bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A National Survey of Autopsy Cost and Workload
Authors: Jason DR , Lantz PE , Preisser JS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We mailed survey questionnaires to a random sample of medicolegal offices throughout the USA. The survey asked how many forensic pathologists were used, their American Board of Pathology forensic examination (Board) status, how many autopsies they performed, and, if payment were fee-for-service, what fees were paid for medicolegal autopsies.
Response rate was 61%, with 188 offices returning questionnaires. The average fee, was $518 with a standard error of $27. The number of fee-for-service autopsies was split evenly between Board qualified and Board ineligible pathologists, accounting for about one-third of medicolegal autopsies nationwide. Although smaller offices used more pathologists ineligible for forensic Boards, they paid a premium for such qualification. Larger offices used more forensic Board qualified pathologists, but paid them less than those ineligible to take the examination! Overall there was no significant premium paid for Board qualification.
The average fee paid is far less than the published estimates of the cost of an autopsy. The low fees paid may reflect: (1) the value of the teaching experience supplied to medical students and/or residents; (2) pathologists performing medico-legal examinations as community service; and (3) the lower marginal cost of additional autopsies.
Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in Decomposing Tissues on the Development of Parasarcophaga ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and Detection of the Drug in Postmortem Blood, Liver Tissue, Larvae, and Puparia
Authors: Lee Goff M , Miller ML , Paulson JD , Lord WD , Richards E , Omori AI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Larvae of Parasarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were reared on tissues from rabbits administered different dosages of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine to study the effects of this drug on the development of this insect species. The rabbits were given 11, 22.5, and 67 mg of the drug via ear vein infusion. These dosages correspond to a 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 median lethal dose. Larvae from colonies fed on tissues from the rabbit receiving 67 mg and the control developed more rapidly from hours 24 through 114. The period required for completion of larval development was significantly shorter for the larvae from the colony fed on liver tissues from the rabbit receiving the 67 mg dosage. This colony also had the lowest total mortality rate during development. No significant differences were observed among the colonies in the duration of the puparial period. Analyses by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of the larvae and empty puparial cases following base extraction detected the drug in quantities directly related to the dosage of the drug administered to the rabbits serving as a food source. These results have implications for the determination of time since death when gaged by the development of this insect species.
The Diagnostic Value of the Diatom Test for Drowning, I. Utility: A Retrospective Analysis of 771 Cases of Drowning in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Pollanen MS , Cheung C , Chiasson DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The utility and validity of the diatom test for drowning was studied using a retrospective analysis of 771 cases of drowning mostly from Ontario, Canada, over the period 1977 to 1993. In this article (part one), the utility of the test was assessed using an analysis of test outcomes. In the companion article (part two), the validity of the test was assessed by analyzing the relationship between test outcome and characteristics of diatoms in the bone marrow and samples of putative drowning medium. In the present study, freshwater drownings accounted for 738 of the cases and 33 cases were drownings in bathtubs, pools, or toilets. Diatoms were recovered from the femoral bone marrow of 205 cases (28%) of freshwater drowning and four cases (12%) of domestic water drowning. There was a monthly variation in the frequency of positive test outcomes that could not be explained by seasonal differences in the total number of drownings. However, the monthly variation was strongly correlated with the periodic cycle of diatom blooms that occurs in freshwater. Positive diatom tests were characterized by a limited number of distinctive diatom species per case, and a restricted quantity and size range of diatom frustules. These results indicate that the diatom test for drowning will identify approximately one in three victims of freshwater drowning and may be useful in the assessment of deaths occurring in bathtubs. The correlation of the outcome of the diatom test for drowning with diatom blooms provides further evidence for the reliability of the test.
