bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Additive Composition of Smokeless Gunpowder and Its Handgun-fired Residues
Authors: Reardon MR , MacCrehan WA , Rowe WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Detecting the use of handguns via the determination of the organic additives in smokeless gunpowder residues (OGSR) presents a promising alternative to primer metal residue analysis. Compositional analysis of the gunpowder additives nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite provides information that can associate residue samples with unfired gunpowder. We evaluated the composition of seven reloading smokeless gunpowders, both in bulk and as single particles, by ultrasonic solvent extraction/capillary electrophoresis. Handgun-fired residues obtained from three common weapon calibers loaded with the known reloading powders were compared with the unfired powders. In general, the composition of the residues was similar to that found in the unfired powders. For double-base powders, comparing the ratio of the propellant (P) to the total amount of stabilizer (S) for both residue and gunpowder samples proved to be a useful measurement for identification. This P/S ratio demonstrated that the additives in the residues did not greatly change relative to the unfired powder, providing a useful indicator to aid in forensic powder and residue evaluation.
Diimide-Enhanced Fingerprint Detection with Photoluminescent CdS/Dendrimer Nanocomposites
Authors: Bouldin KK , Roland Menzel E , Takatsu M , Murdock RH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The chemical development of latent fingerprints by nanocomposites that involve photoluminescent cadmium sulfide nanoparticle aggregates with Starburst® dendrimer is demonstrated. The dendrimer bonds to fingerprint residue via its terminal functional groups. When these are amino groups (generation 4 dendrimer), the binding is enhanced by fingerprint pre-treatment with diimide. The diimide converts carboxylic acid moieties of the fingerprint residue to esters that then react with the dendrimer amino groups to form amide linkages. The cadmium sulfide/generation 4 dendrimer development of fingerprints is enhanced by elevated temperature also. Finally, fingerprint development with carboxylate-functionalized cadmium sulfide/generation 3.5 dendrimer nanocomposites is examined. Here, diimide treatment of the dendrimer itself aids the subsequent fingerprint labeling, which involves amino acid of the figerprint residue. Nanocomposite fingerprint detection is compatible with time-resolved imaging for background fluorescence elimination.
Improved Method for Shooting Distance Estimation. Part III. Bullet Holes in Cadavers
Authors: Glattstein B , Zeichner A , Vinokurov A , Levin N , Kugel C , Hiss J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An improved method to estimate firing distance on human body surfaces is described. The novel part of the method includes a chemical test in addition to the traditional visual and microscopic examinations of the gunshot wounds. This chemical test consists of a transfer of the gunpowder residues from the area of a gunshot wound to an adhesive lifter; the residues are then visualized as total nitrite after alkaline hydrolysis by the Modified Griess Test (MGT). When cadavers are in an advanced stage of decomposition or when gunshot wounds are in hairy areas, the information obtained by this chemical test can be crucial for shooting distance evaluation. In other cases it may improve the accuracy of the examination. In some cases, the results obtained by this test may assist in the discrimination between entrance and exit gunshot wounds.
Time Since Discharge of Rifles
Authors: Andrasko J , Ståhling S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The estimation of time since the latest discharge of rifles has been achieved by the SPME sampling technique and the GC-TEA analytical system. An unidentified compound, designated as the TEA2 compound, was detected in all the rifles investigated. The same compound was observed in shotguns and spent cartridges in our previous work. This compound escapes rapidly from the inside of rifle barrels, but can still be detected there one to two months after the shooting. The decrease of the TEA2 peak with time after shooting is non-exponential, and the curve-fitting procedure proposed for the estimation of time since discharge of shotguns can be applied also for rifles.
