bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of GC-MS Guide to Ignitable Liquids
Authors: Fultz ML 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
It is rare to find a book published for forensic examiners who perfoim fire debris analysis. This book addresses two issues for those involved in the identification of ignitable liquids recovered from fire debris; first, the increased availability of “speciality solvents” which do not fall into the five main categories of more familiar and easily recognizable ignitable liquids and, second, the increased use of mass spectrometry for the identification of ignitable liquids.
Review of “Bombs and Bombings”
Authors: Byall EB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Tom Brodie, formerly with the Metro Data Police Department in Miami, Florida, is widely recognized as one of the foremost bomb technicians in the United States. He has investigated hundreds of bombing incidents and rendered safe many improvised explosive devices. Since its formation in the early 1970s, Mr. Brodie has steadfastly supported the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, the primary organization for law enforcement officers dedicated to this type of work, and has attempted to pass on his considerable knowledge to others in the field. This book is a continuation of that effort.
Iliac Cancellous Bone in Drug Addicts: A Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Schiwy-Bochat K-H , Lemke R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Histomorphometry was used to determine structural bone changes in drug addicts. Iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained at autopsy from 28 subjects (21 male, 7 female, aged 18 to 45 years) who had a history of drug abuse and had died due to overdose of illicit drugs. For histomorphometry, undecalcified sections were investigated using the Merz grid. The following histomorphometric indices were measured and calculated: BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, Tb.Sp, OV/TV, OS/BS, Ob.S/BS, O.Th, ES/BS, Oc.S/BS, and N.Oc/T.A. In 28 controls (24 male, 4 female, aged 17 to 47 years) trabecular bone specimens were investigated in the same way. The parameters in drug addicts did not show any correlation to age, body weight, height or sex differences. Trabecular bone volume and trabecular thickness were slightly but not significantly increased (BV/TV: 23.37 ± 5.77% (mean, SD), controls 22.23 ± 5.08%, p = 0.434; Tb.Th: 172.67 ± 36.83 mcm, controls 169.73 ± 36.13 mcm, p = 0.764). Only the eroded surface was significantly different to the controls (ES/BS: 8.16 ± 2.04%, controls 6.96 ± 2.17%, p = 0.038). We conclude that the incidence of metabolic bone disease in drug addicts is low.
Analysis of Blunt Trauma Injuries: Vertical Deceleration Versus Horizontal Deceleration Injuries
Authors: Tomczak PD , Buikstra JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There are several similarities found in blunt trauma injuries to humans sustained as a result of vertical deceleration (falling) and those sustained as a result of deceleration in a horizontal plane (automobile accidents). However, examination of the patterns of traumatic skeletal injuries can distinguish those injuries associated with falling from heights from those associated with automobile accidents. While there is considerable variation within each type of blunt trauma injury dependent on the angle at which one falls or is struck, there are several characteristic skeletal features associated which each type of trauma. In this study we review both the current literature and human skeletal remains from the University of New Mexico's Documented Collection known to have been subjected to blunt trauma. This collection is used to characterize and differentiate the pattern of skeletal injuries to various parts of the body for each type of trauma. These assessments are applied to investigate the traumatic skeletal lesions observed in a forensic case where the manner of death is unknown. Analyses suggest two possible scenarios that would explain the death of the individual investigated, with death most likely related to a vehicular-pedestrian accident.
The Evidential Value of Paint. Part II: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: McDermott SD , Willis SM , McCullough JP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Over 1000 vehicles were examined and the make, color and year recorded. In addition, the presence of foreign paint was noted and whether or not there was damage to the vehicle's paintwork that may have given rise to paint being transferred.
Using Bayes' theorem the likelihood ratios for various paint transfer scenarios are calculated. These ratios are then converted to an appropriate verbal equivalent and compared to conclusions used by forensic paint examiners for similar scenarios.
