Bennett, S, Roux, CP & Robertson, J 2010, 'The significance of fibre transfer and persistence – A case study', Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 221-228.
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In April, 1995 the body of a young woman was found in a suburb of Sydney, Australia. The body was fully clothed and bore a number of injuries to the neck, face and fingers. There were no signs of sexual assault and she appeared to have been strangled. The only physical evidence located at the scene was a number of dark, coarse fibres adhering to the soles of her shoes. These fibres consisted of nine grey polypropylene, 12 blue polypropylene and 50 black polyester fibres. The source of these fibres was found to be the carpet of a 1991 Honda CRX that belonged to the suspect. Almost all other possible sources of these fibres were eliminated. At trial, the source of the fibres was not disputed by the defence. Instead the issue became how long these fibres had persisted on the shoe soles. A number of experiments were conducted to investigate the factors influencing the transfer and persistence of carpet fibres to shoe soles and the results of these experiments became a critically important part of the prosecution.
Benson, SJ, Lennard, CJ, Hill, DM, Maynard, P & Roux, C 2010, 'Forensic Analysis of Explosives Using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)—Part 1: Instrument Validation of the DELTAplusXP IRMS for Bulk Nitrogen Isotope Ratio Measurements', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 193-204.
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Abstract: A significant amount of research has been conducted into the use of stable isotopes to assist in determining the origin of various materials. The research conducted in the forensic field shows the potential of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to provide a level of discrimination not achievable utilizing traditional forensic techniques. Despite the research there have been few, if any, publications addressing the validation and measurement uncertainty of the technique for forensic applications. This study, the first in a planned series, presents validation data for the measurement of bulk nitrogen isotope ratios in ammonium nitrate (AN) using the DELTAplusXP (Thermo Finnigan) IRMS instrument equipped with a ConFlo III interface and FlashEA™ 1112 elemental analyzer (EA). Appropriate laboratory standards, analytical methods and correction calculations were developed and evaluated. A validation protocol was developed in line with the guidelines provided by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA). Performance characteristics including: accuracy, precision/repeatability, reproducibility/ruggedness, robustness, linear range, and measurement uncertainty were evaluated for the measurement of nitrogen isotope ratios in AN. AN (99.5%) and ammonium thiocyanate (99.99+%) were determined to be the most suitable laboratory standards and were calibrated against international standards (certified reference materials). All performance characteristics were within an acceptable range when potential uncertainties, including the manufacturer’s uncertainty of the technique and standards, were taken into account. The experiments described in this article could be used as a model for validation of other instruments for similar purposes. Later studies in this series will address the more general issue of demonstrating that the IRMS technique is scientifically sound and fit‐for‐purpose ...
Benson, SJ, Lennard, CJ, Maynard, P, Hill, DM, Andrew, AS, Neal, K, Stuart‐Williams, H, Hope, J, Stewart Walker, G & Roux, C 2010, 'Forensic Analysis of Explosives Using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)—Part 2: Forensic Inter‐Laboratory Trial: Bulk Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes in a Range of Chemical Compounds (Australia and New Zealand)', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 205-212.
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Abstract: Comparability of data over time and between laboratories is a key issue for consideration in the development of global databases, and more broadly for quality assurance in general. One mechanism that can be utilized for evaluating traceability is an inter‐laboratory trial. This paper addresses an inter‐laboratory trial conducted across a number of Australian and New Zealand isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) laboratories. The main objective of this trial was to determine whether IRMS laboratories in these countries would record comparable values for the distributed samples. Four carbon containing and four nitrogen containing compounds were distributed to seven laboratories in Australia and one in New Zealand. The laboratories were requested to analyze the samples using their standard procedures. The data from each laboratory was evaluated collectively using International Standard ISO 13528 (Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by inter‐laboratory comparisons). “Warning signals” were raised against one participant in this trial. “Action signals” requiring corrective action were raised against four participants. These participants reviewed the data and possible sources for the discrepancies. This inter‐laboratory trial was successful in providing an initial snapshot of the potential for traceability between the participating laboratories. The statistical methods described in this article could be used as a model for others needing to evaluate stable isotope results derived from multiple laboratories, e.g., inter‐laboratory trials/proficiency testing. Ongoing trials will be conducted to improve traceability across the Australian and New Zealand IRMS community.
