bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forensic Evidence Based on mtDNA from Dog and Wolf Hairs
Authors: Savolainen P , Lundeberg J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In six forensic cases involving murder, bank robbery, theft and poaching, evidence material comprising shed hairs supposedly originating from dogs or wholves was analyzed by mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequencing. A 79 bp segment of the control region was amplified, sequenced, and compared with an established database of the domestic dog and wolf populations. In three murder cases exclusions of all eight suspects could be made. Furthermore, two of the murders could be linked to each other by a rare sequence variant, and the breed of the dog was indicated. In a theft case and a bank robbery a link could be established between the evidence material and the suspects. In a case of suspected wolf poaching, it could be established that the evidential material was of dog rather than wolf origin. We conclude that single hairs from common pets are suitable for DNA analysis and that the described method has proved to be a valuable tool for forensic investigations.
Applications of Focused Ion Beam Systems in Gunshot Residue Investigation
Authors: Niewöhner L , Wenz HW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Scanning ion microscopy technology has opened a new door to forensic scientists, allowing the GSR investigator to see inside a particle's core. Using a focused ion beam, particles can be cross-sectioned, revealing interior morphology and character that can be utilized for identification of the ammunition manufacturer.
Metal Contamination in Illicit Samples of Heroin
Authors: Infante F , Domínguez E , Trujillo D , Luna A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We analyzed 198 illicit heroin samples from Andalusia (southern Spain) to determine the contents of various metals (cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc) with a view to investigating a new aspect of the drug purity and the conditions under which the drugs are used by addicts. Calcium was found in 93.4% of the samples and always at high concentrations, which can be ascribed to adulteration of the heroin by addicts with thinners and excipients containing salts of this metal such as calcium bicarbonate. Also, all samples were found to contain variable amounts of zinc and substantial amounts of iron, probably because it is the most common metal found in metal containers used in the extraction of morphine from the opium poppy. Only cadmium and, to a lesser extent, zinc, copper, and iron, are among the metals detected in heroin that can increase the inherent toxicity of the drug while always taking into account the maximum values.
Latent Fingerprint Visualization by 1,2-Indanedione and Related Compounds: Preliminary Results
Authors: Almog J , Springer E , Wiesner S , Frank A , Khodzhaev O , Lidor R , Bahar E , Varkony H , Dayan S , Rozen S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A number of vicinal cyclic diketones, most of them belonging to the 1,2-indanedione series, have been prepared and tested as potential reagents for latent fingerprint development. Unsubstituted 1,2-indanedione and a number of its mono- and dimethoxy- derivatives exhibited excellent properties as fluorogenic reagents for latent prints on paper. Structural modifications, such as substitutions at position 3, omission of the benzene ring or increase of the five-membered to a six-membered ring, considerably reduced this activity. Quite surprisingly, benzo[f]indane-1,2-dione, which was synthesized for the first time in this work, was significantly inferior to 1,2-indanedione as a fingerprint reagent.
Even at this stage, before optimization of the reaction conditions, it can be said that some 1,2-indanediones are at least as sensitive as DFO. Their solubility in nonpolar solvents and relative case of preparation are further advantages. It is the authors' opinion that 1,2-indanedione itself may soon become a practical fingerprint reagent.
Forensic Palynology: Variation in the Pollen Content of Soil on Shoes and in Shoeprints in Soil
Authors: Horrocks M , Coulson SA , Walsh KAJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Soil samples taken from and between consecutive shoeprints within a localized area were analyzed for pollen and compared with each other and with soil samples from the shoes that made the prints. The purpose was to establish the forensic value of using such samples to determine whether or not there is an association between people and crime scenes. This was done by determining the degree to which pollen assemblages in shoeprints in soil from within the same localized area differ, and the degree to which pollen assemblages in soil on shoes differ from assemblages in shoeprints in soil made by those shoes. The samples from and between the shoeprints showed a high degree of similarity, suggesting that pollen assemblages of such samples from within a localized area are homogeneous. A change in sampling depth from 1 mm to 20 mm did not significantly alter the pollen content of samples. The pollen content of the two soil samples from the shoes showed a close similarity to each other and to the soil samples from and between the shoeprints, indicating that pollen assemblages from soil on shoes do not differ significantly from assemblages in shoeprints in soil made by those shoes.
What Educational Background Do Crime Laboratory Directors Require from Applicants?
Authors: Furton KG , Hsu Y-L , Cole MD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A summary of the results from a recent survey where crime lab directors listed their educational requirements from applicants for the positions of drug chemist, trace/impression evidence examiner, serologist/DNA analyst, and firearms/document examiner/fingerprint examiner is presented and discussed. Crime lab directors generally expect applicants to have “hard” science degrees with a preference for the B.S. in chemistry, followed by biology and forensic science degrees with significant chemistry components. Over 90% of the directors responding do not require an internship.
