bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water-Soaked Evidence: Detectability of Explosive Traces After Immersion in Water
Authors: Kamyshny A , Magdassi S , Avissar Y , Almog J
Published: August 2015

Various factors governing the detectability of explosive traces after being soaked in water were studied. The variables are: the type of the surface (surfaces liable to be found in aircraft were chosen), the type of explosive, the type of water (tap or seawater), and movement of the immersed surface in the water. The maximal immersion times (tmax) after which explosive detection was possible were evaluated. This datum was found to depend on the type of explosive (one of the important factors is solubility in water), the surface material and the environmental conditions (tap or seawater movement). Detection of PETN on high-density polyethylene, linoleum, glass and aluminum, by the chemical Explosive Testing Kit (ETK), was possible even after a month of soaking in seawater. In addition, it has been found that movement of bulk water around the samples with deposited explosives considerably decreases tmax values. It is, therefore, recommended to retrieve samples for explosive analysis as soon as possible and in areas where the currents of water is minimal.
Using Resolution Calculations to Assess Changes in Capillary Electrophoresis Run Parameters
Authors: Buel E , LaFountain M , Schwartz M
Published: August 2015

Capillary electrophoresis is widely used in the forensic community for the analysis of Short Tandem Repeat DNA. The CE system used in most forensic laboratories allows the user to modify standard operational protocols to accommodate some samples that fall outside of interpretational guidelines. We have made operational changes and monitored system resolution and the ability of the software to identify alleles as a result of these modifications. Increased amount of amplified product in the injection preparation, lengthened injection times or repeated injections of the same sample were all investigated along with variations in run voltages. Certain protocol modifications offer some advantages to the analysis of STRs and may allow the analyst to avoid extraction of additional portions of crime scene samples to achieve interpretable results.
Detection of Fetal DNA in a Cell Pellet after Centrifugation of Mountant
Authors: Banaschak S , Michael M
Published: August 2015

In order to obtain fetal cells (e.g., for paternity cases) after abortion, the centrifugation of mountant (in our case formalin) may be tried when the DNA examination of the fixed tissue itself gives limited or no (or not enough) information. The fixed tissue was microscopically negative for fetal cells and gave no satisfactory results when examined for DNA. Centrifugation of approximately 50 mL of reddish colored formalin resulted in a cell pellet that was examined for DNA, which gave enough information to confirm a case of sexual abuse.
Evaluation of the DNA Stability of Forensic Markers Used in Betel-Quid Chewers' Oral Swab Samples and Oral Cancerous Specimens: Implications for Forensic Application
Authors: Yang C , Hsieh L , Tsai C , Chiou F , Chou S , Hsu B , Pai C
Published: August 2015

Chewed betel-quid (BQ) residues are often considered vital biological evidence at crime scenes, since the human DNA extracted from the residues is actually from buccal epithelial cells and can be associated with suspects. BQ-chewing is also a risk factor for oral diseases and/or cancers. Archived medical oral-specimens can be used to identify specific individuals under adverse conditions, although STR markers are known to be unstable in various tumor tissues. This study evaluates the DNA stability of forensic marker systems in BQ-chewers' oral epithelial cells, and in archived clinical specimens of oral cancer patients. The genotypes of oral and paired peripheral blood samples in 200 subjects were compared, using the commercialized typing systems of HLA-DQA1, PM (including LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC loci), and AmplFCSTR™ markers (including 9 STR loci and the Amelogenin gene). The 100 healthy BQ-chewers had consistent oral swab and paired blood sample genotypes analyzed with both DQA1/PM and STR marker systems. In the 100 oral cancer patients, one discordant result at D7S8 was found in the 600 DQA1/PMmarker loci, and 25 allelic alterations with expansion or contraction were detected in the 900 STR loci. The findings herein suggest that when cancerous specimens were tested, the HLA-DQA1/PM system with point polymorphism appears more reliable than the STR system with length polymorphism. Our results also indicate that healthy BQ-chewers' oral cotton swabs containing buccal epithelial cells are useful for forensic purposes using the HLA-DQA1, PM, and STR marker systems.
Time Since Discharge of Pistols and Revolvers
Authors: Andrasko J , Ståhling S
Published: August 2015

The estimation of time since the latest discharge of pistols and revolvers has been achieved by the Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) sampling technique and the GC/TEA analytical system. The TEA2 compound, which in our previous work (1) was observed in barrels of shotguns and rifles as well as inside spent cartridges, was also detected in pistols and revolvers. The amount of this compound was very low in shortbarreled small arms and its escape from the barrel could generally be measured for only a few days or up to two weeks after the latest discharge. To improve the detection of TEA2 compound, the SPME sampling time was prolonged and fibers coated by Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane were used.