The Diagnostic Value of the Diatom Test for Drowning, II. Validity: Analysis of Diatoms in Bone Marrow and Drowning Medium
Authors: Pollanen MS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In part two of this series, we investigated the characteristics of diatom frustules recovered from bone marrow and samples of putative drowning medium in case of freshwater drownings. A total of 52 cases of freshwater drowning with diatoms in the femoral bone marrow in which a sample of the putative drowning medium was also collected were available for analysis. The same types of diatoms were found in the bone marrow and putative drowning medium in 47 cases (90%) indicating that the water samples were representative of the site of drowning in at least 90% of freshwater drownings. In the remaining 5 cases (10%), the diatoms in the water samples did not match those in the bone marrow indicating that the site of body and water sample recovery were likely geographically remote from the site of drowning. In cases with matching diatoms in the bone marrow and drowning medium, the diatoms were consistently the smallest and most abundant types represented in the water samples. In addition, there were highly stereotyped physical characteristics of typical “drowning-associated” diatoms with small pennate diatoms representing the most common type of frustule found in the bone marrow. In an additional 34 cases of putative drowning in water that lacked detectable diatoms, 29 cases (85%) lacked diatoms in the bone marrow. Analysis of the diatom content of samples of putative drowning medium by month revealed that winter months had the highest frequency of samples devoid of diatoms. These data indicate that the true positive rate of the diatom test for drowning is at least 90% and that small pennate frustules are most commonly associated with drowning, particular in non winter months.
Enantioselective Separation of Methadone and Its Main Metabolite in Human Hair by Liquid Chromatography/Ion Spray-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kintz P , Eser HP , Tracqui A , Moeller M , Cirimele V , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Optical isomers exhibit significant differences in their affinities for receptor sites, biotransformation and binding to serum and tissue proteins. Methadone has been used for the substitution of heroin addicts since 1964. The racemic form is used, i.e., a mixture of the biologically active R-form and the practically inactive S-form. To investigate methadone distribution, a chiral separation of the isomers was developed in human hair samples. The method involves decontamination of hair with water and acetone, pulverization in a ball mill, enzymatic hydrolysis in presence of deuterated internal standards, solid-phase extraction, and liquid chromatography/ion spray-mass spectrometry. Enantioselective separation of methadone and its main metabolite, EDDP, was obtained using an alphal-acid glycoprotein column (100 by 4 mm ID). In all nine specimens obtained from subjects under racemic methadone treatment in a detoxification center, R- and S-enantiomers of methadone and EDDP were identified with the following concentrations: 2.58–10.22, 1.89–9.53, 0.42–1.73, and 0.40–2.10 ng/mg for R-methadone, S-methadone, R-EDDP, and S-EDDP, respectively. Results are suggestive of a predominance of the R-enantiomer of methadone in human hair.
Postmortem Diffusion of Tracheal Lidocaine into Heart Blood Following Intubation for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study investigated the postmortem diffusion of tracheal lidocaine into the blood after intubation in three individuals whose heart beat was not restored by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The results are compared with those obtained in animal experiments using rabbits.
The first human subject was a 3.5-month-old female baby who died of sudden infant death syndrome. She was autopsied approximately 20 h after death. A toxicological examination revealed the presence of 0.349 mg/L and 0.102 mg/L of lidocaine in the blood in the left and right ventricles of the heart, respectively. No lidocaine was detected in the cerebrum, liver, or right femoral muscle. The second subject was a 44-year-old man who died of brain swelling due to head injuries, and was autopsied approximately 20 h after death. Lidocaine concentrations in the hili of the left and right lungs were 10.9 mg/kg and 2.65 mg/kg, respectively, and 1.02 mg/L and 0.209 mg/L in the blood in the left and right ventricles of the heart, respectively. The right femoral vein blood contained only a trace amount of lidocaine; no lidocaine was detected in the cerebrum, liver, or right femoral muscle of this subject. The third subject was a 38-year-old man who died of bleeding due to a stab wound to the left thigh, and was autopsied approximately 20 h after death. Lidocaine concentrations were 1.41 mg/kg and 1.37 mg/kg in the hili of the left and right lungs, respectively, and 0.642 mg/L and 0.746 mg/L in the blood in the thoracic aorta and superior vena cava, respectively. No lidocaine was detected in the right femoral vein blood, cerebrum, liver or right femoral muscle.
