bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suicide Using a Hand Grenade
Authors: Siciliano C , Costantinides F , Bernasconi P , Nunno ND 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The authors describe an unusual case of suicide that required particular attention to establish whether the victim was murdered, was preparing a terrorist attack or had committed suicide. Examination of the corpse and the crime scene, as well as testimonies, led the authors to determine the real cause of death, namely, an unusual method of suicide.
Physical and Chemical Evidence Remaining After the Explosion of Large Improvised Bombs. Part 1: Firings of Ammonium Nitrate/Sugar and Urea Nitrate
Authors: Phillips SA , Lowe A , Marshall M , Hubbard P , Burmeister SG , Williams DR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Recent criminal acts in the United Kingdom, United States and other countries have demonstrated the dangers to public safety from the criminal use of improvised explosives on a large scale. Four sets of trials were carried out over four years, partly in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, involving the firing of large bombs, mostly fertilizer based. The principal objectives of the firings were to measure the physical effects of the explosions upon objects representative of those that would be found at a real bomb scene and to recover any chemical traces deposited on these objects. The results are intended for use as an aid in determining the approximate size and type of an explosive employed in a terrorist attack. This paper describes the background behind the trials, the procedures for preparation of witness materials and charges, and the collection and analysis of physical and chemical evidence.
The Chain Saw: An Uncommon Means of Committing Suicide
Authors: Campman SC , Springer FA , Henrikson DM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A suicide committed with a power saw is an uncommonly reported incident; and the use of a chain saw in particular has been extremely rare. We report two cases of suicide that were committed by using chain saws. In each case the victim had a history of depression or of a prior suicide attempt, and applied the chain saw to his neck to kill himself. We summarize the findings of the two death investigations and the world literature pertaining to suicide committed with power saws.
The Postmortem Fate of Pat Gregory: A Disinterred Native American
Authors: Murad TA , Murad TD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In late June 1990, the Mono County Sheriff's Department in Bridgeport, CA contacted the Physical Anthropology Human Identification Laboratory (PAHIL) at California State University, Chico to seek assistance in the identification of a recently discovered skull.
To assist with possible identification, the cranium received a classic physical anthropological/morphological analysis to suggest the decedent's sex, age at death, ancestral affiliation, and uniqueness. It was concluded the cranium was that of an older male, and someone with mixed ancestry, probably Native American/White. Suggested uniquenesses were an eroded and greasy texture, with adhering white sand, evidence of healed antemortem nasal fractures, and a bifid left occipital condyle.
The cranium was confiscated from a man suspected of vandalizing a Native American cemetery just south of the community of Lee Vining. The cemetery was established in the mid-1800's by local Native American tribes. Although ownership of the land was disputed by the US Forest Service (the Inyo National Forest), and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), county authorities claimed that because the incident involved the desecration of a cemetery and human remains, it was a legal issue, and therefore, the Sheriff's Department had jurisdiction over the case if not the land.
The suspect pled guilty to the possession of Native American remains but claimed not to have desecrated a grave. Over the next year and a half, members of the Native American community representing various tribes sought the return of the cranium, while also seeking assurance that it belonged to the vandalized grave. While county, US Forest Service, and LADWP officials continued to argue over whom had jurisdiction of the remains the superior court judge ordered the county to pay for any analysis necessary to determine if the cranium belonged to the decedent in question. This report addresses the conclusions of that analysis and the disposition of the case. Furthermore, the report addresses the forensic value to Native Americans of the continued study of a wide variety of human skeletal remains.
Geographic Origin Determination of Heroin and Cocaine Using Site-Specific Isotopic Ratio Deuterium NMR
Authors: Hays PA , Remaud GS , Jamin É , Martin Y-L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
SNIF-NMR® (Site-specific natural isotopic fractionation measured by deuterium NMR) was employed on 36 heroin samples from seven different known origins, and two cocaine samples from two different known origins. Heroin has two “synthetic” deuterium labeled sites (the two acetyls from acetic anhydride, each representing three equivalent nuclei) and 15 “natural” deuterium labeled sites (originating from the morphine produced in the opium plant). The “natural” sites have the potential for determining geographic location of the original opium plant, while the “synthetic” sites could assist in giving information about the commercial source of acetic anhydride used to convert morphine to heroin. Cocaine has 15 “natural” deuterium labeled sites. This study shows that SNIF-NMR® has some use in determining the geographic origin of heroin and also has good potential for determining the geographical origin of cocaine.
