bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Substance Use, Drug Selling, and Lethal Violence in 25 Juvenile Murderers
Authors: McLaughlin CR , Daniel J , Joost TF
Published: August 2015

The goal of the present study was to determine the relationship between substance use, drug selling, and lethal violence in adolescent male homicide offenders and their victims. The study employed a retrospective review of criminal justice databases and medical examiner records for murders committed by 25 adolescent males incarcerated in the Commonwealth of Virginia juvenile correctional centers from February 1992 to July 1996. The perpetrator sample was 84% African American and 16% white. The average age at the time of the offense was 15.0 years (range = 13.0 to 17.7 years). The victims were 84% male, 60% African American and 32% white. The median victim age was 28.0 years (mean = 34.8, range = 17 months to 75 years). The results indicated that 52% of the murders were committed by juveniles with identified involvement in drug selling, and 28% of the murders were drug-related. Toxicology results indicated recent drug or alcohol use in 27% of the victims; while 74% of the perpetrators reported substance use, 35% indicating daily use. Using discriminant analysis, it was possible to accurately classify 86% of the drug-related murders with the variables of recent victim drug use and perpetrator substance use history. The results indicated that adolescent males involved in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs comprised a significant percentage of those incarcerated for murder. Recent victim drug use and perpetrator substance use may be important variables in identifying drug-related juvenile homicides. These results underscore the link between substance use, drug selling, and lethal violence.
The Role of the Dental Hygienist in Mass Disasters
Authors: Brannon RB , Connick CM
Published: August 2015

The authors examine the specialty of dental hygiene and address its role in the identification of mass-disaster fatalities. Very little exists in the literature on what dental hygienists can offer and what they have contributed as members of dental-identification teams. To encourage forensic dentists to seek out the valuable assistance of these highly trained professionals, the authors illustrate how their services can be used in mass disasters.
Clinical and Forensic Indicators of “Suicide by Cop”
Authors: Mohandie K , Meloy JR
Published: August 2015

This paper reviews the literature pertaining to the phenomenon of ‘suicide by cop”—any incident in which a suicidal individual attempts to get law enforcement to kill him. This article defines the term “suicide by cop,” discusses the various motivations of individuals who engage in this type of behavior, presents the risk factors and indicators for suicide and violence, and describes specific indicators for suicide by cop. Proper recognition of these events, prior and subsequent to their occurrence, has important implications for prevention, officer safety, equivocal death analysis and psychological autopsy, civil litigation, criminal justice proceedings, and community stability. This paper presents seven case studies which demonstrate the clinical and forensic indicators of this phenomenon.
Aging and Homicide Rates
Authors: Paanila J , Eronen M , Hakola P , Tiihonen J
Published: August 2015

There are no published studies concerning the effect of mortality rate on the rate of homicide by habitually violent offenders. On the basis of nation-wide statistics in Finland, the frequency of homicide is 61% lower among 50-year old males than among 30-year old males. However, when the 4.9-fold mortality of habitually violent offenders is taken into account, the homicide rate is only 43% lower among 50-year old males than among 30-year old males. This is an important issue in forensic psychiatry and that requires further attention, as age is used a predictive factor when assessing the risk of violent behavior.
A Review of Crane Deaths in Jefferson County, Alabama
Authors: Davis GG , Brissie RM
Published: August 2015

Cranes are machines used to move heavy objects. Cranes are operated by crane operators, usually working in conjunction with an assistant guiding the movements of the crane from his vantage point outside the crane. Few jurisdictions require that crane operators be either licensed or certified. We conducted a retrospective study of those dying of crane-related injuries in our jurisdiction during the 16 years from 1981 to 1996. All ten decedents were male, and the manner of each death was accidental. Neither ethanol nor drugs of abuse were detected in any case. Eight of the ten decedents died due to blunt force injuries, one due to mechanical asphyxia, and one due to thermal burns. Investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) led to fines ranging from $80 to $2700 in six of the ten cases. Nationwide, electrocution is the most common cause of crane-related death, but no crane-related death in Jefferson County was caused by electrocution in our study. The absence of electrocutions was due to the planned, routine suspension of power to electrical lines in the vicinity of a crane during the crane's operation, a practice saving an estimated seven lives. Nevertheless, human error or lack of planning was still responsible for most of the deaths in our study. In addition to careful planning and adherence to safety standards established by planning, we recommend the mandatory licensure and certification of professional crane operators and the assessment of larger fines by OSHA for safety standard violations.
A 36-Year History of Fatal Road Rage in Marion County, Oregon: 1963–1998
Authors: Batten PJ , Penn DW , Bloom JD
Published: August 2015

This paper documents the 36-year history, with five examples, of fatal road rage in Marion County, Oregon. Relevant details (all that were available) from each case are presented. Alcohol intoxication was present in four of our five cases. We include two deaths by gunshot at close range, two deaths as a result of a motor vehicle traffic accident, and one natural death.

All subjects were males. Three were Caucasian and two were Hispanic. The three subjects in Cases 1, 2 and 3 were complete strangers to the occupants of the other involved vehicles. The subjects in Cases 4 and 5 (along with the occupants of their own vehicles) were acquaintances of the occupants of the involved vehicle.

