bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent Fingerprint Visualization by 1,2-Indanedione and Related Compounds: Preliminary Results
Authors: Almog J , Springer E , Wiesner S , Frank A , Khodzhaev O , Lidor R , Bahar E , Varkony H , Dayan S , Rozen S
Published: August 2015

A number of vicinal cyclic diketones, most of them belonging to the 1,2-indanedione series, have been prepared and tested as potential reagents for latent fingerprint development. Unsubstituted 1,2-indanedione and a number of its mono- and dimethoxy- derivatives exhibited excellent properties as fluorogenic reagents for latent prints on paper. Structural modifications, such as substitutions at position 3, omission of the benzene ring or increase of the five-membered to a six-membered ring, considerably reduced this activity. Quite surprisingly, benzo[f]indane-1,2-dione, which was synthesized for the first time in this work, was significantly inferior to 1,2-indanedione as a fingerprint reagent.

Even at this stage, before optimization of the reaction conditions, it can be said that some 1,2-indanediones are at least as sensitive as DFO. Their solubility in nonpolar solvents and relative case of preparation are further advantages. It is the authors' opinion that 1,2-indanedione itself may soon become a practical fingerprint reagent.
Forensic Palynology: Variation in the Pollen Content of Soil on Shoes and in Shoeprints in Soil
Authors: Horrocks M , Coulson SA , Walsh KAJ
Published: August 2015

Soil samples taken from and between consecutive shoeprints within a localized area were analyzed for pollen and compared with each other and with soil samples from the shoes that made the prints. The purpose was to establish the forensic value of using such samples to determine whether or not there is an association between people and crime scenes. This was done by determining the degree to which pollen assemblages in shoeprints in soil from within the same localized area differ, and the degree to which pollen assemblages in soil on shoes differ from assemblages in shoeprints in soil made by those shoes. The samples from and between the shoeprints showed a high degree of similarity, suggesting that pollen assemblages of such samples from within a localized area are homogeneous. A change in sampling depth from 1 mm to 20 mm did not significantly alter the pollen content of samples. The pollen content of the two soil samples from the shoes showed a close similarity to each other and to the soil samples from and between the shoeprints, indicating that pollen assemblages from soil on shoes do not differ significantly from assemblages in shoeprints in soil made by those shoes.
What Educational Background Do Crime Laboratory Directors Require from Applicants?
Authors: Furton KG , Hsu Y-L , Cole MD
Published: August 2015

A summary of the results from a recent survey where crime lab directors listed their educational requirements from applicants for the positions of drug chemist, trace/impression evidence examiner, serologist/DNA analyst, and firearms/document examiner/fingerprint examiner is presented and discussed. Crime lab directors generally expect applicants to have “hard” science degrees with a preference for the B.S. in chemistry, followed by biology and forensic science degrees with significant chemistry components. Over 90% of the directors responding do not require an internship.
Validation of Highly Polymorphic Fluorescent Multiplex Short Tandem Repeat Systems Using Two Generations of DNA Sequencers
Authors: Frégeau CJ , Bowen KL , Fourney RM
Published: August 2015

Validation studies are a crucial requirement before implementation of new genetic typing systems for clinical diagnostics or forensic identity. Two different fluorescence-based multiplex DNA profiling systems composed of amelogenin, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (referred to as multiplex 1A), and HumD3S1358, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (multiplex 1B) have been evaluated for use in forensic identification using the Applied Biosystems Model 373A and Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencers, respectively. Experiments were aimed at defining the limit of target DNA required for reliable profiling, the level of degradation that would still permit amplification of the short tandem repeat (STR) loci examined, and the robustness of each locus in the multiplexes after samples were exposed to environmental insults. In addition, the specificity of the multiplexes was demonstrated using nonhuman DNAs. Forensically relevant samples such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, fingernails and envelope flaps were processed using both an organic extraction procedure and a QIAamp protocol. DNAs and resultant multiplex STR profiles were compared. The validation of the triplex STR systems was extended to include over 140 nonprobative casework specimens and was followed with a close monitoring of initial casework (over 300 exhibits). Our results document the robustness of these multiplex STR profiling systems which, when combined with other multiplex systems, could provide a power of discrimination of approximately 0.9999.
Allele Distribution at Nine STR Loci—D3S1358, vWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820—in the Japanese Population by Multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Yamamoto T , Uchihi R , Nozawa H , Huang X-L , Leong Y-K , Tanaka M , Mizutani M , Tamaki K , Katsumata Y
Published: August 2015

Nine tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci, D3S1358, vWA, FGA TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820, were analyzed in the Japanese population with a newly released kit for personal identification using multiplex PCR with fluorescent-labeled primers following capillary electrophoresis. The observed heterozygosities were 0.67, 0.77, 0.82, 0.61, 0.62, 0.73, 0.78, 0.81 and 0.74, respectively, and the combined discrimination power of the nineplex was 0.9999999991. None of the nine loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations using the chi-square test, homozygosity test, likelihood ratio test and exact test after the grouping of the alleles. The nine STR loci allele frequencies were significantly different from those of other ethnic populations.
Interesting Action Mechanism of an Improvised Firearm
Authors: Soraisam JS , Khangembam RS
Published: August 2015