Chan, J, Shimmon, R, Spindler, X, Maynard, P, Lennard, C, Roux, C & Stuart, BH 2010, 'An investigation of isatin as a potential reagent for latent fingermark detection on porous surfaces', Journal of Forensic Identification, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 320-336.
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This study investigated isatin as a potential fingermark enhancement reagent for use on porous surfaces. A number of parameters were investigated, including concentration, solvent system, pH of the solution, and optimization of the development conditions. It was determined that isatin at a concentration of 0.05% (w/v) provided the optimum balance between the luminescence of the fingermark ridges and background. A carrier solvent of dioxane mixed with acetone [12.5% (v/v)] produced the most intense luminescence. It was determined that the optimum pH for the development of fingermarks was 5.0 and that this could be reached by the addition of 4% (v/v) sodium carbonate buffer. The use of a dry heat press at 180°C for 10 s provided optimal development conditions. The possible enhancement of isatin-treated fingermark impressions using metal salts was investigated and it was determined that secondary treatment with an ethanolic zinc chloride solution provided enhanced luminescence emission. However, little color change to the developed fingermarks was observed. A comparison of isatin with 1,2-indanedione-zinc (IND-Zn) and DFO demonstrated that the latter two reagents provided greater sensitivity and luminescence than isatin despite the fact that isatin generated strong room-temperature luminescence.
Chan, J, Spindler, X, Brust, A, Shimmon, R, Maynard, P, Lennard, C, Stoilovic, M & Roux, C 2010, 'Evaluation of DFO and 1,2-indanedione formulations under two different Australian conditions', Science & Justice, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 38-38.
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Epple, R, Blanes, L, Beavis, A, Roux, C & Doble, P 2010, 'Analysis of amphetamine-type substances by capillary zone electrophoresis using capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection', ELECTROPHORESIS, vol. 31, no. 15, pp. 2608-2613.
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CE with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) was employed for the separation and detection of seven amphetamine analogues as well as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The separation electrolyte was 30 mM hydroxypropyl-~-cyclodextrin (HPPCD) in a 75 mM acetic acid+25 mM sodium acetate buffer adjusted to pH 4.55. Conductivity detection was compared with UV detection using this same electrolyte. Average detection limits for C4D and UV were 1.3 and 1.0 ppm, respectively. The effects of HPPCO -concentration and BGE composition on the selectivity of the separation were also investigated. An illicit, street-grade sample of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) and a prescription dextroamphetamine tablet were also analysed.
Fu, S, Lewis, J, Wang, H, Keegan, J & Dawson, M 2010, 'A Novel Reductive Transformation of Oxazepam to Nordiazepam Observed During Enzymatic Hydrolysis', JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY, vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 243-251.
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β-Glucuronidase is an enzyme often employed to de-conjugate β-glucuronides during urinary drug testing for benzodiazepines. It is commonly accepted that use of β-glucuronidase is a preferred method of hydrolysis over acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, which is known to induce benzodiazepine degradation and transformation. Literature to date, however, has not reported any cases of benzodiazepine transformation initiated by commercial β-glucuronidase products. In this study, urine specimens containing either oxazepam or oxazepam glucuronide were incubated with β-glucuronidase enzymes obtained from Escherichia coli, Helix pomatia, and Patella vulgata under various incubation conditions. After liquid-liquid extraction, the extract was analyzed by both liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the presence of benzodiazepines. All three enzyme preparations examined were capable of reducing oxazepam or oxazepam glucuronide into nordiazepam (desmethyldiazepam). Nordiazepam formation was positively correlated with incubation temperature, incubation time, oxazepam concentration, and enzyme concentration. Under all enzymatic hydrolysis conditions investigated, the percentage of nordiazepam formation is < 2.5% relative to the amount of oxazepam present in the system. The findings of this study have both clinical and forensic implications, and it is clear that the detection of nordiazepam in biological samples subjected to testing involving enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis should be interpreted with care.
Hoile, R, Banos, C, Colella, M, Walsh, SJ & Roux, C 2010, 'Gamma Irradiation as a Biological Decontaminant and Its Effect on Common Fingermark Detection Techniques and DNA Profiling', JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 171-177.