There appears to be no previous forensic, medical or psychiatric literature on road rage as such. We present an initial psychiatric evaluation of the perpetrators of this type of fatal assault. There are no specific statutes in Oregon, at the state or county levels, regarding road rage. However, the city of Gresham, Oregon, recently enacted an ordinance regarding road rage.

We stress the need for further study of this phenomenon, especially through the use of the psychological-psychiatric autopsy.
Hair Analysis: Self-Reported Use of “Speed” and “Ecstasy” Compared with Laboratory Findings
Authors: Cooper GAA , Allen DL , Scott KS , Oliver JS , Ditton J , Smith ID
Published: August 2015

Drug use histories were collected from 100 subjects recruited from the “dance scene” in and around Glasgow, Scotland. In addition, each subject donated a hair sample which was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for amphetamine (AP), methamphetamine (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA).

The hair samples were analyzed in two 6 cm segments or in full, ranging from 1.5 to 12 cm depending on the length of the hair. Approximately 10 mg of hair was ground to a fine powder before treatment with β-glucuronidase/aryl sulfatase. A solid-phase extraction procedure was carried out followed by derivatization with pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA). All extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Of the 139 segments analyzed, 77 (52.5%) were positive for at least one of the five amphetamines. The drug concentrations found in the hair were compared with the self-reported drug histories. A concordance of greater than 50% was found between the self-report data and levels detected in hair. However, no correlation was found between the reported number of “ecstasy” tablets consumed and the drug levels detected in hair.

An increase in the average drug levels measured was observed from low to high use (number of “ecstasy” tablets/month). A large number of false negatives and a low number of false positives were observed.
Analysis of Morphine by RIA and HPLC in Fingernail Clippings Obtained from Heroin Users
Authors: Lemos NP , Anderson RA , Valentini R , Tagliaro F , Scott RTA
Published: August 2015

Heroin is abused around the world and is frequently reported as the cause of death in overdose cases. Analysis of morphine in hair has been used in the past in forensic toxicology to study the addiction history of heroin addicts. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the nail as an analytical specimen in the identification and quantification of morphine in fingernail clippings of known heroin users. Fingernail clippings were obtained from 26 consenting patients of the Glasgow Drug Problem Service. At the time of sampling, the participants provided answers to a questionnaire regarding their drug use patterns. Samples were decontaminated by sonication in SDS, deionized water and methanol, and the methanolic washes were screened for analyte presence. The washed nail clippings were then hydrolyzed and extracted. RIA was used for the screening and HPLC for the confirmation of morphine. Positive RIA results were obtained with nail clippings from 25 of the 26 heroin users. The levels ranged from 0.06 to 4.69 ng/mg with a mean morphine concentration of 1.67 ng/mg. HPLC results were positive for 22 of the 26 nail samples. The mean morphine level by HPLC was 2.11 ng/mg with a range from 0.14 to 6.90 ng/mg. Based on these results, we suggest that nails have the potential of becoming a powerful alternative to hair for the detection of past heroin use in forensic cases.
Solid-Phase Extraction for Profiling of Ecstasy Tablets
Authors: Rashed AM , Anderson RA , King LA
Published: August 2015

A solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure has been developed for impurity profiling of illicit tablets containing 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methyl-amphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). Following initial comparison of liquid-liuqid extraction and solid-phase extraction, SPE was found to be preferable because it afforded higher extraction efficiencies and shorter extraction times. Procedure blank samples were also analyzed to identify constituents of the extracts which did not originate in the ecstasy tablets. The developed procedure was subsequently applied to 12 samples of seized ecstasy tablets and a comparison was made of these samples to determine similarities and obtain inferences with respect to commonality of origin.
Olanzapine Concentrations in Clinical Serum and Postmortem Blood Specimens—When Does Therapeutic Become Toxic?
Authors: Robertson MD , McMullin MM
Published: August 2015

The concentration of olanzapine (Zyprexa®) was determined in 1653 clinical serum specimens during routine drug monitoring, and in 58 postmortem whole blood specimens as part of routine toxicological analysis. The analysis of olanzapine was performed by the solid-phase extraction of 1.0 mL of buffered serum or blood, followed by gas chromatography separation with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. The analysis of the clinical serum samples showed that 86% of positive serum values were within the range of 5 to 75 ng/mL, with a mean and median of 36 and 26 ng/mL, respectively. These data suggest that the concentrations of olanzapine expected during therapy may be higher than those previously reported. In 58 postmortem whole blood specimens the mean olanzapine concentration was 358 ng/mL with a range of 10 to 5200 ng/mL. Further, investigation of deaths involving olanzapine suggest that potential toxicity should be considered at concentrations above 100 ng/mL. Although the majority of the olanzapine-related deaths were associated with many other drugs, death primarily due to olanzapine toxicity was determined at concentrations in postmortem blood as low as 160 ng/mL.
The FAA's Postmortem Forensic Toxicology Self-Evaluated Proficiency Test Program: The First Seven Years
Authors: Chaturvedi AK
Published: August 2015

