bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Judicial Oversight of Release of Patients Committed After Being Found Not Competent to Stand Trial or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Violent Crimes
Authors: Miller RD , Ionescu-Pioggia RM , Fiddleman PB
Published: August 2015

In 1981, North Carolina joined a growing number of states in passing legislation requiring judicial concurrence with discharge decisions for civilly committed patients who had been found either not competent to proceed to trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. The authors studied all such patients at one of North Carolina's four state mental hospitals during the first year of the new law's operation, and found that there were only 16 of them. These patients were compared to a control sample of civilly committed patients without criminal charges; it was found that the forensic patients spent longer in the hospital than the controls, but still significantly less time than reported in studies from other states. The authors discuss possible reasons for these differences and comment on the effectiveness of such legislation.
The Role of Fibers in Forensic Science Examinations
Authors: Grieve MC
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the potential of fiber evidence, and present some of the reasons why this potential appears to be currently underutilized. The author has tried to summarize state-of-the-art examination of fibers to promote interest, encourage, and assist those less experienced in this specialized field. Fibers are the most frequently encountered type of trace evidence. In comparison with other types of forensic science examinations the number of articles on fibers appearing in the relevant journals is minimal. It is however increasing, showing an awakening interest in the subject that has been given a boost by the findings in the Atlanta murders case which appears to be the first occasion of fibers playing a major part in obtaining a conviction in a case of such importance in the United States. This article presents an overview of the subject of fiber examination ranging from the collection of evidence and some of its attendant pitfalls, through basic and more advanced laboratory techniques past and present, to assessing the value of fiber evidence and commenting on how this may be improved in the future.
The Detection of Fetal Hemoglobin in Bloodstains by Means of Thin-Layer Immunoassay
Authors: Whitehead EM , Fredenburg ME , Lappas NT
Published: August 2015

A method for the detection of fetal hemoglobin in bloodstains by means of thinlayer immunoassay is described. The equivalent of 0.01 μL of blood containing 0.18 to 0.24 μg of fetal hemoglobin may be detected by this method. Studies with stains up to two years old and blind studies have shown these methods to be sufficiently sensitive and specific to be of value in forensic serology.
Drugs and Driving: A Systematic Analytical Approach
Authors: Crouch DJ , Peat MA , Chinn DM , Finkle BS
Published: August 2015

To collect useful epidemiological data about drug involvement in highway safety, it is essential that sensitive and specific analytical procedures be used to establish the presence of and to determine the concentrations of drugs and metabolites in samples collected from drivers. This paper describes a comprehensive and systematic screening procedure requiring 6 mL of blood, which has been used for the analysis of samples collected from injured and fatally injured drivers. The procedure uses radioimmunoassay, gas chromatography with selective detectors, and high performance liquid chromatography. Drugs and metabolites presumptively identified are then confirmed primarily using gas chromatography$#x2014;chemical ionization mass spectrometry.
The Acetaminophen Experience in South Florida
Authors: Thomas GE , Rao VJ , Davis JH
Published: August 2015

Toxicology records of the Dade County Medical Examiner Department were reviewed for the years 1972 to 1981. Any case in which acetaminophen was detected, regardless of the cause of death, was included in the study. Of 95 cases where acetaminophen was detected, no trends were observable in age, sex, or race. Acetaminophen deaths have increased in recent years, probably because of increased marketing of products containing this substance. Some two thirds of the cases involved suicides or accidental deaths, with 40 cases being directly attributable to overdose with a variety of drugs. It is suggested that acetaminophen may be a useful indicator of polydrug overdoses.
Solubility Characterization of Automotive Paints
Authors: Thornton JI , Kraus S , Lerner B , Kahane D
Published: August 2015

A solubility scheme is presented that will distinguish nonaqueous dispersion (NAD) lacquers, solvent-thinned lacquers, solvent-thinned enamels, and water-based enamels. This approach is suitable for milligram samples of evidence automotive paints.
Intersecting Lines as a Means of Fraud Detection
Authors: Taylor LR
Published: August 2015

Document examiners are frequently asked to determine whether a questioned document is fraudulent or authentic. One approach to proving or disproving fraud is to determine the order of line sequence—which of two intersecting written lines was made last. In this paper, three current techniques available for systematically examining and removing layers of writing medium to determine line sequence are compared: the stereomicroscope method, the distilled water method, and the wax lift method.
Characterization of Alkali Blue Pigment in Counterfeit Currency by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Keto RO
Published: August 2015

