bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Quality Assurance of Chemical Measurements
Authors: Lucas DM
Published: August 2015

There are probably few people as qualified to write a book on quality assurance as Dr. Taylor because of his long association with the National Bureau of Standards. In this book, the author has presented everything one would want or need to know about the subject. The book is intended for use principally by “producers and users of chemical measurement data.” Since such a small proportion of the work of a forensic science laboratory is based upon quantitative chemical measurements it might be assumed that this book would have limited appeal to forensic scientists. However, forensic scientists are concerned about quality and most, if not all, laboratories have some form of quality assurance program. Thus, some of the material presented could be of value to them.
A Review of A Primer of Drug Action, Fifth Edition
Authors: Cravey RH
Published: August 2015

A Primer of Drug Action is a concise, nontechnical guide to the disposition, actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs in man. In short, this is pharmacology for the layman and is an excellent text for on-the-job training for analysts in training in forensic toxicology and criminalistics laboratories who have no formal training in pharmacology. The section on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination is exceptionally well illustrated and written. Dr. Julien covers sedatives, tranquilizers, opiates, stimulants, alcohol, and psychedelic drugs, among others.
A Review of Identifying Plant Food Cells in Gastric Contents for Use in Forensic Investigations—A Laboratory Manual
Authors: Fran Ernst M
Published: August 2015

This laboratory manual was developed to assist death investigators in determining what food, if any, was eaten prior to death by analysis of the gastric contents. It is intended for use by investigators not previously trained in histologic techniques. It is a step-by-step guide for the actual preparation of microscopic slides and identification of gastric materials.
Solid-Phase Extraction, Identification, and Quantitation of 11-Nor-Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Nakamura GR , Meeks RD , Stall WJ
Published: August 2015

A procedure has been developed to extract and recover minute amounts of delta-9-carboxytetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) from urine. A new non-isotopic internal standard is introduced to permit a chromatographic assay of the metabolite. The method affords a 91% recovery of 20 ng/mL of the THC-COOH acid from spiked urine with the assurance of a 3.8% coefficient of variation.
Enhanced Conditions for DNA Fingerprinting with Biotinylated M13 Bacteriophage
Authors: Moreno RF , Booth F , Thomas SM , Tilzer LL
Published: August 2015

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprints are Southern blots which have a pattern resembling bar codes. The pattern is created by DNA probes that bind to variable-length repeated sequences of human genomic DNA digested with restriction endonucleases. To improve DNA fingerprints obtained with biotin-labeled M13mp8 replicative form (RF) bacteriophage as the gene probe, the conditions for hybridization and the subsequent washing steps of the filter were refined. Experiments were conducted varying the electrophoresis time, blotting membranes, hybridization solution, and posthybridization washes. The simplicity, sensitivity, and reliability of this nonisotopic technique make possible its application for identification of individuals within a species, for parentage testing, and for monitoring bone marrow transplantation.
Tooth Mineralization Standards for Blacks and Whites from the Middle Southern United States
Authors: Harris EF , McKee JH
Published: August 2015

Normative standards are provided for permanent tooth mineralization stages for blacks and whites of the middle southern United States. The data cover tooth development from 3.5 to 13 years of age. Females develop more rapidly than males, and blacks are nearly twice as sexually dimorphic (7.2%) as whites (3.7%). Within each sex, blacks achieve mineralization stages significantly earlier, by about 5%, than whites. This complements earlier findings that teeth erupt at appreciably earlier mean ages in blacks.
Hair Transfers in Sexual Assault: A Six-Year Case Study
Authors: Mann MJ
Published: August 2015

Associative head and pubic hair transfers can provide a circumstantial connection between persons and objects in sexual assault cases. The occurrences of reported hair transfers in one analyst's casework are presented.
One-Pot Processing of Swabs for Organic Explosives and Firearms Residue Traces
Authors: Lloyd JBF , King RM
Published: August 2015

By the procedure described, swabs may be extracted and the cleanup of the extracts continued, by solid phase extraction, in the containers issued for the return of the used swabs to the laboratory. Thus, problems associated with techniques that involve transfer between containers of the swabs or their extracts are avoided. The procedure is designed for work with explosives and firearm traces and residues but is in principle applicable to any trace material that can be taken into solution.
Coming to Terms with Facial Reproduction
Authors: Rhine JS
Published: August 2015

The process of building human faces by applying clay to skulls to generate leads for identification of unknown human remains is plagued by the use of a number of terms which are already used for other purposes. Reconstitution, reconstruction, restoration, death mask, moulage, and sculpture have all been used, but each is used in another context in forensic science. “Facial reproduction” is suggested as a term which is not already in use in forensic science, which is precise, and which would thus be preferred over any of the other terms.
A Review of Pulmonary Pathology
Authors: Sperry KL
Published: August 2015

