bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Postmortem Interval by Arthropod Succession: A Case Study from the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Goff ML , Flynn MM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A postmortem interval of 34 to 36 days was established for remains recovered on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, based on interpretations of patterns of arthropod succession on the remains. This interval was primarily based on the presence of adult specimens of Philonthus longicornis (family Staphylinidae), mature larvae of Piophila casei (family Piophilidae), and empty puparial cases of Chrysomya rufifacies (family Calliphoridae). Species and developmental stages of two additional Coleoptera species and three additional Diptera species were also present, which was consistent with the estimated interval, although not definitive.
A Review of Criminalistics—An Introduction to Forensic Science, Fourth Edition
Authors: Bridgemon RR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Dr. Saferstein's Criminalistics has remained perhaps the best introductory textbook on this field since it was first published 13 years ago. It successfully outlines techniques utilized by the modern crime laboratory in terms those with no background can follow. It has becn especially useful in allowing members of the criminal justice system to understand the language, capabilities, and limitations of the field. Its clear and simple style of presentation provides good review material for the new criminalist preparing for court testimony.
Poppy Seed Ingestion as a Contributing Factor to Opiate-Positive Urinalysis Results: The Pacific Perspective
Authors: Selavka CM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The possible contribution of poppy seed foods to positive opiate urinalysis results, especially from foods available in the Pacific Rim area, has recently become an issue for the U.S. Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory in Hawaii. To assess the likelihood of this possible contribution, seven different poppy seed food products were consumed by male and female volunteers, and urine specimens were collected at time increments up to either 24 or 72 h. Specimens were evaluated for opiates using Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (RIA), and all RIA positive specimens were analyzed for morphine and codeine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Poppy seed cake, bagels, muffins, and rolls did not contain sufficient quantities of poppy seeds to give rise to opiate positive specimens by U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) GC-MS cutoff levels (morphine = 4000 ng/mL, codeine = 2000 ng/mL), although a number of specimens were positive by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cutoff levels (morphine and codeine = 300 ng/mL). However, ingestion of poppy seed streusel or Danish pastry led to confirmed morphine and codeine positive specimens, irrespective of the use of DOD or NIDA confirmation cutoff values. In addition, significant amounts of codeine were observed in a number of these specimens. These findings argue against the unqualified application of previously published quantitative guidelines for eliminating poppy seed ingestion as a possible cause for a positive opiate urinalysis result.
Interpretation of Unusual Wounds Caused by Firearms
Authors: Stone IC , Petty CS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The interpretation of the range of fire of gunshot wounds requires coordination of information and observations from the autopsy surgeon, scene investigator, and laboratory analyst. Opinions based on incomplete information often lead to misinterpretation of the wound. The effects of interposed targets such as clothing, windows, and body parts are discussed. Case examples are given for interposed targets that cause confusing patterns and even lead to misidentification of the points of entrance and exit of the projectile in the body. The splitting of tissue in areas of bony prominence can be mistaken for evidence of discharge of a firearm at close range.
Alcohol Addiction of Methamphetamine Abusers in Japan
Authors: Yamamura T , Hisida S , Hatake K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fifty-eight methamphetamine (MAMP) abusers were surveyed to demonstrate the types and nature of MAMP abuse. In-depth interviews using psychophysiological techniques assessed the subjects to be truthful or deceptive about their abuse histories. Research diagnostic criteria determined the subjects clinical symptoms. The results show that three factors characterize MAMP abuse: significant correlation was found between the years of abuse; the manifestation of somatic or mental disorders or both, and alcohol (Alc) addiction. MAMP abusers who were nondrinkers or light drinkers developed a tendency to dislike Alc after MAMP abuse, while there was no change in Alc consumption in heavy drinkers.
The findings suggest that the combined abuse of MAMP and Alc aggravates somatic and mental disorders and that Alc plays an important role in the fatal effect of MAMP, especially from small doses. This provides support for the synergistic effects between MAMP and Alc. Coadministration of MAMP and Alc appears to produce long-acting and more complicated changes in the brain's neurotransmitter function.
An Evaluation of the Use of Laser-Induced Infrared Luminescence to Differentiate Writing Inks
Authors: Horton RA , Nelson LK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An examination of 56 inks with an argon-ion laser revealed the laser will sometimes stimulate infrared luminescence in inks which did not produce infrared luminescence under the video spectral comparator (VSC-1). This infrared luminescence was always at a higher range (usually 830 to 900 nm) than that found under the VSC-1. This indicates that laser-induced infrared luminescence may be a useful tool in differentiating between inks which otherwise appear similar.
