bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy in Forensic Science
Authors: Kuptsov AH
Published: August 2015

A number of possible new applications for the use of Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) in forensic science have been investigated. The evidence materials studied were fragments of broken plastic automobile lenses, paint coatings, paper and others.

Raman spectroscopy was not only able to distinguish between the types of polymers employed in the manufacture of the lenses but, was also found to be sensitive to the thermal history impared to the item during its production. The detection of these internal stress conditions and their characterization by FT-Raman led to the differentiation of manufacturers of the same products.

When inherent background fluorescence does not interfere (white, yellow, light colors) the Raman spectra of paint coatings supplies complementary information to that of FT-IR about the polymer binder while being a more useful technique for mineral pigment and extender component analyses.

The FT-Raman technique is useful in forensic document examination of paper because of its ability to identify mineral components and some of the minor components which are associated with the origin of the cellulose and technology of paper production.
De Clérambault Syndrome (Erotomania) in the Criminal Justice System: Another Look at This Recurring Problem
Authors: Leong GB
Published: August 2015

While de Clérambault syndrome (erotomania) has long been a subject of scientific study, it has only recently become a frequent topic of media attention. A series of five individuals who were arrested for crimes related to their erotomanic delusion are presented. The psychiatric findings from this sample have potential social policy implication.
Time and Distance as Solvability Factors in Murder Cases
Authors: Keppel RD , Weis JG
Published: August 2015

There is no empirical research on solvability factors in murder investigations. This paper analyzes data collected in the first study to provide such, focusing specifically on the extent to which information on time and distance among locations of a murder incident are related to solvability. The results show that the more information on the times and distances separating where the victim was last seen, the location of the original contact between the victim and the killer, where the initial assault occurred, the murder site, and the body recovery site the more likely a murder case will be solved. These findings have profound implications for the management and conduction of murder investigations.
Handling and Interpretation of Crossbow Injuries
Authors: Downs JCU , Nichols CA , Scala-Barnett D , Lifschultz BD
Published: August 2015

The longbow and crossbow are infrequently encountered by the forensic pathologist. As these weapons become more popular for sport and hunting, more fatalities may be anticipated. Three crossbow deaths (two homicides and one suicide) are presented. Included is the first report of a multiple shot death. The design and physics of the crossbow are described. The proper preservation of evidence, as well as wound analysis and interpretation, in such deaths are detailed.
Microanalysis of Carbon Monoxide in Blood by Head-Space Capillary Gas Chromatography
Authors: Van Dam J , Daenens P
Published: August 2015

A gas chromatographic procedure for the determination of carboxyhaemoglobin in blood was improved by using a capillary system in combination with a micro thermal conductivity detector. This system is very sensitive with high resolutions. The analytical time is reduced to approximately two minutes. Using sulphuric acid as the liberating agent of carbon monoxide, a gradual and reproducible release of carbon monoxide was seen. This shortens the time in emergency cases for sample preparation.
Genetic Typing of the DQA1*4 Alleles by Restriction Enzyme Digestion of the PCR Product Obtained with the DQ Alpha Amplitype™ Kit
Authors: Salazar M , Williamson J , Bing DH
Published: August 2015

The three DQ Alpha 4 alleles, 4.1 (0501), 4.2 (0401), and 4.3 (0601) cannot be distinguished with the reverse dot blot DQ Alpha Amplitype™ Kit. A previous report (Yunis, I. et al., Tissue Antigens, Vol. 39, 1992, pp. 182–186) indicated that the typing of these three alleles can be accomplished by endonuclease digestion of the PCR product that is produced following amplification with the DQ Alpha primers with Fok I and Rsa I. We report here the use of this method to type the DQA1*0401, 0501 and 0601 alleles in the PCR product obtained with the DQ Alpha-Amplitype™ Kit. We have analyzed the PCR product obtained in over 200 forensic samples. We have found that in all of these cases, it is possible to assign a type to those samples that type as DQ Alpha 4 with the Amplitype Kit. Furthermore, we have found the technique to be useful in some cases where it has not been previously possible to distinguish individuals or samples that have the DQ Alpha 4 allele and type identically with respect to all other DQ Alpha alleles.
A Review of the Pencil
Authors: Tolliver DK
Published: August 2015

Even as the world of forensics becomes increasingly dominated by technology, a relic of the sixteenth century survives and plays an integral part in our daily lives. A product of graphite and clay, the pencil is an engineering marvel combining simplicity and function; yet these same qualities make it's impact on our modern world so easy to overlook.
Violent Suicide in South Yorkshire, England
Authors: Cooper PN , Milroy CM
Published: August 2015

Differences in the characteristics of those individuals choosing violent methods of suicide in South Yorkshire were studied. With the exception of jumping from a height, these methods were more frequently used by males, with a particular male predominance in deaths due to self-immolation, railway collision, hanging, firearms, and electrocution. The most potentially painful/disfiguring methods of suicide, jumping from a height, self-immolation, and railway deaths, were favored by the young. Drowning, stabbing and cutting and electrocution were common among the elderly. Severe mental illness was common amongst those choosing some of the most painful or disfiguring modes of death (jumping from a height; self-immolation; cutting/stabbing and road traffic “accidents”) particularly when compared to the principal alternative of hanging. The same group of causes of death was associated with a high proportion of individuals who had previously attempted suicide. Severe mental illness was not so obviously a feature of the railway or firearm deaths.