Existing proficiency-testing (PT) programs do not address the complexity of postmortem forensic toxicology. These programs do not include decomposed samples and solid tissues. Therefore, the Federal Aviation Administration in July 1991 started such a needed PT program. This program is used to: (i) professionally develop and maintain technical currency on a voluntary, interlaboratory, and self-evaluation basis, and (ii) quantifiably assess methods in the absence and presence of interfering substances. There are currently about 30 laboratories in the program. Functioning under various governmental/non-governmental agencies and academic institutions, these laboratories represent a broad cross-section of the country. PT samples are distributed quarterly, and result summaries are sent to the participants, while maintaining their anonymity. Since the inception of the program, 28 PT samples encompassing whole blood, plasma, urine, kidney, or liver, with (or without) drugs, metabolites, and common chemicals (nicotine, caffeine, β-phenylethylamine, etc.) have been analyzed by the participants. Analytical findings were generally consistent with the anticipated values, but they were dependent on the nature and conditions of the specimens and types of the added analytes. Some incidences of false positives of concern were noted, as well. This PT program is one of the few programs recommended by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology in which laboratories may participate for their accreditation by the Board. It is anticipated that this PT program will continue to play a critical part in supporting the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) component of forensic toxicology, thereby enhancing operational performance.
Population Frequency for the Short Tandem Repeat Loci D18S849, D3S1744, and D12S1090 in Caucasian-Mestizo and African Descent Populations of Colombia
Authors: Yunis JJ , Garcia O , Baena A , Arboleda G , Uriarte I , Yunis E
Published: August 2015

Blood samples from 489 unrelated Caucasian Mestizo and 252 individuals of African descent in Colombia were amplified and typed for three short tandem repeat (STR) markers (D12S1090, D3S1744, and D18S849). All markers conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations in both populations studied. In addition, heterozygosity, mean exclusion chance, polymorphism information content, discrimination power, and the assumption of independence within and between loci were determined. The mean exclusion chance for all three STR markers is 0.9750 in the Caucasian Mestizo population and 0.9731 in the African Colombian Population. The discrimination power is 0.999925 and 0.999911 in the Caucasian Mestizo and African Colombian respectively.
Population Genetics of Nine STR Loci in Two Populations from Brazil
Authors: Corte-Real F , Andrade L , Anjos MJ , Carvalho M , Vieira DN , Carracedo A , Vide MC
Published: August 2015

The Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) D3S1358, HUMvWA31/A, HUMFIBRA/FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, and D7S820 were studied in two Brazilian populations (from Amazonia and S. Paulo) using the “AmpF1 STR Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit.” The nine loci showed a combined discrimination power greater than 0.9999999999 and a chance of exclusion of 0.9999.
Swiss Allele Frequencies and Haplotypes of 7 Y-Specific STRs
Authors: Gehrig C , Hochmeister M , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

In view of application to personal identification and paternal analysis, the allele distribution of the loci DYS19, DYS389 I and II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393 were determined in a sample of 126 unrelated males from the area of Bern (Switzerland). The 7 Y-STR loci were coamplified in a total of two multiplex reactions using fluorescently-labeled primers. PCR products were separated and detected on a capillary electrophoresis ABI Prism 310 instrument. All loci were polymorphic and the allele distributions are similar to other caucasian data.
The Distribution of D1S80 and VWA Alleles in a Karen Population from Northern Thailand
Authors: Steger HF , Bhoopat T , Sridoungkaew S , Sanguansermsri T
Published: August 2015

The D1S80 and VWA loci were studied in a Karen population from Northern Thailand by the polymerase chain reaction and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Twelve D1S80 and six VWA alleles were found. No deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg and linkage equilibrium were observed. The power of exclusion (PE) from the analysis of the D1S80 and VWA locus is 0.67 and 0.45, respectively, the power of discrimination (PD) is 0.95 and 0.85, respectively, with a combined PD of 0.99 and PE of 0.82.
Population Genetics of the D1S1656, D12S391, and D18S535 Loci in Asturias (North Spain)
Authors: Martínez-Jarreta B , Marco PN , Martínez EA , Huidobro MVL , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Allele and genotype frequencies for three recently described short tandem repeat loci D1S1656, D12S391, and D18S535 were determined in a population sample from Asturias (North Spain). The loci were amplified using a fluorescence based PCR method and were typed automatically. No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were observed. The three loci proved to be highly discriminating and the allele frequencies observed are similar to those of the other European populations that have been typed for these loci to date.
Threat Mail and Forensic Science: DNA Profiling from Items of Evidence After Treatment with DFO
Authors: Zamir A , Oz C , Geller B
Published: August 2015

Two cases of threatening letters with their accompanying envelopes were received to the Division of Forensic Identification unit of the Israel Police. The envelopes, including the stamps, and the letters were initially examined for latent fingerprints by the DFO reagent, known to cause degradation of DNA. Although no latent fingerprints could be visualized on any of the items, the biology laboratory using organic DNA extraction, was successful in defining genetic profiles from all the items employing six STR loci, even after treatment with DFO.