The scope of contemporary forensic medicine has evolved to the point where the medicolegally oriented pathologist is frequently called upon to examine and autopsy deaths that, until recently, would either have been autopsied by a hospital-based pathologist or, more probably, not have been autopsied at all. Issues such as medical negligence, injury causation, liability, workplace safety, and iatrogenic complications of therapy now necessitate the inclusion of the forensic pathologist, who, among physicians, usually has the greatest experience in melding the often divergent medical and jurispru- dential viewpoints. To facilitate this best, the pathologist needs the proper training and tools, like any craftsman. A recently published resource, Pulmonary Pathology, edited by Dial and Hammar, is clearly an exemplary addition to the pathologist's tool chest.
Determination of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibody Status in Forensic Autopsy Cases in Vancouver Using a Recombinant Immunoblot Assay
Authors: Little D , Ferris JAJ
Published: August 2015

Sera from 207 forensic autopsy cases were tested for the presence of antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) technique developed by Chiron Corporation of Emeryville, California—the Chiron RIBA™-HIV216 test system. Out of these cases, 172 autopsies were of individuals with no known risk factors for HIV infection, and of these, 169 had no detectable antibodies to HIV. In 2 cases, the serum reacted with p24 alone on the RIBA™-HIV216 assay, but these results were not confirmed by further testing and are considered to be false positive reactions. In I case, the serum reacted only with gp41 on the RIBA™-HIV216 test but was nonreactive with further testing. This result has been designated equivocal. Of the 35 cases at high risk of HIV infection, 4 had antibodies to HIV detected in postmortem serum samples. The sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.5%) of the RIBA™-HIV216 test system are high. However, the test appears to be more suitable for routine diagnosis of HIV infection than for rapid screening in the mortuary.
Cardiac Pathology in 470 Consecutive Forensic Autopsies
Authors: Catellier MJ , Waller BF , Clark MA , Pless JE , Hawley DA , Nyhuis AW
Published: August 2015

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the single most common generic cause of sudden and unexpected deaths. Atherosclerotic coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction are the most prevalent forms of fatal cardiac disease observed at autopsy. Other cardiac lesions are frequently listed as causes of death, but the prevalence of such lesions as incidental findings in the general population is unknown. In this study, 470 consecutive forensic autopsies were evaluated for minor and major anomalies. The most frequently observed major congenital finding was floppy mitral valve (5%). Tunneled coronary arteries, considered minor congenital findings, were seen in 29%. Atherosclerotic coronary heart disease was the most common major acquired finding, observed in 16% of cases. Of the 470 hearts, only 8% were considered normal.
Causes of Death in Hospitalized Intravenous Drug Abusers
Authors: Klatt EC , Mills NZ , Noguchi TT
Published: August 2015

The authors reviewed at autopsy the causes of death of 274 patients with evidence of intravenous drug abuse who had been admitted to a large public hospital. There were 127 who died from diseases unrelated to intravenous drug abuse, and in 41% of these, chronic alcoholism was implicated. Deaths from overdose syndromes and drug-related organ pathology comprised only 11% of all cases. The mean age at death was 39 years. There was a male/female ratio of 3.6:1. Half of all patients died from infection—72 from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) alone. These findings indicate that persons hospitalized with a history of intravenous drug abuse usually die from causes other than overdose and that AIDS and chronic alcoholism are significant problems. Emphasis should be placed upon detecting “hidden” intravenous drug deaths to provide more accurate statistical information.
Paternity Testing: Blood Group Systems and DNA Analysis by Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Markers
Authors: Akane A , Matsubara K , Shiono H , Yuasa I , Yokota S-I , Yamada M , Nakagome Y
Published: August 2015

Two recent paternity cases are reported. In the first case of paternity exclusion, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) on variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci with multiple alleles were informative, as well as established systems of red blood antigens, red cell enzymes, serum proteins, and human leukocyte antigens. In the second case, in which both the alleged father and the first wife were deceased, the paternal genotype was determined by using genetic markers from the second wife and four children, which then were compared with the paternal alleles of the child in question, the plaintiff in this case. The high probability of paternity (0.999 998 7) made us conclude that the man probably was the actual father. The DNA analysis by VNTR probes appears to be quite valuable in the study of paternity cases.
A Review of Cults and Personality
Authors: Felthous AR
Published: August 2015

Cults, especially satanic cults, have sparked much interest in recent years. Cult leaders inspire morbid fascination. Concern is expressed for the followers, who may have been proselytized with subterfuge and induced to join with subtle coercion. When an innocent person with no interest in cults is victimized in a violent cultic ritual, the community reacts with horror and indignation. On the other hand, society values religious independence from the state and the individual's right to make personal choices. So many questions beg for answers, particularly regarding the interplay between cults and individual personalities. Regrettably, hard data are lacking because cultists, especially members of secret cults, elude investigative research and because serious researchers in sociology and psychology eschew mysticism and concentrate their efforts on more easily observed behaviors, both normal and abnormal.
The Identification of Unreacted Precursors, Impurities, and By-Products in Clandestinely Produced Phencyclidine Preparations
Authors: Angelos SA , Raney JK , Skowronski GT , Wagenhofer RJ
Published: August 2015

