bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: A Screening Technique for the Recovery and Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) in Postmortem Blood and Viscera Samples
Authors: Tranthim-Fryer DJ , Hansson RC , Norman KW
Published: August 2015

This paper describes the application of Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/SPME/GC-MS) to the recovery and identification of volatile organic compounds in blood and viscera samples from decreased persons. The technique is used as a screening procedure to rapidly obtain information relating to toxicological investigations. The technique is suitable for the detection of volatiles (of wide boiling range) including butane, halothane, toluene, xylenes, and petrol residues in blood and viscera (lung, brain, and body fat).
Pollen on Grass Clippings: Putting the Suspect at the Scene of the Crime
Authors: Horrocks M , Walsh KAJ
Published: August 2015

In a case of alleged sexual assault, the pollen content of samples of grass clippings and soil from the suspect's clothing and shoes was compared to that of a sample of grass clippings from the alleged crime scene (a grassy area) to determine whether or not the suspect had been at the scene. The clothing and shoe samples showed a very strong correlation with each other and with the sample from the alleged crime scene in the combination of the different types of pollen present, very strongly supporting the contention that the suspect had been at the scene.
The Forensic Examination of a Fire-Damaged Vehicle
Authors: Service AG , Lewis RJ
Published: August 2015

The Lothian and Borders Police Forensic Science Laboratory was asked to assist in the investigation of a suspected fraudulent insurance claim involving a fire-damaged motor vehicle. This case demonstrates the persistence of fire accelerants when confined, and the reproducible nature of volatiles created from the accelerated burning of a synthetic material.
Fatal Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis (A Report of Two Cases of Confirmed Odontogenic Origin and One of Possible Odontogenic Origin)
Authors: Loomis PW , Campbell HR
Published: August 2015

Three cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF), two of confirmed odontogenic origin and one of probable odontogenic origin, were observed from 1993–1999. This is in addition to three cases previously reported by this office. A rare sequelae of dental infection, CNF can be a severe, rapidly progressing infection of the cervical tissues having a mortality rate of up to 50%. “Hospital gangrene” was first described during the Civil War. It was later to be described as necrotizing fasciitis and later yet was designated as a separate clinicopathological diagnosis.
An Unusual Case of Suicide by Means of a Pneumatic Hammer
Authors: De Letter EA , Piette MHA
Published: August 2015

We describe an extraordinary case of a 49-year-old man who committed suicide by using a pneumatic hammer. As an industrial accident was initially assumed, difficulties in determining the manner of death are discussed. In addition, the ability to perform activity and evidence of a protracted agony in a situation of extensive cerebral destruction are considered. To our knowledge, no such case of suicide has ever been reported.
Blunt Pancreatic Trauma by a Wheelchair User Restraint System During a Traffic Accident
Authors: Bunai Y , Nagai A , Nakamura I , Ohya I
Published: August 2015

Traffic accidents are the most common cause of blunt pancreatic trauma, and most injuries occur in unrestrained drivers. Blunt pancreatic trauma in a passenger or a restrained driver is rare. In this report, we describe a case of blunt pancreatic trauma caused by a restraint system for wheelchair users during a traffic accident.
Using Decision Science to Gain Insight into Ethical Issues: An Example Involving Thresholds in Workers' Compensation
Authors: Marpet MI , Primeaux RP
Published: August 2015

Systematically analyzing and comparing the ethical dimensions of policy-decision alternatives is remarkably difficult. The ethical implications of a set of decision alternatives, as well as the ranking of that set, are subject to any number of quantitative and qualitative variables, not the least of which is differing individual interpretation. In spite of this, decision science offers a consistent, transparent framework from which to analyze the ethical components and implications of policy decisions.

Workers' Compensation insurance programs are state-governed systems of insurance in which workers, in exchange for giving up the right to sue their employer and their coemployees, receive some compensation if they are injured on the job, without regard as to who was at fault. Importantly. Workers' Compensation does not compensate workers for all losses. Thus, injured workers often sue those who provide goods and services to their employer's production system.

Different states set different thresholds relating to who can be brought into such a lawsuit and under what conditions a sued means-of-production entity can, in turn, bring the injured party's employer into the suit as a third-party defendant. Forensic engineers are often involved in such lawsuits to evaluate whether or not a given component of a production system is or is not defective.