In the animal experiments, rabbits carcasses were left in the supine position at an ambient temperature following application of 1 mg/kg lidocaine hydrochloride into the trachea just above the bifurcation. Lidocaine concentrations of 0.550–4.03 mg/L and 3.05–7.30 mg/L were detected in the heart blood, one and three days after the lidocaine treatment, respectively; neither the cerebrum nor right femoral muscle contained detectable amounts of lidocaine. The pH values of body fluids and tissues of the human and animal corpses were below 7.0. This study has demonstrated that following intubation, tracheal lidocaine diffuses into surrounding fluids and tissues, and that this is attributable to postmortem acidosis. We suggest that, in subjects who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation with intra-tracheal intubation, heart blood and femoral vein blood should be analyzed for lidocaine. In addition, the pattern of distribution of lidocaine in the surrounding tissues may provide some information on the state of victims during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A Fraudulent Case Involving Novel Ink Eradicating Methods
Authors: Abulafia A , Brown S , Abramovich-Bar S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case involving two stain removers and a paint remover to eradicate inks on checks led to an evaluation of the effect of these and some other traditional ink eradicating products on removing ink. Thirteen products were tested on fourteen inks applied to both regular white paper and to four bank's checks. The effect of the eradicating products on the background print of these checks was also noted.
The Effects of Fingermark Enhancement Light Sources on Subsequent PCR-STR DNA Analysis of Fresh Bloodstains
Authors: Andersen J , Bramble S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper describes a study designed to investigate the effects of light sources used to enhance fingermarks on the subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of bloodstains. Dried bloodstains on glass were exposed for up to 30 min to five different light sources: Argon ion laser, Polilight UV, Polilight green, Superlite, and shortwave UV. The bloodstains were subsequently analyzed using a quadruplex PCR system. It was found that treating the bloodstains with four of the five light sources had no appreciable effect on the results obtained from subsequent PCR analysis. However, exposure of the bloodstains to shortwave UV light for more than 30 s precluded the acquisition of results from PCR testing. Therefore, under casework conditions, it would be preferable to avoid exposing bloodstains, on which PCR typing is to be performed, to shortwave UV.
Characterization of Lachrymators by Ambient Temperature Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Allinson G , McLeod CW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Current methods for the detection of tear gas residues require extensive sample preparation before spectral measurement. This contrasts with the present work in which a new detection method for the active ingredients of CN (α-chloroacetophenone), CS (2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile), and pepper sprays (capsaicin and crude pepper extracts) based on ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure ion mobility spectrometry has been developed. The minimum determinable limits were: α-chloroacetophenone 0.1 μg, 2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile 25 mg, and cayenne pepper 5 mg. These limits were dependent on the vapor pressure, proton affinity and electronegativity of the target molecule.
