bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forensic Three-Dimensional Facial Reconstruction: Historical Review and Contemporary Developments
Authors: Tyrrell AJ , Evison MP , Chamberlain AT , Green MA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Despite varied attempts to achieve standardization in traditional techniques and the promotion of some newly developed ones, facial reconstruction remains on the threshold between art and science. It is the point at which science ends and the medical illustrator takes over that has led to most reservations over this branch of forensic anthropology. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that many techniques of facial reconstruction are prima facie questionable and to illustrate some possible solutions to the problems which are currently being explored by the Facial Reconstruction Project at the University of Sheffield (UK). The review includes 15 responses to a questionnaire which was offered to facial reconstruction experts and related specialists. The use of 3D color laser scanning equipment, collection of tissue depth measurements from CT scans and the development of a computer system for 3D forensic facial reconstruction, are described.
Violence in America: A Survey of Suicide Linked to Homicides
Authors: Aderibigbe YA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper describes murder-suicide in the United States from 1990 through 1995, using the cases reported in six major newspapers. Spousal murder-suicide was the predominant type with a range of 42%–57%; familicide-suicide was the second predominant type with a range of 22%–47%. The perpetrators were predominantly males; the victims were female sexual partners or consanguineous relatives. Firearms (guns) were used in 90% of the cases. The author concludes that a national surveillance system that specifically identifies and codes this phenomenon, and multi disciplinary studies are necessary to hinder this phenomenon.
The Role of Mania in the Genesis of Dangerous Delusional Misidentification
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Ferrari MM , Leong GB , Weinstock R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The delusional misidentification syndromes are characterized by a misidentification delusion of the self and/or others. Delusional misidentification syndromes frequently occur in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, psychotic disorder due to general medical condition, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified. On rare occasions these syndromes may be associated with manic states secondary to bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or general medical conditions. The delusional misidentification syndromes may also be associated with verbal and physical aggression. In this article we present three cases of dangerous delusional misidentification associated with mania. We will discuss the role that mania may have in the genesis of dangerous delusional misidentification.
Forensic Autopsies from 1984 to 1993 in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Klupp N , Risser D , Heinzl H , Bauer G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In Austria every death is subject to an examination by a medical doctor authorized by the local health authority. If death is suspected to be unnatural and/or perpetrated by another person, this doctor has to report it to the police. Depending on the investigation results, the examining magistrate in charge demands a judicial autopsy at the institute of Forensic Medicine. In 1989, 41 murders of old patients by nursing assistants in a Viennese public hospital were disclosed. The main aim of this retrospective study was to determine any change in the demand for forensic autopsies by the Viennese health authority, as well as by the criminal court, after 1989. Furthermore, it was of interest to analyze the reporting practices of medical doctors examining corpses, as well as the reaction of the criminal court during the study period. After 1989, there was a signifcant increase of non-judicial and judicial autopsies, performed by Viennese forensic pathologists. In addition, there was a significant increase of reports to the police by coroners as well as by forensic pathologists, paralleled by a higher rate of forensic autopsies demanded by the examining magistrate. This increase of forensic autopsies took place even though the overall rate of deaths in Vienna significantly decreased during the 10-year study period. Thus, the disclosure of 41 murders in the Viennese hospital in 1989 can be assumed as a turning point in the reporting practices of Viennese coroners, as well as the autopsy rate handled by Viennese forensic pathologists.
Findings in Gunshot Wounds from Tandem Projectiles
Authors: Simmons GT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Tandem projectiles are unusual events which can cause erroneous case interpretations if one is unfamiliar with them. This paper presents two such cases. The first case involved three .32 caliber bullets, two of which became lodged in a revolver barrel because of faulty ammunition. A third fired bullet subsequently pushed itself and the lodged bullets out of the barrel resulting in a single entrance wound with three bullets in the body. The second case involved a 20 gauge shotgun shell which apparently was inadvertently loaded into a 12 gauge shotgun. This resulted in an unusual entrance wound and unusual X-rays with fragments of the 20 gauge shotgun shell, as well as 12 gauge shotgun shell wadding, being removed from the same wound. The pertinent findings in such cases are discussed so that they may be correctly identified when they occur.
