Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge brings forensic scientists and chemists up-to-date on the latest instrumental methods for analysing trace evidence, including mass spectrometry, image analysis, DIOS-MS, ELISA characterization, statistical validation, and others.

Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge features:

• Illustrates comparative analysis of trace evidence by both old and new methods.
• Explains why some newer methods are superior to older, established methods.
• Includes chapters on analysis of DNA, ink, dyes, glitter, gun powder traces, condom trace evidence, footwear impressions, toolmark impressions, surveillance videos, glass particles, and dirt.
• Discusses applications such as mass spectrometry, image analysis, desorption-ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS), ELISA characterization, and statistical validation.

Contents

1. All that Glitters Is Gold!

• What Is Glitter
• The Ideal Contact Trace
• Characterization Methods
• Glitter as Evidence in Criminal Cases

2. Forensic Analysis of Automotive Airbag Contact—Not Just a Bag of Hot Air

• History of Airbags
• How Do Airbags Work
• Types of Forensic Evidence to Look for
• Airbag Case Reports and Examples
• Changes that Are Occurring
• Final Discussion

3. Ink Analysis Using UV Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry

• The Instrumentation
• The Analyte Target Molecules
• LDMS for the Analysis of Dyes in Pen Inks
• Related Applications LDMS Analyses that "Don't Work"

4. Condom Trace Evidence in Sexual Assaults: Recovery and Characterization

• Examination for Condom Residue Traces
• Forensic Evaluation of the Substances and Examinations

5. Latent Invisible Trace Evidence: Chemical Detection Strategies

• Latent Bloodstain Detection
• Fingerprint Detection with Near-Infrared Dyes
• Pepper Spray Detection

6. Applications of Cathodoluminescence in Forensic Science

• Theory
• Instrumentation
• Techniques and Forensic Considerations
• Luminescent Minerals
• Forensic Applications
• Geological Samples: Soil and Sand
• Anthropogenic Materials

7. Forensic Application of DARTTM

• Drug and Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Samples from the Human Body
• Condom Lubricants
• Dyes
• Explosives
• Arson Accelerants
• Chemical Warfare Agents
• Elevated-Temperature DART for Material Identifi cation
• Glues
• Plastics
• Fibers
• Identifi cation of Inks

8. Forensic Analysis of Dyes in Fibers Via Mass Spectrometry

• Conventional Fiber Color Comparison Methods Employed in Forensic Laboratories
• Shortcomings Associated with UV–Vis Based Comparative Analysis for Trace-Fiber Color Evaluations
• General Overview of Modern Dye Ionization Techniques for Mass Analysis
• Trace-Fiber Color Discrimination by Direct ESI-MS Analysis
• Examples of Negative Ion ESI-MS Analysis of Colored Nylon Windings
• Examples of Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) Applications to Elucidate Structure
• LC-MS Analysis of Dyes Extracted from Trace Fibers
• Proposed Protocols to Compare Trace-Fiber Extracts

9. Characterization of Surface-Modifi ed Fibers

• Fibers as Associative Evidence
• Surface-Modifi ed Fibers
• Preliminary Examinations
• Distinguishing Tests

10. Characterization of Smokeless Powders

• Purpose of Analysis
• Brief History of Smokeless Powder
• Characterization Toward Smokeless Powder Identification
• Characterization Toward Brand Identification
• Micrometry
• Mass
• FTIR Spectroscopy
• Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry

11. Glass Cuts

• A Homicide
• A Robbery
• A Hit and Run
• Cutting Versus Tearing
• Slash Cuts Made by Glass

12. Forensic Examination of Pressure Sensitive Tape

• Product Variability
• Tape Construction
• Duct Tape
• Electrical Tape
• Polypropylene Packaging Tape
• Strapping/Filament Tapes
• Masking Tape
• Initial Handling
• Methods

13. Discrimination of Forensic Analytical Chemical Data Using Multivariate Statistics

• Patterns in Data
• Experimental Design and Preprocessing
• Dimensionality Reduction by Principal Component Analysis for Visualizing Multivariate Data
• Visualizing Group Differences by Linear Discriminant Analysis
• Group Separation, Classifi cation Accuracy, and Outlier Detection
• Selected Applications

14. The Color Determination of Optically Variable Flake Pigments

• OVP: Form, Characteristics, and Function
• Color Measurement
• Color Blending
• Additive Color Theory
• Methods of Formulating OVP
• Blending of Pigments
• Microspectrophotometry
• Measurement Geometry
• Switching Objective Magnifi cations
• Determining Sample Size
• Measurement Uncertainty
• Sample Preparation and Measurement
• Spectral Profiling
• Statistical Methods of Evaluation
• Challenges for the Future
• Other forensic Methods

15. Forensic Science Applications of Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis

• What Are Stable Isotopes
• What Are the Units for Expressing the Abundance of Stable Isotopes
• What Is the Basis for Variations in Stable Isotope Abundances
• What Instrumentation Is Needed for High-Precision Stable Isotope Measurements
• How Can Stable Isotope Analyses Assist Forensics Cases
• Stable Isotope Abundances in Forensic Evidence

Index

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