bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forensic Archeology and the Need for Flexible Excavation Strategies: A Case Study
Authors: Hoshower LM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anthropologists from the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii (CILHI) are routinely confronted with challenging situations when searching for the remains of American servicemen lost in armed conflicts. All CILHI anthropologists are well-versed and experienced in “textbook” archeological methods. As such, standard excavation techniques and procedures are the foundation for every CILHI recovery. Yet, the inherent nature of the CILHI missions prescribe excavation strategies that depart from those regularly presented in archeology textbooks. The unique nature and grand scale of the CILHI missions; environmental, physical, and geographic hazards; the salvage nature of the missions; time and budget constraints; and the inherent politically and emotionally charged atmospheres of the missions necessitate flexible excavation methods. For example, many CILHI recovery operations in Southeast Asia are excavations of large craters created by the impact of high-speed military aircraft in remote, unpopulated locales. In addition to rugged and dangerous terrain, an abundance of unexploded ordnance and poisonous reptiles and insects typically complicate excavations. These challenging circumstances dictate that the CILHI anthropologist constantly adapt conventional archeological techniques to unconventional excavation situations to maintain the crucial balance between maximum data recovery and scientific protocol.
Decay Rates in a Cold Climate Region: A Review of Cases Involving Advanced Decomposition from the Medical Examiner's Office in Edmonton, Alberta
Authors: Komar DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Previous research into postmortem interval (PMI) estimation has been restricted to temperate and arid climates. Results suggest that decomposition rates may be significantly slower in cold weather regions. Preliminary research to conduct a cold weather time since death study has begun in Edmonton, which experiences mean monthly temperatures below freezing five months of the year. A case review at Edmonton's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner from 1990 to 1996 provided background information on a sample of 20 cases involving advanced decomposition, with partial to complete skeletonization of remains. Cases with a PMI of less than seven months were compared with regional weather records to establish the mean PMI temperature. Results indicate that skeletonization can occur in less than six weeks in summer and four months in winter, despite freezing temperatures. In some cases, postmortem animal activity accelerated decomposition rates.
Capillary Electrophoresis STR Analysis: Comparison to Gel-Based Systems
Authors: Buel E , Schwartz MB , LaFountain MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis is a relatively new technology for the forensic analysis of STRs, and may be an excellent alternative to traditional gel-based methods. Eighty samples, obtained from six different laboratories which had previously analyzed the samples using a variety of gel-based methods, were reanalyzed by CE. It was determined that CE could obtain the same allelic designation as that reported by the comparison laboratory. Seven different loci employing two separate multiplex amplifications were used for the comparison study. One basepair resolution and average standard deviations within the range of 0.075 to 0.117 basepairs were observed.
The Use of an Adhesive Lifter and pH Indicator for the Removal and Enhancement of Shoeprints in Dust
Authors: Shor Y , Vinokurov A , Glattstein B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The use of a white adhesive lifter to remove footwear imprints in dust and their subsequent enhancement with a pH indicator is described. Two cases in which shoeprints were recovered using this method are presented. It was found that this method is superior to that of gel lifting.
Evaluation of the Effect of Asthma Inhalers and Nasal Decongestant Sprays on a Breath Alcohol Test
Authors: Logan BK , Distefano S , Case GA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The effects of eight prescription and non-prescription asthma inhalers and four over-the-counter nasal decongestants on the DataMaster, an evidential breath alcohol instrument, were evaluated. Subjects self administered the medication, and breath alcohol tests were administered immediately after use and following a 15 min waiting period. The only preparation which produced any effect on the instrument was Primatene Mist which contains 34% ethyl alcohol. The alcohol was, however, eliminated from the breath in the usual pattern of mouth alcohol elimination, and after 5 min there was no longer any effect. The inclusion of a 15 min deprivation period prior to an evidential breath test, during which time nothing is introduced into the mouth, is an adequate safeguard against interference with the test caused by alcohol containing inhalers.
Analysis of Accelerants and Fire Debris Using Aroma Detection Technology
Authors: Barshick S-A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate the utility of electronic aroma detection technologies for the detection and identification of ignitable liquid accelerants and their residues in suspected arson debris. Through the analysis of “known” accelerants and residues, a trained neural network was developed for classifying fire debris samples. Three “unknown” items taken from actual fire debris that had contained the fuels, gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel, were classified using this neural network. One item, taken from the area known to have contained diesel fuel, was correctly identified as diesel fuel residue every time. For the other two “unknown” items, variations in sample composition, possibly due to the effects of weathering or increased sample humidities, were shown to influence the sensor response. This manifested itself in inconsistent fingerprint patterns and incorrect classifications by the neural network. Sorbent sampling prior to aroma detection was demonstrated to reduce these problems and allowed improved neural network classification of the remaining items which were identified as kerosene and gasoline residues.
