bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Incidence of Transient Particulate Gunshot Primer Residue in Oregon and Washington Bow Hunters
Authors: Mann MJ , O'Neil Espinoza E
Published: August 2015

The interpretation of GSR/PA (gunshot primer residue particulate analysis) results in an alleged firearm violation of bow hunting regulations is complicated by the theoretical presence of contaminant GSR from prior legitimate shooting incidents. A total of 120 samples representing field collections from thirty Oregon and Washington bow hunters were analyzed for the presence of particulate gunshot residue in order to assess the level of contamination that may be present in this population. Of the bow hunters sampled, 50% stated that they shoot guns; 80% of the shooting group stated at the time of the GSR field collection that they were wearing the same outer clothing or driving the same vehicle, or both, when they last handled and fired a weapon. Analysis of the 120 samples resulted in the detection of one tricomponent particle of GSR.
Detection of Trace Explosive Evidence by Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Fetterolf DD , Clark TD
Published: August 2015

The continuing threat of worldwide terrorism has prompted the need for new and innovative explosives detection systems. As part of an ongoing research effort, the FBI Laboratory has been evaluating new technology and the innovative adaptation of existing technology for use in counterterrorism and counternarcotics investigations. We have been examining the application of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), for its role in explosives detection.

The explosives residue is collected on a membrane filter by a special attachment on a household vacuum. Subsequent thermal desorption and analysis requires 5 s. Experimental results have determined the limits of detection for most common explosives to be approximately 200 pg. The vacuum sampling method permits the collection of trace physical evidence transferred to hands or surfaces through contact or post blast residue. The persistence of explosives on hands and transfer to other surfaces has been examined. Post-blast residue of NG was detected on fragments of improvised explosive devices constructed with double-based smokeless powder. Post-blast residue from C-4, Deta Sheet, SEMTEX, and ammonium nitrate explosives have also been detected on items of forensic and evidentiary value.
Application of the Microdroplet Method of X-Ray Analysis to the Characterization of Inks
Authors: Cassidy MF , Allen DE
Published: August 2015

This study was undertaken to investigate the application of the microdroplet method of x-ray analysis to the characterization of inks. A methodology to allow the microdroplet method to be applied to ink analysis was designed. Ethylene glycol was the preferred solvent for droplet formation. Pyridine was added to this solvent to improve ink extraction capabilities, and could then be removed selectively by vacuum evaporation. Microdroplets were delivered to a thin film support through the use of a nebuliser. Thin films of celloidin were supported on copper specimen grids which were in turn held on a specially designed carbon holder.

A number of different inks were examined using both a previously described method and the newly designed microdroplet technique. Examination of 17 inks from ballpoint pens commonly available in Australia showed that no detectable elements were present that could be used for characterization. This result was in contrast to earlier work by Harada in Japan. Four fountain pen inks were also examined and it was found that all of these inks contained detectable elements that could be used for characterization.
Problems of Recovering Partial Human Remains at Different Times and Locations: Concerns for Death Investigators
Authors: Haglund WD , Reay DT
Published: August 2015

Examples of cases where partial remains of the same individual were recovered at different times and from separate locations are presented. Such remains raise unique problems for coroner/medical examiners and police because their discovery has the potential to confound identification and disrupt investigative continuity. Recovered partial human remains highlight the need for their proper documentation and raise the question of their release for burial or retention for evidence.
An Animal Model of Postmortem Amitriptyline Redistribution
Authors: Hilberg T , Bugge A , Beylich K-M , Ingum J , Bjørneboe A , Mørland J
Published: August 2015

An experimental rat model was developed to study postmortem changes of drug concentration after an acute overdose. Overnight fasted rats were fed 75 mg of amitriptyline (AMI). Two h after dosing, the rats were anaesthetized and blood samples were drawn from the femoral vein (peripheral blood—PB) and the heart (HB). The rats were sacrificed by CO2 and left at room temperature for either 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 24, 48, or 96 hours, when samples of heart blood, blood from the inferior vena cava (PB) and tissue samples from different liver lobes, heart, lungs, kidney, thigh muscle, and brain were taken. Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The AMI concentration in HB increased fairly rapidly within the first 2 h postmortem and from then the average ratio was 6.4 ± 0.8 (mean ± sem) (n = 31). In PB, the post/antemortem AMI concentration ratio followed an approximately exponential rise; at 2 h postmortem the ratio was 1.6 ± 0.3 (n = 5), and at 96 h 55.1 ± 23.8 (n = 4). For the main metabolite nortriptyline (NOR), the concentration changes followed the same pattern, but to a lesser extent. Among the tissues, the liver lobes had high, but variable drug concentrations; lobes lying closest to the stomach had the highest drug concentrations. The drug concentration in the lungs declined significantly. This animal model demonstrates postmortem drug concentration changes similar to those described in humans. Probable mechanisms include drug diffusion from the stomach and GI tract to the surrounding tissues and blood; and postmortem drug release from the lungs and possibly other drug-rich tissues into the blood.
Experimental Observations on Adipocere Formation
Authors: Mellen PFM , Lowry MA , Micozzi MS
Published: August 2015

Adipocere, “grave wax,” is a waxy or greasy decomposition product formed by hydrolysis and hydrogenation of tissue fats. Once formed, it appears stable for extended periods. Adipocere has generally been considered to result from bacterial action, commonly in warm, damp, anaerobic environments. However, its frequency, rate of formation, factors affecting its formation and physical characteristics are not well defined. To study the frequency, time course, and effects of temperature and clothing on adipocere formation, we submerged human adipose tissue samples in aquaria under controlled conditions and conducted serial observations.