The typical phencyclidine sample found in clandestine laboratories can be contaminated by the presence of unreacted precursors and large amounts of impurities and by-products. Although this may involve an extensive “cleanup” procedure before phencyclidine identification, the additional analysis of the sample for the impurities will often confirm the synthetic process employed. A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry procedure has been developed in which the 13 major components, including phencyclidine and piperidinocyclohexane carbonitrile, found in these typical clandestine mixtures, may be screened for and identified. The data obtained from this analysis are consistently used as an aid to the successful prosecution of “intent to manufacture” cases.
Differences Between Multisite Postmortem Ethanol Concentrations as Related to Agonal Events
Authors: Marraccini JV , Carroll T , Grant S , Halleran S , Benz JA
Published: August 2015

In a study of postmortem ethanol concentrations, blood was withdrawn from the right atrium, ascending aorta, and inferior vena cava. These samples, vitreous humor, and gastric fluid were analyzed in 307 autopsies, where a minimum blood ethanol concentration of 0.05% weight/volume (w/v) was present.

Premortem, agonal, and postmortem events were reviewed in an attempt to account for differences in blood ethanol concentrations between sites. The agonal aspiration of vomitus having at least 0.80% w/v ethanol appears to be associated with an increase in aortic ethanol concentrations. We conclude that valid interpretation of postmortem ethanol concentrations must take into consideration the possible entry of ethanol into the pulmonary venous circulation via the respiratory system.
Fetal Death Due to Nonlethal Maternal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Farrow JR , Davis GJ , Roy TM , McCloud LC , Nichols GR
Published: August 2015

Fetal death due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning is rarely reported in the medical literature. Of the eight cases found in literature review, only one documented the fetal carboxyhemoglobin concentration. This paper reports a fetal death due to accidental nonlethal maternal carbon monoxide intoxication in which both maternal and fetal carboxhyhemoglobin concentrations were obtained. The corrected carboxyhemoglobin concentration was 61% at the time of death in utero, while the maternal carboxyhemoglobin was measured at 7% after one hour of supplemental oxygen. The authors review the mechanisms of fetal death and emphasize the different carbon monoxide kinetics in the fetal circulation.
A Review of Cocaine—An Annotated Bibliography
Authors: Jones AM
Published: August 2015

These two volumes are valuable for anyone seeking complete reference materials on coca and cocaine. The introduction includes the history, structural aspects, metabolites, and stereochemical compounds of coca and cocaine. Just over 4000 annotated citations are included, from 1950 through 1986. These citations are from chemical, biologic, pharmacologic, botanic, psychologic, sociologic, medical, legal, and treatment literature.
Blunt Trauma of the Abdomen in Children
Authors: Fossum RM , Descheneaux KA
Published: August 2015

Abdominal trauma in children is usually due to motor vehicle accidents or falls, but child abuse is also a common cause. Injuries to the small intestine are particularly worrisome because symptoms may not appear for hours, days, or even weeks. This can cause significant difficulty for the investigator trying to determine when an injury occurred, or who may have caused it.
Coca Paste: Chemical Analysis and Smoking Experiments
Authors: ElSohly MA , Brenneisen R , Jones AB
Published: August 2015

Several samples of Colombian and a sample of Peruvian coca paste were subjected to chemical analysis to ascertain the complexity of these products. A neutral and acid fraction and a basic fraction were analyzed by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The basic fraction was also analyzed as its trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivative. Several gasoline residue components were identified in the neutral fraction. In addition to cocaine (>60% in all cases), other alkaloids were identified. Lead and manganese analyses were carried out on these samples. While all the samples contained no lead (<45 ppm), most of the Colombian samples contained significant amounts of manganese (>5%). Preliminary smoking experiments with a Colombian coca paste sample indicated that it behaves more like free cocaine than like a cocaine sulfate salt.
Statistical Discrimination of Flat Glass Fragments by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Methods for Forensic Science Applications
Authors: Pitts SJ , Kratochvil B
Published: August 2015

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and cyclic INAA (CINAA) techniques were used for the discrimination of flat glass fragments. Employing short irradiation, delay, and count times, sample test portions of 100 µg and 1 mg (INAA) or 1 and 5 mg (CINAA) were considered. A statistical model was used to assign the elemental variation among glasses to different experimental factors; by advanced statistical methods elemental differences between specific glasses can be identified. Analysis and comparison of float glass panes produced by two major Canadian manufacturers were also performed; the two were readily differentiated, primarily on the basis of their aluminum levels.
Nondestructive Differentiation of Full-Color Photocopies
Authors: Shiver FC , Nelson LK
Published: August 2015