Manipur is a state in the northeastern region of India. A large number of various types of improvised firearms are involved in the crimes committed in this state. Many of these firearms have different action mechanisms. In this paper, we report a unique and simple action mechanism of an improvised automatic firearm that was received for examination in the Forensic Science Laboratory, Manipur, India.
Infrared Spectra of U.S. Automobile Original Topcoats (1974–1989): V. Identification of Organic Pigments Used in Red Nonmetallic and Brown Nonmetallic and Metallic Monocoats—DPP Red BO and Thioindigo Bordeaux
Authors: Suzuki EM
Published: August 2015

As part of a study of the chemical compositions of U.S. automobile original topcoats (1974 to 1989) using infrared spectroscopy, a number of organic pigments used in these finishes have been identified. The topcoats examined were single-layer finishes (monocoats) from the Reference Collection of Automotive Paints, and pigments from the benzimidazolone and quinacridone families were previously identified. The in situ identification of two other organic pigments used in these finishes, DPP Red BO and Thioindigo Bordeaux, is described here. DPP Red BO is a relatively new pigment which was first marketed in 1987, and it was only identified in two red nonmetallic enamels produced in 1989, the last year covered in this study. It is now quite common in automotive paints and its presence in an unknown original finish indicates that a fairly recent vehicle (most likely from the 1990s) was the source. In contrast, Thioindigo Bordeaux, which was identified in a few red and brown nonmetallic and brown metallic enamels, was more common in the 1950s and 1960s but was largely replaced by Quinacridone Violet in the 1970s. It is no longer used much in automotive paint. Spectra of several DPP automotive paint pigments introduced after 1989 are also presented and discussed.
Assassination in the United States: An Operational Study of Recent Assassins, Attackers, and Near-Lethal Approachers
Authors: Fein RA , Vossekuil B
Published: August 2015

This study is the first operational exploration of the thinking and behavior of all 83 persons known to have attacked, or approached to attack, a prominent public official or public figure in the United States since 1949. In addition to data about each attack or near-attack and each subject's demographic and background characteristics, information was gathered about each subject's ideas and actions in the days and weeks before their attacks or nearlethal approaches. Questions were examined about each subject's movement from the idea of attack to actual attack, motives, selection of targets, planning, communication of threat and intent, symptoms of mental illness, and significant life experiences. In every case, the attack or near-attack was the end result of an understandable, and often discernible, process of thinking and action. Implications for protectors, investigators, and researchers are discussed.
Evaluation of Clinician Accuracy in Describing Gunshot Wound Injuries
Authors: Shuman M , Wright RK
Published: August 2015

A large series of gunshot wounds is analyzed to determine, first, whether the wounds were described with enough detail to estimate the distance and direction of fire; and second, to utilize the autopsy description to determine accuracy.

All of the University of Miami-Jackson Medical Center (UMJMC) records coded as gunshot wounds and treated during calendar year 1995 were included in this study. The analysis is of 566 shootings from bullets in which 1259 wounds were described in the hospital records.

Of the 1259 bullet wounds, the size and/or shape was described in only 63 (5%) and only four wounds (0.3%) had any indication of distance of fire. The location of the wound could be determined to within 3 cm in 655 (52%) and only 39 (3%) of the wounds were measured from some landmark. Directionality was neither indicated nor determinable in 897 (71%) of the wounds examined.

Fifty-five (9%) cases resulted in death and were compared with medical examiner autopsies. Clinical information was inadequate for comparison in three (6%) of these cases. In 22 cases that were said to have one wound, only 14 (64%) of these were correctly documented. Of 16 cases with 2 wounds, 9 (56%) were correctly identified by the clinicians. When greater than 2 wounds were present (14), the clinicians were wrong 93% of the time.

This study demonstrates that clinicians responsible for treating gunshot-wounded persons do not adequately document or interpret these wounds.
Morphine Perfused Rabbits: A Tool for Experiments in Forensic Entomotoxicology
Authors: Hédoui V , Bourel B , Martin-Bouyer L , Bécart A , Tournel G , Deveaux M , Gosset D
Published: August 2015

