bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Regional Policy in the EUMS from Central and Eastern Europe between Decentralisation and Recentralisation
Authors: Horga Ioan , Ghimis Ana Maria Costea
Published: August 2015

During the accession process and after they became members of the European Union, the Central and Eastern states went through a process of decentralization that emphasized the local and the regional level. Although the process was not complete, after the financial crisis erupted, these states began to develop a centrifugal behaviour are started a recentralization process that decreased the competences of local and regional authorities. The present article argues that undeniably the European Commission through its regional policy has been an important driving force regarding the process of territorial decentralisation in Central and Eastern European countries. However, this influence has generated different outcomes, given its lack of clear perspective and competences.http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/1647-6336_12_7
Exploring trends and future directions of multicultural sensitivity related research
Authors: Park Ha-na
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate trends and future directions of multicultural sensitivity related research in multicultural education. This study analyzes 37 multicultural sensitivity related articles published from 2008 to 2014 in Korea. The findings show that the most dominant method of analysis is quantitative and research topics were divided into four categories: exploring factors of multicultural sensitivity, developing programs and pedagogical approach, understanding multicultural sensitivity of the object and developing the multicultural sensitivity inventory. The object of studies include students, teachers and service providers in social welfare settings. For future research directions, this study suggest the diversification of topics and methods, the expansion and subdivision of research objects, and the development of programs and inventories valid in Korean context.
Analyzing children's multicultural literature
Authors: Kim Boo-kyoung , Won Jin-sook
Published: August 2015

This study's goal is to suggest multicultural literature as a tool of multicultural education for majority and minority both, to define multicultural literature as reflecting the reality of Korean multicultural society, and to offer the specific standard for selecting literatures through analyzing the contents of the literatures. Objects are 20 books among the multicultural literature published within the country. Also based on the study on literature for children, we establishes character, conflicts, resolving method, majority's bias for analysis element of the literary category. As a result of analysis on characters described in multicultural literature, characters from multicultural family are standardized. Also their personality is described as passive, self-defensive, and abusive words and behaviors. According to the analysis on resolving method of the incidents, self solution featured high moral thoughts and overconsciousness of the characters, while the same problem was found in multicultural character’s resolving by Korean character’s help. If characters' former nation has slow economic development compared to Korea, majority's bias and stereotype on this were appearing as violent language and behavior.
The content-analysis on the media representation of Korean multiculteralism
Authors: Jung Sun Joo , Choi Sung Bo
Published: August 2015

This study analyzed Korean multicultural characteristics appeared in < Stories of Multicultural Mother and Daughter-in-Law >, EBS cultural program. It aims to find out what conflicts foreign married immigrated women face especially with mother-in-law in Korean society and how multi-culture in Korean society was reflected in images and demonstrated in reenacting and resolving their problems in TV program to analyze EBS < Stories of Multicultural Mother and Daughter-in-Law > with increasing ratings. For this, from the first to the 53th episodes of < Stories of Multicultural Mother and Daughter-in-Law > were analyzed (20 episodes were analyzed intensively). Korea multiculturalism has following characteristics related to foreign married immigrated women and multicultural families. First, it is a persistent forced assimilation. Every episode has problems due to cultural difference between mother and daughter-in-law. And in 20 episodes which were analyzed intensively, the most significant and frequent conflict cause was a strong forced assimilation by mother-in-law to daughter-in-law. Second, it is a paternalism made by ‘new family ideology’. It is to share homogeneity under ‘family’ border to force daughter-in-laws to have ‘the value of family’, though they show different culture of and foreign married immigrated women. And it creates ‘new family ideology’. Third, it is that foreign married women are still treated as surrounding person. Mother-in-law has ‘worries that immigrated women could run away’ under the influences of real cases and negative media discourse and these worries make married immigrated women surrounding person. Fourth, it is a paternalistic perspective to married immigrated women. Korean society still separates foreigners who would live with us or not. The perspective to married immigrated women has been paternalistic from the beginning because they are subjects of ‘Koreanization’ to live together. This paternalistic perspective has continued until now, but it is a different matter with the matter of identity and life style for married immigrated women.
New Poetics of the Film Body: Docility, Molecular Fundamentalism and Twenty First Century Destiny
Authors: Flynn Susan
Published: August 2015

Twenty first century film evokes a new topology of the body. Science and technology are the new century’s ‘sovereign power’ which enforces biopolitics through bodies which, by virtue of being seen at their most fundamental level, have become docile surfaces. The film body is at once manipulated and coerced into an ethos of optimization; a thoroughly scientific and ‘molecular’ optimization which proffers ‘normalization’ and intimately regulated bodies. In the film bodies of this millennium, bodily intervention results in surveillance becoming internalized. Now the body is both a means and an end of social control. This essay applies the philosophies Michel Foucault and Nikolas Rose to twenty first century Hollywood film, elucidating a new tropos, a new film body/body of film.
Flight Parameter Display System For The Mi-17 Helicopter – Test Results
Authors: Bęczkowski Grzegorz , Krzonkalla Jarosław , Mordzonek Maj , Rymaszewski Stanisław , Zgrzywa Franciszek
Published: August 2015