Using Workers' Compensation as an example, this paper explores the methodology and the difficulty of quantifying the ethical implications of policy decisions by examining the concept of thresholding a policy variable. Thresholding will be defined and the ethical effect on the various parties of varying a policy threshold will be discussed.
Scientific Certainty: Research Versus Forensic Perspectives
Authors: Bird SJ
Published: August 2015

The scientific community and the judicial system are different components of society with different structures and functions. Nevertheless, science can contribute relevant and useful information to judicial deliberations if the inherent limitations of that information are understood. These limitations stem from the way the information is presented and perceived both by those who are providing it and those who are providing the context in which it is presented.
Law, Ethical Codes, and the Report of the CSSP Survey on Ethics Policies
Authors: Fleckstein MP , Martone M , Pitluck HM
Published: August 2015

Recently, the Council of Scientific Society Presidents (CSSP) collected data from its member organizations regarding codes of ethics. To better understand why such a survey would be undertaken, this paper begins by examining what is meant by ethics and highlights some distinctions between law and ethics. It then discusses codes of ethics, stressing their purposes and functions. Finally, it looks at the results of the CSSP survey and evaluates how various organizations formulate and implement their codes.
Am I My Brother's (or Customer's or Tenant's) Keeper? Economic and Ethical Aspects to the California Supreme Court's Struggle with the Issue of Landowner's Standard of Care
Authors: Hodson TJ , Englander F , Englander V
Published: August 2015

The Supreme Court of California has ruled on several cases involving the question of to what extent a possessor of land is liable for the harm to customers or tenants occurring when a third party commits a criminal act against the customers or tenants present on the land. This paper reviews the historical development of this aspect of negligence law and analyzes the ethical and economic efficiency implications of ascribing legal responsibility for such crimes to: a) local government, b) the possessor of land, c) the customer, and d) the criminal. For example, is there an effort by the judicial system to substitute deterrence from criminal acts provided by possessors of land (i.e., specific deterrence) for the general deterrence traditionally provided through the use of police powers by local government? Analysis indicates that specific deterrence may be more effective in changing the location of criminal acts than in reducing the level of criminal activities. Also, the expense of complying with the legal responsibilities of protecting customers and clients may be especially high in high-crime, low-income areas, thus forcing commercial establishments to move or go out of business.

Thus, we have a troubling tradeoff: compensating individual crime victims in a high-crime area could ultimately deprive the residents of basic economic opportunities.
Gene Frequencies of 12 STR Loci in an Endogamous Badaga Population (South India)
Authors: Panneerchelvam S , Gunachandran N , Vanaja N , Balachandran R , Sivapriya V , Baskar D , Nalina K , Rajmohan S , Damodaran C
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were randomly collected from Badagas of the Nilgiris (South India). DNA was extracted by the salting out procedure (1). DNA typing was by PCR using 25 ng of target DNA following manufacturer's instructions (Gene Print. system (silver stain detection), Promega Corporation. Data were analyzed as per the methods already reported (2–4). Differences have been observed wih Tamil population (South India) (5), other nonCaucasian and Caucasian populations.
Allele Frequency Distribution of Three STR Loci (CSF1PO, TPOX, and TH01) in a Brazilian Population Sample
Authors: Soares-Vieira JA , Muñoz DR , Iwamura ESM , Billerbeck AEC , Otto PA
Published: August 2015

After informing 331 unrelated Brazilian individuals (240 Caucasians and 91 Mulattoes) and getting their consent, blood samples were collected. DNA was extracted from 5 mL of peripheral blood obtained from each of 331 volunteers by the salting-out procedure (1). PCR analysis was performed using the GenePrint™. STR Multiplex System (CTT Multiplex, Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) under conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The amplified fragments were submitted to electrophoresis on denatured polyacrylamide gels and visualized after silver staining. Allele identification was achieved by comparison of the amplified fragments with the allelic ladder included in the reagent set. Statistical analysis: gene and genotype frequencies were estimated using standard counting procedures; for comparing gene counts between samples and for testing Hardy-Weinberg proportions within each sample, Chisquared tests were used throughout. All these procedures are described in detail by Weir (2). In order to locate the categories responsible for significant values in contingency tables, the method of adjusted standardized residuals described by Haberman was applied (3,4). Tables 1, 2, and 3 summarize the frequencies and Table 4 describes the observed and expected heterozygosities. The complete data set is available to any interested researcher upon request.
Allele Frequencies for the PowerPlex™ 16 STR Loci in an Albanian Population Sample from Northern Italy
Authors: Robino C , Gino S , Torre C
Published: August 2015

In recent years Italy experienced a strong migration flow from Albania: a STR reference database, to be used in forensic casework, was created for the Albanian population. Blood/saliva samples were obtained from 100 unrelated Albanians residing in Piedmont (North West Italy). Genomic DNA was isolated from blood by the Chelex method (1) and from saliva by standard organic phenol/chlorophorm extraction. PCR amplification was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, using the GenePrint™ PowerPlex™ System (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI). The amplified products were detected with the 310 Genetic Analyzer (Perkin-Elmer, Foster City, CA). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evaluated by exact test using the software GENEPOP Version 3.2a (2). The complete data are available to any interested researcher at http://medicina.medfarm.unito.it/dipart/dafml/torre/databasealbanians.htm
Chinese Population Data in Beijing at 3 STR loci—CSF1PO, HUMTH01, and TPOX
Authors: Fung WK , Liu Y , Hou Z , Tang H , Jia S
Published: August 2015