In order to establish an animal model for entomotoxicological studies, the kinetics of morphine elimination from blood after a single intravenous injection of morphine and the concentrations of morphine in tissues following a continuous perfusion were studied. The aim of these experiments was to obtain controlled morphine tissue concentrations similar to those encountered in fatal human heroin overdoses. These tissues can be used as a food source for developing fly larvae in entomotoxicological studies. In the single injection experiment, seven rabbits were administered 1 or 2 mg/kg body weight of morphine chlorhydrate via the main ear artery. Blood samples of 200 μL were removed regularly via a catheter. Morphine concentration was determined using RIA techniques. Morphine was found to be first rapidly distributed and then slowly eliminated, following a two-exponential equation. Elimination of morphine from blood can be described as a two-compartment model. Constants of the equation were determined using the Kaleidagraph® program. Using those constants, the main pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated. Results of these parameters showed the following: clearance from 13.3 to 16.2 L.h-1, half-life of the distribution phase from 0.6 to 0.9 min, and half-life of the elimination phase from 21 to 26 min. These results were used to calculate the rate of perfusion of morphine for rabbits to obtain desired, controlled, and constant concentrations of morphine in tissues. In the second experiment, three rabbits received a perfusion of morphine intravascularly at a rate of 2 mg/kg/h for a period of 3 h. These rabbits were sacrificed and analyses performed on several abdominal and thoracic organs. Results showed that the concentrations of morphine differed according to the organ analyzed, but were reproducible for organs between animals. These concentrations were similar to those normally encountered in cases of human death due to heroin overdoses.
Determination of Drug Levels in Larvae of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Reared on Rabbit Carcasses Containing Morphine
Authors: Hédouin V , Bourel B , Martin-Bouyer L , Bécart A , Tournel G , Deveaux M , Gosset D
Published: August 2015

This study concerns the determinations of morphine concentrations in fly larvae reared on rabbits administered different concentrations of morphine and a correlation between concentrations of the drug in larvae and tissues. Three rabbits (R1, R2 and R3) were given dosages of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/h of morphine over a 3 h period via continuous ear artery perfusion. These dosages and time of perfusion were calculated to create tissue concentrations of morphine similar to those encountered in human deaths due to overdose. Morphine blood level plateau was attained after 1 h of perfusion. A fourth rabbit was used as a control. To evaluate drug concentrations, tissues were sampled using a coelioscopic technique. Approximately 400 eggs of Lucilia sericata, all of the same age category, were placed in eyes, nostrils and mouth of each rabbit carcass. Larvae and puparia were regularly collected from each rabbit for toxicological analysis. The concentrations of the drug in the tissues sampled were determined to be similar to those normally encountered in human overdoses and were correlated with the dosage of morphine that had been administered. Morphine was detected in all larvae and pupae fed on tissues from carcasses administered morphine, except for puparia from the colony fed on the R1 animal which received 12.5 mg/h dosage of morphine. All samples from the control rabbit were negative for morphine. Concentrations of morphine in larvae reared on rabbit carcasses containing morphine were 30 to 100 times lower than the concentrations found in the tissues. A correlation between the tissue concentrations and larval concentrations was found in only 3rd instar larvae (80 to 140 h following hatching). No correlations were found between administered dosages, tissue concentrations and younger larvae, prepuparial larvae or puparia.
A Survey on the Conclusions Drawn on the Same Footwear Marks Obtained in Actual Cases by Several Experts Throughout the World
Authors: Shor Y , Weisner S
Published: August 2015

A survey was conducted with two sets of shoeprints from actual crime scenes and the corresponding suspect's shoes. Experts from seven countries were asked to give their opinion on the probability that the suspect's shoe made the shoeprint impression at the crime scene.

Each expert gave his/her opinion based on the scale used in his country. The distribution of the answers is discussed in this paper.
Death During Percutaneous Insertion of an Intraaortic Balloon Pump
Authors: Boglioli LR , Taff ML
Published: August 2015

Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is currently the most widely used mechanical technique for temporary support of the circulation. We report a rare fatal case of perforation of the right common iliac artery during percutaneous insertion of an IABP.
Human Herpesvirus-6 and Sudden Death in Infancy: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hoang MP , Ross KF , Brian Dawson D , Scheuermann RH , Rogers BB
Published: August 2015

Investigation of sudden death in infancy is a vital function of the medical examiner's office. Surveillance of these cases may lead to recognition of new diseases or new manifestations of previously described diseases. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a relatively newly described virus that has been recognized as a cause of acute febrile illness in early childhood. While most cases are apparently self-limited, seven fatal cases have been reported. We present a case of a seven-month-old Latin American male with recent otitis media and vomiting who was found dead in bed. Autopsy revealed interstitial pneumonitis with an atypical polymorphous lymphocytic infiltrate in the liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow, associated with erythrophagocytosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was positive for HHV-6 and negative for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). HHV-6 was also detected in the atypical lymphoid infiltrate by in-situ hybridization.
A Comprehensive Sample Preparation Scheme for Accelerants in Suspect Arson Cases
Authors: Ren Q , Bertsch W
Published: August 2015

