bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Acetaminophen: Molecular Microanalysis with Raman Microprobe Spectroscopy
Authors: Pestaner JP , Mullick FG , Centeno JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The in situ spectroscopic identification of acetaminophen in a fatal overdose case is described. Numerous techniques have been used to analyze acetaminophen in biological fluids, however, the use of nondestructive spectroscopic techniques has not been documented. In this investigation, the demonstration of the drug material was established by using the laser Raman microprobe technique, providing an accurate identification by virtue of the drug's molecular fingerprint characteristics. Material found on the deceased was collected and placed on metal (aluminum-coated) plated slides and excited with the 514.5 nm line of an argon ion laser, which was focused to a 1 µm spot size using a high-resolution optical microscope. Spectra of acetaminophen particles with an average size of 5 to 8 µm were obtained. The Raman spectrum of this drug contains characteristic group frequencies assigned to the C=O at 1649 cm−1, the N-H deformation mode at 1620 to 1612 cm−1, the bendstretch mode of the H-N-C=O at 1562 cm−1, the C-H bending mode at 1325 cm−1, and the phenyl ring stretch at 799 cm−1, respectively. The results reported here demonstrate the capability of laser Raman microprobe as a useful adjunct tool for the identification of foreign materials in forensic pathology.
GC/MS Comparison of the West Indian Aphrodisiac “Love Stone” to the Chinese Medication “Chan Su”: Bufotenine and Related Bufadienolides
Authors: Barry TL , Petzinger G , William Zito S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The death of a 23-year-old man resulting from digoxin-like toxicity and heart failure was attributed to ingestion of a West Indian aphrodisiac known as “Love Stone.” GC/MS analyses identified bufotenine, a controlled substance under both US and New York State statutes. In addition, a series of bufadienolides, namely resibufogenin, bufalin, and cinobufagin, were also identified. Bufadienolides, which are derived from toad venom or secretions, are cardiotonic steroids that cause symptoms similar to digoxin. GC/MS analyses of the Chinese medication “Chan Su,” a product derived from toads, produced a highly similar elution profile and contained the same compounds as “Love Stone.” The data demonstrate that the aphrodisiac was also derived from toads.
Suicidal Chloroquine Poisoning: Clinical Course, Autopsy Findings, and Chemical Analysis
Authors: M Muhm , Stimpfl T , Malzer R , Mortinger H , Binder R , Vycudilik W , Berzlanovich A , Bauer G , Laggner AN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Suicidal overdose of chloroquine is rare. We present a 14-year-old girl who was admitted to our Emergency Department after intentional ingestion of 7.5 g of chloroquine base followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite early mechanical ventilation, cardiac support, and treatment with high doses of diazepam, the patient died. Laboratory investigation indicated disseminated intravascular coagulation confirmed by petechial hemorhages in the leptomeninges at autopsy, a finding that has not previously been described. Postmortem tissue analysis demonstrated early drug distribution to the medulla oblongata and cerebellum.
A Professional Profile of Diplomates of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology: 1984–1992
Authors: Reichs KJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The updated 1993 membership directory of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences lists 163 members in the physical anthropology section. Of these, 38, or approximately 23%, have completed the process of certification and are diplomates of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.
In lieu of periodic re-examination, the board requires that each diplomate provide an annual report of professional activities to maintain certification. This information forms a database concerning sources of casework, case types, expertise requested, court activities, and other professional pursuits engaged in by diplomates.
Statistics are presented concerning the professional activities of board certified forensic anthropologists in 1992. Trends for the period 1984 to 1992 are analyzed.
Involuntary Electro-Convulsive Therapy to Restore Competency to Stand Trial: A Five Year Study in New York State
Authors: Ladds B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As a result of the recent United States Supreme Court case of Riggins v. Nevada, lower courts are likely to review if, and under what conditions, pretrial criminal defendants may be treated involuntarily with antipsychotic medication. It may also be time to re-consider the similar use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), if indeed it is still being used in this context. This is the first known recent study to determine the frequency of ECT among incompetent defendants. Records from the two forensic psychiatric facilities in New York State that receive over 95% of all indicted felony offenders who are incompetent to stand trial were retrospectively reviewed for a five year study period. All requests to the court for authorization for involuntary treatment with ECT were sought. In the study period, out of approximately 1365 total persons committed, there was one case of a request to the court to administer involuntary ECT to an incompetent defendant. This request was granted after a Rivers hearing. This single case, in which involuntary ECT was not effective, is described. This study serves to demonstrate that involuntary ECT is still requested and administered in New York State to incompetent defendants. In light of the concerns raised in Riggins about involuntary medication, it seems reasonable and necessary to re-consider whether and under what conditions ECT should be involuntarily administered to a pre-trial defendant. Several recommendations are suggested.