Adipocere formed with high frequency, within a few months, in tissues submerged in warm tap water; similar changes took longer, 12 to 18 months in cold water submersion. Presence of clothing over the tissue appeared to accelerate adipocere formation.
Invasive Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Disease
Authors: Tepper SL , Overman J , Parker JR
Published: August 2015

Invasive bacterial disease due to Haemophilus influenzae is a cause of sudden death in children. It must be considered by medical examiners when a child dies with a fulminant course and nonspecific symptoms. Three fatal cases are presented in children 7 weeks to 15 months of age. Two had meningitis and petechiae or purpura. All three had bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and a rapidly fatal course.

The potential for rapid and accurate diagnosis of H. influenzae infection is widely available due to latex agglutination technique against bacterial capsular wall antigens. Diagnosis is critical because of its public-health implications. Up to 50% of cases may be acquired in day-care settings. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for household and day care contacts. With the recent introduction of Haemophilus b conjugate vaccines for routine administration to infants beginning at 2 months of age, a change in the epidemiology of the disease is anticipated.
The Analysis of Cremains: A Case Study Involving the Inappropriate Disposal of Mortuary Remains
Authors: Murray KA , Rose JC
Published: August 2015

Cremation as a method of body disposition has increased over the last two decades. Mishandling of the remains is bringing the analysis of cremains to the attention of forensic anthropologists. The destruction of skeletal components by heat, and mechanical reduction, make the analysis of cremains difficult.

Three years after receiving cremains believed to be that of their mother, a family received a second set of cremains that were also purported to be those of their mother. Questioning whether which, if either, set of remains were the decedent, the family initiated an anthropological analysis of both sets of remains.

The investigation focused on both osseous and nonosseous characteristics of each set. Total weight of the material and differences in both the osseous and nonosseous characteristics indicate that the cremains represent two individuals. These differences include the degree of color change due to heat, the amount of bone fragments vs. ash, and the lead and calcium content remaining in the fragments from each set. Differences in the nonosseous components of each set are related to coffin hardware, and medical and dental artifacts.
Disappearance Rate of Ethanol from the Blood of Human Subjects: Implications in Forensic Toxicology
Authors: Jones AW
Published: August 2015

This article outlines major developments in knowledge about the human metabolism of ethanol. The results of a large number of controlled experiments aimed at measuring the rate of ethanol elimination from the blood are reported. The factors that influence the rate of ethanol elimination from blood, such as the amount of ethanol ingested, the drinking habits of the subjects, and the effect of food taken together with, or before, drinking were investigated. The slowest rate of ethanol disappearance was observed in a healthy male subject who ingested 0.68 g ethanol/kg body weight after an overnight (8 h) fast; the β-slope was 9 mg/dL/h. The fastest rate of ethanol disappearance was observed in a male chronic alcoholic during detoxification; the β-slope was 36 mg/dL/h. This four-fold difference in the rate of ethanol disposal should be considered when the pharmacokinetics of ethanol become an issue in drinking and driving trials, for example, when retrograde estimations are attempted.
Nicotine Analysis in Neonates' Hair for Measuring Gestational Exposure to Tobacco
Authors: Kintz P , Kieffer I , Messer J , Mangin P
Published: August 2015

Hair samples were collected at time of delivery from 40 neonates whose mothers were known to be smokers during the prenatal period. Hair was decontaminated in dichloromethane, homogenized in NaOH, and nicotine was extracted in diethyl ether. After separation on a BP-5 capillary column, nicotine was identified and quantified by GC/MS using selected ion monitoring. In all cases, nicotine was found in the neonatal hair and in the hair of the corresponding mother. The ranges of nicotine levels were 0.15 to 11.80 ng/mg, and 0.37 to 63.50 ng/mg, for the neonates, and their mothers, respectively. It was possible to establish a significant correlation between both concentrations, and the correlation coefficient was 0.83. These findings suggest the possibility of monitoring the transfer of maternal nicotine through the placenta by measuring nicotine concentration in neonatal hair.
Substance Abuse Testing of Urine by GC/MS in Scanning Mode Evaluated by Proficiency Studies, TLC/GC, and EMIT
Authors: Gibb RP , Cockerham H , Goldfogel GA , Lawson GM , Raisys VA
Published: August 2015