This study represents a critical comparison of adsorbent based heated headspace methods for the enrichment of volatiles from fire debris. A dynamic and a static method, based on charcoal adsorption and solvent extraction are compared to the solid phase micro extraction (SPME) procedure. The SPME method has been optimized in respect to fiber type, sampling time, sampling temperature, analyte concentration and the effects of water. Collection efficiencies were evaluated for a variety of accelerant types, ranging from methanol to diesel fuel. The minimum detectable quantity for each of the methods is within an order of magnitude for most accelerant types. We propose a two step method based on SPME with two different fibers. Polar and water soluble accelerants such as ethanol and light petroleum distillates are most effectively enriched at low temperature on Carboxen™, a newly developed high capacity fiber which contains a carbon based adsorbent. Low volatility accelerants such as diesel fuel can be recovered on a methylpolysiloxane type fiber at elevated temperature. Limitations of currently used sample preparation methods are discussed.
Child Abduction: Aged-Based Analyses of Offender, Victim, and Offense Characteristics in 550 Cases of Alleged Child Disappearance
Authors: Boudreaux MC , Lord WD , Dutra RL
Published: August 2015

Crimes against children, particularly cases involving abduction and/or homicide, continue to be problematic as both a social phenomenon and judicial responsibility. Such cases routinely receive immense community and media attention and rapidly overwhelm investigative resources. Research in the area of childhood victimization, however, has only recently gained national prominence. While numerous studies on child abuse and neglect have been conducted, research on child abduction and homicide remains scant. Previous studies examining child abduction suffer from limited geographical scope or fail to base predictive analyses on victim characteristics. The current study reports the results of a nationally representative sample (47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico) of 550 cases of alleged child abduction obtained from Federal Bureau of Investigation files for the period 1985 through 1995. Study results demonstrate that both offender and offense characteristics vary significantly according to victim age, gender, and race. Such differences appear critical to crime reconstruction, criminal profiling, and investigative resolution. Additionally, these data suggest that current child abduction prevention programs may emphasize inaccurate offender traits.
The Contribution of Forensic Geology and Other Trace Evidence Analysis to the Investigation of the Killing of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro
Authors: Lombardi G
Published: August 2015

In May 1978 the body of the kidnapped Italian Prime Minister, murdered by the Red Brigades, was found in a car parked in the center of Rome. This paper discusses the findings from the investigations conducted on the evidence found on Mr. Moro's clothes, shoes (beach sand, bitumen, vegetals and polyester fragments), and on the car. To get a comprehensive picture of the characteristics of the various pieces of evidence, use was made of a multiple-technique approach. The sand was identified as coming from the seashore close to Rome. A tract of shore with a limited number of roads leading to the beach was defined as compatible with the textural and compositional characteristics of the sand. The study of the vegetal fragmenta suggested that they had been picked up in a period of time close to the killing. Thermosetting polyester, of the type used in boat manufacturing was found under the fenders, in the tires and inside the car, as well as under Mr. Moro's shoes, supporting proximity of a beach. Pollen analysis showed that adhesion of volcanic soil to the car fenders antedated adhesion of the sand.
Using an Alternate Light Source to Restore Writing
Authors: Leaver WL , Smith JW
Published: August 2015

This case report will describe the method by which writing that was washed off a bathroom wall was restored. The writing was recovered using an Alternate Light Source. The vehicle/carrier of the removed ink reacted to the ALS but no reaction resulted from infrared examination. The examiners were able to make a permanent record of the lost writing through photographic methods.
Who's Buried in Custer's Grave?
Authors: Willey P , Scott DD
Published: August 2015

On 10 October 1877, the year after the Battle of the Little Bighorn, General George A. Custer's coffin was transported from a temporary grave in Poughkeepsie, NY, by steamer and cortege to permanent interment in the U.S. Military Academy's Post Cemetery. The ceremony included the appropriate military and funerary rituals. There were, nevertheless, reasons to believe that Custer's skeleton may not have been in the coffin—thus, he may have missed his own funeral. Custer's remains, or part of them, may have been overlooked during the exhumation and left on the battle-field, only to be recovered around 1940. These bones, as well as those of another individual, were unceremoniously buried in a grave which is now marked “Two Unknown U.S. Soldiers” in the National Cemetery adjacent to the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana. That cemetery, perhaps appropriately enough, is named the Custer National Cemetery. This paper presents information concerning Custer's original interment on the Little Bighorn Battlefield, his supposed disinterment, and the osteological evidence that his remains, or at least part of them, were left on the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
A Time Course Study on STR Profiles Derived from Human Bone, Muscle and Bone Marrow
Authors: Frank WE , Llewellyn BE
Published: August 2015

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to define deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) types at several loci was investigated. PCR was used to amplify nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci along with the amelogenin locus on the X and Y chromosomes using the AmpF/STR Profiler Plus PCR amplification kit (Perkin Elmer). Rib bones were collected from 12 individuals. Five cm portions were buried at a depth of approximately 30 cm and 5 cm portions were left on the surface of the ground. Samples were exposed to the environment for periods of time ranging from two weeks to 17 months. Dried blood standards were prepared for use as reference standards for each rib sample.