An STR database was obtained from a sample of 164 unrelated Chinese in Beijing, China. The DNA was extracted using the Chelex extraction method (1). 2 ng target DNA was co-amplified using the commercial typing kit, Promega Geneprint™. STR Multiplex System—CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, according to the manufacturer's instructions. PAGE and silver staining for the STRs were performed according to the methods described in the Promega “GenePrint™ STR Multiplex System—CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01” Manual. Assignment of alleles was made by visual comparison between the commercially supplied reference allelic ladders and the amplified samples at the corresponding locus. Statistical analysis was performed. No deviations from equilibrium were observed. The power of discrimination ranges from 0.820 to 0.891 and the combined power for the 3 loci is 0.9966. The complete data set is available upon request from the second author at fmeicbjpsb@sohu.com.
Allele Frequency Distribution for Six STR Loci in Turkish Population
Authors: Çakir AH , Açik L , Kesici T
Published: August 2015

The samples were collected from unrelated individuals randomly selected from criminal cases. The DNA was extracted from fresh blood leucocytes, bloodstains, tissues, and single hairs by Chelex 100 method (1).
Distribution of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism D1S80 Alleles in Turkish Population
Authors: Çakir AH , Açik L , Kesici T
Published: August 2015

Blood samples from 112 unrelated healty volunteer and criminal donors in Turkey were collected in EDTA tubes. Liquid blood was deposited onto cotton swatches and dried at room temperature. The stains were stored at −20°C until analyzed. DNA was extracted by Chelex 100 method (1).
Spanish Population Data on Nine STR Loci
Authors: Arce B , Heinrichs B , Armenteros MF , Carrasco F , Lorente JA , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from unrelated volunteer panish individuals (n = 401) residing all over Spain. DNA was extracted using phenol:choloroform and Microcon-100 filtration (1).
Review of: Murder in the Heartland
Authors: Hunter B
Published: August 2015

The above is a quote from the preface of the book Murder in the Heartland and it is the central theme of this book. Murder in the Heartland is an account of four unrelated homicides that occurred in mid-Missouri during the 1980s and 90s. Each case was chosen to illustrate the importance of teamwork between the various branches of law enforcement and the forensic sciences in solving a case of homicide, but also to illustrate the strengths of each discipline. Each case starts from the time that the body or bodies are reported missing and carries the case all the way through the end of the court trial.
Review of: Lizzie Didn't Do It
Authors: Horvath F
Published: August 2015

The title of this volume is, of course, a dead give away. Lizzie Borden, accused of and tried for the gruesome “axe” murder of her mother and father, is, in fact, innocent. Even though she was legally acquitted of the two murders, there was and still is considerable speculation about her true status. This, even though the murders were committed in 1892. The still well-known quatrain, “Lizzie Borden took an axe …”, perhaps reveals more than anything else that this is a case—and a police investigation—that endures in the annals of crime.
Review of: Serial Offenders: Current Thought, Recent Findings
Authors: Walter RD
Published: August 2015

Based upon the stated assumption that recognizable serial offenders, who present greater risk than nonserial offenders, are on the increase in society, the authors, mental health and law enforcement professionals have attempted to correlate and understand the various types offenses and the offenders. The book is divided into three sections. The first presents current theory and thinking of serial offenders. The second addresses recent clinical and research findings. The third part considers unusual issues that include child offenses, clergy abuse, and survival victims of serial offenders.
Review of: Murder, Culture and Injustice: Four Sensational Cases in American History
Authors: Caplan MJ
Published: August 2015

I trust fellow forensic scientists will agree that it is a sad state of affairs when we must rely upon a book review assignment to provide an excuse for “leisure reading” I have always loved and devoured books about crime and murder, and in fact, I still maintain that reading Gerold Frank's The Boston Strangler as a teenager is largely what propelled me into a career in forensic science After reading Professor Hixson's book, however, I can state honestly that if I were to have read his book as a teenager, I would have pursued forensic science with equal enthusiasm and vigor. I suspect that there are some budding criminologists and forensic scientists among today's youth who will derive similar inspiration from this work.
SPME/GC-MS Characterization of Volatiles Associated with Methamphetamine: Toward the Development of a Pseudomethamphetamine Training Material
Authors: Vu D-TT
Published: August 2015

The headspace profiles of eleven methamphetamine (MA) samples have been analyzed using solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS). Nine of the eleven are illicit MA seizures from the Southwest U.S. border. One sample is methamphetamine base synthesized in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Southwest Laboratory, and the remaining sample is pharmaceutical-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride that is used to make training aids for drug detecting canines. In addition, volatiles associated with 1-phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), a methamphetamine precursor, have been identified for comparison with those found in methamphetamine seizure and the two reference samples.