The Medical Examiner in War
Authors: Reiber KB , Burns AC , Oxley DW , Gormley WT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Loss of human life is one of the tragic costs of war. While combat deaths are expected, non-combat deaths during a military operation often come as a surprise to military planners and the public. During Operation Desert Storm, all United States deaths related to the Gulf War were classified according to circumstances as either hostile or non-hostile. We reviewed all deaths classified as non-hostile during Operation Desert Storm, from January 16, 1991 through April 17, 1991. These deaths were compared with the death rate recorded for all Armed Forces personnel during a recent year (Fiscal Year 1989) in which there was no hostile activity. The emphasis is on cause and manner of death. Representative cases are briefly discussed.
Fatal Anorectal Injuries: A Series of Four Cases
Authors: Orr CJ , Clark MA , Hawley DA , Pless JE , Tate LR , Fardal PM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anorectal injuries associated with sexual practices have become more frequently reported in the last decade. Although anorectal injuries are commonly reported in cases of sexual abuse of children, fatalities are very rare. In this series of cases, we report a case of fatal child abuse resulting from anal intercourse. In addition, there are two cases of death in females as a result of heterosexual “fisting” or “handballing.” The fourth case of the series is that of a homicidal injury produced by rectal impalement with a 31 inch length of threaded pipe.
Systematic Toxicological Analysis Using HPLC/DAD
Authors: Tracqui A , Kintz P , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with diode-array detection (HPLC/DAD) for systematic toxicological analysis of human blood or plasma samples is presented. After single-step liquid/liquid extraction at pH 9.5 using chloroform/2-propanol/n-heptane (60:14:26, v/v/v), the drugs elute isocratically from a NovaPak C18 (Waters) 4-µm column (300 mm × 3.9 mm, i.d.) at 30°C, with methanol/tetrahydrofuran/pH 2.6 phosphate buffer (65:5:30, v/v/v) as the mobile phase (flow rate 0.8 mL/min). Full UV spectra from 200 to 400 nm (resolution 1.3 nm) are recorded on-line during the 20 min chromatographic run. Solute identification may be automatically performed by comparison of analytical data (retention times and UV spectra) with references of 311 pharmaceuticals, toxicants and drugs of abuse stored in a computerized library. The method is simple, rapid, relatively inexpensive and highly specific. The previously reported applications of HPLC/DAD technology to drug screening are reviewed, and the interests and limitations of the method are discussed in the light of this literature.
The Detection of Opiate Drugs in Nontraditional Specimens (Clothing): A Report of Ten Cases
Authors: Tracqui A , Kintz P , Ludes B , Jamey C , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We present a series of 10 fatalities involving opiate overdosage, in which morphine, codeine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine were identified and quantified, not only in postmortem biological samples, but also in pieces of underwear taken from the bodies. Small tissue samples (about 1 g) were cut off from several parts of the underwear, stored at ambient temperature until analysis, then extracted by agitation in a mixture of chloroform/2-propanol/n-heptane (60:14:26, v/v/v) and assayed using GC/MS in the single ion monitoring mode. Morphine, codeine and 6-monoacetylmorphine concentrations were in the range 0.02 to 9.27 µg/g. These results indicate that the impregnation of underwear by sweat and sebaceous secretions and/or urine provides detectable levels of the drugs excreted by these ways. Even in the absence of biological samples, assaying pieces of clothing may bring some evidence about the drug abuser status of their owner.
French Caucasian Population Data for HUMTH01 and HUMFES/FPS Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Systems
Authors: Pfitzinger H , Ludes B , Kintz P , Tracqui A , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The recent technology of amplification of DNA sequences by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has already proved to be a very useful tool for the analysis of variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci. Short tandem repeat (STR) loci appear as other promising PCR-based identification systems. In fact, DNA typing based on PCR amplification of STRs is very sensitive and allows to overcome major problems encountered when using the RFLP method, such as typing of very small amounts of DNA, highly degraded DNA or mixtures of DNA from more than one individual.
Two STR systems, HUMTH01 (a tetranucleotide repeat (AATG) sequence located on chromosome 11) and HUMFES/FPS (a tetranucleotide repeat (ATTT) sequence located on chromosome 15) were investigated in order to determine allele and genotype frequencies for a French caucasian population sample.
HUMTH01 and HUMFES/FPS alleles were amplified by the use of PCR and amplified STR sequences were analyzed on 6% Hydrolink Long Ranger gels and visualized by silver staining.
