the oral administration of ethanol, the “concentration of alcohol in arterial blood may be 50 to 100 percent higher than it (is) in venous blood.” During this time blood from an arm vein will not truly reflect the concentration of ethanol supplied to the brain, where its effects are produced. These vascular ethanol concentration gradients generally have been ignored, possibly because the reports of other authors [3–6] have indicated that the arteriovenous (A/V) equilibrium of ethanol is attained rapidly in man when ethanol is administered by rapid intravenous infusion. Dundee et al [4] stated that after oral administration the A/V ratio reaches unity much more slowly than when alcohol is given intravenously. Harger [10] pointed to errors from using venous blood during the absorption phase after oral administration of ethanol. This work substantiates and extends the capillary-venous ethanol concentration differences reported in the literature and illustrates that equal capillary and venous ethanol concentration may not be achieved readily after the oral administration of ethanol to man.
Sex-Chromatin Bodies in Penile Washings as an Indicator of Recent Coitus
Authors: Given BW
Published: July 2015

Within the past decade several sociologic factors have contributed to a relaxation and greater candor in all spheres of sexual concern, including an increased awareness of the crime of rape. As this crime has burgeoned, so too has the literature of the forensic sciences regarding techniques for the analysis and evaluation of medicolegal evidence of alleged rape.
Excepted Substances: A Comparison of Federal and State Laws
Authors: Lowry WT , Barklow JP
Published: July 2015

When a state adopts an act already written for Federal control, such as the Controlled Substances Act, there inevitably will be questionable provisions arising from the final product. The following is an example of one which may be applicable to several other states.
A Potential Young Murderer
Authors: Evseeff GS
Published: July 2015

The genesis of crime is as complex as human nature itself. It has its past and present history. This author had an opportunity to study, examine, and treat a number of people who were involved in a series of crimes beginning in childhood and, with some of them, continuing into adulthood and eventuating in homicides. One common denominator in the lives of these people was exposure to hostility, brutality, and seductiveness in their early years of life. Today we hear so much more about the child-abuse phenomenon as psychopathology of the parents than we do about the impact such violent behavior has on the subsequent development of the child. Preemptive approach to this problem is that such direct experiences of violence have a disorganizing effect on future growth and development of the psychic apparatus of a child.
Death from Intravenously Administered Narcotics: A Study of 114 Cases
Authors: Richards RG , Reed D , Cravey RH
Published: July 2015

The attempt to explain the pathophysiology of deaths from intravenously administered narcotics has been hindered in the past because of the small number of fatal cases reported annually in most areas of the United States and relatively insensitive toxicological methods. A sudden and dramatic increase in deaths attributed to intravenously administered narcotics together with improved and sensitive methods for the identification and quantitation of the major metabolite of heroin in tissues have provided the forensic pathologist with the necessary tools to re-evaluate this type of fatality.
Accidental Asphyxial Deaths Involving Infants and Young Children
Authors: Sturner WQ , Spruill FG , Smith RA , Lene WJ
Published: July 2015

Fatal accidents occurring in infants and children are theoretically, if not actually, preventable in all instances. However, prevention may be dependent on public understanding of the nature and frequency of such accidents and the facts which lead to their occurrences. Valuable data for community education may be obtained from properly functioning medical examiner systems which require that all sudden and unexpected deaths be reported, investigated at the scene of occurrence, and examined by a competent forensic pathologist. However, such reports continue to be more frequently used for law enforcement activities than for the benefit of public health.
Some New Approaches to the Individualization of Fresh and Dried Bloodstains
Authors: Grunbaum BW
Published: July 2015

Human blood theoretically contains sufficient variables to enable the invididualization of one person from any other. The basis for blood individuality is mainly the multitude of polymorphic enzymes and proteins, most of which are products of genetic variation [1]. These genetic factors are constant throughout life. Both transient and comparatively permanent environmental factors, such as acquired immune antibodies, also contribute to the differentiation of blood between individuals. Any single factor which is decisively different in two specimens at a given time will discriminate between the two and thus eliminate a common source.
Simultaneous Electrophoresis of Peptidase A, Phosphoglucomutase, and Adenylate Kinase
Authors: Neilson DM , Shaler RC , Stuver WC , Mortimer CE , Hagins AM
Published: July 2015

Peptidase A variant determinations may potentially be valuable tools for determining the racial origin of bloodstains and seminal stains. The Caucasian population is reported as predominantly the Type 1 polymorph (99.8%); however, variances are recorded within the Negroid population of Type 1 (85.2%), Type 2-1 (13.1%), Type 2 (1.5%), and Type 3-1 (0.2%) [1,2]. Table 1 contains the percentages of the phenotypes of peptidase A observed in a tested Negroid population.
Contaminants in Illicit Amphetamine Preparations
Authors: Lomonte JN , Lowry WT , Stone IC
Published: July 2015