Suicide: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bennett AT , Collins KA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Suicide is a complex phenomenon associated with psychological, biological, and social factors, claiming approximately 30,000 lives each year in the United States. We retrospectively reviewed all cases referred to the Medical Examiners' Office/Forensic Pathology Section at the Medical University of South Carolina from January 1988 to December 1997. The cases of suicide totaled 678. All of the cases were analyzed as to age/race/sex, method of suicide, time of year, and toxicological results. Files were also reviewed to determine if the victim left behind a suicide note. The ages ranged from 12 to 94 years; males comprised 79.5% of the victims, and whites 78.3%. The male to female and white to black ratios were both 3.9:1. The most common methods were gunshot wounds, accounting for 64.6% of the cases. No correlation existed with time of year, and the number of cases was not increased around major holidays. The group of victims 65 years and older and the pediatric group under the age of 18 were also examined separately.
Ballistic Characterization of the Remington Premier® Copper Solid™ Sabot Shotgun Slug
Authors: Ward ME , Nolte KB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We evaluated the impact and penetration characteristics of the Remington® Copper Solid™ sabot shotgun slug with standardized ballistic tests and used this information to predict tissue wounding patterns. This unique ammunition, first distributed in 1993, is composed of a solid copper, hollow-point slug with longitudinal slots cut into the nose. The slug is fitted into a hard plastic sabot with 8 finger-like projections and loaded into a shotgun shell with two plastic wads separating it from the underlying gunpowder charge. The ammunition was fired through a 12-gage shotgun using a rifled barrel, a smooth-bore barrel with rifled choke, and a smooth-bore barrel with a smooth modified choke into targets consisting of poster board and 10% ballistic gelatin at a variety of distances.
The copper slug and plastic sabot created single 8-fingered asterisk-shaped defects in the poster board when fired at distances of less than 7 to 9 ft (∼2 to 3 m). All three barrel types performed similarly. At greater distances, the sabot impacted the targets separately from the slugs and created variably shaped defects that reflected base-first, nose-first, and side-first impacts. Increasing muzzle-to-target distances generally increased the impact distances between the slug and sabot. There was no predictable relationship between the sabot and slug impact points for any of the three barrel types. With each barrel tested, the wads created separate defects from the slug at distances greater than 5 ft (1.5 m). The distances between the slug and the wad impact points increased with increasing muzzle-to-target distances up to 40 ft (12 m), after which the wads generally no longer struck the targets. The slug created atypical defects at distances between 7 and 150 ft (∼2 to 45 m), probably due to yawing or tumbling.
When the slug impacted the gelatin block in a nose-first orientation, the slotted nose portion tended to fragment and radially deposit pieces in the gelatin that were visible on radiographs. When the slug struck the gelatin target in a side-first orientation, it passed through the gelatin intact.
The slug, sabot, and wads of this unique projectile separate and create independent impact points in a stereotypical manner independent of barrel type. This pattern of separation allows estimates to be made of ranges of fire. Wounds created in human tissues by this ammunition would likely have similar asterisk-shaped configurations, and nose fragments may be deposited in tissues and seen radiographically. Rectangular wounds created by the tumbling or yawing slug might be mistaken for intermediate target wounds.
Comparison of Patterns of Decomposition in a Hanging Carcass and a Carcass in Contact with Soil in a Xerophytic Habitat on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Shalaby OA , deCarvalho LML , Lee Goff ML 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Decomposition studies were conducted to determine differences in rates and patterns of decomposition of carcasses hanging and exposed on the surface of the soil. These studies were conducted between 17 October and 17 December 1997 inside of Diamond Head Crater on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The animal model was the domestic pig, Sus scrofa. The rate of biomass removal from the hanging carcass was significantly slower than that observed for the control carcass during the bloat and decay stages of decomposition. Internal temperatures for the control carcass were elevated above the ambient air temperatures during the earlier stages of decomposition (bloated and decay), while those recorded for the hanging carcass approximated the ambient air temperatures. There was a greater diversity of arthropod species recorded and numbers of individuals observed were higher for the control carcass. A significant site of arthropod activity was observed on the surface of the soil immediately under the hanging carcass and this became the primary site of arthropod activity as decomposition progressed.