Hanging represented more than half the cases included in the study and showed a sex ratio of over 4 to 1 in favor of males. However, all seven individuals of non-European origin, six of whom were female, chose to hang themselves. Whereas half of the females aged under 40 jumped from a height, hanging was the method of choice in the age group 40 to 59. Among males, hanging was particularly favored by those with what might be considered an impulsive reason for suicide, namely, the end of a relationship with a member of the opposite sex. A high proportion of these were intoxicated with alcohol and a high proportion left a suicide note.
The Significance of Morphine Concentrations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Morphine Caused Deaths
Authors: Logan BK , Lüthi R
Published: August 2015

Morphine analysis was performed using a variety of immunoassay methods in blood, urine and the cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 23 patients dying opiate-related deaths. Of these, 16 were a result of intravenous morphine or heroin use. The blood and CSF morphine concentrations were determined using both fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), while urine was analyzed by enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT). Urine morphine concentrations were greater than 0.300 µg/mL in all but one case. Blood and CSF morphine concentrations were found to be poorly correlated, and it was concluded that one should not be used to predict the other. Following intravenous administration. CSF morphine concentrations of greater than 0.02 µg/mL were however found to be consistent with death from morphine related respiratory depression. As intrathecal or epidural administration of morphine can greatly influence the CSF concentration without inducing respiratory depression, the site of collection of the CSF must be known, as must the route of administration in order to properly interpret CSF morphine concentrations.
Validation Studies on the Forensic Analysis of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) on LE Agarose Gels Without Ethidium Bromide: Effects of Contaminants, Sunlight, and the Electrophoresis of Varying Quantities of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Authors: Laber TL , Giese SA , Iverson JT , Liberty JA
Published: August 2015

This study was designed to analyze the effects of sunlight, various contaminants (those found typically in forensic samples) and the electrophoresis of varying quantities of DNA on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns produced from DNA isolated from blood and semen stains. The DNA RFLP patterns were obtained following Hae III restriction enzyme digestion, low electroendosmotic (LE) agarose gel electrophoresis (in the absence of ethidium bromide). Southern transfer, hybridization with DNA probes detecting highly polymorphic variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) and autoradiography. Computer assisted image analyses were used to detect variations in RFLP band sizes in relation to control samples. Comparisons between the samples were made for the presence of high molecular weight DNA, the ability to achieve a complete restriction digestion, and the RFLP fragment sizes obtained. The results demonstrate that high molecular weight DNA can be obtained when blood and semen stains are subjected to environmental and contaminating factors. The RFLP allele sizes were not significantly affected by environmental conditions, contamination factors or by loading varying amounts of DNA. This study serves to further document the reliability and validity of DNA typing for forensic applications.
Potential Forensic Applications of Minisatellite Variant Repeat (MVR) Mapping Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) at D1S8
Authors: Yamamoto T , Tamaki K , Kojima T , Uchihi R , Katsumata Y
Published: August 2015

Minisatellite variant repeat (MVR) mapping using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at D1S8 (MS32) was applied to samples from various human tissues. All DNA samples obtained from an individual's organs at autopsy consistently gave the same digital diploid codes. Even 1 ng of genomic DNA was sufficient to obtain authentic diploid MVR coding ladders. MVR-PCR could be reliably applied to DNA isolated from bloodstains, saliva stains, seminal stains and plucked hair roots, and should become a powerful tool for individual identification in forensic investigations.
Applications of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Vehicle Forgery Examinations
Authors: Springer E , Bergman P
Published: August 2015

Some non-destructive testing methods (NDT) used in industry and adapted for forensic use were reviewed. These methods were X-ray radiography, eddy current thickness measuring, and magnetic thickness measuring. Examples of applications of these methods in vehicle forgery examinations are illustrated.
Anatomy and Viability of Cannabis sativa Stem Cuttings With and Without Adventitious Roots
Authors: Taylor R , Lydon J , Anderson JD
Published: August 2015