A Study of Illicit Cocaine Seizure Classification by Pattern Recognition Techniques Applied to Metal Data
Authors: Bermejo-Barrera P , Moreda-Piñeiro A , Moreda-Piñeiro J , Bermejo-Barrera A , Bermejo-Barrera AM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fifteen metallic species, silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn), were determined in 46 cocaine samples confiscated by the Spanish police in Galicia (northwest Spain). Classification of these cocaine samples according to their geographic origin (Colombia and Venezuela) was achieved by the application of pattern recognition techniques to the metallic content data. Cocaine samples, around 0.5 g, were directly dissolved in 2 mL of 35.0%(v/v) HNO3, diluted to 10 mL with ultrapure water. The metals were quantified by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (Ag, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sr), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn), and flame atomic emission spectrometry (K and Na). Results show that two geographic origins can be established through the presence of trace and major elements.
A New Method for Fiber Comparison Using Polarized Infrared Microspectroscopy*
Authors: Cho L , Reffner JA , Gatewood BM , Wetzel DL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Polarized infrared (IR) microspectrometry was used to measure the changes in infrared absorption resulting from the molecular orientation of single textile fibers. Dichroic ratios were determined from single experimental fibers subjected to incremental elongation from an unstretched to a stretched condition. Similar measurements were made on commercial fibers of the same polymer with known draw ratios. These infrared spectroscopic measurements provided a direct means for comparing fibers drawn under production conditions with single fibers stretched in controlled experiments. The dichroic ratio data are indicative of the molecular orientation that occurs when fibers are drawn in the manufacturing process. Dichroic ratio data of commercial fibers can be used to monitor textile fiber quality and to compare fiber evidence in forensic investigations.
Forensic Classification of Polyester Fibers by Infrared Dichroic Ratio Pattern Recognition
Authors: Cho L , Reffner JA , Wetzel DL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Using a statistical analysis of infrared dichroic ratio data and fiber morphology, 32 polyester fiber samples were classified into 22 unique individual fiber groups and five paired fiber groups. This classification was based on discriminant analysis of infrared dichroic spectra, differences in fiber diameters, and variations in cross-sectional shapes. Using only the infrared dichroic data, the fibers were sorted systematically into 13 infrared groups. A model for discriminant analysis was derived and tested using 2640 infrared dichroic ratios calculated from 5280 quantitative absorbance measurements from single fiber spectra. A tentative protocol is recommended for fiber sorting. The 32 different polyester fibers that were analyzed represented five U.S. manufacturers. Because polyester fibers are the most common synthetic fibers, differentiating single fibers is important in comparisons of forensic trace evidence.
Practical GC/MS Analysis of Oxidation Dye Components in Hair Fiber as a Forensic Investigative Procedure
Authors: Tanada N , Kashimura S , Kageura M , Hara K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to improve the reliability of discrimination (or identification) of dyed hair by analyzing chemical substances present in the hair, as an addition to the conventional macroscopical and microscopical examinations and ABO blood group examination. Oxidation hair-dye components such as p-phenylenediamine (PPDA), toluylene-2,5-diamine (T-2,5-DA), o-aminophenol (OAP), m-aminophenol (MAP), p-aminophenol (PAP) and p-amino-o-cresol (PAOC) were selected as the object of study. After alkaline-digestion, hair samples were adjusted to a pH of 12.6 to 12.8, and applied onto an Extrelut column. After 15 min, the components were simultaneously extracted and derivatized with n-hexane including 1% heptafluoro-n-butyryl (HFB) chloride. Their HFB derivatives within a condensed sample were diluted in ethyl acetate, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with full mass scanning or selected ion monitoring. For estimating their levels, 2,4,6-trimethylaniline was used as the internal standard. Standard curves obtained by preparing a 5 cm segment of control hair spiked with authentic substances were linear, ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 µg for PPDA and T-2,5-DA, and from 0.01 to 0.4 µg for OAP, MAP, PAP and PAOC. The coefficient of variation of inter-day precisions (each n = 4) was below 16% for PPDA, below 20% for OAP and PAP and below 24% for T-2,5-DA, MAP and PAOC. These components were detectable even at 6 ng for PPDA, T-2,5-DA, MAP and PAP, 8 ng for OAP, and 4 ng for PAOC. Recovery percents using this procedure ranged from 54 to 86%. By using actual dyed hair samples this method was shown to provide high sensitivity for accurate detection.