A Sensitive Electrochemical Method for the Analysis of Nitrite Ion and Metals in Gunshot Residue
Authors: Bohannan EW , Van Galen DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method for the analysis of nitrite ion and metals in a single gunshot residue sample using electrochemical methods of detection is described. In this method, nitrite ion present in the sample is chemically converted to a diazonium ion, which is then detected by differential pulse voltammetry. The peak current for the reduction of the diazonium ion is proportional to the nitrite concentration up to 400 ppb nitrite (r = 0.9995), with an absolute detection limit of 0.01 μg nitrite. Lead ion present in the gunshot residue sample is detected in the same voltammetric scan, and antimony is subsequently detected by anodic stripping voltammetry. The method has been successfully applied to a number of samples obtained in test firings.
Chemical Analysis of Macromolecular Particles Using Two-Dimensional High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Illustrated by Polymeric Automobile Direction Indicator Lenses (DILs)
Authors: Kretschmer K , Helbig W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Through the combined application of size-exclusion and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (off-line coupling), it is possible to analyze fragments of automobile direction indicator lenses (DILs) of differing origin for their content of low-molecular-weight substances or their subpolymeric components.
Because of their two-dimensional nature and the application of in-series detector combinations, the chromatograms have a high resolution and contain a host of analytically relevant data.
The material required is in the microgram range.
Analysis of Single Polymer Fibers by Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy: The Results of Case Studies
Authors: Tungol MW , Montaser A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Infrared (IR) microscopic analysis was performed in tandem with traditional techniques of fiber analysis in case studies in order to determine the feasibility of IR microscopy as a routine technique for fiber analysis. All fibers which were comparable by visual, optical microscopy were also found to be comparable by IR microscopy. Several minor spectral differences between comparable fibers were encountered. The sources of these spectral differences fell into three major categories: (1) interference fringes, (2) contaminants, and (3) pressure effects due to sample preparation. The utility of a computerized spectral library of fibers for the identification of generic class and subclass was evaluated. Sheath and core bicomponent fibers were also examined along with a new type of poly(benzimidazole) (PBI), a high-performance fiber.
Turpentine in Arson Analysis
Authors: Trimpe MA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Arson analysts have always struggled with the problem of finding turpentine in debris from suspicious fires. Is it manufactured turpentine or the natural product of wood? Two research projects are presented as one analyst's approach to this problem. First, in arson cases in which oleoresin was found, the species of woods were identified by microscopy. A softwood was identified in each of these cases, and 60% of the woods identified were yellow pine. Second, known samples of wood were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and their constituents were compared with turpentine. Some hardwoods contained terpenes, but these would not be confused with turpentine during routine arson analysis.
Findings in Newborns of Cocaine-Abusing Mothers
Authors: Rogers C , Hall J , Muto J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cocaine has recently been shown to affect the outcome of pregnancy when taken by pregnant women. The authors measured fetal concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine and reviewed autopsy and historical data for 62 successive infants who died at less than two days of age and were seen at the Los Angeles County Office of the Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner. Of 43 infants without an obvious cause of death at autopsy, cocaine or benzoylecgonine or both were present in 40%. None of the parameters studied predicted which infants would show cocaine or benzoylecgonine. We conclude that cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations should be measured on all infants who die at less than two days of age when the cause of death is not evident at gross autopsy.
Combined Information from Retardation Factor (Rf) Values and Color Reactions on the Plate Greatly Enhances the Identification Power of Thin-Layer Chromatography in Systematic Toxicological Analysis
Authors: Hegge HFJ , Piet Franke J , de Zeeuw RA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A numerical color coding system has been developed to describe the colors of spots obtained after using location reagents in thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This system makes color reactions on the plate amenable to computer handling, so that the retardation factor (Rf) values plus color reactions can be used for identification of unknown substances in toxicological analysis. It is based on a series of four color reactions carried out in sequence on the same plate, and encoding of the observed color is done by means of a wheel of reference colors. The combined information of Rf values plus color reactions resulted in an eightfold increase in identification power in comparison with the information provided by the Rf value alone. Moreover, a single TLC system now provides a three- to four-times higher identification power than a single gas chromatography system like OV-1. The identification power of TLC can be enhanced even further by running two or more systems in parallel.
