bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition of Fingerprints for Gender Determination
Authors: Asano KG , Bayne CK , Horsman KM , Buchanan MV
Published: August 2015

This work investigates the chemical nature of fingerprints to ascertain whether differences in chemical composition or the existence of chemical markers can be used to determine personal traits, such as age, gender, and personal habits. This type of information could be useful for reducing the pool of potential suspects in criminal investigations when latent fingerprints are unsuitable for comparison by traditional methods. Fin-gertip residue that has been deposited onto a bead was extracted with a solvent such as chloroform. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatogra-phy/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The chemical components identified include fatty acids, long chain fatty acid esters, cholesterol and squalene. The area ratios of ten selected components relative to squalene were calculated for a small preliminary experiment that showed a slight gender dif-ference for three of these components. However, when the experiment was repeated with a larger, statistically designed experiment no significant differences between genders were detected for any of the component ratios. The multivariate Hotelling's T2 test that tested all ten-component ratios simultaneously also showed no gender differences at the 5% significance level.
Population Data on Nine STR Loci in an El Salvadoran (Central American) Sample Population
Authors: Morales JA , Monterrosa JC , Alvarez JC , Entrala C , Lorente JA , Lorente M , Budowle B , Villanueva E
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from unrelated individuals (n = 323) living in El Salvador. Approximately 1–3 ng of DNA were used in each PCR. The samples were amplified using the Profiler Plus™ kit (PE) and the alleles were separated and detected using an Applied Biosystems ABI310 genetic analyzer. The frequency of each allele for each locus was calculated from the numbers of each genotype in the sample set (i.e., the gene count method). Unbiased estimates of expected heterozygosity were computed as described by Edwards et al. (1). Possible divergence from Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE) was tested by calculating the unbiased estimate of the expected homozygote/heterozygote frequencies (1–4) and the exact test (5), based on 2000 shufflings experiments. An interclass correlation criterion (6) for two-locus associations was used for detecting disequilibrium between the STR loci. The program for this analysis was kindly provided by R. Chakraborty (University of Texas, School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX).
Newborn Kidnapping by Cesarean Section
Authors: Burgess AW , Baker T , Nahirny C , Rabun JB
Published: August 2015

A study of 30 cases of violence from a total sample of 199 cases of infant abductions between the years 1983 and 2000 included a subsample of six (or 20%) where the kidnapping was by cesarean section. The six cases are classified by type of crime. Four cases were classified as personal cause homicide, subtype cesarean section homicide; one case classified as personal cause, subtype domestic homicide, and one case clas-sified as a criminal enterprise homicide. The behavioral profiles of the abductors included a confidence style approach to the victim mother, decep-tion, and planning of the cesarean section. The forensic psychodynamics suggest a dual motive to cement a failing partner relationship and to fulfill a childbearing and delivery fantasy. Cesarean section murder suggests a new category of personal cause homicide.
A Study on Four Short Tandem Repeat Systems: African Immigrant, Portuguese, and Spanish population data
Authors: Gamero J-J , Romero J-L , González J-L , Carvalho M , Anjos M-J , Real FC , Vide M-C
Published: August 2015

Portuguese, Spaniards from the southwest of Spain, Spaniards of Caucasian origin from North Africa (Ceuta), immigrants from Morocco and immigrants from West Africa.
Medical Aspects of Capital Punishment Executions
Authors: Khan A , Leventhal RM
Published: August 2015

Between 1976 and the middle of 2001, approximately 718 human executions occurred in the U.S. (a small segment of worldwide executions). Data regarding the medical aspects of these executions are not readily available. We searched all public domain data in the U.S. to obtain specific data for all persons executed in the U.S. since 1976. Of the five methods of execution used (lethal injection, lethal gas, electrocution, hanging, and firing squad), significant differences emerged as measured by rate of complications, duration of time spent by the condemned in the “death chamber,” as well as duration of time from the onset of execution procedures to pronouncement of death. These data suggest that human executions are difficult to carry out. Human executions are associated with significant physical complications. These data may help inform future discussions on human executions.
Gunshot Residue Deposits on the Gas Pistons of Assault Rifles
Authors: Migeot G , De Kinder J
Published: August 2015

A novel technique is presented to determine whether certain assault rifles using gas-cycling have been fired since their last clean-ing. The presence of soot on the head of the gas piston of a weapon allows an examiner to make an estimate of how many times a particular firearm was fired. This is an important observation, as the cleaning of this element is essential to achieve a good operation of the firearm and hence is part of the daily military maintenance. This result is valid for different types of ammunition. The quantity of gun shot residue increases linearly with the number of shots.
De Clérambault's Syndrome (Erotomania) and Claims of Psychiatric Malpractice
Authors: Goldstein RL , Laskin AM
Published: August 2015

