Crimes using sleeping pills with malice are occuring continuously. Although it is essential to identify the brand name of sleeping pills in criminal investigations, the recent diffusion of generic drugs has led to a problem that the brand name of the sleeping pills used by suspects cannot be narrowed down from the identification of the active ingredients only. To solve this problem, we have tried to develop a method for identifying the manufacturer of a sleeping pill by analyzing the pharmaceutical additives in left-over beverages. Etizolam tablets 0.5 mg which are manufactured by 16 pharmaceutical companies were selected as the objects of study. The powdered Etizolam tablets were mixed into water and beverages and then discriminated whether the pharmaceutical additives are contained or not with six analytical methods, including Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. As a result, it became possible to identify almost all of the pharmaceutical companies via a combination of contained pharmaceutical additives. This analysis method to identify the pharmaceutical companies by analyzing the pharmaceutical additives is the first attempt in our extension research. We think that this method can be applied to many other medicines, and expect that this method can contribute much to identifying or narrowing down suspects.

 In the case of a fire incident such as arson, the combustion experiment that reconstructed the fire scene will be conducted to clarify the facts. However, various problems such as construction costs and securing an experimental environment must be dealt with. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to utilize fire simulation for the investigation of fire incidents. In this study, combustion experiments and FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) simulations assuming gasoline arson in the kitchen, which have not been reported so far, were conducted and compared. Next, the observation of fire damage using the accumulated heat-flux was evaluated by a newly developed analysis tool for visual evaluation. The simulation results such as burning behavior, temperature changes, and the burned away phenomenon of the door showed good agreement with those experimental results. Burning behavior in the kitchen, that couldn't be observed in the combustion experiment were grasped in detail in the simulation. Furthermore, the relationship between the fire source and the fire damage on the floor, which couldn't be explained only by the observation results after extinguishing the fire, could be reasonably explained by the visual evaluation of burning behavior and the accumulated heat-flux in the kitchen by using the simulation. Therefore, the fire simulation was shown to be an effective tool for analyzing fire phenomena.

 We have developed an automated system for the simultaneous detection of methamphetamine (MA), its precursor drugs that produce MA upon metabolization (dimethylamphetamine, selegiline, benzphetamine, famprofazone, furfenorex, fencamine), and their respective metabolites. The system consists of an automated sample preparation apparatus connected on-line to a liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Urine samples are directly loaded into the system and the following operations are performed sequentially without manual handling: addition of methanol to precipitate urine ingredients, suction filtration with a polytetrafluoroethylene filter, and on-line solid phase extraction with column switching to LC-MS/MS detection. Seventeen analytes were determined within eight minutes on the C18 column. Detection limits upon subjecting a 20 μL specimen were 5 ng/mL-10 ng/mL in selected reaction monitoring mode and 10 ng/mL-100 ng/mL in product ion scan mode. Calibration curves showed satisfactory linearity in the range of 5 ng/mL-1000 (or 2000) ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were within 11% and 12%, respectively. The developed system can contribute to the rapid determination of MA in urine along with its origin without complicated operations.

 The concealed information test (CIT) is an information detection technique measuring differential responses of the autonomic nervous system caused by the knowledge of crime-related information. The purpose of this study is to compare physiological responses caused by crime-related knowledge with those caused by a questioning voice with a deviant pitch in the CIT and to research whether there is any difference between these responses. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: a “knowledgeable” group, an “unknowledgeable” group, and a “deviant-sound” group in which the unknowledgeable participants received a deviant-sound question of a crime relevant item. Each participant chose one of the two envelopes that manipulate to assign the participant to the predetermined group. The envelopes for the knowledgeable group contained instructions with the role of the thief and the item related to the theft, and the envelopes for the unknowledgeable group and a deviant-sound group contained instructions with the role of the innocent. Participants are asked to hide their roles and undergo the CIT. The knowledgeable group and deviant-sound group showed increased electrodermal activity, low heart rate (HR) and low normalized pulse volume (NPV) for relevant items. In the deviant-sound group, there was no suppression of respiration, and low HR appeared earlier compared to the knowledgeable group. The differential responses on thoracic respiratory speed and HR were consistently observed across question repetitions in the knowledgeable group, while the differential responses on skin conductance response, HR and NPV decreased along with question repetitions in the deviant-sound group. The different patterns of differential physiological responses found in the knowledgeable group and the deviant sound group suggested the possibility of distinguishing these two groups. In particular, the suppression of respiration caused by the crime-relevant item may be characteristic of knowledgeable persons. The practical implications are discussed.