Using GC/MS in scanning mode as a screening and definitive identification methodology for substance abuse testing, 4500 urine samples have been analyzed. The accuracy and sensitivity of this method was evaluated by the results of 92 proficiency sample analyses, reanalyses by TLC screening with GC confirmation of 125 samples from forensic sources and reanalysis by EMIT screening for seven groups of drugs confirmed by GC/MS of 590 samples from industrial and treatment sources. The results of these studies are presented.
The pH Pen—A Means of Comparing Paper Products
Authors: Blackledge RD , Gernandt MN
Published: August 2015

Printers may use a pH pen to test the alkaline/acid content of paper stock to determine if it will be compatible with a given formulation of printing ink. Questioned-document examiners may find the pH pen useful as an additional discriminator when attempting to determine if two paper products (known and questioned) could have originated from a common source. A total of 68 different fine white paper products were compared. From a total of 2278 possible pairs (questioned and known), all but six pairs were discriminated by a combination of physical characteristics, fluorescence under UV light, and the pH pen.
Image Enhancement for Document Examination Using the Personal Computer
Authors: Houde J
Published: August 2015

In a recent case involving the restoration of an obliterated message, an IBM compatible personal computer, a hand scanner, and commonly available software was used. The document was scanned, and the text was restored to readability by performing image manipulations such as gray-scale equalization and contrast enhancement.
The Use of Hydrogen Peroxide to Visualize Tattoos Obscured by Decomposition and Mummification
Authors: Haglund WD , Sperry K
Published: August 2015

Tattoos are distinctive, potentially important acquired identifying features that last for the life of the bearer, and persist into the postmortem period. However, the accumulation of decompositional pigments in the skin and subcutaneum will obscure tattoo designs. By treating the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide, the dark red-black decomposition products are temporarily removed, allowing underlying tattoos to be located, and photographed for identification purposes.
A Method for Siding and Sequencing Human Ribs
Authors: Mann RW
Published: August 2015

Siding and sequencing (that is, putting in anatomical order) human ribs are essential to the proper examination and documentation of injuries to the chest. The paucity of information regarding sequencing nonfleshed human ribs makes it particularly difficult for physical anthropologists and medicolegal authorities to differentiate the midthoracic ribs. It was found that ribs could be accurately sequenced without the aid of a comparative skeleton using such features as maximum (relative) rib length, the size and shape of the articular facets, the distance between the articular facets and rib angle, and the height of the rib heads relative to one another.
Evaluation of Enzyme Immunoassay Performance Characteristics—Phencyclidine Example
Authors: Fyfe MJ , Chand P , McCutchen C , Long JS , Walia AS , Edwards C , Liu RH
Published: August 2015

Four reagent formulations (three provided by a manufacturer; one prepared in-house by mixing equal volumes of two commercial reagents) are used for the assay of phencyclidine (PCP) in urine samples. Performance characteristics evaluated included assay precision and sensitivity at and near the assay cutoff concentration. Data resulting from the reagent prepared in-house are better than those using then commercially available formulations, and are comparable with those obtained using the recently available new commercial formulation.
Effects of Argon Laser Light, Alternate Source Light, and Cyanoacrylate Fuming on DNA Typing of Human Bloodstains
Authors: Shipp E , Roelofs R , Togneri E , Wright R , Atkinson D , Henry B
Published: August 2015

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profile results were obtained from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from human bloodstains that had been subjected to cyanoacrylate ester (“superglue”) fuming, argon ion laser light and alternate light sources. All RFLP profile results obtained from treated samples were consistent with the DNA pattern from untreated bloodstains.
Child Stealing by Cesarean Section: A Psychiatric Case Report and Review of the Child Stealing Literature
Authors: Yutzy SH , Wolfson JK , Resnick PJ
Published: August 2015

A highly unusual case of child stealing by cesarean section resulting in the death of the mother is presented. The judicial proceedings are summarized. The literature on the psychiatric status of perpetrators committing child stealing is presented. Two methods of psychiatrically categorizing these perpetrators are reviewed. The relevance of the literature to this and possible future cases is discussed.
A Technique for Developing and Photographing Ridge Impressions on Decomposed Water-Soaked Fingers
Authors: Keating DM , Miller JJ
Published: August 2015

One of the most challenging tasks confronting a crime laboratory technician is the fingerprinting and subsequent identification of an unknown homicide or drowning victim whose fingers have been subjected to a long period of exposure to water and the effects of decomposition. If the fingers of the individual have not been exposed to the erosive effects of water and decomposition for a long period of time, they may be allowed to dry, and suitable impressions are often obtainable. In other cases the fingers may have to be removed, with the permission of the Medical Examiners Office, and processed by the Crime Laboratory in an attempt to develop suitable ridge structure for inked impressions or an exact photographic copy of the individual's fingers. In extreme cases the effects of water and decomposition make the fragile ridge structure appear to be nonexistent to the naked eye.

