bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential for Error when Assessing Blood Cyanide Concentrations in Fire Victims
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The present study explores toxicologic significance of blood cyanide concentrations in fire victims. Headspace gas chromatography was used for cyanide detection. Analysis of blood samples from ten fire victims (postmortem interval = 8 h to 3 to 5 d) detected zero to 11.9 mg/L of cyanide and a large difference in cyanide concentrations among victims. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) saturation was in the range of 24.9 to 84.2%. To examine the effects of methemoglobinemia and postmortem interval on blood cyanide concentrations in fire victims, an experiment was carried out using rabbits as the animal model. The rabbits were sacrificed by intramuscular injection of 1 mL/kg 2% potassium cyanide 5 min after intravenous injection of 0.33 mL/kg of 3% sodium nitrite (Group A, n = 3) or physiological saline (Group B, n = 6). Average methemoglobin contents immediately before potassium cyanide administration were 6.9 and 0.8% in Groups A and B, respectively. Average cyanide concentrations in cardiac blood at the time of death were 47.4 and 3.56 mg/L, respectively. When blood-containing hearts of the rabbits (n = 3 for Group B) were left at 46°C for the first 1 h, at 20 to 25°C for the next 23 h and then at 4°C for 48 h, approximately 85 and 46% of the original amounts of blood cyanide disappeared within 24 h in Groups A and B, respectively. After the 72-h storage period, 37 and 10%, respectively, of the original amounts of cyanide remained in the blood. When the other three hearts in Group B were left at 20 to 25°C for the last 48 h without refrigeration, cyanide had disappeared almost completely by the end of the experiment. The present results and those published in the literature demonstrate that the toxic effects of cyanide on fire victims should not be evaluated based solely on the concentration in blood.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) and Driving Impairment
Authors: Logan BK , Couper FJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, is increasing in popularity in the United States as a drug of abuse. It has stimulant and empathogenic mood altering properties with the potential to affect psychomotor skills and impact driving. This report reviews the literature relating to the relevant psychomotor effects of the drug, the relationship between dose and blood concentrations, and studies and case reports on specific effects of the drug on driving. The latter reports include both laboratory driving simulator studies and anecdotal reports, and case series. We also report details of eighteen cases of apparent MDMA impaired driving, including six drivers whose blood tested positive for MDMA alone. Most subjects displayed muscle twitching and body tremors, dilated pupils, slow pupillary reaction to light, elevated pulse and blood pressure, lack of balance and coordination, and most were perspiring profusely. Five of the six subjects were given field sobriety tests (one leg stand, walk and turn test), and all five performed poorly. There was no clear correlation between the blood concentration of MDMA and the specific demeanor of the subject. These findings are consistent with other reports, and lead to the conclusion that MDMA use is not consistent with safe driving, and that impairment of various types may persist for a considerable time after last use.
A Multivariate Method for Classifying Third to Seventh Cervical Newborn Vertebrae Using Bone Measurements
Authors: Castellana C , Kósa F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This research provides a method to classify human newborn (9 to 10 lm) third to seventh cervical ossification centers. Nine linear measurements on the cervical neural arch were defined from 35 human neonates. Four discriminant functions were performed using the stepwise method. The model classifies 82.8% of grouped cases and 77.9% of cross-validated cases correctly. The model is useful in cases with isolated or commingled remains during anthropological or forensic investigations.
The Application of Anthropometric Indices in Forensic Photography: Three Case Studies
Authors: Halberstein RA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
With increasing commercial use of video surveillance to deter crime, physical anthropologists are becoming more involved in the forensic identification of persons based on photographic evidence. Three contrasting case studies from southern Florida are presented that illustrate the utilization of conventional anthropometry in determining the identity of suspects. In each case an arrested suspect and a subject videotaped during the commission of a crime are compared with respect to a series of discrete craniofacial and post-cranial proportions. Each case analysis is supplemented by additional data on earlobe structure, head and facial hair patterns, degree of chin eminence, presence or absence of tattoos, and various aspects of bodily dimensions and physique including height and weight estimations.
Detection of Firearm Imprints on the Hands of Suspects: Effectiveness of PDT Reaction
Authors: Leifer A , Avissar Y , Berger S , Wax H , Donchin Y , Almog J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pyridyldiphenyl triazine (PDT) and three of its analogues were compared as practical reagents for visualizing unseen impressions left on the hands of a person who has held a firearm. The parent compound, PDT, gave the best results using intensity and clarity as measuring criteria. The effectiveness of the PDT reaction was then studied on 147 volunteers who had held firearms in their hands. Identifiable impressions of the metallic parts of the weapons were developed on the hands of 103 volunteers (70%). Results with females were slightly higher than with males, however, the difference was possibly statistically insignificant, and needs further study. Ferroprint™ and Ferrotrace™,5 commercial preparations that are based on the PDT reaction, have become a part of the professional equipment of every crime scene technician in Israel.