The study was conducted on a sample of unrelated individuals (N ≈ 190) randomly selected from the French caucasian population. The genotype distributions met Hardy-Weinberg expectations for both HUMTH01 and HUMFES/FPS STR systems. Furthermore, an additional allele, never reported before was observed at the HUMFES/FPS locus: it migrates as an allele containing 7 repeat units and corresponds to the smallest allele identified for this locus.
Fixed Bin Population Data for the VNTR Loci D1S7, D2S44, D4S139, D5S110, and D17S79 in Chinese from Taiwan
Authors: Huang MNE , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fixed bin frequencies for the VNTR loci D1S7, D2S44, D4S139, D5S110, and D17S79 were determined in a Chinese sample population. The data were generated by RFLP analysis of Hae III-digested genomic DNA and chemiluminescence detection. The five VNTR loci meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the Chinese sample population, and there is little evidence for association of alleles between the VNTR loci. The frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a DNA profile in Chinese.
Use of the Scanning Electron Microscope to Examine Fiber Impressions on Typewriter Correction Tape
Authors: Castro SM , Galbreath NW , Pecko JL , Hellman FN , Rowe WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
When a correction ribbon is used to correct a type-written document, fiber impressions from the paper are impressed upon the ribbon. Previous research used a comparison microscope to match fibers and fiber impressions between a correction ribbon and a document. However, because of inherent features of the correction ribbon system, several difficulties were encountered. Consequently, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to alleviate some of the problems discovered by past research. The SEM, with its greater magnification power, detected both fibers and fiber impressions, creating a basis for association between a questioned document and a correction ribbon. Use of SEM also ameliorated the problems of past research and greatly enhanced points of comparison.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of a Bullet Path: Validation by Computed Radiography
Authors: Oliver WR , Chancellor AS , Soltys M , Symon J , Cullip T , Rosenman J , Hellman R , Boxwala A , Gormley W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Three-dimensional visualization is an important tool in the evaluation and demonstration of injury. Creating convincing graphics, however, requires strict distinction between illustrative and reconstructive visualizations and a method of validation. We present a case in which we used a radiation-planning tool to provide a 3-dimensional illustrative visualization of a contact gunshot wound to the head, and validated the result by comparing computed radiographs with radiographs taken at autopsy. We discuss the use of visualization tools for data exploration in forensic pathology.
A Review of The Art and Science of Handwriting
Authors: Dillon DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
American readers are unlikely to be acquainted with the writings of Rosemary Sassoon; fortunately, this oversight can be corrected with the publication of her new book. The Art and Science of Handwriting is a compilation of previously published articles supplemented by connecting commentary. While this book should excite the interest of examiners of questioned documents, it will have limited value to other practitioners in the forensic sciences, except perhaps, those concerned with their children's handwriting progress.
Techniques for Locating Burials, with Emphasis on the Probe
Authors: Owsley DW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The search for buried remains frequently includes visual assessment of surface features, trained dogs, and sophisticated geophysical remote sensing techniques. Nonintrusive, electronic survey equipment, such as the proton magnetometer, ground penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity, have yielded good results. However, under certain field conditions a simple, less expensive, relatively noninvasive tool—the probe—is effective. The probe, when used by an experienced investigator, provides a variety of information in a short amount of time, facilitates excavation, and minimizes damage to a burial. This paper offers examples of the application of a probe in forensic cases in urban and rural settings and in the detection of historic burials. Examples include the location of four individuals killed during the raid on the Branch Davidian Compound in Mount Carmel, Texas, and the search for burials in cemeteries that had been desecrated.
William M. Bass and the Development of Forensic Anthropology in Tennessee
Authors: Marks MK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Twenty-two years of human identification cases have been analyzed with respect to the development of a forensic anthropology curriculum at the University of Tennessee under William M. Bass. Relationships forged with the State Medical Examiner and lecture programs for national, state and local law enforcement agencies and arson investigators have provided the necessary exposure that ensured the growth of Dr. Bass's caseload and program. Postmortem indicators for assessing time-since-death have been Bass's target research domain. The development of a donated body program with curation of those skeletons promises to keep his research perspective fueled. Finally, the formal establishment of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee ensures the continued academic commitment to forensic anthropology.
A Preliminary Investigation of Postmortem Tooth Loss
Authors: McKeown AH , Bennett JL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Forensic anthropologists have found a seemingly increased frequency of dismemberment cases and subsequent scattering of the elements that mandates developing unconventional methods of estimating postmortem interval. The chronological sequence in postmortem tooth loss has been investigated as an indicator for estimation of time since death.
The anterior dentitions of cadavera were observed to discern patterns in “drop time” based on age, periodontal health, seasonality and location of body placement. Individuals deposited in the summer months lost teeth much more rapidly than those deposited in the late fall or winter months. Similarly, individuals exposed to direct sunlight, a micro-environment where rapid decomposition has been noted, lost teeth before individuals in shaded locales. Since tooth loss is dependent on the deterioration of the soft tissues which bind the tooth into the alveolar bone, we found tooth loss to be correlated with general soft tissue decomposition rates as dictated by season and environment.