Eighty-seven different compounds were identified from all the samples, not including simple hydrocarbons and aldehydes. Only seven occur consistently in all seizure samples, and these are: acetic acid, benzaldehyde, acetophenone, P2P, 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (P12P), 3-phenyl-3-buten-2-one, 1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-propanone. Dimethyl sulfone, a common cutting agent in methamphetamine, was found in six of the nine seizure materials. When the reference methamphetamine and P2P samples are included, only two compounds are common to all twelve samples, and these are benzaldehyde and P2P. As such, these two compounds are likely candidates for use in a pseudomethamphetamine (PM) formulation, and their effectiveness in eliciting a canine response is being evaluated before actual deployment.
Use of Dynamically Coated Capillaries for the Routine Analysis of Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and Cocaine using Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Lurie IS , Jason Bethea M , McKibben TD , Hays PA , Pellegrini P , Sahai R , Garcia AD , Weinberger R
Published: August 2015

A rapid, accurate, precise, reproducible, economical, and environmentally gentle method using capillary electrophoresis (CE) is presented for the routine analysis of methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and cocaine in seized drugs.

The methodology uses a 32 cm by 50 μm capillary (length to detector 23.5 cm) with a commercially available buffer kit and diode array UV detection. Dynamic coating of the capillary surface is accomplished by flushing with base for 1 min, a proprietary polycation for 1 min, and then a proprietary polyanion for 2 min. This approach provides a relatively high and stable electroosmotic flow (EOF), even at low pHs. The background electrolyte (BGE) contains 75 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) with the same polyanion as above.

Using this methodology, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and an internal standard (n-butylamphetamine) are baseline resolved in less than 5 min. The run-to-run migration time %RSDs and peak area %RSDs are typically <0.3% and <2.1%, respectively. The day-to-day and capillary-to-capillary migration time %RSDs are <1.5% and <2.1%, respectively. The %RSDs of the relative migration times compared with the internal standard on a day-to-day and capillary-to-capillary basis are <0.2% and <0.06%, respectively. The linear dynamic range using peak areas range from 0.003 to 0.10 mg/mL. The correlation coefficients are >0.9998, with all calibration curves passing at or near the origin. Similar data are obtained for cocaine and its internal standard henyltoloxamine.

None of the compounds usually encountered in illicit samples interfere with the target compound (e.g., methamphetamine and cocaine) or the internal standard. Quantitative results for synthetic mixtures and seized exhibits are in good agreement with actual values, and also with results obtained from other techniques. The relatively high EOF for the dynamically coated capillary system allows for the screening of basic, acidic, and neutral adulterants in drug seizures; identification is facilitated by the use of automated UV library searches.
Forensic Determination of Ricin and the Alkaloid Marker Ricinine From Castor Bean Extracts
Authors: Darby SM , Miller ML , Allen RO
Published: August 2015

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS methods were developed for the presumptive identification of ricin toxin and the alkaloid marker ricinine from crude plant materials. Ricin is an extremely potent poison, which is of forensic interest due to its appearance in terrorism literature and its potential for use as a homicide agent. Difficulties arise in attempting to analyze ricin because it is a large heterogeneous protein with glycosylation. The general protein identification scheme developed uses LC/MS or MALDI-TOF for size classification followed by the use of the same instrumentation for the analysis of the tryptic digest. Fragments of the digest can be searched in an online database for tentative identification of the unknown protein and then followed by comparison to authentic reference materials. LC fractionation or molecular weight cutoff filtration was used for preparation of the intact toxin before analysis. Extracts from two types of castor beans were prepared using a terrorist handbook procedure and determined to contain 1% ricin. Additionally, a forensic sample suspected to contain ricin was analyzed using the presented identification scheme (data not shown). The identification of the alkaloid ricinine by GC/MS and LC/MS was shown to be a complementary technique for the determination of castor bean extracts.
The Analysis of Forensic Samples Using Laser Micro-Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Armitage S , Saywell S , Roux C , Lennard C , Greenwood P
Published: August 2015

Laser micropyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used for the analysis of paint, photocopier toner, and synthetic fiber materials to test the forensic potential of this emerging technology. It uses a laser microprobe to selectively target very small parts of the materials for GC-MS analysis. Whereas the paint and the toner samples were amenable to direct laser pyrolysis, the synthetic fibers proved transparent to the 1064 nm laser radiation. The difficulty with the fibers demonstrates that a specific laser wavelength may not be appropriate for all types of materials. Nevertheless, the fibers were able to be indirectly pyrolyzed by impregnation in a strongly absorbing graphite matrix. A vast array of hydrocarbon pyrolysates was detected from the different materials studied. Unique product distributions were detected from each sample and in sufficient detail to facilitate individual molecular characterization (i.e., molecular fingerprinting). The integrity of the laser data were confirmed by comparison to data obtained from the same samples by the more conventional pyroprobe pyrolysis GC-MS method. The high spatial resolution and selectivity of the laser method may be advantageous for specific forensic applications, however, further work may be required to improve the reproducibility of the data.
In Situ Identification and Analysis of Automotive Paint Pigments Using Line Segment Excitation Raman Spectroscopy: I. Inorganic Topcoat Pigments
Authors: Suzuki EM , Carrabba M
Published: August 2015

Several applications of Raman spectroscopy in the forensic sciences have recently been demonstrated, but few have involved the analysis of paints. Undoubtedly, this is a reflection of the sample degradation problems often encountered when a visible or near-infrared laser is focused on a light-absorbing matrix. In this study, a dispersive CCD Raman spectrometer (785 nm) was used in a configuration which collected scattered light from an excitation region 3 mm long and 80 μm wide, instead of from a focused spot. Sample degradation was not observed, and Raman spectra of automotive paints of all colors were readily obtained. Most of the paints analyzed were U.S. automobile original finishes (1974 to 1989) from the Reference Collection of Automotive Paints, and the inorganic pigments examined were those which had been identified previously by infrared spectroscopy in finishes from this collection.