Is there a Real Danger of Concealing Gunshot Residue (GSR) Particles by Skin Debris Using the Tape-Lift Method for Sampling GSR from Hands?
Authors: Zeichner A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Experiments were carried out to assess the danger of concealing GSR particles by skin debris using the tape-lift method for sampling GSR from hands. Thirty discrete spherical particles (from GSR and from the debris of oxygen cutting of steel) sized from 8 to 30 microns were mounted on a double-side adhesive coated stubs in known locations using a stereomicroscope. These stubs were then used for dabbing hands 50 times. Some of the particles or parts thereof were covered by skin flakes, however, all particles could be detected using the backscattered electron image (BEI) in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Also, all could be identified by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
How Many Samples from a Drug Seizure Need to Be Analyzed?
Authors: Coulson SA , Coxon A , Buckleton JS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Recently Aitken (1) introduced an outstanding advance in the approach to decision making regarding drugs sampling. Unfortunately this approach has not, as yet, been widely implemented despite being based on a solid mathematical foundation. In this paper we advocate a Bayesian approach along the lines of that outlined by Aitken but designed to be both easily understood with less mathematical sophistication and implementable using standard EXCEL® software. The emphasis is placed on encouraging the application of this methodology to routine case work by explaining the statistics involved. Minor differences exist between this approach and that of Aitken in both the modeling of the prior probability and in dealing with the discrete nature of the samples. These differences in no way detract from the sound mathematical foundation of the approach.
A Method for Forensic Identification of Vegetable Oil Stains—Rapid Analysis of Carboxylic Acids with Methyl Esterification Using Purge-and-Trap Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ehara Y , Sakamoto K , Marumo Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A simple method using purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (P&T-GC/MS) for forensic examination of oil stains was studied. Carboxylic acids, chosen as target components for discrimination of oil samples, were extracted from stains with ether, methyl esterified by tetramethylammonium hydroxide, and analyzed by P&T-GC/MS. Vegetable oils were discriminated according to their carboxylic acid compositions. Carboxylic acid composition was independent of the substrate material of the stain. Although the carboxylic acid composition of the oil changed on exposure to sunlight, identification of oil was possible for oil stains that had been in the shade, if analysis was made within 20 days.
Persistence of Floor Coating Solvents
Authors: Lentini JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Using passive headspace concentration as described in ASTM E 1412 and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis as described in ASTM E 1618, the author has studied the persistence of solvents in floor coating materials. Both oak and pine flooring boards were tested using stain, stain with polyurethane varnish, and oil finish after a period of ten months and 24 months. The solvents from all three floor-coating substances were easily detectable after 24 months, and showed no signs of diminution when compared with the samples tested earlier. These results point out the need for the submission of comparison samples whenever wood flooring samples are submitted for fire debris analysis in suspected arson cases.
Recovery of DNA for Forensic Analysis from Lip Cosmetics
Authors: Webb LG , Egan SE , Turbett GR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
To obtain a reference DNA profile from a missing person, we analyzed a variety of personal effects, including two lip cosmetics, both of which gave full DNA profiles. Further investigations were undertaken to explore this previously unreported source of DNA. We have tested a range of brands and types of lip cosmetics. Our studies have revealed that lip cosmetics are an excellent source of DNA, with almost 80% of samples giving a result. However, artifacts are frequently observed in the DNA profiles when Chelex is used for the DNA extraction and additional DNA purification procedures are required to ensure that an accurate DNA profile is obtained.
A New Allele of the Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Locus, CSF1PO
Authors: Margolis-Nunno H , Brenner L , Cascardi J , Kobilinsky L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
CSF1PO is one of the thirteen core loci used for the CODIS database, and alleles reported for this short tandem repeat (STR) locus contain from 6 to 15 repeats of the tetranucleotide AGAT. Screening of DNA from 76 individuals by gel electrophoresis and silver stain detection yielded one sample that contained a rare, off-ladder CSF1PO allele; an allele larger than CSF1PO15 was detected in a heterozygote that also contained a CSF1PO10 allele. Capillary electrophoresis analysis using Gene-Scan™ software demonstrated that the variant allele contained four bases more than CSF1PO15. Following agarose gel electrophoresis to separate the two alleles of the heterozygote and cycle sequencing using dye terminators, sequence analysis showed that the variant, which was otherwise identical to the CSF1PO GenBank sequence, contained exactly 16 AGAT repeats. These results demonstrate the existence of an additional CSF1PO allele, a previously unreported size variant, CSF1PO16.