This article presents flight tests of a newly developed Helmet-Mounted Flight Parameters Display System (SWPL). Presented system is designed to illustrate full piloting and navigational information, warning about emergency on the helicopter’s board and signaling on-board helicopter systems failures on the translucent display. The system is designed to work in day and night time conditions. In night time conditions, the system cooperates with night vision goggles applicable in Polish Air Force. The article presents the main components of the tested system, along with their purpose and function. It also describes in detail the methods of display implemented in the system and the amount of displayed information. The article discusses the required range and the actual course of the flight tests of that system. Tests were conducted on a Mi-17-1V helicopter. The results of the flight tests of the Helmet-Mounted Display System are given in conclusion, in particular regarding meeting the tactical and technical requirements of the system.
Comparison Of Selected Characteristics Of Brushless DC Motors For Optoelectronic Sensors Positioning
Authors: Zieleźnicki Jan , Grzybowski Adam , Błaszczyk Janusz
Published: August 2015

Thanks to their advantageous properties such as higher durability, reliability and wide scope of speed achievable with a given load, brushless DC motors are often used in Line-of-Sight stabilization systems of the optoelectronic aircraft gimbals. Since there are many sub-types and configurations of such motors, choosing the optimal structure is not a trivial issue. This paper presents the selection process of a motor with properties that would make it ideal for use in an optoelectronic gimbal drive.
Assessment of serum free light chain levels in healthy adults immediately after marathon running
Authors: Campbell John P. , Eijsvogels Thijs M.H. , Wang Yanyun , Hopman Maria T.E. , Jacobs Joannes F.M.
Published: August 2015

Immunoglobulin κ and λ free light chains (FLC) are important serum biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring plasma cell dyscrasias (via the κ:λ FLC ratio), and assessing immune competence and activation status (via ∑FLC). FLCs are produced, in excess of heavy chains, from healthy plasma cells during immunoglobulin production, but unlike intact immunoglobulins that are cleared by cellular catabolism over a number of weeks, FLC are rapidly cleared from the bloodstream by the renal glomerulus with a half-life of 3 (κ FLC)–6 (λ FLC) hours. Marathon running has been shown to acutely and transiently decrease renal function, however, the impact of prolonged aerobic exercise on FLC levels remains unknown.

We measured serum FLC levels in 60 runners before, and immediately after, the 2010 Eindhoven Marathon.

A significant increase (p<0.01) in κ FLC levels was observed after the marathon, and κ FLC correlated positively with serum creatinine levels. No changes were observed for λ FLC, and thus, there were subtle elevations in the ∑FLC and FLC ratio in some participants. Indeed, we found that 13% of participants had an abnormally increased FLC ratio upon completion of the marathon; a phenomenon previously observed in renal diseases.

Abnormal FLC ratios observed after exercise reflected an increase in serum κ FLC levels, which may be due to acute and transient reductions in renal function during exercise, though we also observed an increase in serum IgG and IgA and thus cannot exclude exercise-induced immune stimulation or immunoglobulin redistribution.
Blindsided by the Monospot test
Authors: Akhtar Jawaid , Fung Brian , Reily Michael
Published: August 2015

A 20-year-old man developed bilateral forearm paresthesias after propping his elbows on the desk studying. He was diagnosed with ulnar neuropraxia and instructed to follow up with a neurologist. The symptoms continued and the patient was admitted for a formal workup of his neuritis. A Monospot test was positive. The patient was discharged with a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. A comment on his complete blood count, showing absolute lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes and rare blasts with flow cytometry recommended, was missed, possibly due to the fact that it was not highlighted red on the electronic medical record indicating an abnormal result. A month later, an outpatient diagnosis of B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma was made on flow cytometry. This case highlights cognitive errors in diagnosis, including premature closure and failing to ‘see’ key data, as well as vulnerabilities created by data display limitations of the electronic medical record.
Changes Of A Rural Landscape In Czech Areas Of Different Types
Authors: Šťastná Milada , Vaishar Antonín , Vavrouchová Hana , Ševelová Miloslava , Kozlovská Silvie , Doskočilová Veronika , Lincová Helena
Published: August 2015

The paper deals with the macrostructural and microstructural landscape changes in six selected microregions in Moravia and eastern Bohemia. Changes of the landscape macrostructure were evaluated based on the statistical data from 1845, 1948, 1990 and 2013. Changes of the landscape microstructure were compared on the base of old maps, aerial images and field experiences. According to the available data the area of an arable land was the largest in 1845. Since then it has been decreasing – more in mountain areas, less in lowland ones where it was replaced by forests, grasslands and urban areas, depending on the vegetation period, physical character and vicinity of urban centres. Results show that the microstructure recorded great changes during the communist period: large expanses of fields, irrigation and drainage measures, windbreaks, non-rural buildings in the countryside. Contemporary changes are connected mostly with urbanisation of the landscape.
Super PAC Spending Strategies and Goals
Authors: Dwyre Diana , Braz Evelyn
Published: August 2015

