bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Drugs and Death: Profiles of Illegal Drug Abuse
Authors: Logan BK
Published: August 2015

While the value and accessibility of a print book will never be letely matched, this volume undoubtedly represents the shape hings to come in educational publishing. This is a CD ROM based, narrated slide show, with text and photographs, regarding lethal effects of illicit drug groups comprised of inhalants, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamine, LSD and hallucinogens, and in. It is not highly technical, and according to the author, is directed towards school students, drug awareness programs, and th care personnel, as well as parents with at risk children who wish to learn more about drug abuse. It is clearly intended to highlight the seamier side of recreational dmg use, and the unpleasant and not infrequently lethal consequences. The information is quite graphic, and likely to be upsetting to some, however, the product carries an appropriate warning.
Review of Criminal Poisoning: Investigational Guide for Law Enforcement, Toxicologists, Forensic Scientists, and Attorneys
Authors: Logan BK
Published: August 2015

Deaths by homicidal poisoning, which are recognized as such, titute a very small fraction of all poisoning deaths in the United States representing, according to this book, 14 poisonings per 10 000 homicides. The caveat however is critical, since as the author points out, murder by poisoning can be among the most difficult murders to identify. Of the cases discussed in this book, the vast majority involve the use of a classical poison, such as arsenic, cyanide, or strychnine, which makes them easier to identify. Poisoning using a drug which a decedent has been prescribed or has had access to, however, certainly cannot be distinguished from a voluntary ingestion on the basis of the toxicology laboratory result, and the only people who know whether the diug was willingly ingested by the victim, or administered by a poisoner, are usually these two actors, one of whom is invariably dead.
Review of Environmental Forensics: Principles & Applications
Authors: Lowry WT
Published: August 2015

Dr. Morrison's purpose for the text was to provide a working reference for the practicing environmental attorney and the environmental consultant. His intent with this text was to provide significant information in order to distinguish between evidence and opinions based on scientific methods with that of “junk science.”
Richard Rosner Awards for the Best Papers by Fellows in Forensic Psychiatry or Forensic Psychology
Authors: Rosner R
Published: August 2015

February 1999 marked the tenth anniversary of the annual competition for the Best Paper by a Fellow in Forensic Psychiatry or Forensic Psychology. The purpose of the Award is both to encourage and reward research by Fellows in Forensic Psychiatry and Forensic Psychology. In recognition of its importance, the AAFS Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Section voted to name the award in honor of its originator.
Assessing the Risk of Recidivism in Physicians with Histories of Sexual Misconduct
Authors: Tillinghast E , Cournos F
Published: August 2015

Physicians who engage in sexual conduct with patients usually cause serious harm and have a high rate of recidivism. Although offending physicians may lose their privilege to practice, they have the right to appeal for restoration of the license. Yet medical licensing board members do not currently have any clear standards by which to predict whether a given physician is likely to abuse again. Using New York as a paradigm, this paper offers practical, clinically based guidelines for assessing the risk of restoring an offending physician's license. These guidelines are derived from psychoanalytic theories of character, the insights of therapists who have worked with abusive physicians, and the psychiatric model of assessing dangerousness. Recognizing character patterns and psychological vulnerabilities of physicians with histories of sexual misconduct will help board members identify those who are at high risk of abusing again if their licenses are restored.
Elderly Sexual Offenders Admitted to a Maximum-Security Forensic Hospital
Authors: Rayel MG
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of elderly sexual offenders at a maximum-security forensic hospital. Charts of male elderly patients charged with sexual offenses were reviewed to obtain clinical and demographic data. The majority of sexual offenders had mood or psychotic disorders. Almost one third had a history of violent or assaultive behavior. 57% had significant medical history. A history of violence and sexual assaultive behavior may be risk factors for future sexual offenses.
Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Elderly Offenders at a Maximum-Security Forensic Hospital
Authors: Rayel MG
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of the male elderly offenders admitted to a maximum-security forensic hospital. Charts of male elderly patients were reviewed to obtain clinical and demographic data. Seventy-seven percent of geriatric felons were involved in violent crime. 41% of which had psychotic symptoms. Forty-five percent of offenders with a history of head trauma/neurologic disorder were charged with violent offenses. Fifty-nine percent had previous psychiatric hospitalization. Most elderly male offenders involved in violent crimes had primary psychotic and mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and a history of head trauma/neurologic disorder. The small number of subjects precludes clear conclusions and needs further study.
The State of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Texas. Part I: Reported Data on 41,660 ECT Treatments in 5971 Patients
Authors: Scarano VR , Felthous AR , Early TS
Published: August 2015

The Texas Legislature in 1993 mandated a quarterly reporting requirement for hospitals and physicians performing electronvulsive therapy (ECT) in the state (United States Government hospitals were excluded). The Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) was designated as the agency responsible for collecting and maintaining the data. This paper reviews the ECT data from 16 quarterly reports (09/01/93 through 08/31/97). The reports contained data on 41.660 ECT treatments in approximately 5971 patients. The results of this study support the proposition that ECT is an extremely safe and effective treatment for those individuals suffering from a serious mental illness. In Texas, ethnic groups other than non-Hispanic Anglo-Americans appear to be underserved in regards to ECT. Those patients without appropriate insurance or adequate personal funds are also underserved as a result of the few county and state hospitals performing ECT and the relatively small number of patients treated with ECT at those hospitals. Recommendations are suggested to improve the quality of the database and in informing the public as to the safety and efficacy of this valuable treatment modality.

