bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homelessness and the Mentally Ill Offender
Authors: Richman BJ , Convit A , Martell D
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the results of a retrospective analysis of the discharge summaries of 69 mentally ill offenders. The subjects were patients in a New York State Psychiatric Hospital for a two-year period between January 1988 and December 1989 who were referred by the courts under New York State Criminal Procedure Law (CPL). The subjects were further compared as to homelessness at the time of the instant offense to study the association of this variable and criminal behavior among the mentally ill. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant relationships between variables of homelessness, prior offense history, and substance abuse.
The Essential Commitment for a Forensic Scientist
Authors: Frank RS
Published: August 2015

Forensic scientists have a unique and essential role in the criminal and civil justice system. They examine physical evidence associated with an event or situation, develop and report facts associated with the evidence, and provide expert opinion regarding their observations. The facts and opinions, in and of themselves, do not establish the guilt or innocence of someone suspected of wrongdoing; however, they may be the primary information available to allow a conclusion of guilt or innocence to be drawn. The impact of the forensic scientist's conclusions affords no room for error, because such errors may be the direct cause of an injustice.
Quantitative Determination of Cocaine and Heroin by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry
Authors: Ravreby M
Published: August 2015

Cocaine hydrochloride salt (HCl) and heroin HCl were determined quantitatively by choosing a carbonyl absorption peak as the analytical peak and measuring absorbance versus concentration in standard KBr pellers. The effect of various additives and diluents such as starch, sugars, mannitol, caffeine, and procaine was also studied. Methods were devised to correct for interference contributions based on spectral subtraction of the interfering component or subtraction of the interfering spectral contribution based on absorbance ratios with a noninterfering spectral peak. In mixtures containing both the free base and the hydrochloride salt, the most satisfactory method for determining the concentration was by area integration of the two carbonyl peaks.
Suicide Far from Home: The Concept of Transjurisdictional Suicide
Authors: Hanzlick RL , Ross WK
Published: August 2015

A review of a series of eleven persons who committed suicide in a city long distances from home is presented, and the concept of transjurisdictional suicide is introduced. Those eleven cases suggest a high likelihood that the victim will be found in a hotel or motel bed by a hotel/motel employee within a day of check-in; the victim will be a white male who drove to the city and who lived in a hometown closely associated with an urban center which is within a day's drive and on an interstate route connecting the hometown to the city selected; the victim will be older than twenty-one years, married or never married but not divorced or widowed, and will not have been born in the state where death occurred; a suicide message will be found, and a specific reason for selecting a given city will not be apparent.
Models of Mental Health Service Delivery to Correctional Institutions
Authors: Maier GJ , Miller RD
Published: August 2015

The mentally disordered offender falls into the “no man's land” between prison and mental health systems. A number of reasons are given to explain why mental health service to this special group is in crisis again, and to lay the base for understanding the advantages and disadvantages of five different models of service delivery. The authors conclude by favoring small psychiatric units attached to major prisons.
Suicide Disguised as Murder: A Dimension of Munchausen Syndrome
Authors: McDowell CP
Published: August 2015

This case study reports on a suicide made to look like murder. The case highlights the issue of false claims of criminal victimization and suggests the need for a reexamination of the dynamics of factitious allegations of criminal victimization. Factitious complaints of mental or physical illness are typically self-reported to psychiatric or medical authorities. This paper illustrates a different kind of phenomenon: one in which an injury or disorder is brought to medical attention by way of the police, who report the death or injury as arising from criminal victimization.
Medicolegal Aspects of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Neck
Authors: Sperry K , McFeeley PJ
Published: August 2015

Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck (NFN) is a relatively rare, fulminating infectious process of the cervicofacial tissues which may cause sudden and unexpected death. Although often the result of a dental infection, injuries of the soft tissues of the neck may also initiate rampant cellulitis, and recognition of the underlying etiology of such cases is necessary to determine properly the manner of death. Five cases of NFN are presented with a review of the causative factors and usual bacteriology, and specific factors of medicolegal interest are addressed.
Fraudulent Photocopy of a Promissory Note
Authors: Osborn JP
Published: August 2015

This case report describes a search for evidence that was made beyond the questioned photocopy involved, resulting in a lucky find and requiring some interesting courtroom demonstration techniques.
A Review of Taylor's Principles and Practice of Medical Jurisprudence
Authors: Wiecking DK
Published: August 2015

To produce a condensed version of a great work is a constant struggle between faithfulness to the original and an awareness of what the new reader needs to know. In this 13th edition of Taylor, Professor Mant as editor has striven mightily to reduce the two-volume 12th edition into a new one-volume compendium of English forensic medicine, to present the pertinent materials for the present-day practitioner, and also apparently to keep the purchase price within range of its intended readers. To a considerable degree he has succeeded, eliminating virtually all of the sections on toxicology and much of the previous extensive discussion described as “sexual medical jurisprudence.” These deletions make the 13th edition much more ready-reference for the practicing coroner or barrister, although it is a shame to leave out such titillating chapters as “virginity and defloration,” and “masturbation, indecent exposure, and gross indecency”! Of course anyone interested in those subjects could always refer to the previous edition.
Comparison of Automotive Gasolines Using Capillary Gas Chromatography II: Limitations of Automotive Gasoline Comparisons in Casework
Authors: Mann DC
Published: August 2015