The objective of this research was to determine the stage of root development of Cannabis sativa stem cuttings necessary to produce viable plants. Cuttings were made from one pistillate (female) plant and transplanted into pots when callus, newly emerging roots, or 1 to 2 mm long roots were present. Cuttings were grown for two weeks and survival and biomass accumulation were recorded. Cross sections of the stems and roots of cuttings and roots of seven-day-old seedlings were made for anatomical comparisons. Based on the cross sections, the general anatomical features of roots from seedlings and cuttings were similar. As in some other herbaceous species, adventitious roots of C. sativa stem cuttings develop from the vascular cambium. Two weeks after transplanting, all propagules from the three cutting types survived and grew. Total biomass accumulation and components of total biomass accumulation of the cuttings were not significantly different among cutting types. Thus, cuttings of C. sativa at the callus stage are capable of survival and growth comparable to rooted cuttings without any additional care beyond that normally given to plants established from seed.
Sex Determination from the Tibia: Standards for Contemporary Japan
Authors: İşcan MY , Yoshino M , Kato S
Published: August 2015

It is vital that skeletal biologists and forensic anthropologists observe populations over time so that changes can be detected and monitored. The purpose of this study is to determine if temporal changes are manifest in the skeleton and, if so, develop appropriate standards to determine sex from the tibia in the contemporary inhabitants of Japan. Osteometric data were obtained from 84 recent Japanese skeletons located at Jikei Medical University, Tokyo. The collection was assembled from the anatomy dissecting room between 1960–1970. With a mean age of about 56 years for males and 51 for females, this sample represents individuals who lived through WWII. Seven tibial measurements were taken and subjected to SPSS-X discriminant function analysis. Results indicated that proximal and distal breadth measurements were selected by the stepwise procedure as the most discriminating. In addition, a number of combinations of measurements were used to develop formulae that would be suitable for fragmentary bones. Average prediction accuracy ranged from 80% from minimum shaft circumference to 89% with proximal epiphyseal breadth. Classification accuracy was higher in males (96%) than in females (79%). Compared with earlier studies of the Japanese, Jikei tibiae are longer, especially in females and thus exhibit less sexual dimorphism. The present research provides new standards that better reflect the Japanese people of today. Furthermore, unlike earlier length based formulae, these results allow sexing from fragmentary bones.
Differentiation of Automotive and Locomotive Lubricant Oil
Authors: Espinoza EO , Mann MJ , Leonardo L , Copeland A
Published: August 2015

Migratory waterfowl can confuse open oil pits for freshwater ponds. These open pits lead to waterfowl death. Frequently the pits contain oil and waste lubricant oil from automotive or locomotive origin. Automotive lubricant oil contains zinc dithiophosphate, a detergent and dispersant chemical additive. Locomotive lubricant oils do not contain zinc dithiophosphate. A GC-MS and XRF technique is presented that allows for the characterization of used lubricant oil as to being from automotive of locomotive sources. Identification of the oil source aids in the prosecution of open oil pit owners.
The Isolation and Identification of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) from Sugar Cubes and a Liquid Substrate
Authors: Kilmer SD
Published: August 2015

This report describes a simplified extraction technique for the analysis of LSD by GC/MS. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Forensic Laboratory recently received two suspected LSD cases involving four sugar cubes and seven food coloring bottles each containing a liquid substance. Following the extraction described in this report, both cases were subsequently confirmed by GC/MS and quantitated by HPLC.
Can Microorganisms Produce Alcohol in Body Cavities of a Living Person?: A Case Report
Authors: Moriya F , Ishizu H
Published: August 2015

Unusual endogenous ethanol production in intraabdominal bloody fluid of an individual who was stabbed in the abdomen and who developed peritonitis after a peritoneotomy is discussed. In the intraabdominal bloody fluid, 2.45 mg/g ethanol and 0.079 mg/g n-propanol were detected. The level of ethanol in the heart blood was about 1 mg/g. The level of n-propanol indicates that a large quantity of ethanol was produced endogenously in the intraabdominal bloody fluid. In an animal experiment in which rats were injected with 20 mL of 10% glucose mixed 5:1 with a presumed volume of rat blood into the abdominal cavity after injury of the small intestine to allow enterobacteria to spread into the cavity, a significant quantity of ethanol was produced in the administered fluid while the animals were alive. The antemortem ethanol production in the intraabdominal bloody fluid of the victim might have been caused by the microorganisms responsible for the peritonitis after the operation.
Operational Experience of Fingermark Enhancement by Frequency Domain Filtering
Authors: Bramble SK , Jackson GR
Published: August 2015

Fourier transformation of an image and subsequent filtering in the frequency domain has been found to be an effective way to improve images of fingermarks on interfering backgrounds. Examples are given of success in reducing periodic backgrounds that would otherwise have prevented fingermark identification. In addition, it has been found that better background suppression is obtained when high-resolution images are used.
Evaluation of Hinf I-Generated VNTR Profile Frequencies Determined Using Various Ethnic Databases
Authors: Budowle B , Monson KL , Giusti AM , Brown BL
Published: August 2015