Drug-Related Deaths Among Recently Released Prisoners in the Strathclyde Region of Scotland
Authors: Seymour A , Oliver JS , Black M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Drug abuse and its consequences are everyday problems encountered globally, and Scotland is no exception. During a study of drug-related deaths in the Strathclyde region of Scotland it was noted that known drug users who had recently been released from prison were at high risk of dying from a drug overdose. The majority of deaths occurred within one week of the release date and polydrug use was prevalent. Morphine was the most frequently encountered drug and this was found in combination with benzodiazepines in a significant number of cases. This paper highlights the dangers of resuming drug consumption following a period of abstinence.
Ketamine in Non-Hospital and Hospital Deaths in New York City
Authors: Gill JR , Stajíc M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We reviewed all ketamine-positive deaths (87) examined at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner over a two-year period (1997 to 1999). There were 15 non-hospital deaths with 12 due to acute multidrug intoxications, one due to sarcoidosis, and two due to physical injury (blunt and thermal). In no instance was a fatal intoxication caused exclusively by ketamine. Opiates (10/15), followed by amphetamines (7/15) and cocaine (6/15), were the most frequent co-intoxicants. Ethanol was found in only one death. The race of all decedents was white and the majority were men (11/15) between the ages of 18 and 30 years. The remaining 72 instances of positive ketamine findings were hospital deaths following surgical procedures or burns.
Validation of the PowerPlex 1.1™ Loci for Use in Human Identification
Authors: Greenspoon SA , Lytle PJ , Turek SA , Rolands JM , Scarpetta MA , Carr CD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
STR typing is now the favored method of DNA analysis for the purposes of human identification in the forensic community. The Forensic Services Division of the Detroit Police Department has completed its validation of the PowerPlex 1.1™ loci (CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, vWA, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, and D5S818) for use in forensic casework. Detroit Metro Area Red Cross samples were typed from each of five racial/ethnic groups—the Hispanic, Caucasian, African American, Asian, and American Indian populations—and allele and genotype frequencies were calculated. A rare off-ladder variant (9.1 allele at D7S820) was identified among the database samples.
A number of validation studies were performed. DNA was extracted from different substrates and typed as expected, except for the DNA extracted from leather (signal absent from the D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, CSF1PO, and TPOX loci) and from dirt (no PCR product generated). The minor contributor in the mixture study (250 pg input DNA) was facile to discern. The Concordance study, the variety of fluids from the same individual, and NIST standards studies all produced the expected results. Finally, STR data confirmed previous DNA typing results from adjudicated casework samples.
Fingerprints and DNA: STR Typing of DNA Extracted from Adhesive Tape after Processing for Fingerprints
Authors: Zamir A , Springer E , Glattstein B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An exhibit that is often received for examination in cases of robbery or terrorist activity is adhesive tape. This type of exhibit can often, but not always, be successfully processed for fingerprints. The question arises whether or not it is possible to extract and type DNA after the tape has been sequentially processed for fingerprints. In this work, various donors left fingerprints on the adhesive side of tapes. The tapes were then sequentially processed for fingerprints using an alternate light source, cyanoacrylate fuming, and staining with BY-40 and then crystal violet. DNA was subsequently successfully extracted, amplified and typed for six STR loci.
Evaluation of 1,2-Indanedione and 5,6-Dimethoxy-1,2-Indanedione for the Detection of Latent Fingerprints on Porous Surfaces
Authors: Roux C , Jones N , Lennard C , Stoilovic M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The ability of 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione to detect latent prints on porous surfaces, as compared to DFO and ninhydrin, has been evaluated. Comparisons of prints developed under various conditions determined the optimum development conditions for the new reagents. The indanediones tested were found to have lower detection limits for glycine. The carrier solvent used was found to affect the quality of the prints developed. In Arklone, the new reagents developed prints that displayed superior luminescence to those developed with DFO. In HFE 7100, 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione gave superior luminescence to DFO after zinc salt treatment and cooling with liquid nitrogen, both of which improve the luminescence of prints developed with 1,2-indanediones, 1,2-Indanediones could offer less expensive but effective alternatives to DFO. With further optimization, the new reagents may supersede DFO as the method of choice for the detection of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces.
Improved Method for Shooting Distance Estimation. Part 1. Bullet Holes in Clothing Items
Authors: Glattstein B , Vinokurov A , Levin N , Zeichner A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An improved method for firing distance estimation on clothing is described. The novel part of the method includes transfer of total nitrite (nitrite ions and smokeless powder residues) from the target to an adhesive lifter. After the transfer, lead and copper deposits around the bullet entrance hole are visualized by rhodizonate and rubeanic acid, respectively. The Modified Greiss Test is carried out after alkaline hydrolysis of the smokeless powder residues on the adhesive lifter.