When comparing gasoline recovered from a fire scene with a possible source, several factors must be considered, including the variability introduced by the recovery method, possible contamination of the data by pyrolysis products, distortion of the data as a result of evaporation of the gasoline, and other alterations of the recovered gasoline by chemical and physical interactions. All of these factors can contribute to a decrease in the specificity of comparisons of gasoline recovered from fire debris relative to liquid gasoline comparisons.
Restoration of Stamp Marks on Steel Components by Etching and Magnetic Techniques
Authors: Turley DM
Published: August 2015

The relation between the depth of the stamp mark and the depth to which the stamp mark can be restored has been determined using both etching (Fry's reagent) and magnetic techniques. The depths of restoration increased with increasing depth of stamp mark. Increasing the stamp size also resulted in an increase in the depth of restoration. For new stamp marks, the magnetic technique was more sensitive, giving, in some cases, depths of restoration about 10% greater than the maximum depths determined by etching. For old stamp marks, the sensitivity of the magnetic technique was considerably reduced, whereas the etching technique was unaffected and therefore was the more sensitive. The etching technique could also often restore stamp marks which had been obliterated by overpunching, whereas the magnetic technique could not. A recommended procedure for the restoration fo stamp marks is given.
Prison Psychiatry and Professional Responsibility
Authors: Smith CE
Published: August 2015

Professional responsibility is a multifaceted concept embracing elements of technical competence and accountability. It may seem anachronistic to examine professional responsibility in the context of prison psychiatry, which is a relatively unpopular and often controversial health service activity. Upon closer scrutiny, however, it appears that prison psychiatry presents a paradigm of the uncertainties, conflicts, and dilemmas which underlie current concerns about professional responsibility in psychiatry. In this paper, the author examines some of these issues and proposes some tentative answers, focusing on the critical question of the proper roles of psychiatry in prisons.
Effect of Biofeedback on the Detection of Deception
Authors: Timm HW
Published: August 2015

This study examined the effect of audio electrodermal biofeedback training on the detection of deception. The subjects consisted of 68 volunteers enrolled in selected undergraduate college courses. Each subject was required to commit a mock murder, after which a polygraph examiner administered a series of five consecutive “lie detector” tests to ascertain the facts involved in his/her murder. Before testing, subjects were randomly assigned to either a biofeedback condition or to a control group. The detection efficiency associated with the subjects' respiration responses was significantly enhanced by simultaneous auditory biofeedback given during the polygraph testing; however, the feedback's effect upon the detection rates associated with the electrodermal measures that it was reflecting was neither statistically significant nor in the same direction. The results support the premise that audio biofeedback might be useful in enhancing respiration's detection efficiency during polygraph testing.
An Aluminum Template for Casting Agarose Gels
Authors: Budowle B , Mudd JL
Published: August 2015

Time-consuming construction and repair often is necessary for gel templates composed of glass plates and plastic strips. An aluminum template was developed to overcome these problems. It is sturdy, permanent, and produces agarose gels that yield linear, well resolved, and reproducible protein profiles. Further, agarose gels of varying thicknesses (1 to 3 mm) can be cast with this template.
A Review of HLA Techniques for Blood Bankers
Authors: Huestis DW
Published: August 2015

This small book is intended to supplement an earlier (1982) book from the same publisher on Theoretical Aspects of HLA. Originally, both books were manuals to be given out to participants in workshops held by the American Association of Blood Banks, and were intended to present the ins and outs of HLA to blood bankers who were not already experts in the field.
The Separation of Lysergide (LSD) from Related Ergot Alkaloids and Its Identification in Forensic Science Casework Samples
Authors: Japp M , Gill R , David Osselton M
Published: August 2015

The separation of lysergide (LSD) from related ergot alkaloids, and its isomer lysergic acid methylpropylamide (LAMPA), has been investigated using the techniques of capillary gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Capillary gas chromatography using fused silica nonpolar bonded phase columns gave good discrimination, and retention indices for several ergot alkaloids have been measured. The applicability of this technique to the analysis of illicit LSD preparations has been demonstrated by preparing extracts from LSD microdot tablets and card and paper squares. The HPLC systems examined in the present study were unable to achieve baseline resolution of LSD and LAMPA.
Natural Death While Driving
Authors: Öström M , Eriksson A
Published: August 2015