What, at first, was seen as an unwarranted legislative foray into the practice of medicine, has, in the end, become a source of valuable data supporting the use of ECT as an important treatment modality.
The State of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Texas. Part 2: Contact with Physicians, Hospitals, Medical Liability Insurance Companies, and Manufacturers of Stimulus Generating Equipment
Authors: Scarano VR , Felthous AR , Early TS
Published: August 2015

Since mid-1993, all ECT treatments performed in the state of Texas (except for United States government hospitals) must be reported every quarter to the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TXMHMR) on a data collection form provided by the Department. Part 1 of this paper reviewed that data.

This paper reviews the responses to questionnaires and contacts made with physicians, hospitals, medical liability insurance companies, and manufacturers of stimulus generating devices regarding their experience with ECT in Texas. Questionnaires were sent to physicians and hospitals that had not performed ECT during the final two quarters of the review period. Medical liability insurance companies and the manufacturers of the stimulus generating equipment used in ECT were contacted regarding their experience with liability claims. The results indicate that medical liability in regards to the performance of ECT is extremely low. Physicians and hospitals that stopped performing ECT did so for reasons other than medical liability.
Characteristics of Mentally Retarded Criminal Offenders in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Su KP , Yu J-M , Yang T-W , Tsai S-Y , Chen C-C
Published: August 2015

The characteristics and criminal behavior in mentally retarded individuals remain largely unstudied. This retrospective study sought to establish a set of reference of criminal behavior characteristics in an ethnic Chinese mentally retarded group. Data were collected from forensic psychiatric evaluation of 32 mentally retarded offenders. Of the 32 offenders, only four (12.5%) cases were female. Mean age at the time of the offenses was 31. By IQ testing, 23 (71.9%) of the group fell into the mild mental retardation range, seven (21.9%) into the moderate mental retardation range, and two (6.2%) into the severe mental retardation range. Nineteen (59.3%) of the group also suffered from additional mental disorder. Eight (25%) had definite neurological deficit. Fourteen (43.8%) were repeat offenders. A total of 24 (75%) of the offenders had committed crimes against property, with 13 having committed petty theft. Furthermore, the pattern of offending shows differences from that of the general population or other mental disorders. The property offenses, especially petty theft and arson, were frequently seen. There was no noteworthy above average frequency of sexual offenses.
Detection of Sequence Variation in the HVII Region of the Human Mitochondrial Genome in 689 Individuals Using Immobilized Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probes
Authors: Reynolds R , Walker K , Varlaro J , Allen M , Clark E , Alavaren M , Erlich H
Published: August 2015

We have developed a rapid, immobilized probe-based assay for the detection of sequence variation in the hyper-variable segment II (HVII) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. Using a panel of 17 sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes immobilized on nylon membrane strips, we typed 689 individuals from four population groups. The genetic diversity value for each population was calculated from the frequency data, and the frequencies of distinct “mitotypes” in each group were determined. We performed DNA sequence analysis of 129 samples to characterize the sequences associated with “blanks” (absence of probe signals) and weak probe signals. Out of 689 samples, we observed five heteroplasmic samples (excluding the variable C-stretch beginning at position 303) using the immobilized SSO probe panel. The SSO probe strips were used for the analysis of shed hairs and bloodstains from several criminal cases in Sweden, one of which is described here. We conclude that this mtDNA typing system is useful for human identification and significantly decreases casework turnaround time.
Comparing the Additive Composition of Smokeless Gunpowder and Its Handgun-fired Residues
Authors: Reardon MR , MacCrehan WA , Rowe WF
Published: August 2015

Detecting the use of handguns via the determination of the organic additives in smokeless gunpowder residues (OGSR) presents a promising alternative to primer metal residue analysis. Compositional analysis of the gunpowder additives nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite provides information that can associate residue samples with unfired gunpowder. We evaluated the composition of seven reloading smokeless gunpowders, both in bulk and as single particles, by ultrasonic solvent extraction/capillary electrophoresis. Handgun-fired residues obtained from three common weapon calibers loaded with the known reloading powders were compared with the unfired powders. In general, the composition of the residues was similar to that found in the unfired powders. For double-base powders, comparing the ratio of the propellant (P) to the total amount of stabilizer (S) for both residue and gunpowder samples proved to be a useful measurement for identification. This P/S ratio demonstrated that the additives in the residues did not greatly change relative to the unfired powder, providing a useful indicator to aid in forensic powder and residue evaluation.
Diimide-Enhanced Fingerprint Detection with Photoluminescent CdS/Dendrimer Nanocomposites
Authors: Bouldin KK , Roland Menzel E , Takatsu M , Murdock RH
Published: August 2015