Concerns have been raised about hypothetical problems arising from the use of statistics for determining the likelihood of occurrence of DNA profiles for forensic purposes. A major contention is that reference databases based on subgroups of a major population category rather than on general (or major) population groups, might yield large differences in the estimated likelihood of occurrence of DNA profiles. This hypothetical issue is based on the assertion by some people that the differences among subgroups within a race would be greater than between races (at least for forensic purposes). To evaluate the effects of the above concern the likelihood of occurrence of 615 Hinf I-generated target DNA profiles was estimated using fixed bin frequencies from various ethnic databases and the multiplication rule. Based on the data in this study, differences in allele frequencies at a particular locus do not have substantial effects on VNTR profile frequency estimates when subgroup reference databases from within a major population group are compared. In contrast, the greatest variation in statistical estimates occurs across-major population groups. Therefore, the assertion, by some critics that the differences among subgroups within a race would be greater than between races (at least for forensic purposes), is unfounded. The data in the study support that comparisons across major population groups provide valid estimates of DNA profile frequencies without forensically significant consequences. The data do not support the need for alternate procedures, such as the ceiling principle approach, for deriving statistical estimates of DNA profile frequencies.
Accuracy of Sex Determination Using Morphological Traits of the Human Pelvis
Authors: Rogers T , Saunders S
Published: August 2015

This study assesses the accuracy and reliability of 17 individual morphological traits of the pelvis frequently used to determine the sex of human skeletal remains. A sample of 49 right and left adult hip bones and sacra of documented individuals were available from an historic church cemetery dating from the 19th century. A hypothetical ranking of the accuracy of traits was drawn from the literature. Next, individual traits were evaluated for precision and accuracy of observations, and combinations of two and three traits were evaluated for their collective effectiveness as sex indicators. The effect of age on the accuracy of traits for sex determination was also examined. Precision of traits was generally good. Several combinations of three criteria produced higher levels of accuracy than the trait list as a whole. A total of six traits was judged to be most effective as sex discriminators because of low intraobserver error levels and better than 83% accuracy rates. There was no indication of an age effect on the precision or accuracy of these traits although sample sizes are small.
The Incompetent Defendant: Support Systems Help Avoid Future Legal Problems
Authors: Brown DL , Felthous AR , Barratt ES , Stanford M , Brown LA
Published: August 2015

Reducing crime and improving efficiency of our criminal justice system should be facilitated by identifying how to treat and manage mental health patients who are prone to committing criminal acts more effectively. A total of 142 competency evaluations were reviewed from cases evaluated by the Galveston County Forensic Psychiatrist from 1984 to 1990. Examination of data from these defendants allowed us to address the psychiatric needs of these defendants in terms of contact with the mental health system, particularly those who had more than one criminal justice system contact. The latter defendants lacked social support systems and consistent mental health system follow-up to provide stabilization of their condition. It was felt that this was a factor in their more frequent contact with the criminal justice system.
A Study of Deaths Involving Oxycodone
Authors: Drummer OH , Syrjanen ML , Phelan M , Cordner SM
Published: August 2015

Nine deaths involving oxycodone were investigated to assess the contribution of this opiate to these fatalities. All except one of the bodies were subjected to a full autopsy by specialist pathologists with a subsequent thorough toxicological examination. No significant anatomical pathology was found at autopsy. All deaths gave concentrations of oxycodone in femoral blood higher than expected following normal therapeutic use. In three cases no other drug in toxic concentrations was detected. Two cases involved the presence of a high concentration of a benzodiazepine and in a further two cases a high concentration of alcohol in addition to other drugs in therapeutic concentrations were present. One case involved methamphetamine in significant concentrations and another involved high concentrations of oxazepam in combination with pethidine. In all cases the presence of oxycodone was given as a factor contributing to the death. In only one case were there circumstances clearly indicating suicide. Our observations suggest that oxycodone is at least as toxic as other opiates and will cause deaths if misused.
An Unusual Explosive Find
Authors: McDermott SD
Published: August 2015

In July 1992, ten bottles containing explosives were unearthed on a farm. The explosives were found to be a chlorate/dinitro-toluene mixture similar to a type used in World War 1. The bottles were found to date from circa 1920. The explosive cache was probably in the ditch for more than 70 years.
Databased Classification System for Shoe Sole Patterns—Identification of Partial Footwear Impression Found at a Scene of Crime
Authors: Mikkonen S , Astikainen T
Published: August 2015