 It is necessary to extract ignitable liquid residue from fire debris samples at scenes of arson using gasoline or kerosene as accelerants. Because extraction is essential for fire debris analysis and greatly influences the composition of ignitable liquid residues, analysts have to understand the features of extraction methods and their proper conditions. To this purpose, we tested MonoTrap as an extraction method and then analyzed extracts by conducting gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). We evaluated the effects of adsorption temperature, time, desorbing solvents, sample concentration, and the presence of water vapor on the composition of extracts. The result suggested that MonoTrap can be used successfully for forensic purposes and provided its proper conditions for extraction.

 In forensic investigations, ABO genotyping via detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ABO gene is often performed to estimate the ABO phenotype of case samples. This study involved the developmental validation of the ABO genotyping method performed by multiplex real-time PCR using TaqMan probes targeting major O or B allele-specific SNPs. We first evaluated the genotyping accuracy of this method by using 2 ng of blood DNA and confirmed that the ABO genotypes could be correctly determined from all samples. To validate the effect of unbalanced amplification of heterozygous samples on the genotyping accuracy, we analyzed various amounts (0.03125-1.0 ng) of two blood DNA samples of the BO genotype, which were heterozygous for both O and B allele-specific SNPs. No false genotypes were observed, even in the analysis of low-template DNA, although 1 ng of template DNA was required for stable detection. We also analyzed BO blood DNA mixed with humic acid or hematin. Although inhibition of PCR by using high concentrations of both inhibitors caused “no amplification” results, no false genotypes were observed under any condition. We confirmed that the correct genotypes could be obtained by using 1 ng of DNA from blood stains stored at room temperature for 2-36 years. Finally, we analyzed the DNA from five animal species (chimpanzee, Japanese macaque, dog, cat, rat) and confirmed that several probes reacted strongly to the primate DNA and weakly to the feline DNA, indicating that careful attention should be paid in the analysis of samples that may be derived from these species. Because the genotypes of multiple samples can be simultaneously determined within about 30 min after DNA quantification, this method is expected to be useful for forensic ABO genotyping.

 The field test is a powerful tool for prompt identification of drug possession. The Scott test, which is widely known as the field test for cocaine, has a serious problem with specificity. The test results in false-positive for some drugs, and these false-positives may lead to erroneous arrests. In order to solve this problem, the authors developed a new field test for cocaine that is applicable for the criminal investigations of drugs. In the first step, blue precipitates appear in a cobalt thiocyanate solution in a known reaction. Then, in the second step, the blue coloration is faded by an additive and resulting in a colorless solution. For this, 2-Iodosobenzoic acid was the most effective additive. This new procedure combined with the Liebermann reagent or Mandelin reagent makes it possible to clearly discriminate between cocaine and other drugs that have previously resulted in false positives with the Scott test. Even a police officer without drug expertise can use this new test, which only requires adding reagents and stirring.