Of sudden natural deaths while driving, 126 occurred during 1980 through 1985 in the northern half of Sweden. The mean age of the 69 car driver victims was 59 years, considerably higher than that of traumatic car deaths, and all but 2 were males. The mean age of 57 operators of other vehicles was 66 years, and of these, 6 were women. Seven car drivers were stricken during commercial employment. Most accidents occurred during daytime and the distribution of the weekdays was fairly even. ischemic heart disease accounted for 112 deaths, and other cardiovascular diseases for an additional 9 deaths. Only ⅕ of the victims experienced previous symptoms of disease. Out of at least 31 other persons at risk in the car deaths, only 2 passengers suffered minor injuries. The trauma in the deceased was in most cases minor in both car and other vehicle deaths. Property damage was also minimal. At least ⅓ of the drivers were able to stop the car before becoming unconscious. In none of the car cases was alcohol detected in the blood, while alcohol was identified in at least 2 of the other vehicle victims. The findings here agree with previous studies that natural deaths at the wheel are fairly uncommon, and that the risk for other persons is not significant. The value of adequate postmortem examinations of drivers dying in traffic is stressed—natural deaths can otherwise be overlooked.
The Physician Assistant as Forensic Investigator
Authors: Wright WK , Hirsch CS
Published: August 2015

Physician assistants are employed as forensic investigators at the Office of the Medical Examiner, Suffolk County, New York. We describe the educational qualifications of physician assistants and their valuable role in forensic medicine in Suffolk County.
Study of Inorganic Residues Around Entrance and Exit Projectile Orifices
Authors: Villanueva E , Hernandez-Cueto C , Lorente JA , Garcia-Quiles J , Rodrigo MD
Published: August 2015

Lead, antimony, and barium determinations have been made at entrance and exit orifices produced by firearms. Gunshots were made at seven different distances: 20, 40, 80, 200, 500, 1000, and 2500 cm using two kinds of ammunition. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of these elements to make a differential diagnosis between entrance and exit orifices produced by firearms; they are also useful to determine the distance between the firearm and the victim.
Complications of Cervical Manipulation: A Case Report of Fatal Brainstem Infarct with Review of the Mechanisms and Predisposing Factors
Authors: Jentzen JM , Amatuzio J , Peterson GF
Published: August 2015

Medical and surgical complications of chiropractic manipulation occur infrequently in relation to the number of procedures performed. These complications include intracranial hemorrhage, spinal cord injuries, trauma to the carotid and vertebral arteries, and vertebral-basilar distribution infarction. This is a report of a case of vertebrobasilar infarction following chiropractic manipulation leading to a comatose state within 1 h following the manipulative procedure. This case report should alert the forensic pathologist to the possibility of cervical manipulation as a cause of acute brainstem infarction, and the mechanism and the predisposing factors to injury should be reviewed. The importance of careful autopsy technique and use of postmortem arteriographic techniques are emphasized.
Suicide by Air Rifle and Shotgun
Authors: Cohle SD , Pickelman J , Connolly JT , Bauserman SC
Published: August 2015

We report the case of a 39-year old white male who committed suicide by shooting himself with an air rifle and a shotgun. The ballistics of air guns and rifles, with particular reference to the Sheridan air rifle, are reviewed. Only two cases of multiple firearm suicide have been reported; both involved simultaneously fired handguns. Ours is the first case, to our knowledge, of an air rifle and a shotgun used in sequence to commit suicide.
Gunshot Wound with Asphalt Related Pseudo-Soot, Pseudo-Tattooing, and Pseudo-Scorching
Authors: Zaki SA , Hanzlick R
Published: August 2015

Artifacts which mimic the tattooing and soot deposition of close range gunshot wounds have been described as “pseudo-soot” and “pseudo-tattooing.” The origin of such findings includes glass, intermediate targets, insect bites, medical manipulation, graphite, and sutures. The authors present a case of pseudo-soot and pseudo-tattooing as a result of asphalt pavement, and describe the associated entity of pseudo-scorching.
Estimating Actual Height in the Older Individual
Authors: Galloway A
Published: August 2015

The widely used formulas for estimating adult stature require modification of the estimated height to account for the effects of age. The recording of measured and reported height in a living older population from southern Arizona, in conjunction with bone mineralization monitoring, provides an opportunity to test the currently used correction factor. Loss of height appears to commence around the age of 45, and the average rate of loss is relatively rapid at 0.16 cm per year. The correction factor suggested by this study is 0.16(age — 4S), subtracted from the maximum height. The loss is also affected by the maximum height of the individual. In cases of low bone mineralization, the increased incidence of vertebral crush fractures may cause further reductions in standing height. The low rate of recognition of height changes among the older community lowers the usefulness of the age adjusted height estimate. It is recommended that both the maximum and age adjusted heights be provided in forensic science reports to aid in matching with missing person reports.
Failure of Use of Cemental Annulations in Teeth to Determine the Age of Humans
Authors: Miller CS , Dove SB , Cottone JA
Published: August 2015