When utilized as sole indicator, the patterns of postmortem tooth loss can not be used for estimating time since death. However, when used in conjunction with other indicators, tooth loss patterns may provide useful information for more accurate estimation of the postmortem interval.
The Measure and Mismeasure of the Tibia: Implications for Stature Estimation
Authors: Jantz RL , Hunt DR , Meadows L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Trotter and Gleser's stature estimation formulae, based on skeletons of the Terry collection and on WWII casualties, have been widely used in forensic work. Our work with the Terry and WWII data yielded tibia lengths too short compared to other data sets. Using Trotter's original measurements, we discovered that she consistently mismeasured the tibia. Contrary to standard practice and her own definitions, she omitted the malleolus from the measurement. Trotter's measurements of the tibia are 10 to 12 mm shorter than they should have been, resulting in stature estimations averaging 2.5 to 3.0 cm too great when the formulae are used with properly measured tibia.
We also examined tibia lengths of Korean War casualties, which were measured by technicians rather than by Trotter. Korean tibia measurements are also too short, but by a smaller amount than Terry and WWII. Since the Korean tibia are unavailable for restudy, it is unclear how they were measured.
Estimation of stature from Trotter and Gleser's tibia formulae is to be avoided if possible. If necessary, the 1952 formulae could be used with tibia measured in the same manner that Trotter measured, excluding the malleolus.
Allometric Secular Change in the Long Bones from the 1800s to the Present
Authors: Meadows L , Jantz RL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allometric secular changes in the six long limb bones for White and Black males from the mid 1800s to the present are examined. Long bone lengths are available from the Terry collection and WWII casualties. We conducted two types of analysis to reveal secular changes. First, allometry scaling coefficients were derived by regressing log bone length onto log stature. These showed that the femur, tibia and fibula were positively allometric with stature, while the humerus, radius and ulna were isometric. The lower limb bones were more positively allometric in the WWII sample than in the Terry sample.
Second, secular changes in length of femur and tibia and in the tibia/femur ratio were evaluated, using modern forensic cases in addition to the Terry and WWII samples. This analysis shows that secular increase in lower limb bone length is accompanied by relatively longer tibiae. Secular changes in proportion may render stature formulae based on nineteenth century samples, such as the Terry collection, inappropriate for modern forensic cases. The positive allometry of the lower limb bones argues against using simple femur/stature ratio, which assumes constant proportionality, as an alternative to regression equations.
Should We Estimate Biological or Forensic Stature?
Authors: Ousley Stephen 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Trotter and Gleser's stature regression equations were derived from partly incorrect measurements of long bones and antemortem measured statures (MSTATs). Forensic anthropologists have applied these equations to correctly measured bones and compared resulting estimates to a forensic stature (FSTAT), usually obtained from a driver's license. Forensic anthropologists have also used Trotter and Gleser's standard error as a stature prediction range, despite published warnings that it is not wide enough for this purpose. The combination of these factors has resulted in inaccurate and unrealistically precise estimates of stature from the long bones. Several factors decrease the accuracy of measured statures, and a reanalysis of Trotter's data reveals that estimating a biological stature is more imprecise than previously supposed. For FSTATs, these estimates are inaccurate as well. Using data from the Forensic Data Bank, new regression equations for predicting FSTAT were calculated, and in some cases are more precise than regressions based on Trotter's data using MSTATs. Confidence intervals for a single prediction, or prediction intervals, were calculated and are superior to standard errors for providing a range for stature estimations.
Microscopic Age Changes in the Human Occipital Bone
Authors: Cool SM , Hendrikz JK , Wood WB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The value of histological examination of the human occipital bone for estimation of age-at-death was assessed. Undecalcified sections of occipital bone from eighteen male Caucasian subjects between the ages of 21 and 70 years were prepared for analysis using polarized light microscopy. The fractional volumes of primary osteons, secondary osteons, osteon fragments, and lamellar bone in both the outer and inner cortical tables were determined. It was found that with increasing age there is a decrease in the fractional volume of primary osteons and a significant decrease in the fractional volume of lamellar bone. The fractional volume of secondary osteons was not found to change significantly with age, while the fractional volume of osteon fragments significantly increases. The microscopic results reflect the continuous process of bone remodeling that is responsible for the variation in cortical parameters with age and is the primary basis for age predicting methods. While observable changes in the occipital bone do occur with increasing age, the amount of random variation in the parameters examined preclude their use for accurate age estimation.