Samples from illicit preparations of amphetamine and methamphetamine have been analyzed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect and identify contaminants, excipients, and by-products of manufacture. The samples were also analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and by X-ray diffraction.
Comparative Postmortem Chemistries of Vitreous Humor Before and After Embalming
Authors: Coe JI
Published: July 2015

While over thirty papers [1] discuss the use of vitreous humor to determine biochemical or toxicological abnormalities that may have existed prior to death, only three of these mention the use of vitreous humor from embalmed bodies. Sturner and Gantner [2], reporting on postmortem glucose determinations of vitreous humor, stated that of eight embalmed cases the results of all but one were in the proposed normal range. The single exception was a 12-year-old girl who died of botulism and whose vitreous sugar 24 h after embalming was 108 mg/dl. They further mentioned that in one case, eight days elapsed without appreciably altering a supposedly normal value. Scott et al [3] reported on the use of vitreous humor for determination of ethyl alcohol in embalmed bodies. They found good correlation between preembalming and postembalming alcohol levels, with a mild decrease in postembalming specimens noted. Finally, there is one case report by Coe [4] in which there was determination of barbiturates in the vitreous humor of a body embalmed 32 days before. His report is included as part of an article on general problems in postmortem chemistry.
Wound Ballistics: An Analysis of a Bullet in Gel
Authors: Jauhari M , Bandyopadhyay A
Published: July 2015

In a criminal investigation, it is often required to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the wounds inflicted on the body of a victim could be caused by a particular firearm-cartridge combination fired under a specified set of circumstances. Such a situation occurred in the John F. Kennedy assassination case. During the Warren Commission Inquiry [1], a question arose as to whether the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle (recovered from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository Building) and Western Cartridge Co. bullets and fragments (of the type recovered from Governor Connally's stretcher and in the Presidential limousine) were capable of causing the wounds inflicted on President Kennedy and Governor Connally. A scientific solution of this problem was obtained within the framework of wound ballistics by the scientists of the Wound Ballistics Branch of the U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Laboratories at Edgewood Arsenal, Md.
Unusual Three-Dimensional Bite Mark Evidence in a Homicide Case
Authors: Vale GL , Sognnaes RF , Felando GN , Noguchi TT
Published: July 2015

Under favorable circumstances, bite mark evidence may provide important information about the perpetrator of a crime, as reviewed in several textbooks [1–4] and articles [5–7]. In the case reported here, the remarkable depth and clarity of the bite marks, coupled with the distinctive nature of the suspect's teeth, played a significant role in the defendant's conviction in the strangulation death of a sexually molested woman. This is believed to be the first case in California in which bite mark evidence played a major role in the investigation and subsequent trial.
A Suicidal Gunshot Wound of the Back
Authors: Hirsch CS , Adelson L
Published: July 2015

One is tempted to say categorically and without fear of contradiction, “People do not intentionally shoot themselves in the back.” This paper, then, could be subtitled, “At last I have seen a purple cow!”
Fatal Consequences of Local Anesthesia: Report of Five Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Christie JL
Published: July 2015

Recent publications [1–8] have emphasized that the use of local anesthetic substances is not entirely without risk to the patient and have stressed the difficulty in establishing what is the maximum safe dosage in any particular clinical situation. A search of the literature indicates that few reports are available on blood and tissue concentrations in fatalities after therapeutic misadventure with lidocaine or other local anesthetic agents.
A Review of “Legal Admissability of the Polygraph”
Authors: McInerney CA
Published: July 2015

This book, which covers a wide range of polygraph topics, consists of presentations by 34 contributors who presented papers or participated in panel discussions at the 1972 Seminar of the American Polygraph Association. Chaired by John E. Reid, the program was divided into five sections: Law, Validity, Technique, Instrumentation, and Labor-Management.
A Review of “I Trapianti e la Sperimentazione Umana” (“Transplantation and Human Experimentation”)
Authors: Pirani CL
Published: July 2015

The book by Dr. Ferrando Mantorani, Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Florence, is an extensive treatise on the Italian and foreign laws regulating “Transplantation and Human Experimentation.” In 832 pages, it deals in considerable detail on the juridic aspects related to living and cadaveric transplant donors, particularly on the limitations of the consent, on the safeguards for the life and health of the donor, on the definition of death, and on the experimental aspects of some of the transplants. In addition to the kidney, other transplantable organs and tissues such as bone, bone marrow, skin, blood vessels, and eye are included in the discussion. A 200-page appendix contains the existing laws regulating transplantation in Italy and about 20 other countries.
Ethics and the Document Examiner Under the Adversary System
Authors: Hilton O
Published: July 2015

