bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Death of Two Subjects Due to Imipramine and Desipramine Metabolite Accumulation During Chronic Therapy: A Review of the Literature and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Robert Swanson J , Jones GR , Krasselt W , Denmark LN , Ratti F
Published: August 2015

In two unrelated cases, a 7-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman died suddenly while receiving chronic imipramine therapy. In the boy, concentrations of imipramine were: Left femoral blood 0.5 mg/L, right femoral blood 1.2 mg/L, aorta blood 1.0 mg/L, liver 68 mg/Kg, and for the active metabolite, desipramine, left femoral blood 6.7 mg/L, right femoral blood 9.9 mg/L, aorta blood 8.7 mg/L, liver 400 mg/Kg. In the woman, the imipramine concentrations were: Femoral blood 0.6 mg/L, liver 37 mg/Kg, and of the active metabolite, desipramine, femoral blood 3.74 mg/L, liver 261 mg/Kg. In both cases, the scene investigation strongly indicated that neither individual had ingested an acute overdose. The very high ratios of desmethyl metabolite to parent drug are consistent with this observation. Impaired metabolism due to a genetically determined “slow metabolizer” phenotype of cytochrome CYP2D6, and/or concurrent therapy with phenothiazines, is suggested as a possible mechanism for the apparent fatal accumulation of these tricyclic antidepressants.
A Validation Study of the Influence of Alcohol on Handwriting
Authors: Stinson MD
Published: August 2015

The purposes of this article are to report experimental findings and to validate prior selected studies that examined handwriting comparisons and alcohol consumption. Subjects who participated in this experiment were given handwriting testing forms which were completed at assigned intervals throughout the testing period. The setting for the completion of the experiment was within a controlled environment with adult students attending the Breath Tests for Intoxication School for the use of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) instruments for law enforcement purposes. Handwriting data and pertinent information, BAC level and time, were recorded on the testing forms which were completed before, during, and after drinking. This study does not attempt to determine handwriting characteristics that can be predicted at various blood alcohol levels, but rather demonstrate, as noted in prior studies, if handwriting trends develop during or after the consumption of alcohol. The results of the handwriting comparisons, between and among test subjects, are discussed and applied to prior findings.
Tungsten Determination in Biological Fluids, Hair and Nails by Plasma Emission Spectrometry in a Case of Severe Acute Intoxication in Man
Authors: Marquet P , François B , Lotfi H , Turcant A , Debord J , Nedelec G , Lachâtre G
Published: August 2015

A healthy 19-year-old recruit in a French artillery regiment drank 250 mL of a mixture of beer and wine that had rinsed in a hot 155-mm gun-barrel. Fifteen minutes later, he complained of nausea followed by seizures. He was comatous for 24 h, presenting signs of encephalopathy. A moderate renal failure was noted initially and worsened to an extensive tubular necrosis with anuria on the day after the incident. The first toxicological investigations only showed a 0.31 g/L blood ethanol. Then inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) emission-spectrometry revealed very high concentrations of tungsten in the “beverage” as well as in gastric content, blood and urine (1540 mg/L, 8 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 101 mg/L, respectively). The nature of the metal was confirmed by ICP coupled to mass spectrometry. A simple and reliable ICP quantitative assay of tungsten in biological fluids, hair and nails was then developed. It showed high blood levels (>0.005 mg/L) until day 13 in spite of six hemodialyses, and in urine until D33. Tungsten was also incorporated in hair and nails.

To the best of our knowledge, such an intoxication has never been reported before though this drinking seems to be traditional in the French Artillery. It has probably been favored by the unusually high volume of beverage absorbed and by the new alloy of the gun, containing tungsten. The clinical evolution was satisfactory over weeks and the patient was declared totally cured after five months.
Stalking on Campus: The Prevalence and Strategies for Coping with Stalking
Authors: Fremouw WJ , Westrup D , Pennypacker J
Published: August 2015

This epidemiological study explored the prevalence of stalkers and stalking victims among college students. Two questionnaires (one assessing the behaviors of those who stalk others, and the other assessing victims of stalking) were administered to 294 college undergraduates. The questionnaires were then revised and readministered to 299 undergraduates. Thirty percent of the female students and 17% of the males reported having been stalked; 80% reported that they knew their stalker (many had been previously romantically involved with the stalker). Only 1% of the subjects acknowledged having stalked someone, due perhaps to the social undesirability of this behavior. Methods of coping with being stalked were also assessed. The most common response among females was to ignore the stalker; among males it was to confront the stalker.
Validation Studies of the CTT STR Multiplex System
Authors: Budowle B , Moretti TR , Keys KM , Koons BW , Smerick JB
Published: August 2015