An image related databased classification system was developed for shoe sole pattern designs. Sole designs are stored with shoe information (brand name, size, style, material, etc.), pattern types and certain features existing on shoe soles or in footwear impressions, and they are used as searching criteria. There are two different classification code systems in the database. Preliminary classification is a very broad classification, and it is meant for shoe sole pattern designs and full shoe sole impressions. Feature classification is designed especially concerning partial footwear impressions, and its classification codes are based on defined basic shapes and certain principles, which facilitate also partial footwear impressions storing, shoe sole designs identifying for partial impressions and the elimination of interpretation error while classifying. User-friendly software makes the classification easy and searches rapid and effective.
DNA Extraction Strategies for Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Comey CT , Koons BW , Presley KW , Smerick JB , Sobieralski CA , Stanley DM , Baechtel FS
Published: August 2015

A polymerase chain reaction-based DNA typing method, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AMP-FLP) analysis, has shown promise as a means of analyzing forensic biological evidence. A variety of DNA extraction methods were evaluated for their suitability for AMP-FLP analysis. Factors that were considered in the evaluation included DNA yield, ability of DNA to be amplified, the presence of DNA fragments other than those expected for the alleles in the sample, and differential amplification of different sized alleles for a sample. An initial screen of eight extraction methods was conducted on bloodstains deposited on cotton sheeting. These methods included Chelex® 100, organic extraction followed by Centricon 100® (Amicon, Inc., Beverly, MA) dialysis and concentration, Geneclean™ (Bio 101, La Jolla, CA), GlassMax™ columns (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, MD); GlasPac™ (National Scientific Supply Co., Inc., San Rafael, CA), Qiaex (Qiagen Inc., Chatsworth, CA), Elu-Quik™ (Schleicher and Schuell, Keene, NH), and DNA Capture Reagent (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, MD). Then, four methods, Chelex® 100 extraction, organic extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, organic extraction followed by Centricon 100® (Amicon, Inc., Beverly, MA) dialysis and concentration, and Geneclean were evaluated on blood and semen stains. These stains were deposited on a variety of substrates, including cotton sheeting, denim, wallboard, nylon, wood, and carpet. The effect of addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the amplification reaction was also examined. The method judged most suitable for AMP-FLP analysis was organic extraction followed by Centricon 100® dialysis and concentration, with BSA added to the amplification reaction. Additionally, a modification of an existing differential extraction procedure for separating non-sperm from sperm DNA was developed.
Identification of Sperm and Non-Sperm Male Cells in Cervicovaginal Smears Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization: Applications in Alleged Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Collins KA , Nagesh Rao P , Hayworth R , Schnell S , Tap MP , Lantz PE , Geisinger KR , Pettenati MJ
Published: August 2015

The identification of spermatozoa or constituents of seminal fluid is critical in the evaluation of alleged sexual assault victims. However, failure to identify sperm and/or elevated levels of acid phosphatase can occur for a variety of reasons. Molecular techniques, such as molecular cytogenetic analysis offers new approaches to improve on the identification of male cells in alleged sexual assault cases.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a Y chromosome specific DNA probe was applied to archival cervicovaginal smears from 41 alleged sexual assault cases to identify Y-bearing (male) cells. FISH identified Y-bearing sperm and non-serm cells in 78% of the cases previously confirmed to have sperm. FISH also identified Y-bearing non-sperm male cells in 39% of the cases in which cytology did not detect spermatozoa; in one of these instances, it also detected sperm. Cervicovaginal acid phosphatase levels, determined at the time of the cervicovaginal smears, were also compared with the presence or absence of Y-positive cells. Application of this technique can detect non-spermatozoic male cells in routine cervicovaginal smears of sexual assault victims.
Assessing Ethnicity from Human Mitochondrial DNA Types Determined by Hybridization with Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotides
Authors: Connor A , Stoneking M
Published: August 2015

A logistic regression model was developed to predict ethnic group from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) types determined by hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes of the two hypervariable segments of the mtDNA control region. The model was developed with, and tested against, a previously reported data set of 525 individuals from five ethnic groups (African-American, Southeast Asian, Caucasian, Japanese, and Mexican) involving 23 probes at nine regions within the two hypervariable segments [1]. The model correctly predicted the ethnic group of 65.3% of the overall sample; however, the success rate varied substantially among ethnic groups, with the most success obtained with Caucasians (81% correctly classified). A discriminant analysis yielded similar results. An example is given of using the model to predict the ethnic group of an SSO-type from a forensic case. Such models provide alternatives to traditional skeletal-based methods of predicting ethnicity, especially in cases where skeletal material is absent or incomplete.
Evaluating Low-Speed Rear-End Impact Severity and Resultant Occupant Stress Parameters
Authors: Rosenbluth W , Hicks L
Published: August 2015

Automotive Systems Analysis, Inc. (ASA) and Lowell Hicks, Inc. (LHI) have developed a ground-up set of sensor instrumentation and recording method to document vehicle-artifact/occupant-stress parameters occurring from a continuing series of low-speed rear-end multi-vehicle impact tests (≈ 2 to 8 MPH). This work has four goal areas: 1) calculate impacted vehicle (TARGET) barrier equivalent velocity (BEV) from isolator Artifacts; 2) correlate calculated BEV' to occupant stress; 3) calibrate injury potential of occupant stress impulse; 4) compare occupant stress with everyday volunteer activities.