Anatomical Location of Bitemarks and Associated Findings in 101 Cases from the United States
Authors: Pretty IA , Sweet D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to update and confirm previous studies that examined the anatomical location of human bitemarks. This information is useful to forensic odontologists and pathologists, physicians, and coroners who must be familiar with the most likely locations of bitemarks. The data are also useful for those involved in bitemark research.
Using the legal database “Lexis,” 101 bitemark cases were identified from the United States Courts of Appeal. Cases were included in the study if they provided details concerning the bitemark, such as anatomical location, number of injuries, and information concerning the victim. Information on 148 bites was collated. These data are presented in tabular and graphical form to allow comparisons between males and females, victims and perpetrators, adults and children, and the crime types associated with human bites.
Psychological Factors in the Determination of Suicide in Self-Inflicted Gunshot Head Wounds
Authors: Weinberger LE , Sreenivasan S , Gross EA , Markowitz E , Gross BH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Self-inflicted contact gunshot wounds to the head have usually been considered presumptive of suicide. This study evaluates whether sufficient psychological data are gathered in such cases to support a manner of death determination of suicide. We suggest that law enforcement agencies and coroner's departments do not fully explore the decedent's state of mind at the time of death. We studied the first 50 consecutive deaths in 1993 in a major metropolitan county due to self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head. The sample consists primarily of unmarried, white males, with a median age of 35 years, who displayed psychiatric disturbance, primarily depression, before their death. Younger individuals were often under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of death. Stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, are common among young and middle-aged persons, while serious health problems are found among the majority of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Many of the findings of this study are consistent with the literature regarding individuals who commit suicide. Although data on many important psychological risk factors are missing in most cases, sufficient psychological material is gathered about the decedent's mental condition at the time of death to support a suicide determination.
Postmortem Redistribution of Morphine and Its Metabolites
Authors: Gerostamoulos J , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The postmortem redistribution of morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, morphine-6-glucuronide and total morphine was assessed in 40 heroin-related deaths. In blood taken from subclavian, heart, and femoral regions, concentrations of morphine and its metabolites were similar. While there was a trend for higher concentrations in heart blood, when compared with femoral or subclavian blood, this was not significant. There was also no significant difference in concentrations between admission and autopsy blood in which the postmortem interval was on average 59 h. From our observations, significant postmortem redistribution of morphine and its metabolites seems unlikely.
A Density Gradient Technique for Use in Forensic Soil Analysis
Authors: Petraco N , Kubic T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A high-density aqueous salt solution for the preparation of density gradients is presented. It has been used successfully by the authors in forensic soil analysis. It has a density range that allows for the separation of a soil specimen's heavy mineral components. It has no odor or toxic fumes, which eliminates the need to use a hood during preparation, and is far superior to the organic liquids normally used to prepare density gradients. This liquid should cause many forensic scientists to reexamine their attitudes towards using density gradients in forensic soil casework.
Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Established in the Vicinity of Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Authors: Shahid SA , Hall RD , Haskell NH , Merritt RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The hairy maggot blow fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was collected in large numbers as both adults and immatures in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area during 1998 and is likely established there. The distribution of this species in the Old World, isothermal data, and its collection from mid-Michigan during 1998 suggest that it will eventually occupy most of the U.S. The forensic importance of C. rufifacies makes it probable that it will factor into an increasing number of medicolegal cases, but the expanding distribution of this species decreases its utility as a geographic indicator when postmortem movement of decedents is suspected.
Formation of an Interfering Substance, 3,4-Dimethyl-5-Phenyl-1,3-Oxazolidine, During a Pseudoephedrine Urinalysis
Authors: Lewis RJ , Huffine EF , Chaturvedi AK , Canfield DV , Mattson J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
During fatal aviation accident investigations, biosamples from the victims are submitted to the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) for drug analysis. In the process of one such analysis by CAMI, an unknown substance was found in a urine sample. Simultaneous screening by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography/FID (GC/FID) suggested the presence of pseudoephedrine. A subsequent routine confirmation analysis of a separate urine aliquot by GC Fourier transform infrared (GC/FTIR) and GC mass spectrometry (GC/MS) indicated that the retention times of the unknown substance matched with those of pseudoephedrine. However, its infrared and mass spectra were different—the -OH and-NH groups were missing, a C-O-C group was present, and the molar mass was 12 atomic mass units (amu) more than that of pseudoephedrine. A subsequent literature search suggested that ephedrine-like amines react with aldehydes to form oxazolidines. Therefore, the 12-amu increase could be accounted for by condensation of pseudoephedrine with formaldehyde. Since this aldehyde is present in various grades of methanol and ethyl acetate, and these solvents were used during the solid-phase extraction, 3,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidine was synthesized by using (+)-pseudoephedrine·HCl and formaldehyde. The analytical findings of the synthesized compound were consistent with those of the unknown interfering substance, confirming that it was the oxazolidine. Aldehyde contaminants in solvents or specimens can transform drugs of interest and may result in misidentification of a compound originally present in specimens. Therefore, chemicals used in analyses should be of the highest available purity, and a multi-analytical approach should be adopted to maintain a high degree of quality assurance.