Studies were performed to define the typing conditions and evaluate the forensic applicability of multiplex amplification of three STR loci, CSF1PO, TPOX, and THO1. Results were obtained using the GenePrint STR System (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) Kit. To determine the utility of the GenePrint STR System for forensic casework analyses, the following experiments were conducted: 1) analysis of mixed body fluid; 2) determination of the sensitivity of detection; and 3) evaluation of results from biological samples from casework. In addition, the following simulated forensic conditions were assayed to detect whether or not there may be adverse effects on the ability to type these loci: 1) chemical contaminant effects on the DNA in body fluid samples; 2) the effects on DNA from samples deposited on various substrates; 3) the consequences of micro-organism contamination; and 4) the effect of sunlight and storage conditions on the integrity of the STR profiles/DNA. The data demonstrate that STR typing of biological samples exposed to a variety of environmental insults yields reliable results and that the analysis of the STR loci CSF1PO, TPOX, and THO1 can be applied in a forensic setting.
The Applicability of Formalin-Fixed and Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissues in Forensic DNA Analysis
Authors: Romero RL , Juston AC , Ballantyne J , Henry BE
Published: August 2015

Historically, formalin fixed (FF) tissues could not be used as a source of DNA in forensic science due to the fact that the DNA was too degraded for DNA analysis. With the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to forensic science, the usefulness of DNA from this biological material has been re-evaluated. This study evaluates the potential use of DNA from FF and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues in 13 PCR systems; HLA DQα, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC, D1S80, vWA31, THO1, F13A1, FES/FPS, TPOX, and CSF1PO. The first six, HLA DQα, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC are reverse dot blot systems, D1S80 is an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AmpFlp) system and the others are short tandem repeats (STRs). This study shows that FFPE tissue which has not been fixed in formalin for more than three days is a useful source of DNA for 12 of the 13 PCR systems. In contrast, FF tissue did not prove to be a reliable source of DNA for the PCR techniques examined here.
Education in Forensic Anthropology: Appraisal and Outlook
Authors: Galloway A , Simmons TL
Published: August 2015

Increases in the awareness and participation of physical anthropologists in forensic investigations have resulted in growing concerns over the training of students with specializations in forensic anthropology. A survey of United States universities shows that forensic anthropologists provide training to large numbers of students in basic osteology and smaller, but still significant numbers of graduates and undergraduates in forensic anthropology. Their work augments that provided by physical anthropologists whose interests lie in osteology and skeletal biology. Discrepancies exist in the course topic content in training provided by these two groups (forensic anthropologists and osteologists) which may have implications for the future, especially if some students are unaware of the legal role and responsibilities of anthropologists in the forensic sciences.
Recidivism and Concomitant Criminality in Pathological Firesetters
Authors: Barnett W , Richter P , Sigmund D , Spitzer M
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore dangerousness and fire setting recidivism of mentally disordered firesetters in comparison with mentally healthy arsonists. In Germany, all trials are registered centrally by the Federal Central Register. The records of this Register for the three year period from 1983 until 1985 were used in this follow-up study of arsonists to identify three samples of subjects: (1) All persons convicted of arson who have been found not guilty by reasons of insanity (n = 186), (2) all person convicted of arson who have been found guilty of diminished responsibility (n = 97), and (3) a random selection from all persons convicted of arson who have had no psychiatric examination in their trial (n = 187). The follow-up ended in 1994, providing a period of, on average, ten years. Mentally disordered arsonists differed from non-mentally disordered arsonists in the following ways: They were more likely, first, to have a history of arson before 1983, and secondly, to be convicted of arson again (11% relapse compared to 4%). Mentally disordered arsonists had fewer registrations of common offenses, such as theft as well as traffic violations and alcohol-related offenses. Based on the present sample, mentally disordered firesetters have a higher rate of recurrence of firesetting than non-mentally disordered firesetters and commit fewer common offenses other than firesetting.
DNA Extraction from Liquid Blood Using QIAamp
Authors: Scherczinger CA , Bourke MT , Ladd C , Lee HC
Published: August 2015

The implementation of convicted felon DNA data-bases by increasing numbers of forensic science laboratories has engendered the need for a quick, efficient, and cost-effective method for the isolation of DNA from liquid blood samples. Because of the large numbers of samples involved, the ideal method would combine high throughput capability with maximal yield, high quality, and minimal time. We have found that the QIAGEN QIAamp Blood Kit/Tissue Kit satisfy all of these requirements. This simple, low cost spin column procedure yields purified DNA of approximately 20–30 kb that can be used directly in PCR or other enzymatic reactions without further purification.