The decrease of the TEA2 peak with time after shooting from pistols is nonexponential but the curve-fitting procedure proposed for the estimation of time since discharge of shotguns and rifles is difficult to apply as the decay is very rapid. Therefore, the detection of TEA2 compounds in small arms should be interpreted that the firearm had been used very recently. The amount of volatile decomposition products of smokeless powder increased significantly with the length of the barrel when firearms of the same caliber, but with different barrel lengths were investigated.
Testing the Validity of Metacarpal Use in Sex Assessment of Human Skeletal Remains
Authors: Burrows AM , Zanella VP , Brown TM
Published: August 2015

To assess the potential of employing metacarpals in assessing sex of human skeletal remains, previous investigators have generated regression equations (Scheuer & Elkington, 1995) and linear discriminant functions (Falsetti, 1995; Stojanowski, 1999) based upon measurements from metacarpals. Results have varied in overall accuracy and which metacarpal produces the greatest accuracy. Using a contemporary sample, this study seeks to evaluate the validity of using metacarpals to assign sex by testing methodologies of previous studies. Measurements defined by previous authors were repeated on metacarpals from 23 adult cadavers and data were subjected to regression equations and linear discriminant analysis according to previous methodologies. Accuracy in sex determination from methods of Scheuer & Elkington (1993) and Falsetti (1995) were lower than originally reported while accuracy from methods of Stojanowski (1999) were higher than previously reported. These results suggest that the use of metacarpals in sex determination may be limited and should be applied cautiously.
The Feasibility of External Blind DNA Proficiency Testing. I. Background and Findings
Authors: Peterson JL , George Lin,2 M.S G , Ho M , Chen Y , Gaensslen RE
Published: August 2015

We describe the origins, purposes, and findings of a national study to determine whether a large-scale program of blind proficiency testing in U.S. DNA laboratories is feasible and/or practical. Proficiency testing in clinical laboratories is reviewed, particularly as mandated by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Acts and its role in the regulation of those laboratories. Proficiency testing in forensic urine drug testing labs is also briefly reviewed. Studies involving comparisons between open and blind proficiency testing are discussed. The clinical laboratory proficiency testing and regulation landscape provides the background for the DNA Act of 1994, and the congressional mandate to investigate blind proficiency testing in forensic DNA laboratories. Four models of blind proficiency testing are defined and discussed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each and estimates of the costs of a large-scale program. The purposes of proficiency testing in a quality-assurance context are likewise discussed and related to the models and the arguments generally proffered for and against blind vs. open proficiency testing.
The Feasibility of External Blind DNA Proficiency Testing. II. Experience with Actual Blind Tests
Authors: Peterson JL , Lin G , Ho M , Chen Y , Gaensslen RE
Published: August 2015

The background and goals of a national study to determine the feasibility of blind proficiency testing in U.S. forensic DNA laboratories are discussed. Part of the project involved designing and executing a series of fifteen blind proficiency tests. Execution included biological specimen donor recruitment and case evidence manufacturing. Simulated cases were submitted to DNA laboratories by law enforcement agencies and in some cases by other forensic-science laboratories. Replicate-manufactured evidence was submitted to reference laboratories to simulate the workings of a larger-scale program. Ten tests were straightforward, and essentially tested analytical ability. Five tests involved selecting on the basis of case facts appropriate bloodstains for typing from a bloodstain pattern. We describe in detail our experience in designing and conducting these blind proficiency test trials, and relate those experiences to the overall issue of blind proficiency testing as a quality-assurance tool in forensic DNA laboratories. In this feasibility test series, one blind test was detected by a laboratory, a second one was shown to the lab by law enforcement, and a third was never completed because of lapses in communication. Turnaround times were relatively fast in the independent/commercial labs and relatively slow in the larger public laboratories. Two cross-state case-to-case CODIS "hits" were "planted" among the first series of ten blind tests. One pair was detected. One member of the second pair went to a lab that was not CODIS-ready.
Measurement of Eyeball Protrusion and Its Application in Facial Reconstruction
Authors: Wilkinson CM , Mautner SA
Published: August 2015

The estimation of eyeball protrusion from the bony orbit has traditionally relied upon Wolff's theory (1976) that the cornea will be tangental to a line taken from the superior to the inferior orbital margin. This study tested this theory by taking measurements from MRI cranial images of 78 eyes of white adult subjects. Orbital depth had a significant negative linear correlation with eyeball protrusion, and protrusion of the eyeball was determined by the following standard: eyeball protrusion = 18.3 — (0.4 x orbit depth). Current eyeball position determination was shown to be as much as 3.9 mm too deep in the socket, and a practical application of this result to facial reconstruction is discussed.
Characterization of a Novel Dimorphism in the 5‵ Flanking Region of the Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Locus, c-fes/fps (FES)
Authors: Bieschke ET , Wallace MM , De Forest PR , Shaler RC , Prinz M
Published: August 2015