Sequence Variation of New Alleles at the Short Tandem Repeat D19S253 Locus
Authors: Brito RM , Ribeiro T , Viriato L , Vieira-Silva C , Espinheira R , Pinto-Ribeiro I , Geada H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper reports the sequences of two new alleles identified in a population database study on the short tandem repeat D19S253 locus. A Portuguese Caucasian population and a Portuguese African population were studied. Forty-four selected alleles were sequenced and 11 different alleles were found. All the sequenced alleles shown to possess a simple tetranucleotide GATA repeat region structure. The two new alleles, alleles 6 and 16, follow the simple repeat pattern. During paternity investigation casework, 1028 meiosis were analyzed and five isolated genetic incompatibilities detected. In one case, a non-detectable allele with the used set of primers could be the explanation. In the other four cases, single-step mutations could be considered. The mutation rate obtained for this locus was 3.89 × 10−3.
The First Mail Bomb?
Authors: Burnett B , Golubovs P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A news item in the newspaper, the Evening Star, for the Country, October 18, 1833, probably is the first report of a mail bomb in the United States. It is also likely to be the first defusing of a mail bomb. The device appeared to be extraordinarily sophisticated and would have likely worked had it not been for suspicions of the recipient of the bomb.
Allele Frequencies for the CODIS Core STR Loci in Connecticut Populations
Authors: Scherczinger CA , Hintz JL , Peck BJ , Adamowicz MS , Bourke MT , Coyle HM , Ladd C , Yang NCS , Budowle B , Lee HC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele Frequencies for the CODIS Core STR Loci in Connecticut Populations
Age Estimation from Sternal Ends of Ribs by Phase Analysis in South African Blacks
Authors: Oettlé AC , Steyn M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The sternal ends of ribs are used in age determination of unknown adult remains. Standards for American populations have been described and tested. The method described by Íşcan et al. is reviewed and compared with other age markers of the human skeleton. Three hundred and thirty-nine (265 male, 74 female) sternal ends of right fourth ribs, belonging to black individuals deceased in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, were collected during 1994, 1995, and 1996. Three South African investigators applied the existing method and found the repeatability among them acceptable, although the method was less accurate to predict age in this population. New phases with adjusted criteria and age ranges were developed specifically for the South African black population. A tendency toward delayed maturation was found, as well as a diversion of the appearance of female ribs perimenopausally. Future studies involving more individuals in the older age ranges, and females of all ages, could broaden the representativeness of these phases.
Algal Colonization of Submerged Carcasses in a Mid-Order Woodland Stream
Authors: Casamatta DA , Verb RG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One of the primary goals of forensic pathology is the determination of time of death. In aquatic systems, one method to do this is to analyze the colonization of a corpse by algae. Algal communities typically follow a serial colonization pattern, therefore the taxa present at any given time may provide clues about post-mortem submersion time. This study was undertaken to examine the algal colonization on rat carcasses in a medium-order woodland stream. Two habitats were studied: a low flow pool and a high flow riffle, with rats being removed from each site every 3 to 6 days over 31 days. The diversity of colonizing taxa increased at both sites as the study progressed, and after 17 days similar taxa were present (Sorensen's similarity index &gt;60%) in each site. Some taxa, such as desmids (Chlorophyta), tended to increase in diversity throughout the study, making them possible indicators of submersion time. Diatoms were the most abundant taxa found in each site and accounted for 63 of the 92 total taxa identified. Due to their ubiquitous presence in nearly all streams, we suggest that diatoms may be the key organisms for the study of postmortem submersion in lotic systems.
Distribution of HLA-DQA1, Polymarker, CSF1PO, vWA, TH01, TPOX, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, and D5S818 Alleles in East Bengali and West Punjabi Populations from Indo-Pak Subcontinent
Authors: Tahir MA , Herrera RJ , Khan AA , Kashyap VK , Duncan G , Barna C , Budowle B , Rowold D , Amjad M , Sinha S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 115 individuals residing in the Pakistani state of West Punjab and 81 Bengali individuals residing in the state of East Bengal, India. These samples were analyzed for the loci HLA-DQA1, PM (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC) and eight short tandem repeats: CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, vWA, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, and D5S818. Departures from Hardy Weinberg (HWE) were observed in Punjabi population at LDLR, THO1, D13S317, D5S818, and D16S539 and at CSF 1PO and THO1 in Bengali population.