Ethics play an important role in all branches of forensic science and, yet, until this year, the subject has received little attention within the Academy. It is doubtful that this omission has occurred because members do not recognize the importance of ethics, but rather that they assumed that most forensic scientists were guided by high ethical standards. But what are proper ethical standards for the forensic scientist, and especially for the document examiner?
A Scanning Electron Microscope Study of Dried Blood
Authors: Dixon TR , Samudra AV , Stewart WD , Johari O
Published: July 2015

The identification of a suspected stain or crust as being blood can be a difficult task for the forensic scientist. To date, either the benzidine test, discovered in 1904, or the phenolphthalein test [1] has been employed with either the Takayama crystal test, discovered in 1912, or the Teichmann crystal test [2] in confirming the presence of blood.
An Evaluation of Tetramethylbenzidine as a Presumptive Test for Blood
Authors: Garner DD , Cano KM , Peimer RS , Yeshion TE
Published: July 2015

In forensic use, a presumptive test indicating the possible presence of blood is an invaluable tool. This type of test has particular value in screening out samples that are definitely not blood and do not require further testing. Used in this manner, a test should be sensitive to some component of blood which remains even after the blood has dried, aged, or become diluted. This ideal test should also be specific. No such ideal specific test actually exists; however, the tests that are currently used have been characterized, and remedies for nonspecific reactions have been devised [1]. Since a presumptive test is used for screening, it should be simple to use and provide rapid results. Any test should be safe for the examiner applying it.
The Application of Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetric Analysis to Dating Bone Remains
Authors: Villanueva E , Girela F , Castellanos M
Published: July 2015

Dating material is a difficult problem in legal medicine, no matter what substance is being tested. Concerning bone remains, the classic works of Orfila and Lazaretti [1] showed the difficulty of establishing the time since death. Since then, little research has been done in this field; mistakes can be made in dating bone material.
Short-Range Ammunition—A Possible Anti-Hijacking Device
Authors: Smialek JE , Spitz WU
Published: July 2015

International hijacking of commercial airplanes has become rather commonplace, and armed robbery aboard buses in the United States has recently occurred with some frequency. This type of violence poses unquestionable problems to law enforcement. In the event of a shoot-out with police or security guards, the possibility of injury to bystanders is a great problem. A high-powered round may miss a target and strike an unsuspecting person a considerable distance away, or it may richochet and veer off in an unpredictable direction. Furthermore, a round may pass through the intended target and continue on to injure an uninvolved party, or the skin of a commercial aircraft could be perforated by the gunfire, thereby upsetting pressure conditions in the cabin and possibly causing a crash.
Forensic Applications of Diamond Cell-Infrared Spectroscopy. I: Identification of Blasting Cap Leg Wire Manufacturers
Authors: Washington WD , Midkiff CR
Published: July 2015

Infrared spectroscopy (IR) is widely used in the forensic laboratory for the identification and comparison of materials such as explosives, drugs, paints, and plastics. These materials are often encountered as trace evidence. Consequently, the total sample available is so small that conventional IR techniques, even with micro-KBr pellets, are not feasible. The use of a high-pressure diamond cell sample holder suitable for the infrared analysis of microgram-sized samples was reported in 1961 [1]. Additional advantages of the diamond cell holder for use with solid samples are minimal sample preparation and applicability to a wide range of materials. Applications of the technique, however, have been limited by the commercial availability of a suitable device. Recently, studies have been reported on several materials of trace evidence interest including the characterization of vehicle paints [2] and the microanalysis of paints, plastics, and other materials [3].
Programmed Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis of Top Coats of Automotive Paint
Authors: Reeve V , Keener T
Published: July 2015

Elemental analysis is a necessary approach to the characterization of physical evidence in forensic science laboratories [1]. There are many wet chemical and instrumental methods in use; however, with few exceptions, these techniques are difficult to apply, have considerable sample size or preparation constraints, are time consuming, or are destructive. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry does not have these disadvantages [2,3].
Examination of Paints by Trace Element Analysis
Authors: Krishnan SS
Published: July 2015

The examination of paint in this laboratory and many others is done, essentially, by two techniques. These are microscopy, for the physical characteristics and layer structure, and pyrolysis gas chromatography (PGC), for the resin type. X-ray diffraction is often used as an additional examination for establishing the nature of pigment and is effective in routine cases, particularly those involving automobile paint of varied colors. Microscopy, however, is of limited value in cases involving white and black paints, whereas PGC is less effective than microscopy in dealing with household paints, most of which contain alkyd-type resins. The X-ray diffraction pattern of household paints generally shows only titanium dioxide (TiO2 pigment and is of limited value. For the examination of white paints, therefore, we require an effective technique for differentiation. Analysis of the large number of trace elements contained in paint has been shown to be a useful technique in the discrimination of paints [1].
The Parameters of Ballpen Ink Examinations
Authors: Crown DA , Brunelle RL , Cantu AA
Published: July 2015