Prominent peaks of rutile were observed in Raman spectra of light-colored nonmetallic finishes for both monocoats and basecoat/clearcoat systems, and the rutile peaks are readily distinguished from those of anatase. The lead chromates (Chrome Yellow, Molybdate Orange, and silica-encapsulated versions of the two) are the strongest Raman scatterers among the pigments examined, and Chrome Yellow was identified by Raman spectroscopy in several yellow and orange nonmetallic monocoats for which infrared absorptions of this pigment were not observed. Raman spectroscopy also provides an unequivocal means to distinguish Chrome Yellow from Molybdate Orange. This is particularly helpful for the analysis of paints containing light pigment loads or encapsulated pigments since the two formulations cannot be differentiated by infrared spectroscopy in such cases. The iron-containing pigments, ferric oxide, hydrous ferric oxide, and Prussian Blue, are relatively weak Raman scatterers, but peaks of hydrous ferric oxide and Prussian Blue were observed in spectra of paints containing heavy pigment loads. Because no sample preparation is required, Raman spectroscopy provides an excellent means to rapidly screen reference panels for the presence of certain pigments, and some examples of the differences in Raman spectra which occur for paints having similar colors are presented.
Determining Explosivity Part II: Comparison of Small-Scale Cartridge Tests to Actual Pipe Bombs
Authors: Oxley JC , Smith JL , Resende E
Published: August 2015

The small-scale explosivity device (SSED) has been used to assess the explosive power of a number of low explosives—smokeless powders (WC-870, Red Dot, Bullseye, Winchester Action Pistol, and IMR-PB), Pyrodex, black powder, and an improvised explosive (TATP). The device requires 2 g of energetic material, a heavy-walled containment vessel, and a standard blast shield to permit use in most laboratories. The data from the SSED are compared with the fragmentation of pipe bombs which contained 300 to 700 g of powder. The SSED provided the same relative ordering of explosivity as suggested by the fragmentation of the real devices. In addition, the SSED was used to evaluate the chemical residue remaining after an explosion. Issues in using the device such as optimal detonators and restricted reaction volume were probed using three high explosives—TNT, Tetryl, and RDX.
Sustained Combustion of an Animal Carcass and Its Implications for the Consumption of Human Bodies in Fires
Authors: DeHaan JD , Nurbakhsh S
Published: August 2015

When a human body is found with significant portions of its torso and limbs destroyed yet with comparatively minor damage to head, hands and feet, the mechanism of such destruction defies ready explanation, since exposure to external fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids, usually results in the destruction of hands, feet, limbs, and head prior to significant combustion of the large mass of the torso. Previous tests by these authors have demonstrated the conditions necessary to promote combustion of a body: the presence of adequate body fat, presence of a porous, rigid char to act as a wick, and an external flame source sustained for several minutes to char the body and cause the subcutaneous fat to begin rendering.

In the test reported here, a freshly-slaughtered pig carcass with a net weight of 215 lb. (95 kg) was wrapped in a cotton blanket and placed on a carpet-covered plywood panel. The fire was initiated using 1 L of gasoline poured on the shoulder area of the blanketwrapped carcass. The gasoline burned off within 4 min, having ignited a large area of the blanket and adjoining carpet. Flames from those fuel packages resulted in the establishment of a steady-state fire sustained by the rendering of the body fat, with the necessary wick provided by the charred cotton blanket and carpet. The heat release rate of this fire was 60 ± 10 kW, with flames less than 12 in. (0.35 m) high for its duration. The fire sustained itself by the rendering process for more than 6½ h from ignition, at which time it was extinguished. An average mass loss rate of 1.5 g/s (5.3 kg/h) was observed during the self-sustained fire. Extensive destruction of the carcass (more than 60% by weight) included reduction of large bones to a fragile, ashen state. Other test data will demonstrate the similarity between subcutaneous fat from human and porcine sources. The implications for the reconstruction of accidental and homicidal fires involving such destruction will be discussed.
Latent Fingerprint Detection Using a Scanning Kelvin Microprobe
Authors: Williams G , Neil McMurray H , Worsley DA
Published: August 2015