Bone, muscle, and bone marrow were collected from each sample. DNA from each tissue type was extracted. Complete profile results were obtained from the surface bone samples out to an exposure time of 17 months. None of the muscle or bone marrow samples produced complete profile results beyond eight weeks. All DNA typing results from complete or incomplete profiles were consistent with DNA typing results of the corresponding blood standard. Results suggest that using the AmpF/STR Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit is a valid way to establish the DNA profile of tissue types from human remains.
Electrospray and MALDI Mass Spectrometry in the Identification of Spermicides in Criminal Investigations
Authors: Hollenbeck TPE , Siuzdak G , Blackledge RD
Published: August 2015

Electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry have been used to examine evidence in a sexual assault investigation. Because condoms are being used increasingly by sexual assailants and some condom brands include the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (nonylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol) in the lubricant formulation, the recovery, and identification of nonoxynol-9 from evidence items may assist in proving corpus delicti. A method was developed for the recovery of nonoxynol-9 from internal vaginal swabs and for its identification by reverse phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC ESI-MS), nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) mass spectrometry, and high resolution MALDI Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTMS). The method was tested on extracts from precoitus, immediate postcoitus, and four-hours postcoitus vaginal swabs provided by a volunteer whose partner does not normally use condoms, but for this trial used a condom having a water-soluble gel-type lubricant that includes 5% nonoxynol-9 in its formulation. Subsequently, LC ESI-MS was used to identify traces of nonoxynol-9 from the internal vaginal swab of a victim of a sexual assault.
Detection of Smokeless Powder Residue on Pipe Bombs by Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Smith KD , McCord BR , MacCrehan WA , Mount K , Rowe WF
Published: August 2015

Improvised explosive devices are an increasing concern among law enforcement agencies within the United States because of their destructive capability. Capillary electrophoresis has been used previously for the forensic analysis of inorganic constituents in explosives. Micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis (MECE), also known as micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), is well suited for the forensic analysis of organic constituents of these materials because of its high sensitivity and small sample requirements.

In the present study, pipe bombs filled with known types of smokeless gun powder were detonated under controlled conditions. Samples of explosive residue were collected from the post-blast fragments and analyzed using MECE. The results were compared to the known types and analyzed to investigate the feasibility of matching post-blast residue to a specific powder used as explosive charge.
Reliability of Breath-Alcohol Analysis in Individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Kechagias S , Jönsson K-Å , Franzén T , Andersson L , Jones AW
Published: August 2015

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is widespread in the population among all age groups and in both sexes. The reliability of breath alcohol analysis in subjects suffering from GERD is unknown. We investigated the relationship between breath-alcohol concentration (BrAC) and blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) in 5 male and 5 female subjects all suffering from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease and scheduled for antireflux surgery. Each subject served in two experiments in random order about 1–2 weeks apart. Both times they drank the same dose of ethanol (∼0.3 g/kg) as either beer, white wine, or vodka mixed with orange juice before venous blood and end-expired breath samples were obtained at 5–10 min intervals for 4 h. An attempt was made to provoke gastroesophageal reflux in one of the drinking experiments by applying an abdominal compression belt. Blood-ethanol concentration was determined by headspace gas chromatography and breath-ethanol was measured with an electrochemical instrument (Alcolmeter SD-400) or a quantitative infrared analyzer (Data-Master). During the absorption of alcohol, which occurred during the first 90 min after the start of drinking, BrAC (mg/210 L) tended to be the same or higher than venous BAC (mg/dL). In the post-peak phase, the BAC always exceeded BrAC. Four of the 10 subjects definitely experienced gastric reflux during the study although this did not result in widely deviant BrAC readings compared with BAC when sampling occurred at 5-min intervals. We conclude that the risk of alcohol erupting from the stomach into the mouth owing to gastric reflux and falsely increasing the result of an evidential breath-alcohol test is highly improbable.
Investigation of Ball Point Pen Inks by Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) with UV/Vis Absorbance and Laser Induced Fluorescence Detection and Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE)
Authors: Vogt C , Becker A , Vogt J
Published: August 2015

In the process of examining fraudulent documents ink analysis is a small but important part of the operation of forensic laboratories. Systematic approaches to ink comparison and identification have been performed by optical methods and various chromatographic techniques.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE), a relatively new separation technique with very high resolution power, and Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) were used for the analysis of ball point pen inks. In comparison to water soluble fountain pen inks, ball point inks are less soluble or insoluble in water and these inks contain only few components. The study focused on the optimization of the separation of ink extracts from paper material of commercially available inks with respect to resolution and analysis time. During the method development process different buffers, organic modifiers, and surfactants were tested. Good results were obtained with a 50 mM borate buffer pH 9.0 containing 50% acetonitrile. Reproducible extraction procedures as well as separations enables one to perform the quantification of the ink peaks within 1–8% standard deviation for parallel extractions of the same ink. Electropherograms of 20 inks of various origin showed patterns which were in most cases distinctly different from each other.

