bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
pH Indicators As Chemical Reagents for the Enhancement of Footwear Marks
Authors: Glattstein B , Shor Y , Levin N , Zeichner A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Enhancement of weak two-dimensional shoemarks is often necessary due to the poor image detail. Thiocyanate is regarded in the literature as the most effective reagent for the chemical enhancement of footwear marks. In this study we have examined the possibility of using pH indicators, Bromophenol Blue and Bromocresol Green, as chemical reagents for the enhancement of footwear marks. The performance of these reagents on various surfaces, such as plastic sheets, brown paper, cardboard, porcelain bathroom tiles and cotton cloth, was compared to that of the thiocyanate reagent. It was found that these reagents were much more effective than ammonium thiocyanate for the samples of shoeprints in various regions of Israel. The mechanism of chemical enhancement of footwear marks by these reagents was elucidated. A solution of 1% Bromophenol Blue and 5% of water in methanol was chosen as the Bromophenol Blue formulation in this laboratory for the chemical enhancement of shoeprints.
Navajo, Pueblo, and Sioux Population Data on the Loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, and D1S80
Authors: Scholl S , Budowle B , Radecki K , Salvo M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Navajo, Pueblo, and Sioux population databases were established for the loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, and D1S80. With the exception of HLA-DQA1, the loci appear to be almost as informative in the Native American population samples as for Caucasians, for identity testing purposes. HLA DQA1 is not as informative as the other loci, due to the high frequencies of the ‘3’ and ‘4’ alleles in these Native American groups. Except for GYPA in Navajos, the distribution of the genotype frequencies for the various loci meet Hardy Weinberg expectations. The deviation at the GYPA locus had no affect on generating statistical estimates. Also, there is little evidence for departures from expectations of independence of alleles across loci. The data demonstrate that estimates of multiple locus profile frequencies can be obtained from the Native American databases for identity testing purposes using the product rule under the assumption of independence. In addition, the Navajo, Pueblo, and Sioux databases were more similar to each other than to U.S. Caucasians and African Americans.
The Remains of Dr. Carl Austin Weiss: Anthropological Analysis
Authors: Ubelaker DH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anthropological analysis of the remains of Dr. Carl Austin Weiss revealed biological information consistent with his known characteristics. Postmortem changes included decomposition of amalgam dental restorations, likely releasing mercury that stained the anterior dentition, deposition of sulphur compounds on much of the skeleton, and the formation of numerous small bone fractures. Analysis revealed extensive perimortem trauma, indicating multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. Trajectory analysis of the bony trauma suggested that at least 20 projectiles penetrated Dr. Weiss's body. They originated from many different directions, but mostly from the posterior. No bony changes associated with perimortem trauma of the hands were noted.
The Abstractability and Consistency of Medical Examiner/Coroner Reports: Results from the 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey Pilot
Authors: Kung H-C , Parrish RG , Spitler J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey (NMFS) is designed to provide national estimates of important characteristics of the 2,218,940 people aged 15 years and older who died in 1993. One topic of special interest in the survey is injury-related deaths. Previous followback surveys have not obtained data from medical examiner and coroner offices (ME/Cs), who investigate most injury-related deaths. In this study, we sought to determine the feasibility of collecting data from various ME/C offices for the NMFS and the usefulness and limitations of data derived from their records.
Methods. We 1) developed a pilot survey instrument, the Medical Examiner/Coroner Abstract (MECA); 2) attempted to collect ME/C records on 159 deaths from 55 ME/C offices in four states with a variety of death investigation systems; and 3) assessed the feasibility of abstracting data from these records using the MECA.
Results. We received records on 105 deaths from 39 ME/C offices in three states. We identified items that could be abstracted from the records of most deaths and found that different abstractors could reproducibly and reliably identify information on these core items. Using the results of this study, we revised the MECA for use in the NMFS.
Observations on Drug Abuse Deaths in the State of Maryland
Authors: Li L , Smialek JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The problem of drug abuse in America encompasses all ages, economic, and ethnic groups. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has recorded a continuous increase in drug abuse deaths in Maryland over the past seven years. This report focuses on the epidemiological characteristics and pathological findings of victims of fatal drug abuse in Maryland investigated by the OCME in 1992 and 1993.
A retrospective study of OCME cases in 1992 and 1993 yielded a total of 605 deaths caused by drugs of abuse. 426 deaths were the result of narcotic drug use, 66 deaths due to cocaine, 102 deaths involved both narcotics and cocaine, 6 deaths were due to phencyclidine (PCP) and 5 involved both PCP and narcotic drugs. Drug abuse deaths most often involved individuals who were male (86%) and black (64%). Their ages ranged from 15 to 68 years with the majority (58%) of victims being in their 30's. Of the 605 drug deaths, 393 (65%) had a known history of drug abuse. 279 (46%) exhibited needle tracks, of which only 94 (16%) had identifiable fresh needle puncture marks. Drug paraphernalia (needles, syringes, etc.) was found at the scene in 22% of the cases. Twenty-nine (4.8%) cases showed complications of drug abuse which included pneumonia, endocarditis or myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, AIDS and intracerebral hemorrhage, 87 (14.4%) were positive for HIV antibodies, an incidence much higher than that identified in our general autopsy population (2.6%).