The procedure used in this case report, combines the use of cyanoacrylate vapor, commonly called “super glue fuming,” and the ninhydrin process in conjunction to develop fragile ridge structure into discernable ridges that are easily seen and photographed for the purpose of making an identification of the individual.
Scleral and Conjunctival Hemorrhages Arising from a Gunshot Wound of the Chest: A Case Report
Authors: Sperry K
Published: August 2015

A young man committed suicide in the back seat of an automobile, witnessed by two law enforcement officers sitting in the front seat who had attempted to dissuade him from killing himself over an eight hour period. Death was caused by a contact gunshot wound of the anterior chest, which entered the midsternum and disrupted the anterior right atrium and ventricle of the heart, without involvement of either left ventricle or atrium. At the autopsy, bilateral fresh, confluent scleral and conjunctival sulcus hemorrhages were discovered, with no other evidence of facial or intracranial trauma. These hemorrhages are postulated to have arisen from a sudden pressure wave ascending through the superior vena cava, in a manner similar to the ocular findings associated with the retrograde venous blood flow that occurs during severe thoracic compression. These hemorrhages should not be mistaken for evidence that a decedent was beaten or otherwise involved in an assault episode.
Sudden and Unexpected Death in Childhood Due to a Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle
Authors: Byard RW , Moore L
Published: August 2015

A nine-year-old boy died suddenly and unexpectedly following a two day history of intermittent headaches. At autopsy a colloid cyst of the third ventricle was found that had obstructed the foramen of Monro and caused hydrocephalus with prominent cerebral edema. Colloid cysts are rare entities in childhood and are not usually included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric sudden death. This report describes the clinicopathological features of such a case.
A Review of Criminal Investigation, A Method for Reconstructing the Past
Authors: Fong W
Published: August 2015

The book stirs a mix of sensations on first encounter. Its size is daunting: thick, wide, voluminous—a tome. Its title attracts attention, provokes thought. The outlined body location cover illustration is grim, haunting. If you know the forensic sciences, read its principal works, you know this publication is a momentous event. James W. Osterburg, educator, past president of our AAFS, author of two forensic science texts, is senior coauthor. One of his texts, Introduction to Criminalistics, has been read and remembered by generations of criminalists since it was published in 1949. Coauthor Richard H. Ward's credentials include authorship on criminal investigation, notably terrorism, and police corruption.
A Review of Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, 5th Edition
Authors: Fitzpatrick FA
Published: August 2015

I first encountered Svensson and Wendel's Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation as a Berkeley undergraduate where it was used as a text in a criminal investigation course. The cases were riveting and the photographs gory and wonderful. It was a fine textbook. Barry A. J. Fisher's Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, 5th Edition is the latest rendition in the evolution of the original Swedish text by Arne Svensson and Otto Wendel. The value of the prior edition was recognized by the International Association of Identification and was a recommended text for their Crime Scene Certification test. This latest edition continues the series of changes and improvements found in the earlier editions.
A Review of Proceedings of The Taipei International Symposium on Forensic Sciences
Authors: Lindquist CA
Published: August 2015

The Proceedings represent a compilation of papers that were initially presented at The Taipei International Symposium on Forensic Sciences, held at Central Police University, March 24–26, 1991. Of the 26 papers, 22 are presented in English; the four remaining papers are in Chinese with an English abstract provided for each. As is usually the case with an edited volume, the contributions are quite varied—ranging from philosophical and legal considerations to the development and application of new analytical techniques. The diversity of the contributors, however, is one of the major strengths of the book. Drawing upon the expertise of researchers and practitioners from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, and Taiwan (Republic of China), the reader is presented with an excellent overview of contemporary developments in a variety of forensic science areas.
A Review of The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, Volume 1, Number 1, June, 1990
Authors: Perr IN
Published: August 2015

Reviewing a new journal is a difficult task as one cannot focus on the content as one would a book or monograph; rather one must look at the journal as a sample of forthcoming issues and its potential worth as an addition to the various journals that deal with forensic psychiatry throughout the world.
A Review of Postmortem Changes in Human and Animal Remains
Authors: Bass WM
Published: August 2015

This small volume (124 pages) contains nine chapters, 15 pages of references and an index providing increased means for answering questions about postmortem change. The book covers in approximate chronological order the action of taphonomic factors on human and animal remains.
PCR Amplification and Typing of the HLA DQα Gene in Forensic Samples
Authors: Comey CT , Budowle B , Adams DE , Baumstark AL , Lindsey JA , Presley LA
Published: August 2015