 Cotton fibers dyed with fluorescein were transferred to human fingers and palms and their persistence were studied by fluorography. Single fibers on the fingers and palms were counted at intervals up to 60 minutes with and without a plastic bag covering the hands. The number of single fibers on uncovered fingers and palms decreased less than 60% of the initial values after 5 minutes when the subject had no contact of their hand to other objects. Contamination by fluorescent fibers from the experimental environment were observed on the uncovered fingers and palms. More than 50% of single fibers on fingers and palms covered with a plastic bag were kept after 60 minutes with no correlation to the attention and behavior of subject. This result can be attributed to transfer of fibers kept in a plastic bag after they had been shed from the hands. The result of this study strongly recommends that the hands of a suspect should be covered with a plastic bag until fibers are examined in order to keep fiber evidence on fingers and palms for a long time and to prevent contamination by foreign fibers.

 Identification of unknown plant samples collected from crime scenes is carried out by morphological observation or plant DNA barcoding. However, DNA barcoding is rarely performed because the DNA typing performed by forensic science laboratories in Japanese police departments generally does not involve DNA sequencing techniques. Therefore, it is necessary to develop plant identification and discrimination methods involving DNA fragment analysis that can be performed in these laboratories. A total of 66 plant samples (Poaceae, Typhaceae, and Cyperaceae) were analyzed by examining 8 sets of consensus primer pairs in simple sequence repeat regions of the chloroplast genome. The DNA fragment lengths of the PCR amplification products were compared and classified into 61 types. The results of this study may aid in the classification and identification of unknown plant samples.

 In blood testing for driving under the influence of cannabis, some foreign country authorities require detection of not only Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) but also its metabolites. Considering circulation of mixtures of Δ⁹-THC and Δ⁸-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC), it is necessary to prepare the analytical method to achieve sufficient chromatographic separation of unchanged forms and the major metabolites of Δ⁹-THC and Δ⁸-THC and their differentiation by mass spectrometry. In this study, we examined simultaneous analytical conditions for Δ⁹-THC, Δ⁸-THC and their major metabolites by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). As major metabolites of Δ⁹-THC and Δ⁸-THC, we analyzed 11-hydroxy-forms (11-hydroxy-Δ⁹-THC for Δ⁹-THC and 11-hydroxy-Δ⁸-THC for Δ⁸-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-forms (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-THC for Δ⁹-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁸-THC for Δ⁸-THC). In the LC/MS chromatograms, all compounds were completely separated by the cholesteryl column. In the mass spectrum, under positive condition, clear difference was recognized in MS² spectrum of 11-hydroxy-forms and MS² and MS³ spectra of 11-nor-9-carboxy-forms and it was possible to distinguish the compounds. However, Δ⁹-THC and Δ⁸-THC were difficult to be distinguished. In the GC/MS chromatograms, trimethylsilyl derivatives of Δ⁹-THC, Δ⁸-THC and their major metabolites were completely separated. And it is possible to distinguish the compounds by their mass spectra.

 The multiple shots from the close range to a vehicle had occurred, and seven entrance holes was observed on the side window of the vehicle. After the analysis of the residues collected around the holes, the part of the residues had included the specific elements: lead, barium, and antimony. Based on the analysis results, the residues were concluded as GSR. However, the collected samples had included few numbers of the particle consisted of the specific three components comparing to the one or two components. So, we arranged the firing experiment to clarify the reason why the less amount of three components particles was detected.

 The experimental results showed that the total amount of lead-containing particles had increased and the ratio of three components particles had decreased, with the shooting distance getting close.

 In this paper, we suggested the two points below for the identification of GSR collected from the target subjected to a close-range shot.

(1) Analyze as many particles as possible using the automatic analysis function so as not to miss the three components particles.

(2) Focus on not only the three components particles but also particles containing the one or two specific elements to improve the reliability of the positive results.

 We report the identification of two unidentified bodies based on the high similarities in abnormal tooth eruption direction. The first case was an extremely rare case of identification by the dental finding of the inverted impacted maxillary third molar. The other was a relatively rare case of identification by the dental finding of the inverted impacted maxillary supernumerary mesiodens. For the two unidentified bodies in one case, it was easy to confirm their identities because the frequency of simultaneous appearance of inverted additional tooth or inverted supernumerary tooth in both was extremely low.