In a controlled experiment, a known donor attached a stamp, by licking, to an envelope. This item was treated with DFO and then profiled using STR loci. The results showed that previous DFO treatment on the control stamp before DNA analysis had no negative effects on obtaining the DNA profile of the known donor using STR loci.
Analysis of Primer Residue from Lead Free Ammunition by X-Ray Microfluorescence
Authors: Charpentier B , Desrochers C
Published: August 2015

In forensic science, the analysis of gunshot residues was traditionally done by the detection of lead (Pb), antimony (Sb) and barium (Ba) usually found in a primer. However, the recent development of lead-free ammunition represents a new challenge for ballistic specialists. This analysis study gunshot residues from primers and ammunitions in the area surrounding bullet holes, a very important tool to determine the shooting distance. The ammunitions used were 9 mm Luger and .38 spl + p calibers, where lead in the primer was replaced with strontium (Sr) and where the lead bullet was plated with copper (Total Metal Jacket). Gunshot analysis results were obtained using an energy dispersive X-ray microfluorescence spectrometer. The method allows the detection and quantification of strontium residues on the target up to a distance of 45 cm.
The Detection and Analysis of Ignitable Liquid Residues Extracted from Human Skin Using SPME/GC
Authors: Almirall JR , Wang J , Lothridge K , Furton KG
Published: August 2015

A simple, fast, inexpensive, and sensitive technique for the detection and identification of flammable or combustible liquid residues on the skin of arson suspects is presented. The use of solid phase microextraction (SPME) for the analysis of ignitable liquid residues has been demonstrated and it is shown in this work that this technique is effective in extracting these liquid residues at extremely low quantities. Microliter quantities of controlled spikes of gasoline, diesel fuel, and charcoal lighter fluid were deposited on the hands of a volunteer and extracted after several time intervals. The SPME technique can recover very small amounts of liquid deposits on skin up to 3.5 h after exposure, depending on the class of the ignitable liquid residue used.
Sex Variation in the Second Cervical Vertebra
Authors: Wescott DJ
Published: August 2015

The second cervical vertebra can be used to estimate sex with 83% accuracy in unidentified human skeletal remains. Reported here are the necessary statistics, based on 8 dimensions taken from 400 second cervical vertebrae, for the computation of customized discriminant functions. Discriminant function equations developed using variables selected in a stepwise procedure are also presented here as an example of the usefulness of this bone in estimating sex.
Use of Radiographic Atlases in a Mass Fatality
Authors: Warren MW , Smith KR , Stubblefield PR , Martin SS , Walsh-Haney HA
Published: August 2015

In May and June of 1996, a forensic anthropology team from the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory at the University of Florida identified 9 of 10 juveniles from the crash of ValuJet 592. The team relied primarily on a radiographic atlas developed and used by clinical practitioners to determine skeletal age. Postmortem radiographs of the juvenile victims were compared with radiographic standards to determine skeletal age. Skeletal age was then compared to a passenger list indicating the sex, weight, height, and chronological age of each individual. Tentative identifications based on the atlas method were organized into an exclusion matrix. Final identifications were based on this assessment in conjunction with other anthropological data such as appearance and fusion of ossification centers and estimation of stature.
A Fatal Case of Chlorate Poisoning: Confirmation by Ion Chromatography of Body Fluids
Authors: Eysseric H , Vincent F , Peoc'h M , Marka C , Aitken Y , Barret L
Published: August 2015

A 49-year-old male chemical industry worker was admitted to intensive care with a 24-hour history of respiratory failure, vomiting, headache, stupor, arterial hypotension, and cyanosed face and limbs. He had acute haemolysis (3.9 g/L plasma haemoglobin concentration) and 30% methaemoglobinaemia. Whereas the search for alcohol, barbiturates and opiates was negative, benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants were present. The patient was in fact being treated with fluvoxamine, amitryptiline, and alprazolam. As the clinical and biological signs suggested chlorate poisoning, chlorate was looked for by using an aniline color reaction. It was found in gastric content and urine. Treatment consisted in mechanical ventilation, vasoactive amines, methylene blue, plasma exchange, exchange transfusion, and haemodialysis. Despite this, the patient had several cardiac arrests and refractory metabolic acidosis. He died 12 h after his admission. Specific ion chromatography was used afterhand to assay the chlorate in various body fluids. The technique was based on a separation on an ion exchange Dionex® AS 12A column coupled with conductivity detection. A quantitative estimation was carried out by using external calibration with a four-point calibration curve which was linear between 1 and 15 mg/L. The measured plasma levels of chlorate were 78 and 29 mg/L respectively before and after exchange transfusion. Gastric-lavage liquid contained 1300 mg/L of chlorate and urine 4300 mg/L. Ion chromatography, which is routinely used in environmental studies helped to confirm a massive oral intake of chlorate by measuring the corresponding blood and urine chlorate concentrations, data which had only rarely been reported previously.
Fatal Aspiration of Sardine Fry in a Patient with Lung Cancer
Authors: Inayama Y , Udaka N , Amano T , Watanuki Y , Odagiri S , Kawano N , Nakatani Y
Published: August 2015

