bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Forensic Analyses of Debris from the Fatal Explosion of a “Cold Fusion” Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Grant PM , Whipple RE , Andresen BD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Selected components of explosion debris from the SRI International incident of January 2, 1992 were subjected to forensic analyses to elucidate potential causes of, or contributing factors to, the explosion. Interrogation of the debris encompassed nuclear, chemical, physical, and materials investigations.
Nuclear studies for the determination of tritium and neutron-activation products in stainless steel and brass were conducted. No evidence for signature species indicative of orthodox nuclear events was detected. The inorganic and particulate analyses were likewise negative with respect to residues of unexpected chemical species. Such target compounds included conventional explosives, accelerants, propellants, or any exceptional industrial chemicals.
Materials characterization identified the type of stainless steel used in the manufacture of the electrolytic cell as one relatively high in Mo concentration, probably type 316. Metallurgical analyses of the cell vessel wall and its detached base provided no evidence of corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement, leaving only ductile failure of the weld as contributing to the incident. The weld was found to have missed the center-line of the step joint, and the average penetration of the weld was measured to be 54%.
The GC-MS analyses of trace organic components in the explosion debris provided a most interesting result. Although no evidence of organic explosives, oxidizers, or other unusual compounds was detected, the presence of an organic oil in the interior of the electrochemical cell was established. It is likely that the source of this oil was lubricating fluid from machining the metal cell components. If residues of hydrocarbon oils are present during “cold fusion” experiments, the potential exists for an explosive reaction in the enriched oxygen atmosphere within the pressurized headspace of an electrolytic cell. It is possible that the oxidation of organic oil contributed to the total energy inventory, and perhaps the initiation, of the subject explosion.
In Situ Detection and Identification of Trace Explosives by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Cheng C , Kirkbride TE , Batchelder DN , Lacey RJ , Sheldon TG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The innovative design of the newly developed Renishaw Raman Microscope system and its application to the in situ detection and identification of plastic explosives contained in fingerprint samples are presented. Raman microscopy is a nondestructive inspection method. Our experimental results show that Raman spectra and Raman band images can be obtained from explosive particles as small as 1 µm3 in size or 1 picogram in mass. After exploring the full potential of the Raman microscopic technique, the aim of this research is to develop a real-time and field-deployable plastic explosive detection system.
Medical Examiner/Death Investigator Training Requirements in State Medical Examiner Systems
Authors: Prahlow JA , Lantz PE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Comprehensive and properly performed investigation of suspicious, unusual, unnatural, and various natural deaths is necessary to maintain the health, safety, and well-being of society as a whole. Adequate investigation requires the combined efforts and cooperation of law-enforcement and other public-service agencies, medical professionals, and those within the forensic community. As such, the “death investigator” plays a crucial role in the investigation process. These front-line investigators, whether they be coroners, medical examiners, physicians, other medical professionals, or lay-people, are required to make important decisions which have far-reaching consequences on how death investigation cases proceed. Death investigation practices vary greatly among medico-legal jurisdictions. A recent publication has categorized state death investigation systems by type of system. In an attempt to better delineate death investigation practices with specific regard to investigators' training and continuing education requirements, we surveyed the 20 systems categorized as state medical examiner systems and the five states with combined state medical examiner and county coroner/medical examiner systems. We present our findings and make recommendations which address the attributes and deficiencies of current death investigation practices.
Fatal Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Pediatric Oral Surgical Procedure
Authors: Lifschultz BD , Kenney JP , Sturgis CD , Donoghue ER 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Deaths during dental and oral surgical procedures may lead to litigation alleging malpractice. For this reason, and because of their sudden and unexpected nature, they often come to the attention of forensic pathologists. We review the clinical and anatomic findings of a 3-year-old boy who expired following an oral surgical procedure in the temporomandibular region. During the operation, perforation of the base of the skull occurred causing laceration of a branch of the middle meningeal artery and fatal subdural and epidural bleeding.
Homicide Facilitated by Inhalation of Chloroform
Authors: Nashelsky MB , Dix JD , Adelstein EH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Three related homicides in which each decedent had significant concentrations of chloroform in blood, fat, brain and/or liver are described. The tissue concentrations of chloroform in one of three decedents were within reported lethal ranges. The concentrations in the remaining two decedents were less than lethal but were well above blood levels in nonoccupationally exposed, healthy subjects. The cause of death in one decedent with sublethal chloroform concentrations was suffocation; the cause of death in the other decedent could not be determined with certainty. The manner of death in each case was homicide. Through a review of the literature the authors discuss the history of chloroform as an inhalation anesthetic and the history of chloroform as an agent of abuse, suicide, assault, and homicide. Blood and/or tissue concentrations of chloroform in nonoccupationally exposed, healthy subjects and victims of suicide or homicide from previous reports are compared and contrasted with the amounts in blood and/or tissue in the three subjects described in this study. The authors conclude that, in addition to a direct lethal effect, chloroform may be used to incapacitate a victim of assault who then dies by another cause.