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HLA DQα gene using DNA recovered from evidentiary samples. Amplified HLA DQα DNA was then typed using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes. Slight modifications of previously published DNA extraction methods improved typing success of bloodstains and semen-containing material. Evidentiary samples, consisting of 206 known bloodstains, 26 questioned bloodstains, and 123 questioned semen-containing evidentiary materials were analyzed from 96 cases previously analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing in the FBI Laboratory. Of the known bloodstains, 98.5% yielded DQα typing results. Of the questioned samples, 102 of 149 (24/26 bloodstains and 78/123 semen-containing materials), or 68%, produced typing results. Of the 78 cases that were RFLP inclusions, 59 yielded interpretable DQα results and these were all inclusions. The remaining 19 cases could not be interpreted for DQα. Of the 18 RFLP exclusions, eleven were DQα exclusions, four were DQα inclusions, and three could not be interpreted for DQα. It is expected that because of the difference in discrimination potential of the two methods, some RFLP exclusions would be DQα inclusions. Some samples that failed to produce typing results may have had insufficient DNA for analysis. Employment of a human DNA quantification method in DQα casework would allow the user to more consistently use sufficient quantities of DNA for amplification. It also could provide a guide for determining if an inhibitor of PCR is present, thus suggesting the use of a procedure to improve amplification. This study provides support that the HLA DQα typing procedure is valid for typing forensic samples.
Detection of Prostate Specific Antigen by ELISA
Authors: Johnson ED , Kotowski TM
Published: August 2015

A method for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA or P30) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed. The method was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity and compared to other methods of semen identification on numerous casework samples. A sensitivity of less than 1 ng/mL PSA is routinely achieved. Numerous domestic contaminants and body fluids were tested and none were found to give a false-positive result. However, false-negative results did occur in samples contaminated with detergents. Additionally, some poorly preserved items of evidence did not give positive results where expected. In spite of these minor limitations, this method was found to be highly sensitive and specific and an efficient method for identifying semen in forensic casework.
Military Drug Positive Rates in the European Theater Drug Rates in Europe
Authors: Little JS , Lukey BJ , Shimomura ET , Fuhrmann LS
Published: August 2015

Urine samples were collected from Air Force and Army service members within the European Theater and analyzed for drugs of abuse employing radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Data collected from January 1985 through December 1991 indicate that the total positive rate decreased from 4.67% to 0.69%. Of the drugs tested, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was the drug abused most in the European Theater during this time period.
Efficacy of 1% Sodium Fluoride as a Preservative in Urine Samples Containing Glucose and Candida albicans
Authors: Lough PS , Fehn R
Published: August 2015

Whether urine samples used in forensic science DUI testing can be compromised by endogenous ethanol production is a recurrent and yet unresolved issue. This study first assessed unpreserved urine samples that were collected, processed, and analyzed repeatedly over 13 to 41 days using a standard gas chromatographic procedure for ethanol analysis. Despite extensive microbial growth, ethanol was not detected in any test sample. The extent of ethanol production in samples supplemented with glucose, Candida albicans, or both was determined to evaluate the potential for ethanol production in urine samples associated with pathological conditions such as urinary tract yeast infections and diabetes mellitus. Ethanol production under each of the above treatment conditions was assessed in the presence and absence of 1% sodium fluoride as a microbial suppressant.

Mean ethanol concentrations were determined for unpreserved samples containing urine only (0.003 ± 0.005 g%), urine plus yeast (0.006 ± 0.009 g%) and urine plus glucose (0.067 ± 0.070 g%). Unpreserved samples supplemented with both yeast and glucose attained mean ethanol concentrations of 0.164 ± 0.057 g% (P < 0.01). Ethanol could not be detected in any corresponding duplicate samples, which were preserved with 1% sodium fluoride. A lack of ethanol production in any of the unpreserved urine samples indicates that false DUI convictions due to endogenous ethanol production are very unlikely. And while endogenous ethanol production is possible in the presence of both glucose and contaminating C. albicans, 1% sodium fluoride completely eliminated microbial fermentation.
Analysis of Phencyclidine and Cocaine in Human Hair by Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kidwell DA
Published: August 2015

A confirmation procedure for the analysis of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine, and phencyclidine (PCP) in human hair using tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. This procedure requires no solvent extraction and thus can examine the metabolites of drugs such as cocaine. Hairs from six cocaine users were examined and the amount of cocaine and its ratio to the metabolites was not correlated to the reported use pattern. Only PCP was detected in the hair from a PCP user, no metabolites were found. In passive exposure experiments, hair was found to tightly absorb PCP from aqueous solutions, which mimics the incorporation of PCP by the body. These results indicate that drugs may be absorbed onto the hair of nonusers and become tightly bound.
The Effect of Food on Alcohol Absorption and Elimination Patterns
Authors: Watkins RL , Adler EV
Published: August 2015