The test collision series now includes several different vehicle pairs with varying impact/escape speeds, weight ratios, and parallel parameters from a driver side manikin and passenger side volunteer.

Observable physical vehicle isolator artifacts (piston stroke scrapes) were compared with computer-recorded linear sensor time traces, and these data were fitted to a ‘calculated BEV’ worksheet/algorithm. The worksheet/algorithm method shown here was found to be reasonably repeatable, per vehicle model and series tested.

Next, manikin and vounteer occupant stress data, measured along with TARGET vehicle BEVs, were charted and compared with injury-threshold-impulse criteria referenced in the literature.

Lastly, the occupant-stress impulses were compared with sample stress impulses for various volunteer physical activities, as a practical calibration of vehicle occupant stress.
A Cognitive Model of Dangerous Delusional Misidentification Syndromes
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Leong GB , Garza-Treviño ES , Le Grand J , Oliva D , Weinstock R , Bowden CL
Published: August 2015

The hallmark of the delusional misidentification syndromes is the presence of a misidentification delusion of the self or others. Delusional misidentification may present with an increased risk for dangerous behaviors. Individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes may express hostility in ways ranging from serious verbal threats to homicidal acts. The causes of dangerous misidentification delusions remain for the most part undetermined. In this article, we report a series of six cases of individuals who harbored dangerous misidentification delusions. These individuals were studied phenomenologically and forensically. They were also studied biologically, including neuropsychological testing. A cognitive hypothesis aimed at explaining dangerousness and delusional misidentification is proposed. Implications of the hypothesis for further research are briefly outlined.
Collection of Fiber Evidence Using Water-Soluble Cellophane Tape
Authors: Chable J , Roux C , Lennard C
Published: August 2015

The collection and preservation of microtraces, such as fibers, using cellophane tape is generally accepted as being very practical and efficient. At the scene of a crime, for example, this means of sample collection is both easy and rapid, which explains in part its popularity. However, in addition to a very low specificity (high background), this technique suffers from one major disadvantage: the microtraces must undergo a long and tedious pretreatment before any detailed analysis is possible. This pretreatment involves the isolation and separation of the microtrace from the tape, followed by a solvent wash (usually with xylene) to remove all trace of the adhesive.

A recently commercialized product alleviates some of the problems associated with sample collection by this means: “Mask Plus II” (No. 5414, Scotch™, St-Paul, MN) is a new cellophane tape that is completely soluble in water. Microtrace collection can be performed with this tape by the conventional lifting procedure. In the laboratory, the microtraces may then be conveniently released from the tape by immersion in warm water (60°C) with continual agitation. After solubilization of the cellophane tape, the microtraces are isolated by membrane filtration then allowed to air dry.

The described technique has been thoroughly evaluated for fiber collection with comparison of the results with those obtained using conventional cellophane tape. Particular attention has been paid to operating conditions (temperature, humidity, conservation, etc.), collection efficiency, as well as possible alterations to the fibers themselves.
Evaluation of Canines for Accelerant Detection at Fire Scenes
Authors: Kurz ME , Billard M , Rettig M , Augustiniak J , Lange J , Larsen M , Warrick R , Mohns T , Bora R , Broadus K , Hartke G , Glover B , Tankersley D , Marcouiller J
Published: August 2015

In recent years, canines have been successfully used in fire investigations to detect accelerant residues. We set out to determine the lower limits at which canines could reliably detect potential accelerants. Measured amounts ranging from 10 to as little as 0.01 μL of gasoline, kerosene, and isopars were applied to preselected spots along a continuous sample path (25 to 40 feet long) made out of burned and unburned wood or nylon carpeting strips at the testing site. Two canines were led past this sample path at least three times and positive alerts and negative responses were recorded. Both dogs were generally able to alert on spots containing 0.01 μL or more of all three accelerants, at or beyond the purge and trap recovery and gas chromatographic detection method employed. The canines did alert occasionally on background, especially that containing traces of styrene residues, either purposely added in specific amounts or formed upon partial pyrolysis of carpeting material. The dogs alerted on sites containing 0.1 to 1.0 μL of freshly applied gasoline or kerosene placed at actual heavily damaged fire scenes, but were less successful on samples containing smaller amounts.
Analysis of Heroin Drug Seizures by Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography (MECC)
Authors: Walker JA , Krueger ST , Lurie IS , Marché HL , Newby N
Published: August 2015