Prior to about 1950, the inks encountered on questioned documents were usually fluid inks of the washable dyestuff or iron gallotannate varieties. Analysis of these inks included observation under various wavelengths of light ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR), photography with selected filters, and chemical spot tests to detect metals such as iron, vanadium, and chromium. Since about 1953, the ballpen has taken over the position formerly occupied by the fluid ink pen.
Classification and Identification of Photocopiers: A Progress Report
Authors: Lile JE , Blair AR
Published: July 2015

The use and availability of photocopying equipment have increased tremendously in recent years. Rapid copying, easy access, simplicity of operation, and relatively low cost per copy are qualities that have made photocopying convenient not only for legitimate use but also for illegal activities.
Alcohol and Criminal Responsibility
Authors: Perr IN
Published: July 2015

The tradition of the law has long frowned on criminal behavior performed in association with alcohol intake; courts have been most hesitant to provide any exculpation for drug and alcohol intake. The hostility of courts to a defense of intoxication is shown in State v. Noel [1].
A Review of “Armed Robbery: Offenders and Their Victims”
Authors: Sadoff RL
Published: July 2015

In this book, to date his largest volume, Dr. MacDonald gives us another in his series of studies of criminal behavior. He has written on rape and murder as well as indecent exposure and general considerations of psychiatry and the criminal. In all of his books he presents a breadth of material, statistical and clinical, which illustrate his text. This is an ambitious study of the crime of armed robbery from a comprehensive standpoint, including the perpetrator, the victim, aspects of prevention, and motivation. In addition to two specific types of robbery—bank robbery and skyjacking—Dr. MacDonald introduces two chapters by Lt. C. Donald Brannan of the Denver Police Department on the criminal investigation and reporting of armed robbery.
The Analysis of Meperidine and Normeperidine in Biological Specimens
Authors: Siek TJ
Published: July 2015

This study centers on the analytical aspects of meperidine analysis in biological specimens. The major meperidine metabolite normeperidine is treated concomitantly throughout as it is considered important in the interpretation of results in medical examiner/coroner cases and in overdosed patients. Previous studies have presented methods for the gas chromatographic analysis of meperidine in blood, plasma, or urine [1–3]. Other reports have presented procedures for meperidine and normeperidine [4–7] but did not deal with tissue analysis. Kazyak [8] reported combined meperidine and normeperidine in blood, urine, and four tissues but did not analyze the two compounds separately. A gas chromatographic method for meperidine and normeperidine in blood, urine, bile, liver, and other tissues is presented here. The method is straightforward with no derivatizing reactions prior to gas chromatography (GC); analysis time for liver is about 1 h, and blood and urine can be analyzed in 30 min. Results from twelve medical examiner cases are presented and discussed.
Quantitative Gas Chromatographic Determination of Acetaminophen Using Trimethylanilinium Hydroxide as the Derivatizing Agent
Authors: Wahl KC , Rejent TA
Published: July 2015

Pharmaceutical preparations of acetaminophen, an analgesic, are marketed and extensively used in the single drug form such as Tylenol® and Datril® and in combination with other analgesics such as aspirin and salicylamide in Excedrin® Excedrin P.M.® and others. Acetaminophen overdosage can result in centrilobular hepatic necrosis or hepatic failure [1] with severe overdosage resulting in a high fatality rate [2]. Workers have investigated and related severity of liver damage to drug serum concentration [1,3, 4]. Initial concentrations relative to time of ingestion and drug half-life are two criteria in the early diagnosis of possible liver damage or necrosis [4]. Administration of cysteamine soon after ingestion has been advocated [3] after successful use in severe overdosages, but its use is a risk to the patient and warranted only in cases of probable severe or fatal hepatic necrosis. Consequently, for intelligent therapy of suspected overdose cases and legal protection of physicians, rapid and accurate serum acetaminophen levels must be available throughout the first few critical hours after ingestion of acetaminophen.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Separation of Dyes Encountered in Illicit Heroin Samples
Authors: Clark AB , Miller MD
Published: July 2015

Over the last several years an increasingly large number of illicit heroin samples of the brown variety have contained dyes. STRIDE data analysis for the time period from August 1974 to December 1975 indicates that coloring matter was detected in 26% of the brown heroin submissions to the Southwest Regional Laboratory in San Diego. Apparently a formulation of dyes is used in the heroin dilution process to disguise the addition of adulterants that are normally white in their natural state. The resultant mixture maintains a relatively dark color and the diluted product is more easily sold as a high quality brown heroin.
Drug Detection in Urine by Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Saferstein R , Manura JJ , De PK
Published: July 2015