The same nine subjects (six male, three female) were given near bolus doses of alcohol (0.69 g/kg) on two occasions separated by one week. They were instructed to consume the alcohol as rapidly as possible (12.1 min average). The alcohol was consumed after dilution to 15% with fruit punch mix. Both phases of the experiment were conducted in a similar manner with the exception of stomach condition. In Phase I the alcohol was consumed immediately after a large meal. In Phase II, the alcohol was consumed after an approximate 6 h fast. An Intoxilyzer 4011A was used to measure Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC), beginning immediately after the alcohol was consumed and ending approximately 4 h after the end of drinking. The BrACs were measured in grams per 210 L of breath, at approximate 8 min intervals over the course of the experiment. The alcohol absorption and elimination curves were plotted and evaluated for each subject in both experiments. The average time required to reach maximum BrAC was 41 min for both empty and full stomach conditions. The average elimination rate of ethanol was found to be significantly lower after a meal (0.017 BrAC/h compared to 0.020 BrAC/h) but the time required to reach zero BrAC was not significantly different (5.01 h full stomach, 5.05 h empty stomach).
A Computerized Neural Network Method for Pattern Recognition of Cocaine Signatures
Authors: Casale JF , Watterson JW
Published: August 2015

This article describes a practical procedure for rapidly searching a large database of cocaine signatures to identify database entries that closely resemble a given reference cocaine exhibit using a personal computer (PC). The procedure takes advantage of the pattern recognition capability of the multilayer perceptron neural network to identify similar cocaine signatures. A PC-based software implementation is now being used on a daily basis at the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) to aid forensic experts in identifying signatures that originate from the same batch. Intelligence reports generated from database searches have been useful to undercover agents in the field who are striving to build drug related conspiracy cases. This software was developed as a collaborative effort between the NCSBI and the Center for Systems and Engineering of the Research Triangle Institute.
Forensic Comparison of Household Aluminum Foils Using Elemental Composition by Inductively Coupled Plasma—Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Koons RD , Peters CA , Merrill RA
Published: August 2015

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) provides the precision, sensitivity, and specificity for element concentration determinations required for good discrimination among sources of household aluminum foil. The concentrations of copper (Cu), gallium (Ga), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) were determined in aluminum foil by ICP-AES with analytical precisions (rsd) in the 1 to 2% range and nickel (Ni) and silicon (Si) with analytical precisions of about 5%. For these ten elements, the combined analytical uncertainties and variations along the length of a single roll of foil are much smaller than the variations from roll to roll, both within a single brand and across brands. The aluminum foils in this study exhibit measurable roll-to-roll compositional variation across the different brand names as well as across those rolls produced by the same manufacturer in different production runs. In some instances, rolls of foil produced in a single production run have analytically distinguishable compositions. Thus, a high degree of discrimination capability exists among sources of household aluminum foil.
Characteristic Features of Entrance Wounds from Hollow-Point Bullets
Authors: Smith OC , Symes SA , Berryman HE , LeVaughn MM
Published: August 2015

Several cases of gunshot wounds produced by hollow-point bullets showed characteristic central tags. These apparently arise from sparing of the skin surface by the hollow point cavity when the bullet strikes the skin tangentially. This unique feature may be helpful in assessing entrances of perforating wound tracks or other cases where the bullet is either not available or unknown.
Detection of Fatal Therapeutic Misadventures by an Urban Medico-Legal System
Authors: Perper JA , Kuller LH , Shim YK
Published: August 2015

Very few population-based studies have evaluated fatal therapeutic misadventures, in particular the adequacy of their detection. We therefore assessed the adequacy of the reporting and detection of fatal therapeutic misadventures in an urban setting medicolegal system. The coroner's files and the related hospital records were reviewed as to the circumstances of the incidents and the adequacy of notification by the care providers in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, for the period of January 1, 1982 through December 31, 1991. The annual average rate of fatal misadventures was 2.2 per 100 000 hospital admissions or 4.7 per million inhabitants (total 63 cases). The survival time from the occurrence of the misadventure was within 24 h in 60% of the cases. University-related hospitals had double the rate of misadventure fatalities (118.2 per 100 000 beds per year), compared to that in community-based hospitals (53.9 per 100 000 bed per year). In more than half of the cases, the hospitals reported the incidents within an hour from the pronouncement of death, 28.6% within 5 h, and 19% after more than 5 h. In 10 cases (15.9%), the notification by the hospitals was clearly deficient in determining the manner of death. In a few cases, the incident was initially reported by the relatives, by the hospital pathologists, or by the media.

A high likelihood of under-reporting of fatal misadventures to the medico-legal system is substantiated by comparing with the results reported by others. The possible measures to increase the monitoring and reporting, and to reduce the related mortality are further discussed.
Atypical Gunshot Exit Defects to the Cranial Vault
Authors: Smith OC , Berryman HE , Symes SA , Francisco JT , Hnilica V
Published: August 2015

Cranial exit wounds typically display external beveling, however, variation has been noted in the literature due to keyhole phenomena and pre-existent fractures. Two cases of atypical exit morphology are presented with features mimicking blunt trauma. In both instances radial fractures created by the exiting impact allowed passage without producing exit beveling. A working knowledge of the biomechanics of bone fracture, radiographs and low power microscopy are essential elements for the proper interpretation of such exit wound fractures.
Asphyxial Deaths Due to Hanging in Children
Authors: Clark MA , Feczko JD , Hawley DA , Pless JE , Tate LR , Fardal PM
Published: August 2015