There has been a recent increase in the use and availability of full-color copiers. With this increase comes a greater potential for criminal use. Research by the authors has shown that many products of full-color copiers can be differentiated by the use of microscopy, infrared luminescence, infrared reflectance, and laser luminescence.
Threatening and Otherwise Inappropriate Letters to Hollywood Celebrities
Authors: Dietz PE , Matthews DB , Van Duyne C , Martell DA , Parry CDH , Stewart T , Warren J , Crowder JD
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the authors examine the characteristics of threatening and otherwise inappropriate letters sent to Hollywood celebrities. Such communications, known colloquially as “nut mail,” “hate mail,” obscene letters, and threat letters, are received by the famous in enormous volume. We studied approximately 1800 such letters to entertainment celebrities from 214 subjects, who averaged 8 letters apiece. We quote excerpts from these letters, describe objects enclosed with them, and provide quantitative data on such variables as the form, appearance, volume, and duration of such letters; the subject's perceived relationship to the celebrity; the thematic content of the letters; and the messages and threats they communicate. Comparisons between 107 subjects who pursued encounters with the celebrities and 107 who did not revealed 15 factors associated with such pursuit. Contrary to expectation, the presence or absence of threats was not associated with pursuit behavior.
Polymorphism of the Plasminogen (PLG) System in Cádiz Province, Southern Spain
Authors: Gamero JJ , Romero J-L , Angel Vizcaya M , Isabel Arufe M
Published: August 2015

In this work, the authors report a plasminogen (PLG) system genetic-population study in a sample of 378 healthy subjects, of both sexes and unrelated, all resident in the province of Cádiz in Southern Spain. In this study, the PLG types were determined by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels (PAGIF), followed by staining with Coomassie blue.

The genic frequencies obtained were the following: PLG A = 0.833 333 3; PLG B = 0.166 666 7.
Methenamine—An Unusual Component in an Improvised Incendiary Device
Authors: Blackledge RD
Published: August 2015

An improvised incendiary device intended to be concealed in a cigarette pack was recovered before its assembly was completed. The chemical components identified were concentrated sulfuric acid, sucrose, potassium chlorate, and methenamine. Methenamine will support combustion and was probably included as a fuel to keep the fire burning longer.
Comparison of Minute Smears of Lipstick by Microspectrophotometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy
Authors: Choudhry MY
Published: August 2015

Minute lipstick smears are sometimes found as evidence on clothing, eigarette butts, bedding, and miscellaneous crime scene surfaces. Traditional techniques, such as visible-absorption spectroscopy, and paper and thin-layer chromatography, are not always suitable for comparison of the trace amounts of lipstick which usually occur in actual casework. Microspectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in combination with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were evaluated for comparison of minute lipstick samples. Microspectrophotometry proved very promising in differentiating lipstick samples of nearly the same color but with minor shade differences. Backscattered electron imaging followed by X-ray microanalysis was used as an additional method for discrimination purposes. Both of these techniques can rapidly analyze microscopic samples of lipstick.
Peak Blood-Ethanol Concentration and the Time of Its Occurrence After Rapid Drinking on an Empty Stomach
Authors: Jones AW , Jönsson K-Å , Neri A
Published: August 2015

Healthy men, 20 to 60 years old, drank a moderate dose of ethanol in the morning after an overnight fast. They consumed either neat whisky in amounts corresponding to 0.34, 0.51, 0.68, 0.85, or 1.02 g of ethanol per kilogram of body weight or 0.80 g/kg ethanol solvent diluted with orange juice. The peak blood-ethanol concentration (BEC) increased with the dose administered, but the time required to reach the peak was not markedly influenced over the range of doses studied. At a dose of 0.68 g/kg, the peak BEC ranged from 52 to 136 mg/dL (N = 83), and slow absorption (a late-occurring peak) produced a lower peak BEC. The peak BEC was reached between 0 and 45 min for 77% of the subjects (N = 152) and between 0 and 75 min for 97% of them. The time of peaking in venous blood occurred, on average, 10 min later than in capillary (fingertip) blood although the peak BEC was not appreciably different; the mean venous BEC was 97.0 mg/dL (range, 76 to 112 mg/dL), and the mean capillary BEC was 99.6 mg/dL (range, 75 to 123 mg/dL). When subjects drank 0.80 g/kg ethanol diluted with orange juice over 30 min, the average BEC increment between the end of drinking and the peak was 33 mg/dL (range, 0 to 58 mg/dL). The rate of absorption of ethanol was 1.78 mg/dL/min (range, 0.52 to 4.8 mg/dL/min), and the peak BEC occurred within 60 min after the end of drinking in 92% of the trials. The largest BEC increment (mean, 21 mg/dL; range, 0 to 44 mg/dL) was seen during the first 15 min after the drinking period.
Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Drug Smuggler's Abdomen
Authors: Karhunen PJ , Suoranta H , Penttilä A , Pitkäranta P
Published: August 2015

Narcoties “body packing” can be detected in abdominal X-rays by the ring shadow caused by air trapped in the packs. In a series of 82 cases admitted for abdominal X-ray in Helsinki. Finland, in 1982 through 1988, we encountered 9 (11.0%) true positives, 3 (3.6%) false positives, and 1 (1.2%) false negative. The false positives were due to the constipation often associated with the narcotics abuse. The false negative X-ray diagnosis was attributable to an inexperienced radiologist. False negatives may also be associated with packets containing marijuana, packs with few wrappings, aluminum-foil coated packs, and machine-packed narcotics. Searching for trapped air in radiographs, repeated X-raying by an experienced radiologist, use of computed tomography, or combined urinary drug screening may be applied to diminish false findings and to avoid unnecessary arrest for the purpose of fecal screening over several days.
Body Retrieval and Morgue Operation at the Crash of United Flight 232
Authors: Randall B
Published: August 2015