We compared the QIAamp isolation procedure to the standard SDS-Proteinase K/organic extraction/microcon purification procedure currently used by many forensic laboratories. The QIAamp procedure consistently gave a two- to four-fold increased yield relative to the organic extraction procedure. The DNA obtained was of high molecular weight, exhibited little degradation, and was suitable for RFLP and PCR analyses. We have found QIAGEN's QIAamp DNA isolation procedure to be ideally suited for preparation of samples for DNA databasing.
The Use of Insects to Determine Time of Decapitation: A Case-Study from British Columbia
Authors: Anderson GS
Published: August 2015

A case is presented in which insects were used to determine time of decapitation. A severed human head was located on 28 June in a ditch on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The victim had been missing since 17 June. Prepupal Calliphora vomitoria (L.) were found at the cut surface of the neck and no evidence of insect feeding was observed at any of the natural orifices; the eyes were intact. Meteorological and insect developmental data indicated that the insects had been oviposited on or before 20 June. The lack of feeding at the orifices, together with the evidence of feeding and presence of insects at the cut surface of the neck indicated that the eggs had been laid after decapitation. Therefore, decapitation had occurred on or before 20 June. This was consistent with later police evidence.
Review of the Wound Healing Process: Forensic Pathological Aspects
Authors: Pedal I
Published: August 2015

Among the most fundamental problems in forensic pathology are the distinguishing of intravital traumas from postmortem traumas and the estimation of wound age. The recent foudroyant pace of development in the fields of cellular biology, immunology, and molecular genetics has resulted in a multitude of new methodological approaches that make a reassessment of the state of knowledge imperative. The present anthology on every aspect of the wound healing process performs this service in exemplary fashion. The editors, a forensic pathologist (MO) and an immunologist (HK), are ideally suited to ensure a representative selection of international authors. The book comprises 21 chapters divided into five sections; most of the chapters offer a survey of individual topics, some constitute original articles in their own right. Each chapter includes an extensive list of references and many are supplemented by informative charts, tables and illustrations.
Development of Latent Fingerprints on Unfired Cartridges by Palladium Deposition: A Surface Study
Authors: Migron Y , Mandler D
Published: August 2015

Visualized fingerprints on unfired brass cartridge cases developed by a novel method of palladium deposition were examined by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron probe microscopy (EPMA). In spite of the strong contrast of colors between the ridges and the valleys of the developed images, which suggests a selective coating of palladium on the valleys, palladium was found to deposit onto both valleys and ridges. Lumps of organic material were scattered mostly along the ridges. The study suggests a model for the deposition of metals on brass cartridges on which sebaceous fingerprints were impressed.
Upholstered Furniture Transition from Smoldering to Flaming
Authors: Babrauskas V , Krasny JF
Published: August 2015

This paper reviews the available literature on experimental measurements of smoldering to flaming transition in upholstered furniture. It is found that of 102 items, 64% made the transition to flaming. For the items which transitioned to flaming, the time for the transition to occur ranged from 22 to 306 min. Some of the factors affecting the likely time to transition are known qualitatively, but a quantitative method of prediction is not available which would allow one to predict such transition occurrence (and time) on the basis of construction details and fire environment.
Genetic Individualization of Domestic Cats Using Feline STR Loci for Forensic Applications
Authors: Menotti-Raymond M , David VA , Stephens JC , Lyons LA , O'Brien SJ
Published: August 2015

A group of ten short tandem repeat (STR) loci suitable for PCR typing from DNA of domestic cats is evaluated for genetic individualization using blinded samples of eight putative feline blood specimens. The ten loci were also typed in a 70 member cat pedigree to demonstrate Mendelian inheritance and independent assortment. A “match window” or measurement precision estimate was empirically established by determining the maximum gel migration difference among alleles identical by descent in different individuals of the pedigree. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and abundant heterozygosity was observed for each locus in cat population samples from Canada and the USA. The probabilities of two unrelated individuals matching by chance (Pm) at all ten loci was estimated as 1.35 × 10−10. We present a conservative approach to compute, for forensic consideration, the mathematical likelihood of a chance genotypic match between DNA evidence from a crime scene and the suspect composite STR genotypes for species or populations when genotype frequency information is not available.
Violent Behaviors Associated with the Antichrist Delusion
Authors: Silva JA , Leong GB , Weinstock R
Published: August 2015

Delusions involving the antichrist concept have been occasionally reported. Some cases of the antichrist delusion have been associated with violent behavior. In this article we describe the case of a man who suffered from a chronic antichrist delusion and who also displayed repeated and serious violent behaviors. We also discuss the role of the antichrist delusion as well as other psychotic symptoms in the genesis of violence in the present case.
The Response of the Intoxilyzer 5000® to Five Potential Interfering Substances
Authors: Caldwell JP , Kim ND
Published: August 2015

A study was conducted of potential vapor phase interferents which could be present on human breath and also be capable of inducing a false-positive response for ethanol on the evidential infrared-based breath testing device, the Intoxilyzer-5000. This involved preparation and validation of a range of vapor standards, which were introduced to the instrument using a dynamic flow double-bubbler system. Potential interferents were chosen on the basis of both their infrared signatures and their general availability, and included toluene, m-xylene, o-xylene, methanol and isopropanol. All compounds tested were found to be capable of inducing false-positive readings for ethanol in a highly reproducible manner, as a result of which it has been possible to derive precise least-squares equations describing the ethanol readout expected for any given blood concentration of toluene, m-xylene, o-xylene, methanol and isopropanol. The likelihood of an interference compromising the integrity of the analysis is related to both the toxicological significance and prevalence of a given blood concentration of each solvent, and the point at which the instrumental interference light is triggered in each case.
Influence of Pigmentation on the Codeine Content of Hair Fibers in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Pötsch L , Skopp G , Moeller MR
Published: August 2015