The analytical methods of thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS) have gained general acceptance as basic tools of the clinical and forensic toxicologist. The utility of these techniques resides in their ability to separate and identify a wide range of organic materials at relatively low detection limits. Assuming one has access to all of these procedures, when and how they are used will often depend on the degree of specificity one wishes to attach to the analytical data generated. In forensic laboratories, a thorough confirmation of all results is necessary if the analytical conclusions are to withstand the close scrutiny normally encountered during a legal hearing, On the other hand, clinical laboratories are often interested in rapid, simple, and economic testing procedures that can be executed on vast numbers of specimens. These tests are intended to provide data that are clinically reliable and have diagnostic value; however, they may not always yield data that are indisputable in a court of law. Of course, ideally, both the forensic and clinical toxicologists are continually striving for procedures that combine speed, versatility, and specificity. Undoubtedly, under these circumstances the mass spectrometer can be expected to play a far more important role in both types of laboratories in the future years.
Unequivocal Determination of Cocaine in Simulated Street Drugs by a Combination of High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Infrared Spectrophotometry
Authors: Trinler WA , Reuland DJ
Published: July 2015

Since the development of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the late 1960s papers have appeared in the literature describing the identification of drugs of abuse by this method. For example, Jane [1] reported a separation of a number of drugs on a Partisil column. However, while extremely useful in the forensic laboratory, HPLC has not attained its full potential because of the presumptive nature of the determination, that is, one cannot rule out the possibility that two compounds might have the same retention time. In an attempt to improve this situation a few companies are investigating the feasibility of interfacing the HPLC with a mass spectrometer. If such interfacing is successful, though, the cost probably will be prohibitive for most forensic laboratories. Also, some progress is being made in the technique of “absorbance ratioing” [2]. In this method the drug is monitored at more than one wavelength and the ratio of these absorbances is reported to be solely characteristic of the particular compound. Although promising, this technique requires a more elaborate and expensive detector system. Also more data need to be collected to prove statistically the premise that no two compounds will have the same absorbance ratios.
Phenotyping of Erythrocyte Acid Phosphatase in Fresh Blood and in Bloodstains on Cellulose Acetate
Authors: Grunbaum BW , Zajac PL
Published: July 2015

The genetically controlled polymorphic enzyme system of human erythrocyte acid phosphatase (EAP) has considerable usefulness as a discriminating factor in blood because five common phenotypes can be separated electrophoretically as distinct patterns.
The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A Possible Hypersensitivity Reaction Determined by Distribution of IgG in Lungs
Authors: Raven C , Maverakis NH , Eveland WC , Ackermann WW
Published: July 2015

Specimens used in the experimental section of this paper were obtained primarily from Wayne County, Michigan. This population has been under study since 1959 by one of the authors (C. R.) [1–3]. Some characteristics compiled from 1000 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths in this population are summarized as they relate to the experimental findings. An additional complementary study [4] presents an in-depth epidemiologic survey.
A Conventional Method for Lifting Latent Fingerprints from Human Skin Surfaces
Authors: Reichardt GJ , Carr JC , Stone EG
Published: July 2015

Because the perpetrator of a physical offense often places his hands on the victim during the commission of the crime, the successful recovery of identifiable latent finger, palm, or other prints from the victim's body would in many cases constitute the most conclusive physical evidence possible. Investigators of crimes against persons, therefore, have long sought physical evidence techniques that would allow such an identification, thus definitely indicating the criminal's presence and perhaps suggesting the criminal's activity during or after the crime. Historically, such techniques have only been successful under experimental conditions.
Biofeedback-Conditioned Galvanic Skin Response and Hypnotic Suppression of Arousal: A Pilot Study of Their Relation to Deception
Authors: Corcoran JFT , Lewis MD , Garver RB
Published: July 2015

Since early civilization man has tried to separate reality from fantasy, fact from speculation, and truth from deception. Shakespeare [1] wrote, “Time's glory is to calm contending kings, to unmask falsehood and bring truth to light...”
On Being a Good Expert Witness in a Criminal Case
Authors: Kogan JD
Published: July 2015

It is essential for the forensic scientist to understand what the criminal justice system expects of the expert witness. By the very nature of the word forensic (“belonging to courts of justice” [1]) [2], the expert must realize that any tests, examinations, observations, or experiments he performs may require testimony in the courtroom regardless of the results. Preparation for this responsibility begins the first day the expert enters the laboratory.
A Modern Medical Examiner Facility
Authors: Weston JT
Published: July 2015