The reliability of cemental annulation counts in teeth was examined to determine its value as an age indicator for humans. One hundred extracted human teeth were embedded in polyester casting resin and sectioned using a diamond wafering saw. Thin sections were photomicrographed, projected, and counted in a double blind random method of presentation. The age of the specimen was determined by adding the number of cemental annulations counted by the observers and the eruption age of the specific tooth that was used. The data analyzed by simple regression indicated that determining chronologic age in humans from cemental annulations is not possible.
Microfilm Documents: What Are the Boundaries in Document Examination?
Authors: Hanna GA
Published: August 2015

Businesses are increasingly converting document transporting and storage systems to microfilming systems that ultimately destroy the original document. Consequently, microfilmed documents are being submitted for examination either as questioned or known material. In an effort to aid the examiner in determining the boundaries of handwriting examinations of microfilmed documents, the quality of the microfilmed copies were compared to the original documents. Handwriting characteristics, pen classifiation, simulations, and alterations are discussed.
A Novel Technique for the Collection and Recovery of Foreign Fibers in Forensic Science Casework
Authors: Choudhry MY
Published: August 2015

In criminal investigations, especially in rape, sodomy, and murder cases, forensic scientists are frequently asked to establish a possible transfer of fiber evidence. In such cases, the initial task is to recover the minute fragments of transferred fibers from the surfaces of the textile articles involved in an incident. An ideal method should be simple, rapid, efficient, and reliable. A novel technique satisfying all of the above criteria is described which involves the use of an adhesive bed for the collection and recovery of fibers, and laser illumination/stereo light microscopy for search and localization of possible matching fibers. The adhesive bed consists of a clear polyester film (100 by 130 mm) preprinted with a grid and label. The grid area (100 by 100 mm) was covered with Double Coated® adhesive tape. The bed is stored in a document protector. The advantages of this new technique over existing methods include rapid collection of evidence material from large surfaces, convenient handling and storage of samples, and rapid recovery of suspect fibers. This technique is time-saving and practical in routine cases and meets the needs of overburdened crime laboratories.
Detection of Hemagglutinins in Dried Saliva Stains and Their Potential Use in Blood Typing
Authors: Harrington JJ , Martin R , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

Since 1928, hemagglutinins have been known to exist in saliva; however, they have not been utilized as evidence in criminal investigations because in the past, techniques for measuring them have not been sufficiently sensitive. In this paper we describe improved techniques for detecting salivary hemagglutinins and report initial results obtained with these methods. The stability of salivary hemagglutinins at several different temperatures was examined in liquid samples and in dried stains on filter paper, cigarette butts, and envelope flaps. Our observations indicate that salivary hemagglutinins may be sufficiently stable, over periods of one to several days at ambient room temperatures, to be of value to forensic science investigators. The results of the hemagglutinin assay are not affected by the age or sex of the sample donor. Because salivary hemagglutinins can be used to determine ABO blood type, analyses of this kind can serve as an important confirmatory test which the forensic serologist can use in conjunction with salivary agglutinogen determinations.
Sexing North American Eskimo and Indian Innominate Bones with the Acetabulum/Pubis Index
Authors: Schulter-Ellis FP , Hayek L-AC
Published: August 2015

The acetabulum/pubis index was tested on American Eskimo and Indian samples of innominate bones to which sex had been assigned by visual inspection. The index alone sexed 91 and 89% of the Eskimo and Indian samples, respectively. Subsequent sorting of misclassified specimens with femur head diameter resulted in 96 and 99% rates of classification. The index and a measurement of ischial height were used in a discriminant function model which correctly identified the sex of 93% of the Eskimo and 92% of the Indian bones. Using femur head diameter to sort those specimens which were misclassified by their discriminant function score yielded classification rates of 96 and 98%. These results are compared to a range of 92 to 100% obtained with the index in earlier studies of American black and white pelvic bone samples.
Individuality of Human Palatal Rugae
Authors: English WR , Robison SF , Summitt JB , Oesterle LJ , Brannon RB , Morlang WM
Published: August 2015

Investigators have implied that palatal rugae are unique to each individual. However, these researchers have disagreed as to whether or not legal identification could be based solely on palatal rugae. Previous studies used poor duplicating materials and may not have considered the effects of growth, extractions, palatal expansion, or some combination of these. The inadvertent use of other features of the cast, such as teeth, edentulous ridge morphology, muscle attachments, vestibular depth, or some combination of these, to aid in the identification, may have influenced their results. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if palatal rugae can be relied upon for identification.

Twenty-five orthodontic cases were selected with pre- and post-treatment casts: orthodontic treatment had taken eighteen to sixty months. One hundred casts were randomly selected as variables. All casts were trimmed so that all areas except for the rugae area of the hard palate were removed. The twenty-five post-orthodontic casts were dispersed within 100 randomly selected casts. Nine investigators were given the twenty-five pre-orthodontic casts and asked to compare them to the other one hundred and twenty-five casts for possible matches. Data were collected as to percentage of correct matches and time required for comparison.