De Clérambault's Syndrome or Erotomania was originally described as a delusional disorder in which a woman believes that an older man of higher social status is passionately in love with her. The patient's relentless pursuit of the delusional love object, often with escalating intrusiveness, may eventually involve threats or overt acts of retaliation, in response to repeated rejection, unrequited love, or alleged betrayal. Cases from the literature are reviewed in which the delusional romantic attachment involves the patient's psychiatrist or another medical specialist. The authors present a case involving a patient suffering from erotomania who develops a delusional fixation on her psychiatrist and, after her advances are repeatedly rejected, sues him for malpractice, alleging she had a sexual relationship with him in the course of treatment. The implications of the litigious paranoid, who uses the legal system to act out delusional concerns and retaliatory fantasies, are discussed. This is the first known case of an erotomanic patient claiming malpractice on the grounds that her psychiatrist had a sexual relationship with her.
Improving the Effectiveness of Fluorescence for the Detection of Semen Stains on Fabrics
Authors: Kobus HJ , Silenieks E , Scharnberg J
Published: August 2015

The paper describes the use of the Polilight, a light source based on a xenon arc lamp, to exploit the fluorescence properties of se-men as an aid to searching fabrics for stains in sexual assault cases. The broad excitation spectrum of semen allows the fluorescence to be generated at a range of wavelengths. This permits the excitation and emission conditions to be selected that minimize interference from background fluores-cence of the fabric and thereby optimizes the contrast between the fabric and the stain. A common method for the observation of fluorescence is the use of colored plastic goggles or filters. The paper shows that the detection of fluorescence from semen stains is significantly enhanced using ap-propriate interference filters.
The Use of Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) to Identify Composite Restorations in Forensic Examinations
Authors: Pretty IA , Smith PW , Edgar WM , Higham SM
Published: August 2015

There has been a large increase in the number of tooth colored restorations "white fillings" placed in recent years. An increased de-mand from the public for more aesthetic dental restorations causes a potential problem for forensic dentists who may find the fillings difficult to identify and hence include in postmortem odontograms. This has implications for the accuracy of dental identifications, particularly in situations where limited time is available for postmortem identification, e.g., mass casualty incidents. A new method for the detection of composite restora-tions is presented. Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) is a technique currently employed to detect small changes in enamel mineral con-tent. An experiment was conducted to determine if the technique would afford a greater degree of contrast between composite and enamel and thus enable the accuracy of composite identification in enamel. Twenty-four previously extracted human premolars were gently cleaned with pumice and wet-and-dry paper. Twelve were subsequently randomly selected and restored on their buccal surfaces with Spectrum (a composite) following man-ufacturer's instructions. No attempt was made to color match the teeth and all were filled with shade B3. Twelve teeth were left unrestored. QLF and normal white light images were taken of both restored and non-restored surfaces with teeth wet and then dried. Ten forensic dentists were asked on two separate occasions (one month between each attempt) to indicate whether or not they thought the surface was: a) restored or b) unrestored. Results indicate that forensic dentists detected a significantly higher proportion ( p1/4neo0.005) of filled surfaces with QLF.
Ten Years of “Body Packers” in New York City: 50 Deaths
Authors: Gill JR , Graham SM
Published: August 2015

We reviewed all 50 body packer deaths in New York City from 1990 to 2001. The majority (37/50) of deaths were caused by acute intoxications due to open or leaking drug packets in the gastrointestinal tract. The number of packets recovered ranged from 1 to 111 (average 46). The weight of the combined packets ranged from 9.4 to 1200 g (average of 377). The age ranged from 19 to 57 years (mean 37.1). The decedents were: 82% male, 66% Hispanic, 24% Black, and 10% White. The manners of death were 47 accidents, 1 homicide, 1 natural, and 1 undetermined. The causes of death included 42 acute intoxications, 5 intestinal obstructions/bowel perforations, 1 gunshot wound, 1 intracerebral hemorrhage due to hypertensive disease, and 1 undetermined. Of the 50 decedents, 42 were transporting opiates, 4 cocaine, and 4 both opiates and cocaine. There were 9 deaths from 1990–1995 and 41 from 1996–2001. Of the 41 deaths between 1996 and 2001, only 6 involved cocaine. In New York City there has been an increase in body packer deaths from the early 1990s to the late 1990s. Along with this increase is a marked predominance of opiate body packer deaths with few cocaine deaths.
Polymarker, HLA-DQAα, and D1S80 Allele Frequency Data in Antioquia (Colombia) Population
Authors: Builes JJ , Moreno MA , Gaviria AM , Espinal C , Cuartas AE , Figueroa EE , Bravo MLJ
Published: August 2015