Electrochemical interactions between latent human fingerprints and metal surfaces in ambient air are investigated using a scanning Kelvin microprobe. Inorganic salts present in sweat deposited at fingerprint ridges locally depassivate the metal surface producing a Volta potential decrease of greater than 200 mV. Volta potential patterns may persist for months and prints may be visualized by potential mapping, even when overcoated with a polymer layer. Because the Volta potential differences are produced by involatile salts they persist when the organic components of the fingerprint residue have been volatilized by heating to 600°C.
DNA-Based Identification and Molecular Systematics of Forensically Important Sarcophagidae (Diptera)
Authors: Wells JD , Pape T , Sperling FAH
Published: August 2015

Sarcophagid flies have many characteristics that make them ideal forensic indicators. However, their utility is severely limited because it is difficult or impossible to determine the species of a sarcophagid larva, and in many instances an adult specimen, based on anatomy. We developed a database of mitochondrial DNA sequence data that makes it possible to identify all sarcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a human corpse at an urban location in Canada or the USA. Analyses were based on a 783 base pair region of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). The species analyzed, including some of no forensic importance that were included for purposes of phylogenetic comparisons, were members of the genera Sarcophaga, Peckia, Blaesoxipha, Ravinia, Wohlfahrtia, Brachicoma (all Sarcophagidae), and Musca (Muscidae).
The Fin de Millénaire Duty to Warn or Protect
Authors: Felthous AR , Kachigian C
Published: August 2015

At the turn of the millennium, the authors summarize the evolution of a clinician's duty to protect third persons from a patient's violent acts over the past half century, with special emphasis on jurisprudential developments in the last decade. Four evolutionary periods are identified: Pre-Tarasoff, Inception, Diversification, and Retreat. The period of Retreat from Tarasoff in the nineties is characterized by the following approaches to Tarasoff: adoption, statutory containment, rejection of a duty to warn, rejection of a duty to control voluntary patients, and proactive circumscription of any protective duties. A more rational jurisprudential approach would permit some measure of flexibility for the proper exercise of clinical discretion.
Investigating the Role of Screen Violence in Specific Homicide Cases
Authors: Meloy JR , Mohandie K
Published: August 2015

Despite a substantial body of research indicating a significant and causal empirical relationship between viewing what the authors label “screen violence” and behaving violently, little attention has been paid to the forensic psychological and psychiatric investigation of these phenomena in specific homicide cases. Through the analysis of seven cases of homicide, mostly committed by adolescents, the authors introduce five concepts—aggression immersion, theme consistency, scene specificity, repetitive viewing, and self-editing—for advancing such investigations.
The Contract Murderer: Patterns, Characteristics, and Dynamics
Authors: Schlesinger LB
Published: August 2015

A case of an independent professional contract murderer, who killed over 100 people, is reported. After eluding law enforcement for 30 years, the subject killed several associates who he believed could implicate him in various crimes. These homicides eventually led to his arrest, since the victims were individuals who could be linked to him. This hit man had a background of poverty and childhood abuse but, as an adult, had pursued a middle-class lifestyle and kept his family totally separate from his criminal career. In addition, he had a number of characteristics that helped him carry out his crimes in a highly planned, methodical, and organized manner: he had adept social judgment; personality traits of orderliness, control, and paranoid vigilance; useful defense mechanisms of rationalization and reframing; and an exceptional ability to encapsulate emotions. This case is discussed within the context of contract murder, a crime that occurs relatively frequently and is probably increasing; yet it often goes undetected, the arrest rate is low, and the offender is rarely studied.
Focal Neurological Complications of Handcuff Application
Authors: Chariot P , Ragot F , Authier F-J , Questel F , Diamant-Berger O
Published: August 2015

The application of handcuffs may result in compression neuropathies at the wrist. The frequency of these complications is unknown. Twelve of 190 (6.3%) consecutive subjects kept in police custody presented distal neurological symptoms possibly related to handcuff application. The duration of handcuffing was significantly longer in patients with neurological symptoms than in patients without neurological symptoms (mean ± SD: 3.7 ± 5.2 h vs. 1.8 ± 2.6 h, P = 0.02). A long duration of handcuff application and, possibly, the existence of somnolence or acute alcohol intoxication could be predisposing factors to handcuff neuropathy. A prospective study of clinical and electrophysiological detection and follow up is needed.
Abstracting Data from Medical Examiner/Coroner Reports: Concordance among Abstractors and Implications for Data Reporting
Authors: Kung H-C , Hanzlick R , Spitler JF
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was two-pronged: 1) to determine the level of concordance (agreement) between multiple records abstractors who extracted defined data elements from printed medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) death investigation records; and 2) to identify data items for which improved reporting could facilitate the effective use of ME/C reports and data.

Four hundred ninety four printed death investigation records were obtained from 224 medical examiner/coroner offices throughout the United States. Trained abstractors were asked to extract information for 110 data elements from investigative reports. Additional data elements for each toxicology workup were abstracted from toxicology laboratory reports and six-digit AIS codes were also abstracted for each injury as described in autopsy reports. The ability of multiple abstractors to identify each data element and identically abstract the data was assessed using Kappa statistical methods.