A rapid procedure using Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography (MECC) is presented for the quantitation of illicit heroin samples. This analytical system resolves heroin from accompanying impurities and adulterants enabling accurate quantitation via the use of an internal standard. An aqueous run buffer consisting of 40 mmol sodium dodecyl sulfate, 8.5 mmol sodium phosphate, 8.5 mmol sodium borate and 15% acetonitrile is used with a 27 cm × 50 µm fused silica capillary column. Linearity, accuracy and reproducibility studies of heroin using this method are established. Comparisons to a commonly used gas chromatographic method show excellent correlation. Due to its high resolution and speed, this MECC system also serves as a screening procedure to detect impurities and adulterants present in heroin samples. Relative migration times of various opiates and adulterants are reported. With minor exceptions, complete separation of numerous compounds is achieved within five minutes, including compounds that are difficult to analyze by gas chromatography such as morphine, O6-acetylmorphine, aspirin and salicylic acid.
Comprehensive Forensic Analyses of Debris from the Fatal Explosion of a “Cold Fusion” Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Grant PM , Whipple RE , Andresen BD
Published: August 2015

Selected components of explosion debris from the SRI International incident of January 2, 1992 were subjected to forensic analyses to elucidate potential causes of, or contributing factors to, the explosion. Interrogation of the debris encompassed nuclear, chemical, physical, and materials investigations.

Nuclear studies for the determination of tritium and neutron-activation products in stainless steel and brass were conducted. No evidence for signature species indicative of orthodox nuclear events was detected. The inorganic and particulate analyses were likewise negative with respect to residues of unexpected chemical species. Such target compounds included conventional explosives, accelerants, propellants, or any exceptional industrial chemicals.

Materials characterization identified the type of stainless steel used in the manufacture of the electrolytic cell as one relatively high in Mo concentration, probably type 316. Metallurgical analyses of the cell vessel wall and its detached base provided no evidence of corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement, leaving only ductile failure of the weld as contributing to the incident. The weld was found to have missed the center-line of the step joint, and the average penetration of the weld was measured to be 54%.

The GC-MS analyses of trace organic components in the explosion debris provided a most interesting result. Although no evidence of organic explosives, oxidizers, or other unusual compounds was detected, the presence of an organic oil in the interior of the electrochemical cell was established. It is likely that the source of this oil was lubricating fluid from machining the metal cell components. If residues of hydrocarbon oils are present during “cold fusion” experiments, the potential exists for an explosive reaction in the enriched oxygen atmosphere within the pressurized headspace of an electrolytic cell. It is possible that the oxidation of organic oil contributed to the total energy inventory, and perhaps the initiation, of the subject explosion.
In Situ Detection and Identification of Trace Explosives by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Cheng C , Kirkbride TE , Batchelder DN , Lacey RJ , Sheldon TG
Published: August 2015

The innovative design of the newly developed Renishaw Raman Microscope system and its application to the in situ detection and identification of plastic explosives contained in fingerprint samples are presented. Raman microscopy is a nondestructive inspection method. Our experimental results show that Raman spectra and Raman band images can be obtained from explosive particles as small as 1 µm3 in size or 1 picogram in mass. After exploring the full potential of the Raman microscopic technique, the aim of this research is to develop a real-time and field-deployable plastic explosive detection system.
Medical Examiner/Death Investigator Training Requirements in State Medical Examiner Systems
Authors: Prahlow JA , Lantz PE
Published: August 2015

Comprehensive and properly performed investigation of suspicious, unusual, unnatural, and various natural deaths is necessary to maintain the health, safety, and well-being of society as a whole. Adequate investigation requires the combined efforts and cooperation of law-enforcement and other public-service agencies, medical professionals, and those within the forensic community. As such, the “death investigator” plays a crucial role in the investigation process. These front-line investigators, whether they be coroners, medical examiners, physicians, other medical professionals, or lay-people, are required to make important decisions which have far-reaching consequences on how death investigation cases proceed. Death investigation practices vary greatly among medico-legal jurisdictions. A recent publication has categorized state death investigation systems by type of system. In an attempt to better delineate death investigation practices with specific regard to investigators' training and continuing education requirements, we surveyed the 20 systems categorized as state medical examiner systems and the five states with combined state medical examiner and county coroner/medical examiner systems. We present our findings and make recommendations which address the attributes and deficiencies of current death investigation practices.
Fatal Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Pediatric Oral Surgical Procedure
Authors: Lifschultz BD , Kenney JP , Sturgis CD , Donoghue ER
Published: August 2015

Deaths during dental and oral surgical procedures may lead to litigation alleging malpractice. For this reason, and because of their sudden and unexpected nature, they often come to the attention of forensic pathologists. We review the clinical and anatomic findings of a 3-year-old boy who expired following an oral surgical procedure in the temporomandibular region. During the operation, perforation of the base of the skull occurred causing laceration of a branch of the middle meningeal artery and fatal subdural and epidural bleeding.
Homicide Facilitated by Inhalation of Chloroform
Authors: Nashelsky MB , Dix JD , Adelstein EH
Published: August 2015