Tortoise shell guinea pigs (n = 7) were administered codeine (1 mg/mL codeine-base) in their drinking water for 3 weeks. Black, reddish-brown and white hair was collected separately from each animal before and after treatment. The hair samples were analyzed by GC/MS. The experiment showed positive results for all hair fibers with large individual variability of drug incorporation. Low drug intake resulted in small differences of the drug content in hair fibers different in color, whereas in cases of high drug intake a strong influence of hair pigmentation on the analytical results was observed. The highest drug content was always found in black hair samples, non-pigmented hair showed the lowest drug concentrations and the drug content in reddish-brown fibers was less than in black hair samples from the same animal. From the results it was concluded, that eumelanins rather than pheomelanins are the decisive factor for codeine-melanin binding in hair and the amount of drug intake was suggested to determine the relevance of hair pigmentation on the analytical results.
Ethyl Glucuronide Concentration in Serum of Human Volunteers, Teetotalers, and Suspected Drinking Drivers
Authors: Schmitt G , Droenner P , Skopp G , Aderjan R
Published: August 2015

The kinetic profile of ethanol and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in serum was investigated in three subject groups: 1) Healthy, moderately drinking volunteers (daily intake less than 30 g ethanol) who ingested a single dose of ethanol. In this group the maximum of serum ethyl glucuronide concentration (SEtGC) and of serum ethanol concentration (SEC) did not exceed 3.7 mg/L and 1.5 g/L respectively. EtG peaked 2 to 3.5 h later than ethanol. EtG was eliminated with a terminal half-life of 2 to 3 h. EtG decreased slower than ethanol—the metabolite could still be determined in serum up to 8 h after complete ethanol elimination. 2) In serum samples of teetotalers neither ethanol nor EtG could be found. 3) In 37 of 50 serum samples of drivers suspected of driving under the influence of ethanol, SEtGC was found between the limit of detection (0.1 mg/L) and 20 mg/L. If the SEC is less than 1 g/L and the SEtGC is significantly higher than 5 mg/L, we assume alcohol misuse.
Tissue Distribution of Ketamine in a Mixed Drug Fatality
Authors: Moore KA , Kilbane EM , Jones R , Kunsman GW , Levine B , Smith M
Published: August 2015

While reports of ketamine abuse are increasing, reports of ketamine deaths and tissue concentrations associated with fatalities are rare. We report here a case of a mixed drug fatality involving ketamine and ethanol. Ketamine analysis was carried out by gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD). We found the following tissue concentrations: blood 1.8 mg/L; urine 2.0 mg/L; brain 4.3 mg/kg; spleen 6.1 mg/kg; liver 4.9 mg/kg, and kidney 3.6 mg/kg. The blood ethanol concentration was 170 mg/dL. Because an empty nalbuphine ampule was found in the possession of the deceased, the blood was assayed for this opioid compound using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. None was detected at a limit of detection of 0.02 mg/L.
Quantitative Determination of Cocaine in Illicit Powders by Free Zone Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Krawczeniuk AS , Bravenec VA
Published: August 2015

A free zone capillary electrophoresis method was developed for the quantitation of cocaine in illicit powders. The method uses a 75 mM sodium phosphate-sodium borate pH 8.5 buffered system and separates the most common cocaine adulterants and impurities in eight minutes. Linearity, accuracy and reproducibility studies are presented, as well as comparisons with quantitative results obtained by gas liquid chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography methods.
Homicide Followed by Suicide: Paris and Its Suburbs, 1991–1996
Authors: Lecomte D , Fornes P
Published: August 2015

