ETX 020 Final

Dairy cows, poisoned by oleander leaves, it was the presence of this molecule that was ultimately responsible for their cause of death?

Oleandrin

Class of toxins produced by certain freshwater cyanbacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.

Microcystin

German shepard case study

Ate oleander leaves.

Heifers case study

Ate hay with oleander leaves.

Quick and inexpensive screening tool for major drug classes that observes the reacton of enzyme linked antibodies to xenochemicals or xenobiotics.

ELISA

As a confirmatory test. This type of instrumentation is used in toxicology labs to assign chemical identity to materials found at a crime scene

Mass spectrometry

The majority of alcohol ingested is absorbed in this organ

Small intestine

This word describes the biochemical modification of drug in a human that facilitates its removal from the body

Metabolism

This test is a sensitive yet presumptive test, analyzes evidence at a crime scene for the presence of blood

Kastle-Meyer test

Most common type of indirect measurement used by policer officers to test for alcohol

Breathalyzer

This phrase refers to the specific disease or injury which starts the lethal sequence of events without sufficient evidence.

Cause of death

This analysis of a deceased individual is conducted to determine the cause and manner of death as well as extent of changes produced by disease.

Autopsy

Accompanied by photos and detailed documentation, the first step of an autopsy is this examination, documenting any injuries like bruises, contrusions, and lacerations.

External examination

One aspect of this profession focuses on the identification of skeletonized remains and determination of human vs non-human origins

Forensic anthropologist

Unlike a coroner, who is an appointed citizen, this profession is required to have a medical degree

Medical examiner

1999 Yosemite murder this peice of evidence was crucial.

Stomach content (food)

Combination of this compound and cyanuric acid found in pet food caused renal failure.

Melamine

How trace evidence solved a homicide, it was this evidence, which is visible under UV light, that suggested it was a homicide rather than a suicide

Urine in victim's underwear

During the no body homicide in yolo county, this piece of evidence led investigators to search the carpet and furniture

Rug doctor receipt

Evidence is really this word, gathered from personal testimony, documents, material objects.

Information

This type of evidence is recovered from a crime scene

Real evidence

Every contact leaves a trace refers to this, a cornerstone principle of forensic science

Locard exchange principle

This type of fingerprint refers to the deposition of naturally occurring oils, which require enhancement

Latent print

The course case ________ v merrell dow pharmaceutical was the first of three monumental cases that legitimized use of peer-reviewed science for the purpose of collecting evidence

Daubert

The pooling of blood and coagulation of blood in a deceased body is referred to

Livor mortis

More of this term found for a geiven gene will results in more potentially observed genotypes

Alleles

This term refers to the most common devices to recognize biological evidence in a crime scene

Alternative light source

This term refers to using genealogy database searches to locate related individuals

Genetic sleuthing

A persons DNA profile is considered this term in reference to the following alleles: TPOX (5,5) vWA (15,15), THO1(9,9)

Homozygous

During blood pattern analysis, this term refers to blood that has been smeared by an unstained object after the initial splatter.

Wipe stain

To analyze if DNA matches a crime scene this number is calculated to represent the likelihood of the specific allele combination occurring

Inclusion number

This color test or melting point test are an example of this type of test used for solid drug analysis.

Presumptive test

When conducting firearms analysis, this word refers to microscopic contour variations - individualized evidence.

Striations

GC-MS is an example of this type of analytical test

Confirmatory test

A term used to describe how an injury or disease leads to death

Manner of death

A forensic scientist observed the presence of blood on a T-shirt using a presumptive test. Which of the following techniques below can exclude a person as a possible contributor?

ABO Blood typing.

ABO Blood typing is useful for exclusion. However, since the discriminatory power is extremely low (many people in the population have the same blood type), it can NOT be used for identification.

PCR and qPCR is an instrument used to amplify DNA and to quantitate DNA, respectively.

There are several criteria that needs to be considered when collecting a biological evidence from a crime scene. Which of the following below regarding the collection biological evidence is incorrect?

Biological evidence should stay wet to maintain moisture and to prevent degradation.

For Biological Evidence.