We report a fatal case of death due to unusual aspiration of sardine fry in an elderly Japanese man with lung cancer. The cause of death was sudden respiratory arrest while eating. Autopsy revealed peculiar materials with cell nests and pigmented particles, together with striated muscle and skin, in the ectatic bronchioles of the left lower lobe. Serial histologic sections suggested that the structures observed were the eyeballs of small animals that appeared to have been inhaled. The patient had habitually eaten sardine fry and rice gruel, which were also detected in the gastric contents. Therefore, the eyes were considered to be those of the fry, which is a popular food item in Japan. This was confirmed by histologic examination of fry that were obtained commercially.
Keyhole Defect Production in Tubular Bone
Authors: Berryman HE , Gunther WM
Published: August 2015

Fracture characteristics, reported primarily for the cranium, are valuable indicators of bullet direction. A bullet striking the vault tangentially produces an irregular opening, termed a “keyhole defect,” with the circular portion of the defect being the initial point of impact. Identifying this feature in tubular bone (long bone) can also demonstrate bullet direction and the position of the bone at the time of the shooting. This case study involving a tangential shot (i.e., a keyhole fracture) to the humerus demonstrates some of the same fracture mechanics seen in the cranium.
The Use of Microscopic Postmortem Changes in Anagen Hair Roots to Associate Questioned Hairs with Known Hairs and Reconstruct Events in Two Murder Cases
Authors: Tafaro JT
Published: August 2015

In two cases investigated by the New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab, hairs recovered from crime scenes were found to exhibit microscopic postmortem changes in anagen hair roots. These microscopic characteristics were used to associate these hairs with various victims in the cases. In addition to associating questioned hairs with known hairs, the fact that the victims were dead when the hairs were pulled helped investigators reconstruct events in both crimes and corroborate statements made by the arrested subjects in each case.
Signature Murders: A Report of the 1984 Cranbrook, British Columbia Cases
Authors: Keppel RD
Published: August 2015

Two females, Denean Worms and Brenda Hughes, were murdered in separate events in Cranbrook, British Columbia in 1984 within three months of each other. Terrence Wayne Burlingham was found guilty of both murders and he appealed. The Supreme Court of Canada granted Burlingham a new trial in the Worms case, but no evidence from Burlingham's confession nor the murder weapon could be used. The Crown counsel requested an evaluation of the two murders to determine if they were committed by the same person. The analyses of those murders revealed that they were linked by a personal “signature” of the killer. The murder cases reported here demonstrate a control-oriented signature. The killer used a .410 shotgun as his method of control and death, engaged in overkill of each victim by shooting them twice in the head, and left the victims in sexually degrading positions. Another signature feature was the absence of typical wounds to the victims which would be expected from a serial sex offender. All of these characteristics, in combination, accounted for this killer's personal expression.
Han Chinese Population Data in Chongqing China for Nine STR Loci
Authors: Wan L , Cao Y , Xiu C , Liu C
Published: August 2015

Han Chinese Population Data in Chongqing China for Nine STR Loci
Increasing the Identification Potential from Human Foot Remains
Authors: Rich J
Published: August 2015

Increasing the Identification Potential from Human Foot Remains
Corrections of: Seward GH. Practical Implications of Charge Transport Model for Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA). J Forensic Sci 1999 Jul;44(4):832-6
Authors: Seward G
Published: August 2015

Corrections of: Seward GH. Practical Implications of Charge Transport Model for Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA). J Forensic Sci 1999 Jul;44(4):832-6
Commentary on Wu AHB, Hill DW, Crouch D, Hodnett CN, McCurdy HH. Minimal Standards for the Performance and Interpretation of Toxicology Tests in Legal Proceedings. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(3):516-522
Authors: Baselt RC
Published: August 2015

Commentary on Wu AHB, Hill DW, Crouch D, Hodnett CN, McCurdy HH. Minimal Standards for the Performance and Interpretation of Toxicology Tests in Legal Proceedings. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(3):516-522
Commentary on Keto RO. Analysis and Comparison of Bullet Leads by Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(5):1020–6
Authors: Promish DI
Published: August 2015

Commentary on Keto RO. Analysis and Comparison of Bullet Leads by Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(5):1020–6
Review of Explosion Aboard the Iowa
Authors: Rimson IJ
Published: August 2015

On April 19, 1989, northeast of the island of Puerto Rico, 500 pounds of high explosive propellant charge exploded in the open-breech of the center 16″ gun in USS Iowa's turret 11. The resulting blast overpressures, secondary explosions and fires killed 47 crewmen within the turret stmcture. The robustness of the turret assembly, which extended from the main deck to the keel, fortunately withstood the blast and prevented more widespread damage throughout the ship. The explosion was a major embarrassinent for the Navy. Its battleships had been reactivated for service in the Middle East, the third time since their launching late in WWII. They were widely touted as invulnerable to enemy attack. Much to the Navy's chagiin it appeared that self-destruction might be a more realistic alternative.
Review of Footwear Impression Evidence, Second Edition
Authors: McKasson S
Published: August 2015