A Review of Introduction to Forensic Engineering
Authors: Batterman SC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Forensic Engineering is a burgeoning field in the United States and elsewhere with specialized courses appearing in the engineering curricula at several colleges and universities. Unfortunately, this short book of 200 text pages organized into 21 chapters, does not capture the essence of this exciting and rapidly expanding field. To be sure, the book does contain some useful information but it is not a general treatment where a novice could learn something without prior background or exposure. This reviewer also feels an incorrect impression is created by entirely focusing attention on after-the-fact investigations (Monday morning quarterbacking) of accidents or failures with no attention devoted to the very significant role of forensic engineering in accident and injury prevention through effective design. The book appears to be merely a soiree of the author's excursions into forensic engineering through his consulting company. Furthermore, only very few scientific references are given although the number of topics treated is large.
Forensic DNA Testing on Skeletal Remains from Mass Graves: A Pilot Project in Guatemala
Authors: Boles TC , Snow CC , Stover E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A reliable method for extracting DNA from teeth was developed and successfully applied to a set of 12 skeletons recovered from two 10-year-old Guatemalan mass graves. Attempts to identify the remains by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing were hampered by low sequence diversity. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using DNA typing to identify victims from mass graves.
Carbon Monoxide-Related Deaths from 1984 to 1993 in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Risser D , Schneider B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs frequently in industrialized countries. Between 1970 and 1978 in Vienna, the capital of Austria, carbon-monoxide-rich coal gas was replaced with natural gas. Despite this fact, people still die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. The main purpose of this study was to determine the reasons for unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths, and further to describe the epidemiology of these fatal poisonings in Vienna between 1984 and 1993. A secondary purpose was to investigate whether intentional carbon monoxide poisoning still plays a role among suicides as was the case up to the 1970s. For this purpose we analyzed carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna from 1984 to 1993, based on actual autopsy reports of postmortems performed at the Viennese Institute of Forensic Medicine. Deaths due to fire were excluded. The main reason for unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna between 1984 and 1993 was flueless gas-fueled water heating appliances, overused especially by old people during the cold period of the year. The frequency of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in 1993 was almost as high as in 1984. A total of 53% of deceased persons were over age 60. Most fatal carbon monoxide poisoning occurred during the cold period of the year. Suicides decreased significantly during the investigation period. In 76% of these deaths car exhaust fumes were inhaled, especially by men. In conclusion, we recommend programs to prevent unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths. These programs should especially target the elderly. Flueless gas boilers should not be overused. Furthermore, apartments should be aired sufficiently, even during the cold period of the year. Finally, homeowners should have gas appliances checked annually for proper functioning. It would be best to eliminate flueless gas-fueled water heaters as soon as possible.
Forensic Implications of Biochemical Differences Among Geographic Populations of the Black Blow Fly, Phormia regina (Meigen)
Authors: Byrne AL , Camann MA , Cyr TL , Catts EP , Espelie KE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons were extracted from individual adult blow flies from three geographic populations of PHormia regina from areas near Tucannon River and Lyle Grove, Washington, and from Rensselaer, Indiana. The individual extracts were subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 22 hydrocarbons were identified. Discriminant analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles separated the flies according both to location and gender. These results have potential forensic applications in the determination of corpse relocation and in the study of the population ecology of species and populations.
Does Drug Abuse Lead to Criminal Behavior? An Analysis Based on Criminal Registers of 117 Drug-Related Deaths, Examined in 1992 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Risser D , Bönsch A , Schneider B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
That there is a link between drug abuse and criminal behavior has been established. However, explaining the nature of this relationship has proven difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the traditional view that drug abuse leads to future criminal behavior holds true in case of the drug-related deaths examined in 1992 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Vienna, Austria. For this purpose postmortem reports and criminal registers of 117 drug-related deaths were analyzed. A total of 43% of the examined sample had no criminal register. Regarding age at time of death there was no difference between those with or without a criminal register. A total of 57% had at least one conviction. A minority committed about one third of offenses. Property offenses were the most frequent type. Those who started their criminal history with a property offense were younger at time of first conviction and committed more offenses during their life. In summary, the traditional view that drug abuse leads to future criminal behavior does not seem to hold true in case of the drug-related deaths examined in 1992 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Vienna, Austria. The results of this retrospective study speak in favor of a view that drug abuse may be a part of contemporary delinquent behavior, rather than the cause of criminality.