The chemical development of latent fingerprints by nanocomposites that involve photoluminescent cadmium sulfide nanoparticle aggregates with Starburst® dendrimer is demonstrated. The dendrimer bonds to fingerprint residue via its terminal functional groups. When these are amino groups (generation 4 dendrimer), the binding is enhanced by fingerprint pre-treatment with diimide. The diimide converts carboxylic acid moieties of the fingerprint residue to esters that then react with the dendrimer amino groups to form amide linkages. The cadmium sulfide/generation 4 dendrimer development of fingerprints is enhanced by elevated temperature also. Finally, fingerprint development with carboxylate-functionalized cadmium sulfide/generation 3.5 dendrimer nanocomposites is examined. Here, diimide treatment of the dendrimer itself aids the subsequent fingerprint labeling, which involves amino acid of the figerprint residue. Nanocomposite fingerprint detection is compatible with time-resolved imaging for background fluorescence elimination.
Improved Method for Shooting Distance Estimation. Part III. Bullet Holes in Cadavers
Authors: Glattstein B , Zeichner A , Vinokurov A , Levin N , Kugel C , Hiss J
Published: August 2015

An improved method to estimate firing distance on human body surfaces is described. The novel part of the method includes a chemical test in addition to the traditional visual and microscopic examinations of the gunshot wounds. This chemical test consists of a transfer of the gunpowder residues from the area of a gunshot wound to an adhesive lifter; the residues are then visualized as total nitrite after alkaline hydrolysis by the Modified Griess Test (MGT). When cadavers are in an advanced stage of decomposition or when gunshot wounds are in hairy areas, the information obtained by this chemical test can be crucial for shooting distance evaluation. In other cases it may improve the accuracy of the examination. In some cases, the results obtained by this test may assist in the discrimination between entrance and exit gunshot wounds.
Time Since Discharge of Rifles
Authors: Andrasko J , Ståhling S
Published: August 2015

The estimation of time since the latest discharge of rifles has been achieved by the SPME sampling technique and the GC-TEA analytical system. An unidentified compound, designated as the TEA2 compound, was detected in all the rifles investigated. The same compound was observed in shotguns and spent cartridges in our previous work. This compound escapes rapidly from the inside of rifle barrels, but can still be detected there one to two months after the shooting. The decrease of the TEA2 peak with time after shooting is non-exponential, and the curve-fitting procedure proposed for the estimation of time since discharge of shotguns can be applied also for rifles.
Suicide: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bennett AT , Collins KA
Published: August 2015

Suicide is a complex phenomenon associated with psychological, biological, and social factors, claiming approximately 30,000 lives each year in the United States. We retrospectively reviewed all cases referred to the Medical Examiners' Office/Forensic Pathology Section at the Medical University of South Carolina from January 1988 to December 1997. The cases of suicide totaled 678. All of the cases were analyzed as to age/race/sex, method of suicide, time of year, and toxicological results. Files were also reviewed to determine if the victim left behind a suicide note. The ages ranged from 12 to 94 years; males comprised 79.5% of the victims, and whites 78.3%. The male to female and white to black ratios were both 3.9:1. The most common methods were gunshot wounds, accounting for 64.6% of the cases. No correlation existed with time of year, and the number of cases was not increased around major holidays. The group of victims 65 years and older and the pediatric group under the age of 18 were also examined separately.
Ballistic Characterization of the Remington Premier® Copper Solid™ Sabot Shotgun Slug
Authors: Ward ME , Nolte KB
Published: August 2015

We evaluated the impact and penetration characteristics of the Remington® Copper Solid™ sabot shotgun slug with standardized ballistic tests and used this information to predict tissue wounding patterns. This unique ammunition, first distributed in 1993, is composed of a solid copper, hollow-point slug with longitudinal slots cut into the nose. The slug is fitted into a hard plastic sabot with 8 finger-like projections and loaded into a shotgun shell with two plastic wads separating it from the underlying gunpowder charge. The ammunition was fired through a 12-gage shotgun using a rifled barrel, a smooth-bore barrel with rifled choke, and a smooth-bore barrel with a smooth modified choke into targets consisting of poster board and 10% ballistic gelatin at a variety of distances.