Asphyxial Deaths and Petechiae: A Review
Authors: Ely SF , Hirsch CS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Conjunctival and facial petechiae, although nonspecific findings, are considered hallmarks of asphyxial deaths. Consensus in the literature suggests that their pathogenesis is related to the combined effects of increased cephalic venous pressure and hypoxic damage to endothelial cells. Despite the common knowledge that they are neither predictable findings in all asphyxial deaths nor rare in natural, nonaphyxial deaths, the belief persists that petechiae are corroborative evidence of asphyxia. We suggest that a clear, physiologically based understanding of the pathogenesis of petechiae of the head is critical for their appropriate interpretation. We present a review of the literature and the basis of our conclusion that conjunctival and facial petechiae are the product of purely mechanical vascular phenomena, unrelated to asphyxia or hypoxia.
The Multidisciplinary Approach to Dealing with Families: A Model for Medical Examiners
Authors: Coburn MU , Borges MC , Knake E , Michael Harper R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Medical examiners function primarily to determine cause and manner of death, and to document illness and injuries. Equally important, however, is the role of providing family members with the initial tools to work through the grief process. By initiating contact with the family, facilitating access to other appropriate services and by making provisions for adequate viewing and meeting facilities, we fulfill these ethical duties and carry out our responsibilities as physicians. We hope to fill some of the void that exists in the forensic medical literature with this presentation and generate awareness for the neglected role of grief intervention.
Separation of Visibly-Excited Fluorescent Components in Fingerprint Residue by Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Jones NE , Davies LM , Brennan JS , Bramble SK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The use of lasers for the detection of fingermarks is widespread in the forensic field. Despite this, and the fact that many studies have been conducted into the composition of fingermark residue, the components responsible for the inherent visible fluorescence remain unidentified.
Traditionally compositional studies have been performed on sweat, sebum, or skin surface washes, none of which are truly representative of the situation when a fingerprint is deposited on a surface. In this paper thin-layer chromatography (TLC) has been performed on sebum-rich fingermarks laid directly onto TLC plates and an argon ion laser used to visualize the separated components. It has been found to be a robust and reproducible method for studying the fluorescent components in fingermark residue and is considered to be more realistic than other methods of sample preparation as it eliminates the chances of extraneous matter being extracted from the skin surface. Investigations into the nature of the separated compounds have also been made and the results are reported.
A New Visibly—Excited Fluorescent Component in Latent Fingerprint Residue Induced by Gaseous Electrical Discharge
Authors: Davies LM , Jones NE , Brennan JS , Bramble SK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A technique that exposes fingerprint residue to a gaseous electrical discharge in nitrogen followed by treatment with ammonium hydrogen carbonate vapors to produce fluorescence is investigated. Particular attention is made to fluorescence observed via laser illumination at 514 nm. Insight into the nature of the fluorescent components is achieved through the use of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of fingerprint residue. Results reported indicate the fluorescence observed is from previously non-fluorescent fractions of the fingerprint residue, and TLC results point towards lipid derivatives as a possible source of the fluorescence.
A Method for Collection of Gunshot Residues from Skin and Other Surfaces
Authors: Ståhling S , Karlsson T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method of collecting gunshot residues from the skin of persons who have been injured by firearms has been developed. The method uses a commercially available, adhesive, transparent plastic film. This method is also useful for collecting gunshot residues from other objects, such as leather. The shooting distance is later estimated by ocular, microscopic or IR examination in combination with various chemographic tests.