Within the past several years a number of new medical examiner facilities have been completed in Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California. In July 1976, the Office of the Medical Investigator, an integral part of the Department of Pathology of The University of New Mexico, relocated into a newly completed facility located on The University of New Mexico Health Sciences campus. Within this combined structure, in addition to the offices and laboratories of the state medical investigator (examiner), are all the laboratories supporting the state health and environmental program and shared conference and teaching laboratories. The structure, completed at a cost of $4.1 million in 1976, contains 740 m2 (8000 ft2) for present medical investigator and medical school autopsy functions, pathology functions, and related teaching and research, and 2700 m2 (29 000 ft2) for other laboratory services. The building is connected by a tunnel with the medical school and affiliated hospital. The area is officially designated the morphology suite because morgues as traditionally designed were repugnant not only to the public but to hospital personnel as well. There is 280 m2 (3000 ft2) of unimproved interior space designated for future expansion, some of which is already being completed for the computer suite.
Spermatozoa in the Anal Canal and Rectum and in the Oral Cavity of Female Rape Victims
Authors: Enos WF , Beyer JC
Published: July 2015

The microscopic finding of spermatozoa in the anal canal and rectum of female rape victims, living or murdered, must be interpreted with extreme caution in deciding whether anal sodomy has occurred.
The Use of a Xerox 6500 Color Copier in Forensic Sciences
Authors: Davis JH , Wright RK , Donalds M , Peevy J
Published: July 2015

Photographic documentation of wounds and disease processes is a well-established supplemental method of recording pathological findings both within the hospital and the forensic environment. The first recorded use of a photograph in a homicide trial was in 1874, when an antemortem photograph was used for the purpose of body identification [1].
A Review of Crime Scene Investigation
Authors: Cashman PJ
Published: July 2015

At first glance, Crime Scene Investigation appears to be the long-awaited, up-to-date text on this somewhat neglected area of criminal investigation. However, this is not the case. The book is little more than a brief introduction to the subject of crime scene processing and the collection, preservation, and utilization of physical evidence.
A Review of Muir's Textbook of Pathology
Authors: Rose EF
Published: July 2015

According to the preface, this book is intended as an illustrated text of pathology suitable for medical students, yet sufficiently comprehensive for graduate trainees. Both should be quite well served by this multi-authored textbook. The organization is traditional general pathology progressing to systemic pathology, with some duplication which is crossreferenced with paginations. A number of outstanding sections are clear, lucid, and well illustrated. These are of the quality that should admirably serve as a “review of current concepts” for the practicing (forensic) pathologist. Particularly impressive is the section on the respiratory system, while the sections on the immune response, immunopathology, bone repair, pyrexia, and radiation injury are excellent although not exhaustive. Other sections of this textbook do not share these strengths. Congenital heart disease and viral diseases are given short shrift; the breast section is marred by poor illustration, and breast malignancies are classified as “spheroidal-cell” and “encephaloid” carcinoma, a classification somewhat at variance with that of the World Health Organization.
Phencyclidine-Related Deaths in Los Angeles County, 1976
Authors: Noguchi TT , Nakamura GR
Published: July 2015

The current widespread use of the illicit drug phencyclidine (PCP), more commonly known as “angel dust” by the “street people,” elicits not only a health hazard but also criminality through violence and public disturbance. Files of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Crime Laboratory show that 25.3% of the 17 000 drug possession cases in 1976 involved PCP. Since the drug can be readily prepared clandestinely, it has been substituted for tetrahydrocannabinol and mescaline for illicit distribution. Jain et al [1] reported that in the analysis of urine specimens from probationers in Los Angeles County there was an increase in the PCP-positive samples from 36 to 145 for the months of January and February from 1975 to 1976. In 1977, there were 435 positives in these two months. The consequence of this street activity was that approximately 50 PCP cases per month were admitted on an emergency basis to the Los Angeles County General Hospital in 1976.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax in the Newborn: A Report of Two Fatalities
Authors: Norton LE , DiMaio VJM , Zumwalt RE
Published: July 2015

Pneumothorax in the newborn is a well-known complication of the respiratory distress syndrome and its therapy [1,2]. The sudden unexpected development of this condition in a full-term, apparently healthy infant is uncommon. When this pneumothorax leads to immediate death, the diagnosis will most likely elude clinicians and the case be reported to the medical examiner. The diagnosis can be readily made and documented if one is familiar with this entity and considers it prior to autopsy. The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences has encountered two such deaths in a year.
Embalming Artifacts
Authors: Rivers RL
Published: July 2015