Level of agreement for many data elements was very good (>0.9), but for some data elements agreement was marginal to poor, especially for items related to toxicology, the nature of specific injuries, and dates, times of the occurrence of death and injury.

Many data items can be easily abstracted from ME/C records. However, some data items seem difficult to abstract reliably in all cases. Standardizing the report formats used by ME/Cs and/or standardizing the electronic storage of ME/C data would make the abstraction of such data easier and improve the usefulness of ME/C data.
Fatal Descent from Height in New York City
Authors: Gill JR
Published: August 2015

All deaths due to descent from height that underwent autopsy at the Manhattan Office of Chief Medical Examiner of New York City over a two year period (1997–1999) were reviewed. The scene and autopsy findings, psychiatric history, and toxicology results were examined. There were 120 deaths: 77 suicides, 36 accidents, 5 undertermined, and 2 homicides. Psychiatric illness was reported in 86% of suicides. The toxicological detection of psychiatric medications supports the high percentage of psychiatric disease in the suicide group. In the accidental group, the detection of ethanol and illicit drugs was higher (36%) than expected from the case investigation and similar to the suicide group (29%). Accidental falls by women made up fewer than 3% of all manners. Due to the variation in the extent of injuries, it is unwise to attempt to conclude how high a person descended based on the autopsy findings. Descents into water commonly have minimal findings on external examination with marked internal injuries. The methods of investigation and criteria for death certification using the study results are discussed.
Postmortem Blood Free and Total Morphine Concentrations in Medical Examiner Cases
Authors: Burt MJ , Kloss J , Apple FS
Published: August 2015

This purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between postmortem free morphine and total morphine levels in a large series of medical examiner morphine and heroin related deaths. Free morphine, total morphine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) concentrations were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in 87 medical examiner cases over 20 months. The mean total morphine concentration, mean free morphine concentration, and mean percent free morphine for all cases were: 2.3 mg/L (SD 5.2 mg/L), 0.5 mg/L (SD 1.6 mg/L), and 19.4% (SD 22.8%); respectively. Regression analyses showed weak correlations between total and free morphine concentrations over the entire concentration range (0 to 36.6 mg/L, r = 0.603, n = 91) and over a subset concentration range of 0 to 1.0 mg/L (r = 0.369, n = 54). Twenty-three out of 56 (41%) tested positive for 6-MAM, indicative heroin abuse cases. Lower total and free morphine concentrations and a higher percent free morphine were found in individuals with detectable 6-MAM. Comparing blood concentrations for cases with and without detectable 6-MAM demonstrated mean total morphine concentrations of 0.9 mg/L versus 2.1 mg/L (p = 0.05), mean free morphine concentrations of 0.3 mg/L versus 0.4 mg/L (p = 0.21), and mean percent free morphine of 34.7% versus 13.7% (p < 0.003), respectively. Our findings demonstrate higher free to total morphine ratios in individuals with detectable 6-MAM than in individuals without 6-MAM. The database established in this study may assist medical examiners in the evaluation of postmortem blood opiates regarding the cause of death in opiate related ingestion cases.
Deposition of 7-Aminoflunitrazepam and Flunitrazepam in Hair After a Single Dose of Rohypnol®
Authors: Negrusz A , Moore CM , Hinkel KB , Stockham TL , Verma M , Strong MJ , Janicak PG
Published: August 2015

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of reports on drug-facilitated sexual assault. Benzodiazepines are the most common so-called “date-rape” drugs, with flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®) being one of the most frequently mentioned. The aim of this study was to determine whether flunitrazepam and its major metabolite 7-aminoflunitrazepam could be detected in hair collected from ten healthy volunteers after receiving a single 2 mg dose of Rohypnol® using solid phase extraction and NCI-GC-MS. Such data would be of great importance to law enforcement agencies trying to determine the best time interval for hair collection from a victim of drug-facilitated sexual assault in order to reveal drug use. Ten healthy volunteers (eight women and two men, 21 to 49 years old) participated in the study. The following hair samples were collected from each volunteer: one before flunitrazepam administration, and 1, 3, 5, 14, 21, and 28 days after. In five volunteers, 7-aminoflunitrazepam was detected 24 h after flunitrazepam administration and remained in hair throughout the entire 28-day study period (0.6–8.0 pg/mg). In two cases, 7-aminoflunitrazepam appeared in hair 21 days after drug intake (0.5–2.7 pg/mg), and in two subjects 14 days later (0.5–5.4 pg/mg). In one volunteer, 7-aminoflunitrazepam was detected on day 14 and 21 but concentrations were below the quantitation limit. Flunitrazepam was detected in some samples but all concentrations were below the quantitation limit (0.5–2.3 pg/mg).
Adherence of Forensic Odontologists to the ABFO Bite Mark Guidelines for Suspect Evidence Collection
Authors: Pretty IA , Sweet D
Published: August 2015

Boards and associations within forensic science have long been accepted as vehicles for the development and dissemination of protocols and recommendations for practice. Recent controversies surrounding bite mark analyses have brought the methods and practices of forensic dentists to the attention of both the courts and the media. In the mid-eighties the American Board of Forensic Odontology developed guidelines for bite mark analysis in response to unfavorable commentaries on the discipline by legal observers.