The FES short tandem repeat (STR) locus contains seven to 14 repeats of the tetranucleotide sequence ATTT. A novel 10 base pair dimorphism in the 5' flanking region of the FES locus was characterized in four broad populations: African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, and Asian. The absence of the 10 base pair sequence, or (−) allele, was closely linked to FES STR alleles with 10 or fewer repeats. The presence of the 10 base pair sequence, or (+) allele, was closely linked to FES STR alleles with 12 or more repeats. The (−) and (+) alleles occurred equally often in FES STR allele11. The nucleotide sequence (5'-GGCTGTTTTG-3') of the (+) allele, located 179 base pairs upstream of the FES STR, was determined to be consistent within and among the four populations. Statistical and sequence analysis confirmed the linkage between the two polymorphic sites. The results indicate that the exclusion rate of the FES locus is increased, above that for the STR alone, when both polymorphic characteristics are considered.
GC-MS of Ignitable Liquids Using Solvent-Desorbed SPME for Automated Analysis
Authors: Harris AC , Wheeler JF
Published: August 2015

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is well documented with respect to its convenience and applicability to sampling volatiles. Nonetheless, fire debris analysts have yet to widely adopt SPME as a viable extraction technique, although several fire debris studies have demonstrated the utility of SPME coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify ignitable liquids. This work considers the expansion of SPME sampling from the customary thermal desorption mode to solvent-based analyte desorption for the analysis of ignitable residues. SPME extraction fibers are desorbed in 30μL of nonaqueous solvent to yield a solution amenable to conventional GC-MS analysis with standard autosampler apparatus. This approach retains the advantages of convenience and sampling time associated with thermal desorption while simultaneously improving the flexibility and throughput of the method. Based on sampling results for three ignitable liquids (gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel) in direct comparisons with the widely used activated charcoal strip (ACS) method this methodology appears to be a viable alternative to the routinely used ACS method.
Development and Validation of a Multiplexed Y-Chromosome STR Genotyping System, Y-PLEX™6, for Forensic Casework
Authors: Sinha SK , Budowle B , Arcot SS , Richey SL , Chakraborty R , Jones MD , Wojtkiewicz PW , Schoenbauer DA , Gross AM , Sinha SK , Shewale JG
Published: August 2015

A Y-chromosome multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification kit, known as Y-PLEX™6, has been developed for use in human identification. The Y-PLEX™6 kit enables simultaneous amplification of six polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) loci located on the non-recombinant region of the human Y-chromosome. These loci are: DYS393, DYS19, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, and DYS385. Our studies show that as little as 0.2 ng of template DNA can be used for analysis. The specificity of the amplification reaction enabled analysis of male DNA in a male:female DNA mixture at a ratio of 1:125. Among the six Y-STR loci, the maximum mean stutter percentage was 11.9 for allele at DYS389II locus. Attempts at amplification of DNA from various animal sources revealed that the Y-PLEX™6 primers are human specific. Details of the development of the kit, generation and description of the allelic ladders, and validation of the multiplex PCR are presented. In addition, Y-STR allele and haplotype frequencies in three populations have been investigated. The data indicate that results obtained using the Y-PLEX™6 kit are robust, sensitive, and reliable and can be used in human forensic and male lineage identification cases. Erratum to this paper appears in 48(3).
Iatrogenic Catheter-Related Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Report of Fatal Hydropericardium Following Subcutaneous Implantation of a Chemotherapeutic Injection Port
Authors: Shields LBE , Hunsaker DM , Hunsaker JC
Published: August 2015

The need to obtain dependable access to the vascular system constitutes a significant component in the treatment and management of critically ill patients. Intravenous chemotherapy administered to cancer patients over an extended period of time often results in loss of peripheral vascular access due to vein sclerosis, “exhaustion” or tissue necrosis. Medical investigators have designed and steadily upgraded a variety of devices constructed to improve venous access for long-term utilization. As with the introduction of any foreign object into the body, each of these devices has complications which may be life threatening and occasionally fatal. We present an unusual case of iatrogenic acute hydropericardium and cardiac tamponade caused by the percutaneous infusion of chemotherapeutic fluid via a right subclavian central venous implant system (Porta-Cath®). Failure to implant and monitor the device with a radiograph following placement according to manufacturer's guidelines and accepted standards of medical practice were causally related to an unusual complication, namely, perforation of the right cardiac ventricle by the catheter tip, resulting in sudden and unexpected cardiac death.
Twenty-Seven Years of Forensic Anthropology Casework in New Mexico
Authors: Komar D
Published: August 2015