The first edition of this text (published by Elsevier in 1990) is probably in every footwear examiner's library, so it is easy to say that the second edition belongs there too. Small improvements were made throughout, although the first edition will no doubt remain a classic reference, a benchmark in its time. Alas, Tempus Fugit, and the new edition is necessary to provide many needed updates to the original text, particularly in the chapter on enhancement of impressions. The new edition's format is a little larger than the first edition, allowing some of the photographs to be enlarged, although the contrast is higher in the original so the improvement is debatable. Three new chapters added at the end of the book represent the major change to the work. The chapter devoted to the evidence in the 0. J. Simpson case is a highlight of course. If you have the first edition and like it, by all means get the second edition.
Detecting Psychoactive Drugs in the Developmental Stages of Mushrooms
Authors: Gross ST
Published: August 2015

The following questions regarding the detection of psychoactive drugs in mushrooms are addressed: At what stage of the mushroom development can the psychoactive drugs psilocyn and psilocybin be identified, and what effect does light have on the growth of these mushrooms. To answer these questions, Psilocybe cyanescens Wakefield mushrooms were grown from their spores in a controlled setting. At various times of their development, samples were taken and analyzed for psilocyn and psilocybin. Knowing what stage of development the psychoactive drugs can be identified may be useful to law enforcement personnel and forensic chemists. Methanolic extracts of various samples were analyzed by TLC and by GC/MS. It was determined that the mycelium knot stage of the mushroom was the earliest stage at which the psychoactive drugs could be detected. It was observed that light affected the time of development and the appearance of these mushrooms.
Reagents for the Chemical Development of Latent Fingerprints: Scope and Limitations of Benzo[f]ninhydrin in Comparison to Ninhydrin
Authors: Almog J , Sears VG , Springer E , Hewlett DF , Walker S , Wiesner S , Lidor R , Bahar E
Published: August 2015

Benzo[f]ninhydrin was compared to ninhydrin for fingerprint development on paper. Overall, the performance of ninhydrin on exhibits was slightly better than that of benzo[f]ninhydrin. The significant advantages of the benzo[f]ninhydrain over ninhydrin were the much stronger fluorescence it gave after treatment with zinc salts and a slightly quicker reaction under ambient conditions. This fluorescence is, however, similar to that obtained with other reagents, such as DFO or ninhydrin analogs. These advantages apparently are not sufficient to justify regular usage of benzo[f]ninhydrin, especially when one considers its low solubility and high cost.
Photoluminescent Semiconductor Nanocrystals for Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Roland Menzel E , Savoy SM , Ulvick SJ , Cheng KH , Murdock RH , Sudduth MR
Published: August 2015

The concept of utilizing photoluminescent semiconductor nanocrystals for latent fingerprint detection, especially in concert with phase-resolved imaging for background fluorescence suppression, is reduced to practice with CdS nanocrystals that are capped with dioctyl sulfosuccinate. The nanocrystals are dissolved in heptane or hexane and are applied in much the same way as staining with fluorescent dye, on articles that have been pre-fumed with cyanoacrylate ester and also on the sticky side of electrical tape without pre-fuming. Since CdS can form a photoluminescent nanocomposite with dendrimers, a feasibility examination of dendrimer tagging of fingerprints has also been conducted.
A Scanning Beam Time-Resolved Imaging System for Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Roorda RD , Ribes AC , Damaskinos S , (Ted) Dixon AE , Menzel ER
Published: August 2015

A highly sensitive confocal scanning-beam system for time-resolved imaging of fingerprints is described. Time-resolved imaging is a relatively new forensic procedure for the detection and imaging of latent fingerprints on fluorescent substrates such as paper, cardboard, and fluorescent paint. Ordinary fluorescent imaging of latent fingerprints on these surfaces results in poor contrast. Instead, the specimens are treated with a phosphorescent dye that preferentially adheres to the fingerprint which allows time-resolved discrimination between the fingerprint phosphorescence and the background fluorescence. Time resolved images are obtained by synchronizing the digital sampling of the specimen luminescence with the on-off cycle of the chopped illumination beam. The merit of this technique is illustrated with high contrast images of fingerprints obtained from the fluorescent painted surface of a Coke™ can.
Clothing Damage Analysis and the Phenomenon of the False Sexual Assault
Authors: Taupin JM
Published: August 2015

This paper describes three recent false sexual assaults examined at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre laboratory where clothing damage analysis assisted in the resolution of the case. Suspected false reports of sexual assaults are often sensitive cases with little other forensic evidence. Any evidential value that can be obtained is thus valuable in order to minimize any ordeal to the complainant and any suspect and to conserve valuable resources. The findings illustrate the application of clothing damage analysis in a cross section of confirmed false sexual assault reports and the fact that the forensic examiner should be aware of the potential evidential value of this kind of analysis. Furthermore, the corroboration of a victim's scenario when the investigator has doubts may be no less valuable as it may minimize the adversarial ordeal that is often faced by a rape victim.
On the Assessment of Children in Suspected Child Sexual Abuse in Light of Daubert and Frye: Limitations of Profiles and Interviews as Scientifically Grounded Evidence
Authors: Bigelow BJ
Published: August 2015