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The use of disease-causing organisms and their toxins against the civilian population has defined bioterrorism and opened forensic science up to the challenges of processing contaminated evidence. This study sought to detennine the use of gamma irradiation as an effective biological decontaminant and its effect on the recovery of latent fingennarks from both porous and nonporous items. Test items were contaminated with viable spores marked with latent pIinrs and then decontaminated using a cobalt 60 gamma irradiator. Fingerrnark detection was the focus with standard methods inclurJing 1,2-inrJanedione, ninhydrin, diazafluoren-9-one, and physical developer used during this study. DNA recovery using 20% Chelex extraction and quantitative real-time polymerdse chain reaction was also explored. Gamma irradiation proved effective as a bacterial decontaminant with D-values ranging from 458 to 500 Gy for nonporous items and 797-808 Gy for porous ones. The results demonstrated the successful recovel)' of latent marks and DNA establishing gamma irradiation as a viable decontamination option.
Koelsch, M, Mallak, R, Graham, GG, Kajer, T, Milligan, MK, Nguyen, LQ, Newsham, DW, Keh, JS, Kettle, AJ, Scott, KF, Ziegler, JB, Pattison, DI, Fu, S, Hawkins, CL, Rees, MD & Davies, MJ 2010, 'Acetaminophen (paracetamol) inhibits myeloperoxidase-catalyzed oxidant production and biological damage at therapeutically achievable concentrations', BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY, vol. 79, no. 8, pp. 1156-1164.
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The heme peroxidase enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) is released by activated neutrophils and monocytes, where it uses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to catalyze the production of the potent oxidants hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypobromous acid (HOBr) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) from halide and pseudohalide (SCN-) ions. These oxidants have been implicated as key mediators of tissue damage in many human inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis and some cancers. It is shown here that acetaminophen (paracetamol), a phenol-based drug with analgesic and antipyretic actions, is an efficient inhibitor of HOCl and HOBr generation by isolated MPOH2O2halide systems. With physiological halide concentrations, acetaminophen concentrations required for 50% inhibition of oxidant formation (IC50) were 77 ± 6 µM (100 mM Cl-) and 92 ± 2 µM (100 mM Cl- plus 100 µM Br-), as measured by trapping of oxidants with taurine. The IC50 for inhibition of HOCl generation by human neutrophils was ca. 100 µM. These values are lower than the maximal therapeutic plasma concentrations of acetaminophen (=150 µM) resulting from typical dosing regimes. Acetaminophen did not diminish superoxide generation by neutrophils, as measured by lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. Inhibition of HOCl production was associated with the generation of fluorescent acetaminophen oxidation products, consistent with acetaminophen acting as a competitive substrate of MPO. Inhibition by acetaminophen was maintained in the presence of heparan sulfate and extracellular matrix, materials implicated in the sequestration of MPO at sites of inflammation in vivo. Overall, these data indicate that acetaminophen may be an important modulator of MPO activity in vivo.
Ma, R, Shimmon, R, Maynard, P, Lennard, C & Roux, C 2010, 'Further research into novel fingermark detection techniques using anti-Stokes luminescence', Science & Justice, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 43-43.
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Masaki, L, Brooks, EM, Robertson, J, Maynard, P & Roux, C 2010, 'The forensic examination of black, brown, blond, and red hairs using digital imaging and colour analysis', Science & Justice, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 39-39.
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Raymond, JJ, van Oorschot, RA, Walsh, SJ, Gunn, PR & Roux, C 2010, 'A criminalistic approach to biological evidence: Trace DNA and volume crime', Science & Justice, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 46-46.
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Ribaux, O, Baylon, A, Lock, E, Delemont, O, Roux, C, Zingg, C & Margot, P 2010, 'Intelligence-led crime scene processing. Part II: Intelligence and crime scene examination', FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, vol. 199, no. 1-3, pp. 63-71.
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A better integration of the information conveyed by traces within intelligence-led framework would allow forensic science to participate more intensively to security assessments through forensic intelligence (part I). In this view, the collection of data by examining crime scenes is an entire part of intelligence processes. This conception frames our proposal for a model that promotes to better use knowledge available in the organisation for driving and supporting crime scene examination. The suggested model also clarifies the uncomfortable situation of crime scene examiners who must simultaneously comply with justice needs and expectations, and serve organisations that are mostly driven by broader security objectives. It also opens new perspective for forensic science and crime scene investigation, by the proposal to follow other directions than the traditional path suggested by dominant movements in these fields. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Ribaux, O, Baylon, A, Roux, C, Delemont, O, Lock, E, Zingg, C & Margot, P 2010, 'Intelligence-led crime scene processing. Part I: Forensic intelligence', FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, vol. 195, no. 1-3, pp. 10-16.