Postmortem Drug Metabolism by Bacteria
Authors: Robertson MD , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Studies were undertaken to determine the possible role of enteric bacteria in the postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam. Flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam were completely metabolized in blood in the presence of eight species of enteric bacteria to their respective 7-amino-metabolites. The rates of metabolism, at 37°C, ranged from 0.1 ng/mL/min for Streptococcus faecalis to 8.8 ng/mL/min for Clostridium perfringens. The rate of conversion was reduced to 87% by a combination of 0.7% (w/v) sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, and almost completely inhibited (96%) by 1% (w/v) sodium fluoride. pH had variable effects on the rate of metabolic bioconversion of nitrobenzodiazepines, while increasing temperatures were found to generally increase the rate of nitrobenzodiazepine bioconversion. These data support the proposal that bacteria may mediate postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines.
Cocaine, Opiates, and Ethanol in Homicides in New York City: 1990 and 1991
Authors: Tardiff K , Marzuk PM , Leon AC , Hirsch CS , Stajić M , Portera L , Hartwell N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Studies using medical examiner cases are useful in monitoring drug use in special populations. This study assesses the presence of cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE), opiates and ethanol in all homicide victims who were injured and who survived two hours or less after injury in 1990 and 1991 in New York City. There were 2824 homicides in the study period and cocaine and/or BE were found in 884 (31.3%) of cases. In over half of the cases positive for cocaine/BE, ethanol or opiates were found. African-Americans and Latinos were much more likely than whites or Asians to be positive for cocaine/BE. There were no differences between men and women in regard to being positive for cocaine/BE. Cocaine/BE was most frequently identified among victims 25 to 44 years of age. Males were more likely to be positive for ethanol. There were no differences among age groups or ethnic groups in regard to ethanol except for a very low ethanol incidence among Asians. Victims positive for cocaine/BE were more likely to be killed with firearms in open places. The percentage of victims positive for cocaine/BE remains approximately that found by other studies in the late 1980s, however, the percentage of opiate-positive homicides seems to be increasing. Opiates usually were found with cocaine/BE. Two-thirds of the cocaine and/or BE positive cases had cocaine present, thus they were under the influence of the drug at the time they were injured. The authors discuss how the use of cocaine, ethanol and opiates may be related to one's becoming a homicide victim.
Synthesis and Characterization of the 2,3-Methylenedioxyamphetamines
Authors: Casale JF , Hays PA , Klein RFX 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Synthetic methods and spectroscopic and chromatographic data are provided for four 2,3-methylenedioxyamphetamines (2,3-MDA, N-methyl-2,3-MDA, N-ethyl-2,3-MDA and N,N-dimethyl-2,3-MDA). These compounds are aromatic positional isomers of the corresponding 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines, which are well known, widely abused central nervous system stimulants with euphoric properties. Direct spectroscopic and chromatographic comparisons of the two isomeric series indicate that the 2,3-MDA's may be easily and unambiguously differentiated from the corresponding 3,4-MDA's via standard analytical methodologies.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Typing of DNA Extracted from Nasal Secretions
Authors: Tahir MA , Caruso JF , Hamby PP , Sovinski SM , Tahir UA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of blood, semen, and other body fluids, has become increasingly important in violent criminal cases. The identification of additional tissues suitable for comparison with suspected donors has obvious potential benefit. One type of tissue, that found in nasal secretions, has previously received little attention with regards to genetic analysis. We collected blood and nasal secretion samples from eight individuals, subjected them to traditional RFLP typing methods, and analyzed the results using probes for loci D2S44, D1S7, D10S28, D4S139, and D17S79. All nasal samples provided high DNA yields and hybridization results that matched the corresponding blood standards. Thus, nasal secretions are shown to have potentially significant evidentiary value.
Identification and Quantitation of Norcocaine in Illicit Cocaine Samples
Authors: Kumar A , Kiser WO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A gas chromatographic method for determining norcocaine concentration in cocaine powder is presented. The lower detection limit was 0.01%. GC/MS was used to confirm the presence of norcocaine. Norcocaine concentrations in 170 of 198 illicit cocaine samples tested ranged from 0.01% to 3.70%, with an average of 0.54%. Norcocaine was not detected in 28 of the 198 samples.