Toxicological Findings in Federal Aviation Administration General Aviation Accidents
Authors: Kuhlman JJ , Levine B , Smith ML , Hordinsky JR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood, urine, and tissue specimens were received from 377 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation fatalities during fiscal year 1989. Carbon monoxide at less than 10% saturation was found in 94% of the cases, and cyanide at less than 0.5 mg/L was found in 96% of the cases. Ethanol at greater than 10 mg/dL was found in 14.8% of the cases, but only 4.5% were determined to be due to ethanol ingestion from toxicological findings. Excluding nicotine and ethanol, 12.6% of the cases were positive for one or more drugs. Acetaminophen and salicylate were the most frequently found drugs. Cannabinoids were found in 1.3% of the cases and benzoylecgonine in 1.6%. There was minimal use of therapeutic drugs that cause central nervous system depression or stimulation. These results show no consistent pattern of drug involvement in civilian aviation fatalities.
Radiographic Demonstration of Esophageal and Tracheal Fistulas at Autopsy Using a Contrasting Medium That Vulcanizes at Room Temperature
Authors: Karhunen PJ , Lalu K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Esophageal and tracheal fistulas, which occur in 0.05% of medicolegal autopsies, were demonstrated in three cases by a postmortem radiographic technique using silicone rubber/lead oxide as a contrasting medium that vulcanizes at room temperature. In one 83-year-old male, a tracheoesophageal fistula was detected, which had developed after surgical repair of an esophageal rupture caused by a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. In a second case, carcinoma of the esophagus in a 78-year-old male had eroded the trachea and arcus of the aorta creating a fatal tracheoesophagoaortic fistula. In a third case, 55-year-old female developed a tracheobrachiocephalic artery fistula as a result of an infiltrating cystic adenocarcinoma of the trachea, resulting in a fatal hemorrhage into the trachea.
The results of this study indicate that diagnostic radiologic methods using a vulcanized contrasting medium are useful in supplementing normal dissection in autopsy cases with suspected fistulas of the esophagus or trachea.
Some Separations of Black and Red Water-Soluble Fiber-Tip Pen Inks by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis and Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Fanali S , Schudel M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Capillary zone electrophoresis was tried for analyzing water-soluble fiber-tip pen inks from documents. The separation process for the compounds—most of them move as anions—is usually less than 10 min. Some examples of possible applications, also combined with thin-layer chromatography, are given.
Death Following Crude Oil Aspiration
Authors: Angeles Rodriguez M , del Carmen Martinez M , Martinez-Ruiz D , Paz Giménez M , Menéndez M , Repetto M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This is a report on three deaths following oil aspiration by workers in petrol tankers. Lung aspiration was demonstrated by the presence of a yellowish-brown material in the alveolar spaces, which was difficult to identify by optic microscopy. Volatile hydrocarbons from petroleum were identified in lung samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Trace Analysis of Explosives from Complex Mixtures with Sample Pretreatment and Selective Detection
Authors: Kolla P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The analysis of explosive traces in different samples from criminal investigations is described. An important step for the analysis is sample preparation with solid-phase extraction. The analytical procedure is preferably performed with gas chromatography and nitro/nitroso-specific detection. The commercially available detection unit was modified. Possible solutions for the confirmation of the identity of an explosive trace are outlined.
An Experimental Field Protocol for Investigating the Postmortem Interval Using Multidisciplinary Indicators
Authors: Schoenly K , Griest K , Rhine S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This article proposes an experimental field protocol for investigating the postmortem interval using specially designed apparatus and human and pig cadavers. We further propose that this goal can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary group, comprised of forensic entomologists, pathologists, and anthropologists. The apparatus and collecting methods described by the authors establish the means by which data can be collected on several fronts simultaneously: the sequential arrival and variety of insects in the decay process, the character and manner of soft tissue decomposition, the sequence and nature of bone exposure and order of disarticulation of skeletal remains, and the influence of climate and season on decay rates and anthropod succession. A central feature of this protocol involves the construction and use of a dual-functioning insect trap that allows separate but simultaneous capture of arriving and emerging populations while successional and decompositional processes of the cadaver are left intact. Results of trap performance tests in an arid climate and preliminary arthropod data collected from field-exposed pig carcasses are presented. The use of this protocol could provide important and badly needed baseline data for both medical investigators and law enforcement personnel, information that is critical to understanding the causes, manner, and time of death, which the law requires to be ascertained.