A review of anthropological consult cases for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator was conducted for the years 1974 through 2000. A total of 596 cases are summarized and information is presented on the sex and age of the individuals, season of recovery, depositional environment, body covering, time since death, perimortem trauma, postmortem animal activity, and skeletal element recovery. Results reveal a higher percentage of male victims (76%). No variation is seen in the seasonal distribution of cases. In cases with known time since death, 35% were recovered within one week while 30% had a postmortem interval exceeding one year. Depositional environments include surface (45%), burial (13%), and airplane crashes (9.5%). In 42% of the cases, no evidence of perimortem trauma was observed. Postmortem animal activity was noted in 46% of cases. Data presented in this study may prove useful in supporting expert witness testimony and generating future research models.
A Classifier for the SNP-Based Inference of Ancestry
Authors: Frudakis T , Venkateswarlu K , Thomas MJ , Gaskin Z , Ginjupalli S , Gunturi S , Ponnuswamy V , Natarajan S , Nachimuthu PK
Published: August 2015

Ancestral inference from DNA could serve as an important adjunct for both standard and future human identity testing procedures. However, current STR methods for the inference of ancestral affiliation have inherent statistical and technical limitations. In an effort to identify biallelic markers that can be used to infer ancestral affiliation from DNA, we screened 211 SNPs in the human pigmentation and xenobiotic metabolism genes. Allele frequencies of 56 SNPs (most from pigmentation genes) were dramatically different between groups of unrelated individuals of Asian, African, and European descent, and both observed and simulated log likelihood ratios revealed that the markers were of exceptional value for ancestral inference. Log likelihood ratios of the multilocus estimates of biological ancestry (EAE/EBA) ranged from 7 to 10, which are on par with the best of the STR batteries yet described. A linear classification method was developed for incorporating these SNPs into a classifier model that was 99, 98, and 100% accurate for identifying individuals of European, African, and Asian descent, respectively. The methods and markers we describe are therefore an important first step for the development of a practical multiplex test for the inference of ancestry in a forensics setting.
Glass-Containing Gunshot Residue Particles: A New Type of Highly Characteristic Particle?
Authors: Collins P , Coumbaros J , Horsley G , Lynch B , Kirkbride KP , Skinner W , Klass G
Published: August 2015

In 0.22 caliber rimfire ammunition, the primer often contains lead or lead and barium compounds. As residues from these primers do not contain lead, barium, and antimony, they cannot be uniquely classified as gunshot residue (GSR) under ASTM designation E 1588-95. In many types of 0.22 caliber rimfire ammunition, the cartridge contains a primer sensitized with glass. In this paper we describe a previously unreported type of GSR particle consisting of glass fused with other primer components. As there appear to be few potential environmental or occupational sources of particles composed of lead and barium compounds fused to glass, particularly borosilicate glass, these particles may have high evidential value. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were evaluated for the characterization of glass-containing GSR particles. The occurrence of glass-containing GSR particles was established in the residue from various brands of 0.22 caliber ammunition, and several sub-types were identified.
Volitional Impairment and the Sexually Violent Predator
Authors: Grinage BD
Published: August 2015

This article discusses psychiatry's limited conceptualization of volitional capacity and its application to sexually violent predator laws by exploring two legal opinions critical to predator case law (Kansas v. Hendricks and Kansas v. Crane). The author reviewed pertinent psychiatric literature on impaired volition to identify potential contributions and limitations that psychiatry may offer the legal field. Assessment of the ego dystonic nature of impaired self-regulation, utilization of recent advances in self-assessment and laboratory evaluation of impulsive behavior, and dimensional categorization of a volitional capacity construct are recommended as an approach to the assessment and understanding of an inability to control concept. This paper concludes that elements of volition may be psychiatrically evaluated in a way that contributes to the Court's understanding of that capacity. However, further study is needed to operationally define volitional capacity and address issues of assessment validity and reliability.
Osteoporosis Associated with the Treatment of Paraphilias: A Clinical Review of Seven Case Reports
Authors: Grasswick LJ , Bradford JMW
Published: August 2015

Osteoporosis and long-term androgen suppression in the treatment of paraphilias has been documented with surgical castration and the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. The literature has suggested that the use of cyproterone acetate (CPA) may be protective against osteoporosis, although there are case reports of osteoporosis in men treated with CPA. This pilot study represents a case series of seven patients diagnosed with severe paraphilias and treated with CPA, leuprolide, or surgical castration. Two of the four patients treated with CPA developed significant osteoporosis, while the other two had normal bone density studies. The remaining three patients, one treated with leuprolide and two with surgical castration, had osteopenia. Based upon the current literature, the finding of significant osteoporosis in two of four patients treated with CPA, but not those treated with leuprolide or castration, is surprising. Monitoring of all patients treated with long-term androgen suppression for osteoporosis is suggested.
Inhibition of Bleach-Induced Luminol Chemiluminescence
Authors: Kent EJM , Elliot DA , Miskelly GM
Published: August 2015