A review of the records for five years from the Coroner's Offices of Marion County, Indiana and Franklin County, Ohio, which have a combined population of 2.4 million, yielded 12 cases of hanging deaths in children 13 years of age or younger. The age range was 2½ to 13 years and only two of the 12 victims were female. There were three unequivocal suicides, five accidental deaths and four cases where, despite extensive investigation, the manner of death remained undetermined. The scene and autopsy findings are presented and the cases discussed with regard to determination of manner of death. Additionally, the significance and pathophysiology of petechiae are discussed.
Deaths Caused by Lightning
Authors: Lifschultz BD , Donoghue ER
Published: August 2015

Though a rare cause of death, lightning is reported to be responsible for more fatalities each year in this country than any other type of natural disaster. Lightning injuries differ significantly from other high voltage electrical injuries because of the high current flow, but extremely short duration, of the lightning stroke. We present a series of cases over the period of 1985 to 1991 in Cook County, Illinois in which lightning was the direct cause of death. Our discussion reviews the nature of lightning, the effects it may have on humans, and the ways in which deaths due to lightning might be prevented.
Autoerotic Fatalities with Power Hydraulics
Authors: O'Halloran RL , Dietz PE
Published: August 2015

We report two cases in which men used the hydraulic shovels on tractors to suspend themselves for masochistic sexual stimulation. One man developed a romantic attachment to a tractor, even giving it a name and writing poetry in its honor. He died accidentally while intentionally asphyxiating himself through suspension by the neck, leaving clues that he enjoyed perceptual distortions during asphyxiation. The other man engaged in sexual bondage and transvestic fetishism, but did not purposely asphyxiate himself. He died when accidentally pinned to the ground under a shovel after intentionally suspending himself by the ankles. We compare these cases with other autoerotic fatalities involving perceptual distortion, cross-dressing, machinery, and postural asphyxiation by chest compression.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing and Unidentified Persons System Revisited
Authors: Haglund WD
Published: August 2015

This report analyzes the dynamics that influence the reporting and handling of missing and unidentified persons and reviews the current capability of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Computer to provide accurate matches. Since its inception investigators have become aware of many problems with the missing and unidentified person component of NCIC. Major problems stem from lack of compliance by investigating agencies regarding information entered into the NCIC database and failures of the system itself. The major compliance issue is the low number of dental records that accompany missing entries (1.91% nationwide). Multiple remedies for these problems are offered. Law enforcement needs to establish sound operating procedures for handling missing persons, educate its users, and improve the quality of data entered into the system. Medical examiners and coroners would benefit from better terminal access to missing and unidentified person data. Both law enforcement and death investigation agencies should periodically validate their entries into the system. The NCIC system would be further improved if entry forms were refined to eliminate subjective choices. A system for evaluating the utility of the NCIC system should be implemented. Above all, changes are needed to increase the ability the NCIC system to achieve matches between unidentified and missing persons.
The A.B.F.O. Study of Third Molar Development and Its Use as an Estimator of Chronological Age
Authors: Mincer HH , Harris EF , Berryman HE
Published: August 2015

Radiographs depicting third molars (M3s) have been used to estimate chronological age in juvenile and adult suspects, but accuracy of the method has been in question. This study provides age benchmarks for American whites (age range: 14 to 24 years) based on cases (n = 823) drawn from diplomates of the American Board of Forensic Odontologists in the United States and Canada. Maxillary M3 formation was slightly advanced over mandibular M3s, and root formation occurred earlier in males than females. Mean and median ages for M3 formation are tabled using Demirjian's eight-grade classification. Regression formulas and empirical probabilities are provided relative to the medicolegal question of whether an individual is at least 18 years of age. The M3 is the most variable tooth in the dentition, but situations arise where M3 formation is the only usable datum for age estimation.
Magnetic Flake Powders for Fingerprint Development
Authors: James JD , Pounds CA , Wilshire B
Published: August 2015

Different types of fine magnetic flake powders, which could be applied to latent fingerprints using a standard magnetic applicator, were produced with the aim of identifying product ranges suitable for bright fingerprint development on dark surfaces. Impressive bright print qualities were achieved with the smooth-surfaced flake manufactured by milling of spherical carbonyl iron and austenitic stainless steel powders. Compared with the results obtained for commercial aluminum fingerprint powders, these new magnetic flake products proved almost equivalent for print development on smooth surfaces and superior for print detection on rough surfaces.
Forgery II—Tracing
Authors: Leung SC , Fung HT , Cheng YS , Poon NL
Published: August 2015