The copper slug and plastic sabot created single 8-fingered asterisk-shaped defects in the poster board when fired at distances of less than 7 to 9 ft (∼2 to 3 m). All three barrel types performed similarly. At greater distances, the sabot impacted the targets separately from the slugs and created variably shaped defects that reflected base-first, nose-first, and side-first impacts. Increasing muzzle-to-target distances generally increased the impact distances between the slug and sabot. There was no predictable relationship between the sabot and slug impact points for any of the three barrel types. With each barrel tested, the wads created separate defects from the slug at distances greater than 5 ft (1.5 m). The distances between the slug and the wad impact points increased with increasing muzzle-to-target distances up to 40 ft (12 m), after which the wads generally no longer struck the targets. The slug created atypical defects at distances between 7 and 150 ft (∼2 to 45 m), probably due to yawing or tumbling.

When the slug impacted the gelatin block in a nose-first orientation, the slotted nose portion tended to fragment and radially deposit pieces in the gelatin that were visible on radiographs. When the slug struck the gelatin target in a side-first orientation, it passed through the gelatin intact.

The slug, sabot, and wads of this unique projectile separate and create independent impact points in a stereotypical manner independent of barrel type. This pattern of separation allows estimates to be made of ranges of fire. Wounds created in human tissues by this ammunition would likely have similar asterisk-shaped configurations, and nose fragments may be deposited in tissues and seen radiographically. Rectangular wounds created by the tumbling or yawing slug might be mistaken for intermediate target wounds.
Comparison of Patterns of Decomposition in a Hanging Carcass and a Carcass in Contact with Soil in a Xerophytic Habitat on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Shalaby OA , deCarvalho LML , Lee Goff ML
Published: August 2015

Decomposition studies were conducted to determine differences in rates and patterns of decomposition of carcasses hanging and exposed on the surface of the soil. These studies were conducted between 17 October and 17 December 1997 inside of Diamond Head Crater on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The animal model was the domestic pig, Sus scrofa. The rate of biomass removal from the hanging carcass was significantly slower than that observed for the control carcass during the bloat and decay stages of decomposition. Internal temperatures for the control carcass were elevated above the ambient air temperatures during the earlier stages of decomposition (bloated and decay), while those recorded for the hanging carcass approximated the ambient air temperatures. There was a greater diversity of arthropod species recorded and numbers of individuals observed were higher for the control carcass. A significant site of arthropod activity was observed on the surface of the soil immediately under the hanging carcass and this became the primary site of arthropod activity as decomposition progressed.
Asphyxial Deaths and Petechiae: A Review
Authors: Ely SF , Hirsch CS
Published: August 2015

Conjunctival and facial petechiae, although nonspecific findings, are considered hallmarks of asphyxial deaths. Consensus in the literature suggests that their pathogenesis is related to the combined effects of increased cephalic venous pressure and hypoxic damage to endothelial cells. Despite the common knowledge that they are neither predictable findings in all asphyxial deaths nor rare in natural, nonaphyxial deaths, the belief persists that petechiae are corroborative evidence of asphyxia. We suggest that a clear, physiologically based understanding of the pathogenesis of petechiae of the head is critical for their appropriate interpretation. We present a review of the literature and the basis of our conclusion that conjunctival and facial petechiae are the product of purely mechanical vascular phenomena, unrelated to asphyxia or hypoxia.
The Multidisciplinary Approach to Dealing with Families: A Model for Medical Examiners
Authors: Coburn MU , Borges MC , Knake E , Michael Harper R
Published: August 2015

Medical examiners function primarily to determine cause and manner of death, and to document illness and injuries. Equally important, however, is the role of providing family members with the initial tools to work through the grief process. By initiating contact with the family, facilitating access to other appropriate services and by making provisions for adequate viewing and meeting facilities, we fulfill these ethical duties and carry out our responsibilities as physicians. We hope to fill some of the void that exists in the forensic medical literature with this presentation and generate awareness for the neglected role of grief intervention.
Separation of Visibly-Excited Fluorescent Components in Fingerprint Residue by Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Jones NE , Davies LM , Brennan JS , Bramble SK
Published: August 2015

The use of lasers for the detection of fingermarks is widespread in the forensic field. Despite this, and the fact that many studies have been conducted into the composition of fingermark residue, the components responsible for the inherent visible fluorescence remain unidentified.

Traditionally compositional studies have been performed on sweat, sebum, or skin surface washes, none of which are truly representative of the situation when a fingerprint is deposited on a surface. In this paper thin-layer chromatography (TLC) has been performed on sebum-rich fingermarks laid directly onto TLC plates and an argon ion laser used to visualize the separated components. It has been found to be a robust and reproducible method for studying the fluorescent components in fingermark residue and is considered to be more realistic than other methods of sample preparation as it eliminates the chances of extraneous matter being extracted from the skin surface. Investigations into the nature of the separated compounds have also been made and the results are reported.
A New Visibly—Excited Fluorescent Component in Latent Fingerprint Residue Induced by Gaseous Electrical Discharge
Authors: Davies LM , Jones NE , Brennan JS , Bramble SK
Published: August 2015