Heat Transfer Testing of Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers
Authors: DeWitt WE , Adams RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The forensic engineering investigation of a fire will include the post-fire examination of electrical panelboards and circuit breakers if such equipment is available on the premises and survives the fire. Post-fire circuit breakers may be found in the on, off, tripped, or unknown position. It is sometimes assumed by investigators that a tripped circuit breaker is the result of an overcurrent condition either before or during the fire. Sometimes the tripped (or untripped) circuit breaker is used to prove or disprove theories about the cause of the fire. Since thermal-magnetic circuit breakers employ thermal sensors, it should be possible for the heat from a fire to be transferred by convection, conduction, and radiation into a circuit breaker and cause it to trip in the absence of an overcurrent condition. It should also be possible for the heat from a fire to shift the circuit breaker time-current characteristic curve and cause the circuit breaker to trip at reduced currents. The question then becomes, at what ambient temperature will the circuit breaker be expected to trip? Also, can the heat from a nearby fire be conducted by the metallic circuit conductors into a circuit breaker and cause, or assist it to trip? If so, what fire conditions are required to cause the circuit breaker to trip? This paper reviews the operating principle of thermal-magnetic circuit breakers, describes a series of heat transfer tests conducted on nine circuit breakers of various ratings and from various manufacturers, presents the results of the tests in graphical form, and discusses the potential impact of conduction and convection heat transfer on circuit breaker performance during fires.
Suicides May Be Overreported and Accidents Underreported Among Fatalities Due to Dextropropoxyphene
Authors: Jonasson B , Jonasson U , Saldeen T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Among prescribed drugs in Sweden dextropropoxyphene (DXP) is the medical compound most frequently responsible for self-inflicted fatal poisonings. To analyze the process leading to the classification of the manner of death in cases of fatalities where DXP caused or contributed to death, a set of explicit and implicit operational criteria was applied retrospectively to fatal DXP poisonings among autopsy cases performed at one department of forensic medicine in Sweden during the six-year period from 1992 to 1997.
DXP fatality was found in 113 (2.6%) of the total 4306 autopsy cases. Suicide was recorded in 84 (74%) of these cases, and an undetermined manner of death in 24 (21%).
Explicit unambiguous expressions of the intent of the decedent were found in 29 (26%) of the 109 analyzed cases. (In four cases no analysis could be performed.) In 46 cases only implicit and no explicit criteria were found. The total number of implicit criteria in individual cases without explicit criteria never exceeded three and in 34 cases no criteria of any type were documented.
It is concluded that the classification of the manner of death at DXP fatalities was often based on very limited grounds when the operational criteria were used as a standard for comparison. Information from relatives, friends and others concerning the decedent was rarely accessible. The shortage of information probably led to deficiencies in the death statistics concerning DXP fatalities. Considerable underreporting of accidents and probable overreporting of suicides were found.
Failure to report DXP deaths as accidents may delay discovery of the high toxicity of this drug. This might be one of the reasons why the DXP fatality rate is still constantly high in Sweden, while both Denmark and Norway have managed to decrease their DXP death rates by vast restrictions, based on alarming reports of accidental DXP fatalities.
In order to guarantee valid death statistics concerning self-inflicted poisoning, the information base leading to classification of the manner of death has to be enlarged. This requires implementation of new routines, including interviews of relatives, acquaintances and significant others to get the information needed to assess the decedent's intention to die. Operational criteria may facilitate the difficult classification process by providing a structured standard, and the set of explicit and implicit criteria applied in this study is recommended.