Practice with children and families entails the higher probability of encountering forensic issues of child sexual abuse (CSA) assessments for which relatively few psychologists, allied mental health and legal practitioners are sufficiently well equipped. The current paper reviews some of the key psycholegal issues bearing on the assessment of suspected CSA in the contexts of: (a) recent psycholegal precedence and common law rules of reliability and admissibility of CSA profile evidence; (b) the empirical problems with CSA syndromes; and (c) the problems with children's interviews as evidence, and suggestions for valid interviewing guidelines supporting free recall. These psycholegal issues are presented in terms of the Frye standard for expert testimony and the Federal Rules of Evidence, with recent American and Canadian case illustrations, such as Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Hadden v. State of Florida (1997), Bighead v. The United States of America (1997), Diocese of Winona v. Interstate Fire & Cas. Co. (1994), and R. v. Simpson (1996).
A Cross-Cultural Review of Sudden Mass Assault by a Single Individual in the Oriental and Occidental Cultures
Authors: Hempel AG , Levine RE , Reid Meloy J , Westermeyer J
Published: August 2015

A nonrandom sample of North American cases of sudden mass assault by a single individual (SMASI, n = 30) is compared with a nonrandom sample of Laotian amok cases (n = 18) and other amok studies. Perpetrators in both studies show evidence of social isolation, loss, depression, anger, pathological narcissism, and paranoia, often to a psychotic degree. The term “innovative perpetrator” is reintroduced and expanded upon. Similarities among samples far outweigh differences, leading the authors to conclude that SMASI and its appearance in different cultures is not a culture-bound syndrome.
Burned Beyond Recognition: Systematic Approach to the Dental Identification of Charred Human Remains
Authors: Delattre VF
Published: August 2015

Forensic dental evaluation methods for use in a systematic approach to the dental identification of charred human remains are described. A systematic, conservative approach prevents the loss of valuable dental information before a thorough picture of the individual's dental remains has been adequately documented. The presenting conditions of fire victims are explained and illustrated with photographs, and a series of illustrations and text describe the damage seen in the dentition of the fire victim. A systematic four-stage process for gaining access to the intraoral structures of charred human remains is outlined and illustrated. Utilizing methods of access to the oral structures that maintain the integrity of the dentition through each stage of the evaluation of charred remains will prevent the loss of potential dental information before a thorough dental charting, intra-oral photographs, and radiographs can be obtained.
Radiography of Perforating Centerfire Rifle Wounds of the Trunk
Authors: Straathof D , Bannach BG , Wilson AJ , Dowling GP
Published: August 2015

All deaths resulting from perforating centerfire rifle wounds of the chest and abdomen, investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Province of Alberta from 1988 to 1995, were reviewed retrospectively to determine whether the radiographic distribution of bullet fragments in such cases is a useful predictor of bullet trajectory. Study cases were limited to single gunshot wounds without surgical intervention or intermediate targets, and for which adequate radiography was available. Three pathologists individually viewed the radiographs on two separate occasions; wound locations were provided for the second viewing (Group 2). Differences in opinion regarding direction of fire were resolved by consensus review. A trauma radiologist independently made two sets of interpretations in the same way. Comparisons of these groups of interpretations were made with the actual bullet direction determined at autopsy. Of 21 cases included in the study, only three (14.3%) did not require consensus resolution in either group. Accuracy of pathologists' interpretation improved from 38.1% (8/21) to 76.2% (16/21) with provision of wound locations (p = 0.012). The radiologist achieved similar improvement, from 28.6% (6/21) to 47.6% (10/21). The rate of agreement between radiologist and pathologists increased from 42.9% (9/21) to 61.9% (13/21) between Groups 1 and 2. Both the pathologists and radiologist interpreted several cases the same way in both groups; of those cases interpreted differently, the second interpretation was occasionally incorrect after correct interpretation in Group 1. We conclude that bullet direction for perforating centerfire rifle wounds cannot be accurately determined from postmortem radiographs. When wound location is known, the ability to predict bullet direction improves but is still subject to error, including a lack of consistency between observers.
Petechiae of the Baby's Skin as Differentiation Symptom of Infanticide Versus SIDS
Authors: Oehmichen M , Gerling I , Meißner C
Published: August 2015

The successive killing of three siblings by their biological mother at two-year intervals is described. The children were 367 days, 75 days and 3 years old. Although sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or interstitial pneumonia could not be ruled out as the cause of death in the two younger children, who were killed first, the third child exhibited discrete signs of violence in the mouth and throat area which were interpreted as proof of infanticide. All three children had petechiae of the skin of the face and throat, the upper thorax, the shoulders and the mucous membranes of the mouth. None of the children exhibited signs of a disease-related hemorrhagic tendency. After the mother was convicted of murdering the three-year-old boy by smothering in combination with compression of the thorax, she confessed to having killed the other two children in a similar manner. In the absence of hemostatic disease, the presence of petechiae of the skin extending over the entire drainage area of the Vena cava superior can be regarded as evidence of an increase in pressure in the thoracic cavity secondary to obstruction of the airways with simultaneous chest compression.
Suffocation Using Plastic Bags: A Retrospective Study of Suicides in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Bullock MJ , Diniz D
Published: August 2015