-Document before collection

-Make sure evidence is dry (Wet or moist can degrade DNA)

-Package in paper bag

-Seal and label

Storing conditions of biological evidence is important. Which of the following factor must be considered when preserving biological evidence?

The evidence should be stored in cold to prevent DNA degradation.

-Biological evidence should be stored in a freezer.

-Room temperature and high heat leads to DNA degradation and bacteria activity.

-Avoid multiple freeze and thaw cycles!

Which of the following is true about the Kastle-Meyer test?

A positive test results in an immediate pink color change.

Kastle-Meyer is a presumptive test for blood. A positive test is shown as an immediate pink color change. The test is presumptive because it is not specific to humans and there are chances of having a false positive.

DNA is useful in Forensic Science because __________

the frequency of a person DNA profile).

What is an advantage of Short Tandem repeats (STR)?

STR works for trace amount of sample.

STR loci are inherited independently, therefore the product rule can be applied.

STR can be used for paternity testing.

Which of the following chemical is the toxin component of the plant Oleander?

Oleandrin

A kitten was admitted to the vet after eating something off the kitchen floor. The kitten showed signs of swelling on the face, neck, and paws. It is likely that the kitten ingested ______.

Tylenol

What is the mechanism of the oleandrin in the body?

The toxin affects the level of sodium and potassium in the cells.

The toxin can cause necrosis.

The toxin can cause kidney failure.

The biggest pet food recall in 2007 was due to the presence of the chemical ______

Melamine

Which of the following is a favorable condition of blue-green algae?

High ambient temperature (summer, fall)

High nutrient (esp. N) concentrations

Stagnant water: lakes, reservoirs, slow-flowing rivers

Lack of input of fresh water, no rain

Steady gentle wind to concentrate the toxic scum onto shorelines

What is the general mechanism of microcystin?

Microcystin is an inhibitor or blocker of normal biological processes.

In cow case study. Microcystin caused both Photosensitization and sudden death

For the 2007 pet case, what two chemicals in combination caused kidney failure in animals?

Melamine and cyanuric acid ALONE does not cause kidney failure. However, in combination they can chemically bond and cause renal failure.

Which of the following is not an example of a blunt force trauma?

Chop. Sharp trauma not blunt trauma.

Which of the following is true about a medical examiner and coroner?

A medical examiners require a medical degree. Typically Medical examiners can only perform autopsy. A coroner typically do not perform autopsy as an autopsy requires specialized medical training.

Death certificates can be used for what purpose?

Inheritance matters

Insurance purposes

Epidemiological and public health studies

Which of the following is true about gunshot exit wounds?

There is usually no abrasion ring

Which part of the hair contain the richest part of DNA which can then be used to individualize?

The follicular tag is a translucent piece of tissue surrounding the hair's shaft near the root that contains the richest source of DNA associated with hair. Nuclear DNA can be extracted and individualized to one person. (On the exam, this was stated as tissue adhering to the root)

Which of the following instrument below is commonly used for forensic hair and trace analysis?

The comparison microscope is an indispensable tool for comparing the morphological characteristics of hair.• When comparing strands of human hair, the criminalist is particularly interested in matching the color, length, and diameter. A careful microscopic examination of hair will reveal morphological features that can distinguish human hair from thehair of animals. However, microscopic hair examinations tend to be subjective and highly dependent on the skills and integrity of the analyst

Fibers are useful for forensic investigation because

The can be used to make an association.

Which of the following is not true about Forensic Paint Analysis?

Automobile Paint is usually composed of only one layer of paint.

Which of the following best describe the difference between a stereoscopic and compound microscope?

A stereoscopic microscope produces a three-dimensional image with a right-side-up, frontward orientation.

A comparison microscope can be used in forensic science to ______

Compare known and unknown trace evidence side by side.

Which of the following microscopes below has the highest magnification?

Scanning Electron Microscope

Mitochondrial DNA from hair is useful in forensic identification because _______

It is transmitted from mother to child.

Which of the following is not one of the three stages of hair growth?

Metagenic

– Anagenic: hair follicle is actively producing.the hair; follicle is attached to the root– Catagenic: transition stage in which theroot is pushed out of the follicle.– Telogenic: hair naturally becomes looseand falls out.