A Report on the New AAFS Continuing Medical Education Reporting Procedures: The Pathology/Biology Section Perspective
Authors: Hanzlick R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper summarizes data obtained from the new AAFS continuing medical education report forms to provide potentially useful information to future presenters and for program planning. The proportion of presentations that were above average to excellent in content, delivery, and visual aid usage along with the proportion of presentations that brought new knowledge, affirmed existing knowledge, or modified current practice and categorization and tabulation of specific comments about presentations and the program are given. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) revised its CME reporting procedures for its annual meeting in February 1996. A CME credit reporting booklet was prepared, and space was provided to rank each presentation from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) regarding the quality of visual aids, presentation, and delivery. In addition, responders could indicate with Yes/No answers whether the presentation affirmed current knowledge, brought new knowledge, or would result in a modification of practice. Space was also provided for open ended comments. Data were summarized in aggregate for all presentations within the Pathology/Biology Section. 52% of presentations were rated overall as being above average or excellent. 52% of presentations had rankings of four or five (better than average to excellent) for delivery, 57% had such ratings for audiovisuals, and 56% had such ratings for content. The number of responders who were brought new knowledge ranged from 43% to 92% for a given presentation and showed an overall average of 66%. Affirmation of existing knowledge ranged from 36% to 85% of for the various presentations and averaged 68%. Presented material was reported to result in a change of practice among 10% to 73% of responders for the various presentations and averaged 31%. Generally supportive comments such as “good presentation” were the most common. Somewhat negative comments about information being of limited usefulness, irrelevant to practice, or of suspicious conclusion were second most common. These and other related data, and the feedback of individual evaluations to presenters may be useful for improving the AAFS Path/Bio program in the future.
A Statistical Approach to the Prediction of Verifiable Heroin Use from Total Codeine and Total Morphine Concentrations in Urine
Authors: Fuller DC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There has been much debate in urine drug testing over what criteria should be applied to total codeine and total morphine concentration data to determine the likelihood that a urine donor has used heroin and whether such use can be demonstrated by the presence of 6-acetylmorphine. After determining that the stability of 6-acetylmorphine in frozen urine is adequate for a period of at least two years, a database of over 100 codeine and/or morphine positive urine specimens was subjected to relative operating characteristic analysis to identify a criterion that would indicate a high probability of detecting 6-acetylmorphine in a specimen and thus confirming heroin use. A two-fold criterion was identified. By using a criterion that requires the total morphine concentration to be greater than 5.000 mg/L and the total codeine to total morphine ratio to be less than 0.125, one can predict the presence of 6-acetylmorphine with a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 79%, and an overall accuracy of 73%. Although this criterion is statistically the most accurate in terms of both sensitivity and specificity for the data analyzed by the author, the results of other criteria are presented to aid toxicologists and medical review officers in determining if analysis for 6-acetylmorphine is likely to produce useful results.
Inhibition of Ethanol Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Human Blood by Sodium Fluoride
Authors: Amick GD , Habben KH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Production of ethanol in antemortem blood samples inoculated with an efficient ethanol-producing microorganism and incubated at various temperatures is discussed. Whole blood samples inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae were incubated in gray stoppered Venoject® tubes (approximate draw volume 7 mL) containing sodium fluoride (17.5 mg) and potassium oxalate (14.0 mg) at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C for 0, 24, 96, 192, and 408 h. No volatile substances (such as ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, acetone, or acetaldehyde) (&lt;0.010 g/dL) were produced in any of the samples at 4 or 25°C. At 24 h incubation a trace amount (&lt;0.018 g/dL) of ethanol was detected at 37°C.