Super PACs can raise and spend money in unlimited amounts, but what do they do with their money? What goals do super PACs pursue in allocating their money? We analyze how super PACS spent their money in the 2012 federal elections. What principles guided super PAC spending strategies? Do they follow strategies similar to traditional PACs? We argue that their spending patterns have changed the dynamics of federal campaign finance by directing more funds to individual candidate races than in the past, particularly through candidate-specific super PACs. We find that most super PACs spend their money differently than conventional PACs in that they are less interested in access to sitting lawmakers and more focused on an electoral strategy to affect the partisan composition of government. Thus many super PACs behave more like political parties than traditional PACs.
U-Pb zircon SHRIMP data from the Cana Bravalayered complex: new constraints for themafic-ultramafic intrusions of Northern Goiás,Brazil
Authors: Giovanardi T. , Girardi V. A. V. , Correia C. T. , Sinigoi S. , Tassinari C. C. G. , Mazzucchelli M.
Published: August 2015

The Cana Brava Complex is the northernmostand least well known layered intrusion of a discontinuousbelt of mafic-ultramafic massifs within the Brasilia Belt,which also comprises theNiquelândia and Barro Alto complexes.Available geochronological data from a range oftechniques (K/Ar, Ar/Ar, Rb/Sr, Sm/Nd and U/Pb) providea range of possible ages (time span from 3.9 Ga to 450 Ma),hence a precise and reliable age for the Cana Brava Complexis still lacking. Also, preliminary isotopic and geochemicaldata of the Cana Brava Complex suggest a significantcrustal contamination, which could have affectedbulk-rock Sr and Nd systematics resulting in meaninglessage determinations. In this paper, we present new U-PbSHRIMP zircon analyses from four samples of differentunits of the Cana Brava Complexwhich suggest that the intrusionoccurred during the Neoproterozoic, between 800and 780 Ma, i.e. at the same age ofNiquelândia. Discordantolder 206Pb/238U ages are provided by inherited zircons,and match the age of the metamorphism of the embeddingPalmeirópolis Sequence.
Geochemistry and geochronology of thevolcano-plutonic rocks associated with the Glojehepithermal gold mineralization, NW Iran
Authors: Siani Majid Ghasemi , Mehrabi Behzad , Azizi Hossein , Wilkinson Camilla Maya , Ganerød Morgan
Published: August 2015

Eocene to Oligocene volcano-plutonic rocks arewidespread throughout NW Iran. The Tarom-Hashtjinmetallogenic province is one of the most promisingepithermal-porphyry ore mineralized districts in NW Iran.The Glojeh gold deposit, located in the center of thisprovince, is a typical high to intermediate sulfidation epithermalsystem, spatially and temporally associated witha granite intrusion and associated high-K calc-alkalineto shoshonitic volcano-plutonic rocks. The intrusive complexesof the Glojeh district are characterized by: SiO2contents of 60.9 to 70.7 wt.%, K2O+Na2O of 7.60 to 8.92wt.%, and K2O/Na2O ratios of 0.9 to 1.8. They are enrichedin light rare earth elements (LREEs), and large ionlithophile elements (LILEs), depleted in high field strengthelements (HFSEs), and have weak negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu*= 0.5 to 0.9). 40Ar/39Ar geochronology appliedto biotite and feldspar, separated from two intrusives(Goljin and Varmarziar), and two feldspar aliquotsseparated from hydrothermal veins at North Glojeh andSouth Glojeh, was carried out to constrain magmatic andhydrothermal events. Plagioclase (± sericite), from NorthGlojeh and South Glojeh produced ages (42.20±0.34 Ma,and 42.56±1.47 Ma respectively) that overlap with the ageof the Goljin intrusion (41.87±1.58 Ma).Geochemical data for the volcano-plutonic rocks in theGlojeh district, that have87Sr/86Sr isotopic compositionsthat range from 0.706344 to 0.708331, suggest an origin involvingpartial melting of a depleted mantle source duringNeo-Tethyan subduction.
Lower crustal zircons reveal Neogene metamorphism beneaththe Pannonian Basin (Hungary)
Authors: Downes Hilary , Carter Andrew , Armstrong Richard , Dobosi Gabor , Embey-Isztin Antal
Published: August 2015

Neogene alkaline intraplate volcanic depositsin the Pannonian Basin (Hungary) contain many lowercrustal granulite-facies xenoliths. U-Pb ages have been determinedfor zircons separated from a metasedimentaryxenolith, using LA-ICPMS and SHRIMP techniques. Thezircons show typical metamorphic characteristics and arenot related to the hostmagmatism. The oldest age recordedis late Devonian, probably related to Variscan basementlithologies. Several grains yield Mesozoic dates for theircores, which may correspond to periods of orogenic activity.Most of the zircons show young ages, with some beingPalaeocene-Eocene, but the majority being youngerthan 30Ma. The youngest zircons are Pliocene (5.1-4.2 Ma)and coincide with the age of eruptions of the host alkalibasalts. Such young zircons, so close to the eruption age,are unusual in lower crustal xenoliths, and imply that theheat flow in the base of the Pannonian Basin was sufficiently high to keep many of them close to their blockingtemperature. This suggests that metamorphism is continuingin the lower crust of the region at the present day.
Cropland soil organic matter content change inNortheast China, 1985-2005
Authors: Yao Yanmin , Ye Liming , Tang Huajun , Tang Pengqin , Wang Deying , Si Haiqing , Hu Wenjun , Ranst Eric Van
Published: August 2015