Exacting accuracy is a necessity for the forensic scientist, but that accuracy becomes a challenge when the scientist is faced with common or unusual mortuary procedures that have simulated or disguised antemortem conditions of the body. The forensic scientist can spend many difficult hours attempting to correctly interpret the postmortem insult if he is not familiar with techniques used by morticians in the preparation of a body for burial. Should the condition of the body be incorrectly analyzed, the result could be the acquittal of a person guilty of murder, or worse, the conviction of an innocent person.
Chemiluminescence in the Visualization of Forensic Bloodstains
Authors: Lytle LT , Hedgecock DG
Published: July 2015

The peroxidase-like activity of hemoglobin forms the basis for those tests most commonly employed for the preliminary identification of blood: the benzidine, phenolphthalein, and luminol tests. Among these the luminol reagent is unique in that its reaction with blood results in the production of light rather than color. This distinction makes it use somewhat inconvenient because of the need for darkness when the test is performed but also gives it its unique value. Since the luminol is applied as a spray, large areas may be quickly screened for blood; furthermore, luminol is relatively nondestructive to the surroundings (it is noncorrosive and nonstaining) and to the blood (it does not prevent subsequent identification tests or ABO blood grouping analysis although it does interfere with electrophoretic analysis of those systems thus far tested, erythrocyte acid phosphatase and phosphoglucomutase). Although often used in this manner to locate unnoticed blood for collection and further testing, a large part of the luminol test's value comes from the observation of patterns of blood residue which it makes visible. Traditionally, the only means of recording this information has been through written description. Although luminol photography has been previously reported [1] most people still believe that successful photography of the luminol test is impossible or at least very difficult. Since the previous publication we have continued testing and refining the luminol test and its photography, and it is now used and photographed whenever a crime scene is investigated in which it might be of value.
Population Frequencies of Forensically Important Genetic Markers: Phosphoglucomutase, Erythrocyte Acid Phosphatase, and Haptoglobin
Authors: Hagins AM , Shaler RC , Mortimer CE , Stuver WC , Neilson DM
Published: July 2015

Of the more than 500 antigenic systems theoretically available, relatively few (ABO, MN, and Rh) are routinely identified by criminalists. As a result of extensive blood bank typing throughout this country, comprehensive local population frequencies are available for the ABO and Rh systems.
Problems of Reliability in the Phenotyping of Erythrocyte Acid Phosphatase in Bloodstains
Authors: Zajac PL , Grunbaum BW
Published: July 2015

Erythrocyte acid phosphatase (EAP) phenotypes have been shown to have a good frequency distribution [1] and EAP is therefore a useful discriminator in forensic investigations. The five common phenotypes, namely AA, BA, BB, CA, and CB, can now be readily and accurately determined with fresh blood [2]. Bloodstains aged for 30 days on white cotton cloth under laboratory conditions were also accurately typed [2].
Identification of Burnt Matches by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Andrasko J
Published: July 2015

An arson case recently investigated in our laboratory started the work reported in this paper. A fire broke out in one of the detention ceils at the Stockholm police headquarters. The fire was restricted to a plastic board mounted on the wall of a high security cell. During the investigation of the cause of the fire several small fragments of some burnt material were found in one of the small holes in the board. These were sent to the National Laboratory of Forensic Science (NLFS). The fragments were examined in a light microscope. The dimensions, the cross sections, and the fiber structures resembled those of burnt matches. The investigation was continued in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Morphological observation showed very good agreement between burnt matches and the examined fragments. A small amount of nonfibrous substance was observed at the edge of one of the fragments. With energy dispersive X-ray analysis (Fig. 1a) the following elements were detected: chlorine, potassium, silicon, aluminum, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, manganese, chromium, zinc, and magnesium. The same elemental composition was found for the burnt heads of the most common match in Sweden (brown head, Svenska Tändsticks AB). A typical analysis is shown in Fig. 1b. Furthermore, the elemental composition of the suspect fragments agreed with that of the wood from burnt matches (Fig. 2). The strong phosphorus signal originates from additives to the matchsticks. The phosphorns signal in Fig. 1a stems presumably from the same source.
Weakly Basic Impurities in Illicit Amphetamine
Authors: van der Ark AM , Verweij AMA , Sinnema A
Published: July 2015

In the last two years several illegal workshops for the production of amphetamine were discovered in the Netherlands. The substance was mainly prepared for the Scandinavian and German drug markets, but a portion was sold in Holland and some of it was seized by the police.
Detection of Drugs in a Bloodstain. I: Diphenylhydantoin
Authors: Shaler RC , Smith FP , Mortimer CE
Published: July 2015

The blood of individuals differs in many ways. Forensic scientists have taken advantage of identifiable genetic differences that have permitted calculations to be made regarding the individuality of a particular blood specimen in the general population.
Trace Element Analysis of Steel Sections on Either Side of an Oxygen Cut in a Vehicle Suspected of Being Stolen
Authors: Powell GLF , Robinson RR
Published: July 2015