Blood samples from unrelated Caucasian individuals from Colombia (Antioquia) were collected. DNA was extracted from 200 uL of peripherical blood obtained from each individual by the salting-out procedure (1).
Allele Frequencies of HLADQA1 and PM in Istanbul (Turkey) Population
Authors: Yükseloglu H , Altunçul DH , Filoglu G , Abaci-Kalfoglu E , Atasoy S
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained from randomly selected, healthy, unrelated individuals from both sexes and were examined in order to estimate the allele and genotype frequencies of HLADQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC loci. DNA was extracted using Chelex 100 extraction method (1). The amplification was carried out according to the instructions of Amplitype PMDQA1 PCR amplification kit. The samples were typed for HLADQA1/PM loci using the Amplitype PM + DQA1 kit (Perkin Elmer, Foster City, CA) as per the manufacturer's instructions. The statistical analysis was done by the gene count method and it revealed no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The complete data including the comparison with various Turkish and different populations (2) and the statistical parameters of medico/legal interest are available at http://istanbul.edu.tr/enstituler/forensic/popgen-04.htm.
Allele Frequencies for 10 STR Loci in Istanbul (Turkey) Population
Authors: Filoglu G , Abaci-Kalfoglu E , Atasoy S
Published: August 2015

Istanbul is the most densely populated city of Turkey, with approximately 16 million inhabitants. A local STR database for the population of the city of Istanbul was generated in this study. We analyzed blood samples of 311 volunteer individuals. Aiming to avoid forming a criminal subgroup, we selected from these people who had not committed any crime. DNA was extracted using Chelex 100 extraction method (1) and the typing was performed using the Gene print STR systems according to the manufacturer's instructions. The detection was done by silver staining. The statistical analysis revealed no significant deviation from Hardy Weinberg expectations. Parameters like observed and expected heterozygosity, power of exclusion and discrimination, probability of match, paternity index as well as a detailed comparison with various populations (2) are available at http://istanbul.edu.tr/enstituler/ forensic/popgen-01.htm.
Allele Frequencies for Six STR in a Chilean Population
Authors: Cifuentes L , Acuna M , Sepulveda D
Published: August 2015

A sample of Chilean individuals from the northern area of Santiago, the capital of Chile, was studied. The current Chilean population was sprung from the admixture between aborigine populations of mongoloid origin (Amerindians) and Spanish conquerors of Caucasian origin. Blood samples from unrelated blood donors were randomly collected in the Hospital San José. An appropriate informed consent was obtained from all of them according to the Ethical Board of the Medicine School of the University of Chile.
Review of: Human Skeletal Anatomy Laboratory Manual and Workbook
Authors: Williams S , Warren MW
Published: August 2015

Courses in human osteology and skeletal biology vary widely in scope and focus from institution to institution. Course content depends on the specific goals of the instructor, the degree program and topical concentration of the department, and associated courses taught within the curriculum. Therefore, no text in skeletal anatomy perfectly suits the needs of every instructor. The alternative is multiple texts, usually some combination of Bass (1987), White and Folkens (2000), Steele and Bramblett (1988), or Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994).
Review of: Forensic Art and Illustration
Authors: Walter RD
Published: August 2015

Summarizing years of acquired learning and experience, the author's stated goal of this book was to offer a comprehensive overview and practical guide for the police artist and practitioners in related fields. In the attempt to satisfy the goal, the book was divided into four parts that included a total of 18 chapters. Part I of the book explained the early history and foundation for technical and detailed facial art. Here, the structure of the human face was described in relevance to anatomy, orientation and expression. Part II covered a wide range of technical and human skills in identifying the living person. Here, in addition to composite imagery, reference photographs etc., the author presents valuable lessons about gathering the needed evidence. Part III is concerned with the identification of the dead. To be sure, this section demonstrates an extraordinary talent in recognizing the person despite the changes that death and mayhem may have caused. However, with attenuated skills and perceptions, the reconstruction of the face can produce remarkable findings. Part IV addresses the issues of ethics, graphic reproduction, media and courtroom testimony. Here, the author makes the case for being a true expert rather than just simply a very good technician.
HLA-DQA1 and Polymarker Loci Allele Frequencies in the Bharias, a Primitive Indian Tribal Population from Patalkot, India
Authors: Biswas R , Giroti R
Published: August 2015

Twenty-three specimens were collected from unrelated volunteer blood donors. DNA was obtained from blood specimens using “QIAamp Blood and Tissue kit” (QIAGEN GmbH, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer's recommended protocol. Amplification was carried out in a “Gene Amp® PCR system 2400” thermal cycler (Perkin Elmer Corporation, California) using 5 ng target DNA. Typing of the six loci was performed by reverse dot blot with Allele Specific Oligonucleotides (ASO) probes, using “AmpliType® PMHLADQA1 PCR amplification and typing kit” (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., New Jersey).
Allele Frequency Data for Powerplex 16 Loci in Four Major Populations of Orissa, India
Authors: Sahoo S , Kashyap VK
Published: August 2015

Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples by using standard phenol/chloroform procedure (2). Quantitation of DNA was carried out using the Quantiblot kit (PE Applied Biosystems) and subsequent PCR amplification was performed using the Powerplex ™ 16 System (Promega Corp.) The products were detected on a 5% denaturing polyacrylamide sequencing gels using the ABI Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencer (PE Applied Biosystems) and genotype classification was made by comparison with allelic ladders provided with the Powerplex™ 16 System.
Genetic Variation at Three DYS-STR Loci and Amelogenin Between the Australian Caucasians and Three Asian Ethnic Groups
Authors: Chang YM , Both K , Burgoyne LA
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained from unrelated male individuals from the four population groups and placed on FTA® paper (Fitzco-Whatman). DNA was extracted using the aqueous processing method for FTA® paper. One extracted disc (1.2 mm diameter) was used in the PCR per sample. The mixed male DNA sample was loaded onto a pre-washed FTA® paper and subjected to an alkalineisopropanol treatment. A combination of three Y-linked microsatellites loci, DYS438 (1), DYS390 (2), and DYS439 (1) and amelogenin were amplified simultaneously using a fluorescent multiplex system. DYS438 and amelogenin were labelled with 6-FAM, DYS390 with JOE and DYS439 with TAMRA.
Review of: Forensic Interpretation of Glass Evidence
Authors: Bottrell MC , Webb JB
Published: August 2015

Forensic Interpretation of Glass Evidence begins with a brief overview of the physical properties of glass, methods for glass analysis, classical approaches to the interpretation of forensic glass data, and glass transfer and persistence studies. Building on this foundation, the Bayesian method of interpretation is outlined, and the authors discuss some of the various parameters that may be necessary for a Bayesian analysis. The Bayesian method is a statistical treatment that uses a “continuous approach” to evidence interpretation that abandons the conventional “match/non-match” treatment of the data. The Bayesian method, as presented in this book, uses the likelihood ratio to numerically represent the weight of the evidence. The likelihood ratio is an expression for the relative probabilities of the evidence under competing hypotheses. The significance of a measured parameter, limited in the text to refractive index (RI), is modified by taking into account factors such as the background information (eyewitness statements, previous criminal activity, . . .), presence, transfer, and persistence of glass.
Distribution of DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385, Alleles in a Southern Italian Population Sample
Authors: Di Nunno N , Baldassarra SL , Di Nunno C , Boninfante B , Guanti G , Forleo G , Resta N
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained from selected and unrelated individuals. DNA was extracted with the standard Chelex® 100 (Bio-Rad, CA) extraction procedure (1); DNA samples were amplified in a DNA Thermal Cycler 480 (Perkin Elmer Cetus, NJ) using 10 ng of template DNA.
Pedophilia on the Internet
Authors: Deirmenjian JM
Published: August 2015

The Internet provides adults and children with a medium for professional and personal communication throughout the world. As widespread communication in cyberspace grows exponentially, the potential for Internet-related crimes, such as cyberstalkng, has accelerated. Children are particularly vulnerable to sexual predators, such as pedophiles, on the Internet. This article reports cases of pedophiles who used the information superhighway to exploit child victims. Two models of pedophilia on the Internet are discussed: a trust-based seductive model and a direct sexual model. This article explores the role that mental health professionals may play in the assessment of Internet pedophilia. For example, mental health professionals may provide psychiatric treatment to victims of Internet pedophiles. Psychiatrists may be involved in the evaluation of perpetrators of Internet crimes in a clinical or forensic setting. Governmental agencies, the criminal justice system, school, or the media may request consultations by mental health professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to prevention. Methods of government intervention are discussed.
A Qualitative Comparison of Smokeless Powder Measurements
Authors: MacCrehan WA , Reardon MR
Published: August 2015

In the spring of 2000, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and nineteen participants conducted a comparison of smokeless powder additive compositional measurements. The purpose of this exercise was to determine the state-of-the-practice for forensic smoke-less powder determinations. For the comparison, two handgun reloading powder samples were mixed and were compositionally evaluated for ho-mogeneity by NIST. Participant laboratories included military, academic, and state/local, federal, and international forensic agencies. We solicited qualitative data identifying nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, N-nitrosodiphenylamine, and ethyl centralite. In addition, some laboratories provided identification of additional ingredients, such as nitrocellulose, or reported other measurements, such as dimensional morphology.

In this paper, laboratory identification of the smokeless powder additives and a summary of the measurement methods used for the evaluations are presented. All laboratories correctly identified NG and the major stabilizers. Some disparity between laboratories was noted for the identifica-tion of minor (0.01% by weight) stabilizers and stabilizer decomposition products.
Skeletal Remains Presumed Submerged in Water for Three Years Identified Using PCR-STR Analysis
Authors: Crainic K , Paraire F , Leterreux M , Durigon M , de Mazancourt P
Published: August 2015