A total of 189 volunteers were asked to trace 21 handwriting symbols consisting of single strokes, geometric figures, printed English alphabets, and simple Chinese characters. Each of these handwriting symbols contained target features and the ability of the participants to incorporate them in the tracing was assessed. It was found that the ‘threshold superimposability’ for tracing was about 50%, above which the probability of a questioned sample being produced by tracing was high. The subjects also signed and conducted tracing of signatures on a writing pressure meter that detected and recorded pen pressure. The writing pressure variation patterns of natural and traced signatures demonstrated that those signatures produced by tracing were highlighted by the presence of slow, measured strokes accompanied with hesitation, pen pause and the absence of vigor and spontaneity. To conclude, in traced forgeries, the general shape and pictorial effect of the model were closely followed but details were neglected.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Section Prize Winning Papers
Authors: Schultz-Ross RA
Published: August 2015

Work as a psychiatrist in a correctional setting involves a difficult interface of the theories of psychiatry, the law, and corrections. The coexistence of models of punishment, rehabilitation and mental health treatment in this work create ethical and practical challenges for the psychiatrist. The lack of a singular or clear theoretical framework may contribute to a potential for countertransference issues to play a determinant role in psychiatric decisions. These difficulties are based on the intersection of the theoretical issues involved.
A Comparison of Sexual Victimization in the Childhoods of Pedophiles and Hebephiles
Authors: Greenberg DM , Bradford JMW , Curry S
Published: August 2015

The association between perpetration of sexual abuse and the offender's own victimization as a child has been well documented in the literature. Various researchers have examined this relationship by assessing the exclusiveness of the sexual abuser's behavior, the gender of his victims and the gender of his own childhood abuser. This study was designed to assess the differences between pedophiles and hebephiles in features of their own childhood victimization. Subjects were 135 pedophiles and 43 hebephiles who admitted to their offences. A total of 42% of pedophiles and 44% of hebephiles reported being sexually victimized in their own childhoods. Pedophiles reported being molested at a younger age than hebephiles. Both groups appear to chose their age specific victims in accordance with the age of their own experience of sexual victimization. Although the cause of child molestation remains undetermined these results support social learning and modeling theories.
A Technique for Comparing Soil Colors in the Forensic Laboratory
Authors: Antoci PR , Petraco N
Published: August 2015

The implementation of a simple aid that facilitates the designation and comparison of color in forensic soil cases is presented. The aid, a mount for forensic soil samples, when used in conjunction with the Munsell® Soil Color Charts allows the color of forensic soil samples to be accurately described and compared.
Effects of Nonoxinol-9 on the Ability to Obtain DNA Profiles from Postcoital Vaginal Swabs
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Budowle B , Borer UV , Dirnhofer R
Published: August 2015

Nonoxinol-9, the active ingredient of many spermicide foams and creams, has been shown to inactivate effectively high titres of HIV in vitro. Therefore the early administration of nonoxinol-9, perhaps by a rape victim herself, has been suggested as a potential prophylactic therapy for prevention of a possible HIV infection. For forensic DNA identity testing, it becomes pertinent to determine whether nonoxinol-9 could have an adverse effect on the recovery of high molecular weight DNA from postcoital vaginal swabs and thereby have an impact on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. If high molecular weight DNA can not be recovered, it may still be possible to proceed with analyses using PCR-based tests. In order to investigate the potential effects of nonoxinol-9, inserts, gels, or sponges containing nonoxinol-9 were applied either 15 min pre- or 15 to 60 min post coitus. Postcoital vaginal swabs were taken one and six h after sexual intercourse, the DNA was isolated and DNA identity typing was performed.

The results demonstrate that nonoxinol-9 has no negative effect on the ability to obtain DNA profiles, either RFLP or PCR-based, from postcoital vaginal swabs. The quantity of extractable high molecular weight DNA obtained (as determined by slot-blot analysis) was comparable with that from uncontaminated postcoital vaginal swabs. RFLP patterns and PCR-based typing results at the HLA-DQ alpha and D1S80 loci from the nonoxinol-9 treated swabs were consistent with the uncontaminated control swabs and the corresponding whole blood samples of the donors. Therefore an early prophylactic administration of the topical anti-HIV agent nonoxinol-9 is not an impedient for obtaining DNA profiles from evidentiary material.
A Rapid Dot-Blot Method for Species Identification of Bloodstains
Authors: Matsuzawa S , Kimura H , Itoh Y , Wang H , Nakagawa T
Published: August 2015

A very simple and rapid test for species identification is reported. Extracts of bloodstains were applied to a synthetic porous membrane and dried. The membrane was then quenched with glycine buffered saline containing BSA and Tween 20. A suspension of colloidal gold particles (GP) coated with rabbit antiserum to human IgG was poured onto, gently whirled and aspirated through the membrane. Spots from the human and monkey bloodstains became red, whereas those from other species of animals remained unstained. This test was completed within 3 to 4 min, and the antibody-coated GP reagent was prepared within 20 min using a very small quantity of antiserum. Cellulose acetate membranes of 0.45 μm or more in pore size were appropriate to this test.