On 19 July 1989, United Airlines Flight 232, a wide-bodied DC-10, crash-landed in Sioux City, Iowa, ultimately resulting in 112 deaths. By using the first several hours after the crash to preplan carefully and to walk through the entire body recovery and morgue procedure mentally, the disaster management team was able to process the fatalitics from Flight 232 expeditiously. The team also prepared a rigid system of data management for the morgue, which allowed the staff to collate and process large volumes of information without significant error or mismatched records.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of Forensic Science Casework in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Zhang X-W , Lan L , Huo Z-Y , Duan B-Z , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the purpose of individualization is now being used in casework in the People's Republic of China. This report deseribes the use of the multilocus minisatellite probe 33.15 to solve three cases, including two homicides and a rape. In the third case, fetal tissue was analyzed to prove that the alleged rapist was, in fact, the father. In each case, analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) resulted in a positive match. The probability of chance association of the DNA fingerprint was calculated as 5.6 × 10−12, which is similar to the figures reported in the literature.
Fatal Taxine Poisoning from Yew Leaf Ingestion
Authors: Sinn LE , Porterfield JF
Published: August 2015

A case of fatal taxine poisoning from the ingestion of yew leaves by a young college man is reported. The toxicity of the plant is discussed, and the limited medical literature is reviewed.
Determination of Postmortem Interval by Arthropod Succession: A Case Study from the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Goff ML , Flynn MM
Published: August 2015

A postmortem interval of 34 to 36 days was established for remains recovered on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, based on interpretations of patterns of arthropod succession on the remains. This interval was primarily based on the presence of adult specimens of Philonthus longicornis (family Staphylinidae), mature larvae of Piophila casei (family Piophilidae), and empty puparial cases of Chrysomya rufifacies (family Calliphoridae). Species and developmental stages of two additional Coleoptera species and three additional Diptera species were also present, which was consistent with the estimated interval, although not definitive.
A Review of Criminalistics—An Introduction to Forensic Science, Fourth Edition
Authors: Bridgemon RR
Published: August 2015

Dr. Saferstein's Criminalistics has remained perhaps the best introductory textbook on this field since it was first published 13 years ago. It successfully outlines techniques utilized by the modern crime laboratory in terms those with no background can follow. It has becn especially useful in allowing members of the criminal justice system to understand the language, capabilities, and limitations of the field. Its clear and simple style of presentation provides good review material for the new criminalist preparing for court testimony.
Poppy Seed Ingestion as a Contributing Factor to Opiate-Positive Urinalysis Results: The Pacific Perspective
Authors: Selavka CM
Published: August 2015

The possible contribution of poppy seed foods to positive opiate urinalysis results, especially from foods available in the Pacific Rim area, has recently become an issue for the U.S. Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory in Hawaii. To assess the likelihood of this possible contribution, seven different poppy seed food products were consumed by male and female volunteers, and urine specimens were collected at time increments up to either 24 or 72 h. Specimens were evaluated for opiates using Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (RIA), and all RIA positive specimens were analyzed for morphine and codeine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Poppy seed cake, bagels, muffins, and rolls did not contain sufficient quantities of poppy seeds to give rise to opiate positive specimens by U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) GC-MS cutoff levels (morphine = 4000 ng/mL, codeine = 2000 ng/mL), although a number of specimens were positive by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cutoff levels (morphine and codeine = 300 ng/mL). However, ingestion of poppy seed streusel or Danish pastry led to confirmed morphine and codeine positive specimens, irrespective of the use of DOD or NIDA confirmation cutoff values. In addition, significant amounts of codeine were observed in a number of these specimens. These findings argue against the unqualified application of previously published quantitative guidelines for eliminating poppy seed ingestion as a possible cause for a positive opiate urinalysis result.
Interpretation of Unusual Wounds Caused by Firearms
Authors: Stone IC , Petty CS
Published: August 2015

The interpretation of the range of fire of gunshot wounds requires coordination of information and observations from the autopsy surgeon, scene investigator, and laboratory analyst. Opinions based on incomplete information often lead to misinterpretation of the wound. The effects of interposed targets such as clothing, windows, and body parts are discussed. Case examples are given for interposed targets that cause confusing patterns and even lead to misidentification of the points of entrance and exit of the projectile in the body. The splitting of tissue in areas of bony prominence can be mistaken for evidence of discharge of a firearm at close range.
Alcohol Addiction of Methamphetamine Abusers in Japan
Authors: Yamamura T , Hisida S , Hatake K
Published: August 2015

Fifty-eight methamphetamine (MAMP) abusers were surveyed to demonstrate the types and nature of MAMP abuse. In-depth interviews using psychophysiological techniques assessed the subjects to be truthful or deceptive about their abuse histories. Research diagnostic criteria determined the subjects clinical symptoms. The results show that three factors characterize MAMP abuse: significant correlation was found between the years of abuse; the manifestation of somatic or mental disorders or both, and alcohol (Alc) addiction. MAMP abusers who were nondrinkers or light drinkers developed a tendency to dislike Alc after MAMP abuse, while there was no change in Alc consumption in heavy drinkers.