PIXE measurements with an external proton beam were used to determine the metal composition. The ratio of the peak areas for copper and zinc as well as differences in the elemental composition could be used to distinguished between the samples.

No coincidence was observed between samples hardly distinguishable by electrophoretic separations and by PIXE-measurements. Samples with nearly identical metal composition showed different peak pattern in the electropherograms, and nearly identical electrophoretic behavior of two or more samples was accompanied by quite different copper/zinc-ratios or supplementary metals identified by PIXE.
Fatal Brodifacoum Rodenticide Poisoning: Autopsy and Toxicologic Findings
Authors: Palmer RB , Alakija P , Cde Baca JE , Nolte KB
Published: August 2015

This report details the pathologic and toxicologic findings in the case of a 15-year-old girl who deliberately and fatally ingested brodifacoum, a commonly used rodenticide. The mechanism of death, massive pulmonary hemorrhage, has not been previously reported. Brodifacoum was quantitated in liver, spleen, lung, brain, bile, vitreous humor, heart blood, and femoral blood using HPLC with fluorescence detection. The highest brodifacoum concentrations were detected in bile (4276 ng/mL) and femoral blood (3919 ng/mL). No brodifacoum was detected in brain or vitreous humor. A brodifacoum concentration of 50 ng/g was observed in frozen liver while formalin fixed liver exhibited a concentration of 820 ng/g. A very high blood:liver brodifacoum concentration ratio suggested acute poisoning but the historical and pathologic findings suggested a longer period of anticoagulation. Though most cases of brodifacoum poisoning in humans are non-fatal, this compound can be deadly because of its very long half-life. Forensic pathologists and toxicologists should suspect superwarfarin rodenticides when confronted with cases of unexplained bleeding. Anticoagulant poisoning can mimic fatal leukemia or infectious diseases such as bacterial sepsis, rickettsioses, plague, and leptospirosis. A thorough death scene investigation may provide clues that a person has ingested these substances.
Commentary on Ohtani S, Matsushima Y, Kobayashi Y, Kishi K. Evaluation of Aspartic Acid Racemization Ratios in the Human Femur for Age Estimation. J Forensic Sci 1998;54(5):949–953
Authors: Ritz-Timme S , Schütz HW , Collins MJ
Published: August 2015

Commentary on Ohtani S, Matsushima Y, Kobayashi Y, Kishi K. Evaluation of aspartic acid racemization ratios in the human femur for age estimation. J Forensic Sci 1998;43(5):949–953.
Hypernatremia and Subdural Hematoma in the Pediatric Age Group: Is There a Causal Relationship?
Authors: Handy TC , Hanzlick R , Shields LBE , Reichard R , Goudy S
Published: August 2015

Several researchers in the 1950's proposed that hypernatremia causes water to leave brain cells, shrinking the brain, thus tearing the bridging veins and resulting in subdural hematomas. Although the old literature suggests mechanisms linking the two in a cause and effect relationship, there is controversy as to whether hypernatremia leads to subdural bleeding or whether the reverse is true. This issue is important for forensic pathologists who must distinguish natural disease from trauma. An etiologic link between hypernatremia and subdural hematomas was suggested recently, and was proposed originally before Kempe's 1962 paper “The Battered Child Syndrome” which widely disseminated the concepts of child physical abuse, and of subdural bleeding resulting from non-accidental injury. Our study is a multifaceted investigation of infants which includes: a literature review, retrospective chart reviews of both living and deceased hypernatremic infants, a retrospective review of infants hospitalized with subdural hematoma, and a prospective collection of head injured, hypernatremic children. We conclude that hypernatremia, if present in association with subdural hemorrhage, is most likely secondary to intracranial pathology, and that hypernatremia often develops in critically ill infants suffering from a variety of medical conditions.
Drowning Without Aspiration: Is This an Appropriate Diagnosis?
Authors: Modell JH , Bellefleur M , Davis JH
Published: August 2015

It has been reported that 10–15% of drowning victims do not aspirate water. We have revisited the original studies quoted to reach this conclusion and find it is without foundation. Sudden cardiac standstill is known to occur on land and, therefore, may also occur when the victim is in water. In the absence of the common finding of significant pulmonary edema in the victim's respiratory system, to conclude his or her death was caused by “drowning without aspiration” is unwise. All causes of sudden death that might occur in which respiration may not take place should receive serious consideration when examining bodies with such findings that are found in water.
The Fitness of Juvenile Court
Authors: Gross BH
Published: August 2015

Within juvenile courts, ever younger violent offenders are being transferred to adult criminal courts. This article reviews legislation surrounding transfer of jurisdiction and the evaluation of juvenile amenability by a forensic examiner. Specific areas of focus for the evaluation of juvenile offenders are offered in consideration of the pivotal opportunity this area of juvenile justice poses the minor, the courts, and society at large.
Application of Solid-Phase Microextraction to the Profiling of an Illicit Drug: Manufacturing Impurities in Illicit 4-Methoxyamphetamine
Authors: Coumbaros JC , Paul Kirkbride K , Klass G
Published: August 2015

This article describes the application of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) to the recovery of manufacturing by-products and impurities from an illicit drug seizure. The preparation chosen for examination using this technique contained 4-methoxyamphetamine, an hallucinogenic amphetamine that has been encountered frequently in South Australia.