The Accelerated Polyvinyl-Alcohol Method for GSR Collection—PVAL 2.0
Authors: Schyma C , Placidi P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The polyvinyl-alcohol collection method (PVAL) is used in forensic practice to gather topographical information about gunshot residues (GSR) from the hands to decide if the subject has made use of firearms. The results allow a distinction between suicide and homicide. The only inconvenience of PVAL was that the procedure took about 60 min because three layers of liquid PVAL had to be applied and dried. Therefore, the collection method was only applied to corpses. The improved and accelerated PVAL 2.0 uses a sandwich technique. Cotton gauze for stabilization is moistened with a 10% PVAL solution. A solid film of PVAL (Solublon®) is spread on the cotton mesh. The gauze is then modeled to the hand and dried with a hair dryer. After removing the cotton gauze, the traces are embedded in the water-soluble PVAL. The procedure does not take more than 15 min. The results demonstrate the qualities and advantages of PVAL: topographical distribution of GSR, highest gain of GSR, sampling of all other traces like blood, backspatter etc., and humidity does not reduce the gain. In addition, with the new PVAL 2.0 dislocation of GSR or contamination are excluded. PVAL 2.0 can also be applied on live suspects.
A Systematic and Quantitative Analysis of PCR Template Contamination
Authors: Urban C , Gruber F , Kundi M , Falkner FG , Dorner F , Hämmerle T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A quantitative and systematic analysis is provided for ubiquitously present template DNA interfering with the quantification of human DNA by PCR. Two sources contributing to DNA background were identified. The first one is interpreted as DNA present in chemicals and on equipment and the second as caused by operator handling. The amounts were equivalent to 2.5 and 8.9 pg per mL of sample, an the estimated frequencies of contamination were 65 and 35%, respectively, resulting in an effective limit of detection of 17.4 pg/mL. Below this level—named effective laboratory background—a result could not be considered as authentic. Knowledge of these parameters is important for laboratories that analyze minute amounts of human DNA by PCR for purposes such as quantification, typing, and sequencing.
Paint and Tape: Collection and Storage of Microtraces of Paint in Adhesive Tape
Authors: Bernhard WR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The collection and preservation of microtrace evidence with the aid of an adhesive tape is a method of choice in forensic science. This technique is rapid and easy and allows the concentration of microtraces on a carrier, which facilitates further investigations in the laboratory. Adhesive tapes are currently used to secure microtraces of fibers and glass, but hardly for traces of automotive paint and other lacquers for fear of interference with the analysis of binders. A collection of automotive paint consisting of original and repair lacquers collected by tape has been evaluated. After various times of storage within the tape, these samples were compared with untreated references by microscope FT-IR and microspectrophotometry (MSP). Another set of paints was collected in 1984, stored within the tape until 1995, and examined the same way. About 170 layers of lacquer with various types of binder were examined. With the exception of one clear lacquer no difference between treated samples and references was detected. This small difference observed could be correlated to the exposure to xylene (extractant) and was not caused by the storage within the adhesive tape.
Restoration Tactics for Seriously Corroded Cu and Cu-Alloy Firearms Evidence
Authors: Randich E , Fickies TE , Tulleners FA , Andresen BD , Grant PM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A cleaning procedure for seriously weathered or corroded bullets and cartridge casings was developed and implemented for evidence specimens from a multiple homicide. The restoration protocol entailed successive treatments with increasingly aggressive chemical solvents and cleaning solutions while monitoring the progress of the method by optical microscopy. Treatment of worst-case, Cu-alloy jacketed bullers and casings resulted in reconditioned specimens that subsequently underwent successful firearms examinations.
Northeast Italy Population Data Using Multiplex PCR (HUMCD4, HUMTH01, HUMTPOX, and HUMCSF1P0) Loci
Authors: Turrina S , De Leo D , Marigo M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele and genotype frequencies for four short tandem repeat (STR) loci (HUMCD4, HUMTH01, HUMTPOX, and HUMCSF1P0) were determined in 100 unrelated individuals from Veneto (Northeast Italy). After a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplification, semi-automatic DNA profiling was performed using an A.L.F. express DNA Sequencer. Conditions were optimized for the PCR co-amplification of these four STR loci and the quadruplex PCR was performed on various forensic DNA samples such as whole blood, blood-stains, teeth, and saliva from Caucasians living in the Northeast Italy. The distribution of the genotype frequencies showed no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the sampled population. The combined Power of Discrimination (PD) of the quadruplex was 0.9999.