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Forensic science is generally defined as the application of science to address questions related to the law. Too often, this view restricts the contribution of science to one single process which eventually aims at bringing individuals to court while minimising risk of miscarriage of justice. In order to go beyond this paradigm, we propose to refocus the attention towards traces themselves, as remnants of a criminal activity, and their information content. We postulate that traces contribute effectively to a wide variety of other informational processes that support decision making in many situations. In particular, they inform actors of new policing strategies who place the treatment of information and intelligence at the centre of their systems. This contribution of forensic science to these security oriented models is still not well identified and captured. In order to create the best condition for the development of forensic intelligence, we suggest a framework that connects forensic science to intelligence-led policing (part I). Crime scene attendance and processing can be envisaged within this view. This approach gives indications about how to structure knowledge used by crime scene examiners in their effective practice (part II).
Robertson, J & Roux, C 2010, 'Trace evidence: Here today, gone tomorrow?', Science & Justice, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 18-22.
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The recent report of the National Research Council of the US National Academies Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: a Path Forward found evidence that the level of scientific development and evaluation varies substantially among the forensic science disciplines. In this paper the status of trace evidence will be reviewed from an international perspective with particular reference to case studies. The paper will argue that the trace evidence discipline needs to learn from past experience and that serious coordinated action is required at an international level if trace evidence is to continue to meet the standards expected of forensic science in the future. The paper concludes that it is vital that trace evidence remains a key component of forensic investigation due to its important role in addressing the `what happened question.
Robertson, J, Metz, H, Scudder, N & Hodgson, V 2010, 'A Quality System Review: Australian Federal Police Forensic and Data Centres', Forensic Science Policy & Management: An International Journal, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 209-213.
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Sánchez, C, Gates, AJ, Meakin, GE, Uchiumi, T, Girard, L, Richardson, DJ, Bedmar, EJ & Delgado, MJ 2010, 'Production of Nitric Oxide and Nitrosylleghemoglobin Complexes in Soybean Nodules in Response to Flooding', Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 702-711.
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Nitric oxide (NO) has gained interest as a major signaling molecule during plant development and in response to environmental cues. Formation of NO during symbiotic interactions has been reported, but the role and sources of NO in nodules remain unclear. In this work, the involvement of denitrification, performed by the symbiont Bradyrhizobium japonicum, in NO formation in soybean nodules in response to flooding conditions has been investigated by inoculating plants with napA-, nirK-, or norC-deficient mutants. Levels of nitrosylleghemoglobin (LbNO) in flooded nirK and norC nodules were significantly higher than those observed in wild-type nodules. In addition, nirK and norC nodules accumulated more nitrite and NO, respectively, than wild-type nodules. By contrast, levels of LbNO, nitrite, and NO in flooded napA nodules were lower than in wild-type nodules. These results suggest that LbNO formation in soybean nodules in response to flooding conditions is caused by nitrite and NO generated from periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap) and also containing nitrite reductase (NirK) denitrification enzymes. Flooding caused a decrease of nifH expression and nitrogenase activity in wild-type and norC nodules but not in napA or nirK nodules. Incubation of wild-type and norC nodules with a NO scavenger counteracted the effect of flooding. Under free-living conditions, β-galactosidase activity from a nifD′-′lacZ fusion decreased in a norC mutant, which also accumulated NO in the medium. These results suggest that NO formed by Cu-containing nitrite reductase in soybean nodules in response to flooding has a negative effect on expression of nitrogenase. We propose that Lb has a major role in detoxifying NO and nitrite produced by bacteroidal denitrification in response to flooding conditions.
Spindler, X, Hofstetter, O, Wuhrer, R, McDonagh, A, Roux, C & Lennard, C 2010, 'Targeting amino acids in latent fingermarks using bioconjugated gold-citrate self-assembled monolayer nanoparticles', Science & Justice, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 42-43.
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