Compounds found in the PMA preparation included 4-methoxyphenol, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 4-methoxyphenyl-2-propanone, 4-methoxyphenyl-2-propanol, 4-methoxyphenylpropene, and (tentatively) 4-methyl-5-(4′-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine. The presence of these compounds suggests that the active drug was prepared from 4-methoxybenzaldehyde via 4-methoxyphenyl-2-propanone using a Leuckardt reductive amination.

In this instance, SPME was found to be a simple, rapid, and non-destructive recovery technique that gave results complementary to those provided by conventional liquid-liquid extraction. There is an indication that SPME might find application in profiling of illicit drugs.
Fulminant Liver Failure in a Young Child Following Repeated Acetaminophen Overdosing
Authors: Bauer M , Babel B , Giesen H , Patzelt D
Published: August 2015

Acetaminophen (paracetamol), a widely used analgetic drug, is well tolerated at therapeutic doses, but may cause severe hepatotoxicity when ingested in large overdose. Self-poisoning is still very popular in adults and accidental ingestion of one single overdose occurs occasionally in children. In contrast, lethal intoxication in children after repeated administration of therapeutic doses is a very rare event. This case report describes an iatrogenic acetaminophen overdosing in a 5-year-old child receiving 8.5 g acetaminophen in 48 h. Fulminant liver failure developed within 60 h. Autopsy findings included panlobular liver cell necrosis. Acetaminophen serum levels were rather low compared to cases with ingestion of one single overdose. Postmortem diagnosis of chronic acetaminophen intoxication as cause of death should include the clinical history as well as, if available, the calculated drug serum half-life.
Traumatic Rupture of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated with the Use of a Seatbelt
Authors: Bunai Y , Nagai A , Nakamura I , Ohya I
Published: August 2015

Injury to the abdominal aorta after blunt trauma continues to be a relatively infrequent occurrence. In this report, we describe a case of traumatic rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with inappropriate seatbelt use.
Commentary onIntrona F, Di Vella G, Campobasso CP. Determination of Postmortem Interval from Old Skeletal Remains by Image Analysis of Luminol Test Results. J Forensic Sci 1999; 44(3):535–8
Authors: Schiro GJ
Published: August 2015

Commentary on Introna F, Di Vella G, Campobasso CP. Determination of postmortem interval from old skeletal remains by image analysis of luminol test results. J Forensic Sci 1999; 44(3):535–8.
Review of The Litigator's Guide to Expert Witnesses
Authors: Tanay E
Published: August 2015

This book is written by a partner in the prestigious Toronto law firm of McCarthy TCrault and a partner in the well-known accounting firm of Arthur Anderson. Mr. Freiman, the senior author, holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University in English, a subject he taught for a number of years at the university level in England, the United States and Canada. Mr. Berenblut graduated from the London School of Economics and has been an expert witness, an arbitrator in connection with many issues involving economic damage quantification. Dr. Freiman and Mr. Berenblut are the editors of this multi-authored book and they also have contributed two major chapters. The book consists of 23 chapters covering general principles of expert testimony, from accounting to psychiatry.
Review of Marihuana and Medicine
Authors: Uzych L
Published: August 2015

For many people, marihuana is probably an anecdotal, and illegal, presumed therapy for far-ranging health problems, possibly including: glaucoma, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, spasticity and chronic pain of known or idiopathic origin. Regrettably, with respect to many areas of potential clinical efficacy and safety of marihuana, in medicine, rigorously-obtained data are highly limited, or maybe not available at all. Numerous important questions of professional and research interest to clinicians and researchers abound. For instance, does marihuana have therapeutic properties? If so, what is the molecular basis for any such properties? If marihuana is therapeutically inadequate, what is the correct molecular explanation for the inadequacy? Further, can possible therapeutic properties of marihuana be dissociated effectually from myriad, untoward side effects?
A Replication Study of Obsessional Followers and Offenders with Mental Disorders
Authors: Meloy JR , Rivers L , Siegel L , Gothard S , Naimark D , Nicolini JR
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare certain demographic, clinical, and criminal variables within subgroups of obsessional followers, and compare them to a group of offenders with mental disorders to attempt to replicate earlier findings. A static group archival design utilized a non-random group of convenience and a randomly selected comparison group. Sixty-five obsessional followers and 65 offenders with mental disorders were evaluated by psychiatrists and psychologists for court ordered reasons during their criminal proceedings. Both groups were evaluated during the same period, in the same court diagnostic clinic, and generally for sentencing determinations. The obsessional followers were measured on demographic, diagnostic, pursuit, victim, threat, violence, emotional, motivational, and defense variables. Inferential comparisons that used parametric and nonparametric statistics were done within and between groups on select variables. The obsessional followers had significantly greater estimated IQ than the offenders with mental disorders, but were neither older nor better educated. There were no significant differences in the high prevalence of both DSM-IV Axis I and II diagnoses. Obsessional followers who stalked prior sexual intimates were significantly more likely to have a substance abuse or dependence diagnosis. Obsessional followers who stalked strangers or acquaintances were more likely to be delusional. The majority of the obsessional followers, primarily motivated by anger, both threatened and were violent toward person or property. The modal obsessional follower is an average or above IQ, unemployed, unmarried male in his fourth decade of life, chronically pursuing a prior sexually intimate female. He is diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence and a personality disorder NOS, and has a prior psychiatric, criminal, and substance abuse history. He is angry, likely to threaten her, and assault her person or property without causing serious injury.
Determining the Time and Day of Photography
Authors: Levi JA , Novoselsky Y , Levin N , Volkov N
Published: August 2015