Each set of pre- and post-orthodontic casts was properly identified (100%) by 8 investigators, and the remaining investigator correctly matched 22 out of 25 casts (88%).

These conclusions were drawn. The team approach significantly reduced the time required to make correct matches; it appears that the palatal rugae pattern is sufficiently characteristic to discriminate between individuals; and this study supports the hypothesis that palatal rugae are unique and identification could be based upon their comparison.
The III-Fated Passenger Steamer Sultana: An Inland Maritime Mass Disaster of Unparalleled Magnitude
Authors: Berryman HE , Potter JO , Oliver S
Published: August 2015

On the night of 27 April 1865, the Sultana left Memphis for points north on the flood-swollen Mississippi River. An estimated 2347 individuals were on board this luxury passenger steamer—a boat designed to accommodate only 76 cabin passengers and 300 deck passengers.

At a point seven miles (11 km) north of Memphis near a group of islands known as Paddy's Hen and Chickens, 3 of the boat's 4 boilers exploded. The explosion, fire, and river claimed approximately 1547 lives, exceeding the death toll of the Titanic.

Why were so many passengers on board the Sultana? Why did the boilers explode? What were the stories of the survivors? And how does this tragedy compare with the Titanic disaster?

These questions are addressed along with other aspects of the tragedy. In addition, recent attempts by the authors to discover the exact location of the wreck are discussed.
A Review of A Field Guide for Human Skeletal Identification
Authors: Hinkes MJ
Published: August 2015

The title of this book exactly describes its contents. Bennett has assembled a collection of 55 tables in 4 areas of skeletal identification, with the intention of providing “easy access to numerical information while in the field.” It is an unfortunate fact of forensic science life that our examinations often take place under suboptimal conditions: out of doors, in poorly equipped facilities, under time constraints, away from labs and reference materials. This manual should make examinations easier under these circumstances.
The Detection of Gunshot Residue (GSR) Particles on the Bottom of Discharged Bullets
Authors: Bergman P , Enzel P , Springer E
Published: August 2015

The well-established method of gunshot residue (GSR) particle detection using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) is generally employed in both the examination of the suspect and the target area. In the present work, it was demonstrated that GSR particles can be consistently found on the bottoms of discharged bullets, including those severely deformed on impact or having undergone other severe conditions. In addition, a proposed mechanism for this finding was investigated. Because this phenomenon is found useful in several types of cases, it should be well remembered by criminalistic related examiners that the bottoms of discharged bullets contain valuable information not to be overlooked.
5-Methoxyninhydrin: A Reagent for the Chemical Development of Latent Fingerprints That Is Compatible with the Copper-Vapor Laser
Authors: Almog J , Hirshfeld A
Published: August 2015

5-Methoxy-2,2-dihydroxy-1,3 indanedione (5-methoxyninhydrin), a relatively simple analogue of ninhydrin, exhibits excellent properties as a developer of latent fingerprints on paper. While visible development closely resembles that achieved with ninhydrin, fluorescence after zinc chloride treatment is considerably stronger than that of ninhydrin developed prints, particularly when excited by the green line of the copper-vapor laser.
Teaching Ethics in a Forensic Science Curriculum
Authors: Peterson JL
Published: August 2015

Higher education programs in forensic science seldom devote attention to issues of professional ethics in their curricula. This paper describes the results of a pilot study inquiring into the attitudes of undergraduate students before and after exposure to forensic science ethical standards and problems. Recommendations are offered concerning those terms and concepts with which students should be familiar and the skills they need to acquire.
A Review of Sciences Legales et Police Scientifique (in French)
Authors: Finck PA
Published: August 2015

The author, J. L. Clement, has a Ph.D. in Sciences. He is a memeber of the Society of Legal Medicine of Paris, of the International Association of Forensic Science, and of the Forensic Science Society.
Two-Dimensional Absorption-Inhibition
Authors: Lee HC , Gaensslen RE , Pagliaro EM , Novitch B
Published: August 2015

A novel inhibition procedure, called two-dimensional absorption-inhibition, is described. The theory underlying this technique is developed based on a review of and comparison with existing inhibition methods. Two-dimensional inhibition takes advantage of the best features of inhibition-titration and titration-inhibition, and is shown to be more sensitive than either of them. Results obtained using all the inhibition methods on secretor saliva, semen, urine, urine stain, and perspiration stain specimens show that the new technique is especially powerful in correctly determining the ABH antigens in secretor body fluids having lower concentrations of soluble blood group antigens. A two-stage version of the two-dimensional procedure that makes it a practical casework method is described as well.
Cocaine and Homicide in Memphis and Shelby County: An Epidemic of Violence
Authors: Harruff RC , Francisco JT , Elkins SK , Maury Phillips A , Scott Fernandez G
Published: August 2015