Fatal Accidents on Glaciers: Forensic, Criminological, and Glaciological Conclusions
Authors: Ambach E , Tributsch W , Henn R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The rare event of a corpse immersed in glacier ice becoming exposed on a glacier surface is closely connected with the glaciological conditions at the scene and the site of the accident. Provided that the time since death is known, certain questions relative to the circumstances of a mountain accident can only be answered by considering glaciological aspects. How the scene of an accident can be reconstructed by inference from the site of discovery is discussed by means of three exemplary cases that occurred on Tyrolean glaciers (Austria) during the past 40 years: (1) Two corpses were discovered close above the equilibrium line in the accumulation area after 25 years. The two victims had fallen down a rock face after the breaking off of a cornice and had come to rest in the uppermost part of the accumulation area. (2) A victim was discovered in the lower ablation area 8 years after falling down a crevasse in the middle part of the ablation area. (3) A female alpinist was discovered at the very end of the glacier after 29 years; it was concluded that the accident must have happened in the accumulation area.
Sudden Death Due to Streptococcal Infection
Authors: Hartsough AB , Henry TE , Parks BO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sudden unexpected deaths form a large population of medical examiner caseloads. Presented are the clinical, pathologic, and virulence features of sudden death due to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Emphasis is placed on the importance of post-mortem cultures. Case histories are included to illustrate the sometimes unusual presentation of this disease. Recent publicity has led to a heightened public awareness of this unusually virulent entity.
A Study of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Four Presumptive Tests for Blood
Authors: Cox M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this work was to conduct a comparative study of the sensitivity and specificity of phenolphthalein, tetramethylbenzidine, leucomalachite green, and orthotolidine as presumptive tests for blood. The findings of this study indicate that the phenolphthalein and the leucomalachite green tests are the most specific and that the tetramethylbenzidine and orthotolidine tests are the most sensitive of the group. The author concludes that the phenolphthalein test is the best single test for evaluating suspected bloodstains.
Effect of Posthypnotic Suggestions on the Accuracy of Preemployment Polygraph Testing
Authors: Timm HW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The efficacy of both a posthypnotic polygraph countermeasure suggestion and a posthypnotic ideomotor lie detection suggestion were examined within an analog preemployment screening context. Forty-five subjects were randomly assigned to one of three equalsized groups, controlling for their performance on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility: Form A. Subjects assigned to one of the groups received the posthypnotic suggestion that the subject's index finger would rise whenever he or she lied during the polygraph test; subjects in another group were given a posthypnotic countermeasure designed to help them appear innocent whenever they lied; and those in the third group were not given either hypnotic intervention. None of the subjects given the ideomotor suggestion raised his or her finger when he or she lied during the polygraph test. The countermeasure suggestion also was ineffective, as was demonstrated by its failure to produce significantly more false negative responses.
Pellet Patterns Produced by Remington Multirange Duplex Shotshells
Authors: Provost EL , Rich BE , Rowe WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Remington and Federal ammunition manufacturers now offer shotshells that contain more than one pellet size. The purpose of these shotshells is to provide a brushcutting, multirange capability for the hunter. Remington Multirange Duplex shotshells containing No. 2 and No. 6 birdshot were fired from a 12-gauge shotgun at paper targets at ranges of 3.0, 6.1, 9.1, and 12.2 m (10, 20, 30, and 40 ft, respectively). The sizes of the shot patterns produced by the Duplex shotshells (determined as the square root of the area of the smallest rectangle that would just enclose the shot pattern) were compared with patterns fired at the same ranges using Remington No. 2 and No. 6 birdshot cartridges. The sizes of the pellet patterns produced by the Duplex shotshells were similar to those produced by the No. 6 birdshot shotshells at the same ranges. Examination of the pellet patterns produced by the Duplex shotshells revealed that the patterns consisted of No. 6 birdshot patterns superimposed on smaller No. 2 birdshot patterns.
External Beveling of Cranial Gunshot Entrance Wounds
Authors: Peterson BL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Entrance gunshot wounds of the skull generally have internal beveling. External beveling has been previously described in association with internal beveling (keyhole defect) and with wounds from handgun projectiles. An accidental shooting is described in which a 22-year-old male sustained a perforating gunshot wound of the head at distant range from a 5.56-mm (.223-caliber) fully jacketed rifle round. Although the entrance wound had symmetrical external beveling, misinterpretation of this particular entrance wound as an exit wound would have been difficult.
Investigation of Death Through Body Writing: A Case Study
Authors: Taylor LL , Hnilica V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Various surfaces or substrates are often encountered in the examination of questioned writing; however, no writing is more interesting than that found on the human body nor more challenging when the writing in question is linked to a death investigation. The body of an 18-year-old male was brought to the State Crime Laboratory, Little Rock, Arkansas, with a gunshot wound to the head and several messages written on his arms and chest. This paper will discuss the examination of evidence used to determine the manner of death through a cooperative effort between the Medical Examiner's Section and the Questioned Document Section of the Crime Laboratory.