We describe the successful identification of the remains of a saponified body found in a dam by typing of nuclear DNA. Whereas DNA extracted from soft tissues yielded negative PCR results, DNA extracted from the bone by a slightly modified Qiagen procedure allowed the typing of sex (AMG locus) and of 10 additional STR loci. An identity document was found belonging to a man missing for 3 years and comparison of the results to the DNA profiles of his son and wife confirmed the identity. The longest delay reported until now for successful nuclear DNA geno-typing after immersion in river water was 18 months. This case demonstrates a delay of up to 3 years.
A Discrimination Method for Paper by Fourier Transform and Cross Correlation
Authors: Miyata H , Shinozaki M , Nakayama T , Enomae T
Published: August 2015

A non-destructive method for discriminating between different types of paper has been proposed, using image analysis, Fourier transformation, and cross-correlation matching. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used to extract the periodicity in the structure of paper that results from the manufacturing processes. The light-transmission images of the paper to be Fourier transformed are obtained from a flatbed image scanner. The similarity between the power spectrum of the FFT of the sample and that of a reference is quantified using a cross-correlation matching method. An advantage of using frequency analysis is that periodicity can be detected even if the sample is damaged or is printed on. The technique works on samples as small as 2 cm 2 .
Children in Motor Vehicle Collisions: Analysis of Injury by Restraint Use and Seat Location
Authors: Sweitzer RE , Rink RD , Corey T , Goldsmith J
Published: August 2015

This study was a retrospective chart review of hospital records and autopsy reports of 499 children nine years old or younger in-volved in motor vehicle collisions from 1994 to 1998. The objective was to evaluate the frequency and severity of injuries as a function of age, re-straint use, and seat position.

We found that 33% of the children were unrestrained and 20% were improperly restrained. Unrestrained children had the highest mean Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scores (MAIS) and Injury Severity Scores (ISS), accounted for 70% of the fatalities, and had the highest incidence of head in-juries. Although most of the head injuries were superficial, 80% of the fatalities were the result of a head injury. Improperly restrained children had the highest frequency of abdominal injuries. Regardless of restraint use, the back seat was associated with fewer head injuries and lower mean MAIS and ISS scores compared to the front seat. Also, properly restrained children in the front seat had lower mean MAIS and ISS scores than unrestrained children in the back seat, suggesting that restraint use is more beneficial than seat position.
Significance of the Recent Extraction to the Postmortem Dental Identification: A Case Study
Authors: Carmichael WW
Published: August 2015

This case report illustrates the significance of the partially healed extraction site to the postmortem dental identification process. It presents the remains of two individuals with documented extractions—one, 6½ months prior to death, the second, only three weeks prior to death. These photographs, compiled with others, can be used as a guideline for the forensic scientist who seldom has the opportunity to study skeletonized remains.
Identification of Human Skeletal Remains by Comparison of Bony Details of the Cranium Using Computerized Tomographic (CT) Scans
Authors: Smith DR , Limbird KG , Hoffman JM
Published: August 2015

A case is described where a cranium from an unknown individual is identified by comparison of antemortem and postmortem com-puterized tomographic (CT) images of the bony structure of the skull. While on at least one occasion CT scans of individual cranial landmarks have been used to identify unknown remains, this study is remarkable because positive identification of a deceased individual was accomplished by per-forming a CT scan on an unidentified cranium and comparing multiple landmarks and images with corresponding features in an antemortem CT scan of a missing man. Bony details of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, ethmoid and mastoid air cells, sagittal cranial suture, and the torcula (the internal occipital protuberance) were exactly the same on both CT scans, confirming them as the same person.
Trace Elemental Analysis of Drugs of Abuse Using Synchrotron Radiation Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (SR-TXRF)
Authors: Muratsu S , Ninomiya T , Kagoshima Y , Matsui J
Published: August 2015

Synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-TXRF) was utilized to analyze various trace elements in small amounts of drugs of abuse. Sample amounts of 1 L solutions containing 10 g of drugs (methamphetamine, amphetamine, 3,4-methylene-dioxymethamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin) were spotted on silicon wafers for direct analysis. In addition, a leaflet of marijuana was set directly on a silicon wafer, and opium in the form of a soft lump was smeared on another silicon wafer for analysis. In these experiments, about 10 pg of contaminant elements could be detected. For example, in a seized methamphetamine sample, iodine was found, which could be indicative of syn-thetic route. In seized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine samples, variable amounts of phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, and potassium were found, which could not be detected in a control 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine sample. For marijuana and opium, two spectral patterns were ob-tained that were far different from each other and could be easily discriminated. Using SR-TXRF, pg amounts of each trace element in 10 g of var-ious drugs can be easily detected, which is not the case either for a standard TXRF experimental system or for other elemental analysis techniques.
Extraction of Human Nuclear DNA from Feces Samples Using the Qiaamp DNA Stool Mini Kit
Authors: Vandenberg N , Van Oorschot RAH
Published: August 2015

The use of a QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit (QIAGEN) for extracting human nuclear DNA from feces samples is reported. This method employs a stool lysis buffer and a unique matrix (InhibitEX tablet) to remove PCR inhibitory substances specific to feces samples. DNA extracted from various amounts of stool and from stool samples exposed to different environmental impacts was successfully amplified and typed using the Profiler Plus Amplification Kit and ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyser.
Acute Dissociative Responses in Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Critical Shooting Incidents: The Clinical and Forensic Implications
Authors: Rivard JM , Dietz P , Martell D , Widawski M
Published: August 2015