In Memphis and the surrounding county, there were a record number of homicides (179) in 1986. During the same year, there was a marked increase in medical examiner cases where tests were positive for cocaine or its metabolites. Review of medical examiner and toxicology records from 1980 to 1986 found 87 cocaine related deaths; 46 of these were homicides. In 1986 alone, there were 53 cocaine related deaths, all manners, and 31 cocaine related homicides. In this year, 17.3% of the homicides were positive for cocaine or metabolite. The cocaine related homicides were similar to other homicides in terms of age, race, sex, blood ethanol concentration, and cause of death being due most often to firearms. In homicide cases in which an abuse drug was detected, cocaine accounted for the entire increase in 1986. Police records indicated that cocaine directly contributed to the homicide in 39% of the cases in which the drug was found. In other cases, we speculate that cocaine altered behavior may have contributed to the victim's being murdered either during the drug “high” or during the posteuphoric depression or withdrawal phase.
An Assessment of the Value of Blue, Red, and Black Cotton Fibers as Target Fibers in Forensic Science Investigations
Authors: Grieve MC , Dunlop J , Haddock P
Published: August 2015

Color is the primary characteristic used for comparing cotton fibers. Problems arising because of considerable intrasample variation may cause difficulty in assessing the matching of cotton fibers in a casework situation. Because of the number of dye classes used on cotton fibers, dye extraction and examination by thin-layer chromatography are more problematical than with other fiber types. This necessitates greater reliance on microspectrophotometry and fluorescence microscopy for dye comparison. Fibers from blue denim cannot generally be discriminated and are regarded as having little evidential value. Little or no published data exist on the evidential value of cotton fibers of other colors. This study was designed to assess the value of nondenim blue, red, and black cotton fibers as evidence. Of each color 46 samples were chosen at random (giving a total of 1035 comparisons per color). The number of matching pairs was established after using comparison microscopy, microspectrophotometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Some blue denim cotton fibers were also examined. Complementary chromaticity coordinates were computed for all samples. The results show that, provided adequate techniques are used to compare nondenim blue, red, and black cotton fibers, the chance of finding pairs with matching dyes by coincidence is low despite considerable color overlap. Black cotton fibers represent poorer value as evidence than either nondenim blue or red cotton fibers.
Development of a Radioimmunoassay Technique for the Detection of Human Hemoglobin in Dried Bloodstains
Authors: Quarino L , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

A sensitive radioimmunoassay for the detection of human hemoglobin in dried bloodstains for the purpose of forensic science species identification has been developed. Bloodstains from 13 animal species were tested and found to be negative for human blood. A minimum volume of 0.8 μL of fresh blood is required to produce sufficient stain for successful testing. Bloodstains prepared from newborn and sickle-cell bloods were determined to be human. Bloodstains ranging in age from 1 month to 6 years which had been maintained desiccated at 20 to 25°C were also successfully tested. Positive results were obtained on human bloodstains stored at 24°C with relative humidity ranging from 0 to 98% for a period of 3 weeks. Absolute counts per minute (CPM) decreased with increased humidity. Human bloodstains exposed to bacterial contamination (gram positive or negative species) under humid conditions for 2 weeks also tested positive. Bacterial contamination caused a decrease in CPM, but insufficient to result in an erroneous conclusion as to species of origin. Positive results were also obtained on human bloodstains stored for 6 weeks at various temperatures ranging from − 16 to 37°C. No significant decreases in CPM were noted for any of the temperature conditions described.
Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Profiles of Cannabis of Different Origins: Part I
Authors: Brenneisen R , ElSohly MA
Published: August 2015

High-resolution capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry (GC and GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to establish complex chemical profiles (chemical signatures) of Cannabis samples of known origin. Over 100 compounds could be differentiated, including noncannabinoids (terpenes, alkanes) as well as minor and major cannabinoids and their acids. A characteristic peak pattern was found within a limited number of specimens of identical origin. Correlation studies on the basis of peak area ratios [A(x)/A(i.s.)] showed the feasibility of tracing Cannabis chemically to its country of origin. Several forensic science applications for the chromatographic and spectroscopic profiles of confiscated Cannabis samples are discussed, such as detection of additives (phencyclidine), differentiation of chemotypes, and monitoring of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency.
Stability of Plasma Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Apolipoproteins B and A-I During the Early Postmortem Period
Authors: Särkioja T , Ylä-Herttuala S , Solakivi T , Nikkari T , Hirvonen J
Published: August 2015

The stability of plasma lipids and apolipoproteins during the early postmortem period was studied by taking four duplicate blood samples from eight cadavers 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after death. The bodies were kept at +4°C. The plasma samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I).

