GHB free acid: II. Isolation and spectroscopic characterization for forensic analysis

A reference standard for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) free acid is not commercially available, making its analysis in forensic exhibits more difficult. GHB free acid is typically encountered in aqueous solution and in the presence of the lactone, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), presenting difficulty in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. The strong infrared (IR) absorptivity of the GBL carbonyl band, the shifting of the GBL carbonyl band in aqueous solutions, and the position of the O-H bend for water can mask the main carbonyl band for GHB free acid. Model solutions of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and GBL were studied in order to further understand the masking of the GHB free acid carbonyl band in FT-IR analysis. The use of second derivative FT-IR spectroscopy was shown to provide resolution of the free acid carbonyl band, and a presumptive test for GHB free acid was developed and applied. An extension of this work included preparing, for use as a standard reference material, small amounts (< or = 10 mg) of GHB free acid. Preparation was based on the instantaneous reaction of GHB's sodium salt with a stoichiometric amount of hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution, and subsequent isolation of the free acid in neat liquid form. Both FT-IR and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the neat reference material were obtained and used to verify its identity. The isolation of GHB free acid from actual forensic exhibits is also presented, with identity confirmation using FT-IR.     

DNA evidence in rape cases and the Debbie Smith Act: forensic practice and criminal justice implications

The Debbie Smith or "Justice for All" Act was passed on November 1, 2004. The act addresses the problem of collecting and analyzing DNA evidence from backlogged rape kits sitting in crime laboratories around the country. Presently, no empirical data exist by which to assess the soundness of the legislation. However, the act clearly affects discrete operations within the forensic and criminal justice systems. This article explores the relative merits of the Debbie Smith law, highlighting changes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs, law enforcement, court administration, correctional treatment, and juvenile justice practices. Concerns linked to the likely impact of the "Justice for All" Act raise significant questions about its overall programmatic utility and treatment efficacy.     

Molecular-genetic identification of the hostages killed in the terror act on September 1-3, 2004, in Beslan

The authors describe principles, methods and staging of molecular-genetic identification of hostages killed in the Beslan terroristic act. Cases when it was impossible to identify person definitely are explained. Precise staging of the expert investigation is of key importance.     

Microscopic myocardial changes and their significance for forensic medical diagnosis

Morphological myocardial changes essential for diagnosis in forensic medical medicine are listed as well as alterations in the vessels of the myocardium, cardiac muscular fibers and cardiomyocytes important for diagnosis of death of ischemic heart disease, acute alcohol poisoning, alcohol cardiomyopathy, closed cardiac lesions. Changes induced by reflex impacts on the heart and postmortem alterations are also shown.     

Comparative characteristics of angulometric parameters of teeth and dentitions in terms of personal identification

Angulometric teleroentgenographic characteristics of teeth were compared for 158 subjects. A computer technology of calculation and assessment of 47 angular (quantitative) parameters characterizing spatial position of the teeth and jaws is proposed. This complex of parameters can be used as an additional test in personal identification.     

Forensic medical characteristics of the injuries inflicted by modern sport bow

Modern bows are classified as representatives of darts. Construction characteristics of bows and arrows, damage to experimental cotton targets from shooting distance of 1-15 m are described.     

Spatial position of the cranium in craniofacial establishment of identity

A total of 90 images of male cranes from different groups of horizontal profiling (120 +/- 10 degrees, 140 +/- 10 degrees, 160 +/- 10 degrees) were studied in experiment with the coordinate-controlled complex for turning angle (from the position full face to the right and left by 14 degrees with spacing 2 degrees). Each image was marked according to the system of 18 control points. Precision of the angle fixation was 0.1 degrees. Calculation of the angles of horizontal profiling and turning of the crane were made according to a specially devised program INPUTTING. Statistic processing of the computer data base made it possible to calculate precision rates of marking points and regression equation describing the pattern of cranial control points in turning. It is shown that presicion of the turning angle estimation with reference to horizontal profiling is much higher than without it. Basing on the data obtained a method of zeroing of coordinates of the control points (placing in position for correct scaling of the objects of craniofacial identification) was devised. The method allows greater reliability of the results of personal craniofacial identification.