DNA Typing in a Cattle Stealing Case
Authors: Giovambattista G , Ripoli MV , Lirón JP , Villegas Castagnasso EE , Peral-García P , Lojo MM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
DNA profiling was used as probative evidence in a cattle stealing case. The carcasses of the dead animals were found from a report and a farmer recognized the remains as those corresponding to the stolen animals by the farm mark on the coat. Those remains were collected as reference samples. Meat pieces were sequestered from a butchery and then sent to our Laboratory by the Justice Department of Buenos Aires (Argentine) to perform a DNA comparative analysis with the reference. Matches were found between the evidences and the references, supporting the hypothesis that the meat pieces had been obtained from the stolen animals. The butcher was suspected of stealing animals but no direct incrimination had been made yet.
Lack of Dental Uniqueness Between Two Bite Mark Suspects
Authors: Pretty IA , Turnbull MD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The central dogma of bite mark analysis is based upon two assumptions. The first is that human teeth are unique, and the second is that sufficient detail of the uniqueness is rendered during the biting process to enable identification. Both of these assumptions have been challenged over recent years, and a healthy scientific skepticism surrounding bite mark analysis has developed. The case presented features two suspects whose dental arrangement was similar and, when compared to the bite mark, both demonstrated consistent features. Within a closed population of possible biters, one of the two suspects was responsible for the injury. The case is illustrated with photographic and overlay detail of the suspect's teeth and demonstrates the complexity of such cases. The authors call for greater caution when drawing conclusions from such cases and highlight the need for further research into the replication of dental features on human skin.
Traumatic Venous Aneurysm of the Popliteal Vein with Outcome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Risse M , Reuhl J , Ogbuihi S , Weiler G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of sudden death due to recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism is described. The fatality took place three and a half weeks following blunt trauma to the left popliteal region. The patient died unexpectedly. Autopsy revealed the source of the emboli as a sacciform venous aneurysm of the popliteal vein, an entity seldom described, but important to consider in cases of soft tissue popliteal masses or unexplained pulmonary embolism, especially in otherwise healthy individuals.
Breath Alcohol Analysis in One Subject with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Gullberg RG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A large number of people suffer from the heartburn symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Relatively little has been published on its potential for biasing a breath alcohol measurement. The present case describes an individual (white male, aged 23) who experimentally consumed 1.0 g/kg of an alcohol beverage and subsequently provided breath and blood samples for analysis. Breath expirograms were also collected following several different preexhalation breathing maneuvers. Shortly after the end of drinking the mean of replicate breath alcohol results exceeded that of the corresponding venous blood alcohol. A later paired comparison (during the postabsorptive phase) showed the blood alcohol to exceed the breath. None of the expirograms provided evidence that “mouth alcohol” due to gastroesophageal reflux had biased any test results. People with GERD can provide biased-free end-expiratory breath alcohol results where sound forensic practice is followed, which includes: 15-min, pre-exhalation observation, duplicate testing, instrumental detection systems, and trained alert operators who ask appropriate questions and watch for associated signs.
A Case of Suicide by Ingestion of Sodium Nitroprusside
Authors: Froldi R , Cingolani M , Cacaci C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The study reports a case of suicide by ingestion of sodium nitroprusside which resulted in acute cyanide poisoning. Analyses carried out on body fluid yielded the quantitation of total (5.00 mg/L) and free (3.30 mg/L) cyanide in blood and of methemoglobin (blood = 10.5%). At the scene, some solid reddish-brown material was found in a glass, which on toxicological analysis was found to contain sodium nitroprusside; about 9 g of the same substance was identified in stomach contents. The detection and quantification of cyanide and methemoglobin in biological samples from the case indicated that the lethal effect was due to both metabolic products (cyanide and methemoglobin).
Fatal Intoxications with Chloral Hydrate
Authors: Gaulier J-M , Merle G , Lacassie E , Courtiade B , Haglund P , Marquet P , Lachâtre G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An alcoholic man, treated with chloral hydrate (CH) syrup to which he was dependent, was discovered comatose and in respiratory arrest. Death occurred on the ninth day of hospitalization following cerebral oedema. A woman, alcohol addicted, depressed, and epileptic was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit with heart and respiratory failure following CH absorption. She died three days later after a deep coma.
In these two cases, CH intoxication was confirmed by toxicological analysis: CH and its major metabolite, trichloroethanol (TCE), were identified and determined in serum and urine using headspace-capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The concentrations measured were compared with those found in previously published fatalities. The analytical method used can be proposed for both clinical and forensic cases.