Soil organic matter (SOM) content is one of themost important indicators of soil quality and hence theproductive capacity of soils. Northeast China (NEC) is themost important region in grain production in China. Inthis study,we assessed the spatiotemporal change of croplandSOM content in NEC using sampling data of 2005 andsurvey data of 1985. We also analysed the driving forcesbehind the SOM content change. Our results showed thatSOM content decreased in 39% of all the cropland in NEC,while increase in SOM content was only detected on 16%of the cropland. SOM remained unchanged in nearly half(i.e. 45%) of the cropland. Our results also revealed thatcropping intensity and fertilizer application were the twomost important factors driving SOM change. Overall, resultsfrom this research provided novel details of the spatiotemporalpatterns of cropland SOM content change inNEC which was not revealed in earlier assessments. Thedatasets presented here can be used not only as baselinesfor the calibration of process-based carbon budget models,but also to identify regional soil quality hotspots andto guide spatial-explicit soil management practices.
Ontology Storage Models and Tools: An Authentic Survey
Authors: Abburu Sunitha , Golla Suresh Babu
Published: August 2015

Ontology is a formal, explicit specification of a shared conceptualization. Ontology provides domain vocabulary, domain knowledge, common understanding, shareability, information interoperability, reusability, concept hierarchy, and relationships that support semantic information retrieval. Ontology improves performance of the system by addressing interoperability issues due to semantic and syntactic heterogeneity. Vast numbers of application domain experts are using ontologies in diverse applications. Use of effective and efficient ontology storage system results improved performance in applications and enables semantic information retrieval. Many prominent researchers and software agencies have proposed and developed several ontology storage methods and tools with various features. The choice of a specific storage model/tool always depend on the specific purpose of the application and the nature of features that are available in the storage model/tool to be utilized in the specific applications. The familiarity of various ontology storage models and tools with the respective features helps user to choose an appropriate storage structure aiming at high-performance applications. The current research work is a comprehensively authentic study carryout out on various ontology storage models and tools with their respective features, which are very essential for optimum performance.
Effects of story mapping on third-grade students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Chavez Jaime N. , Martinez James , Pienta Rachel S.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of story mapping on the reading comprehension scores, on-task behaviors, and attitudes of third- -grade students (N = 6) with ADHD. Students’ reading grade equivalencies were assessed before and after the study. The teacher-researcher compared two other achievement measures before and during story mapping to assess growth. The practical difference in scores as calculated with Cohen’s d revealed that story mapping was successful in improving students’ comprehension. On tests from the reading basal, students’ scores improved an average of 16.00%, while tests from a computerized reading program improved 20.00%. Students exhibited on-task behavior 79.33% of the time and positive attitudes 82.33% of the time during the intervention. The implications of this study are important in determining effective instructional strategies to promote the active engagement of students and combat the core symptoms of ADHD.
An Evaluation of the preservice English teacher education in a university in China: Pros and cons from an insider’s journey of learning
Authors: Ping Wang
Published: August 2015

The theme of the paper is to reveal how well-prepared pre-service teachers think they are. It aims at reviewing the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 cohorts studying for a BA in TEFL at a university by examining the impact and the effectiveness of four- -year pre-service English education in a Chinese university context, and what needs to be improved and maintained from the perspective of trainees. Questionnaires were used, followed by semi-structured interviews. The questionnaires were completed by 300 participants, 200 of whom were then randomly chosen as interviewees. Despite finding some inconsistency in the four-year BA TEFL program, the result obtained from investigation of the cohort of student teachers is still satisfying.
Impact of sediment transport of the Chellif River on silting of the Boughezoul reservoir (Algeria)
Authors: Remini Boualem , Bensafia Djllali , Nasroun Tahar
Published: August 2015

In this article, we discussed the effect of sediment transport in the Chellif catchment on the silting of Boughezoul reservoir. Since 1934, when the impoundment of the dam, nine bathymetric surveys were carried out by hydraulic services. Based on the last two bathymetric surveys (1986 and 2005), we assessed the average annual rate of silting 0.67 million m3·year−1. Is a filling rate of 70% of the total capacity of the reservoir in 2011. Storage capacity has decreased from 55 million m3 in 1934 to 15 million m3 in 2011. Concentrations exceeding 300 g·l−1, recorded in the river upstream of Boughezoul reservoir, caused formation of density currents.
The influence of grape plantations on morphogenetic diagnostic indicators of arid subtropical soils
Authors: Mammadov Mammad İ.
Published: August 2015