Homicide-suicides (HS) are relatively infrequent events. Yet, they are of great concern because they often result in the death of family members, young children, and cause additional morbidity, family disruption and childhood psychological trauma. The aims of our study were (a) to examine the sociodemographic, clinical, and autopsy characteristics of HS in Paris and its suburbs from 1991 through 1996, and (b) to analyze the psychodynamic determinants leading up to the onset of HS. Our findings are compared with those obtained in other international studies. For the purpose of the present study. HS was defined as a violent event in which an individual committed homicide and subsequently committed suicide within a few hours. The main results are as follows. During the six-year study period, 56 HS involving 133 victims were investigated at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Paris. Seventeen events occurred in Paris and 39 in its suburbs. Paris has a population of approximately 2,200,000 while its suburbs are home to another 8,500,000. Of the 56 offenders, 48 (85%) were males. The mean age of offenders was 51 years in males (range, 24 to 83) and 40.5 years in females (range, 33 to 56). In 45 events (80%), the offenders used a gun for both the homicide and suicide. A knife was used in only 4 murders, strangulation in 4 other cases, with poisoning, arson, or beating occurring in one case each. In 9 cases, the offender used a different weapon for homicide and suicide. Among firearms, handguns were more likely to be used (26 cases) than shotguns (6 cases) or rifles (13 cases). In 40 cases the offender killed one victim, in 11 cases 2 victims, and in 5 cases 3 victims. The homicide victims consisted of 34 children (21 boys), mean age 8 years (range, 1 to 16), 29 spouses (26 females), 2 girlfriends, 10 strangers, and 2 relatives. Five pets were killed. HS were most likely to be committed in the home. A suicide note was found near the victims in 29 cases (50% of events). In 42 cases the offender was found to be severely depressed. Familial HS were the most frequent events followed by suicidal pacts. When male sexual proprietariness and amorous jealousy were involved, the HS perpetrators acted often impulsively in carrying out the HS. There had been a chronically chaotic relationship and frequent physical violence and verbal threats. The triggering event was often the female withdrawal or estrangement. Only in a few cases, other motivations such as occupational or money problems were involved. Chronic alcoholism was found in 16 cases. In conclusion, the offender was more likely to be a male, severely depressed, violent and jealous who killed his spouse, and often his children, with impulsiveness, but after numerous threats. Our findings suggest that HS differ from both homicide and suicide and thus occupy a distinct epidemiological domain requiring specific prevention programs.
Toluene Distribution of Glue Sniffers' Biological Fluid Samples in Korea
Authors: Park SW , Kim NY , Yang YG , Seo B , Paeng K-J
Published: August 2015

We have studied the distribution of toluene in glue sniffers' biological fluid samples by gas chromatography or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The determined toluene concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 40.3 mg/L in urine samples and from 0.1 to 74.7 mg/L in blood samples. respectively. Among the 120 urine samples, 61% of all cases ranged between 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L and 27% was between 1.0 and 5.0 mg/L, respectively. On the other hand, 39% and 46% of all 99 blood samples ranged between 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L, or 1.0 and 5.0 mg/L, respectively. In the fatal cases (36 cases), the distribution of toluene ranged from 0.3 to 40.5 mg/L in the blood samples.
Testing Conflicting Scenarios—A Role for Simulation Experiments in Damage Analysis of Clothing
Authors: Taupin JM
Published: August 2015

Damage to clothing is commonly encountered in serious crimes of violence such as homicide and rape. Examination of damage to clothing and other textiles may provide valuable information as to the possible implement that caused the damage and the manner in which it was caused. Damage analysis may corroborate or refute a particular crime scenario.

This report describes two recent cases examined at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre laboratory where opposing views as to the origin of the damage to the clothing of the victim were proposed. The results confirm the value of simulation experiments mimicking each case scenario. They also demonstrate that it may not be possible to unequivocally choose between opposing scenarios because of limitations inherent in damage analysis.
Damage to a Wire Security Screen: Adapting the Principles of Clothing Damage Analysis
Authors: Taupin JM
Published: August 2015

The analysis of damage to a wire security door in a homicide investigation is described. The principles of damage analysis to fabric weaves were utilized in the examination of the open mesh wires. The results supported only one of the two alternative scenarios proposed to account for the damage. The findings illustrate that valuable information from damage analysis may still be obtained from textile products traditionally only considered suitable for toolmark or physical fit evidence.
A Fatal Case of Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning in a Geothermal Power Plant
Authors: Kage S , Ito S , Kishida T , Kudo K , Ikeda N
Published: August 2015

An adult man entered an oil separator room to remove waste oil from a vacuum pump in a geothermal power plant. He suddenly collapsed and died soon after. Since hydrogen sulfide gas was detected in the atmosphere at the scene of the accident, poisoning by this gas was suspected and toxicological analysis of sulfide and thiosulfate in blood, brain, lung, femoral muscle was made using the extractive alkylation technique combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The concentrations of sulfide in these tissues were similar to those previously reported for fatal cases of hydrogen sulfide gas. The concentration of thiosulfate in the blood was at least 48 times higher than the level in control samples. Based on these results, the cause of death was attributed to hydrogen sulfide gas poisoning.
Population Genetic Study of the Simultaneously Amplified Loci HLA DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC in a German Population Sample
Authors: Zehner R , Mebs D , Bratzke H
Published: August 2015

A population genetic study of the HLA DQA1 and the “Polymarker” loci LDLR, GYPA, HBG, D7S8, and GC has been performed in a German Caucasian population (Frankfurt am Main area).