Drugs of abuse were also found in a significant portion of the homicides examined at this office in 1992 and 1993. 323 of the 1265 homicide victims (25%) showed evidence of some form of illicit drug activity.
Fracture of the Hyoid Bone in Strangulation: Comparison of Fractured and Unfractured Hyoids from Victims of Strangulation
Authors: Pollanen MS , Chiasson DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The hyoid is the U-shaped bone of the neck that is fractured in one-third of all homicides by strangulation. On this basis, postmortem detection of hyoid fracture is relevant to the diagnosis of strangulation. However, since many cases lack a hyoid fracture, the absence of this finding does not exclude strangulation as a cause of death. The reasons why some hyoids fracture and others do not may relate to the nature and magnitude of force applied to the neck, age of the victim, nature of the instrument (ligature or hands) used to strangle, and intrinsic anatomic features of the hyoid bone. We compared the case profiles and xeroradiographic appearance of the hyoids of 20 victims of homicidal strangulation with and without hyoid fracture (n = 10, each). The fractured hyoids occurred in older victims of strangulation (39 ± 14 years) when compared to the victims with unfractured hyoids (30 ± 10 years). The age-dependency of hyoid fracture correlated with the degree of ossification or fusion of the hyoid synchondroses. The hyoid was fused in older victims of strangulation (41 ± 12 years) whereas the unfused hyoids were found in the younger victims (28 ± 10 years). In addition, the hyoid bone was ossified or fused in 70% of all fractured hyoids, but, only 30% of the unfractured hyoids were fused. The shape of the hyoid bone was also found to differentiate fractured and unfractured hyoids. Fractured hyoids were longer in the anterior-posterior plane and were more steeply sloping when compared with unfractured hyoids. These data indicate that hyoids of strangulation victims, with and without fracture, are distinguished by various indices of shape and rigidity. On this basis, it may be possible to explain why some victims of strangulation do not have fractured hyoid bones.
Experimental Investigations on Hair Fibers as Diffusion Bridges and Opiates as Solutes in Solution
Authors: Skopp G , Pötsch L , Aderjan R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Diffusion experiments were performed using clipped hair fibers as diffusion bridges and aqueous solutions of morphine, codeine and dihydrocodeine. Natural as well as predamaged hair fibers were investigated. The test series were conducted at ambient temperature and at high humidity. After 312 or 372 hours the middle segments of the strands were clipped, washed and analyzed by GC/MS. Only when virgin hair samples were used the solutes passed along the fiber at full length resulting in a positive immunological finding at the end of the diffusion bridge. Most of the washing fluids were positive for opiates. All centerpieces had a high opiate content. The opiate concentration in damaged hair was significantly higher. Radial swelling of the hair fiber with radial diffusion was the first and main process to appear when hair was exposed to water. The diffusion process in hair could not be placed in a simple mathematical treatment.
Stability of Ecgonine Methyl Ester in Postmortem Urine Specimens
Authors: Levine B , Ramcharitar V , Smialek JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this study, 25 postmortem urine specimens testing positive, for cocaine and ecogonine methyl ester (EME) by full scan electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, were used to evaluate the stability of EME in refrigerated and frozen conditions. After an initial quantitation (t = 0), these specimens were split and stored at either 4°C or −20°C. At several intervals, over a six month period, the specimens were tested for cocaine and EME. Twenty-two of the frozen specimens were within 20% of their t = 0 EME concentration after 6 months; 19 of the 25 refrigerated specimens showed similar stability. At least 50% of the EME present was detected in all specimens under both storage conditions. In addition, there was no evidence to suggest that EME concentrations increased over time even though decreases in cocaine concentrations were observed over the same time period. This suggests that the presence of EME in urine specimens indicates in vivo conversion of cocaine and, therefore, use of cocaine.
Prevention of Occupational Cyanide Exposure in Autopsy Prosectors
Authors: Nolte KB , Dasgupta A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Autopsy prosectors examining individuals with cyanide poisoning are at risk for occupational cyanide exposure. No protective autopsy precautions to mitigate this risk have been published. We report an autopsy on an individual with cyanide poisoning where the procedure was performed in a negatively pressured isolation room and the stomach was opened under a biosafety cabinet hood. None of the three autopsy prosectors had measurable cyanide in pre or post procedure blood specimens. We recommend that similar precautions be taken in all autopsies where cyanide is suspected as a possible cause of death.