In TC, values rose by 6 and 11% in two cases, and in six cases diminished 3 to 15% during the first 6 h compared to values obtained 2 h postmortem. The greatest changes were a continuing rise in one case by 33% and a fall by 21% in another case during 24 h. In TG values marked changes took place including one case with a rise of 67% within 24 h. The concentrations of apo B rose by 9 to 11% in three cases and fell by 3 and 4% in two cases during 6 h, but during the whole study period a rise up to 78% occurred. In the concentrations of apo A-I, cases fell by as much as 42% in 6 h, and in one case rose by 20% during 6 h. The results indicate that unpredictable fluctuations occur in plasma lipid and apolipoprotein values within 24 h after death, and they should be interpreted cautiously if the samples have been taken after a prolonged postmortem period.
Operational Criteria for the Determination of Suicide
Authors: Rosenberg ML , Davidson LE , Smith JC , Berman AL , Buzbee H , Gantner G , Gay GA , Moore-Lewis B , Mills DH , Murray D , O'Carroll PW , Jobes D
Published: August 2015

Suicide is an important public health problem for which we have an inadequate public health database. In the United States, decisions about whether deaths are listed as suicides on death certificates are usually made by a coroner or medical examiner. These certification decisions are frequently marked by a lack of consistency and clarity, and laws and procedures for guiding these decisions vary from state to state and even from county to county.

Without explicit criteria to aid in this decision making, coroners or medical examiners may be more susceptible to pressures from families or communities not to certify specific deaths as suicide. In addition, coroners or medical examiners may certify similar deaths differently at different times. The degree to which suicides may be underreported or misclassified is unknown. This makes it impossible to estimate accurately the number of deaths by suicide, to identify risk factors, or to plan and evaluate preventive interventions.

To remedy these problems, a working group representing coroners, medical examiners, statisticians, and public health agencies developed operational criteria to assist in the determination of suicide. These criteria are based on a definition of suicide as “death arising from an act inflicted upon oneself with the intent to kill oneself.” The purpose of these criteria is to improve the validity and reliability of suicide statistics by: (1) promoting consistent and uniform classifications; (2) making the criteria for decision making in death certification explicit; (3) increasing the amount of information used in decision making; (4) aiding certifiers in exercising their professional judgment; and (5) establishing common standards of practice for the determination of suicide.
Causes of Death of Patients in an Institution for the Developmentally Disabled
Authors: Blisard KS , Martin C , Brown GW , Smialek JE , Davis LE , McFeeley PJ
Published: August 2015

The causes of death of 53 severely to profoundly developmentally disabled patients who died in an intermediate care facility were reviewed. Respiratory disease, predominantly pneumonia and aspiration, accounted for 72% of deaths. Seven patients died of nonrespiratory causes, and in 8 patients, no cause of death could be determined, even after a complete autopsy or investigation. The median age at death was 20 years. The weights of these patients' organs at autopsy were lower than those for normal individuals of the same age. The lifespan of these severely impaired individuals continues to be significantly shortened, even with improved methods of care.
Bullet Ricochet from Gypsum Wallboard
Authors: Jordan GE , Bratton DD , Donahue HCH , Rowe WF
Published: August 2015

In a criminal case, police alleged that a gouge in a plaster wall was the result of a bullet ricochet. Experimental studies showed that it is possible to obtain bullet ricochets from gypsum wallboard if the bullets are fired at a very low angle of incidence into the wallboard. The resulting ricochet marks, however, did not resemble the gouge alleged to have been caused by a bullet ricochet. When the angle of ricochet was determined, it was in all cases greater than the angle of incidence. While these results differ from those obtained in studies of ricochets from concrete and metal plates, they are similar to the results obtained in studies of bullet ricochet from soil and water.
Regional Study of Free Fatty Acids and Free Carnitine Behavior in Cardiac Tissue in Relation to Different Causes of Death
Authors: Lachica E , Villanueva E , Luna A
Published: August 2015

The determination of free fatty acids (FFA) and free carnitine (FC) in seven different regions of the human heart has been done. The hearts used were classified into six groups according to the cause of death. The results show that these two parameters are useless in ascertaining the cause of death, although they can provide useful postmortem information about the duration of the agonal process.
Estimation of Postmortem Interval Using Kinetic Analysis of the Third Component of Complement (C3) Cleavage
Authors: Kominato Y , Kumada K , Yamazaki K , Misawa S
Published: August 2015

To estimate postmortem interval (PMI), spontaneous cleavage of the third component of complement (C3) was studied in aged blood and cadaveric blood by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Using the kinetics of C3 cleavage in vitro described as dC/dt = −kC, where C is the concentration of native C3 at time t and k is a first-order rate constant, Arrhenius' equation, and another equation which assumes a linear drop of body temperature after death, the percentages of C3 cleavage were calculated. There was a significant positive correlation between the calculated percentages and the measured percentages of up to 10% in cadaveric blood. We found that the comparison between the calculated percentage of C3 cleavage for each optional postmortem interval and the measured percentage of up to 10% in cadaveric blood leads to the estimation of PMI. This approach is one step towards the development of an accurate method for determining PMI based on C3 cleavage, that is, on a first-order reaction.
Age Estimation from Quantitation of Features of “Chest Plate” X-Rays
Authors: Barrès DR , Durigon M , Paraire F
Published: August 2015