The findings suggest that the combined abuse of MAMP and Alc aggravates somatic and mental disorders and that Alc plays an important role in the fatal effect of MAMP, especially from small doses. This provides support for the synergistic effects between MAMP and Alc. Coadministration of MAMP and Alc appears to produce long-acting and more complicated changes in the brain's neurotransmitter function.
An Evaluation of the Use of Laser-Induced Infrared Luminescence to Differentiate Writing Inks
Authors: Horton RA , Nelson LK
Published: August 2015

An examination of 56 inks with an argon-ion laser revealed the laser will sometimes stimulate infrared luminescence in inks which did not produce infrared luminescence under the video spectral comparator (VSC-1). This infrared luminescence was always at a higher range (usually 830 to 900 nm) than that found under the VSC-1. This indicates that laser-induced infrared luminescence may be a useful tool in differentiating between inks which otherwise appear similar.
A Sensitive Electrochemical Method for the Analysis of Nitrite Ion and Metals in Gunshot Residue
Authors: Bohannan EW , Van Galen DA
Published: August 2015

A method for the analysis of nitrite ion and metals in a single gunshot residue sample using electrochemical methods of detection is described. In this method, nitrite ion present in the sample is chemically converted to a diazonium ion, which is then detected by differential pulse voltammetry. The peak current for the reduction of the diazonium ion is proportional to the nitrite concentration up to 400 ppb nitrite (r = 0.9995), with an absolute detection limit of 0.01 μg nitrite. Lead ion present in the gunshot residue sample is detected in the same voltammetric scan, and antimony is subsequently detected by anodic stripping voltammetry. The method has been successfully applied to a number of samples obtained in test firings.
Chemical Analysis of Macromolecular Particles Using Two-Dimensional High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Illustrated by Polymeric Automobile Direction Indicator Lenses (DILs)
Authors: Kretschmer K , Helbig W
Published: August 2015

Through the combined application of size-exclusion and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (off-line coupling), it is possible to analyze fragments of automobile direction indicator lenses (DILs) of differing origin for their content of low-molecular-weight substances or their subpolymeric components.

Because of their two-dimensional nature and the application of in-series detector combinations, the chromatograms have a high resolution and contain a host of analytically relevant data.

The material required is in the microgram range.
Analysis of Single Polymer Fibers by Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy: The Results of Case Studies
Authors: Tungol MW , Montaser A
Published: August 2015

Infrared (IR) microscopic analysis was performed in tandem with traditional techniques of fiber analysis in case studies in order to determine the feasibility of IR microscopy as a routine technique for fiber analysis. All fibers which were comparable by visual, optical microscopy were also found to be comparable by IR microscopy. Several minor spectral differences between comparable fibers were encountered. The sources of these spectral differences fell into three major categories: (1) interference fringes, (2) contaminants, and (3) pressure effects due to sample preparation. The utility of a computerized spectral library of fibers for the identification of generic class and subclass was evaluated. Sheath and core bicomponent fibers were also examined along with a new type of poly(benzimidazole) (PBI), a high-performance fiber.
Turpentine in Arson Analysis
Authors: Trimpe MA
Published: August 2015

Arson analysts have always struggled with the problem of finding turpentine in debris from suspicious fires. Is it manufactured turpentine or the natural product of wood? Two research projects are presented as one analyst's approach to this problem. First, in arson cases in which oleoresin was found, the species of woods were identified by microscopy. A softwood was identified in each of these cases, and 60% of the woods identified were yellow pine. Second, known samples of wood were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and their constituents were compared with turpentine. Some hardwoods contained terpenes, but these would not be confused with turpentine during routine arson analysis.
Findings in Newborns of Cocaine-Abusing Mothers
Authors: Rogers C , Hall J , Muto J
Published: August 2015

Cocaine has recently been shown to affect the outcome of pregnancy when taken by pregnant women. The authors measured fetal concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine and reviewed autopsy and historical data for 62 successive infants who died at less than two days of age and were seen at the Los Angeles County Office of the Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner. Of 43 infants without an obvious cause of death at autopsy, cocaine or benzoylecgonine or both were present in 40%. None of the parameters studied predicted which infants would show cocaine or benzoylecgonine. We conclude that cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations should be measured on all infants who die at less than two days of age when the cause of death is not evident at gross autopsy.
Combined Information from Retardation Factor (Rf) Values and Color Reactions on the Plate Greatly Enhances the Identification Power of Thin-Layer Chromatography in Systematic Toxicological Analysis
Authors: Hegge HFJ , Piet Franke J , de Zeeuw RA
Published: August 2015