The Use of Activated Charcoal Strips for Fire Debris Extractions by Passive Diffusion. Part 1: The Effects of Time, Temperature, Strip Size, and Sample Concentration
Authors: Newman RT , Dietz WR , Lothridge K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The introduction of commercially produced activated charcoal strips into fire, debris analysis has provided an easy, efficient and cost effective method for accelerant extraction. Several parameters associated with passive diffusion extraction of fire debris using activated charcoal require consideration in order to obtain a truly representative sample of the accelerant. This study investigated the effects of time, temperature, charcoal strip size and sample concentration on the adsorption of common accelerants. Notable displacement of specific volatile components, similar to the break-through noted in dynamic systems, occurred under certain extreme conditions. An analysis protocol was developed to minimize these effects.
Infrared Spectra of U.S. Automobile Original Topcoats (1974–1989): I. Differentiation and Identification Based on Acrylonitrile and Ferrocyanide C≡N Stretching Absorptions
Authors: Suzuki EM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A survey of U.S. automobile original topcoats (1974–1989) for binder and pigment compositions has been conducted using infrared spectroscopy. Data were obtained from panels of the Reference Collection of Automotive Paints for single layer topcoats, excluding basecoat/clearcoat finishes. This paper describes the occurrence in these topcoats of acrylonitrile, a copolymer used in some acryiic melamine enamels, and iron ferrocyanide, an inorganic pigment used in some blue and green paints. Both of these components produce characteristic C≡N stretching fundamentals, which occur in a spectral region devoid of other significant absorptions. Because of this, they are usually easy to detect and assign, and since the spectra of most U.S. automobile original topcoats do not contain these peaks, their presence can serve as useful markers for identifying certain topcoats when used in conjunction with microscopic data. Of particular significance for hit-and-run cases, acrylonitrile absorptions occur predominantly for some topcoats used on certain Ford/Chrysler/Jeep/American Motor vehicles manufactured before 1985, with the majority of these used on Fords from the 1970s. Polyurethane isocyanate N=C=O stretching absorptions, which also occur in this same spectral region, were not detected for any of the topcoats of this study.
Histological Criteria for Diagnosis of Amanita Phalloides Poisoning
Authors: Fineschi V , Di Paolo M , Centini F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Five fatal cases of poisoning from ingestion of Amanita phalloides, a very common mushroom in central Italy, are reported. The fact that four of the cases occurred simultaneously enabled uniform collection of clinical, pathology and toxicology data, which is presented with particular emphasis on the histological aspects. The fifth case involved a six-year-old girl, and is discussed with reference to differential diagnosis with respect to Reye's syndrome, which was the initial diagnosis, demonstrated incorrect by the histology, pathology and toxicology findings.
The typical liver and kidney alterations of Amanita phalloides poisoning, consisting of massive hepatic central lobular cell necrosis and acute tubular necrosis of the kidney are described. Outside the liver, there was often general hemorrhagic diathesis and severe brain edema.
Although poisoning by Amanita phalloides is rare, these cases confirm the requirement for as complete a comparison as possible between circumstantial histopathological and toxicological data for the purposes of forensic diagnosis.
Pulmonary Histopathology and Survival Period in Morphine-Involved Deaths
Authors: Grellner W , Madea B , Sticht G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
For an evaluation of the survival period in morphine-involved deaths, changes of pulmonary histopathology were investigated in a total of 90 morphine-associated fatalities. Although pulmonary histopathology proved to be heterogeneous, several distinctive histological patterns emerged. While the subgroup with short courses of intoxication (&lt;1 h, n = 15) was mostly characterized by slight/moderate alveolar edema (12/15), severe hemorrhages (12/15) and marked acute emphysema (9/15), the phenomena of massive edema (8/15), missing/slight hemorrhages (8/15) and absent/slight emphysema (11/15) dominated in the group with intermediate survival times (1–24 h, n = 15). Intravascular leukocyte accumulations (shock equivalents) occurred in the first group only once, but in the group with the longer survival time in 10 of 15 cases. Delayed deaths (&gt;24 h, n = 4) were mainly characterized by purulent bronchitis/pneumonia. Those fatalities (n = 56) that could not be classified by anamnestic data were assessed by histological criteria. In comparison with the evaluation of the survival period by toxicological analyses, concordance was found in 46 cases. Pulmonary histopathology is not a tool for an exact graduation of survival time, but the combination of several key parameters can provide criteria for a differentiation between short (&lt;1 h) and longer courses of intoxication.