There is an increasing number of criminal offenses that involve the cutting up or destruction of steel components. The most common of these is the oxygen cutting of steel safes. Also on the increase is the theft of late model cars and trucks. These vehicles are taken to isolated sites and dismantled for the resale of expensive parts. With car and truck parts becoming increasingly more expensive this form of theft is likely to continue.
Genetic Markers in Human Semen. II: Quantitation of Polymorphic Proteins
Authors: Blake ET , Sensabaugh GF
Published: July 2015

Semen evidence is almost always present in cases involving sexual assault. The typing of genetic markers in this evidence material can be very valuable in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes. In many cases the victim of the assault cannot identify the assailant and in these cases genetic information gained from the semen can be used to include or exclude potential suspects. Even when the victim can identify the assailant, genetic typing information can provide important independent corroborating evidence. It is therefore clear that more extensive genetic characterization of semen evidence would be beneficial.
Some Further Thoughts on Probabilities and Human Hair Comparisons
Authors: Gaudette BD
Published: July 2015

Publication of two previous papers [1,2] on the subject of human hair comparisons has aroused considerable interest. The significance of this research is not in the actual probability numbers found but in the experimental proof of the proposition that macroscopic and microscopic hair comparison is a useful technique and that hair evidence is good evidence. Although the results of the two studies are not inconsistent with those expected by an experienced hair examiner, some further experimental confirmation was attempted. Also, the limitations and use of such results require elaboration. A discussion of the individualization of human hair and the role of this type of work will be given.
An Improved Technique Using Dental Histology for Estimation of Adult Age
Authors: Maples WR
Published: July 2015

Teeth are the most durable structures in the human body. In many archeological sites or forensic cases, the teeth are the only human remains. This is particularly true when soil is extremely acidic. In other cases, such as transportation disasters, the remains may be so damaged that dental aging is necessary.
The Individuality of Human Footprints
Authors: Robbins LM
Published: July 2015

An aspect of human identification that has received scant attention from forensic anthropologists is the study of human feet and the footprints made by the feet. During the last ten years, I have worked with archaeologists from Washington University (St. Louis) in studying the use of caves by prehistoric peoples in the Flint-Mammoth Cave region of Kentucky [1,2]. In some isolated sections of the caves, footprints of the early peoples have been found in dust and in soil that once was mud. Some of the footprints were made by bare human feet; others are of sandal (moccasin) impressions. When found, the footprints are recorded and photographed, usually by a Cave Research Foundation photographer, and left in situ. I measured some of the dust footprints in the lower passage of Salts Cave (Flint Ridge Cave system) in 1972, but at that time equipment was not available to “lift” a footprint so that it could be examined more fully in the laboratory.
Contributors to Vehicular Violence
Authors: Russell DH
Published: July 2015

National statistics reveal that in the year 1975 over 20 000 young persons met death as the result of automobile accidents. Daily accounts in the news appall us, and there are few of us whose lives have not been touched, directly or indirectly, by such tragedy. We are still living the history of the motorcar, within the intricate phenomena of its use and abuse, and the vital place it has had in our economy. Automobilization has, in half a century, instrumented great changes in our lifestyle and influenced our culture; it has altered our concepts of time and distance, our terrain and atmosphere, and revolutionalized commercial enterprise. The immediacy of the auto, its gratifications, its utility, have tended to overwhelm and obscure thoughtful consideration of even the most significant vital implications of its use.
Reliability of the Acid Phosphatase Test for the Identification of Seminal Fluid
Authors: Schiff AF
Published: July 2015

From the day in 1677 when a medical student named Johann Ham first discovered spermatozoa swimming about in a microscopic field to the present, it has been traditional to identify seminal fluid by finding spermatozoa in the specimen. It has been pointed out [1–4], however, that conditions exist in which the ejaculate bears no spermatozoa. Because of this situation, forensic scientists have been searching for a foolproof method of identifying seminal fluid in the absence of spermatozoa.
Rape in the United States
Authors: Schiff AF
Published: July 2015

Although a great percentage of the population in the United States is unaware of the full extent of the crime of rape, police authorities know the crime is definitely increasing. In the four-year period ending in 1976, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) [1] reported a 21% increase (Fig. 1). In the last reported year, 1976, there was an estimated total of 56 730 forcible rapes. This was a 1% increase over 1975. Stated more succinctly, in 1976, of every 100 000 females in this country, 52 were rape victims; one rape was occurring every 9 min. In 1974, the rate was one rape every 10 min and in 1972, it was one every 11 min.