Which of the following is not an example of Forensic Science?

Forensic Science is the application of science to criminal and civil law.

The application of science for the purposes of the law.

The application of science to evidential items in a crime laboratory.

Using science to settle a legal argument.

The murder of Penny Parker was a cold case that was solved using which forensic method?

DNA typing. The biological evidence (semen stain) was consistent with the DNA provided by a relative of the suspect. The suspect profile was found to match the semen donor in 2003.

In the Penny Parker case, there was strong evidence to suggest Mr. Jenning was a suspect through relationship DNA testing. This was true because the DNA typing results from the semen stain was consistent with his:

Daughter. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis evaluates specific STR regions found in the nuclear DNA. These areas are highly variable among the population that makes these regions useful for forensic identification. Generally, you inherit your chromosomes from each of your biological parent (half from each). Therefore, half of the STR regions from Mr. Jenning's daughter should be consistent with his own.

Which of the following is not a duty of a Criminalist?

A criminalist does not interview the suspect, victim, or witnesses.

A Forensic Toxicologist specializes in analyzing ________

Blood, urine, and tissue for drugs and narcotics.

A bag of unknown powder was collected from a clandestine lab. Criminalist Walter W. had taken the powder for analysis. Which instrument can be used to identify the substance?

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Which of the following is not a duty of a firearms analyst?

Analyze the firearm for DNA and upload the profile results to CODIS.

Which of the following best describe criminalistics?

The science of individualization.

What is the "Key" to forensic science?

The forensic association and the significance of the association.

The Locard Exchange Principle states:

Every contact leaves a trace.

An older male was a victim of a robbery at his house. The victim proposed the suspect had gotten inside through the back window. The evidence technician discovered a shoe print, cigarette butt, and a drop of blood the size of a needle tip by the window. A suspect was found hiding in the trashcan across the street. Assuming modern forensic analytical methods, which of the following evidence could associate the suspect to the crime scene?

Cigarette butt

Drop of blood.

Shoe print.

Cigarette butt: DNA from saliva. Compare with the suspect's profile.

Shoe Print: Footwear impression analysis and compare with the shoes of the suspect

Drop of blood: DNA analysis and compare to suspect's DNA profile.

What is the significance of the "forensic science diamond"?

It can be used as a model to help forensic scientists make an association.

Define cause of death.

The disease or injury responsible for the lethal sequence of death.

Define manner of death.

It explains how the cause of death arose.

Remember the 5 categories:

1. Natural

2. Accident

3. Suicide

4. Homicide

5. Undetermined.

A deceased woman was found with multiple stab wounds. The autopsy report showed the presence of heroin in the woman's body. The forensic pathologist noted in the report that the woman was murdered, and the stab wounds lead to her death. What is the manner and cause of death in this situation, respectively?

Homicide and stab wounds.

An autopsy is performed by a specialized doctor (medical examiner) to determine the cause and manner of death of a corpse. There may be more scenario questions like this in the exam.

Why are rigor mortis and algor mortis poor indicators of time since death?

Temperature can affect the rate of rigor and algor mortis and the person's clothing can affect the rate of rigor and algor mortis.

Explain how livor mortis is useful in homicide investigations.

It can indicate if a body has been repositioned after death.

Livor mortis is used to determine if a body was moved postmortem. This is done by observing the area at which blood pooled and coagulated. Blood will pool at lowest point of the body due to gravity.

Explain how stomach content analysis is useful in homicide investigations.

It can be used to estimate the time of death.

Stomach content is useful in estimating time of death.

The heavier the last meal, the longer the meal will stay in the stomach.

Stomach content can also be useful in determining if drug abuse or poisoning may had occurred.

What is the difference between autolysis and putrefaction?

Autolysis is the breakdown of protein by the body's digestive enzymes while putrefaction is done by bacterial and fungal activity.

You should know the order of shutdown in the body.

1. Respiratory system

2. Circulatory System

3. Central Nervous System

4. Cellular Metabolic Pathway

Also know:

Decomposition Starts on the INSIDE the body!

Why is it important not to reintroduce evidence into a crime scene in order to take photographs?

The evidence loses its value.