Effects of Toluidine Blue and Destaining Reagents Used in Sexual Assault Examinations on the Ability to Obtain DNA Profiles from Postcoital Vaginal Swabs
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Whelan M , Borer UV , Gehrig C , Binda S , Berzlanovich A , Rauch E , Dirnhofer R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Toluidine blue is an important tool to detect and document genital and perianal injuries following sexual assault. Application of toluidine blue dye and its subsequent removal from unstained areas by means of a destaining reagent, such as diluted acetic acid or a lubricant has been shown to increase the detection rate of posterior fourchette lacerations from 16% to 40% in adult rape victims. Currently, limited information on toluidine blue positive findings in sexually active control groups imposes some limitation on the interpretation of these injuries. Because injuries could otherwise be attributed to improper handling of an examination speculum or the improper insertion of the examining finger, the toluidine blue test should be performed prior to any digital or speculum examination and thus prior to the collection of forensic evidence. For forensic DNA identity testing, it becomes pertinent to determine whether toluidine blue and the destaining reagents used in a sexual assault examination have an adverse effect on the recovery of high molecular weight DNA from postcoital vaginal swabs and thereby have an impact on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis or PCR-based tests. It is known that some of the lubricants used can have a destructive effect on sperm motility. In order to investigate the potential effects, postcoital vaginal swabs were taken 6 h after sexual intercourse and exposed directly to 1% toluidine blue in aqueous solution, 1–10% acetic acid, and various surgical and vaginal lubricants. Subsequently, the DNA was isolated and DNA identity typing (RFLP and PCR-based) was performed. The results demonstrate, that these reagents have no negative effect on the ability to obtain DNA profiles, either RFLP or PCR-based, from shallow and deep vaginal swabs. The quantity and quality of extractable high molecular weight DNA obtained was comparable with that from uncontaminated postcoital vaginal swabs. RFLP patterns and PCR-based typing results on the D1S80, HUMTH01, TPOX, and CSF1PO loci were consistent with the uncontaminated control swabs and the corresponding whole blood samples of the donors. Therefore, evidentiary material inadvertently contaminated with these reagents can be successfully typed.
An Improved Method to Recover Saliva from Human Skin: The Double Swab Technique
Authors: Sweet D , Lorente M , Lorente JA , Valenzuela A , Villanueva E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Human bite mark evidence is often found in violent crimes. Due to the difficulties of physically comparing an injury site on elastic and curved skin surfaces to the teeth of a suspect, the authors have considered using salivary DNA evidence to identify the bite perpetrator. Several techniques were evaluated to determine the best method of recovering saliva from human skin before extracting genomic DNA from the collection substrate. A classical stain recovery technique using a wet cotton swab was tested against one utilizing a wet filter paper. Additionally, a new method, referred to as the double swab technique, using a wet cotton swab followed by a dry cotton swab was also evaluated. After recovering a dried saliva stain, DNA was extracted using the modified Chelex method, quantified using the slot-blot procedure, and amplified at three polymorphic loci. The double swab technique showed the highest percentage recovery of saliva from human skin among the three methods studied. This technique is suggested as an improvement over the classical single wet cotton swab technique.
An Indoor Air Quality-Pharmacokinetic Simulation of Passive Inhalation of Marijuana Smoke and the Resultant Buildup of 11-Nor-Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid in Urine
Authors: Giardino NJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In military courts of law, the good soldier defense is often used by the defendant to explain the presence of 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in urine (hereafter referred to as THCA) above the Department of Defense (DOD) established limit of 15 ng/mL. The defense will contend the defendant unwittingly breathed side-stream marijuana smoke, thus resulting in the presence of THCA in the defendant's urine. The purpose of this work was to link an indoor air quality model (IAQ) with a pharmacokinetic (PK) model to predict a passive marijuana smoker's resultant concentration of the major urinary metabolite THCA.
Predatory Violence During Mass Murder
Authors: Reid Meloy J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of mass murder by a 35-year old male is reported. Following a week of separation from his spouse and temporary loss of custody of his son, the subject went to his wife's worksite and murdered her and the store manager, wounded a passerby in a car, and murdered a police officer arriving on the scene. Weapons used were a .32 caliber revolver, a 9-mm pistol, a 7.62-mm assault rifle, and a .50-caliber rifle. The fact pattern of the case is shown to be quite consistent with a predatory mode of aggression—violence that is planned, purposeful, emotionless, and not preceded by autonomic arousal. The forensic importance of considering mode of violence, whether predatory or affective, independently of psychiatric diagnosis, is emphasized.
Sudden Cardiac Death During Exercise Due to an Isolated Multiple Anomaly of the Left Coronary Artery in a 12-Year-Old Girl: Clinicopathologic Findings
Authors: Garfia A , Rodriguez M , Chavarria H , Garrido M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 12-year-old girl was taken to the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville, Spain, complaining of abdominal pain, nausea, palpitations, and difficulty in breathing. Her school teacher informed that the girl collapsed after a 100-m race at sports in school.