Validation of Highly Polymorphic Fluorescent Multiplex Short Tandem Repeat Systems Using Two Generations of DNA Sequencers
Authors: Frégeau CJ , Bowen KL , Fourney RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Validation studies are a crucial requirement before implementation of new genetic typing systems for clinical diagnostics or forensic identity. Two different fluorescence-based multiplex DNA profiling systems composed of amelogenin, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (referred to as multiplex 1A), and HumD3S1358, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (multiplex 1B) have been evaluated for use in forensic identification using the Applied Biosystems Model 373A and Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencers, respectively. Experiments were aimed at defining the limit of target DNA required for reliable profiling, the level of degradation that would still permit amplification of the short tandem repeat (STR) loci examined, and the robustness of each locus in the multiplexes after samples were exposed to environmental insults. In addition, the specificity of the multiplexes was demonstrated using nonhuman DNAs. Forensically relevant samples such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, fingernails and envelope flaps were processed using both an organic extraction procedure and a QIAamp protocol. DNAs and resultant multiplex STR profiles were compared. The validation of the triplex STR systems was extended to include over 140 nonprobative casework specimens and was followed with a close monitoring of initial casework (over 300 exhibits). Our results document the robustness of these multiplex STR profiling systems which, when combined with other multiplex systems, could provide a power of discrimination of approximately 0.9999.
Allele Distribution at Nine STR Loci—D3S1358, vWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820—in the Japanese Population by Multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Yamamoto T , Uchihi R , Nozawa H , Huang X-L , Leong Y-K , Tanaka M , Mizutani M , Tamaki K , Katsumata Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Nine tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci, D3S1358, vWA, FGA TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820, were analyzed in the Japanese population with a newly released kit for personal identification using multiplex PCR with fluorescent-labeled primers following capillary electrophoresis. The observed heterozygosities were 0.67, 0.77, 0.82, 0.61, 0.62, 0.73, 0.78, 0.81 and 0.74, respectively, and the combined discrimination power of the nineplex was 0.9999999991. None of the nine loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations using the chi-square test, homozygosity test, likelihood ratio test and exact test after the grouping of the alleles. The nine STR loci allele frequencies were significantly different from those of other ethnic populations.
Interesting Action Mechanism of an Improvised Firearm
Authors: Soraisam JS , Khangembam RS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Manipur is a state in the northeastern region of India. A large number of various types of improvised firearms are involved in the crimes committed in this state. Many of these firearms have different action mechanisms. In this paper, we report a unique and simple action mechanism of an improvised automatic firearm that was received for examination in the Forensic Science Laboratory, Manipur, India.
Infrared Spectra of U.S. Automobile Original Topcoats (1974–1989): V. Identification of Organic Pigments Used in Red Nonmetallic and Brown Nonmetallic and Metallic Monocoats—DPP Red BO and Thioindigo Bordeaux
Authors: Suzuki EM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As part of a study of the chemical compositions of U.S. automobile original topcoats (1974 to 1989) using infrared spectroscopy, a number of organic pigments used in these finishes have been identified. The topcoats examined were single-layer finishes (monocoats) from the Reference Collection of Automotive Paints, and pigments from the benzimidazolone and quinacridone families were previously identified. The in situ identification of two other organic pigments used in these finishes, DPP Red BO and Thioindigo Bordeaux, is described here. DPP Red BO is a relatively new pigment which was first marketed in 1987, and it was only identified in two red nonmetallic enamels produced in 1989, the last year covered in this study. It is now quite common in automotive paints and its presence in an unknown original finish indicates that a fairly recent vehicle (most likely from the 1990s) was the source. In contrast, Thioindigo Bordeaux, which was identified in a few red and brown nonmetallic and brown metallic enamels, was more common in the 1950s and 1960s but was largely replaced by Quinacridone Violet in the 1970s. It is no longer used much in automotive paint. Spectra of several DPP automotive paint pigments introduced after 1989 are also presented and discussed.
Assassination in the United States: An Operational Study of Recent Assassins, Attackers, and Near-Lethal Approachers
Authors: Fein RA , Vossekuil B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study is the first operational exploration of the thinking and behavior of all 83 persons known to have attacked, or approached to attack, a prominent public official or public figure in the United States since 1949. In addition to data about each attack or near-attack and each subject's demographic and background characteristics, information was gathered about each subject's ideas and actions in the days and weeks before their attacks or nearlethal approaches. Questions were examined about each subject's movement from the idea of attack to actual attack, motives, selection of targets, planning, communication of threat and intent, symptoms of mental illness, and significant life experiences. In every case, the attack or near-attack was the end result of an understandable, and often discernible, process of thinking and action. Implications for protectors, investigators, and researchers are discussed.