Detection of Anabolic Steroids in Head Hair
Authors: Deng X-S , Kurosu A , Pounder DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for detection and quantitation of anabolic steroids in head hair. Following alkaline digestion and solid-phase extraction, the MO-TMS derivatives gave a specific fragmentation pattern with EI ionization. For stanozolol, the TMS-HFBA derivative showed several diagnostic ions. For androstanolone, mestanolone (methylandrostanolone), and oxymetholone two chromatographic peaks for cis and trans isomers of derivatives were seen. Recoveries were 35 to 45% for androstanolone, oxymetholone, chlorotestoster-one-acetate, dehydromethyltestosterone, dehydrotestosterone, fluoxymesterone, mestanolone, methyltestosterone, and nandrolone; 52% for mesterolone, trenbolone; 65% for bolasterone; 24% for methenolone and 17% for stanozolol. Limits of detection were 0.002 to 0.05 ng/mg and of quantitation were 0.02 to 0.1 ng/mg. Seven white male steroid abusers provided head hair samples (10 to 63 mg) and urine. In the hair samples, methyltestosterone was detected in two (confirmed in urine); nandrolone in two (also confirmed in urine); dehydromethyltestosterone in four (but not found in urine); and clenbuterol in one (but not in urine). Oxymethalone was found in urine in one, but not in the hair. One abuser had high levels of testosterone: 0.15 ng/mg hair, and 1190 ng/mL urine. We conclude that head hair analysis has considerable potential for the detection and monitoring of steroid abuse.
Effects of Morphine in Decomposing Bodies on the Development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Bourel B , Hédouin V , Martin-Bouyer L , Bécart A , Tournel G , Deveaux M , Gosset D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study concerns the effects of morphine in tissues on the rate of development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using those tissues as a food source. Lucilia sericata is a species of fly commonly found on human corpses in Europe during the early stages of decomposition and thus of forensic interest. Three rabbits were administered 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/h of morphine chlorhydrate via ear perfusion over a period of 3 h. These dosages and duration of perfusion were calculated to give tissue concentrations of morphine similar to those encountered in fatal human overdoses. A fourth rabbit was used as a control. Following administration of the drug, rabbits were sacrificed and 400 eggs of Lucilia sericata, all of the same age, were placed in the eyes, nostrils and mouth of each rabbit. Developing larvae were sampled daily to determine growth rate and weight. Puparia and emerging adult flies were also sampled. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's T-test. Results of this study show that an underestimation of the postmortem interval of 24 h is possible if the presence of morphine in tissues is not considered. This study demonstrates again the necessity of considering the possible effects of drugs in tissues on insect growth rates when estimating the postmortem interval using entomological techniques.
Methamphetamine-Related Deaths in San Francisco: Demographic, Pathologic, and Toxicologic Profiles
Authors: Karch SB , Stephens BG , Ho C-H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A study was undertaken to develop demographic, toxicologic, and pathological profiles of methamphetamine-related deaths. Anatomic and toxicologic findings in 413 deaths where methamphetamine was detected were compared with findings in a control group of 114 drug-free trauma victims. The number of cases per year did not change significantly over the course of the study. Mean age was 36.8 years, but 11% were over the age of 50. Decedents were overwhelmingly male (85.2%) and Caucasian (75%). Blood concentrations of methamphetamine and amphetamine were indistinguishable in cases where methamphetamine was related to the cause of death (MR) and cases where it was not (non-MR) (2.08 vs. 1.78 mg/L, p = 0.65, and 0.217 vs. 0.19 mg/L, p = 0.82). Coronary artery disease, ranging from minimal to severe multivessel, was identified in 79 of the 413 drug users, but in only six of the 114 drug-free controls (p = 0.0004), and MR decedents had enlarged hearts compared with controls. There were also ten cases of subarachnoid and intracranial hemorrhage in the MR group. Abnormalities of the liver (34%) and lungs (24.7%) were frequent. In 65% of these cases, death was due to accidental methamphetamine toxicity. In the remaining cases, methamphetamine was an incidental finding. We conclude that, in our jurisdiction, neither the rate of detection nor the number of methamphetamine deaths has increased significantly in the past 13 years. Decedents are almost all Caucasian males, and many were approaching middle-age. Methamphetamine use is strongly associated with coronary artery disease and with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Zolpidem Distribution in Postmortem Cases