The luminol chemiluminescence presumptive test for blood is based on the mild peroxidase activity of hemoglobin in basic peroxide solution. However, this test is subject to interference by strong oxidants, certain transition metal ions, and true peroxidases. This paper reports methods for reducing the interference caused by hypochlorite-containing bleaches. Amines such as 1,2-diaminoethane react rapidly with hypochlorite without interfering significantly with the hemoglobin-catalyzed oxidation. Thus, addition of 0.1 mol/L 1,2-diaminoethane to a standard luminol-peroxide spray lead to almost complete inhibition of hypochlorite-induced chemiluminescence while satisfactory chemiluminescence was still observed from bloodstains. If time allows, an alternative method for reducing interference from hypochlorite bleach is to wait several days until the bloodstains have dried thoroughly, by which time the hypochlorite will have decomposed.
The Fingernails of Mary Sullivan: Developing Reliable Methods for Selectively Isolating Endogenous and Exogenous DNA from Evidence
Authors: Cline RE , Laurent NM , Foran DR
Published: August 2015

The fingernails of Mary Sullivan, the last victim of the Boston Strangler, were examined to determine if any genetic information about the murderer could be obtained. The nails were extremely friable necessitating the development of new techniques for isolating and purifying DNA. DNA yields from nails were optimized by using a NaOH-based preparation technique, which was simple, efficient, and minimized handling. Methods for selectively and thoroughly removing exogenous material on nails were also developed through use of a species-specific PCR assay, wherein mitochondrial DNA from the nail could easily be differentiated from DNA of contaminating cells.
DNA Profiling of Azoospermic Semen Samples from Vasectomized Males by Using Y-PLEX™6 Amplification Kit
Authors: Shewale JG , Sikka SC , Schneida E , Sinha SD
Published: August 2015

Post-vasectomized azoospermic semen samples (N = 6) were analyzed for short tandem repeats (STR) on the Y-chromosome by using Y-PLEX™6 and the 310 Genetic Analyzer. We have observed a wide variation in the yield of extracted DNA from 12.5-1000 ng. This variation was attributed to the number of epithelial and/or white blood cells that are present in these azoospermic samples. DNA profiles of these vasectomized males were obtained for all six Y-STR loci, namely DYS393, DYS19, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, and DYS385 amplified by using the Y-PLEX™6.
Validation of Cytochrome b Sequence Analysis as a Method of Species Identification
Authors: Branicki W , Kupiec T , Pawlowski R
Published: August 2015

One of the stages of dealing with biological material submitted to forensic laboratories is species identification. The aim of the present work was to validate and assess the possibility of applying sequence analysis of the region coding cytochrome b as a method of species identification in the field of forensic science. DNA originating from individuals from major phyla of vertebrates was isolated by the organic method from various specimens. Extracted DNA was subjected to PCR and direct cycle sequencing using a universal pair of primers. The validation process, performed according to TWGDAM recommendations, revealed that the technique is a very sensitive and reliable method of species identification allowing analysis of tiny amounts of material and also degraded material, and can be useful in the field of forensic genetics. The case example presented here, concerning the determination of species origin of biological evidence collected from fatal road accident, confirms that analysis can be carried out even when there is no reference sample, and the sequences obtained can be assessed through analysis of their similarity to sequences for cytochrome b present in DNA databases.
Mechanisms of Unexpected Death in Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Byard RW , Blumbergs PC , James RA
Published: August 2015

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a protean autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multifocal tissue lesions arising from defects in cellular migration, proliferation, and differentiation. It has an association with sudden death. In the current study, review of all cases of sudden death due to tuberous sclerosis was undertaken at the Forensic Science Centre in Adelaide, Australia from 1991 to 2001, in addition to an analysis of cases from the literature. There were two local cases where unexpected death had occurred in individuals with known tuberous sclerosis, involving a 31-year-old male (epilepsy), and a 24-year-old female (massive hemorrhage into a renal angiomyolipoma). Fatal mechanisms in cases of tuberous sclerosis may be associated with underlying cardiovascular, renal and cerebral abnormalities. Sudden death may be due to cardiac arrhythmia, epilepsy, and intra-tumoral hemorrhage with additional complications including cardiac outflow obstruction, obstructive hydrocephalus, aneurysm rupture, and spontaneous pneumothorax. An awareness of the highly variable tissue manifestations of tuberous sclerosis and the mechanisms that may be responsible for death is necessary to establish correctly the diagnosis in occult cases (possibly with molecular confirmation), and to chart accurately organ changes in individuals with established disease.
Reexamination of a Measurement for Sexual Determination Using the Supero-Inferior Femoral Neck Diameter in a Modern European Population
Authors: Alunni-Perret V , Staccini P , Quatrehomme G
Published: August 2015