Evaluation of Clinician Accuracy in Describing Gunshot Wound Injuries
Authors: Shuman M , Wright RK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A large series of gunshot wounds is analyzed to determine, first, whether the wounds were described with enough detail to estimate the distance and direction of fire; and second, to utilize the autopsy description to determine accuracy.
All of the University of Miami-Jackson Medical Center (UMJMC) records coded as gunshot wounds and treated during calendar year 1995 were included in this study. The analysis is of 566 shootings from bullets in which 1259 wounds were described in the hospital records.
Of the 1259 bullet wounds, the size and/or shape was described in only 63 (5%) and only four wounds (0.3%) had any indication of distance of fire. The location of the wound could be determined to within 3 cm in 655 (52%) and only 39 (3%) of the wounds were measured from some landmark. Directionality was neither indicated nor determinable in 897 (71%) of the wounds examined.
Fifty-five (9%) cases resulted in death and were compared with medical examiner autopsies. Clinical information was inadequate for comparison in three (6%) of these cases. In 22 cases that were said to have one wound, only 14 (64%) of these were correctly documented. Of 16 cases with 2 wounds, 9 (56%) were correctly identified by the clinicians. When greater than 2 wounds were present (14), the clinicians were wrong 93% of the time.
This study demonstrates that clinicians responsible for treating gunshot-wounded persons do not adequately document or interpret these wounds.
Morphine Perfused Rabbits: A Tool for Experiments in Forensic Entomotoxicology
Authors: Hédoui V , Bourel B , Martin-Bouyer L , Bécart A , Tournel G , Deveaux M , Gosset D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In order to establish an animal model for entomotoxicological studies, the kinetics of morphine elimination from blood after a single intravenous injection of morphine and the concentrations of morphine in tissues following a continuous perfusion were studied. The aim of these experiments was to obtain controlled morphine tissue concentrations similar to those encountered in fatal human heroin overdoses. These tissues can be used as a food source for developing fly larvae in entomotoxicological studies. In the single injection experiment, seven rabbits were administered 1 or 2 mg/kg body weight of morphine chlorhydrate via the main ear artery. Blood samples of 200 μL were removed regularly via a catheter. Morphine concentration was determined using RIA techniques. Morphine was found to be first rapidly distributed and then slowly eliminated, following a two-exponential equation. Elimination of morphine from blood can be described as a two-compartment model. Constants of the equation were determined using the Kaleidagraph® program. Using those constants, the main pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated. Results of these parameters showed the following: clearance from 13.3 to 16.2 L.h-1, half-life of the distribution phase from 0.6 to 0.9 min, and half-life of the elimination phase from 21 to 26 min. These results were used to calculate the rate of perfusion of morphine for rabbits to obtain desired, controlled, and constant concentrations of morphine in tissues. In the second experiment, three rabbits received a perfusion of morphine intravascularly at a rate of 2 mg/kg/h for a period of 3 h. These rabbits were sacrificed and analyses performed on several abdominal and thoracic organs. Results showed that the concentrations of morphine differed according to the organ analyzed, but were reproducible for organs between animals. These concentrations were similar to those normally encountered in cases of human death due to heroin overdoses.
Determination of Drug Levels in Larvae of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Reared on Rabbit Carcasses Containing Morphine
Authors: Hédouin V , Bourel B , Martin-Bouyer L , Bécart A , Tournel G , Deveaux M , Gosset D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study concerns the determinations of morphine concentrations in fly larvae reared on rabbits administered different concentrations of morphine and a correlation between concentrations of the drug in larvae and tissues. Three rabbits (R1, R2 and R3) were given dosages of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/h of morphine over a 3 h period via continuous ear artery perfusion. These dosages and time of perfusion were calculated to create tissue concentrations of morphine similar to those encountered in human deaths due to overdose. Morphine blood level plateau was attained after 1 h of perfusion. A fourth rabbit was used as a control. To evaluate drug concentrations, tissues were sampled using a coelioscopic technique. Approximately 400 eggs of Lucilia sericata, all of the same age category, were placed in eyes, nostrils and mouth of each rabbit carcass. Larvae and puparia were regularly collected from each rabbit for toxicological analysis. The concentrations of the drug in the tissues sampled were determined to be similar to those normally encountered in human overdoses and were correlated with the dosage of morphine that had been administered. Morphine was detected in all larvae and pupae fed on tissues from carcasses administered morphine, except for puparia from the colony fed on the R1 animal which received 12.5 mg/h dosage of morphine. All samples from the control rabbit were negative for morphine. Concentrations of morphine in larvae reared on rabbit carcasses containing morphine were 30 to 100 times lower than the concentrations found in the tissues. A correlation between the tissue concentrations and larval concentrations was found in only 3rd instar larvae (80 to 140 h following hatching). No correlations were found between administered dosages, tissue concentrations and younger larvae, prepuparial larvae or puparia.