A numerical color coding system has been developed to describe the colors of spots obtained after using location reagents in thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This system makes color reactions on the plate amenable to computer handling, so that the retardation factor (Rf) values plus color reactions can be used for identification of unknown substances in toxicological analysis. It is based on a series of four color reactions carried out in sequence on the same plate, and encoding of the observed color is done by means of a wheel of reference colors. The combined information of Rf values plus color reactions resulted in an eightfold increase in identification power in comparison with the information provided by the Rf value alone. Moreover, a single TLC system now provides a three- to four-times higher identification power than a single gas chromatography system like OV-1. The identification power of TLC can be enhanced even further by running two or more systems in parallel.
Toxicological Findings in Federal Aviation Administration General Aviation Accidents
Authors: Kuhlman JJ , Levine B , Smith ML , Hordinsky JR
Published: August 2015

Blood, urine, and tissue specimens were received from 377 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation fatalities during fiscal year 1989. Carbon monoxide at less than 10% saturation was found in 94% of the cases, and cyanide at less than 0.5 mg/L was found in 96% of the cases. Ethanol at greater than 10 mg/dL was found in 14.8% of the cases, but only 4.5% were determined to be due to ethanol ingestion from toxicological findings. Excluding nicotine and ethanol, 12.6% of the cases were positive for one or more drugs. Acetaminophen and salicylate were the most frequently found drugs. Cannabinoids were found in 1.3% of the cases and benzoylecgonine in 1.6%. There was minimal use of therapeutic drugs that cause central nervous system depression or stimulation. These results show no consistent pattern of drug involvement in civilian aviation fatalities.
Radiographic Demonstration of Esophageal and Tracheal Fistulas at Autopsy Using a Contrasting Medium That Vulcanizes at Room Temperature
Authors: Karhunen PJ , Lalu K
Published: August 2015

Esophageal and tracheal fistulas, which occur in 0.05% of medicolegal autopsies, were demonstrated in three cases by a postmortem radiographic technique using silicone rubber/lead oxide as a contrasting medium that vulcanizes at room temperature. In one 83-year-old male, a tracheoesophageal fistula was detected, which had developed after surgical repair of an esophageal rupture caused by a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. In a second case, carcinoma of the esophagus in a 78-year-old male had eroded the trachea and arcus of the aorta creating a fatal tracheoesophagoaortic fistula. In a third case, 55-year-old female developed a tracheobrachiocephalic artery fistula as a result of an infiltrating cystic adenocarcinoma of the trachea, resulting in a fatal hemorrhage into the trachea.

The results of this study indicate that diagnostic radiologic methods using a vulcanized contrasting medium are useful in supplementing normal dissection in autopsy cases with suspected fistulas of the esophagus or trachea.
Some Separations of Black and Red Water-Soluble Fiber-Tip Pen Inks by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis and Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Fanali S , Schudel M
Published: August 2015

Capillary zone electrophoresis was tried for analyzing water-soluble fiber-tip pen inks from documents. The separation process for the compounds—most of them move as anions—is usually less than 10 min. Some examples of possible applications, also combined with thin-layer chromatography, are given.
Death Following Crude Oil Aspiration
Authors: Angeles Rodriguez M , del Carmen Martinez M , Martinez-Ruiz D , Paz Giménez M , Menéndez M , Repetto M
Published: August 2015

This is a report on three deaths following oil aspiration by workers in petrol tankers. Lung aspiration was demonstrated by the presence of a yellowish-brown material in the alveolar spaces, which was difficult to identify by optic microscopy. Volatile hydrocarbons from petroleum were identified in lung samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Review of Principles and Practice of Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: Drucker F
Published: August 2015

This volume, monumental in scope and size, is excellently conceived, carefully edited, thoroughly indexed, and laden with citations and references. More than 100 British, Commonwealth, Irish, European, and American contributors skillfully present reasonably brief case synopses and their theses.
Trace Analysis of Explosives from Complex Mixtures with Sample Pretreatment and Selective Detection
Authors: Kolla P
Published: August 2015

The analysis of explosive traces in different samples from criminal investigations is described. An important step for the analysis is sample preparation with solid-phase extraction. The analytical procedure is preferably performed with gas chromatography and nitro/nitroso-specific detection. The commercially available detection unit was modified. Possible solutions for the confirmation of the identity of an explosive trace are outlined.
An Experimental Field Protocol for Investigating the Postmortem Interval Using Multidisciplinary Indicators
Authors: Schoenly K , Griest K , Rhine S
Published: August 2015