Results of the study showed that cultivation of the grey-brown (chestnut) and mountain brown soils under the grape plantation changes their morphogenetic and morphological characteristics in arid subtropical climatic condition. Performed cultivation caused migration of humus into the deeper soil layers. The denser horizon formed under a soft layer. This results in a change of the soil chemical structure and water-physical properties. These changes manifested themselves under irrigative condition.
Treatments of reverse osmosis concentrate using natural zeolites
Authors: Taherifar Hossein , Rezvantalab Sima , Bahadori Fatemeh , Khoei Omid Sadrzadeh
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the current study is to experimentally investigate the reduction of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) from a concentrated stream of reversed osmosis (RO) using natural zeolites. In order to reduce the salinity of solution, experiments were carried out using zeolites of varying concentration, pretreatment of adsorbents, and the addition of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The results show that both zeolites can be used in an RO brine treatment; however, Rhyolitic tuff is more effective than clinoptilolite for the reduction of water salinity. The experiments show that Rhyolitic tuff decreases salinity of RO concentrate to nearly one – third of the initial value. Statistical analyses show that the effect of zeolite concentration is negligible. Furthermore, the addition of EDTA and pretreatment of zeolite increase the SAR values.
Real Hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic
two-plane Grassmannians with commuting
shape operator
Authors: de Dios Pérez Juan , Suh Young Jin , Woo Changhwa
Published: August 2015

In this paper we prove a non-existence of real hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic two-plane Grassmannians
SU2.m/S(U2·Um), m≥3, whose structure tensors {ɸi}i=1,2,3 commute with the shape operator.
First Record Of Fossil Species Of The Genus Tetramorium (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Radchenko A. G. , Dlussky G. M.
Published: August 2015

Two extinct species of the modern genus Tetramorium Mayr, T. paraarmatum sp. n. and T. kulickae sp. n., are described from the Baltic amber (Poland, ca. 37 Ma). This is the first record of the fossil species of this genus. Described species resemble recent Palaearctic species, and we preliminarily place them to the inerme and caespitum species groups, respectively. Findings of other, previously non-recorded and not described yet fossil Tetramorium species from the Middle (or possibly Early) Eocene and Miocene deposits of Europe and North America are discussed.
A New Extinct Species Of Pikeperch Sander Svetovidovi (Teleostei, Percidae) From The Late Miocene Of Southern Ukraine
Authors: Kovalchuk O. M.
Published: August 2015

A new species of pikeperch from the Upper Miocene strata of Ukraine (Egorovka 2 locality, MN 12) is described in the paper. Extinct species Sander svetovidovi sp. n. differs from the Miocene and recent taxa of the genus Sander by the configuration of the quadrate bone, form and sizes of the lateral condyle and also presence of additional double crista on the anterior inferior edge of quadratum.
The Effect Of Temperature On The Development Of Adult Generations Of Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema Arenarium Isolate CH
Authors: Yakovlev Ye. B. , Kharchenko V. A.
Published: August 2015

Steinernema arenarium isolate CH was prepared at 22 °C and used as a control in laboratory experiments on rearing in Galleria mellonella larvae at different temperatures (18 and 28 °C). Host dead bodies were examined every two days. All reared adult nematodes were fixed in alcohol and mounted on permanent slides with glycerin solution in distilled water. The basic morphometric parameters (L, W, ES, ABD (CBD), T, V) were measured, and statistical analysis was performed. Morphometric data in males and females of both generations were shown to significantly change depending on speed of growth and nutrients concentration. In both experimental groups, pygmy forms of adults were found.
Self-aggregation Phenomenon and Stable Flow Conditions in a Two-Phase Flow Through a Minichannel
Authors: Górski Grzegorz , Litak Grzegorz , Mosdorf Romuald , Rysak Andrzej
Published: August 2015

By increasing a water flow rate of the two-phase (air–water) flow through a minichannel, both the partitioning of air slugs into air bubbles of different sizes and small air bubbles aggregation into larger air bubbles were identified. These phenomena were studied in detail by using the corresponding sequences of light transmission time series recorded with a laser-phototransistor sensor. To distinguish any instabilities in air slugs along with their break-ups and aggregations, the recurrence plots and recurrence quantification analysis were applied.
A Novel Cell for Studying Ionic Transport in Powders During
Compaction and Its Application to Lithium Silicate Glass Powder
Authors: Murawski Dawid , Roß Sebastian , Behrens Harald
Published: August 2015

A new cell was developed to study the behavior of powders during axial
compaction at temperatures up to 950 K and pressures up to
1 GPa. Electrical conductivity of the sample is measured by
impedance spectroscopy. Change of sample volume can be simultaneously
monitored using linear variable differential transducers. Flushing
with gases allows pre-conditioning of material surfaces before
compaction. The cell was tested with two different grain size
fractions (60–150 μm and 200–250 μm) of lithium trisilicate glass in the brittle deformation range
(315 K) and in the partially plastic deformation range
(ca. 660 K). The DC conductivity increases linearly with
pressure up to 750 MPa at about 660 K. Lower
conductivity for the smaller grain size fraction under these
conditions is attributed to higher shares of pores between the grains,
acting as
resistors.
Optimization and Initial Evaluation of 1,2-Indandione as a Reagent for Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Gardner SJ , Hewlett DF
Published: August 2015

1,2-Indandione has been used to develop fluorescent fingerprints on porous materials such as paper. The compound reacts with amino acid residues to produce highly fluorescent fingerprint ridges. An optimized formulation and treatment protocol for using the reagent is presented here.

The reagent is applied as a solution in HFE7100 containing acetic acid and ethyl acetate. Treated articles are heated at 100°C for 10 min at ambient humidity and stored in the dark before recording the fingerprints using fluorescence photography or digital imaging.