Authors: Levine B , Wu SC , Smialek JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Zolpidem is the prototype of a class of sedative hypnotic drugs that are derivatives of imidazopyridine and is sold in the United States under the trade name Ambien®. Over a four-year period, zolpidem was identified in eight cases investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland. Zolpidem was identified by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detection (GC-NPD) following an alkaline extraction and was confirmed by full-scan electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Zolpidem was quantitated by GC-NPD in all specimens received. Five of the cases presented were deaths due to drug intoxication. In three of these cases, zolpidem was an incidental finding because the drug fatalities resulted from other drugs. In the other two cases of drug intoxication, zolpidem was present in elevated concentrations and was a contributing, but not exclusive cause of the drug intoxication. The remaining three cases were deaths that were not caused by drugs. The blood zolpidem concentrations in these cases were therapeutic (0.28, 0.12 and 0.19 mg/L, respectively). In six of the eight cases where both blood and urine were analyzed, the blood concentration was higher than the urine concentration. The distribution of zolpidem into the liver and kidney failed to identify any sequestration of the drug into either specimen.
Determination of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Body Fluids by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Fluorescence Detection—A More Sensitive Method Suitable for Routine Use
Authors: Bergemann D , Geier A , von Meyer L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A new method for determination of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in body fluids by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection was developed based on previously published methods. The new method is suitable for confirmation of samples tested positive by immunoassay, avoiding loss of LSD by absorption to surfaces. The reduced loss of LSD results in improved sensitivity. This is achieved by adding ethylene glycol to the samples, which cover glass surfaces. This principle can similarly be used to improve analysis of other drugs.
Body fluids for analysis included urine and whole blood. An internal standard was applied for quantification of LSD.
The new method offers satisfying precision data and has a detection limit of less than 0.05 ng/nL.
The Determination of Lysergide (LSD) in Urine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS)
Authors: White SA , Kidd AS , Webb KS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The use of isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) has been investigated for the forensic confirmation of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in urine by LC-MS. The advantages of using a deuterated analog of LSD as an internal standard over methysergide are discussed. This study includes a comparison of the electrospray mass spectra of LSD, LSD-d3 and methysergide, and discusses the choice of suitable ions for use in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. An IDMS method is presented for the LC-MS confirmation of LSD in urine, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.5 ng/mL, reflecting the forensic requirement at this laboratory. Under some circumstances the LOQ can be improved to 0.1 ng/mL. This method is linear in the range tested (up to 10 ng/mL LSD in urine) and has been validated in terms of accuracy and precision.
Use of Combined Frequencies for RFLP and PCR Based Loci in Determining Match Probability
Authors: Tomsey CS , Basten CJ , Budowle B , Giles BA , Ermlick S , Gotwald S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Statistical analysis was performed on a subset of the Pennsylvania State Police Caucasian, African American and Hispanic database for the purpose of determining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and associations across the RFLP loci D1S7, D2S44, D4S139, D5S110, D10S28 and D17S79 and the PCR-based loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and Gc. Overall, the statistical results are consistent with a population in equilibrium both within and between loci. The assumption for independence is valid.
Allele Frequency Distribution of the STR Loci HUMPTOX, HUMTH01 and HUMVWA in Asturias (North Spain)
Authors: Marco PN , Martínez-Jarreta B , Martínez EA , Sanchis AP , Fonseca RH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In order to use genetic loci in forensic identity testing, some population data are needed. This paper presents a report of allele frequency data for the loci HUMTH01, HUMTPOX and HUMVWA in a population sample from Northern Spain.
No deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected in any of the three markers investigated and there was no evidence of association between the alleles of these loci.
Statistical analysis was also carried out to obtain some parameters of medicolegal interest and comparative studies were carried out with other populations studied to date for these five loci. The Asturian sample does not differ substantially from other Caucasian and Spanish populations.