The present study reexamines the accuracy of the supero-inferior femoral neck diameter for the determination of sex using a modern sample of French individuals. In 1998, Seidemann et al. used this univariate method for sex determination with the Hamann-Todd collection. Stojanowski and Seidemann in 1999 tested previous results on a modern sample taken from the University of New Mexico and concluded that the Caucasian male samples exhibited no significant differences between individuals born before and after 1900, but the Caucasian female subgroup did exhibit differences with an increase of the SID in the modern sample. The current study compares the previous results of the supero-inferior femoral neck diameter with a modern sample of elderly French individuals born after 1910. Both sides of the femur were measured. No statistical difference was found between the right and left side ( p = 0.31). The results showed a significant difference between the pre-1900 and the modern sample, with an increase in femoral neck diameter in modern populations. The comparison of the SID values between the two modern samples (Mexico and Nice) showed no significant differences in the femoral neck diameter in the two male subgroups ( p = 0.05), but the measurements of the SID in the female subgroup did exhibit significant differences with an increase of the neck femoral diameter ( p < 0.01) in the modern French population. These results demonstrate an increase in the neck femoral morphology in the elderly European French females samples.
Characterization of Pyrotechnic Reaction Residue Particles by SEM/EDS
Authors: Kosanke KL , Dujay RC , Kosanke B
Published: August 2015

Today the method commonly used for detecting gunshot residue is through the combined use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In recent years, this same methodology began to find use in detecting and characterizing pyrotechnic reaction residue (PRR) particles whether produced by explosion or burning. This is accomplished by collecting particulate samples from a surface in the immediate area of the pyrotechnic reaction. Suspect PRR particles are identified by their morphology (typically 1 to 20 µm spheroidal particles) using an SEM; then they are analyzed for the elements they contain using X-ray EDS. This can help to identify the general type of pyrotechnic composition involved.
Further Studies on Spot Tests and Microcrystal Tests for Identification of Cocaine
Authors: Swiatko J , De Forest PR , Zedeck MS
Published: August 2015

The presence of cocaine in illicit drug samples is still being determined in some laboratories using spot tests and microcrystal tests. Seventeen chemical species were tested using three different spot tests (Wagner, Marquis, and cobalt thiocyanate followed by stannous chloride reactions) and two microcrystal tests (gold chloride and platinic chloride) to determine whether the results could be differentiated from the results of these tests on cocaine. The data obtained indicated that nine of the 17 compounds gave results similar to those from cocaine using the three spot tests, but that the results from microcrystal testing allowed for differentiation of all nine compounds from cocaine.
Lessons from Srebrenica: The Contributions and Limitations of Physical Anthropology in Identifying Victims of War Crimes
Authors: Komar D
Published: August 2015

In July 1995, the town of Srebrenica fell to Bosnian-Serb forces, leaving more than 7000 Muslim men missing and presumed dead. Anthropologists participating in the identification process were faced with a unique problem: the victims appeared identical. All were adult males of a single ethnic group. Decomposition as well as the absence of antemortem (AM) medical and dental records confounded identification. As of December 1999, only 63 men had been positively identified using DNA, personal effects, and identification papers. Are current anthropological methods of sex, age, and stature estimation and AM trauma assessment sufficiently accurate to differentiate the remaining victims and aid in their identification? Comparisons of relative-reported AM information and postmortem examination records for 59 of the 63 identified individuals indicated that while all individuals were sexed correctly, only 42.4% were accurately aged and 29.4% had a stature estimate that included their reported height.
Discriminant Function Sexing of Fragmentary and Complete Femora: Standards for Contemporary Croatia
Authors: Šlaus M , Strinović D , Škavić J , Petrovečki V
Published: August 2015

Determining sex is one of the first and most important steps in identifying decomposed corpses or skeletal remains. Previous studies have demonstrated that populations differ from each other in size and proportion and that these differences can affect metric assessment of sex. This paper establishes standards for determining sex from fragmentary and complete femurs in a modern Croatian population. The sample is composed of 195 femora (104 male and 91 female) from positively identified victims of the 1991 War in Croatia. Six discriminant functions were generated, one using seven variables, three using two variables, and two employing one variable. Results show that complete femora can be sexed with 94.4% accuracy. The same overall accuracy, with slight differences in male/female accuracy, was achieved using a combination of two variables defining the epiphyses, and with the variable maximum diameter of the femoral head.
Searching for Graves Using Geophysical Technology: Field Tests with Ground Penetrating Radar, Magnetometry, and Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Buck S
Published: August 2015

Field experiments were conducted using three types of geophysical equipment in a variety of situations. The goal of the study was to ascertain the relative utility of this technology for non-geophysical expert forensic professionals searching for buried human remains. The study concludes that the equipment should be used with caution after a critical evaluation of specific field conditions, and more refinement of technical methods and skills should be developed.
Taphonomic Mycota: Fungi with Forensic Potential
Authors: Carter DO , Tibbett M
Published: August 2015