A Novel Derivatization of Phenol after Extraction from Human Serum Using Perfluorooctanoyl Chloride for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric Confirmation and Quantification
Authors: Hart AP , Dasgupta A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Phenol (carbolic acid) is widely used as a disinfectant as well as in the chemical industry as an intermediate in the synthesis of a variety of chemicals. Phenol is also the major metabolite of benzene which is used in many commercial solvents. Phenol is toxic and caustic and may cause death even from dermal absorption. Therefore, measurement of phenol in postmortem blood is essential. The concentration of phenol in blood can be measured by gas chromatography with flame ionization or mass spectrometry. Phenol can also be analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. However, in forensic toxicology, unambiguous confirmation of phenol by mass spectrometry is as important as quantification in blood. Here we describe a novel derivatization of phenol after extraction with chloroform from human serum using perfluorooctanoyl chloride. The perfluorooctanoyl derivative of phenol showed a strong molecular ion at m/z 490 (relative abundance: 23%) whereas the base peak was observed at m/z 77. The derivative of the internal standard 3,4-dimethylphenol showed a very strong molecular ion at m/z 518 (relative abundance: 56%) and the base peak was observed as m/z 121. The derivative of p-cresol, a chemically related phenolic compound, showed a strong molecular ion at 504 m/z (relative abundance: 54%) and a base peak at m/z 107. We observed baseline separation between derivatized phenol (retention time: 6.1 min), p-cresol (retention time: 7.8 min), and the internal standard (retention time: 9.4 min). We observed no interferences in our assay from grossly hemolyzed serum. Within and between run precision was studied using a serum standard containing 25 mg/L of phenol. The within run precision was 6.6% (X¯ = 24.3, SD = 1.6 mg/L, n = 8) whereas the between run precision was 8.6% (X¯ = 25.5, SD = 2.2 mg/L, n = 8). The assay was linear for serum phenol concentrations of 10–200 mg/L. The detection limit was 1 mg/L of serum phenol concentration. The average recoveries were 92.1% to 94.0% for various serum phenol concentrations.
Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Identification and Quantitation of Benzyl Alcohol from Human Serum and Postmortem Blood after Derivatization with 4-Carbethoxy Hexafluorobutyryl Chloride: A Novel Derivative
Authors: Dasgupta A , Steinagel G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Benzyl alcohol is commonly used as an antibacterial agent in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Several fatalities in neonates have been linked to benzyl alcohol poisoning. Most methods for measuring benzyl alchol concentrations in serum utilize direct extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography. We describe a novel derivatization of benzyl alcohol using 4-carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl chloride after extraction from human plasma, and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The derivative was eluted at a significantly higher temperature and the method was free from interferences from more volatile components in serum and hemolyzed specimens. However, with postmortem specimens, we observed multiple peaks which were eluted at a very high temperature, long after derivatized benzyl alcohol and the internal standard. Therefore, baking the column at 310°C is recommended after analysis of a postmortem specimen. Another advantage of this derivatization technique is the conversion of low molecular weight benzyl alcohol (MW 108) to a high molecular weight derivative (MW 358). The positive identification of benzyl alcohol can be easily achieved by observing a distinct molecular ion at m/z 358 as well as other characteristic ions at m/z 107 and 91. Quantitation of benzyl alcohol in human serum can easily be achieved by using 3,4-dimethylphenol as an internal standard. The within run and between run precisions (using serum standard of benzyl alcohol: 50 mg/L) were 2.2% (X¯ = 50.6, SD = 1.1 mg/L), and 6.9% (X¯ = 50.8, SD = 3.5 mg/L). The assay was linear for the serum benzyl alcohol concentrations of 5 mg/L to 200 mg/L and the detection limit was 1 mg/L. We observed no carry-over problem in our assay as when 2 µL ethyl acetate was injected into the GC/MS after analyzing serum specimens containing 200 mg/L of benzyl alcohol, we observed no peak for either benzyl alcohol or the internal standard in the total ion chromatogram.