A technique that exposes fingerprint residue to a gaseous electrical discharge in nitrogen followed by treatment with ammonium hydrogen carbonate vapors to produce fluorescence is investigated. Particular attention is made to fluorescence observed via laser illumination at 514 nm. Insight into the nature of the fluorescent components is achieved through the use of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of fingerprint residue. Results reported indicate the fluorescence observed is from previously non-fluorescent fractions of the fingerprint residue, and TLC results point towards lipid derivatives as a possible source of the fluorescence.
A Method for Collection of Gunshot Residues from Skin and Other Surfaces
Authors: Ståhling S , Karlsson T
Published: August 2015

A method of collecting gunshot residues from the skin of persons who have been injured by firearms has been developed. The method uses a commercially available, adhesive, transparent plastic film. This method is also useful for collecting gunshot residues from other objects, such as leather. The shooting distance is later estimated by ocular, microscopic or IR examination in combination with various chemographic tests.
The Accelerated Polyvinyl-Alcohol Method for GSR Collection—PVAL 2.0
Authors: Schyma C , Placidi P
Published: August 2015

The polyvinyl-alcohol collection method (PVAL) is used in forensic practice to gather topographical information about gunshot residues (GSR) from the hands to decide if the subject has made use of firearms. The results allow a distinction between suicide and homicide. The only inconvenience of PVAL was that the procedure took about 60 min because three layers of liquid PVAL had to be applied and dried. Therefore, the collection method was only applied to corpses. The improved and accelerated PVAL 2.0 uses a sandwich technique. Cotton gauze for stabilization is moistened with a 10% PVAL solution. A solid film of PVAL (Solublon®) is spread on the cotton mesh. The gauze is then modeled to the hand and dried with a hair dryer. After removing the cotton gauze, the traces are embedded in the water-soluble PVAL. The procedure does not take more than 15 min. The results demonstrate the qualities and advantages of PVAL: topographical distribution of GSR, highest gain of GSR, sampling of all other traces like blood, backspatter etc., and humidity does not reduce the gain. In addition, with the new PVAL 2.0 dislocation of GSR or contamination are excluded. PVAL 2.0 can also be applied on live suspects.
A Systematic and Quantitative Analysis of PCR Template Contamination
Authors: Urban C , Gruber F , Kundi M , Falkner FG , Dorner F , Hämmerle T
Published: August 2015

A quantitative and systematic analysis is provided for ubiquitously present template DNA interfering with the quantification of human DNA by PCR. Two sources contributing to DNA background were identified. The first one is interpreted as DNA present in chemicals and on equipment and the second as caused by operator handling. The amounts were equivalent to 2.5 and 8.9 pg per mL of sample, an the estimated frequencies of contamination were 65 and 35%, respectively, resulting in an effective limit of detection of 17.4 pg/mL. Below this level—named effective laboratory background—a result could not be considered as authentic. Knowledge of these parameters is important for laboratories that analyze minute amounts of human DNA by PCR for purposes such as quantification, typing, and sequencing.
Paint and Tape: Collection and Storage of Microtraces of Paint in Adhesive Tape
Authors: Bernhard WR
Published: August 2015

The collection and preservation of microtrace evidence with the aid of an adhesive tape is a method of choice in forensic science. This technique is rapid and easy and allows the concentration of microtraces on a carrier, which facilitates further investigations in the laboratory. Adhesive tapes are currently used to secure microtraces of fibers and glass, but hardly for traces of automotive paint and other lacquers for fear of interference with the analysis of binders. A collection of automotive paint consisting of original and repair lacquers collected by tape has been evaluated. After various times of storage within the tape, these samples were compared with untreated references by microscope FT-IR and microspectrophotometry (MSP). Another set of paints was collected in 1984, stored within the tape until 1995, and examined the same way. About 170 layers of lacquer with various types of binder were examined. With the exception of one clear lacquer no difference between treated samples and references was detected. This small difference observed could be correlated to the exposure to xylene (extractant) and was not caused by the storage within the adhesive tape.
Restoration Tactics for Seriously Corroded Cu and Cu-Alloy Firearms Evidence
Authors: Randich E , Fickies TE , Tulleners FA , Andresen BD , Grant PM
Published: August 2015

A cleaning procedure for seriously weathered or corroded bullets and cartridge casings was developed and implemented for evidence specimens from a multiple homicide. The restoration protocol entailed successive treatments with increasingly aggressive chemical solvents and cleaning solutions while monitoring the progress of the method by optical microscopy. Treatment of worst-case, Cu-alloy jacketed bullers and casings resulted in reconditioned specimens that subsequently underwent successful firearms examinations.
Northeast Italy Population Data Using Multiplex PCR (HUMCD4, HUMTH01, HUMTPOX, and HUMCSF1P0) Loci
Authors: Turrina S , De Leo D , Marigo M
Published: August 2015