The authors examine the prevalence of acute traumatic dissociative responses in a group of 115 law enforcement officers involved in critical incidents. Law enforcement officers were retrospectively surveyed for the presence of dissociative symptoms at the time of the critical in-cident, as well as for the presence of acute stress symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results show that 90% of the officers reported ex-periencing a dissociative response during the critical incident. Thirty percent meet the Dissociative Criterion B of acute stress disorder under the DSM-IV. The mean number of dissociative symptoms in this group was two and one-half. In addition, 19% of the law enforcement officers reported varying forms of memory impairment for details of the incident. There were no reports of amnesia for the entire event. The clinical, forensic, and legal implications of these preliminary findings are discussed in this paper.
Optimum Methamphetamine Profiling with Sample Preparation by Solid-Phase Microextraction
Authors: Koester CJ , Andresen BD , Grant PM
Published: August 2015

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a relatively new technique in which a small, polymer-coated fiber is employed to extract volatile and semivolatile organic compounds from the sealed headspace above a questioned sample. SPME, coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), was used to characterize impurities in illicit methamphetamine samples. Trace impurities present in a specimen were ten-tatively identified using mass-spectral databases and included 1,2-dimethyl-3-phenyl-aziridine (indicating synthesis via a halogenated ephedrine in-termediate), ethyl vanillin (a flavoring compound), and caffeine (a stimulant used as cutting agent). The types and numbers of organic compounds sampled by SPME were compared with those collected by various solvent extraction protocols. In addition to unambiguously confirming the pres-ence of methamphetamine, SPME-GC/MS analyses detected approximately 30 more organic analytes than were found by GC/MS following the ethyl acetate extraction method adopted by the United Nations International Drug Control Programme. SPME-GC/MS is a superior method for gen-erating material “fingerprint” profiles in methamphetamine samples. The detection and characterization of increased points of comparison in drug samples provide more detailed chemical signatures for both intelligence and operational information.
Identifying Chop Marks on Cremated Bone: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Gruchy S , Rogers TL
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the effects of burning on hacking trauma inflicted with a cleaver and to assess the diag-nostic potential of cleaver marks exposed to fire. Thirty pig forelimbs (radius and ulna) and 30 beef ribs were each subjected to five blows with a cleaver and five cuts with a knife prior to burning in an outdoor fire. Bones were deliberately agitated to ensure maximum cremation and induce fragmentation. Results indicate that hacking weakens bone, making fire-induced fragmentation more likely at the sites of trauma. Chop marks were easily identified on burned bone, their characteristics largely unaffected by cremation.
Successful DNA Typing of a Urine Sample in a Doping Control Case Using Human Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Authors: Junge A , Steevens M , Madea B
Published: August 2015

In a doping control case, a urine sample was tested positive for nandrolon. We were asked by the athlete to perform DNA investigations on the questioned urine sample and compare these to a fresh blood sample taken from the athlete in order to detect or rule out manipulation and/or switching of the samples. The urine sample had been collected nine months prior to the investigation and had been stored at 4°C. In a first approach, nuclear DNA systems were investigated that failed with the exception of the Amelogenin system. Due to the high copy number of mitochondrial DNA molecules and the robustness of the mitochondrial genome, we investigated the HVR I and HVR II regions of mitochondrial DNA and obtained reproducible and clear sequencing results for both the blood and the urine samples. Due to the identical sequences, it could not be excluded that the blood sample and the urine sample were from the same individual or an individual having the same maternal lineage.
Driver and Front Seat Passenger Fatalities Associated with Air Bag Deployment. Part 1: A Canadian Study
Authors: Shkrum MJ , McClafferty KJ , Nowak ES , German A
Published: August 2015

Real world motor vehicle collision research of injuries due to deployment of “first-generation” air bags has been conducted by Transport Canada since 1993. Fifty-three fatal crashes (36 frontal impacts; 17 side collisions) involving 48 drivers and 10 right front passengers were reviewed. In the Canadian data, air bag deployment in five of nine low severity frontal crashes (delta-V (▵V) ≺ 25 km/h or 15 mph) was linked to five deaths, four of whom were autopsied (four adults with craniocervical (basal skull and C2 fracture with brainstem avulsion; “closed head injury” —no autopsy) or chest trauma (aortic or pulmonary artery tears); one child with atlanto-occipital dislocation). An occupant who is close (“outof-position”) to the air bag at the time of deployment is at risk for injury. In 27 high severity frontal impacts, unusual (e.g., pulmonary “blast” hemorrhage in one autopsied case) or isolated potentially survivable injuries (e.g., clinically documented ruptured right atrium; probable flail chest observed during the autopsy on a decomposed body) localized to the head, neck or chest in three possibly out-of-position drivers pointed to the deployed air bag as a source of injury. In one of 17 side collisions an out-of-position driver sustained a radiographically confirmed C1-C2 dislocation in a minimally intruded vehicle.
Driver and Front Seat Passenger Fatalities Associated with Air Bag Deployment. Part 2: A Review of Injury Patterns and Investigative Issues
Authors: Shkrum MJ , McClafferty KJ , Nowak ES , German A
Published: August 2015