All loci are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no unexpected association of loci has been observed. The data of the allele distributions are similar to those of other Caucasian populations. All six loci together have a power of discrimination (PD) of 0.9996 and an exclusion chance in paternity testing of 0.81.
Comparison of Macroscopic Cranial Methods of Age Estimation Applied to Skeletons from the Terry Collection
Authors: Galera V , Ubelaker DH , Hayek L-AC
Published: August 2015

A total of 963 skeletons (408 Whites and 555 Blacks) from the Terry Collection were studied to examine macroscopic cranial methods of age estimation. The methods of Acsádi and Nemeskéri, Masset, Baker and Meindl and Lovejoy were applied to every skull. The results indicate that the most accurate techniques in this application were those that consider endocranial suture closure. The methods of Acsádi and Nemeskéri and Masset were the most accurate in all the subsamples (by population, sex, sex within population and in total), although the relative accuracy could vary in application to other populations.
Metric and Comparative Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in the Thai Femur
Authors: King CA , İşcan MY , Loth SR
Published: August 2015

Identification of sex from the skeleton is an important demographic assessment in medicolegal investigations. Studies have demonstrated that populations differ from each other in size and proportions and that these differences can affect the metric assessment of sex. It is therefore vital to determine if population differences are great enough to necessitate group-specific standards. To date, there have been no attempts to create standards of assessment for modern Thais. Therefore the purpose of this research is to establish standards from which to determine sex from the femur using a new skeletal collection housed at the Chiang Mai University Department of Anatomy. The sample is composed of 104 individuals (70 males, 34 females). Six standard osteometric dimensions including maximum length, maximum head diameter, midshaft circumference, midshaft anterior-posterior and transverse diameters, and bicondylar breadth were measured and analyzed by stepwise discriminant function statistics. To understand population differences, formulas derived from Chinese, South African whites and American whites and blacks using the same method and variables were tested on the Thai sample. Results indicated that maximum head diameter and bicondylar breadth are the optimal combination for sex diagnosis and yielded 94.2% accuracy. Direct analysis using predetermined single or multiple variables also revealed bicondylar breadth as the best single dimension (93.3%). In cross-tests on the Thais, the Chinese formula gave the most favorable outcome with unsatisfactory results for all other groups. The present research confirms that sexual dimorphism is better reflected in breadth dimensions than in bone length. Comparisons showed that Thais are very different metrically from whites and blacks, and although they most resemble the Chinese, these two groups are not identical. These findings underscore the need for population-specific formulas for identification of sex from the skeleton.
Effects of Monetary Incentives on Performance of Nonprofessionals in Document-Examination Proficiency Tests
Authors: Kam M , Fielding G , Conn R
Published: August 2015

In September 1997 we reported on a comprehensive proficiency test administered to three groups of professional document examiners (105 individuals). Each test-taker performed 144 pairwise comparisons of original handwritten documents and matched together pairs that in his/her opinion were generated by the same hand. The test was also administered to a control group of nonprofessionals (41 individuals) whose educational profile was similar to that of the tested professionals. These nonprofessionals were motivated through a monetary incentive plan ($25 gain for each correct match: $25 fine for each erroneous match; $10 fine for failure to match documents created by the same hand). In this paper, we report on a subsequent study, aimed to discover whether changes in the monetary incentive scheme would affect the performance of nonprofessionals, and whether these schemes would close the performance gap between professionals and nonprofessionals. We administered the 1997 test again, this time to four groups of nonprofessionals (132 subjects), using four different incentive schemes (including the one used originally). We found that the four sets of data obtained under different incentives were indistinguishable, in the sense that differences between the test scores were not statistically significant. We conclude that the performance of nonprofessionals in our proficiency test was relatively insensitive to the monetary incentive scheme.
QIAamp Spin Columns as a Method of DNA Isolation for Forensic Casework
Authors: Greenspoon SA , Scarpetta MA , Drayton ML , Turek SA
Published: August 2015

The Detroit Police Crime Lab has historically used Chelex as a method to isolate DNA for amplification and typing of bloodstains at the HLADQA1, PM and D1S80 loci. However, preliminary validation of several STR systems for casework has demonstrated that the Chelex procedure is not the best method of DNA isolation for STR amplifications for our purposes. Long term storage at −20°C in the presence of unbuffered Chelex beads (approximately 1 year), combined with multiple freeze thaws, resulted in signal loss at a locus for many database samples. Therefore, we have employed the QIAamp spin column as an alternative method of DNA isolation for amplification and typing of STR loci currently being validated for use in the laboratory. Moreover, we determined that QIAamp isolated DNA is also suitable for HL ADQA1, PM and D1S80 typing. A matrix study was performed to determine if the QIAamp DNA procedure would give better results on bloodstains deposited on “problem surfaces” such as leather, dirt and various dyed fabrics. Again, QIAamp isolated DNA was more readily typeable than Chelex isolated DNA.