Allele and genotype frequencies for four short tandem repeat (STR) loci (HUMCD4, HUMTH01, HUMTPOX, and HUMCSF1P0) were determined in 100 unrelated individuals from Veneto (Northeast Italy). After a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplification, semi-automatic DNA profiling was performed using an A.L.F. express DNA Sequencer. Conditions were optimized for the PCR co-amplification of these four STR loci and the quadruplex PCR was performed on various forensic DNA samples such as whole blood, blood-stains, teeth, and saliva from Caucasians living in the Northeast Italy. The distribution of the genotype frequencies showed no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the sampled population. The combined Power of Discrimination (PD) of the quadruplex was 0.9999.
Screening of Amphetamine/Methamphetamine and Their Derivatives in Urine Using FPIA and Triage™8 and the Scope and Limits of a Subsequent Identification by Means of the REMEDi™ HS System
Authors: Felscher D , Schulz K
Published: August 2015

This study describes screening and identifying amphetamines, methamphetamines, and their derivatives in urine using immunochemical (Triage™8, FPIA) and chromatographic techniques (REMEDi™ HS). Amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDE (3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine), MBDB (N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine), BDB (3,4-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine), PMA (4-methoxyamphetamine), DOM (2,5-dimethyloxy-4-methylamphetamine), DOB (4-bormo-2,5-dimethyloxyamphetamine), amphetaminil, pholedrine, fenfluramine, and amfepramone were subjected to a comparative study. For this, the substances were analyzed to determine their specific threshold concentration for a positive detection in the Triage test and their limit of detection and positive threshold concentration for the FPIA test and the results compared.

Furthermore, the capabilities of a more detailed analysis with the REMEDi system were studied. This HPLC system was able to produce information on the single drugs and main metabolites found in the sample with the danger of false-positive or false-negative screening results greatly minimized.
Paternity-Testing on Paraffin-Embedded Abortion Tissue: Preparation of Fetal Cells May Be Indispensable
Authors: Zehner R , Lasczkowski G
Published: August 2015

In a case of sexual abuse, a paternity test was performed on paraffin embedded abortion material. STR typing was successful only after isolating fetal tissue from the abortion-material and separately extracting DNA from the excised fetal cells. Examination with five STRs led to a paternity index of 332, confirming the abuse that had resulted in pregnancy.
Metastatic Calcification of the Cardiac Conduction System with Heart Block: An Under-Reported Entity in Chronic Renal Failure Patients
Authors: Isotalo PA , Halil A , Green M , Tang A , Lach B , Veinot JP
Published: August 2015

Systemic metastatic calcification is a common complication of chronic renal failure. Cardiac involvement is particularly ominous, especially when the cardiac conduction system is affected. Conduction defects, arrhythmias, and sudden death have all been reported with conduction system calcification; however, these are relatively under-reported or unrecognized causes of cardiac morbidity and mortality. We describe a 40-year-old man with Von Hippel-Lindau disease who had been maintained on hemodialysis for two years following bilateral nephrectomies for renal cell carcinoma. The patient presented with symptomatic complete heart block that had progressed from Mobitz type I atrioventricular block. Two months later, while being internally paced, the patient died unexpectedly after a complicated hospital admission. Postmortem revealed extensive vascular, myocardial, and conduction system calcification. Conduction system calcification may cause sudden death in chronic renal failure patients during hospital admission, or unexpectedly while the patient is in the community, Knowledge of this condition is necessary to detect it, as the conduction system is not routinely examined. A routine abbreviated conduction system examination is warranted for patients with systemic metastatic calcification, especially if they have sudden death or a known history of heart block.
Sequency Polymorphisms of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region in 100 German Caucasians
Authors: Baasner A , Madea B
Published: August 2015

Sequency Polymorphisms of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region in 100 German Caucasians
Allelic Distribution for Two Short Tandem Repeat Loci: D10S2325 and D20S161
Authors: Baasner A , Madea B
Published: August 2015

Allelic Distribution for Two Short Tandem Repeat Loci: D10S2325 and D20S161.
STR Data for the AMPFlSTR Profiler Plus Loci among Four Predominant Populations of Eastern India
Authors: Dutta R , Chattopadhyay P , Kashyap VK
Published: August 2015

STR Data for the AMPFlSTR Profiler Plus Loci among Four Predominant Populations of Eastern India
Review of: Hyperthermia, Burning and Carbonmonoxide
Authors: Prof. Dr. Schmidt V
Published: August 2015

Heat, fire, burns, smoke, and the fatalities associated with them are of preeminent importance in forensic-technical investigations and in forensic pathology. The editor of the present volume has offered a valuable service in providing an anthology dealing with the problems and current state of research in this special province of traumatology.
Detection Limits for GC/MS Analysis of Organic Explosives
Authors: Sigman ME , Ma C-Y
Published: August 2015