The evidence may not be placed at the exact spot as it was found.

The photographs would not be accurate.

How can you tell if a body has been relocated after death?

By observing the area where the blood on the body pooled and coagulated.

You should be familiar in the direction of pooling if the victim was found face down or face up.

1. Face down: Pooling on the stomach and chest

2. Face up: Pooling on the back.

Why is it important to obtain a copy of the 911 call?

The person who had called could be the suspect.

It can be used as evidence in court.

It can be used to corroborate the caller's alibi.

Once a dead body has been found, who has the legal jurisdiction of the victim?

Medical Examiner/Coroner.

Maintaining jurisdiction over the body allows the investigator to protect the chain of custody as the body is transported from the scene for autopsy, specimen collection or storage.

Medical Examiners/Coroner maintain custody of the body, clothing, and biological samples on or near the body to aid in determining the cause and manner of death.

What do all sketching techniques have in common?

They include all evidence.

All sketching techniques have a point of origin.

They are normally “not drawn to scale”

Familiar: needs to include representations of elements of the scene that can be recognized by a witness, investigators.

Accurate: by using the most appropriate available devices to record, as precisely as possible, the position of the item(s).

Reliable: only sketch in items which were viewed at the scene.

An infant was found dead inside a dumpster. The body was so decomposed that the pathologist could not determine how the infant may had died. However, there was some evidence to suggest the parents of the infant were involved, but not enough to convince the judge/jurors. What would the pathologist conclude as the manner of death?

Undetermined.

If the pathologist can not determine the cause of death, the manner of death would be undetermined. This can change if there are other evidence to suggest otherwise.

Yosemite Murder Case:

Several forensic techniques were demonstrated in this case. Which of the following was mentioned?

Stomach contents analysis was used from the two victims in the rental car. This was important to the investigation as it helped estimate a time of death.

Yosemite Murder Case:

How were the victims in the rental car identified?

A camera was found by the rental car that contained photos of the victims.

This was found inside the fanny pack of Carole along with a receipt to a restaurant from Cedar Lodge.

Yosemite Murder Case:

What evidence found in the suspect’s bag associated the suspect to the victim at the little green cabin?

The duct tape on the victim matched the ends of the duct tape in his bag.

Which of the following is an example of known evidence?

Blood sample drawn from a suspect.

A DNA analyst would like to perform a presumptive test on a red stain from a shirt. The analyst thinks the stain is blood, so a Kastle-Meyer test for human blood is common. To perform the test, the analyst requires a positive control. What can be used as a positive control in this scenario?

The analyst should use human blood from a known source.

A control is used to determine if the chemical analysis is working properly. A positive control is a known sample that should yield a positive result.

In this example, a positive control should be a known human blood, which if the assay is working properly, should give a positive result.

Which of the following would be an example of a false positive?

A blood test result for human blood on a known red food coloring was positive.

False positive is something that resulted in a positive for a test when it was suppose to be negative.

False negative is something that resulted in a negative for a test when it was suppose to be positive.

Which of the following would be an example of a false negative?

A drug test result from a daily drug user was negative.

What is a negative control?

It is used to determine if a chemical test is working properly. It is a sample that is supposed to give a negative result.

The Trier-of-fact in court are the ____

Judge and Jury. A trier of fact is a person, or group of persons, who determines facts in a legal proceeding.

Detective Hopkins discovered a small colored chip on a pole from a hit and run. By analyzing the chip, he determined the chip was automotive paint. What would you classify this evidence as?

Identity. Only the chemical and physical property of the chip had been analyzed (Identity).

Which of the following could affect the transfer of evidence?

The pressured applied during contact.

The form of the evidence.

The number of contacts

Which of the following could be used as evidence in court?

Personal testimony

Language on documents

Material object

Why conduct bloodstain analysis?

Type and direction of impact that produced the bloodstain. Determine mechanisms by which spatter patterns were produced. Understand how the bloodstains were deposited onto items of evidence. Determine possible position of the victim and offender(s). Corroborate witness statement. Prove or disprove offender's statement. Identify number of offenders. Establish certain events/sequences of the crime

Define bloodstain analysis.

To determine the what, when, and where of bloodshed events.