Photodecomposition of the fluorescent fingerprints has been observed. Storage in the dark reduces degradation, extending the lifetime of the fingerprints. Other chemical methods to stabilize the fingerprints proved unsuccessful.

Comparisons of the performance of 1,2-indandione with DFO in CFC113 performed on a limited range of substrates indicated that the reagent might be an effective method for the development of latent fingerprints despite the new reagent producing less intense fluorescence.
The Reliability of Digitized Radiographs for Dental Identification: A Web-Based Study
Authors: Pretty IA , Pretty RJ , Rothwell BR , Sweet D
Published: August 2015

In the era of Daubert and other judicial rulings pertaining to the acceptability of forensic evidence, it is increasingly important that experts are able to testify that their methods have been scientifically tested and that error rates and other factors relating to reliability have been published. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of digitized radiographic comparisons for the purposes of dental identification. Participants with various forensic backgrounds and experience levels were passively recruited to the website. Ten forensic identification cases composed of antemortem and postmortem dental radiographs were supplied to examiners using a bespoke website. Participants responded to the cases on two occasions after a one-month washout interval using the ABFO conclusion levels for forensic identifications. A total of 115 first attempts and 87 matched second attempts were received. Of the total responses, 72% were dentally trained respondents who had completed at least one forensic identification case; of these, 38% were experienced forensic dentists who had completed more than 25 identifications. Data relating to accuracy, intra- and inter-examiner agreement, and the effect of case difficulty are presented. Mean accuracy was 85.5% for all cases, with the experienced forensic dentists obtaining a 91% success rate. The inter-examiner agreement on the negative identification cases was classified as poor. The data suggest that dental identifications resulting from the comparison of postmortem and antemortem radiographs are valid, accurate, and reliable when undertaken by experienced odontologists.
Hyperextension and Rotation of Head Causing Internal Carotid Artery Laceration with Basilar Subarachnoid Hematoma
Authors: Kindelberger D , Gilmore K , Catanese CA , Armbrustmacher VW
Published: August 2015

Hyperextension of the head can cause injury to the vessels at the base of the brain. These lacerations are believed to be caused by stretching of the vessels due to the abrupt movement of the head and rotational acceleration of the brain within the cranium, and they usually occur in the intracranial portions of the vessels, producing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is the case of a 35-year-old man who received a blow to the face that forcefully hyperextended and rotated his head to the left. Autopsy revealed an intracranial right internal carotid laceration extending from a calcified atherosclerotic plaque. This unusual injury may be due to a combination of blunt force applied to the head and the alteration of the vessel's structural and functional capacities secondary to atherosclerosis.
Bilateral Fractures of the Coronoid Processes: Differential Diagnosis of Intra-Oral Gunshot Trauma and Scavenging Using a Sheep Crania Model
Authors: Puskas CM , Rumney DT
Published: August 2015

Approximately half of the skeleton of an adult male (minus the cranium) was found in a forested part of Greater Vancouver, Canada, in August 2000 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Authorities ruled the death as suicide. The only compelling signs of perimortem trauma were symmetrically fractured coronoid processes of the mandible, which can be attributed to a gunshot in the mouth. However, the remains had also been scavenged by canids, raising a problem in differential diagnosis. Could canid scavenging produce bilateral fracturing of the mandible indistinguishable from gunshot wounds to the mouth? We found that canid scavengers could not mimic the type of damage to the mandible caused by intra-oral gunshot wounding using a sheep model (n = 20). Bilateral fracturing of the coronoid processes was found to be characteristic of intra-oral gunshot wounding, while canid scavengers typically ignore this region of the mandible.
Rapid Quantification and Sex Determination of Forensic Evidence Materials
Authors: Andreasson H , Allen M
Published: August 2015

DNA quantification of forensic evidence is very valuable for an optimal use of the available biological material. Moreover, sex determination is of great importance as additional information in criminal investigations as well as in identification of missing persons, no suspect cases, and ancient DNA studies. While routine forensic DNA analysis based on short tandem repeat markers includes a marker for sex determination, analysis of samples containing scarce amounts of DNA is often based on mitochondrial DNA, and sex determination is not performed. In order to allow quantification and simultaneous sex determination on minute amounts of DNA, an assay based on real-time PCR analysis of a marker within the human amelogenin gene has been developed. The sex determination is based on melting curve analysis, while an externally standardized kinetic analysis allows quantification of the nuclear DNA copy number in the sample. This real-time DNA quantification assay has proven to be highly sensitive, enabling quantification of single DNA copies. Although certain limitations were apparent, the system is a rapid, cost-effective, and flexible assay for analysis of forensic casework samples.
A New Method for Collection and Identification of Gunshot Residues from the Hands of Shooters
Authors: Reis ELT , Souza Sarkis JE , Neto ON , Rodrigues C , Kakazu MH , Viebig S
Published: August 2015

This work presents a novel collection method for gunshot residues (GSR) using a sampling procedure based on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution as a complexing agent on moistened swabs. Detection was via a sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HRICP-MS). The proposed collection and analytical method allowed detection of antimony (Sb), barium (Ba) and lead (Pb) after .38 shot tests, at detection limits of less than 1 µg L-1 in four different areas of the hands of volunteers. This paper includes a discussion concerning hand areas near the thumb and forefinger as being more suitable for GSR collection as well as a comparison between differences observed using 2% diluted EDTA, 2% nitric acid solution, and simple deionized water as collecting solutions, proving the superior efficiency of EDTA in GSR recoveries.
Higher Failures of Amelogenin Sex Test in an Indian Population Group
Authors: Chang YM , Burgoyne LA , Both K
Published: August 2015