One hundred and ten cases of suicidal suffocation using a plastic bag were identified in the files of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Canada, between 1993 and 1997. The records were reviewed to determine the demographic characteristics of this group compared with all cases of suicide in Ontario, the scene information, autopsy findings and toxicology results. Most suicides occurred in people over 60 years of age, with older women making up a considerable proportion of cases as compared with other methods of suicide. In 40% of cases the deceased was suffering from a serious illness. Autopsy findings were usually minimal, with facial, conjunctival and visceral petechiae present in a minority of cases. One or more drugs were detected in the blood in 92.6% of cases where toxicologic testing was performed. Benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine and antidepressants were the most common drugs found, with diphenhydramine the most common drug present at an elevated concentration. Information at the scene from “right to die” societies was uncommon. One quarter of decedents took additional measures, besides the use of drugs or alcohol, to ensure the rapidity, certainty or comfort of their death. This study further elucidates the characteristics of this uncommon method of suicide. It emphasizes additional scene findings, such as the presence of dust masks, physical restraints and modification of the plastic bag that may be of use to death investigators in determining the correct manner of death.
A Triad of Laryngeal Hemorrhages in Strangulation: A Report of Eight Cases
Authors: Pollanen MS
Published: August 2015

The results of histological studies on larynges from eight cases of manual strangulation, all that had intracartilaginous laryngeal hemorrhages, a recently described and under-recognized lesion associated with strangulation, are reported. Formalin-fixed larynges were examined in serial section using a standardized protocol. In all cases, intracartilaginous laryngeal hemorrhages were associated with subepithelial laryngeal hemorrhages, and intralaryngeal muscular hemorrhages forming a “triad of hemorrhages.” In five cases, the triad was found in the presence of laryngeal cartilage microfractures. Since cartilage microfractures can be causally related to mechanical injury to the neck, it is likely that the triad of hemorrhages has diagnostic value as an independent morphological criterion for the postmortem diagnosis of strangulation. Since a proportion of cases of strangulation lack characteristics that are self-evidently due to violent application of pressure on the neck, recognition of the triad may have important implications for the postmortem diagnosis of strangulation.
Carisoprodol, Meprobamate, and Driving Impairment
Authors: Logan BK , Case GA , Gordon AM
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the pharmacology of the centrally acting muscle relaxant carisoprodol, and its metabolite meprobamate, which is also administered as an anxiolytic in its own right. Literature implicating these drugs in impaired driving is also reviewed. A series of 104 incidents in which these drugs were detected in the blood of drivers involved in accidents or arrested for impaired driving was considered, with respect to the analytical toxicology results, patterns of drug use in these subjects, the driving behaviors exhibited, and the symptoms observed in the drivers. Symptomatology and driving impairment were consistent with other CNS depressants, most notably alcohol. Reported driving behaviors included erratic lane travel, weaving, driving slowly, swerving, stopping in traffic, and hitting parked cars and other stationary objects. Drivers on contact by the police displayed poor balance and coordination, horizontal gaze nystagmus, bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness, slurred speech, slow responses, tendency to doze off or fall asleep, difficulty standing, walking or exiting their vehicles, and disorientation. Many of these cases had alcohol or other centrally acting drugs present also, making difficult the attribution of the documented impairment specifically to carisoprodol and meprobamate. In 21 cases, however, no other drugs were detected, and similar symptoms were present. Impairment appeared to be possible at any concentration of these two drugs; however, the most severe driving impairment and most overt symptoms of intoxication were noted when the combined concentration exceeded 10 mg/L, a level still within the normal therapeutic range.
Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid—An Indicator for an Alcoholic Ketoacidosis as Cause of Death in Deceased Alcohol Abusers
Authors: Iten PX , Meier M
Published: August 2015

We analyzed the postmortem blood of a total of 100 fatal cases for beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). In 25 cases of sudden and unexpected death of alcoholics we found pathologically increased levels of BHBA of 1260 to 47 200 (median 8000) µmol/L. This led us to the diagnosis of an alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) as cause of death in these cases. The control group of 69 postmortem cases revealed that BHBA concentrations below 500 can be regarded as normal, and values up to 2500 µmol/L as elevated. Our study shows that BHBA values over 2500 µmol/L could lead to death, if no medical attention is sought. During storage we did not find any indication of postmortem formation or decomposition of BHBA in blood in vitro or in the corpses. In our opinion, BHBA should be considered the diagnostic marker of choice for the postmortem determination of alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) as the cause of death. The classical indications of such deaths are: unexpected death of a chronic alcoholic; none or only traces of ethanol in the blood; increased acetone blood concentration; and neither autopsy, histology, microbiology, nor toxicology reveal the cause of death. In six further cases a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was diagnosed as the cause of death.