Assessment of the role of air bag deployment in injury causation in a crash of any severity requires analysis of occupant, vehicle, and impact data. The potential injurious role of an air bag is independent of crash severity and is more obvious in minor collisions, particularly those involving “out-of-position” occupants. Factors such as occupant height and other constitutional and medical factors, intoxication, age, type, and proper use of other restraint systems, pre-impact braking and multiple impacts can contribute to an occupant being “out-of-position.” Two injury mechanisms are described in out-of-position occupants: “punch-out” when the individual covers the air bag module before deployment and “membrane-force” when the occupant contacts a partly deployed air bag. Each mechanism is associated with injury patterns. In adults, “punch-out“ can cause thoraco-abdominal trauma and “membrane-force” loading can lead to craniocervical injury. This can also occur in short-statured occupants including children subjected to both types of loading. In more severe collisions, other factors, e.g., intrusion, steering column and seatbelt loading and other occupant compartment contacts, can contribute to trauma.
A Comparison of Simulation and Known Groups in the Detection of Malingering on the MMPI-2
Authors: Kucharski LT , Johnsen D
Published: August 2015

Three groups of 30 inmates, one instructed to respond honestly, one to fake being mentally ill, and one to fake schizophrenia after being educated to its symptoms, were administered the MMPI-2. These simulation groups were compared to two forensic evaluation groups of 30 pretrial defendants, one believed to be mentally ill and one suspected of malingering based on their psychiatric history, in order to compare the results of simulation with those of the forensic context. The results demonstrated that those instructed to feign psychiatric disorder and those suspected of malingering in the forensic context scored significantly higher on all MMPI-2 validity indicators than did those with a history of psychiatric treatment and those instructed to respond honestly, yet did not differ from each other. These findings suggest that the results of simulation designs are comparable to those obtained from forensic subjects. The F(p) Scale failed to add incrementally to F in discriminating the two defendant groups.
Boiling Point Measurement of a Small Amount of Brake Fluid by Thermocouple and Its Application
Authors: Mogami K
Published: August 2015

This study describes a new method for measuring the boiling point of a small amount of brake fluid using a thermocouple and a pear shaped flask. The boiling point of brake fluid was directly measured with an accuracy that was within approximately 3 C of that determined by the Japanese Industrial Standards method, even though the sample volume was only a few milliliters. The method was applied to measure the boiling points of brake fluid samples from automobiles. It was clear that the boiling points of brake fluid from some automobiles dropped to approximately 140 C from about 230 C, and that one of the samples from the wheel cylinder was approximately 45 C lower than brake fluid from the reserve tank. It is essential to take samples from the wheel cylinder, as this is most easily subjected to heating.
Stalking Following the Breakup of Romantic Relationships: Characteristics of Stalking Former Partners
Authors: Roberts KA
Published: August 2015

This study investigated female experiences of stalking by former partners following the dissolution of heterosexual romantic relationships. It aimed to identify those characteristics of former partners that were associated with stalking as opposed to other post-relationship experiences of minor harassment or no-harassment. Three hundred and five female undergraduates (all had experienced dissolution of a heterosexual romantic relationship) completed a 48-item questionnaire. This assessed characteristics of participants, former partners, and experiences of harassment following the relationship. One hundred and five (34.4%) participants were classified as stalking victims; ninety-eight (32.1%) as suffering harassment, and 102 (33.4%) as experiencing no-harassment. No differences were found between the three groups in demographic characteristics of participants or former partners. Stalking former partners were most likely to have: a history of substance use (alcohol and/or drugs); criminal involvement; violence; mental health problems; difficulties in forming relationships; reacting with inappropriate emotion and jealousy and suspiciousness of the participant's relationships with others. These results add to an emerging profile of former partners who are likely to engage in stalking following the dissolution of romantic relationships. The findings are also consistent with explanations of stalking behavior that stress the etiological importance of attachment difficulties (45).
Correlation of Microscopic and Mitochondrial DNA Hair Comparisons
Authors: Houck MM , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Expert opinions regarding the microscopic comparison of human hairs have been accepted routinely in courts for decades. However, with the advent of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, an assessment can be made of the association by microscopic hair comparisons in casework between a questioned hair and reference hairs from an individual. While each method can be used separately, the two analytical methods can be complementary and together can provide additional information regarding source association. Human hairs submitted to the FBI Laboratory for analysis between 1996 and 2000 were reviewed. Of 170 hair examinations, there were 80 microscopic associations; of these, only nine were excluded by mtDNA. Importantly, 66 hairs that were considered either unsuitable for microscopic examinations or yielded inconclusive microscopic associations provided mtDNA results. Only six hairs did not provide sufficient mtDNA, and only three yielded inconclusive results. Consistency was observed in exculpatory results with the two procedures. This study demonstrates the utility of microscopic hair examinations and the strength of combining microscopic analysis with mtDNA sequencing.
Compositional Variation in Bullet Lead Manufacture
Authors: Koons RD , Grant DM
Published: August 2015