Mechanisms of Unexpected Death in Infants and Young Children Following Foreign Body Ingestion
Authors: Byard RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fatal foreign body ingestion in childhood usually results in sudden and unexpected death from acute upper airway occlusion. The most common age range for such episodes is one to three years. However, a variety of different mechanisms of death due to ingested foreign bodies may occur in children, including hemorrhage, acute cardiac tamponade, arrhythmia, centrally mediated respiratory arrest and sepsis. Sudden death may follow a protracted asymptomatic period and may also be due to foreign bodies impacted in the esophagus. A review of cases has been undertaken (N = 10; age = three and one-half months to seven years; M:F = 9:1), which demonstrates the variety of lethal processes that may occur, the range of materials involved and the different anatomical sites where problems can result.
Methamphetamine and Driving Impairment
Authors: Logan BK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Following a review of the effects of methamphetamine on human performance, actual driving and behavior were evaluated in 28 cases in which drivers arrested or killed in traffic accidents had tested positive for methamphetamine. The circumstances surrounding the arrest or accident were examined, together with any observations by the arresting officer regarding behavioral irregularities. The investigators also made a determination of culpability. Most of the arrests resulted from accidents in which the driver was determined to be culpable. Typical driving behaviors included drifting out of the lane of travel, erratic driving, weaving, speeding, drifting off the road, and high speed collisions. Behavioral manifestations of methamphetamine use in arrestees included rapid or confused speech, rapid pulse, agitation, paranoia, dilated pupils, violent or aggressive attitude. Combined alcohol and methamphetamine use was uncommon, however use of marijuana was evident in about one third of the cases. In addition to impairing judgment and increasing risk taking, the effects of withdrawal from methamphetamine use including fatigue, hypersomnolence, and depression are likely contributors to many of these accidents. A consideration of the literature and the cases discussed here, leads to the conclusion that methamphetamine at any concentration is likely to produce symptoms that are inconsistent with safe driving.
Confirmation of PM Typing Protocols for Consistent and Reliable Results
Authors: Crouse CA , Nippes DC , Ritzline EL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A recent report in the Perkin Elmer “Forensic Forum” bulletin described a modification to the previously published PM typing protocol indicating that in order to obtain consistent and reliable PM and DQA1 typing results, disodium EDTA should be added to the post-amplification mixture before denaturation of the DNA fragments. The analysis and validation of this suggestion is described in the accompanying paper. We report the evaluation of this additional step when typing for PM alleles and conclude that the standard operating procedures currently enforced at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Indian River crime laboratories do not necessitate the need for the addition of disodium EDTA to the PM amplified products prior to the heat denaturation step. Further, depending on an individual laboratory's PM protocol, the recommendation by Perkin Elmer to add disodium EDTA to PM amplified products before typing has merit and should be carefully considered when determining laboratory PM typing protocols.
Radiographic Reconstruction of Root Morphology in Skeletonized Remains: A Case Study
Authors: Law CA , Michael Bowers C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This is a case study in the application of a laboratory technique first described by Dr. Brion C. Smith in the Journal of Forensic Sciences in January 1992. Our study evaluated a human skull that showed perimortem and/or postmortem tooth loss. It was discovered in 1991 and deemed to have no usable dental information due to severe alveolar bone destruction. In 1994, using minor modifications of Dr. Smith's technique, we sealed off the open tooth sockets and injected a radiopaque material which, after radiographic analysis, revealed previously unobserved dental information. This report demonstrates that root morphology can be reconstructed. This yields radiographic information that may be useful in the identification of unknown human remains.
Individualization: Principles and Procedures in Criminalistics
Authors: Kellett PM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The author's stated purpose in writing this text is to identify and discuss first principles common to all comparisons and individualizations. The material presented grew out of “Forensic Identification” taught at Ontario Police College. The author writes in a style suitable for students, trial attorneys and criminalists. The book is well-referenced (128 footnotes) and contains an index.
Validation of Probe EFD52 (D17S26) for Forensic DNA Analysis
Authors: Nelson MS , Benzinger EA , Budzynski MJ , Boodee MT , Matthews A , Buel E , Schwartz MB , von Beroldingen C , Wampler RL , Coons TM , Bixby J , Frank WE , Metzger DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Validation studies that meet TWGDAM (The Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods) and CAC (California Association of Criminalists) guidelines for RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis were performed with the DNA probe EFD52 (D17S26). These studies demonstrate that the probe EFD52 is suitable for forensic casework. No unexpected DNA banding patterns were obtained from controlled studies examining various tissues, sample consistency over many gels, mixtures of body fluids, various substrates, various contaminants and non-human DNA sources. Of all the animal DNAs tested, only one higher primate yielded a single band to EFD52 hybridization. The sensitivity of EFD52 was shown to be comparable to that of other forensic probes. Population frequency distribution tables were prepared from over 4000 alleles and two-locus studies were conducted on nine forensically useful probes. Black, White, Hispanic and Lumbee Indian populations were found to be in Hardy-Weinberg and linkage equilibrium. Comparisons between victim blood standards and epithelial fractions of mixed stains from sexual assault cases were used to demonstrate the robustness of the EFD52 probe in forensic casework.