Forensic archaeologists and criminal investigators employ many different techniques for the location, recovery, and analysis of clandestine graves. Many of these techniques are based upon the premise that a grave is an anomaly and therefore differs physically, biologically, or chemically from its surroundings. The work reviewed in this communication demonstrates how and why field mycology might provide a further tool towards the investigation of scenes of crime concealed in forest ecosystems. The fruiting structures of certain fungi, the ammonia and the postputrefaction fungi, have been recorded repeatedly in association with decomposed mammalian cadavers in disparate regions of the world. The ecology and physiology of these fungi are reviewed briefly with a view to their potential as a forensic tool. This application of mycology is at an interface with forensic archaeology and forensic taphonomy and may provide a means to detect graves and has the potential to estimate postburial interval.
Stable-Isotope Fingerprints of Biological Agents as Forensic Tools
Authors: Horita J , Vass AA
Published: August 2015

Naturally occurring stable isotopes of light elements in chemical and biological agents may possess unique “stable-isotope fingerprints” depending on their sources and manufacturing processes. To test this hypothesis, two strains of bacteria (Bacillus globigii and Erwinia agglomerans) were grown under controlled laboratory conditions. We observed that cultured bacteria cells faithfully inherited the isotopic composition (hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen) of media waters and substrates in predictable manners in terms of bacterial metabolism and that even bacterial cells of the same strain, which grew in media water and substrates of different isotopic compositions, have readily distinguishable isotopic signatures. These "stable-isotopic fingerprints" of chemical and biological agents can be used as forensic tools in the event of biochemical terrorist attacks.
Spontaneous Cerebellar Hemorrhage in Children
Authors: Rosen RS , Armbrustmacher V , Sampson BA
Published: August 2015

Spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhages are a rare but often fatal occurrence in children. Although there are several predisposing factors such as blood dyscrasias or astrocytomas, the most common cause of cerebellar hemorrhage in an otherwise healthy child is the rupture of a vascular malformation. We reviewed the files of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York and found four such instances over a period of less than two years. We present these here and outline the approach the forensic pathologist should take in evaluating such deaths.
Model of Age Estimation Based on Dental Factors of Unknown Cadavers Among Iranians
Authors: Monzavi BF , Ghodoosi O , Savabi O , Hasanzadeh A
Published: August 2015

Two hundred and ten cadavers ranging in age from 25 to 60 were studied. Thirty subjects from each five-year interval were selected, and data were collected using the mandibular anterior and premolar teeth after extraction. Sections ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 mm were measured by a stereo microscope with a precision of 0.1 mm. The following factors were determined: attrition, periodontosis, root resorption, secondary dentine apposition, cementum apposition, and translucency of the root. Statistical analysis used the sum of ranks of the dental factors as an independent variable in a linear regression model to estimate the age of the cadaver. Among the different mandibular teeth, the sum of ranks of the first premolar factors had the best correlation coefficient with age. The sum of the dental factors presented a better model than each of the factors alone. The first premolar is recommended as the first step in the estimation of age.
A Simple Method of DNA Extraction and STR Typing from Urine Samples Using a Commercially Available DNA/RNA Extraction Kit
Authors: Yasuda T , Iida R , Takeshita H , Ueki M , Nakajima T , Kaneko Y , Mogi K , Tsukahara T , Kishi K
Published: August 2015

We devised a simple DNA extraction procedure suitable for STR typing of urine sample. Use of a commercially available DNA/RNA extraction kit equipped with a silica-gel-based membrane made it possible to omit the recovery of urinary nucleated cells by sedimentation before the extraction. Successful genotyping of the TH01, HumTPO and multiplex STRs was achieved using aliquots of urine as small as 100 µL. Furthermore, application of this DNA extraction procedure to frozen urine samples provided STR allele results comparable to results obtained from fresh samples. Therefore, this extraction procedure is considered to be effective for STR typing of urine samples in both the frozen and aqueous state. Furthermore, addition of sodium azide to fresh urine samples prolonged their storage duration even at room temperature.
Identification and Quantitation of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (NaGHB) by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Chew SL , Meyers JA
Published: August 2015

The most common means of identification of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (NaGHB) involves using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of a suitable derivative. However, these methods may be complicated by possible shifts in chemical equilibrium between gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), GHB salts and the precursor lactone, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). This paper addresses the technique of proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR) for the direct and accurate identification of GHB and GBL. The application of 1H NMR for GHB quantitation is also discussed.
AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ Short Tandem Repeat DNA Analysis of Casework Samples, Mixture Samples, and Nonhuman DNA Samples Amplified under Reduced PCR Volume Conditions (25 µL)
Authors: Fregeau CJ , Bowen KL , Leclair B , Trudel I , Bishop L , Fourney RM
Published: August 2015