Emergency rescue personnel found the patient pale, in a cold sweat, with low peripheral perfusion. Initial ECF revealed supraventricular tachycardia (150 bpm), right bundle branch block and left anterior hemiblock that, eventually, progressed to full cardiac arrest. At autopsy, an isolated multiple congenital anomaly of the left coronary artery was found (initial segment anomaly; course anomaly and tunneled coronary artery anomaly).
In our opinion, this appears to be the first reported case of exercise-related sudden cardiac death, due to an isolated multiple congenital anomaly of the left coronary artery (at the origin, on the course and at the termination).
Zopiclone Fatality in a Hospitalized Patient
Authors: Meatherall RC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The death of a 72-year-old man is described who overdosed himself while in hospital. The man was being treated for lung cancer and ingested 90 mg of zopiclone in a suicide attempt. He died between 4 and 10 h after the ingestion. Zopiclone, quantitated by GC-MS in the femoral blood, cardiac blood, vitreous humor, urine and bile was found to be 254, 408, 94, 7,330, and 114,700 ng/mL, respectively. Considering the man's weakened physical condition, 90 mg could represent a minimum lethal zopiclone dose.
Diethyl Ether, a Chemical Asphyxiant Used as a Prelude to Homicide: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Ward ME , Meyerhein RF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Homicides in which the victims are first subdued with a chemical asphyxiant are unusual and quite rare. We report three cases in which victims were first overcome by ether containing compounds and then killed by other means of asphyxiation. The ether containing compounds used in these three cases were readily available commercial products. In two cases, the distinctive spectra of the volatile compounds in the decedents' blood, from the gas chromatograph and from the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, were compared with suspect ether containing products recovered during the scene investigations. In one case, an identical match was obtained. In the other case, the chromatographic spectra differed slightly from the compounds found at the scene, but the difference was explainable by metabolic breakdown of the compounds in vivo.
Introduction to the Symposium Papers
Authors: Graham A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The genesis of this symposium was the biological, chemical, and soil evidence presented as part of court proceedings involving a private plane crash near Ruidoso, New Mexico in December, 1989 (Brunk, this series). The plaintiffs claimed that a flaw in the engine design allowed debris to enter and accumulate in a fuel component causing it to malfunction. This biological material included trichomes (plant hairs; Bates, Anderson, and Lee), pollen, (Lewis; A. Graham), and insects (Rozen and Eickwort). Chemical analyses aided in identifying an amorphous substance associated with the trichomes, pollen, and insect remains (Liddell). The evi- dence from soil analyses proved important in addressing another contention by the plaintiffs that soil, in addition to biological matter, was part of the engine contaminants that caused the crash (Daugherty). Although biological evidence in the form of DNA “fingerprinting” is well known, a significant part of the evidence presented here derived from a broad array of other organic materi- als, which although less widely used, proved central in deciding the outcome of the case.
Forensic Botany: An Under-Utilized Resource
Authors: Bock JH , Norris DO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Plants have long been used as both weapons and evidence in criminal investigations. The proceedings of Socrates' trial and subsequent adjudicated suicide by means of Conium brew are in the botanical folklore. In this country, plants as poisoning agents have always been well known, but only since the Lindbergh kidnapping trial have other kinds of botanical evidence gained legal sanction. Botanical resources for forensic evidence remain underutilized because of the lack of botanical knowledge among most people involved in criminal investigations. However, resourceful investigators and scientists with initiative are beginning to change this. Now, evidence from plant systematics, palynology, plant anatomy, plant ecology, and related fields is acceptable. The moving forces behind increasing the uses of non-traditional scientific fields in criminal investigations continue to be innovative criminal investigators and imaginative scientists willing to contribute their talents to forensic efforts.