Screening of Amphetamine/Methamphetamine and Their Derivatives in Urine Using FPIA and Triage™8 and the Scope and Limits of a Subsequent Identification by Means of the REMEDi™ HS System
Authors: Felscher D , Schulz K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study describes screening and identifying amphetamines, methamphetamines, and their derivatives in urine using immunochemical (Triage™8, FPIA) and chromatographic techniques (REMEDi™ HS). Amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDE (3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine), MBDB (N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine), BDB (3,4-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine), PMA (4-methoxyamphetamine), DOM (2,5-dimethyloxy-4-methylamphetamine), DOB (4-bormo-2,5-dimethyloxyamphetamine), amphetaminil, pholedrine, fenfluramine, and amfepramone were subjected to a comparative study. For this, the substances were analyzed to determine their specific threshold concentration for a positive detection in the Triage test and their limit of detection and positive threshold concentration for the FPIA test and the results compared.
Furthermore, the capabilities of a more detailed analysis with the REMEDi system were studied. This HPLC system was able to produce information on the single drugs and main metabolites found in the sample with the danger of false-positive or false-negative screening results greatly minimized.
Paternity-Testing on Paraffin-Embedded Abortion Tissue: Preparation of Fetal Cells May Be Indispensable
Authors: Zehner R , Lasczkowski G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In a case of sexual abuse, a paternity test was performed on paraffin embedded abortion material. STR typing was successful only after isolating fetal tissue from the abortion-material and separately extracting DNA from the excised fetal cells. Examination with five STRs led to a paternity index of 332, confirming the abuse that had resulted in pregnancy.
Metastatic Calcification of the Cardiac Conduction System with Heart Block: An Under-Reported Entity in Chronic Renal Failure Patients
Authors: Isotalo PA , Halil A , Green M , Tang A , Lach B , Veinot JP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Systemic metastatic calcification is a common complication of chronic renal failure. Cardiac involvement is particularly ominous, especially when the cardiac conduction system is affected. Conduction defects, arrhythmias, and sudden death have all been reported with conduction system calcification; however, these are relatively under-reported or unrecognized causes of cardiac morbidity and mortality. We describe a 40-year-old man with Von Hippel-Lindau disease who had been maintained on hemodialysis for two years following bilateral nephrectomies for renal cell carcinoma. The patient presented with symptomatic complete heart block that had progressed from Mobitz type I atrioventricular block. Two months later, while being internally paced, the patient died unexpectedly after a complicated hospital admission. Postmortem revealed extensive vascular, myocardial, and conduction system calcification. Conduction system calcification may cause sudden death in chronic renal failure patients during hospital admission, or unexpectedly while the patient is in the community, Knowledge of this condition is necessary to detect it, as the conduction system is not routinely examined. A routine abbreviated conduction system examination is warranted for patients with systemic metastatic calcification, especially if they have sudden death or a known history of heart block.
Review of: Hyperthermia, Burning and Carbonmonoxide
Authors: Prof. Dr. Schmidt V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Heat, fire, burns, smoke, and the fatalities associated with them are of preeminent importance in forensic-technical investigations and in forensic pathology. The editor of the present volume has offered a valuable service in providing an anthology dealing with the problems and current state of research in this special province of traumatology.
Detection Limits for GC/MS Analysis of Organic Explosives
Authors: Sigman ME , Ma C-Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Method detection limits are determined and compared for analysis of liquid injections of organic explosives and related compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy utilizing electron impact (EI), negative ion chemical ionization (NICI), and positive ion chemical ionization (PICI) detection methods. Detection limits were rigorously determined for a series of dinitrotoluenes, trinitrotoluene, two nitroester explosives, and one nitramine explosive. The detection limits are lower by NICI than by EI or PICI for all explosives examined, with the exception of RDX. The lowest detection limit for RDX was achieved in the PICI ionization mode. Judicious choice of the appropriate ionization mode can enhance selectivity and significantly lower detection limits. Major ions are reported for each analyte in EI, PICI, and NICI detection modes.