Viscosity Comparisons of Polydimethylsiloxane Lubricants in Latex Condom Brands via Fourier Self-Deconvolution of their FT-IR Spectra
Authors: Blackledge RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Many brands of latex condoms use a polydimethylsiloxane lubricant. The lubricant viscosity in ten different brands was compared by determining the average chain length through the ratio of the dimethyl to trimethyl peak area obtained after applying the resolution enhancement technique of Fourier self-deconvolution to their diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectra in the area around 800 cm−1.
Sensitive Detection of Strychnine in Biological Samples by Gas Chromatography with Surface Ionization Detection
Authors: Ishii A , Hattori H , Seno H , Kumazawa T , Suzuki O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Strychnine was found measurable with high sensitivity by gas chromatography (GC) with surface ionization detection (SID) and using brucine as the internal standard. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 62.5 to 1000 pg, on column. The detection limit of strychnine was about 50 pg on column (2.5 ng/mL sample); the sensitivity was 70 times higher than that reported by high-performance liquid chromatography. A detailed procedure for extraction of strychnine from human whole blood and urine was established using Sep-Pak C18 cartridges; the recovery of strychnine and brucine, which had been spiked in both body fluids, was about 90%.
A Fatality and the American Mountain Lion: Bite Mark Analysis and Profile of the Offending Lion
Authors: Rollins CE , Spencer DE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Attacks on humans by mountain lions have been infrequent in the history of the United States. Of the 64 authenticated attacks since 1890 in North America, there have been 13 fatalities. This paper reports a case of an adult mountain lion which attacked and killed a female jogger during the spring of 1994 in California. The lion left an imprint of its teeth on the victim's chin. The authors used this bite mark to aid authorities in profiling the approximate age and gender of the attacking animal. The authors subsequently utilized bite mark analysis to establish that the lion actually responsible for the attack had been removed from the area.
Sexual Asphyxiation: An Unusual Case Involving Four Male Adolescents
Authors: Burch PM , Case MES , Turgeon R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of sexual asphyxiation is described involving children, adolescent males, homosexuality and two bizarre strangulations.
Two adolescent males (ages 13 & 10) initially engaged in homosexual activity in conjunction with sexual asphyxiation. This unusual activity was by chance observed by one of the boy's younger brother and his friend. The younger children (aged 7 & 8) expressed a desire to join in the activity, which they did by letting ligatures be tied around their necks and engaging in anal intercourse to the point of fatal asphyxiation.
This case is of interest in the reported way the younger boys discovered the practice (a sexually explicit magazine) and is unusual because of the young ages of the boys involved.
Detection of Drugs-of-Abuse in Meconium of a Stillborn Baby and in Stool of a Deceased 41-Day-Old Infant
Authors: Moriya F , Chan K-M , Noguchi TT , Parnassus WN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
When blood or urine is unavailable, postmortem meconium or stool from infants or stillbirths can be used to detect drugs-of-abuse, thus providing datum in assessing drug-abuse exposure.
Two case reports illustrate how drugs-of-abuse findings in postmortem specimens were used to substantiate exposure prior to death or a history of maternal drug abuse. The first, a congenital hydrocephalus, born to a non-drug abusing mother, expired at the age of 41 days, had opiates in the stool by screening method, enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique, confirmed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis. Investigation revealed that morphine had been administered for three days prior to death. The second was a stillbirth infant born to a drug abuser. Almost equal amounts of benzoylecgonine were found in different bowel segments, a finding consistent with admitted cocaine use throughout pregnancy.
D1S80 Typing of DNA from Simulated Forensic Specimens
Authors: Baechtel FS , Presley KW , Smerick JB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The reliability of a D1S80 typing procedure has been evaluated using simulated forensic specimens. D1S80 alleles were detectable in DNA recovered from bloodstains exposed to sunlight for up to 20 weeks. However, D1S80 alleles were undetectable in semen stains after six weeks sunlight exposure. Analysis of blood and semen that had been deposited on a variety of substrates and examined over a twenty-week period, revealed no systematic influence of substrate on the ability to type D1S80. A study in which body fluids were exposed to household chemical substances, such as bleach, acids, oil, and gasoline, indicated that only HCI and bleach had a deleterious effect on the ability to type D1S80. In addition, personal care chemical products were without effect on D1S80 allele patterns derived from semen. Exposure of blood and semen to four different species of microorganisms resulted in no alteration of D1S80 genotype patterns in these body fluids. D1S80 genotypes could be reliably determined even when body fluids from different individuals were mixed. DNA from no animals other than humans and higher primates could be amplified at locus D1S80 when the DNA had been isolated through an organic procedure.
These studies, in concert with the reports of others, indicate that the procedures for the amplification and detection of genetic variation at locus D1S80 are suitable for use on forensic evidentiary materials.