Photographs taken by crime victims and perpetrators are at times important evidence. Their time of photography may also affect their value as such. Three methods of determining when a picture was taken by using the content of the picture are presented. The methods utilize solar direction—measured from shadows in the photograph, identifying flowering wild plants and correlating cloudiness with meteorological observations. Solar direction is the most accurate and involved method and therefore is the main part of this paper. A case using all three methods is described.
Diagnostic Values of Polysomnography in Forensic Medicine
Authors: Kayumov L , Pandi-Perumal SR , Fedoroff P , Shapiro CM
Published: August 2015

A man accused of a first-degree murder of a two-year-old girl claimed that he had not been conscious during the time of the alleged murder. The possibility that he may have committed the crime while “sleepwalking” was raised. The forensic psychiatrist looked to the sleep disorders facility to conduct polysomnographic investigation of the accused in order to investigate the posibility that he had a parasomnia. Overnight sleep recordings with video surveillance carried out for two consecutive nights showed no evidence of parasomnia. On the basis of the full assessment, the final report of the forensic psychiatrist did not support a legal defense of non-insane automatism and “sleepwalking” was withdrawn as a possible defense by the lawyer of the accused.
A Descriptive Study of Child and Adolescent Obsessional Followers
Authors: McCann JT
Published: August 2015

This study is a preliminary descriptive investigation of the phenomenon of stalking in children and adolescents. Data on offender characteristics, victim characteristics, and stalking patterns were examined in a sample of 13 obsessional followers ranging in age from 9 to 18. Many research findings from investigations on adults who stalk were replicated in this study, including the fact that most stalking offenders are male, most victims are female, and about half of stalking cases involve threats made toward the victim. In addition, the rate of violence was 31% in this sample of juvenile stalking offenders and the most common methods of stalking were physical approach, telephone calls, and letter writing. Some interesting trends in the data emerged which require further study and suggest some differences may exist between juvenile and adult stalking offenders. The results are preliminary and suggest directions for future research.
Suicide Using a Hand Grenade
Authors: Siciliano C , Costantinides F , Bernasconi P , Nunno ND
Published: August 2015

The authors describe an unusual case of suicide that required particular attention to establish whether the victim was murdered, was preparing a terrorist attack or had committed suicide. Examination of the corpse and the crime scene, as well as testimonies, led the authors to determine the real cause of death, namely, an unusual method of suicide.
Physical and Chemical Evidence Remaining After the Explosion of Large Improvised Bombs. Part 1: Firings of Ammonium Nitrate/Sugar and Urea Nitrate
Authors: Phillips SA , Lowe A , Marshall M , Hubbard P , Burmeister SG , Williams DR
Published: August 2015

Recent criminal acts in the United Kingdom, United States and other countries have demonstrated the dangers to public safety from the criminal use of improvised explosives on a large scale. Four sets of trials were carried out over four years, partly in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, involving the firing of large bombs, mostly fertilizer based. The principal objectives of the firings were to measure the physical effects of the explosions upon objects representative of those that would be found at a real bomb scene and to recover any chemical traces deposited on these objects. The results are intended for use as an aid in determining the approximate size and type of an explosive employed in a terrorist attack. This paper describes the background behind the trials, the procedures for preparation of witness materials and charges, and the collection and analysis of physical and chemical evidence.
The Chain Saw: An Uncommon Means of Committing Suicide
Authors: Campman SC , Springer FA , Henrikson DM
Published: August 2015

A suicide committed with a power saw is an uncommonly reported incident; and the use of a chain saw in particular has been extremely rare. We report two cases of suicide that were committed by using chain saws. In each case the victim had a history of depression or of a prior suicide attempt, and applied the chain saw to his neck to kill himself. We summarize the findings of the two death investigations and the world literature pertaining to suicide committed with power saws.