Use of Acidified Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Excess Gun Blue from Gun Blue-Treated Cartridge Cases and to Develop Latent Prints on Untreated Cartridge Cases
Authors: Cantu AA , Leben DA , Ramotowski R , Kopera J , Simms JR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A formula used by firearms and toolmark examiners to clean lead residue from bullets was also found to remove excess gun blue coating from metal cartridge cases. It consists of a mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and works by oxidizing the coating back into solution. This explanation allows one to determine the optimum proportion of the mixture. Acidified hydrogen peroxide formulas were also found to “clean” (oxidize or etch) metal cartridge cases in areas where there was no sebaceous latent print material (or other substances that resist oxidation). The subsequent treatment of these “cleaned” cartridge cases with gun blue to enhance the latent print contrast was also considered.
Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing Subsequent to Microscopic Comparison
Authors: Linch CA , Smith SL , Prahlow JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Telogen human hairs are one of the most common useful evidence findings at crime scenes and/or on homicide victims. Occasionally, the microscopic characterization of the found telogen hair is the only physical evidence association to a victim or suspect. Recently efforts to characterize these hairs by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methods have progressed. The nature of the telogen hair root morphology and ultrastructure has, however, been largely ignored. Examiners have recognized these hairs are unlikely to be typable by nuclear DNA (nuDNA) methods. Most forensic biologists have little knowledge of the complex cellular composition of anagen, catagen, and telogen hair roots or their morphogenesis. This paper reviews ex situ human hair root morphology as it relates to the likelihood of successful nuclear DNA typing. Dermatology texts of hair root morphology always demonstrate their microscopic appearance in the skin. This study investigates the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods to sex type telogen head hairs, and it further investigates hair root morphology as it relates to the potential nuclear DNA content of evidence hairs.
There is a need for the use of appropriate, consensus terminology for describing hair root morphology. There is also a need for standardized laboratory light microscopic methods in evaluating a hair root for DNA typing. FISH was found to be an unsuitable technique for sex determination of telogen hair clubs. It was determined that anagen/catagen hair roots without translucent sheath material are excellent candidates for nuDNA PCR-based typing and that hairs with telogen club root material only should not be submitted for nuDNA typing attempts.
Post-Traumatic Movement Disorders: Effect of the Legal System on Outcome
Authors: Scarano VR , Jankovic J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Since patients with post-traumatic, neurologic, movement disorders often seek legal counsel and become involved in litigation, we used this group of disorders as a model for testing the hypothesis that an interaction with the legal system may influence its outcome. We reviewed 100 consecutive medical records of patients with post-traumatic movement disorders from the Movement Disorders Clinic at the Baylor College of Medicine. Additionally, 40 patients completed a detailed questionnaire and a health survey. Nineteen of the 40 respondents had obtained legal representation in regards to compensation for their medical problems. The group of patients with attorneys differed from those without legal representation in that they were significantly younger and a significantly higher percentage of these patients were disabled as compared to the group without attorneys. While most were dissatisfied with the legal system, 68% were satisfied with services provided by their attorneys. Although the patients with legal aspects of their movement disorders seemed to have more severe and persistent disability, we could not definitely conclude that the legal system had adversely affected the outcome of the post-traumatic movement disorders.
The Natural Decomposition of Adipocere
Authors: Pfeiffer S , Milne S , Stevenson RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Adipocere is a waxy substance which sometimes forms from the adipose tissue of dead bodies, especially when they are under water. A disinterment in southern Ontario lead to the recovery of extensive adipocere from an interment which occurred in AD 1869. Subsequent laboratory research was designed to explore the conditions under which adipocere will disappear, the goal being to identify strategies for estimating a range of time since death in cases where adipocere is present. Varieties of aerobic or facultatively anaerobic microorganisms from the surface of the adipocere were separated and identified. In culture, the gram positive were able to degrade the adipocere. We propose that the persistence of adipocere is related to the exclusion of gram positive bacteria from the burial environment. The role of bacteria in adipocere formation and degradation must be understood before we can use the presence of adipocere to extrapolate information about the post-death interval.