A Survey on the Conclusions Drawn on the Same Footwear Marks Obtained in Actual Cases by Several Experts Throughout the World
Authors: Shor Y , Weisner S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A survey was conducted with two sets of shoeprints from actual crime scenes and the corresponding suspect's shoes. Experts from seven countries were asked to give their opinion on the probability that the suspect's shoe made the shoeprint impression at the crime scene.
Each expert gave his/her opinion based on the scale used in his country. The distribution of the answers is discussed in this paper.
Human Herpesvirus-6 and Sudden Death in Infancy: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hoang MP , Ross KF , Brian Dawson D , Scheuermann RH , Rogers BB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Investigation of sudden death in infancy is a vital function of the medical examiner's office. Surveillance of these cases may lead to recognition of new diseases or new manifestations of previously described diseases. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a relatively newly described virus that has been recognized as a cause of acute febrile illness in early childhood. While most cases are apparently self-limited, seven fatal cases have been reported. We present a case of a seven-month-old Latin American male with recent otitis media and vomiting who was found dead in bed. Autopsy revealed interstitial pneumonitis with an atypical polymorphous lymphocytic infiltrate in the liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow, associated with erythrophagocytosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was positive for HHV-6 and negative for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). HHV-6 was also detected in the atypical lymphoid infiltrate by in-situ hybridization.
A Comprehensive Sample Preparation Scheme for Accelerants in Suspect Arson Cases
Authors: Ren Q , Bertsch W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study represents a critical comparison of adsorbent based heated headspace methods for the enrichment of volatiles from fire debris. A dynamic and a static method, based on charcoal adsorption and solvent extraction are compared to the solid phase micro extraction (SPME) procedure. The SPME method has been optimized in respect to fiber type, sampling time, sampling temperature, analyte concentration and the effects of water. Collection efficiencies were evaluated for a variety of accelerant types, ranging from methanol to diesel fuel. The minimum detectable quantity for each of the methods is within an order of magnitude for most accelerant types. We propose a two step method based on SPME with two different fibers. Polar and water soluble accelerants such as ethanol and light petroleum distillates are most effectively enriched at low temperature on Carboxen™, a newly developed high capacity fiber which contains a carbon based adsorbent. Low volatility accelerants such as diesel fuel can be recovered on a methylpolysiloxane type fiber at elevated temperature. Limitations of currently used sample preparation methods are discussed.
Child Abduction: Aged-Based Analyses of Offender, Victim, and Offense Characteristics in 550 Cases of Alleged Child Disappearance
Authors: Boudreaux MC , Lord WD , Dutra RL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Crimes against children, particularly cases involving abduction and/or homicide, continue to be problematic as both a social phenomenon and judicial responsibility. Such cases routinely receive immense community and media attention and rapidly overwhelm investigative resources. Research in the area of childhood victimization, however, has only recently gained national prominence. While numerous studies on child abuse and neglect have been conducted, research on child abduction and homicide remains scant. Previous studies examining child abduction suffer from limited geographical scope or fail to base predictive analyses on victim characteristics. The current study reports the results of a nationally representative sample (47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico) of 550 cases of alleged child abduction obtained from Federal Bureau of Investigation files for the period 1985 through 1995. Study results demonstrate that both offender and offense characteristics vary significantly according to victim age, gender, and race. Such differences appear critical to crime reconstruction, criminal profiling, and investigative resolution. Additionally, these data suggest that current child abduction prevention programs may emphasize inaccurate offender traits.
The Contribution of Forensic Geology and Other Trace Evidence Analysis to the Investigation of the Killing of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro
Authors: Lombardi G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In May 1978 the body of the kidnapped Italian Prime Minister, murdered by the Red Brigades, was found in a car parked in the center of Rome. This paper discusses the findings from the investigations conducted on the evidence found on Mr. Moro's clothes, shoes (beach sand, bitumen, vegetals and polyester fragments), and on the car. To get a comprehensive picture of the characteristics of the various pieces of evidence, use was made of a multiple-technique approach. The sand was identified as coming from the seashore close to Rome. A tract of shore with a limited number of roads leading to the beach was defined as compatible with the textural and compositional characteristics of the sand. The study of the vegetal fragmenta suggested that they had been picked up in a period of time close to the killing. Thermosetting polyester, of the type used in boat manufacturing was found under the fenders, in the tires and inside the car, as well as under Mr. Moro's shoes, supporting proximity of a beach. Pollen analysis showed that adhesion of volcanic soil to the car fenders antedated adhesion of the sand.
Using an Alternate Light Source to Restore Writing
Authors: Leaver WL , Smith JW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This case report will describe the method by which writing that was washed off a bathroom wall was restored. The writing was recovered using an Alternate Light Source. The vehicle/carrier of the removed ink reacted to the ALS but no reaction resulted from infrared examination. The examiners were able to make a permanent record of the lost writing through photographic methods.