As part of the validation of the AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ short tandem repeat (STR) system, under reduced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) volume conditions (i.e., 25 µL), a total of 275 casework samples were processed. Examples of profiles are presented along with amplification conditions to improve the odds of obtaining balanced and complete profiles for samples showing partial results or profiles with a descending slope. Data collected and used to develop our interpretation guidelines are included. From the mixture studies, full profiles were obtained for minor contributors, using 2 ng of DNA, with ratios of 10:1 or 1:20 and using 1 ng of DNA, with ratios of 10:1 and 1:8. The specificity of the Profiler Plus™ amplification reaction performed in 25 µL was examined and confirmed using a large spectrum of nonhuman DNAs. This report supports the use of the AmpF€STR® Profiler Plus™ STR system for casework DNA typing under reduced PCR volume conditions.
Osteometric Sorting of Commingled Human Remains
Authors: Byrd JE , Adams BJ
Published: August 2015

This paper describes the method of osteometric sorting. Osteometric sorting is the formal use of size and shape to sort bones from one another. The method relies heavily on measurement data and statistical models and is designed to maximize objectivity. The goal of this paper is to validate the use of osteometric sorting and to provide case examples of its utility. Selected regression models are also presented for use with osteometric sorting. We advocate this technique as one tool among many in the anthropologist's toolkit for sorting commingled skeletal remains.
Characterization of Surface Organic Components of Human Hair by On-Line Supercritical Fluid Extraction—Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: A Feasibility Study and Comparison with Human Identification Using Mitochondrial DNA Sequences
Authors: Benner BA , Goodpaster JV , DeGrasse JA , Tully LA , Levin BC
Published: August 2015

This paper discusses results of a supercritical fluid extraction–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SFE-GC/MS) study of small samples (100 µg to 1 mg) of human scalp hair. The method offers a number of benefits including greater sensitivity than liquid extraction methods because the entire extractable mass is transferred to the analytical system, compared with only a few percent from a conventional liquid extraction/injection. The project's goals were to determine if SFE-GC/MS analyses of the surface-extractable components of an individual's hair yield consistent chemical profiles and to investigate if the profiles are sufficiently different to distinguish them from those of other individuals. In addition, the mtDNA sequences from ten of the same individuals used in the SFE-GC/MS study from four family units were determined, and, while the families were distinguishable, the maternal relations yielded identical sequences. In tandem, SFE-GC/MS and mtDNA techniques may provide valuable complementary data from forensic hair samples.
Haplotype Distribution of Nine Y-Chromosome STR-Loci in Two Northern Spanish Populations (Asturias and Aragon)
Authors: Martinez-Jarreta B , Nievas P , Abecia E , Hinojal R , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Whole blood samples were collected from healthy unrelated donors born and living in Aragon (n = 136) and Asturias (n = 120). DNA was isolated using standard phenol-cloroform extraction method. Amplification was carried out according to Nievas (1) in a PE 2400 thermocycler (PE Biosystems). Each locus was amplified individually, except DYS389I/II and DYS385 (two loci each with the same set of primers). The recommendations of the International Society for Forensic Genetics were followed for typing and interpretation (2). In addition, we successfully took part in the quality control exercise for Y-STRs organized by Dr. Lutz Roewer, Institute of Legal Medicine, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany (3). Y-STR haplotype variability was evaluated by means of Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) (4,5).
Angola Population Data with AmpFℓSTR™ Profiler Plus
Authors: Geada H , Viriato L , Vieira-Silva C , Cruz C , Ribeiro T , Espinheira R
Published: August 2015

Blood stains from 116 unrelated individuals from Angola (West Africa) were stored using bloodstain card and extracted with the standard Chelex method. PCR amplification was performed in a GeneAmp® PCR System 9600, using the AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ Amplification Kit, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Electrophoresis of the PCR products was carried out in an ABI Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencer, using 5% denaturing Long Ranger® gels. Sample genotypes were determined with Genotyper® (version 2.0), by comparison with supplied allelic ladders and an internal size standard (GS-500Rox).
Evaluation of Extraction Techniques for the Forensic Analysis of Human Scalp Hair Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Authors: Goodpaster JV , Drumheller BC , Benner BA
Published: August 2015

Preliminary research using on-line supercritical fluid extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SFE/GC-MS) has shown that the natural and artificial surface components of human scalp hair are reproducible and differentiable. Therefore, these components may be useful for individualization or determining demographic characteristics or both. However, it is not known how the efficiency and selectivity of on-line SFE/GC-MS compares to other extraction methods. In this study, ultrasound, Soxhlet, and pressurized-fluid extraction were used to extract 1 mg to 1.3 g portions of a composite hair sample taken from an Asian male between the ages of 10 and 18. Percent extractables ranged from 0.9% to 5.6%, depending on the solvent used, and tended to increase with solvent polarity. Chemical analysis using GC/MS showed that the extracts contained large proportions of free fatty acids, squalene, cholesterol, and various wax esters. Finally, comparisons to SFE/GC-MS showed that this method possesses adequate efficiency, no observable differences in selectivity, and greater potential for miniaturization.