Timely Antemortem and Postmortem Concentrations in a Fatal Carbamazepine Overdose
Authors: Spiller HA , Carlisle RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There are no published reports that include both timely antemortem and postmortem carbamazepine concentrations after massive overdose. We report a fatal overdose of carbamazepine with both timely antemortem and postmortem carbamazepine concentrations. Carbamazepine concentrations were 47.7 mcg/mL 2 h antemortem and 53 mcg/mL at 9 h postmortem. The slight rise in drug concentration may reflect continued absorption of the drug in the last 2 h before death. Postmortem carbamazepine concentrations drawn from a peripheral vessel in this patient appeared to reflect drug concentrations at the time of death.
Allele Frequencies of 13 STR Loci and the D1S80 Locus in a Tamil Population from Madras, India
Authors: Balamurugan K , Prabakaran N , Duncan G , Budowle B , Tahir M , Tracey M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele Frequencies of 13 STR Loci and the D1S80 Locus in a Tamil Population from Madras, India
Review of: Investigating Computer-Related Crime
Authors: Nalla MK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In Investigating Computer-Related Crime Stephenson examines the nature and extent of cyber crime and its impact on business community. He identifies various investigative and computer forensic techniques, describes techniques for gathering and preserving evidence, and finally suggest ways to prepare to deal with the problem. While computer crime is a broader concept, Stephenson focuses on “cyber crime” to limit his investigation of crimes that occur in the context of “networked issues, especially including global networks such as the internet” (p. 3).
Review of: Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences
Authors: Gaensslen RE , Stoney DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Encyclopedia: a comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field, usually arranged alphabetically (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd ed., 1996). This newly released three volume set meets the foregoing definition of an “encyclopedia” with respect to the forensic sciences taken in the broadest possible sense. There are over 200 articles on a very broad range of topics. If one defined the forensic sciences, as the editors have chosen to do for purposes of preparing the encyclopedia, as encompassing almost every area covered by the ten sections of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, from the analytical chemistry- and biochemistry-based to the social science-, generaland even lab management-oriented, there is likely to be some coverage in these volumes. There are complimentary forewords by two internationally high-profile forensic scientists, Henry Lee and Janet Thompson. An international “editorial advisory board,” consisting of a geographically widespread group of well known forensic scientists, is listed in the front matter. Some, but not all of these people were also contributors to individual chapters. The contributor roster is also internationally representative. Many of the contributors are well-recognized authorities in the discipline areas in which they contributed, but others are considerably less so.
Jonestown Tragedy Revisited: The Role of Dentistry
Authors: Brannon RB , Morlang WM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The authors record the contribution of dentistry to the identification of victims of one of the most significant tragedies of the 20th century—the mass suicide of members of a religious cult, which initially resulted in 913 deaths and ultimately in 923. Though forensic dentistry played a significant part in identifying victims, the only report by members of the United States identification team did not examine dentistry's valuable role. Furthermore, the dental-investigation aspects have been mentioned merely in passing by the news media despite an infinite number of stories on the tragedy ranging from factual to expose. The dental team's organization, methodology, and significant contributions to forensic dentistry and a variety of remarkable problems that the team encountered and the lessons learned from them are documented in this paper.
Mandibular Ramus Height as an Indicator of Human Infant Age
Authors: Norris SP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There were two goals to be achieved from the analysis of 53 skeletonized infants from the Southwest Collection at the National Museum of Natural History. The first objective was to determine whether this infant sample could be aged based on a mandibular measurement. The second was to determine which dimension of the mandible, if any, most accurately predicts infant age within a six-month range.
Seven osteometric measurements were applied to each mandible. Statistical analysis determined that the individuals in the Smithsonian's Southwest Collection that were under two-years-old could be accurately aged to within six months. Out of these seven measurements the most accurate age-at-death estimates were generated based on the maximum height of the mandibular ramus. This finding can potentially aid investigators in determining the age-at-death of infants.
Population-Specific Histological Age-Estimating Method: A Model for Known African-American and European-American Skeletal Remains
Authors: Cho H , Stout SD , Madsen RW , Streeter MA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Previously developed histological age-estimating methods have been based on samples lacking interpopulation variability. A comparison of age-associated rib histomorphometrics between an European-American sample and an African-American sample indicates that ethnicity can have a significant effect on osteon population density (OPD), osteon cross-sectional area (On.Ar), and relative cortical area (Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar). Based upon these findings, new histological age-predicting formulae are presented that are recommended when estimating age for African-American or European-American skeletal remains. A general formula that is applicable to remains of unknown ethnicity is also provided.