The concentrations of antimony, copper, tin, arsenic, silver, bismuth, and cadmium in lead alloys produced by two smelters and one ammunition manufacturer were determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. These element concentrations were used to measure the variations in composition of lead products that result from various processes involved in the manufacture of lead projectiles. In general, when a pot containing molten lead is used to cast a number of objects, these objects are similar, although not necessarily analytically indistinguishable in their elemental compositions. In each subsequent step in the processing of lead at the smelter and at the ammunition manufacturer, the size of an individual homogeneous melt of lead decreases as more distinct compositions are formed as a result of remelting and mixing of sources, including lead scrap. The ammunition manufacturer in this study produced at least 10 compositionally distinguishable groups of bullet wire in a 19.7-h period. The largest group could potentially be used to produce a maximum of 1.3 million compositionally indistinguishable 40 grain bullets.
Death by Compaction in a Garbage Truck
Authors: Staats PN , Jumbelic MI , Dignan CR
Published: August 2015

We report on two deaths by compaction in a garbage truck that recently occurred in this county. In both cases, the victim apparently climbed into a recycling dumpster to sleep, and was emptied with the contents of the receptacle into a garbage truck. Subsequent compaction of the victim with the load led to death. We also discuss several similar fatalities that have been reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The Use of SEM/EDS Analysis to Distinguish Dental and Osseus Tissue from Other Materials
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Ward DC , Braz VS , Stewart J
Published: August 2015

With increasing frequency, relatively small, fragmentary evidence thought to be osseous or dental tissue of human origin is submitted to the forensic laboratory for DNA analysis with the request for positive identification. Prior to performing DNA analysis, however, it is prudent to first perform a presumptive test or “screen” to determine whether the questioned material may be eliminated from further consideration. When material is shown not to be consistent with bone/teeth, DNA testing is not performed. When such determinations cannot be made from gross morphological features, elemental analysis can be indicative.

This presumptive test is made possible by applying scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in conjunction with an X-ray spectral database recently developed by the FBI laboratory. This database includes spectra for many different materials including known examples of bone and tooth from many different contexts and representing the full range of taphonomic conditions. Results of SEM/EDS analysis of evidence can be compared to these standards to determine if they are consistent with bone and/or tooth and, if not, then what the material might represent. Analysis suggests that although the proportions and amounts of calcium and phosphorus are particularly important in differentiating bone and tooth from other materials, other minor differences in spectral profile can also provide significant discrimination. Analysis enables bone and tooth to be successfully distinguished from other materials in most cases. Exceptions appear to be ivory, mineral apatite, and perhaps some types of corals.
Estimation of the Quantity of a Drug in a Consignment from Measurements on a Sample
Authors: Aitken CGG , Lucy D
Published: August 2015

A consignment of individual packages is thought to contain illegal material, such as drugs, in some or all of the packages. A sample from the consignment is inspected and the quantity of drugs in each package of the sample is measured. It is desired to estimate the total quantity of drugs in the consignment. Sampling variation is present in the original measurements and it is not sufficient just to adjust the sample mean pro rata. An analysis is described which takes account of the uncertainty concerning the proportion of the packages that contain drugs and provides a probabilistic summary of the quantity of drugs in the consignment. In particular, a probabilistic lower bound for the quantity of drugs in the consignment is given, which is dependent on the required standard of proof. This is in contrast to the approach based on confidence intervals which assumes that in the long run, the interval will contain the correct quantity the appropriate proportion of the time, but gives no measure of uncertainty associated with the particular consignment under consideration.
Sudden Death Due to an Unrecognized Cardiac Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Malamou-Mitsi V , Pappa L , Vougiouklakis T , Peschos D , Kazakos N , Grekas G , Sideris D , Agnantis NJ
Published: August 2015

Echinococcosis is an endemic disease, most common in sheep-raising communities, usually caused by the larval or cyst stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Isolated cardiac hydatid cyst is uncommon at any age, occurs through the coronary circulation, and accounts for less than 3% of all hydatid disease.

We describe a case of an 18-year-old female, who died suddenly. The post-mortem examination revealed an isolated cyst in the left ventricle of the heart with intact wall. The cytologic examination of the cyst fluid demonstrated the presence of the characteristic scolices and hooklets and es-tablished the diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst.

The present case is of special interest because of the rare primary localization and the onset of sudden death in a young person as the initial manifestation of the disease.