Rapid Screening of Multiple Forensic Stains by SSCP Analysis of HLA-DQα Amplification Products
Authors: Kreike J , Lehner A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was performed with HLA-DQα amplification products. The various HLA-DQα genotypes reveal different SSCP patterns. These are reproducible in DNA preparations from unrelated persons with identical HLA-DQα genotype. However, in one of the more frequent HLA-DQα genotypes (1.1/4) two variant SSCP patterns were observed. SSCP analysis allows rapid low-cost screening of many specimens and is an alternative discrimination test of stains beside reverse dot blot hybridization.
DNA Typing of Azoospermic Semen at the D1S80 Locus
Authors: Skinker DM , Cary Warnecke S , Morrow JK , Hunsaker JC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The examination of azoospermic semen poses a special problem for the forensic scientist. Both serologic and RFLP methods may result in inconclusive results. PCR analysis is known to have an advantage in the evaluation of variably degraded, small quantities of DNA. This investigation addresses the feasibility of detecting the DNA profiles of azoospermic males in cases of suspected rape by the use of PCR amplification of the VNTR locus D1S80. DNA profiles were produced from aspermic semen samples from six vasectomized males. Two mixed postcoital vaginal samples containing azoospermic semen from two of the vasectomized males were also obtained and both revealed the combined profiles of the azoospermic semen donors and the vaginal epithelial donors. All cases resulted in an allelic banding pattern of the donor semen matching the respective blood/saliva standard.
An Assessment of DNA Contamination Risks in New York City Medical Examiner Facilities
Authors: Toledano T , Quarino L , Leung S , Buffolino P , Baum H , Shaler RC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
DNA evidence holds an important position in criminal investigations and proceedings. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is often utilized to amplify polymorphic regions of DNA which are subsequently typed to produce distinct genotypes. The sensitivity of PCR-based techniques provides a major advantage over other DNA or conventional serological typing systems. Samples containing quantities of DNA in the picogram range are often typed. However, the unprecedented sensitivity of PCR is often cited as a criticism. One concern is that the interpretation of PCR typing can be affected by DNA contaminants from foreign sources. In this report, the level of DNA contamination in New York City Medical Examiner facilities and its potential affects on HLA-DQA1 typing were assessed. Two related studies conducted over a five week period measured and typed HLA-DQA1 from accumulated DNA on autopsy room and Forensic DNA Laboratory structures. The potential for DNA contamination from airborne sources was also evaluated in the autopsy suites. This study demonstrated the presence of small amounts of DNA on structural surfaces, but little evidence of airborne DNA contamination.
Sex Determination by Discriminant Analysis of Calcanei Measurements
Authors: Introna F , Di Vella G , Pietro Campobasso C , Dragone M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Eight measurements taken on the right calcaneus (maximum length, load arm width, minimum width, height of calcaneus, body height, breadth of the facies articularis talaris posterior, breadth and height of the facies articularis cuboidea) of a known contemporary Southern Italian skeletal population (40 males and 40 females) were used to determine sex by multivariate discriminant analysis. Three functions revealed a correct sex-determination of 85%. These functions were obtained by the association of the following parameters: maximum length, load arm width and breadth of the facies art. talaris post. (function no. 1); maximum length and breadth of the facies art. talaris post. (function no. 2); maximum length and height of the facies art. cuboidea and breadth of the facies art. cuboidea (function no. 3). These results may aid the forensic anthropologist when no other remains, useful for skeletal sex determination, are available.
Infrared Luminescence of Indented Writing as Evidence of Document Alteration
Authors: Sharf S , Gabbay R , Brown S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case involving the suspected addition of a line to two sales slips of the same transaction was investigated. Using infrared luminescence, indented impressions on one document were found to originate from writing on the second copy, and vice versa. The source of the luminescence most probably originated from the paper which was found to have a coated back of leucodye microcapsules, as such that is found in carbonless copy paper. The context and locations of these indented impressions enabled one to determine the sequence in which the entries were written, and to prove that the questioned entries were added later.