The purpose of this study is to examine the adherence of board certified and noncertified forensic dentists to the guidelines for collection of evidence from bite mark suspects. A questionnaire was employed during an American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting. Results showed that, in general, when the odontologists collected evidence they did adhere to the guidelines, although collection of salivary samples was not common. Of concern is the large number of odontologists who do not collect their own evidence from suspects. Police officers or other individuals often perform this task and therefore the guidelines must be disseminated to these groups to ensure that the maximum yield is obtained from bite mark evidence. A review of the materials used to collect evidence is also included with details of applications in forensic science.
Metric Variation in the Human Occipital Bone: Forensic Anthropological Applications
Authors: Wescott DJ , Moore-Jansen PH
Published: August 2015

Sex and race variation of the occipital bone have been previously investigated, but particular examination of the effect of age and ancestry on sexual dimorphism has not been addressed. This paper examines morphological variation associated with sex and ancestry in the condylar region of the occipital bone and the effect of age and ancestry on the estimation of sex. Models previously published by Holland (1,2) are also tested, and methodological problems are addressed. The results indicate that age does not have an effect on sexual dimorphism, but that whites exhibit greater, although not significantly, more sexual dimorphism than blacks. Significant sex and ancestry variation is present in the condylar region of the occipital bone, but neither sex nor ancestry could be estimated accurately using measurements of this anatomical region defined by Holland (1,2).
Detection of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) as a Natural Component in Wine
Authors: Vose J , Tighe T , Schwartz M , Buel E
Published: August 2015

The compound gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) was found in extracts from samples of unadulterated wines. This finding indicates that GBL is a naturally occurring component in some wines and may be present in similar products. The concentration detected was approximately 5 µg/mL and was easily observed using a simple extraction technique followed by GC/MS analysis. These results illustrate the need to carefully examine an allegedly adulterated sample's matrix before determining a sample was laced with GBL.
The Use of Capillary Electrophoresis in the Detection of Monomethylamine and Benzoate Ions in the Forensic Examination of Explosives Residues
Authors: Klapec DJ , Ng DL
Published: August 2015

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is used in the ATF Forensic Science Laboratories for the analysis of inorganic ions commonly encountered in post-blast residues including monomethylamine (MMA) and benzoate ions. Monomethylamine nitrate is found in Tovex®, a water gel explosive. Sodium benzoate is added to Pyrodex®, as a fuel and burn rate modifier. In the analysis of explosive residues, these ions are used as an indicator for the presence of Tovex® and Pyrodex®. Traditionally, these two ions, along with other ions of interest were analyzed by spot tests and ion chromatograph (IC). CE is currently being used in place of spot tests as a confirmation technique for IC.
AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR® COfiler™ Analysis of Tissues Stored in GenoFix™, a New Tissue Preservation Solution for Mass Disaster DNA Identification
Authors: Frégeau CJ , Vanstone H , Borys S , McLean D , Maroun JA , Chaim Birnboim H , Fourney RM
Published: August 2015

A preliminary study was conducted to assess the capability of a new alcohol-based tissue fixative, GenoFix™, to preserve DNA from biopsy tissues stored at room temperature and/or -20°C in a freezer, for subsequent short tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing analysis. Fresh human smooth muscle samples were stored at room temperature in GenoFix™ for one month and up to one year and seven months before being processed using the megaplex STR systems, AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR® COfiler™. Alternatively, muscle tissues in GenoFix™ were placed at -20°C in a freezer for up to 3 ½ years following two to three months in the fixative at room temperature. DNA analysis was also carried out on tissues stored in GenoFix™ for one month at room temperature and subsequently paraffin-embedded and stored at room temperature for four years. The AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR® COfiler™ STR profiles produced, using DNA extracted from all fixed tissue samples, were of very good quality. The fluorescent signals were well balanced across the nine STR loci or six loci comprised in the megaplexes surveyed and profiles showed no differences with those observed for the control blood of the respective donor patients. Continuous exposure to GenoFix™ at room temperature (up to one year and seven months) did not compromise the STR typing analysis of the fixed tissues. No adverse effects were noted on the STR typeability of tissues fixed with GenoFix™ and stored at -20°C in a freezer for up to 3 ½ years. STR profiles generated from the paraffin-embedded tissues fixed in GenoFix™ were of excellent quality. This preliminary study suggests that GenoFix™ can be used to store tissue samples at room temperature for up to one year and seven months or at -20°C in a freezer for longer storage (up to 3 ½ years). This new and odorless tissue fixative promotes tissue and DNA preservation in a very effective manner and as such may prove useful in criminal investigations or mass disaster identifications carried out in remote locations and in which a small or large number of tissue samples are collected for further analyses.