Three related homicides in which each decedent had significant concentrations of chloroform in blood, fat, brain and/or liver are described. The tissue concentrations of chloroform in one of three decedents were within reported lethal ranges. The concentrations in the remaining two decedents were less than lethal but were well above blood levels in nonoccupationally exposed, healthy subjects. The cause of death in one decedent with sublethal chloroform concentrations was suffocation; the cause of death in the other decedent could not be determined with certainty. The manner of death in each case was homicide. Through a review of the literature the authors discuss the history of chloroform as an inhalation anesthetic and the history of chloroform as an agent of abuse, suicide, assault, and homicide. Blood and/or tissue concentrations of chloroform in nonoccupationally exposed, healthy subjects and victims of suicide or homicide from previous reports are compared and contrasted with the amounts in blood and/or tissue in the three subjects described in this study. The authors conclude that, in addition to a direct lethal effect, chloroform may be used to incapacitate a victim of assault who then dies by another cause.
ASTM Standards for Forensic Sciences
Authors: Lentini JJ
Published: August 2015

Since 1989, ASTM Committee E 30 on Forensic Sciences has been formulating voluntary concensus standards for the forensic sciences. This Special Communication is a report on the accomplishments of E 30, and on plans for the production of additional standards in the near future.
A Review of Introduction to Forensic Engineering
Authors: Batterman SC
Published: August 2015

Forensic Engineering is a burgeoning field in the United States and elsewhere with specialized courses appearing in the engineering curricula at several colleges and universities. Unfortunately, this short book of 200 text pages organized into 21 chapters, does not capture the essence of this exciting and rapidly expanding field. To be sure, the book does contain some useful information but it is not a general treatment where a novice could learn something without prior background or exposure. This reviewer also feels an incorrect impression is created by entirely focusing attention on after-the-fact investigations (Monday morning quarterbacking) of accidents or failures with no attention devoted to the very significant role of forensic engineering in accident and injury prevention through effective design. The book appears to be merely a soiree of the author's excursions into forensic engineering through his consulting company. Furthermore, only very few scientific references are given although the number of topics treated is large.
Forensic DNA Testing on Skeletal Remains from Mass Graves: A Pilot Project in Guatemala
Authors: Boles TC , Snow CC , Stover E
Published: August 2015

A reliable method for extracting DNA from teeth was developed and successfully applied to a set of 12 skeletons recovered from two 10-year-old Guatemalan mass graves. Attempts to identify the remains by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing were hampered by low sequence diversity. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using DNA typing to identify victims from mass graves.
Carbon Monoxide-Related Deaths from 1984 to 1993 in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Risser D , Schneider B
Published: August 2015

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs frequently in industrialized countries. Between 1970 and 1978 in Vienna, the capital of Austria, carbon-monoxide-rich coal gas was replaced with natural gas. Despite this fact, people still die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. The main purpose of this study was to determine the reasons for unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths, and further to describe the epidemiology of these fatal poisonings in Vienna between 1984 and 1993. A secondary purpose was to investigate whether intentional carbon monoxide poisoning still plays a role among suicides as was the case up to the 1970s. For this purpose we analyzed carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna from 1984 to 1993, based on actual autopsy reports of postmortems performed at the Viennese Institute of Forensic Medicine. Deaths due to fire were excluded. The main reason for unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna between 1984 and 1993 was flueless gas-fueled water heating appliances, overused especially by old people during the cold period of the year. The frequency of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in 1993 was almost as high as in 1984. A total of 53% of deceased persons were over age 60. Most fatal carbon monoxide poisoning occurred during the cold period of the year. Suicides decreased significantly during the investigation period. In 76% of these deaths car exhaust fumes were inhaled, especially by men. In conclusion, we recommend programs to prevent unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths. These programs should especially target the elderly. Flueless gas boilers should not be overused. Furthermore, apartments should be aired sufficiently, even during the cold period of the year. Finally, homeowners should have gas appliances checked annually for proper functioning. It would be best to eliminate flueless gas-fueled water heaters as soon as possible.
Forensic Implications of Biochemical Differences Among Geographic Populations of the Black Blow Fly, Phormia regina (Meigen)
Authors: Byrne AL , Camann MA , Cyr TL , Catts EP , Espelie KE
Published: August 2015

Cuticular hydrocarbons were extracted from individual adult blow flies from three geographic populations of PHormia regina from areas near Tucannon River and Lyle Grove, Washington, and from Rensselaer, Indiana. The individual extracts were subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 22 hydrocarbons were identified. Discriminant analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles separated the flies according both to location and gender. These results have potential forensic applications in the determination of corpse relocation and in the study of the population ecology of species and populations.