MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Forensic Sciences' source. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:05:06 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658032&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22292792%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Muccio Z, Wöckel C, An Y, Jackson GP Abstract   Five marijuana samples were compared using bulk isotope analysis compound-specific isotope ratio analysis of the extracted cannabinoids. Owing to the age of our cannabis samples, four of the five samples were compared using the isotope ratios of cannabinol (CBN), a stable degradation product of Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Bulk δ(13) C isotope analysis discriminated between all five samples at the 95% confidence level. Compound-specific δ(13) C isotope analysis could not distinguish between one pair of the five samples at the 95% confidence level. All the measured cannabinoids showed significant depletion in (13) C relative to bulk isotope values; the isotope ratios for THC, CBN, and cannabidiol were on average 1.6... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658032 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658031&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22292852%26dopt%3DAbstract We report the sudden death of a 40-year-old male without significant medical history in which foul play had been initially suspected. A thorough postmortem investigation performed on the decedent lead to the diagnosis of APL. Cause of death was a cerebellar hematoma. Underlying APL should be considered in the differential diagnosis when unexplained bleeding is encountered in a decedent. This case emphasizes the value of routinely collecting bone marrow during an autopsy to enable accurate testing and diagnosis. PMID: 22292852 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658031 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638458&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268458%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Alper KR, Stajić M, Gill JR Abstract   Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive plant alkaloid that is used globally in medical and nonmedical settings for opioid detoxification and other substance use indications. All available autopsy, toxicological, and investigative reports were systematically reviewed for the consecutive series of all known fatalities outside of West Central Africa temporally related to the use of ibogaine from 1990 through 2008. Nineteen individuals (15 men, four women between 24 and 54 years old) are known to have died within 1.5-76 h of taking ibogaine. The clinical and postmortem evidence did not suggest a characteristic syndrome of neurotoxicity. Advanced preexisting medical comorbidities, which were mainly cardiovascular, and/or one... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638458 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638457&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268511%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Menotti-Raymond M, David VA, Weir BS, O'Brien SJ Abstract   A simple tandem repeat (STR) PCR-based typing system developed for the genetic individualization of domestic cat samples has been used to generate a population genetic database of domestic cat breeds. A panel of 10 tetranucleotide STR loci and a gender-identifying sequence tagged site (STS) were co-amplified in genomic DNA of 1043 individuals representing 38 cat breeds. The STR panel exhibits relatively high heterozygosity in cat breeds, with an average 10-locus heterozygosity of 0.71, which represents an average of 38 breed-specific heterozygosities for the 10-member panel. When the entire set of breed individuals was analyzed as a single population, a heterozygosity of 0.87 was observed. Heterozygosities obtai... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638457 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638456&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268535%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rosenfeld HE, Byard RW Abstract   Benign prostatic hyperplasia with chronic bladder outlet obstruction has been associated with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). To evaluate this further, 60 autopsy cases of men with PTE were compared with 60 age-matched controls. The criteria for outlet obstruction were macroscopic prostatic enlargement with bladder trabeculation and benign prostatic hyperplasia on microscopy. Ten of the 60 men (16.7%) with fatal PTE had evidence of bladder outlet obstruction (age 57-78 years; mean 71.4 years). Of the 60 controls, 12 had evidence of bladder outlet obstruction (20%) (age 67-86 years; mean 75.5 years). No significant relationship could be demonstrated between bladder outlet obstruction and fat... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638456 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638455&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268568%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we tested newly developed AmpFâ„“STR(®) MiniFilerâ„¢ kit for autosomal STR analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA), using human femurs (n = 8) collected from medieval Korean tombs. After extracting aDNA from the bones, autosomal STR analyses were repeated for each sample using the AmpFâ„“STR(®) MiniFilerâ„¢ and Identifilerâ„¢ kits. Whereas only 21.87% of larger-sized loci profiles could be obtained with the Identifilerâ„¢ kit, 75% of the same loci profiles were determined by MiniFilerâ„¢ kit analysis. This very successful amplification of large-sized STR markers from highly degraded aDNA suggests that the MiniFilerâ„¢ kit could be a useful complement to conventional STR kit analysis of ancient samples. PMID: 22268568 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of F... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638455 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638454&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268588%26dopt%3DAbstract This study addressed this concern in a 15-year retrospective review of 260 deaths in which concentrations of acetone and IPA, as well as their ratios, were compared in DKA (175 cases), AKA (79 cases), and IPA intoxication (six cases). The results demonstrated the frequency of detecting IPA in ketoacidosis when there was no evidence of IPA ingestion. IPA was detectable in 77% of DKA cases with quantifiable concentrations averaging 15.1 ± 13.0 mg/dL; 52% of AKA cases with quantifiable concentrations averaging 18.5 ± 22.1 mg/dL; and in cases of IPA intoxication, averaging 326 ± 260 mg/dL. There was weak correlation of IPA production with postmortem interval in DKA only (r = -0.48). Although IPA concentrations were much higher with ingestion, potentially toxic concentrat... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638454 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638453&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268621%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rosenfeld H, Byard RW Abstract   Venous stasis predisposes to thrombosis. One hundred and sixty cases of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism were reviewed to determine how many cases had deep venous thromboses associated with venous blood flow reduction caused by external pressure from benign pelvic masses. Three cases were identified, representing 2% of cases overall (3/160): a 44-year-old woman with a large uterine leiomyoma (1048 g); a 74-year-old man with prostatomegaly and bladder distension (containing 1 L of urine); and a 70-year-old man with prostatomegaly and bladder distension (containing 3 L of urine). Although a rare cause of fatal deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, space-occupying pelvic lesions can lead to extrinsic pressure on adjacent... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638453 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638452&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268640%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Singh CS, Gaur A, Sreenivas A, Singh L Abstract   Illegal trade in snake parts has increased enormously. In spite of strict protection under wildlife act, a large number of snakes are being killed ruthlessly in India for venom and skin. Here, an interesting case involving confiscation of crystallized dried snake venom and subsequent DNA-based species identification is reported. The analysis using the universal primers for cytochrome b region of the mitochondrial DNA revealed that the venom was extracted from an Indian cobra (Naja naja). On the basis of this report, the forwarding authority booked a case in the court of law against the accused for illegal hunting of an endangered venomous snake and smuggling of snake venom. This approach thus has immense potential for rap... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638452 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638451&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22268654%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we examined the relationship between the value of the Nikkei Stock Average and suicide rates in Japan. The value of the Nikkei Stock Average may be related to suicide among men. On the basis of the results, relevant researchers and organizations should understand the factors that relate to suicide to better carry out specific suicide prevention measures. PMID: 22268654 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638451 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598419&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235760%26dopt%3DAbstract This study extends previous work on the sorption of explosives to the hair matrix. Specifically, we have studied the interaction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) as a function of chemical pretreatment with acetonitrile, neutral and alkaline hydrogen peroxide, methanolic KOH and potassium permanganate, and the morphological changes that accompany these treatments. While differences in vapor pressure can account for quantitative differences between TNT and TATP sorption, both are markedly affected by the chemical rinses. Examination of the hair surface shows different degrees of smoothening following rinsing, suggesting that the attachment to hair is largely a surface phenomenon involving the 18-methyleicosanoic acid lipid layer. Density functional theory calc... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598419 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598418&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235791%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Eckardt R, Krupicka E, Hofmeister W Abstract   Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) is used widely in forensic science laboratories with the main focus of qualitative phase identification. Little is found in literature referring to the topic of validation of PXRD in the field of forensic sciences. According to EN ISO/IEC 17025, the method has to be tested for several parameters. Trueness, specificity, and selectivity of PXRD were tested using certified reference materials or a combination thereof. All three tested parameters showed the secure performance of the method. Sample preparation errors were simulated to evaluate the robustness of the method. These errors were either easily detected by the operator or nonsignificant for phase identification. In case of the detection l... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598418 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598417&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235814%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, human genders were compared as to the degree their individual odors are distinguishable or "attractive" to dogs. Six dogs were trained to smell an individual's hand odor sample and then find the matching hand odor sample in a lineup of five odors. Using one-gender lineups and two-gender lineups with different gender ratios, it was found that dogs trained for the study identified individual women's hand odors more accurately than those of men. It is hypothesized that this is either because of differences in chemical compounds making discrimination of women's odors easier, or because of greater "odor attractiveness" of women's scents to dogs. PMID: 22235814 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598417 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598416&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235847%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hall AB, Coy SL, Nazarov EG, Vouros P Abstract   Forensic drug laboratories are inundated with cases requiring time-consuming GC- or LC-based chromatographic separations of submitted samples. High-throughput analytical methods would be of great practical utility within forensic drug analysis. Recently developed ion-mobility-based separation methods combined with mass spectrometry can often be used without chromatography, suppress chemical interferents of similar mass, and operate in seconds. We have evaluated differential mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) for performance on adulterated cocaine mixtures. The DMS interface is only a few centimeters in length, operates in seconds, and can be adapted to any MS system using atmospheric pressure ionization. Drug... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598416 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598415&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235875%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nof D Abstract   Nof and Paldor (Safety Sci 2010;48:607-14) suggested that resonance in the air pockets in the Indian Spring cavern might have contributed to the 1991 collapse. Here, we extend the resonance theory to one pocket in the cavern and a very broad basin that serves as the other branch of the U-tube. Our methodology is to apply familiar fluid dynamics principles to the situation that occurred in the cave. We did so on the basis of our interviews with four of the five surviving cave divers. We dissected their testimonies to arrive at a physically plausible scenario determined on the basis of a fluid dynamics application to the natural flow in the cave, the flow induced by the compressed air released by the divers and the mudslide. We found that there was a tempo... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598415 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598414&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rippley A, Larison NC, Moss KE, Kelly JD, Bytheway JA Abstract   Animal-scavenging alterations on human remains can be mistaken as human criminal activity. A 32-day study, documenting animal scavenging on a human cadaver, was conducted at the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science facility, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. A Stealth Cam Rogue IR was positioned near the cadaver to capture scavenging activity. An atypical scavenger, the bobcat, Lynx rufus, was recorded feeding on the cadaver. Scavenging by bobcats on human remains is not a predominant behavior and has minimal documentation. Scavenging behaviors and destruction of body tissues were analyzed. Results show that the bobcat did not feed on areas of the body that it does for other large animal ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598414 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598413&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236460%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arca S, Campadelli P, Lanzarotti R, Lipori G, Cervelli F, Mattei A Abstract   Face recognition systems aim to recognize the identity of a person depicted in a photograph by comparing it against a gallery of prerecorded images. Current systems perform quite well in controlled scenarios, but they allow for none or little interaction in case of mistakes due to the low quality of images or to algorithmic limitations. Following the needs and suggestions of investigators, we present a guided user interface that allows to adjust from a fully automatic to a fully assisted modality of execution, according to the difficulty of the task and to amount of available information (gender, age, etc.): the user can generally rely on automatic execution and intervene only on a limited numb... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598413 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598412&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236499%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McNamara JJ, McDonald S, Lawrence JM Abstract   The purpose of this study was to identify common factors in false allegation adult crimes, by examining the dynamics involved in 30 confirmed false allegation cases. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of these adjudicated cases and then completed a collection instrument to capture offender demographics, offense characteristics, and motive. The results indicated that most false allegation crimes were committed by women (73.3%) and Caucasians (93.3%). Data indicated that more interpersonally violent allegations were primarily motivated by attention/sympathy needs (50.0%), whereas more impersonal offenses involved other motivations such as providing an alibi (16.7%) or profit (13.3%). Offenders tended to be younger, ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598412 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598420&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22225534%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, an online large-volume sample stacking (LVSS) with polarity switching in capillary electrophoresis (CE) was applied for the sensitive determination of barbiturates. This technique involves injecting a large volume of sample into a capillary and removing the sample matrix plug out of the capillary by reversing the polarity. Quantitation limit obtained was 0.048, 0.057, 0.039, and 0.015 μg/mL for secobarbital, amobarbital, barbital, and phenobarbital (signal-to-noise ratio = 9). By using LVSS, the stacking was simply achieved at 171.7-, 169.7-, 202.7-, and 169.1-fold for the above four barbiturates. The relative standard deviation values of intraday and interday were <2.11% and 4.69%, respectively. Recoveries were ranged from 83.7 to 105.2%. Finally, the trace analys... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598420 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598424&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22220933%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Larsen MK, Nissen PH, Kristensen IB, Jensen HK, Banner J Abstract   Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that may lead to premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Mutations in the LDLR or APOB genes cause FH. We have screened the LDLR and the ligand-binding region of APOB genes in 52 cases of SCD. Deceased patients were younger than 40 years of age and were suspected of having FH. The LDLR and APOB genes were examined via PCR, high-resolution melting, and DNA sequencing. Therein, it was observed that 7.7% of the screened patients exhibited a rare sequence variant in the LDLR gene, with 5.7% suspected of being pathogenic mutations. Lipid profiles and genetic testing for FH could be considered when autopsy reveals signifi... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598424 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598423&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22220974%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sandercock PM Abstract   A new, simple method for the reproducible creation of pyrolysis products from different materials that may be found at a fire scene is described. A temperature programmable steady-state tube furnace was used to generate pyrolysis products from different substrates, including softwoods, paper, vinyl sheet flooring, and carpet. The temperature profile of the tube furnace was characterized, and the suitability of the method to reproducibly create pyrolysates similar to those found in real fire debris was assessed. The use of this method to create proficiency tests to realistically test an examiner's ability to interpret complex gas chromatograph-mass spectrometric fire debris data, and to create a library of pyrolsates generated from materials commo... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598423 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598422&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22221006%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Papoutsis I, Mendonis M, Nikolaou P, Athanaselis S, Pistos C, Maravelias C, Spiliopoulou C Abstract   Anticholinesterase pesticides are widely used, and as a result they are involved in numerous acute and even fatal poisonings. The aim of this study was the development, optimization, and validation of a simple, rapid, specific, and sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of 11 anticholinesterase pesticides (aldicarb, azinphos methyl, carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, dialifos, diazinon, malathion, methamidophos, methidathion, methomyl, and terbufos) in blood. Only 500 μL of blood was used, and the recoveries after liquid-liquid extraction (toluene/chloroform, 4:1, v/v) were more than 65.6%. The calibration curves were linear (R(2)  ≥ ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598422 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598421&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22221050%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ke Y, Li Y, Wang ZY Abstract   Estimation of the time since death (postmortem interval [PMI]) is one of the most difficult problems in forensic investigations, and many methods currently are utilized to estimate the PMI. The goal of this study was to investigate the changes of attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra of rat brain from postmortem time 0-144 h. The intensity ratios of major absorbance bands were examined (I(1066) /I(1392) , I(1168) /I(1392) , I(1234) /I(1454) , I(1301) /I(1392) , I(1647) /I(2956) , I(2921) /I(2850) , and I(1647) /I(1539) ). The spectra of rat brain displayed prominent changes with increasing PMI. The band at 2871 and 1737 per cm became weak with the time increasing and even disappeared at postmortem 96 ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598421 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598425&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22220912%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dror I PMID: 22220912 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598425 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559565&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211294%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Magnuson ML, Duane Satzger R, Alcaraz A, Brewer J, Fetterolf D, Harper M, Hrynchuk R, McNally MF, Montgomery M, Nottingham E, Peterson J, Rickenbach M, Seidel JL, Wolnik K Abstract   Since the early 1990s, the FBI Laboratory has sponsored Scientific Working Groups to improve discipline practices and build consensus among the forensic community. The Scientific Working Group on the Forensic Analysis of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism developed guidance, contained in this document, on issues forensic laboratories encounter when accepting and analyzing unknown samples associated with chemical terrorism, including laboratory capabilities and analytical testing plans. In the context of forensic analysis of chemical terrorism, this guidance defines an u... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559565 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559564&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211519%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Santos C, Caldas IM Abstract   Palatal rugae have been related with specific racial groups and are said to be useful in sex discrimination. This work aimed to characterize the palatal rugae patterns in a Portuguese population. Fifty plaster casts were examined for first and third rugae shape evaluation; shape, frequency, and association with sex were studied. In females, the most prevalent first rugae were the straight type on the right and the curve type on the left; in males, the straight type was the most prevalent on both sides. The most frequent third rugae type was sinuous on both sides, in both sexes. No significant sexual dimorphism in rugae shape was found (p > 0.05). When comparing these results with those from other investigations, it was clear that a p... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559564 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559563&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211569%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cascini F Abstract   The unusual concentration of cannabinoids recently found in marijuana samples submitted to the forensic laboratory for chemical analysis prompted an investigation into whether genetic modifications have been made to the DNA of Cannabis sativa L. to increase its potency. Traditional methods for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO) were used to analyze herbal cannabis preparations. Our analyses support the hypothesis that marijuana samples submitted to forensic laboratories and characterized by an abnormal level of Δ(9) -THC are the product of breeding selection rather than of transgenic modifications. Further, this research has shown a risk of false positive results associated with the poor quality of the seized samples and probably ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559563 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559562&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211626%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examines the DNA retrieval capability of cotton and nylon flocked swabs when extracted using three common extraction platforms (QIAcube, BioRobot EZ1 and manually processed QIAamp DNA investigator kit). Results indicate that both swab types are capable of recovering high percentages of DNA (>50%); however, the extraction platform selected was shown to have a significant effect upon DNA retrieval. Across all experiments, the cotton swab combined with the spin-column extractions was shown to be most effective, with the nylon swab and BioRobot EZ1 combination being the least effective. These findings illustrate the importance of extraction method selection. PMID: 22211626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559562 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559561&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211670%26dopt%3DAbstract This study reaffirms the need for duplicate breath testing and confirms that the minimum of a 15-min observation period is sufficient for mouth alcohol to dissipate in alcohol positive subjects. PMID: 22211670 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559561 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559559&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211717%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Potter DJ, Duncombe P Abstract   The floral development and potencies [Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contents] of cannabis plants were compared when grown indoors under high-pressure sodium lamps consuming electrical power at three densities (270, 400, and 600 W/m(2) ). After a 3-week vegetative phase, plants were grown for 8 weeks, with lamps maintaining an artificial day length of 12 h. Foliar and floral yields were measured. Gas chromatography was used to measure the content of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. Mean yields per unit of electrical power in each lighting regime ranged from 0.9 to 1.6 g/W, the highest being achieved in the lowest irradiance regime. The individual potencies of the separated leaf and flower materials were not affected by increas... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559559 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559520&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211761%26dopt%3DAbstract We report two cases of the use of tetrahydrozoline for DFSA. We believe this is the first report with urinary quantification of tetrahydrozoline levels postassault. Blood and urine were obtained c. 20 h postexposure in two cases of reported DFSA. Tetrahydrozoline was not detected in blood but was identified in urine in both victims. After initial identification in the urine using the 2010 update to the AAFS mass spectrometry database library, tetrahydrozoline was quantified at 114 and 150 ng/mL, respectively, using GC/MS. Two unique clinical features reported in these cases were intermittent periods of consciousness and postexposure vomiting. Use of GC/MS was successful in identifying tetrahydrozoline in the 100 ng/mL range up to 20 h postexposure. For victims with late presentatio... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559520 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559519&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211796%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Old J, Schweers BA, Boonlayangoor PW, Fischer B, Miller KW, Reich K Abstract   Tests for the identification of semen commonly involve the microscopic visualization of spermatozoa or assays for the presence of seminal markers such as acid phosphatase (AP) or prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Here, we describe the rapid stain identification kit for the identification of semen (RSIDâ„¢-Semen), a lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test that uses two antihuman semenogelin monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of semenogelin. The RSIDâ„¢-Semen strip is specific for human semen, detecting <2.5 nL of semen, and does not cross-react with other human or nonhuman tissues tested. RSIDâ„¢-Semen is more sensitive with certain forensic evidence samples containing mixtu... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559519 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559518&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211800%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lambiase S, Camerini G Abstract   Habitat selection exploited by Chrysomya albiceps during its initial spread in Northern Italy was analyzed in relation to landscape structure. The results of two short studies and a case report are here discussed. C. albiceps was not found on experimental pig carcasses in the urban area of Pavia. It was missing in the woody mountains surrounding Lecco, but it was found in the same area, at a lower altitude, within the typical "urban sprawl" landscape. It was then recorded in a natural reserve, among a rich carrion-fly population. Indications coming from habitat selection suggest that C. albiceps has not yet saturated its potential ecological niche in newly colonized areas of Northern Italy. Factors like temperature, altitude, and inter... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559518 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559517&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211822%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harris SM, Case DT Abstract   An accurate determination of sex is essential in the identification of human remains in a forensic context. Measurements of some of the tarsals have been shown to be sexually dimorphic by previous researchers. The purpose of the present study is to determine which dimensions of the seven tarsals demonstrate the greatest sexual dimorphism and therefore have the most potential for accurate sex determination. Eighteen measurements of length, width, and height were obtained from the tarsals of 160 European-American males and females from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. These measurements were made using a mini-osteometric board. Logistic regression analyses were performed to create equations for sex discrimination. All measureme... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559517 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559516&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211839%26dopt%3DAbstract Experimental Adipocere Formation: Implications for Adipocere Formation on Buried Bone*(,) (†). J Forensic Sci. 2011 Dec 28; Authors: Moses RJ Abstract   Adipocere, or grave wax (adipo = fat, cere = wax), is a distinctive decomposition product composed primarily of fatty acids (FA) and their alkali salts. FA result from the bacterial enzymatic hydrolysis of body fats. Reactions with ammonia and alkali metals originating from body fluids and pore waters of the depositional environment produce alkali salts of FA (soap). Adipocere formation is generally associated with burial of corpses with ample adipose tissue available. No indications that adipocere can form on defleshed remains have been presented in the literature. At the termination of a long-term bone d... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559516 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559515&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211856%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cantekin K, Celikoglu M, Miloglu O, Dane A, Erdem A Abstract   The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the Greulich-Pyle (GP) method is adequate for Turkish children. A group of 767 individuals (425 girls and 342 boys) between 7 and 17 years were studied. Bone age (BA) from plain radiographs of left hands and wrists by GP standards was estimated. The total mean differences between BA and chronological age (CA) for girls and boys were found to be 0.20 and -0.13 years, respectively. There were significant differences between BA and CA in age groups 7-, 8-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, 15-, and 16-year-olds for girls and 7-, 10-, and 12-year-olds for boys. The results of this study suggest that the mean differences between BA and CA are low enough to be of no pra... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559515 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559514&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211864%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen T, Catcheside DE, Stephenson A, Hefford C, Paul Kirkbride K, Burgoyne LA Abstract   This paper reports the results of a commission to develop a field deployable rapid short tandem repeat (STR)-based DNA profiling system to enable discrimination between tissues derived from a small number of individuals. Speed was achieved by truncation of sample preparation and field deployability by use of an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyser(TM) . Human blood and tissues were stabbed with heated stainless steel wire and the resulting sample dehydrated with isopropanol prior to direct addition to a PCR. Choice of a polymerase tolerant of tissue residues and cycles of amplification appropriate for the amount of template expected yielded useful profiles with a custom-designed quintuplex prime... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559514 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559513&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211886%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ruder TD, Hatch GM, Ebert LC, Flach PM, Ross S, Ampanozi G, Thali MJ Abstract   Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have become important elements of forensic radiology. Whereas the feasibility and potential of CT angiography have long been explored, postmortem MR angiography (PMMRA) has so far been neglected. We tested the feasibility of PMMRA on four adult human cadavers. Technical quality of PMMRA was assessed relative to postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA), separately for each body region. Intra-aortic contrast volumes were calculated on PMCTA and PMMRA with segmentation software. The results showed that technical quality of PMMRA images was equal to PMCTA in 4/4 cases for the head, the heart, and the chest, and in 3/4 cases for the abdomen, and... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559513 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559512&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211929%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kuwayama K, Tsujikawa K, Miyaguchi H, Kanamori T, Iwata YT, Inoue H Abstract   Illicit amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) tablets commonly contain one or more active ingredients, which have hallucinogenic and/or stimulant effects. Because components such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine (MA) in ATS tablets have similar chemical structures, they could be metabolized by common metabolic enzymes. To investigate potential metabolic interactions of ATS tablet components, we studied the in vitro metabolism of MDMA and MA using human metabolic enzymes. MDMA and MA were mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and mutually inhibited the production of their main metabolites. In vivo experiments were also performed using intravenous administr... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559512 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559511&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bilfeld MF, Dedouit F, Rousseau H, Sans N, Braga J, Rougé D, Telmon N Abstract   The authors studied sexually dimorphic differences in coxal shape using geometric morphometric analysis of 15 osteometric landmarks recorded by multislice computed tomography (MSCT), based on three-dimensional reconstructions of 65 Caucasian adults. Geometric morphometric analysis, principal component analysis, canonical variates analysis, and other discriminant analysis (Goodall's F-test and Mahalanobis distance) were performed for the three separate bones of the left innominate (pubis, ilium, and ischium), the modified pubis (pubis and ischiopubic ramus), the modified ilium (ilium and ischial spine), three bone complexes (ischiopubic, iliopubic, and ilio-ischial), and the complete innomin... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559511 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559510&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22211957%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cantekin K, Yilmaz Y, Demirci T, Celikoglu M Abstract   To date, there has been no chronological age estimation according to third-molar mineralization in eastern Turkish children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the development of the mandibular third molar and its relationship to chronological age in subjects aged 7-22 years according to Demirjian's stages. The final sample consisted of 1348 [622 males (mean age, 12.72 ± 3.14) and 726 females (mean age, 12.92 ± 2.89)] conventional orthopantomograms from eastern Turkish youths. An independent t-test was performed to evaluate the difference between sexes. Regression analysis was performed to obtain regression formulae for dental age calculation with chronological age. In males, there was ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559510 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559509&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22212010%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rucinski C, Malaver AL, Yunis EJ, Yunis JJ Abstract   The quality and efficiency of a standard organic DNA isolation method and a silica-based method using the QIAGEN Blood Maxi Kit were compared to obtain human DNA and short tandem repeats (STRs) profiles from 39 exhumed bone samples for paternity testing. DNA samples were quantified by real-time PCR, and STR profiles were obtained using the AmpFlSTR(®) Identifiler(®) PCR amplification kit. Overall, the silica-based method recovered less DNA ranging from 0 to 147.7 ng/g (average 7.57 ng/g, median = 1.3 ng/g) than did the organic method ranging from 0 to 605 ng/g (average 44.27 ng/g, median = 5.8 ng/g). Complete profiles (16/16 loci tested) were obtained from 37/39 samples (95%) using the organic me... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559509 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559508&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22212067%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dror IE, Wertheim K, Fraser-Mackenzie P, Walajtys J Abstract   Experts play a critical role in forensic decision making, even when cognition is offloaded and distributed between human and machine. In this paper, we investigated the impact of using Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) on human decision makers. We provided 3680 AFIS lists (a total of 55,200 comparisons) to 23 latent fingerprint examiners as part of their normal casework. We manipulated the position of the matching print in the AFIS list. The data showed that latent fingerprint examiners were affected by the position of the matching print in terms of false exclusions and false inconclusives. Furthermore, the data showed that false identification errors were more likely at the top of the list ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559508 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512384&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150029%26dopt%3DAbstract This article describes the development of a Plexor® technology/real-time PCR DNA degradation detection assay, which uses a common forward primer and two reverse primers (different fluorophores) to generate two Alu amplicons (63 and 246 bp). This very sensitive assay was optimized for reaction volume, cycle number, anneal/extend time, and temperature. Using DNA samples degraded with DNaseI, the ratio of the concentration of the short amplicon to the concentration of the long amplicon (degradation ratio) was increased versus time of degradation. Experiments were performed on a variety of environmentally degraded samples (age, sunlight, heat) and with seven commonly encountered forensic inhibitors. The degradation ratio was found to predict the observed loss of larger STR loci seen in the ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512384 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512383&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150071%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rossi R, Suadoni F, Pieroni L, De-Giorgio F, Lancia M Abstract   Hydrocarbon inhalation is seldom chosen as a means to commit suicide. This practice is exclusively a prerogative of the prison population; it is, however, only exceptionally found in this environment. The two cases of lethal inhalation of propane/butane gas observed by us over a very short time occurred in this context. Toxicologic analyses were performed by means of gas chromatography (head space) and revealed a propane/butane mixture in all specimens (heart blood, bile, and urine) except vitreous humor. Although fatal arrhythmia posthydrocarbon gas abuse is well known, the concentrations of the two hydrocarbons were sufficient to induce death by asphyxiation and were distributed (fairly) homogeneously in ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512383 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512382&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150109%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Romão W, Vaz BG, Lalli PM, Bueno MI, Correa DN, Telles VL, de Castro EV, Eberlin MN Abstract   Using desorption/ionization techniques such as easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), it is possible to analyze documents of Brazilian vehicles for authenticity, providing a chemical profile directly from the surface of each document. A method for the detection of counterfeit documents is described, and the falsification procedure is elucidated. Forty authentic and counterfeit documents were analyzed by both positive and negative ion modes, EASI(±)-MS. EASI(+)-MS results identified the presence of (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate plasticizer and of dihexadecyldimethylammonium biocide in both types of documents. For EASI(-)-MS results, the 4-octyloxybenzoi... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512382 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512381&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150152%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hwang HS, Kim K, Moon DN, Kim JH, Wilkinson C Abstract   The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the soft tissue (ST) thicknesses at 31 landmarks using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained from 20 adult subjects. Four observers carried out ST thickness measurements using Skull Measure software, and the inter- and intra-observer error rates were evaluated. Only five of 31 landmarks showed significant differences in recorded ST thickness between the observers. When excluding inexperienced observers, only one landmark showed a significant difference between the observers. Regarding the intra-observer reproducibility, the ST thickness measurements at three landmarks showed low correlation coefficients. The results of this study in... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512381 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512380&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150171%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jia CX, Zhang J Abstract   As the relationship between global functioning and young suicide remains unclear in rural China, this study was aimed to explore the relationship between them. Data of 391 rural suicides and 416 controls, all aged 15-34 years in three provinces in China were used for this study. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale was adopted to assess global functioning of suicides and controls. The results showed that GAF score was stronger than mental illness in predicting suicide in China. Different correlates of GAF score were found between suicides and controls. Unsurprisingly, GAF score was significantly correlated with mental illness in both suicides and controls. Different characteristics were also found among three types of suicide whic... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512380 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512379&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150206%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Frederickx C, Dekeirsschieter J, Verheggen FJ, Haubruge E Abstract   Flies of the Calliphoridae Family are the most forensically important insects because of their abundance on the decedent during the first minutes following death. Necrophagous insects are attracted at a distance by a decomposing body, through the use of volatile chemical cues. We tested the possible attractive role of some volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) released by decaying cadavers, on male and female of Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Two complementary approaches were used. Electroantennography (EAG) allowed identifying the semiochemicals that are detected by the olfactory system of L. sericata. Dose-response tests with EAG showed that dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and butan-1-ol elic... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512379 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512378&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150268%26dopt%3DAbstract This study also highlights the fact that multiple factors influence adipocere formation and it is suggested that further research needs to be conducted into this area. PMID: 22150268 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512378 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512377&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150300%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nicklas JA, Noreault-Conti T, Buel E Abstract   A screening assay has been developed to provide preliminary individualization of crime scene samples thus eliminating expensive, time-consuming short tandem repeat (STR) profiling of nonprobative samples. High resolution melting performed in a real-time PCR instrument is used to detect the slight melting differences between the length and sequence variations of 22 forensic STRs. Three STRs (vWA, D18S51, THO1) were chosen to develop an assay which was optimized for Mg++ concentration, annealing/extension time/temperature, assay volume, and bovine serum albumin addition. The assay was tested for reproducibility, uniformity for genotype, melting profile consistency, effects of inhibitors, and mixture effects. The assay could b... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512377 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512376&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hoffmann SG, Stallworth SE, Foran DR Abstract   Apprehending those who utilize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a national priority owing to their use both domestically and abroad. IEDs are often concealed in bags, boxes, or backpacks to prevent their detection. Given this, the goal of the research presented was to identify IED handlers through postblast DNA recovery from IED containers. Study participants were asked to use backpacks for 11 days, after which they served as containers for pipe bombs. Eleven postdeflagration backpack regions likely to be handled were swabbed and analyzed via mini-short tandem repeats (miniSTRs) and alleles were called blind. An experimental consensus method was examined in which profiles from all regions were considered, to help id... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512376 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512375&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150396%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hart RP PMID: 22150396 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512375 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512374&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150429%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mann RW, Berryman HE Abstract   Medical examiners and forensic anthropologists are often faced with the difficult task of removing soft tissue from the human skeleton without damaging the bones, teeth and, in some cases, cartilage. While there are a number of acceptable methods that can be used to remove soft tissue including macerating in water, simmering or boiling, soaking in ammonia, removing with scissors, knife, scalpel or stiff brush, and dermestid beetles, each has its drawback in time, safety, or potential to damage bone. This technical report using the chest plate of a stabbing victim presents a safe and effective alternative method for removing soft tissue from human remains, in particular the chest plate, following autopsy, without damaging or separating the ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512374 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512373&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150461%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tao D, Yin Z, Zhao H, Liu S Abstract   The collision speed is important in accident analysis, and needle marks can be helpful as the physical evidence. The deceleration impact system has been built to analyze the mechanics of the needle and the gauge plate. Two isolated groups were designed to record the speed values under the same sample labels from real crashes. The visualization platform was built for the first group to collect needle marks. The second group recorded the speed values by other methods. The collision deceleration, the gauge plate materials, and the collision directions determine the forming of the needle marks. There were eight positive results from the 23 effective samples (12 frontal, four side, and seven rear), with discernible tip and/or middle mark... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512373 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512372&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150510%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, 20 μL aliquots of fresh gasoline samples were intentionally weathered and also subjected to microbial degradation in potting soil. These samples were then analyzed using a passive adsorption-elution recovery method and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Peak areas from compounds of interest were normalized and autoscaled and then subjected to principal components analysis. This analysis showed that while lower boiling compounds are subject to weathering, a different set of compounds are subject to microbial degradation. Of the compounds studied, heptane, octane, toluene, and ethylbenzene were the most vulnerable to both weathering and microbial degradation. In contrast, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and 2-ethyltoluene were the most resistant to both phenomena. PMID: 22150... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512372 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512371&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150550%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ebert LC, Ptacek W, Fürst M, Ross S, Thali MJ, Hatch G Abstract   For the past 10 years, medical imaging techniques have been increasingly applied to forensic investigations. To obtain histological and toxicological information, tissue and liquid samples are required. In this article, we describe the development of a low-cost, secure, and reliable approach for a telematic add-on for remotely planning biopsies on the Virtobot robotic system. Data sets are encrypted and submitted over the Internet. A plugin for the OsiriX medical image viewer allows for remote planning of needle trajectories that are used for needle placement. The application of teleradiological methods to image-guided biopsy in the forensic setting has the potential to reduce costs and, in conjunction ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512371 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512370&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150571%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chaturvedi AK, Botch SR, Ricaurte EM Abstract   Prevalence of drugs in fatally injured obese pilots involved in aviation accidents has not been evaluated. Therefore, toxicological findings in such pilots (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) ) were examined in a data set derived from the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute's (CAMI's) Scientific Information System for 1990-2005. Aeromedical histories of these aviators were retrieved from the CAMI medical certification and toxicology databases, and the cause/factors in the related accidents from the National Transportation Safety Board's database. In 311 of the 889 pilots, carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs were found, and glucose and hemoglobin A(1c) were elevated. Of the 889 pilots, 107 had an obesity-related medical ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512370 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512369&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150628%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Burke KL Abstract   This research investigates the frequency of Schmorl's nodes in differing populations, with new data from a skeletal sample from the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL) at the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command, while also reviewing the etiology of Schmorl's node formation. Processes implicated in Schmorl's node formation include trauma, old age, disease, intrinsic abnormalities, and biomechanical factors, and they correlate with Schmorl's node formation to varying degrees. A survey of research from the anthropology and medical literature revealed Schmorl's node population frequencies ranging from 8 to 80%. The current study consists of two samples, one derived from CIL case reports and one analyzing skeletal remains. The ca... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512369 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512368&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150695%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zivković V, Nikolić S, Babić D, Djonić D, Atanasijević T, Djurić M Abstract   Brainstem pontomedullary laceration (PML) in falls from a height appears as isolated cases and usually in feet-first impacts with a ring fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of PML in falls from a height, as well as the frequency of concomitant head and neck injuries. Out of 261 cases, PML was present in 40. An impact to the chin, as well as a feet- or buttocks-first impact, most often led to PML owing to transmission of the impact force. Also, a lateral, frontal, or posterior head impact, with subsequent hinge fracture, as well as the frontoposterior hyperextension of the head associated with an upper spine fracture, could be possible mechanisms of PML in falls ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512368 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512367&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150755%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Desrosiers NA, Watterson JH, Dean D, Wyman JF Abstract   Skeletal remains of a domestic pig were assessed for relative distribution of amitriptyline, citalopram, and metabolites. Following acute exposure and outdoor decomposition for 2 years, drugs and metabolites were analyzed in 13 different bones. Bones were pulverized following a simple wash procedure, and drugs were extracted by passive incubation in methanol, followed by solid-phase extraction. Samples were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and confirmed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Kruskall-Wallis test showed that bone type was a main effect with respect to drug level for all analytes, with levels varying from 33- to 166-fold. Ratios of levels of drug to that of t... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512367 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512366&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150773%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wortzel HS, Strom LA, Anderson AC, Maa EH, Spitz M Abstract   Little is known about the clinical aspects and medico-legal consequences of disrobing in the context of epileptic seizures. Seizure-related disrobing may occur either as an ictal automatism or during the postictal period. Some patients may experience a seizure while already in the unclothed state, engage in ictal wandering, and thereby appear in public in the nude. Two cases involving disrobing associated with seizures captured via video-monitored electroencephalography are offered. An additional case reveals the legal consequences endured by one patient who experienced a nocturnal seizure and began wandering in an unclothed state. Collectively, these cases illustrate the medical reality of seizure-related dis... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512366 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512365&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150798%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Castelló A, Francés F, Verdú F Abstract   Chemistry plays a leading role in crime investigation. In the study of bloodstains, chemical reactions provide the means for the detection. All these procedures have been thoroughly studied. However, recently, a new source of error has been found: washing stains with "active oxygen" detergents abrogates presumptive and human hemoglobin tests for bloodstains (although visible). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the ability of pure sodium percarbonate-main component of detergents-to abrogate presumptive and human hemoglobin tests. Then, a solution to this problem could be found. The results demonstrate that pure sodium percarbonate-itself-is able to abrogate all tests, as well as the different degrees to which each o... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512365 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5512364&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22150845%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kalina J Abstract   Image analysis methods commonly used in forensic anthropology do not have desirable robustness properties, which can be ensured by robust statistical methods. In this paper, the face localization in images is carried out by detecting symmetric areas in the images. Symmetry is measured between two neighboring rectangular areas in the images using a new robust correlation coefficient, which down-weights regions in the face violating the symmetry. Raw images of faces without usual preliminary transformations are considered. The robust correlation coefficient based on the least weighted squares regression yields very promising results also in the localization of such faces, which are not entirely symmetric. Standard methods of statistical machine learning... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5512364 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5512364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455118&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103265%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, a new vapor-phase staining method using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) is proposed for staining such materials. DMAB has high volatility and selective absorbability to cyanoacrylate-fumed fingerprints, so that cyanoacrylate-treated samples can be easily stained by leaving them simply in a closed container along with DMAB crystals for 48-96 h at room temperature or in conjunction with the use of mild heating. The stained fingerprint could be excited by UV irradiation (365 nm), and the fluorescent fingerprint was photographed through a UV cut-off filter (420 nm). The new method achieved minimally destructive fluorescent staining for the solvent-sensitive samples and the rough surfaced samples. PMID: 22103265 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455118 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455117&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103300%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, a questionnaire was administered to 145 forensic anthropologists, documenting current trends in adult age at death estimation procedures used throughout the field. Results indicate that the Suchey-Brooks pubic symphysis method (1990) remains the most highly favored aging technique, with cranial sutures and dental wear being the least preferred, regardless of experience. The majority of respondents stated that they vary their skeletal age estimate process case-by-case and ultimately present to officials both a narrow and broad possible age range. Overall, respondents displayed a very high degree of variation in how they generate their age estimates, and indicated that experience and expertise play a large role in skeletal age estimates. PMID: 22103300 [PubMed - as supplie... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455117 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455116&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103733%26dopt%3DAbstract This study presents a semi-automatic method to create simulated fingermarks in large quantities that model minutiae features or images of forensic fingermarks. This method takes into account several aspects contributing to the variability of forensic fingermarks such as the number of minutiae, the finger region, and the elastic deformation of the skin. To investigate the applicability of the simulated fingermarks, fingermarks have been simulated with 5-12 minutiae originating from different finger regions for six fingers. An AFIS matching algorithm was used to obtain similarity scores for comparisons between the minutiae configurations of fingerprints and the minutiae configurations of simulated and forensic fingermarks. The results showed similar scores for both types of fingermarks sugge... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455116 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455115&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103755%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saini V, Srivastava R, Rai RK, Shamal SN, Singh TB, Tripathi SK Abstract   Determination of sex from fragmentary crania is a critical problem in forensic anthropology. Osteometric analysis of mastoid can serve forensic anthropologists better in sex identification by virtue of the noticeable dimorphic characteristics. The present study aims to develop population-specific, sex-differentiating anthropometric standards for the mastoid process of North Indian skulls. Eight parameters of the mastoid region were measured on 138 adult crania (M/F 104:34, 22-65 years) and analyzed using SPSS 16.0. All parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.000). In stepwise analysis, asterion-mastoidale and mastoid breadth have provided an accuracy of 87%. Receiver operat... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455115 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455114&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103781%26dopt%3DAbstract This study also showed that this increased level of impact energy versus an earlier study using a lower energy resulted in new sites of fracture initiation and also caused previously defined fractures that propagate into an adjacent bone. Several unique characteristics of bone and diastatic fracture were documented as a function of specimen age, impact energy, and interface. These data describe some baseline characteristics of skull fracture using an animal model that may help guide future studies from forensic case files. PMID: 22103781 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455114 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455113&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103801%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examined 733 child abduction murders (CAMs) occurring from 1968 to 2002 to explore the influence of forensic evidence on case solvability in CAM investigations. It was hypothesized that the presence of forensic evidence connecting the offender to the crime would enhance case solvability in murder investigations of abducted children. This study examined the impact of CAM of different types of forensic evidence and the impact of the summed total of forensic evidence items on case solvability by controlling for victim age, victim race, victim gender, and victim-offender relationship. Time and distance theoretical predictors were also included. Binomial logistic regression models were used to determine whether forensic evidence was a critical solvability factor in murder investigati... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455113 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455112&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103855%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berdejo S, Rowe M, Bond JW Abstract   Three relatively new reagents for developing latent fingermarks on porous substrates, 1,2-indandione (IND), 5-methylthioninhydrin (5-MTN), and lawsone, are compared with the more widely used ninhydrin and 1,8-diazofluoren (DFO). Developed latent fingermark visualization on 10 different substrates comprising colored papers, cardboard, and cellophane rather than conventional printer and writing/notepad paper is assessed using latent fingermark deposits from 48 donors. Results show improved fluorescent fingermark visualization using IND compared with DFO on a range of colored cardboards and thick white paper, thus extending the range of substrates known to yield improved visualization with IND. Adding zinc chloride to IND failed to yiel... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455112 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455111&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103892%26dopt%3DAbstract This study suggests using osteon circularity to distinguish human bone fragments and hypothesizes that osteons will more closely resemble a perfect circle in nonhumans than in humans. Standard histological methods were used, and circularity was determined using an image analysis program, where circularity was controlled for by Haversian canal measurements. Homogeneity was first tested for multiple variables within human and nonhuman samples. No significant differences were found between human sexes (p = 0.657) or among nonhuman species (p = 0.553). Significant differences were found among intraskeletal elements of both humans (p = 0.016) and nonhumans (p = 0.013) and between pooled samples of humans and nonhumans (p < 0.001). Results of this study indicate that osteo... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455111 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5455110&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22103930%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Picard CJ, Wells JD Abstract   We propose a genetic test for full sibship for a pair of carrion flies that could reveal the postmortem relocation of a corpse. A carrion fly larva is sometimes left behind when a corpse is moved. The discovery of full sibling larvae of approximately the same developmental stage at two locations would strongly suggest that a corpse was moved between those two sites. Distributions of pairwise comparisons of relatedness (R) coefficients were generated using amplified fragment length polymorphism profiles for nine samples of laboratory-generated full siblings as well as for a reference sample of nonfull sibling Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The mean relative R coefficient, a pairwise measure of the proportion of shared alleles, was ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5455110 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5455110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418748&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085030%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moran JJ, Kreuzer HW, Carman AJ, Wahl JH, Duckworth DC Abstract   Acid scavengers are frequently used as stabilizer compounds in a variety of applications. When used to stabilize volatile compounds such as nerve agents, the lower volatility and higher stability of acid scavengers make them more persistent in a post-event forensic setting. Compound-specific isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in three acid-scavenging compounds (N,N-diethylaniline, tributylamine, and triethylamine) were used as a tool for distinguishing between different samples. Combined analysis of multiple isotopes improved sample resolution, for instance differentiation between triethylamine samples improved from 80% based on carbon alone to 96% when combining with additional isotope dat... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418748 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418747&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085093%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hejna P, Zátopková L, Safr M Abstract   A rare case of an elephant attack is presented. A 44-year-old man working as an elephant keeper was attacked by a cow elephant when he tripped over a foot chain while the animal was being medically treated. The man fell down and was consequently repeatedly attacked with elephant tusks. The man sustained multiple stab injuries to both groin regions, a penetrating injury to the abdominal wall with traumatic prolapse of the loops of the small bowel, multiple defects of the mesentery, and incomplete laceration of the abdominal aorta with massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity. In addition to the penetrating injuries, the man sustained multiple rib fractures with contusion of both lungs and laceration of the right lobe of the live... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418747 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418749&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22081951%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage. Three knives with different blade types were used to make experimental cut marks in costal cartilage of pigs. Each cut surface was cast, and each cast was examined by three analysts working independently. The presence of striations, regularity of striations, and presence of a primary and secondary striation pattern were recorded for each cast. The distance between each striation was measured. The results showed that striations were not consistently impressed on the cut surface by the blade's cutting edge. Also, blade type classification by the presence or absence of striations led to a 65% misclassification rate. Use of the clas... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418749 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418763&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22073932%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee WJ, Wilkinson CM, Hwang HS Abstract   The utilization of 3D computerized systems has allowed more effective procedures for forensic facial reconstruction. Three 3D computerized facial reconstructions were produced using skull models from live adult Korean subjects to assess facial morphology prediction accuracy. The 3D skeletal and facial data were recorded from the subjects in an upright position using a cone-beam CT scanner. Shell-to-shell deviation maps were created using 3D surface comparison software, and the deviation errors between the reconstructed and target faces were measured. Results showed that 54%, 65%, and 77% of the three facial reconstruction surfaces had <2.5 mm of error when compared to the relevant target face. The average error for each reco... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418763 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418762&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074112%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cattaneo C, Cantatore A, Ciaffi R, Gibelli D, Cigada A, De Angelis D, Sala R Abstract   Identification from video surveillance systems is frequently requested in forensic practice. The "3D-2D" comparison has proven to be reliable in assessing identification but still requires standardization; this study concerns the validation of the 3D-2D profile comparison. The 3D models of the faces of five individuals were compared with photographs from the same subjects as well as from another 45 individuals. The difference in area and distance between maxima (glabella, tip of nose, fore point of upper and lower lips, pogonion) and minima points (selion, subnasale, stomion, suprapogonion) were measured. The highest difference in area between the 3D model and the 2D image was between... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418762 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418761&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074131%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yu MM, Sandercock PM Abstract   During the forensic examination of textile fibers, fibers are usually mounted on glass slides for visual inspection and identification under the microscope. One method that has the capability to accurately identify single textile fibers without subsequent demounting is Raman microspectroscopy. The effect of the mountant Entellan New on the Raman spectra of fibers was investigated to determine if it is suitable for fiber analysis. Raman spectra of synthetic fibers mounted in three different ways were collected and subjected to multivariate analysis. Principal component analysis score plots revealed that while spectra from different fiber classes formed distinct groups, fibers of the same class formed a single group regardless of the mountin... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418761 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418760&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074186%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jones BJ, Downham R, Sears VG Abstract   Vacuum metal deposition (VMD) has been previously demonstrated as an effective development technique for latent fingermarks and in some cases has been shown to enhance prints developed with cyanoacrylate (CA) (superglue) fuming. This work utilizes scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the interactions of the two development techniques when applied to latent fingermarks on low-density polyethylene. CA is shown to act principally on the eccrine deposits around sweat pores, where polymerization results in long polymer fibrils a few 100 nm in width. Subsequent VMD processing results in additional areas of development, for example, between pores. However, the primary mode of deposition of zinc is by interaction with the p... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418760 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418759&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074229%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Milner GR, Boldsen JL Abstract   Osteologists often rely on single measurements, such as humeral and femoral head diameters, to estimate sex, especially when skeletons are incomplete. Measurements of 237 Bass Donated Collection skeletons provide a means of distinguishing white American females from males based on a modern sample: humeral head, female mean 42.1 mm, male mean 49.0 mm; and femoral head, female mean 42.2 mm, male mean 48.4 mm. Probabilities that bones at 1-mm increments came from females (p(f) ) are estimated (p(m)  = 1 - p(f) ). An overrepresentation of one sex in the skeletons that are examined influences the probability that a bone of a certain size is from a female or male. So, probabilities are also estimated for samples consisting of an... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418759 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418758&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074259%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Freitas JC, Sarkis JE, Neto ON, Viebig SB Abstract   During criminal investigations involving firearms, the detection of gunshot residues (GSRs) is one of the most important evidences. In the present study, a new method to identify trace evidences of GSRs, deposited around the bullet entrance hole, in different types of fabrics used as targets, is described. The experiments were carried out using a 0.38-inch caliber revolver, and 9-mm and 0.40-inch caliber pistols. Testimonies of 2.25 cm(2) of the fabrics were cut around the bullet entrance and digested with 10% nitric acid. Antimony, barium, and lead were analyzed in the remaining solution using a sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The concentrations of the elements were detected at levels up t... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418758 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418757&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074296%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, basal epithelial vacuolization was found only in cases with significant ketoacidosis. Although the numbers are small, the finding of basal renal tubular epithelial vacuolization in normoglycemic cases with elevated β-hydroxybutyrate levels provide further evidence that disordered lipid metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. PMID: 22074296 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418757 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418756&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074325%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matuszewski S Abstract   Some carrion insects appear on carcasses late in decomposition. While using these late-arriving taxa to estimate postmortem interval, it is vital to accurately estimate an interval preceding their appearance on a cadaver called the preappearance interval (PAI). This paper tests the possibilities of a PAI estimation from temperature in case of late-arriving, predatory carrion beetle Creophilus maxillosus. The relationship between temperature and PAI of adult and larval C. maxillosus was modeled using the results of a large-scale experiment on succession in forests of Central Europe. In both stages, PAI was found to be strongly, inversely related to temperature averaged for the duration of PAI. The PAI estimation from mean degree-day accumulations... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418756 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418755&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074354%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Krishan K, Kanchan T, Passi N, Dimaggio JA Abstract   The present research is aimed to introduce Heel-ball (HB) index from foot dimensions and determine whether this index exhibits sexual dimorphism. The study was conducted on a sample of 303 North Indian individuals (154 men, and 149 women) aged between 13 and 18 years. The stature, body weight, foot breadth at the ball (BBAL), and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured. The HB index was derived by the formula BHEL × 100/BBAL. Although the mean HB index was larger in women in both feet it showed statistically significant sex differences in the right foot only. The study shows that while the foot dimensions show a positive correlation with stature and weight, the HB index is independent of the stature and weigh... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418755 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418754&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074409%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was conducted to expand on previous research examining antisocial tendencies and personality styles of people choosing to own vicious breeds. Seven hundred and fifty-four college students completed a questionnaire assessing type of dog owned, criminal thinking, callousness, personality, alcohol usage, and deviant lifestyle behaviors. Vicious dog owners reported significantly higher criminal thinking, entitlement, sentimentality, and superoptimism tendencies. Vicious dog owners were arrested, engaged in physical fights, and used marijuana significantly more than other dog owners. However, the homogeneous sample utilized could impact the generalizability of these findings. Choosing to own a vicious dog may be a "thin slice" indicator of more antisocial tendencies. PMID: 220744... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418754 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418753&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074451%26dopt%3DAbstract This study utilizes metric analysis to examine size and shape variation between hyoids of Africans and Europeans in the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection. A total of 200 fused and unfused hyoids were measured and three statistical methods were employed to explore variation between ancestries. First, independent sample t-tests showed that some significant size differences do occur between ancestries. Second, to examine shape variation, skeletal measurements were regressed on the geometric mean using least squares linear regression with the residuals used to evaluate size-corrected shape differences. Finally, discriminant function analysis was used to develop two functions for ancestry prediction with overall accuracies of 73% and 77%. Results of the analyses suggest hyoid size and shape... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418753 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418752&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074494%26dopt%3DAbstract Developmental Validation of the AmpFâ„“STR(®) Identifiler(®) Plus PCR Amplification Kit: An Established Multiplex Assay with Improved Performance. J Forensic Sci. 2011 Nov 10; Authors: Wang DY, Chang CW, Lagacé RE, Calandro LM, Hennessy LK Abstract   Analysis of length polymorphism at short tandem repeat (STR) loci utilizing multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) remains the primary method for genotyping forensic samples. The AmpFâ„“STR(®) Identifiler(®) Plus PCR Amplification Kit is an improved version of the AmpFâ„“STR(®) Identifiler(®) PCR Amplification Kit and amplifies the core CODIS loci: D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, and vWA. Additional loci amplified in the multiplex reaction are the sex-dete... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418752 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418751&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074557%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Olivieri C, Marota I, Rollo F, Luciani S Abstract   Consuming honey can result in adverse effects owing to poisoning by bacterial (botulism) or plant toxins. We have devised a method to extract polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifiable DNA of up to c. 400 bp in length based on dialysis of a 15-mL honey sample for 18 h against deionized water followed by sequential extraction using phenol, phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, and ether. Sequence analysis of PCR products obtained using "universal" plant, fungal, and bacterial primers targeted to the ribosomal RNA genes has allowed us to identify six different orders of plants (Apiales, Fabales, Asterales, Solanales, Brassicales, and Sapindales), two orders of fungi (Entylomatales and Sacchar... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418751 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418750&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074597%26dopt%3DAbstract Usefulness of Forensic Dental Symbols(©) and Dental Encoder(©) Database in Forensic Odontology* J Forensic Sci. 2011 Nov 10; Authors: Martínez-Chicón J, Valenzuela A Abstract   A new universal graphic dental system, Forensic Dental Symbols(©) , has been created to provide precision in the construction of dental records, improve standardization, and increase efficiency in dental identification procedures. Two hundred and thirty-four different graphic symbols representing the most frequent clinical status for each tooth were designed. Symbols can be then converted to a typographic font and then are ready to use in any computer. For the appropriate use, manipulation, and storage of dental information generated by the Forensic Dental Symbols(©) , Dental Encoder(©) data... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418750 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379255&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040040%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Byard RW, Langlois NE PMID: 22040040 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379255 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379254&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040041%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fracasso T, Schmidt S, Schmeling A PMID: 22040041 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379254 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379253&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040042%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sauvageau A PMID: 22040042 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379253 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379252&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040043%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matte JA PMID: 22040043 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379252 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379251&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040044%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Horvath F PMID: 22040044 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379251 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379249&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040090%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moroni R, Aalberg L, Reinikainen T, Corander J Abstract   A considerable amount of discussion can be found in the forensics literature about the issue of using statistical sampling to obtain for chemical analyses an appropriate subset of units from a police seizure suspected to contain illicit material. Use of the Bayesian paradigm has been suggested as the most suitable statistical approach to solving the question of how large a sample needs to be to ensure legally and practically acceptable purposes. Here, we introduce a hypergeometric sampling model combined with a specific prior distribution for the homogeneity of the seizure, where a parameter for the analyst's expectation of homogeneity (α) is included. Our results show how an adaptive approach to sampling can min... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379249 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379248&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040123%26dopt%3DAbstract This study presents a regimented, stepwise approach to the evaluation of the cervical spine in these difficult cases, promotes uniform assessment, facilitates diagnoses, and supports the accumulation of otherwise hard-to-come-by reference material that can be of value in future cases. The resultant detailed autopsy findings may prove useful in the medico-legal death investigation process. Autopsy findings may also be of great value to health care providers involved in quality assurance processes. PMID: 22040123 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379248 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379247&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040159%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Christensen AM, Smith MA, Thomas RM Abstract   Forensic anthropological examinations typically involve the analysis of human skeletal remains, but in cases where samples are very small and/or physically compromised, it may first be necessary to determine whether the material is even osseous or dental in origin. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is a technique that reveals the elemental composition of materials and is hypothesized to have utility in such cases. XRF analysis was conducted on a variety of tissues and materials in unaltered and altered (damaged) states. With few exceptions, osseous and dental tissues in unaltered and altered conditions contained characteristic levels of calcium and phosphorus, while other materials did not. Materials could be accurately ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379247 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379246&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040199%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Asvat R Abstract   The present study investigates the frequency of bifidity/nonbifidity in the black and white South African populations. Four-hundred skeletons of known race, sex, and tribal group were examined. Spinous processes were classified as bifid (bifurcate and cleft subtypes) and nonbifid (obtuse, pediculate, acinate, and clavate subtypes). Statistical analysis using the chi-squared probability test (p < 0.05) was carried out. Bifid spinous processes were present significantly more frequently in the white sample (58.9%) than in the black (31.6%). A bifid spinous process occurred most commonly in C2 (89%) followed by C5 (83%), C4 (79%), C3 (59.4%), and C6 (41.7%) in the white sample. A similar order of decrease in bifidity occurred in the black sample. C2... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379246 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379245&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040236%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Notter SJ, Stuart BH Abstract   Adipocere is a postmortem decomposition product that consists of a mixture of fatty acids. The rate of formation of adipocere from pig adipose tissue in an aqueous environment has been monitored. The effect of various clothing and carpet material types on the process was investigated. The fatty acid composition of the adipocere was determined at regular intervals using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Examination of the changes to fatty acid concentrations allowed the degree of adipocere formation in the different environments to be estimated. The study demonstrated that the rate at which adipocere forms is particularly accelerated by the presence of coverings produced from natural materials. Elemental analysis by inductively coupled ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379245 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379244&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040273%26dopt%3DAbstract This study takes the first step toward in situ analysis of powder drugs which does not require any alteration of the samples. A fast, inexpensive analytical method based on reflectance near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry and multivariate calibration was applied. A diode-array fiber-optic portable spectrometer in the 900-1700 nm range was employed. Samples were laboratory-prepared ternary powders (diacetylmorphine, caffeine, and paracetamol). Partial least squares regression was applied. The choice of the standard samples for calibration and validation was performed through a D-optimal experimental design. The explained variance was higher than 90%, and the relative root mean square errors were <2%. The number of principal components (6) was very low when compared with the number of raw v... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379244 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379243&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040310%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kreuzer HW, Horita J, Moran JJ, Tomkins BA, Janszen DB, Carman A Abstract   Sodium and potassium cyanide are highly toxic, produced in large amounts by the chemical industry, and linked to numerous high-profile crimes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified cyanide as one of the most probable agents to be used in a chemical terrorism event. We investigated whether stable C and N isotopic content of sodium and potassium cyanide could serve as a forensic signature for sample matching, using a collection of 65 cyanide samples. Upon analysis, a few of the cyanide samples displayed nonhomogeneous isotopic content associated with degradation to a carbonate salt and loss of hydrogen cyanide. Most samples had highly reproducible isotope content. Of th... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379243 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379242&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040352%26dopt%3DAbstract We report a case of a mail parcel containing a dance pad which was seized at the Customs Department of Brussels Airport, Belgium. After investigation, the inside of the dance pad was found to contain a thick polymer, which tested positive for cocaine. Analysis was performed using a routine colorimetric swipe test, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The polymer was identified as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and contained 18% cocaine, corresponding to a street value of € 20,000. Laboratory experiments showed that cocaine could be easily extracted from the PVA matrix. This case report reveals a new smuggling technique for the transportation of large amounts of cocaine from one country to another. PMID: 22040352 [PubMed - as supplied... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379242 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379241&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040381%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrated the use of metallographic analysis and NIST's Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) program to identify the cause of an actual electrical fire. A severely carbonized steel plate and a cable with a bead were found inside a damaged switchboard from the debris of a factory fire. By metallographic analysis, the copper spatter on the steel plate was found to imply a short circuit has occurred and that this was the probable ignition source of the fire was supported by the presence of a small amount of copper oxide and by the cavities with the tree-like grain microstructures in the bead. The heat estimated to have been released per unit area of the switchboard in question (approximately 236.29 MJ/m(2) ) served as key input data for applying the FDS simulation of the blaze. The s... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379241 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311969&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981282%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee UY, Han SH, Park DK, Kim YS, Kim DI, Chung IH, Chun MH Abstract   The aims of this study were to investigate the sex discriminating potential of the talus in Koreans and compare this with other analyses in different populations. Statistical analyses were performed using data from nine measurements acquired from 140 tali (70 men, 70 women). The talus of Koreans is dimorphic between sexes in all measurements (p < 0.01). Discriminant function equations were generated by univariate, multivariate, and stepwise methods with a range of accuracy from 67.1 to 87.1%. Stepwise equations of other populations did not discriminate the sex of the Korean sample as accurately as each equation's own accuracies. The variables with high accuracy in this study are useful for sex d... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311969 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311966&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981315%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Elrick D Abstract   When theft of a physical item occurs it is detectable by the fact that the object is missing, however, when the theft of a digital item occurs it can go unnoticed as exact replicas can be created. The original file is left intact but valuable information has been absconded. One of the challenges facing digital forensic examiners is detecting when files have been copied off of a computer system in some fashion. While certain methods do leave residual evidence behind, CD Burning has long been held as a copying method that cannot be identified. Through testing of the burning process and close examination of the New Technology File System (NTFS), artifacts from the master file table in the various versions of Microsoft Windows, markers have been found tha... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311966 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311943&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981339%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bury D, Langlois N, Byard RW Abstract   Animals may be responsible for an array of potentially lethal injuries. Blunt force injuries characteristically involve larger animals such as cattle or horses that may kick, crush, or trample a victim causing head and facial injuries. Farm workers in particular are at high risk of lethal injuries involving the head and torso. Significant blunt trauma may be found in vehicle occupants after collisions with large animals such as camels or moose. Rarely, zookeepers may be crushed by particularly massive animals such as elephants. Sharp force injuries usually involve carnivore bites, most often from dogs with a "hole and tear" pattern of wounding. Injuries from animals such as alligators and sharks may have a significant component of ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311943 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311937&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981376%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Komar DA, Lathrop S Abstract   Understanding population-level trauma patterns has implications for the recognition of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Trauma data were abstracted from autopsy and anthropology reports for 105 victims from the 1999 conflict in Timor Leste. A significant number of individuals displayed no evidence of injury. No trauma was found in 25% of the sample, while a further 5% had only minor, nonlethal wounds. Where trauma was evident, sharp force injuries were most common (35%), followed by gunshot (20%) and blunt force (13.33%). Timorese frequencies of trauma differ significantly from percentages found in prior reports of mass killings from Cambodia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Afghanistan but closely resemble reported trauma patterns in Rwanda. D... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311937 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311936&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981407%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bury D, Langlois N, Byard RW Abstract   In addition to blunt and sharp trauma, animal-related fatalities may result from envenomation, poisoning, anaphylaxis, asphyxiation, and sepsis. Although the majority of envenomation deaths are caused by hornets, bees, and wasps, the mechanism of death is most often anaphylaxis. Envenomation resulting from the injection of a poison or toxin into a victim occurs with snakes, spiders, and scorpions on land. Marine animal envenomation may result from stings and bites from jellyfish, octopus, stonefish, cone fish, stingrays, and sea snakes. At autopsy, the findings may be extremely subtle, and so a history of exposure is required. Poisoning may also occur from ingesting certain fish, with three main forms of neurotoxin poisoning involv... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311936 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311935&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981447%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koch J, Berner W, Hill A, Briken P Abstract   The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and "psychopathy" in homicidal and nonhomicidal sexual offenders and to investigate the specificity of previous studies on psychiatric morbidity of a sample of sexual murderers. Information from court reports of 166 homicidal and 56 nonhomicidal sex offenders was evaluated using standardized instruments (SCID-II, PCL-R) and classification systems (DSM-IV). Sexual murderers were diagnosed more often with a personality disorder (80.1% vs. 50%; p < 0.001), especially schizoid personality disorder (16.3% vs. 5.4%; p < 0.05), as well as with sexual sadism (36.7% vs. 8.9%; p < 0.001) and sexual dysfunctions (21.7% vs. 7.1%; p <â... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311935 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311934&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981558%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim SY, Shapiro-Mendoza CK, Chu SY, Camperlengo LT, Anderson RN Abstract   We compared written text on infant death certificates for deaths coded as sudden infant death syndrome (R95), unknown cause (R99), and accidental suffocation (W75). Using US mortality files supplemented with the death certifiers' written text for all infant deaths with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 assigned codes R95, R99, and W75, we formed cause-of-death subcategories from common themes identified from the written text. Among all infant deaths in 2003-2004, the underlying cause of death was listed as R99 for 2128 deaths, R95 for 4408 deaths, and W75 for 931 deaths. Among the postneonatal deaths, the differences in subcategories varied between assigned ICD-10 codes: for R99-co... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311934 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311933&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981586%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examines primary (resulting from blast wave) and secondary (resulting from disintegrated, penetrating fragments) blast trauma to the skeleton. Eleven pigs were exposed to semi-controlled blast events of varying explosive type, charge size, and distance, including some cases with shrapnel. Skeletal trauma was found to be extensive, presenting as complex, comminuted fractures with numerous small, displaced bone splinters and fragments. Traumatic amputation of the limbs and cranium was also observed. Fractures were concentrated in areas nearer the blast, but there was generally no identifiable point of impact. Fractures were more random in appearance and widespread than those typically associated with gunshot or blunt force injury events. These patterns appear to be uniquely associ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311933 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5259542&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21939439%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hanson E, Maybruck JL, Ballantyne J, Fuerst PA Abstract   In a previous study, a new set of Y-chromosome short tandem repeats, the OSU 10-locus set (MPM1 and MPM2), was shown to have a higher discrimination power when evaluated against the 10 SWGDAM loci on a common population panel. Here, we describe the optimization of the multiplex reactions using dye-labeled primers followed by performance evaluations. The loci exhibited high precision, human male specificity, reliability in different body fluids, high sensitivity, stability, and the ability to amplify nonprobative casework and mixture samples. Stutter for the all of the loci, with the exception of the highly polymorphic locus DYS688, was similar to that observed for autosomal loci. The results of the performance eva... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5259542 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5259542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5259541&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21939441%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Komar DA, Davy-Jow S, Decker SJ Abstract   Proper documentation of physical evidence at both crimes scenes and postmortem examination is crucial for downstream analysis, interpretation, and presentation in court. Ephemeral or transient evidence poses particular challenges to investigators, as its very nature renders it difficult or impossible to seize and maintain in its original physical state. The use of a hand-held three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanner is proposed to capture and document such evidence, both in the field and at autopsy. Advantages of the scanner over traditional means of documentation such as photography or casting include the ability to obtain measurements in all dimensions, the ability to reconstruct missing elements, and the ease with which generate... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5259541 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5259541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5259540&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21939442%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tuller H, Paolello JM Abstract   This case study illustrates the use of the date function on an automatic wristwatch to help identify a Vietnam War helicopter crash site. The location of a crash incident can sometimes be uncertain because of inadequate or inaccurate wartime records and the passage of time. Artifacts recovered from a prospective crash scene are regularly used to correlate the loss incident. In this case study, a recovered automatic watch displayed a date 2 days later than the reported loss incident. Although the date conflicts with the aircraft crash incident report, it is observed that a fully wound automatic watch continues to work for c. 2 days after movement of the watch ceases. Thus, the watch's date in fact correlates with the aircraft crash inc... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5259540 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5259540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5259539&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21939443%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provides evidence of craniofacial growth variation between the sexes in juveniles of European descent. Data were collected from lateral cephalometric radiographs belonging to the Michigan Craniofacial Growth Study. The collection consists of longitudinal lateral radiographs that represent individuals 5-16 years of age. Each radiograph was manually traced on hyprint vellum from which eight craniometric points were identified. From these points, 20 craniofacial measurements were recorded and then analyzed by means of a canonical discriminant function analysis. Sex classification equations were then created by applying a backward stepwise procedure to the discriminant functions. The analysis demonstrates the presence of sexually dimorphic differences in craniofacial growth. The n... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5259539 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5259539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5259538&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21939444%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Burton S, Thomas Dalby J Abstract   While the use of psychological autopsies has at least a 50-year history in the investigation of equivocal deaths and suicides, we report a case where, after the discovery of a woman who died of natural causes, a subsequent search of her home found three deceased newborn infants. The infants were born on three separate occasions; the most recent was delivered approximately 2 weeks before the death of the mother. Using her own diaries and interviews with family and friends along with the physical autopsy and scene investigation data, we built a psychological autopsy that addressed the mother's mental state over the period of time when the infants' deaths took place. While the use of the psychological autopsy was not employed to disting... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5259538 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5259538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246122&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923781%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrated that surface wetness was the most influential factor affecting ring adhesion to skin. Also, chemical depilatories and shaving creams were to be avoided when cleaning the skin. The second phase of this research examines the tensile stress needed to rupture the bond between TAK(®) hydroplastic, three new cyanoacrylates, and pigskin with particular consideration for temperature variations. This study also considers solubility issues of different cyanoacrylates in 10% formalin. Finally, the Dorion Type V bitemark excision technique could significantly reduce the risks of tissue distortion when used in conjunction with the following methods and materials. The skin should be devoid of moisture, razor shaved, and cleaned with dishwashing detergent and 98.9% ethanol while ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246122 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246121&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923782%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Castañeda M, Mijares V, Riancho JA, Zarrabeitia MT Abstract   In complex kinship cases, markers situated in haplotypic blocks may provide additional clues to other unlinked markers. We have established a protocol to amplify six X-chromosome microsatellites, located in two haplotype blocks, using PCR with fluorochrome-labeled primers and capillary electrophoresis. The segregation stability was explored in 92 unrelated families with individuals from three generations. Sixty-one different haplotypes were found in the DXS10079-DXS10074-DXS10075 block in the grandfathers and 96 in the mothers, with estimated haplotype diversities of 0.9828 and 0.9842, respectively. Fifty and 73 different haplotypes were found in the DXS6801-DXS6809-DXS6789 block in the grandfathers and the m... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246121 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246120&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923795%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim JY, Cheong JC, Lee JI, Son JH, In MK Abstract   A rapid and simple gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection and quantification of five psychotropic phenylalkylamines (amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and norketamine) in toenails. After external decontamination, nail clippings were mechanically pulverized with a bead mill and then incubated in methanol under ultrasonication at 50°C for 1 h. The resulting solutions were evaporated to dryness, derivatized, and analyzed by GC-MS. The intra- and inter-day precisions were within 10.7% and 13.9%, respectively. The intra- and inter-day accuracies were -4.2% to 5.0% and -2.4% to 8.4%, respect... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246120 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246119&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923796%26dopt%3DAbstract This study proposes a method for the safe preparation of carnivore scat, recovery of bone inclusions, and quantification and comparison of scat variables. Fourteen scats (lion, jaguar, lynx, wolf, and coyote) were prepared with sodium-acetate-formalin fixative; analytical variables included carnivore individual, species, body size, and taxonomic family. Scat variables, particularly bone fragment inclusions, were found to vary among carnivore individuals, families, species, and sizes. The methods in this study facilitate safe scat processing, the complete recovery of digested evidence, and the preliminary identification of involved animals. This research demonstrates that scat collected from forensic contexts can yield valuable information concerning both the victim and the carnivore involv... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246119 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246118&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923797%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nikolić S, Zivković V, Babić D, Juković F Abstract   The underlying mechanism of cervical soft tissue emphysema (CSTE) in hanging remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CSTE in cases of hanging. The sample included 83 deceased persons, average age 55.3 ± 17.9 years. CSTE was established in 44 cases. CSTE is presented as frothy air, soap bubble-like formations in superficial and/or deep connective tissue between the neck muscles up to the ligature mark, visible during gross neck examination, using special neck autopsy technique-preparation of the neck organs in layers. The interpretation of positive CSTE must be taken with caution: it could be an antemortem phenomenon possibly because of either Macklin Effect or direct or indir... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246118 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246117&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923798%26dopt%3DAbstract This study utilized 48 domestic pigs, divided into 24 charred (head, neck, and limbs burned to Crow-Glassman level 1 and torso to level 2) and 24 un-charred pig carcasses. Decomposition of control carcasses was scored at 50 accumulated degree days (ADD) intervals, and charred carcasses were also observed and photographed at this time. A Charred Body Scale was subsequently created, and charred carcasses were scored retrospectively for the same ADD intervals. Analysis using a mixed-effect repeated measures model indicated that, while decomposition rate was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.2692), the charred remains initially displayed an ostensibly more advanced pattern. Body regions displaying significant charring decomposed at a faster rate (p < 0.001), ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246117 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246116&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923799%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Beresford AL, Brown RM, Hillman AR, Bond JW Abstract   To address the challenge of capturing latent fingerprint evidence from metal surfaces, a new method of latent fingerprint enhancement based on electrochromic polymer films has recently been developed. Here, we present a study comparing the development and visualization of nonvisible fingerprints on stainless steel substrates using this electrochromic enhancement approach with three classical methods (dusting, wet powder, and cyanoacrylate fuming). Two variants of the electrochromic enhancement method were utilized with polyaniline and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as the electrochromic materials. Fingerprint samples were taken from different donors (varying in age and gender) and were exposed to different environm... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246116 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246115&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923800%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bertol E, Politi L, Mari F Abstract   Potassium chloride intravenous injection is used in suicide attempts and lethal procedures for state-sanctioned punishment. Owing to its relatively high concentrations in hemolyzed blood (25-80 mM) compared to serum (about 4 mM), it is difficult to conclude potassium poisoning by postmortem analysis of biologic samples. A 41-year-man was found dead with an injection sign on his foot and a syringe close to the corpse. No particular signs were noted during the autopsy. Blood, bile, and urine were submitted to xenobiotic screening procedures used in the laboratory. Syringe content was found positive to potassium ions. Blood potassium concentration was determined by ion-selective electrode measurement (range 3.0-150 mM). Blood was ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246115 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5246114&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21923801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zydek L, Barzdo M, Meissner E, Berent PJ Abstract   Assessment of changes in the spongy bone structure of the upper end of the humerus is one of the common methods of age estimation. This method was devised many years ago (1894) and has never been verified in an objective numerical testing. We projected an objective morphometric method assessment of the upper end of the humerus. The study was carried out on humeri from cadavers of 88 men and 84 women. The surface area of atrophy of the spongy structure (medullary cavity) was calculated on the longitudinal section of the humerus. A new morphometric method was applied, which allowed numerical presentation of results. The results of the study show a lack of statistical correlation between atrophy of the spongy structure wit... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5246114 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5246114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192484&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21883207%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kavlick MF, Lawrence HS, Merritt RT, Fisher C, Isenberg A, Robertson JM, Budowle B Abstract   Successful mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) forensic analysis depends on sufficient quantity and quality of mtDNA. A real-time quantitative PCR assay was developed to assess such characteristics in a DNA sample, which utilizes a duplex, synthetic DNA to ensure optimal quality assurance and quality control. The assay's 105-base pair target sequence facilitates amplification of degraded DNA and is minimally homologous to nonhuman mtDNA. The primers and probe hybridize to a region that has relatively few sequence polymorphisms. The assay can also identify the presence of PCR inhibitors and thus indicate the need for sample repurification. The results show that the assay provides informati... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192484 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192483&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21883209%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mehltretter AH, Bradley MJ, Wright DM Abstract   The backings of 90 black electrical tapes were analyzed to evaluate the chemical components of these films, the ability of individual techniques to discriminate samples, and the ability of the techniques combined to distinguish samples. The techniques utilized and their respective discrimination results were stereomicroscopy and physical measurements, to include observation of surface features of the backing, width, and thickness measurements (c. 64%); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) using a microscope accessory (c. 83%); pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS; c. 81%); and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS; c. 87%). Ninety-four percent of the back... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192483 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192482&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884118%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ubelaker DH PMID: 21884118 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192482 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192481&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884119%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Page M, Taylor J, Blenkin M Abstract The U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Kumho Tire Co. Ltd. v. Carmichael transformed the way scientific expert evidence was reviewed in courts across the United States. To gauge the impact of these rulings on the admission of forensic identification evidence, the authors analyzed 548 judicial opinions from cases where admission of such evidence was challenged. Eighty-one cases (15%) involved exclusion or limitation of identification evidence, with 50 (65.7%) of these failing to meet the "reliability" threshold. This was largely because of a failure to demonstrate a sufficient scientific foundation for either the technique (27 cases) or the expert's conclusions (17 cases). The incidence of exc... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192481 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192480&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884120%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kuras MJ, Wachowicz MJ Abstract Elemental composition of 85 cannabis samples was established using GF AAS and ICP OES methods. The robustness of the method was determined by analyzing eight independently prepared replicates from a single cannabis plant. The accuracy of the method was established by analyzing four plant certified reference material samples. The ability of discriminant analysis using elemental compositions to distinguish between fiber cannabis samples collected from four different regions of Poland was evaluated. Then, a classification model was developed that correctly classified selected samples of known origin. Cannabis samples confiscated by law enforcement agencies have also been subjected to discriminant analysis. A classification model has been develo... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192480 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192479&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884121%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Peat MA PMID: 21884121 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192479 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192478&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884122%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tanay E PMID: 21884122 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192478 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192477&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884123%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Duband S, Péoc'h M PMID: 21884123 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192477 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192476&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884124%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Quatrehomme G PMID: 21884124 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192476 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192475&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884125%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: De-Giorgio F, Grassi VM, Vetrugno G, Arena V PMID: 21884125 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192475 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192474&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884126%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pepin M, Byers PH, Shields LB, Rolf CM, Davis GJ, Hunsaker JC PMID: 21884126 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192474 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192473&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884127%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 21884127 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences) Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192473 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156585&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854376%26dopt%3DAbstract A Simulation for Exploring the Effects of the "Trait List" Method's Subjectivity on Consistency and Accuracy of Ancestry Estimations* J Forensic Sci. 2011 Aug 19; Authors: Hughes CE, Juarez CA, Hughes TL, Galloway A, Fowler G, Chacon S Abstract   The nonmetric "trait list" methodology is widely used for estimating ancestry of skeletal remains. However, the effects of the method's embedded subjectivity on subsequent accuracy and consistency are largely unknown. We develop a mathematical simulation to test whether variation in the application of the "trait list" method alters the ancestry estimation for a given case. Our simulation explores how variations in (i) trait selection, (ii) number of traits employed, and (iii) ancestry choice thresholds affect the ancestry estimat... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156585 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156584&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854377%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, 23 forensically important flesh flies were collected from 13 locations in 10 Chinese provinces. Then, a 278-bp segment of the cytochrome oxidase subunits one (COI) gene and a 289-bp segment of the 16S rDNA gene of all specimens were successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced segments showed that all sarcophagid specimens were properly assigned into four species (Boerttcherisca peregrina [Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830], Helicophagella melanura [Meigen, 1826], Parasarcophaga albiceps [Meigen, 1826], and Parasarcophaga dux [Thompson, 1869]) with relatively strong supporting values, thus indicating that the COI and 16S rDNA regions are suitable for identification of sarcophagid species. The difference between intraspecific threshold and interspecific divergence con... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156584 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156583&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854378%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Flood SJ, Mitchell WJ, Oxnard CE, Turlach BA, McGeachie J Abstract   The aim of this study was to determine the comparative accuracy of Demirjian's four dental development methods for forensic age estimation in the Western Australian population. A sample comprising 143 individuals aged 4.6 to 14.5 years were assessed using Demirjian's four methods for dental development (original 7-tooth: M(2) , M(1) , PM(2) , PM(1) , C, I(2) , and I(1) ; revised 7-tooth: M(2) , M(1) , PM(2) , PM(1) , C, I(2) , and I(1) ; 4-tooth: M(2) , M(1) , PM(2) , and PM(1) ; and an alternate 4-tooth: M(2) , PM(2) , PM(1) , and I(1) ). When comparing all four methods, the 4-tooth method overestimated age in both males and females by 0.04 and 0.25 years, respectively. The original 7-tooth was least... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156583 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156581&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854379%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Flood SJ, Mitchell WJ, Oxnard CE, Turlach BA, McGeachie J Abstract   Dental maturation and chronological age estimation were determined from 144 healthy Western Australian individuals aged 3.6-14.5 years. The results were compared with Farah et al.'s previous study which comprised a larger heterogeneous sample of Western Australian individuals (n = 1450). Orthopantomograms were analyzed with the application of Demirjian and Goldstein's 4-tooth method based on eight stages of dental mineralization. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in dental maturity scores in each age group among the males in both studies; similar results were seen in the females. Paired t-tests showed no statistical significance overall between chronological and estimated a... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156581 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156580&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854380%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Srivastava R, Saini V, Rai RK, Pandey S, Tripathi SK Abstract   Determination of sex of unknown skeleton remains is the most important step in the identification process. Racial and regional differences in the populations create and maintain specificity in their dimorphic characteristics. Moreover, considering continued secular changes in the population structure, constant revision of osteometric standards becomes mandatory. In an effort to establish osteometric standards for the femur of contemporary North Indian populations, 122 adult femora of known sex (M: 94; F: 28) were collected in the Department of Forensic Medicine, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. Eight standard parameters were measured and analyzed by discriminant function analysis using SPSS 16. The accuracy of sex predic... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156580 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156579&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854381%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chi JH, Wu SH, Shu CM Abstract   The location of the hydroelectric power plant poses a high risk to occupants seeking to escape in a fire accident. Calculating the heat release rate of transformer oil as 11.5 MW/m(2`) , the fire at the Taiwan Dajia-River hydroelectric power plant was reconstructed using the fire dynamics simulator (FDS). The variations at the escape route of the fire hazard factors temperature, radiant heat, carbon monoxide, and oxygen were collected during the simulation to verify the causes of the serious casualties resulting from the fire. The simulated safe escape time when taking temperature changes into account is about 236 sec, 155 sec for radiant heat changes, 260 sec for carbon monoxide changes, and 235-248 sec for oxygen changes. Thes... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156579 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156578&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854382%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Laux DL, Barnhart JP Abstract   Use of immunochromatographic membranes for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has become commonplace in forensic laboratories. Experiments were designed to test the newly developed Seratec(®) SeraQuantâ„¢ for accuracy, precision, and consistency in the quantitation of PSA. PSA standards were diluted with buffers and run on the instruments. Values obtained were examined for accuracy (was the correct value obtained?) and precision (were multiple sample values consistent?). To test for variation between instruments, large volumes of diluted PSA standard were run repeatedly on six units and the values obtained were plotted against the known PSA values to obtain a standard curve for each instrument. Fifty membranes having negativ... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156578 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156577&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854383%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morgan Iii CA, Colwell K, Hazlett GA Abstract   Laboratory-based detecting deception research suggests that truthful statements differ from those of deceptive statements. This nonlaboratory study tested whether forensic statement analysis (FSA) methods would distinguish genuine from false eyewitness accounts about exposure to a highly stressful event. A total of 35 military participants were assigned to truthful or deceptive eyewitness conditions. Genuine eyewitness reported truthfully about exposure to interrogation stress. Deceptive eyewitnesses studied transcripts of genuine eyewitnesses for 24 h and falsely claimed they had been interrogated. Cognitive Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and assessed by FSA raters blind to the status of participants. Genuine acc... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156577 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156576&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854384%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koenig BE, Lacey DS Abstract   This case report sets forth an authenticity examination of 35 encrypted, proprietary-format digital audio files containing recorded telephone conversations between two codefendants in a criminal matter. The codefendant who recorded the conversations did so on a recording system he developed; additionally, he was both a forensic audio authenticity examiner, who had published and presented in the field, and was the head of a professional audio society's writing group for authenticity standards. The authors conducted the examination of the recordings following nine laboratory steps of the peer-reviewed and published 11-step digital audio authenticity protocol. Based considerably on the codefendant's direct involvement with the development of t... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156576 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156575&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854385%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johnson AP, Wallman JF, Archer MS Abstract   This paper expands on Archer (J Forensic Sci 49, 2004, 553), examining additional factors affecting ambient temperature correction of weather station data in forensic entomology. Sixteen hypothetical body discovery sites (BDSs) in Victoria and New South Wales (Australia), both in autumn and in summer, were compared to test whether the accuracy of correlation was affected by (i) length of correlation period; (ii) distance between BDS and weather station; and (iii) periodicity of ambient temperature measurements. The accuracy of correlations in data sets from real Victorian and NSW forensic entomology cases was also examined. Correlations increased weather data accuracy in all experiments, but significant differences in accuracy... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156575 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156574&cid=s_28437_142_f&fid=28437&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854386%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Herbst J, Byard RW Abstract   Angelman syndrome is a condition characterized by developmental delay due to abnormalities in the maternally derived chromosome 15q11-q13. Typical features include impaired expressive language, an ataxic gait, and seizures. Hyperactivity may result in accidental bruises and abrasions, raising issues of possible inflicted injury. A fascination with water may predispose to drowning. A 5-year-old boy with an established diagnosis of Angelman syndrome is reported who died of upper airway obstruction due to massively enlarged tonsils complicating infectious mononucleosis. Assessment of the severity of underlying illness in developmentally delayed children may be difficult due to failure to vocalize worsening symptoms and distress. In addition, si... Journal of Forensic Sciences journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156574 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156574