An Unusual Penetrating Neck Wound by a Golf Club: Precise Forensic Imaging
Authors: Keller T , Watson J , Goldstein L , Chappell T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An unusual case of a penetrating neck injury by a golf club with the weapon retained in situ is presented. The contemporary imaging technology that delineated the clinical and forensic aspects is demonstrated as another tool to assist in criminal investigation.
Distribution of Free and Conjugated Morphine in Body Fluids and Tissues in a Fatal Heroin Overdose: Is Conjugated Morphine Stable in Postmortem Specimens?
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The tissue distribution of free and conjugated morphine in a male individual who died after self-injection of heroin and methamphetamine was investigated, and the postmortem stability of morphine in the blood, liver and urine, and that of 6-monoacetylmorphine in the urine was determined. Confirmation and quatitation of morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine and methamphetamine were performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, respectively. Blood levels of free and total morphine were very site-dependent with ranges of 462–1350 and 534–1570 ng/mL, respectively. Large amounts of total morphine, 5220, 4200, and 2270 ng/g, had accumulated in the stomach contents, liver, and lung, respectively. The concentration of free morphine in the cerebrospinal fluid was correlated very closely with that in the cerebrum. The proportion of free morphine in various fluids and tissues ranged from 23.0% to 98.8% of total morphine: less than 30% in the stomach contents and urine; 30–60% in the liver, cerebrospinal fluid, lung, and pericardial sac fluid; 61–90% in the spleen, right femoral muscle, myocardium, blood in the left and right ventricles of the heart, and right femoral vein blood; more than 91% in the right kidney and cerebrum. Detectable amounts of 6-monoacetylmorphine, 417 ng/mL and 78 ng/g, existed in the urine and stomach contents, respectively, indicating that this individual might have died within several hours after heroin injection. Methamphetamine concentrations in the blood were also site-dependent within the range 551–1730 ng/mL. In an in vitro experiment, free and conjugated morphine were stable in the blood and urine at 4, 18–22, and 37°C for a 10-day study period. In the liver, however, conjugated morphine had been converted almost completely to free morphine at 18–22 and 37°C by the end of the experiment, although it was stable at 4°C. Urine 6-monoacetylmorphine, although degraded slightly at 37°C, was stable at 4 and 18–22°C during the experiment. Thus it appears that non-specific hydrolysis of conjugated morphine to free morphine would not occur in corpses at least for a few days after death. Femoral muscle may be a specimen of choice for roughly predicting the ratio of free to total morphine in blood even when blood specimens are not available, because the femoral muscle is relatively spared of both postmortem diffusion of drugs and bacterial invasion.
Fatal Fentanyl Intoxication Following Excessive Transdermal Application
Authors: Edinboro LE , Poklis A , Trautman D , Lowry S , Backer R , Harvey CM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The case history and toxicological findings of a fatal fentanyl intoxication due to the application of multiple transdermal patches are presented. An 83 year-old white female with terminal cancer was found dead with three 100 mg/h fentanyl patches on her chest. The autopsy and subsequent histological studies revealed extensive areas of gastric carcinoma, a large atrial tumor, ulceration of esophagus, metastasis of peripancreatic lymph nodes and a recent surgical removal of part of the lower lobe of the left lung. Toxicological analysis by GC/MS yielded fentanyl concentrations of blood, 25 ng/mL; brain, 54 ng/g; heart 94 ng/g; kidney 69 ng/g; and liver 104 ng/g. The cause of death was determined to be fentanyl overdose and the manner of death was ruled undetermined as the investigation was unable to conclusively establish whether this was an accidental overdose, a suicide, an assisted suicide, or possibly a homicide. This case demonstrates the need for caution in self-administration of transdermal fentanyl patches, in particular, the dangers inherent in the application of multiple patches which can result in the release of potentially toxic or lethal doses.