We successfully replaced the phenol/chloroform extraction steps utilized in our laboratory for differential extractions, a commonly used method for separating sperm and non-sperm fractions of sexual assault evidence, with the QIAamp spin columns. The QIAamp extracted DNA performed as well in all PCR amplification and typing procedures tested (PM, HLADQA1, D1S80, and STR (PowerPlex)) as the phenol/chloroform Centricon isolated or EtOH precipitated DNAs. Thus we concluded that QIAamp spin columns are a superior method for isolating DNA to be typed for a variety of loci.
Development of a Highly Polymorphic STR Marker for Identity Testing Purposes at the Human Androgen Receptor Gene (HUMARA)
Authors: Desmarais D , Zhong Y , Chakraborty R , Perreault C , Busque L
Published: August 2015

We developed a non-isotopic method which improves the technical quality of the X-linked HUMARA locus typing process. The use of formamide and a low concentration of acrylamide increased resolution and sharpness of HUMARA alleles in silver-stained polyacrylamide gels. In addition, the construction of an allelic ladder containing amplified sequence of 9 alleles (even-numbered alleles) of the HUMARA locus, allows confident, rapid and precise assigment of discretely defined alleles. Allele and genotype frequencies for the HUMARA locus were determined in a French Canadian population sample. Observed genotype frequencies in females conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, the HUMARA locus is highly polymorphic with 18 observed alleles and an heterozygosity value of 89.3%. Also, this locus has average powers of discrimination of 97.8% and 88.7% for testing samples of female and male origin, respectively. In the French Canadian population, the average probability of excluding a random man as the father in paternity analysis when both mother and daughter are tested for this locus is 88.0%. Together, the results indicate that the HUMARA locus provides a highly discriminatory system that is appropriate for the purposes of forensic identification and paternity testing involving a female child.
Postmortem Diagnosis of Leukodystrophies
Authors: Shields LBE , Handy TC , Parker JC , Burns C
Published: August 2015

Leukodystrophies are progressive disorders involving the development and maintenance of myelin in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although relatively uncommon, leukodystrophic disorders may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed during life, and may appear as “sudden death.” In such instances, these victims may be referred to a forensic pathologist. In general, leukodystrophies are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner so that proper postmortem diagnosis by the forensic pathologist is extremely important to the decedent's family for future family planning.
Personal Identification on the Basis of Antemortem and Postmortem Radiographs
Authors: Angyal M , Dérczy K
Published: August 2015

This report documents three recent cases in Hungary in which personal identification was achieved by comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiographs. These cases demonstrate three examples of radiological identification. In Hungary, comparison methods play an important role in personal identification because of the lack of adequate dental records for most of the population. The authors emphasize that in cases where antemortem radiographs and photographs are available, radiographic comparison is deemed preferable to photographic superimposition, because it is more technically exacting and permits the matching of a potentially larger number of anatomical, pathological or traumatic features.
A Comprehensive Typology for the Biopsychosociocultural Evaluation of Child-Killing Behavior
Authors: Silva JA , Leong GB , Dassori A , Ferrari MM , Weinstock R , Yamamoto J
Published: August 2015

The homicide of children by their parents has been reported across numerous cultural settings around the world and in many historical periods. A comprehensive and systematic understanding of parental child killing can be optimally obtained through a biopsychosociocultural approach. In this article we present the case of a woman who committed neonaticide. We illustrate the cultural formulation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and recommend that this formulation has a central role in the evaluation of cultural factors of parents who kill their children.
Medication Compliance in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia: Implications for the Community Management of Mentally Disordered Offenders
Authors: Duncan JC , Rogers R
Published: August 2015

The safe and effective management of mentally disordered offenders is a paramount concern in decisions for community placement. Treatment effectiveness is often vitiated by medication noncompliance. In the current study, clinical and sociodemographic correlates of treatment compliance were examined in outpatients with schizophrenia. Level of medication compliance, assessed independently by treatment staff at two outpatient settings, resulted in 40 compliant, 38 noncompliant, and 12 partially compliant patients. Key symptoms associated with medication noncompliance were anger, delusions, and hallucinations. As an initial investigation, a stepwise discriminant analysis was moderately successful at predicting medication noncompliance. The implications of these findings to mentally disordered offenders are explored.
Quantitative Assessment of Trabecular Bone Pattern Identification
Authors: Kahana T , Hiss J , Smith P
Published: August 2015

The results of the research described in this paper demonstrate that the trabecular architecture is unique to each individual and stable enough to be used as a forensic marker for positive identification of human remains.

The trabecular bone architecture depicted on radiographs is often used as an individualizing forensic marker for positive identification of human remains.

The aim of the present study was to ascertain the reliability of the trabecular pattern in forensic identification. The trabecular pattern is potentially the best radiographic forensic marker since its presence on a radiograph doesn't depend on a previous pathology or traumatic event.

A sample of 305 radiographs of the left wrist of 103 postmenopausal women was studied using an image analyzer. The uniqueness and stability over time of the trabecular architecture was examined by creating line maps or “densitographs” of the ultra-distal point of the radius of each roentgenogram.

Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for all possible combinations of pairs of radiographs. The correlation coefficient of pairs of radiographs of the same individual, taken at different times (2 to 6 years apart), was always higher than 0.72, while the correlation coefficients of radiographs of different individuals was always below 0.62.
Stellate Clothing Defects with Different Firearms, Projectiles, Ranges, and Fabrics
Authors: Alakija P , Dowling GP , Gunn B
Published: August 2015

“Stellate” or “cruciform” tears of clothing are conventionally believed due to contact or close-range firearm entrance wounds. However, there are no published studies that actually document and confirm this observation. A Remington Nylon 11 .22-caliber rimfire bolt-action rifle, a Colt Woodsman .22-caliber rim-fire auto-loading pistol, a Winchester Model 94 .30–30 Winchester lever-action rifle, and a Remington Model 870 12-gauge pump-action shotgun were test-fired at tight contact, loose contact, 2 cm, 4 cm, 8 cm, 15 cm, 30 cm, and 6 m ranges, using cotton denim, cotton broadcloth, and cotton jersey as targets. The .22-caliber rifle did not produce stellate tearing in these fabrics at any range. The .22-caliber pistol always produced stellate tears at tight contact and loose contact ranges: non-stellate defects were produced by this pistol at ranges of 2 cm or greater. The .30–30 Winchester rifle produced stellate tears at all contact and close ranges up to and including 8 cm. The 12-gauge shotgun only produced stellate tears at loose contact, but was not tested at all ranges. Stellate defects were not produced by any firearm, in any fabric, at ranges greater than 8 cm. These results are specific to the firearms, ammunition, fabric, and conditions selected, and may not reflect findings in situations involving other firearms, projectiles, ranges, or fabrics.
Preliminary Experiments on the Transfer of Animal Hair During Simulated Criminal Behavior
Authors: D'Andrea F , Fridez F , Coquoz R
Published: August 2015

Hairs from cats and dogs may be extremely important when used as evidence in the investigation of certain crimes and offenses. Certain parameters such as transfer and persistence are likely to be very similar to those encountered with fibers. These two parameters have been examined for dog and cat hair.

The results confirm that hairs cling easily to various surfaces and that they are transferred in large numbers. It is almost impossible to enter a house where a domestic animal lives without being contaminated by its hair.
Insect Succession on Buried Carrion in Two Biogeoclimatic Zones of British Columbia
Authors: VanLaerhoven SL , Anderson GS
Published: August 2015

We established a database of insect succession on buried carrion in two biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia over a 16-month period beginning June 1995. Pig (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were buried shortly after death in the Coastal Western Hemlock and Sub-boreal Spruce biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia. Buried pigs exhibited a distinct pattern of succession from that which occurred on above-ground carrion. The species composition and time of colonization for particular species differed between the two zones. Therefore ideally, a database of insect succession on burried carrion should be established for each major biogeoclimatic zone. We did not observe maggot masses on any of the buried carcasses; therefore, the presence of maggot masses may indicate a delayed burial. Soil temperature was a better indicator of internal buried carcass temperature (r2 = 0.92, p < 0.0001) than was ambient air temperature (r2 = 0.60, p < 0.0001); thus soil temperature should be used to determine developmental rates of insects for determination of the postmortem interval by a forensic entomologist.
Forensic Evidence Based on mtDNA from Dog and Wolf Hairs
Authors: Savolainen P , Lundeberg J
Published: August 2015

In six forensic cases involving murder, bank robbery, theft and poaching, evidence material comprising shed hairs supposedly originating from dogs or wholves was analyzed by mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequencing. A 79 bp segment of the control region was amplified, sequenced, and compared with an established database of the domestic dog and wolf populations. In three murder cases exclusions of all eight suspects could be made. Furthermore, two of the murders could be linked to each other by a rare sequence variant, and the breed of the dog was indicated. In a theft case and a bank robbery a link could be established between the evidence material and the suspects. In a case of suspected wolf poaching, it could be established that the evidential material was of dog rather than wolf origin. We conclude that single hairs from common pets are suitable for DNA analysis and that the described method has proved to be a valuable tool for forensic investigations.
Applications of Focused Ion Beam Systems in Gunshot Residue Investigation
Authors: Niewöhner L , Wenz HW
Published: August 2015

Scanning ion microscopy technology has opened a new door to forensic scientists, allowing the GSR investigator to see inside a particle's core. Using a focused ion beam, particles can be cross-sectioned, revealing interior morphology and character that can be utilized for identification of the ammunition manufacturer.
Metal Contamination in Illicit Samples of Heroin
Authors: Infante F , Domínguez E , Trujillo D , Luna A
Published: August 2015

We analyzed 198 illicit heroin samples from Andalusia (southern Spain) to determine the contents of various metals (cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc) with a view to investigating a new aspect of the drug purity and the conditions under which the drugs are used by addicts. Calcium was found in 93.4% of the samples and always at high concentrations, which can be ascribed to adulteration of the heroin by addicts with thinners and excipients containing salts of this metal such as calcium bicarbonate. Also, all samples were found to contain variable amounts of zinc and substantial amounts of iron, probably because it is the most common metal found in metal containers used in the extraction of morphine from the opium poppy. Only cadmium and, to a lesser extent, zinc, copper, and iron, are among the metals detected in heroin that can increase the inherent toxicity of the drug while always taking into account the maximum values.