Method detection limits are determined and compared for analysis of liquid injections of organic explosives and related compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy utilizing electron impact (EI), negative ion chemical ionization (NICI), and positive ion chemical ionization (PICI) detection methods. Detection limits were rigorously determined for a series of dinitrotoluenes, trinitrotoluene, two nitroester explosives, and one nitramine explosive. The detection limits are lower by NICI than by EI or PICI for all explosives examined, with the exception of RDX. The lowest detection limit for RDX was achieved in the PICI ionization mode. Judicious choice of the appropriate ionization mode can enhance selectivity and significantly lower detection limits. Major ions are reported for each analyte in EI, PICI, and NICI detection modes.
Determination of Drug Levels in Larvae of Protophormia terraenovae and Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Reared on Rabbit Carcasses Containing Morphine
Authors: Hédouin V , Bourel B , Bécart A , Tournel G , Deveaux M , Goff ML , Gosset D
Published: August 2015

Two species of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were reared on tissues from rabbits administered different dosages of morphine. These species, Protophormia terraenovae and Calliphora vicina are among the first wave of insects colonizing a dead body. Two series of 3 rabbits were given dosages of 10, 20, and 40 mg/h of morphine over a 3 h period via ear artery perfusion. A morphine blood level plateau was attained after 1 h of perfusion. Two other rabbits were used as controls. Samples of tissues collected from rabbits using a coelioscopic technique were determined to have morphine concentrations similar to those encountered in human overdoses and were correlated with dosages of morphine administered. All samples from control rabbits were negative for morphine. Larvae and puparia of both species were regularly collected from each rabbit for toxicological analysis. Concentrations of morphine in larvae reared on rabbit carcasses containing morphine were significantly lower than concentrations found in the tissues. There was a decrease in concentration in morphine observed in transition from feeding 3rd instar larva to puparium. A correlation between larval concentration and tissue concentration was found only in feeding 3rd instar larvae.
Postmortem Microscopic Changes Observed at the Human Head Hair Proximal End
Authors: Linch CA , Prahlow JA
Published: August 2015

Only two types of human hair roots (proximal ends) derived from decomposing scalps are reported in the literature. The most common representation of the putrid root includes a postmortem dark root band in published photomicrographs. In this study, 22 cases were reviewed in which there was reliable time of death documentation from medical investigator reports. A review of these cases finds that the most common putrid hair proximal end change does not contain the postmortem root band. Four primary types of hair proximal end postmortem change were identified. This study finds no correlation of time of death with scalp hair proximal end decomposition. In addition two examples are presented that suggest that hair roots do not decompose after fresh removal from the scalp and exposure to the outside elements.
HPLC Analysis of Ballpoint Pen Inks Stored at Different Light Conditions
Authors: Andrasko J
Published: August 2015

A method for comparison of ink entries on documents stored in different light conditions is presented. Various blue inks were exposed to light, both daylight and artificial light from fluorescent tubes. Inks were then extracted from the document and analyzed by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). Significant changes in composition were noted on exposure to light. These changes were followed by using ternary diagrams constructed for dyes generally present in blue-colored inks—Crystal Violet, Methyl Violet, and Tetramethyl Para Rosaniline. Also, the amount of the various compounds formed by decomposition of these dyes on exposure to light was measured and employed for comparison of inks. An example of the use of the proposed method in casework is given.
Discrimination of 1990s Original Automotive Paint Systems: A Collaborative Study of Black Nonmetallic Base Coat/Clear Coat Finishes Using Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ryland S , Bishea G , Brun-Conti L , Eyring M , Flanagan B , Jergovich T , MacDougall D , Suzuki E
Published: August 2015

The 1990s saw the introduction of significantly new types of paint binder chemistries into the automotive finish coat market. Considering the pronounced changes in the binders that can now be found in automotive paints and their potential use in a wide variety of finishes worldwide, the Paint Subgroup of the Scientific Working Group for Materials (SWGMAT) initiated a validation study to investigate the ability of commonly accepted methods of forensic paint examination to differentiate between these newer types of paints. Nine automotive paint systems typical of original equipment applications were acquired from General Motors Corporation in 1992. They consisted of steel panels coated with typical electrocoat primers and/or primer surfacers followed by a black nonmetallic base coat and clear coat. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the discrimination power of common forensic techniques when applied to the newer generation original automotive finishes. The second purpose was to evaluate interlaboratory reproducibility of automotive paint spectra collected on a variety of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers and accessories normally used for forensic paint examinations. The results demonstrate that infrared spectroscopy is an effective tool for discriminating between the major automotive paint manufacturers' formulation types which are currently used in original finishes. Furthermore, and equally important, the results illustrate that the mid-infrared spectra of these finishes are generally quite reproducible even when comparing data from different laboratories, commercial FT-IR instruments, and accessories in a “real world,” mostly uncontrolled, environment.
Diversity and Heterogeneity in Mitochondrial DNA of North American Populations
Authors: Melton T , Clifford S , Kayser M , Nasidze I , Batzer M , Stoneking M
Published: August 2015

Variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region as detected by sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes is described for 2282 individuals from African-American, European-American, and Hispanic subpopulations from five broadly defined regions of North America (Northeast, Southeast, Central, Northwest, Southwest). Population diversity estimates were uniformly high for all subpopulations and for each major ethnic group. Only the Pennsylvania Hispanic group was remarkable with respect to its mitochondrial DNA types, having both six low frequency population specific types (ranging from 1.2–8.6%) and three high frequency shared types (10–20% each). There was no statistically significant subpopulation heterogeneity present within any of the three major groups at either the subpopulation level or the regional level (p > 0.01). However, statistically significant heterogeneity was measured when comparing the three major groups to each other, with the variance component attributable to this large division accounting for 18.60% of the total variance (p < 0.001). Overall mtDNA is a satisfactory forensic typing locus within broadly defined African-American, European-American, and Hispanic groups from North America, based on the high diversity estimates and absence of heterogeneity, as characterized by SSO typing.
Quality Assurance Testing of an Explosive Trace Analysis Laboratory
Authors: Crowson A , Hiley RW , Todd CC
Published: August 2015

During 1989, the Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL) established a weekly quality assurance testing regime in its explosives trace analysis laboratory. The purpose of the regime is to prevent the accumulation of explosives traces within the laboratory at levels which could, if other precautions failed, result in the contamination of samples and controls. This paper describes the regime and summarizes the results from approximately eight years of tests. Lessons learned and improvements made over the period are also discussed.
Speaker Identification Utilizing Noncontemporary Speech
Authors: Hollien H , Schwartz R
Published: August 2015

The noncontemporariness of speech is important to both of the two general approaches to speaker identification. Earwitness identification is one of them; in that instance, the time at which the identification is made is noncontemporary. A substantial amount of research has been carried out on this relationship and it now is well established that an auditor's memory for a voice decays sharply over time. It is the second approach to speaker identification which is of present interest. In this case, samples of a speaker's utterances are obtained at different points in time. For example, a threat call will be recorded and then sometime later (often very much later), a suspect's exemplar recording will be obtained. In this instance, it is the speech samples that are noncontemporary and they are the materials that are subjected to some form of speaker identification. Prevailing opinion is that noncontemporary speech itself poses just as difficult a challenge to the identification process as does the listener's memory decay in earwitness identification. Accordingly, series of aural-perceptual speaker identification projects were carried out on noncontemporary speech: first, two with latencies of 4 and 8 weeks followed by 4 and 32 weeks plus two more with the pairs separated by 6 and 20 years. Mean correct noncontemporary identification initially dropped to 75–80% at week 4 and this general level was sustained for up to six years. It was only after 20 years had elapsed that a significant drop (to 33%) was noted. It can be concluded that a listener's competency in identifying noncontemporary speech samples will show only modest decay over rather substantial periods of time and, hence, this factor should have only a minimal negative effect on the speaker identification process.
Production of Intoxication States by Actors—Acoustic and Temporal Characteristics
Authors: Hollien H , Liljegren K , Martin CA , DeJong G
Published: August 2015

This paper is the second of a series; the first has been published (J Forensic Sci, 1998;43:1153–62). The goal in the initial pair of experiments was to determine if speakers (actors) could effectively mimic the speech of intoxicated individuals and also volitionally reduce the degradation to their speech that resulted from severe inebriation. To this end, two highly controlled experiments involving 12 actor-speakers were carried out. It was found that, even when sober, nearly all of them were judged drunker (when pretending) than when they actually were severely intoxicated. In the second experiment, they tried to sound sober when highly intoxicated; here most were judged less inebriated than they were. The goal of this second paper is to identify some of the speech characteristics that allowed the subjects to achieve the cited illusions. The focus here is on four paralinguistic factors: fundamental frequency (F0), speaking rate, vocal intensity, and nonfluency level. For the simulation of intoxication study, it was found that F0 was raised along with increased intoxication but raised even more when this state was feigned. A slowing of speaking rate was associated with increasing intoxication, but this shift also was greater when the speaker simulated intoxication. The most striking contrast was found for the nonfluencies; they were doubled for actual intoxication, but quadrupled when intoxication was simulated. On the other hand, the shifts exhibited by the subjects when they attempted to sound sober were not as clear cut. Indeed, no systematic relationships were found here for either F0 or vocal intensity. Both speaking rate and the number of nonfluencies shifted appropriately, but these changes were not statistically significant. In sum, discernable suprasegmental relationships occurred for both studies (but especially the first); further, it is predicted that useful cues also will be found embedded in the segmentals (the sounds of speech).