The DRPLA CAG Repeats in an Italian Population Sample: Evaluation of the Polymorphism for Forensic Applications
Authors: Pelotti S , Mantovani V , Esposti PD , D'Apote L , Bragliani M , Maiolini E , Abbondanza A , Pappalardo G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The DRPLA CAG repeats polymorphism has been studied in an Italian population sample. PCR amplification, manual PAGE and silver staining were employed. A total of 16 different alleles, spanning the range from 5 to 21 CAG triplettes, was observed. The heterozygosity was 0.81 and no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was found. 81 meioses from parentage testing were also analyzed and a Mendelian pattern of inheritance was observed in all cases. In addition, we could successfully type DRPLA locus in some forensic specimens, 1 ng of DNA allowing clear definition of alleles. The authors conclude that the DRPLA CAG repeats analysis may be useful for forensic applications.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing of Shed Hairs and Saliva on Robbery Caps: Sensitivity and Matching Probabilities
Authors: Allen M , Engström A-S , Meyers S , Handt O , Saldeen T , von Haeseler A , Pääbo S , Gyllensten U 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been used for human identification based on teeth and skeletal remains. Here, we describe an amplification system for the mtDNA control region (D-loop) suited for the analysis of shed hair, which constitutes the most common biological evidence material in forensic investigations. The success rate was over 90% when applied to evidence materials such as shed hair, saliva stains and saliva on stamps. The analysis of evidence materials collected from three similar robberies revealed the presence of mtDNA sequences identical to those of the suspects in the three crimes. The use of mtDNA control region sequences for individual identification was evaluated. The probability of identity by chance for the mtDNA types of the suspects in the robberies was found to vary between Pr = 0.017 − &lt;0.0017, depending on the reference population used, emphasizing the need for large population databases to obtain the appropriate estimate.
Sex Identification of Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis), Moose (Alces alces), and White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Wilson PJ , White BN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We have developed a PCR-based protocol to determine the gender of tissue samples originating from elk (Cervus elephus canadensis), moose (Alces alces) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The technique simultaneously amplifies a conserved region of the sex-determining gene on the Y-chromosome (Sry) and a region of the Fragile X mental retardation gene (Fmr-1). The multiplex nature of this protocol allows the determination of gender using the Sry marker with the Fmr-1 marker providing an internal control. This technique is applicable to the enforcement of the validation tag system for game species. Data are provided from a wildlife investigation in Ontario.
Visualization of Sebaceous Fingerprints on Fired Cartridge Cases: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Migron Y , Hocherman G , Springer E , Almog J , Mandler D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The visualization and endurance of fingerprints on cartridge cases after the firing process have been examined. Cartridges of M16, AK-47 (Kalashnikov) and Parabellum have been tested. Despite difficulties in visualizing these fingerprints, it was found that in some cartridge cases under laboratory conditions—for instance, on M16 brass cartridges—substantial parts of the fingerprints remain intact after shooting. The careful use of illumination after metal vapor deposition enabled visualization. Different possible mechanisms responsible for the partial destruction of the fingerprints are discussed.
Stability of Diltiazem in Whole Blood: Forensic Implications
Authors: Koves EM , Lawrence K , Mayer JM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The stability of diltiazem (DTZ) in whole blood and in postmortem samples was investigated. In the first study, an aliquot of outdated Red Cross blood with sodium fluoride added as a preservative was spiked with DTZ and stored for one year under three separate conditions: room temperature, 4°C, and −20°C. DTZ and one of its major metabolites, desacetyldiltiazem (DAD), were quantitated at given intervals during this period. In the second study, case postmortem blood samples (n = 36) that exhibited different degrees of putrefaction were spiked in a similar fashion and the stability of DTZ was determined after storage at 4°C for 92 days. DTZ and DAD were extracted as bases, using mild pH conditions to prevent the hydrolysis of DTZ, and quantitated by an HPLC system equipped with a diode array detector and a Supelcosil LCDP column, 5 µm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm inside diameter. Approximately 50% of DTZ was lost in the Red Cross blood stored at room temperature and 4°C, after 19 and 124 days, respectively. This was associated with concomitant appearance and comparable increase in DAD concentration, presumably due to the in vitro hydrolysis of DTZ to DAD. No significant loss of DTZ was observed in the −20°C samples. Similar changes in DTZ and DAD concentrations were seen in postmortem blood samples stored at 4°C for 92 days, though notably, the extent of loss of DTZ varied from complete to negligible. The data suggest that the potential for in vitro conversion of DTZ to DAD should be considered for proper interpretation of postmortem DTZ/DAD findings. Several cases examined in this laboratory will be used to discuss other forensic implications.