This study presents a method for estimating the age at death from the quantitation of roetgenologic features of X-ray films of chest plates obtained during routine autopsies. Multiple linear regression analysis allows estimation of coefficients of regression of features on known age-at-death individuals. The regression equation can be used in turn for age estimation of an unknown age-at-death individual. The accuracy of age estimation is about ±8.4 years (standard error) which is in the range of previously published macroscopic methods, though the present method is much faster and simpler.
A Review of Forensic Science Handbook: Vol. II
Authors: David Kutob S
Published: August 2015

The Forensic Science Handbook encompasses eight well-organized chapters written by authors who are highly qualified in the respective areas of their expertise. The authors' styles, the quality of the material, and the contents of each of the chapters make the book very interesting to read.
Use of the Cranial Base in the Identification of Fire Victims
Authors: Holland TD
Published: August 2015

Techniques exist for using the cranial base to estimate the race and sex of skeletalized individuals in forensic science cases. The applicability of these techniques to remains of fire victims has been uncertain because of possible cranial-base shrinkage that may result from burning. To determine the amount of shrinkage resulting from low-temperature burning (< 800°C), the cranial bases of eight dissecting room cadavers were measured, the bones then burned, and the cranial fragments remeasured. The wet-bone measurements were compared to the burned-bone measurements, and the percentage of shrinkage was calculated. The average change from wet to burned bone is less than 1.00%, a figure in agreement with other published studies. Since a change of 1.00% is less than intraobserver error, it is argued that low-temperature burning—such as an average house fire—does not significantly impair the accuracy of the identification techniques. Therefore, the techniques should be applicable to many fire victims.
A Look at Newer Photocopiers
Authors: Morton SE
Published: August 2015

Beginning in the early 1970s, office copiers came into widespread use. Their products posed grave difficulties for document examiners. The prevailing feeling came to be that no definite opinion as to handwriting identification or elimination should be based on a copy. In the intervening years, office copiers have greatly improved and document examiners have become more familiar with their limitations. The products of several copiers are examined in this paper to determine whether it is now advisable to base definite findings on machine copies.
Isoelectrophoretogram of Gazelle Hemoglobin—A Suggested Tool for Proving Hunting Offenses
Authors: Marbach A
Published: August 2015

Hunting gazelle is an offense according to Israeli law. When comparative isoelectric focusing was performed on bloodstains made from gazelle, goat, sheep, and cow blood, the pattern obtained from gazelle hemoglobin differed from those of the other animals tested. The use of this difference in hemoglobin pattern is suggested as a means to identify gazelle blood in hunting offense cases.
Two Six-Shot Suicides in Close Geographic and Temporal Proximity
Authors: Marsh TO , Brown ER , Burkhardt RP , Davis JH
Published: August 2015

Two six-shot suicides are reported that occurred in adjoining counties in Ohio eleven-and-one-half weeks apart. There is no indication of any connection between victims, and it is doubtful that the second individual knew of the first death since there was no news media coverage of the first death. The most significant points of commonality between the two cases are the location of the gunshot wounds (anterior chest and upper abdomen) and the responses of disbelief from those outside the medicolegal professions. Knowledge of such cases with a high number of shots and more than one fatal wound can assist death investigators in confronting similar cases.
Concealment of the Body in Drug Deaths
Authors: Hawley DA , Doedens DJ , McClain JL , Pless JE
Published: August 2015

Discovery of a concealed body often leads to the assumption that the manner of death was homicide. However, in cases where death has resulted from illicit drug use or drug abuse, the body may be concealed to protect persons involved in drug abuse or drug marketing.
500 Psychological Autopsies
Authors: Litman RE
Published: August 2015

Five hundred psychological autopsies on equivocal (suicide versus accident) deaths were reviewed to ascertain which factors are significant in making the determination between suicidal and accidental deaths. Factors varied in relative importance according to the method used to cause death. Significant factors included life-style, recent stress, suicidal communications, previous self-destructive behaviors, history of depression, and obvious factors from the physical evidence such as large amounts of drugs in the blood. Although the court-provided decision guideline is “a preponderance of the evidence,” in practice, the assembled evidence is often used to construct a “most credible” scenario to explain the death.
Ethics and the Forensic Sciences: Professional Autonomy in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Frankel MS
Published: August 2015

Forensic scientists in their roles as expert witnesses or as laboratory employees experience restrictions on their exercise of professional discretion which raise questions about their ability to act responsibly in the criminal justice system. To respond effectively to these challenges to their professional autonomy, forensic scientists must find ways to increase their control over their work and to convince other key actors in the criminal justice system of the importance of doing so.