The human sex test in forensic multiplexes is based on the amelogenin gene on both the X and Y chromosomes commonly used in sex genotyping. In this study of 338 male individuals in a Malaysian population comprising Malays, Chinese and Indians, using the AmpFCSTR® Profiler Plus™ kit, the amelogenin test gave a significant proportion of null alleles in the Indian ethnic group (3.6% frequency) and 0.88% frequency in the Malay ethnic group due to a deletion of the gene on the Y chromosome. This sex test also failed in a forensic casework sample. Failure of the amelogenin test highlights the need for more reliable sex determination than is offered by the amelogenin locus in the Malay and Indian populations. The gender of the Indian-Malay amelogenin nulls was confirmed by the presence of three Y-STR alleles (DYS438, DYS390 and DYS439). For the Indian ethnic group, one of the Y-STR forms a stable haplotype with the amelogenin null. The amelogenin-deletion individuals also showed a null with a male-specific minisatellite MSY1, indicating that a very large deletion was involved that included the amelogenin and the MSY1 loci on the short arm of the Y chromosomes (Yp).
Utility of Dorsal Pits and Pubic Tubercle Height in Parity Assessment
Authors: Snodgrass JJ , Galloway A
Published: August 2015

Parity indicators in human skeletal material are highly desirable yet elusive. In this study, the relationships of dorsal pits and pubic tubercle elongation to parity are investigated in a sample of 148 modern female sets of pubic bones with associated birth information. The elongation of the pubic tubercle shows no significant correlation with number of births, but instead is associated with the distance this feature is from the pubic symphysis (p < 0.01) and the size of the arcuate angle (p < 0.05). Dorsal pits show a strong association with increasing numbers of births (p < 0.01), especially in younger women. However, in women over 50 years old, dorsal pitting is correlated with BMI (p < 0.05) and is not significantly correlated with number of births. While this study lends support to the correlation of dorsal pitting and parity, it currently does not reach the level of accuracy needed for forensic applications at the level of the individual.
Validation and Uses of a Y-Chromosome STR 10-Plex for Forensic and Paternity Laboratories
Authors: Johnson CL , Warren JH , Giles RC , Staub RW
Published: August 2015

Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) provide valuable information in cases of rape and questioned paternity, and they allow for the genetic identification of male lineages. The present study validated a Y-STR 10-plex on the ABI PRISM® 3100 Genetic Analyzer for use in forensic and paternity laboratories at Orchid Cellmark. Following optimization of the polymerase chain reaction, father-son pairs were analyzed to ensure that each pair generated identical haplotypes. This study demonstrated that the 10-plex is sensitive to 0.125 ng of input DNA and that female samples mixed with male samples did not interfere with Y-STR haplotyping. In a sample of 525 males, there were three instances of locus multiplication, two at DYS19 and one at DYS435. Overall, haplotype diversity was 0.996, suggesting that the 10-plex can effectively distinguish among male lineages.
New Developments in SPME, Part 1: The Use of Vapor-Phase Deprotonation and On-Fiber Derivatization with Alkylchloroformates in the Analysis of Preparations Containing Amphetamines
Authors: Brown HB , Kirkbride KP , Pigou PE , Walker GS
Published: August 2015

Due to their high polarity and low vapor pressure, most amine salts of amphetamine-type drugs are not directly amenable to headspace recovery using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Described in this article is a simple vapor-phase procedure for the conversion of solid drug salt samples into their free bases by the use of triethylamine. This process can be conducted simultaneously with headspace SPME, the outcome being that solid drug salts can be sampled directly for GC-MS without the need for dissolution and chemical processing. Potential applications for this methodology include the noninvasive recovery of drug traces from objects such as banknotes and garments.

This new process for recovery of amphetamine-type drugs has been combined with on-fiber derivatization using alkylchloroformates. This extra step was included to improve the chromatographic performance of analytes and allow for the resolution of drug enantiomers.
Analysis and Classification of Common Vegetable Oils
Authors: Pitts SJ , Thomson CI
Published: August 2015

The analysis of fatty acids from common vegetable oils was investigated for application to forensic casework. A base-catalyzed transesterification of the fatty acids to fatty acid methyl esters using tetramethylammonium hydroxide was simple, rapid, straightforward and inexpensive. Canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean and sunflower oils were able to be classified based on their fatty acid methyl ester profiles. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the detection limits for canola, corn, olive, peanut and safflower oils were determined to be 0.4 mg/mL or less and 0.2 mg/mL or less for soybean and sunflower oils.
Population Data of ABO Gene Applicable to Human Identification in Koreans
Authors: Shin K , Yang Y , Choi J , Yoon C , Park K , Cho S , Kim C
Published: August 2015

Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal swabs by the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN). The primers used for amplification and sequencing of exon 6 and 7 of ABO gene were suggested by Lee and Chang (1), and Ogasawara et al. (2), respectively. About 1-2 ng of genomic DNA was used for PCR in 25 μL reaction volume. PCR mixture contained 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.5, 50 mM KCl, 1.5 mM MgCl2, 200 μM of each dNTP, 0.25 μM of each primer, and 1 U of AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase (Applied Biosystems). Thermal cycling was performed initially at 95°C for 10 min, then 35 cycles consisting of 95°C for 1 min, 60°C for 1 min for exon 6 and 63°C for 1 min for exon 7, 72°C for 1 min, followed by 10 min extension at 72°C in a GeneAmp PCR System 9600 (Perkin Elmer).
Population Data of Three X-Chromosomal STRs: DXS7132, DXS7133 and GATA172D05 in North Italy
Authors: Turrina S , De Leo D
Published: August 2015

The samples for database studies were obtained from 175 unrelated healthy individuals (85 women and 90 men) living and born in North Italy. The DNA from blood samples was extracted using a GenomicPrep Blood DNA Isolation Kit (APB, Milano, Italy), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The quantity of human DNA was determined by spectrophotometry. Aliquots of 2-5 ng of target DNA were amplified in singlepex with the primers reported by Edelmann (1) for DXS7133, GATA172D05 and newly designed forward primer for DXS7132.
HLA-DQA1 and Polymarker in the Uros Population from Peruvian Highland
Authors: Torres G , Quinones M , Hau J , Perez L , Garcia O
Published: August 2015

The Uros population is one of the probably older indigenous populations from the Peru. It is located in the floating islands on Lake Titicaca in the Peruvian Highland. Its native language is Aymara, which persists in all its residents, being children and young adults who also dominate Spanish as a second language. The waters of the lake, as well as its firm ancestral culture have been factors that have maintained this closed population; they have maintained their ethnic characteristics for centuries. The total population of the Uros in the year 2002 is little less than 400 inhabitants (1).
Review of: Mute Witness Trace Evidence Analysis
Authors: Palenik S
Published: August 2015

This carefully produced book has much to recommend it. The editor has brought together, in nine chapters, a selection of case histories told from the forensic scientist's point of view; a rare feat in an age when forensic science is presented to the public from the peculiar viewpoint of the screenwriter. It presents a realistic, behindthe-scenes look at the science of trace evidence analysis and how it is used today in the solution and prosecution of crimes. It appears at a particularly important moment in the history of forensic science because for the lay public, and many young forensic scientists as well, DNA analysis is believed to be the forensic science. Real trace evidence analysis, to those unaccustomed to the rich history and successes of this particular branch of forensic practice, is often regarded by many as a poor stepchild whose time has come and gone. This volume, and another to follow with yet more cases, proves that this is not so. It does, however, illustrate that trace evidence examinations today are the province of the analyst. The mere comparator (to which some trace evidence examiners degenerated) is, fortunately, becoming a relic of the past. This is illustrated time and again here by means of very readable narratives, photographs, drawings, tables, photomicrographs and spectra. Practicing forensic scientists, both new to the field (by whom this book should especially be read) and older, experienced practitioners will both profit by reading the stories of these cases written by the forensic scientists who actually investigated them.
Review of: Henry Lee's Crime Scene Handbook
Authors: Bommarito CR
Published: August 2015

Dr. Henry Lee is an icon in modern forensic science. He has reconstructed and testified in several of the most high profile cases in the United States over the past few decades. He is also an engaging speaker who I have had the privilege of hearing lecture several times over the last decade. Therefore, I had high expectations of his recent publication "Henry Lee's Crime Scene Handbook" written by Dr. Lee, Timothy Palmbach, and Marilyn T. Miller.
Allele Frequencies of Four Short Tandem Repeat Loci in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Huang D , Yang Q , Yu C
Published: August 2015

Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood extracted with Chelex-100 method (1). PCR was performed in a total reaction volume of 20 µL containing 20 ng genomic DNA, 0.2 µM each primer, 10 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.3), 50 mM KCl, 1.5 mM MgCl2, 200 RM each dNTP, and 1 U Taq DNA polymerase (BioStar, Canada). Primer sequences: D2S1788: 5 -aat gga tgg aca aat gga tg-3, 5 -ccc tcc ata att aga tga gcc-3; D6S1043: 5 -caa gga tgg gtg gat caa ta-3, 5 -ttg tat gag cca ctt ccc at-3; D7S3048: 5 -ctg gag ctg cat agt gtc ct-3, 5 -aat cat ccc tgt gtg ctt tc-3; D12S1064: 5 -act act cca agg ttc cag cc-3, 5 -aat att gac ttt ctc ttg cta ccc-3. PCR conditions: 95°C for 2 min soak, 32 cycles of 35 s at 94°C, 35 s at 60°C, 40 s at 72°C followed by a 5 min extension period at 72°C. The amplification products were separated in a vertical, native polyacrylamide gel (6% T; 5% C) and visualized by silver staining. Allele frequencies and others statistics parameters for forensic and paternity were determined for each locus by the PowerStats software packages (2). The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (HWE) was performed by an exact test (3). None of the analyzed loci showed deviations from HWE (P > 0.05) in the population studied. The complete dataset is available to any interested researcher upon request to the authors.