Factors Associated with Weapon Use in Maternal Filicide
Authors: Lewis CF , Baranoski MV , Buchanan JA , Benedek EP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with weapon use in a group of filicidal women. Clinical data were gathered from the charts of sixty filicidal women evaluated at Michigan's Center for Forensic Psychiatry or through Connecticut's Psychiatric Security Review Board from 1970 to 1996. Factors associated with weapon use were determined using chi squares, ANCOVAS, and a logistic regression. Results were compared to national statistics for child homicide from the Department of Justice Uniform Crime Reports (UCR). Weapon was defined as knife or gun for the study. Weapons were used by one of four women in our study. Guns were used by 13% of filicidal women and knives by 12%. Odds ratio showed that psychotic women were eleven times more likely to kill their child with a weapon than their non-psychotic counterparts (11.2; p = .008). Psychosis was present in every mother who killed her child with a knife and in seven of eight women who killed their children with a gun. Younger children were less likely to be killed with weapons (ANCOVA; F = 8.28; p = .006). This finding was independent of presence or absence of maternal psychosis. These results show that psychotic women are more likely than non-psychotic women to kill their children with weapons. They also show that mothers are more likely to use weapons to kill older children than younger children.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis—An Occult Cause of Sudden Death: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Veinot JP , Johnston B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic granulomatous disease of unknown cause. It commonly involves lymph nodes, lungs, eyes, and skin. Cardiac sarcoid may be isolated, or associated with systemic involvement. Cardiac involvement is found in 20–50% of autopsied patients with sarcoidosis. However, it only gives rise to clinical manifestations in about 5% of patients. Cardiac involvement by sarcoid has been reported to manifest as complete heart block, papillary muscle dysfunction, congestive heart failure, pericarditis and/or effusion, conduction abnormality or arrhythmia, chest pain, and sudden death.
The most common site of involvement is the interventricular septum base, which when involved may lead to heart block or arrhythmia. We report a case of sudden death in a 33-year-old male with a history of surgically repaired congenital heart disease. Although his congenital heart disease was originally postulated to be important in his death, autopsy examination revealed cardiac sarcoid with prominent involvement of the conduction system.
Review of: Principles and Practice of Military Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: Perr IN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
I served as a psychiatrist in the Air Force during the period of the Korean War. The guideline or manual for forensic psychiatric work at that time was a short bulletin covering a few major issues. Life for physicians then was simple and in many ways much nicer and less stressful than it is today when numerous rules and regulations, complicated and at times conflicting legal and moral principles, and a vast expansion of sociolegal philosophies play a dominant role in one's professional existence.
A Simple DNA Extraction Method for Marijuana Samples Used in Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Analysis
Authors: Coyle HM , Shutler G , Abrams S , Hanniman J , Neylon S , Ladd C , Palmbach T , Lee HC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As a first step in developing a molecular method for the individualization of marijuana samples, we evaluated a plant DNA extraction kit. The QIAGEN plant DNeasy method uses a spin column format for recovery of DNA and is effective for obtaining high molecular weight DNA from leaf, flower (bud), and seed samples of marijuana. The average DNA yield was 125–500 ng per 100 milligrams of fresh plant tissue. The recovered DNA was of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) quality as measured by the ability to generate reproducible amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles. AFLP is a technique used to create a DNA profile for plant varieties and is being applied to marijuana samples by the authors to link growers and distributors of clonal material. The QIAGEN plant DNeasy method was simple, efficient, and reproducible for processing small quantities of marijuana into DNA.
Estimation of Age in Adolescents—The Basilar Synchondrosis
Authors: Kahana T , Birkby WH , Hiss L , Hiss J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The state of fusion of the basilar synchondrosis as a biological age indicator was assessed in a sample of 91 cadavers of both sexes whose ages ranged between 8 and 26 years. The correlation between the degree of closure and chronological age was investigated. Although the female population sample was very small (n = 21), the data indicate a tendency of differences in age between the "open" and "closed" groups. In the male population (n = 70), no significant differences were detected between the “open” and “closed” categories; in fact, the mean age of the two groups was the same (p = 0.9). These findings indicate that the stage of fusion of the basilar synchondrosis is not a good indicator of age in male cadavers, while in females the feature could be useful when estimating age of unknown human remains, although further investigation on a larger sample is advocated.