This article proposes an experimental field protocol for investigating the postmortem interval using specially designed apparatus and human and pig cadavers. We further propose that this goal can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary group, comprised of forensic entomologists, pathologists, and anthropologists. The apparatus and collecting methods described by the authors establish the means by which data can be collected on several fronts simultaneously: the sequential arrival and variety of insects in the decay process, the character and manner of soft tissue decomposition, the sequence and nature of bone exposure and order of disarticulation of skeletal remains, and the influence of climate and season on decay rates and anthropod succession. A central feature of this protocol involves the construction and use of a dual-functioning insect trap that allows separate but simultaneous capture of arriving and emerging populations while successional and decompositional processes of the cadaver are left intact. Results of trap performance tests in an arid climate and preliminary arthropod data collected from field-exposed pig carcasses are presented. The use of this protocol could provide important and badly needed baseline data for both medical investigators and law enforcement personnel, information that is critical to understanding the causes, manner, and time of death, which the law requires to be ascertained.
Fatal Accidents on Glaciers: Forensic, Criminological, and Glaciological Conclusions
Authors: Ambach E , Tributsch W , Henn R
Published: August 2015

The rare event of a corpse immersed in glacier ice becoming exposed on a glacier surface is closely connected with the glaciological conditions at the scene and the site of the accident. Provided that the time since death is known, certain questions relative to the circumstances of a mountain accident can only be answered by considering glaciological aspects. How the scene of an accident can be reconstructed by inference from the site of discovery is discussed by means of three exemplary cases that occurred on Tyrolean glaciers (Austria) during the past 40 years: (1) Two corpses were discovered close above the equilibrium line in the accumulation area after 25 years. The two victims had fallen down a rock face after the breaking off of a cornice and had come to rest in the uppermost part of the accumulation area. (2) A victim was discovered in the lower ablation area 8 years after falling down a crevasse in the middle part of the ablation area. (3) A female alpinist was discovered at the very end of the glacier after 29 years; it was concluded that the accident must have happened in the accumulation area.
Sudden Death Due to Streptococcal Infection
Authors: Hartsough AB , Henry TE , Parks BO
Published: August 2015

Sudden unexpected deaths form a large population of medical examiner caseloads. Presented are the clinical, pathologic, and virulence features of sudden death due to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Emphasis is placed on the importance of post-mortem cultures. Case histories are included to illustrate the sometimes unusual presentation of this disease. Recent publicity has led to a heightened public awareness of this unusually virulent entity.
A Study of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Four Presumptive Tests for Blood
Authors: Cox M
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this work was to conduct a comparative study of the sensitivity and specificity of phenolphthalein, tetramethylbenzidine, leucomalachite green, and orthotolidine as presumptive tests for blood. The findings of this study indicate that the phenolphthalein and the leucomalachite green tests are the most specific and that the tetramethylbenzidine and orthotolidine tests are the most sensitive of the group. The author concludes that the phenolphthalein test is the best single test for evaluating suspected bloodstains.
Effect of Posthypnotic Suggestions on the Accuracy of Preemployment Polygraph Testing
Authors: Timm HW
Published: August 2015

The efficacy of both a posthypnotic polygraph countermeasure suggestion and a posthypnotic ideomotor lie detection suggestion were examined within an analog preemployment screening context. Forty-five subjects were randomly assigned to one of three equalsized groups, controlling for their performance on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility: Form A. Subjects assigned to one of the groups received the posthypnotic suggestion that the subject's index finger would rise whenever he or she lied during the polygraph test; subjects in another group were given a posthypnotic countermeasure designed to help them appear innocent whenever they lied; and those in the third group were not given either hypnotic intervention. None of the subjects given the ideomotor suggestion raised his or her finger when he or she lied during the polygraph test. The countermeasure suggestion also was ineffective, as was demonstrated by its failure to produce significantly more false negative responses.
Pellet Patterns Produced by Remington Multirange Duplex Shotshells
Authors: Provost EL , Rich BE , Rowe WF
Published: August 2015

Remington and Federal ammunition manufacturers now offer shotshells that contain more than one pellet size. The purpose of these shotshells is to provide a brushcutting, multirange capability for the hunter. Remington Multirange Duplex shotshells containing No. 2 and No. 6 birdshot were fired from a 12-gauge shotgun at paper targets at ranges of 3.0, 6.1, 9.1, and 12.2 m (10, 20, 30, and 40 ft, respectively). The sizes of the shot patterns produced by the Duplex shotshells (determined as the square root of the area of the smallest rectangle that would just enclose the shot pattern) were compared with patterns fired at the same ranges using Remington No. 2 and No. 6 birdshot cartridges. The sizes of the pellet patterns produced by the Duplex shotshells were similar to those produced by the No. 6 birdshot shotshells at the same ranges. Examination of the pellet patterns produced by the Duplex shotshells revealed that the patterns consisted of No. 6 birdshot patterns superimposed on smaller No. 2 birdshot patterns.
External Beveling of Cranial Gunshot Entrance Wounds
Authors: Peterson BL
Published: August 2015

Entrance gunshot wounds of the skull generally have internal beveling. External beveling has been previously described in association with internal beveling (keyhole defect) and with wounds from handgun projectiles. An accidental shooting is described in which a 22-year-old male sustained a perforating gunshot wound of the head at distant range from a 5.56-mm (.223-caliber) fully jacketed rifle round. Although the entrance wound had symmetrical external beveling, misinterpretation of this particular entrance wound as an exit wound would have been difficult.