A method for the forensic science characterization of black printing inks is presented. High performance liquid chromatographic techniques have been developed for the semiquantitative analysis of pigment components and manufacturing artifacts present in alkali blue pigment, which is commonly found in black letterpress and offset inks. These analyses have shown that differences can be demonstrated in the component makeup of alkali blue from different sources, and that these differences may be useful in showing relationships or a lack thereof between evidentiary ink samples.
The Art of Forensic Psychiatry: A Montage of Murder Cases
Authors: Smith CE
Published: August 2015

The cases of 25 attorney-referred murder defendants were analyzed to determine reasons for referral and demographic and clinical characteristics, including mental status and possible relationships between psychiatric findings and trial outcomes. The results suggest that a finding of major mental disorder may be accepted as a mitigating factor, particularly when a disposition is reached through the plea bargaining process. Meanwhile, formal adjudications of fitness for trial (competency) and criminal responsibility did not appear to be significant determinants in the outcome of these cases, even when major mental disorder was demonstrable. Instead, it appears that the forensic psychiatrist functioned most effectively in these cases as an instrument of compassion rather than as ancillary to the criminal law process. It is suggested that this can be an appropriate role for the forensic psychiatrist.
Statistical Evidence for the Individuality of the Human Dentition
Authors: Rawson RD , Ommen RK , Kinard G , Johnson J , Yfantis A
Published: August 2015

A general population sample of bite marks in wax is used to demonstrate mathematically the individuality of the human dentition. The general principles of probability are discussed and applied to the analysis of teeth using a precise method of measurement. The unique nature of the human dentition is confirmed.
Fungal Cerebritis from Intravenous Drug Abuse
Authors: Wetli CV , Weiss SD , Cleary TJ , Gyori E
Published: August 2015

Three intravenous drug abusers (predominantly cocaine) developed a fulminant fungal cerebritis without any other identifiable predisposing factor. Two died and one survived with a severe neurologic deficit. Zygomycetes (nonseptated fungi) were identified in the brain tissue of two victims and Acremonium alabamensis was cultured from the brain tissue of the third. Fulminant fungal cerebritis in intravenous drug abusers (in the absence of any predisposing illness) may represent a unique variant of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Future surviving patients should be evaluated for the possibility of a cellular immune deficiency state in order to confirm this impression.
Review of Industrial Chemical Exposure: Guidelines for Biological Monitoring
Authors: Poklis A
Published: August 2015

Traditionally, industrial hygienists have sought to prevent excessive exposure to chemicals in industry by setting standards for concentrations of chemicals in ambient air. Standards for chemicals in air applied by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists include: the maximum allowable concentration (MAC), the threshold limit value (TLV), and the emergency exposure limit (EEL). However, the monitoring of air concentrations only considers exposure by inhalation and is not indicative of the actual uptake or total body burden of chemicals by exposed workers. During the past 20 years numerous procedures have been developed for the analysis of industrial chemicals in biological specimens collected from workers. Such biological monitoring takes into consideration absorption of chemicals by all routes of absorption and differences in individual exposures. The goal of biological monitoring is to detect excessive exposure in workers before the occurrence of detectable adverse health effects.
A Review of Alcohol, Drugs and the New Zealand Driver
Authors: Haag LC
Published: August 2015

This booklet is a collection of nine scientfic papers compiled by H. M. Stone of the Chemistry Division of the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). A range of topics is covered in this 1982 publication starting with a summary of the development of driving while intoxicated (DWI) legislation in New Zealand, the setting of a statutory limit at 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in 1978 and a subsequent separate per se offense based on micrograms of ethanol per litre of breath.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Nitrites in Gunpowder Residue on Shooters' Hands
Authors: Steinberg M , Leist Y , Goldschmidt P , Tassa M
Published: August 2015

Several methods are described for the qualitative and quantiative spectrophotometric determination of nitrites originated from the gunpowder residues formed in firearms discharge. Detectable amounts of nitrites on shooters' hands were found after firing, whereas on nonshooters' hands the amounts were below the limit of detection. Procedures for providing representative samples are also described. Classic and modified Griess reagents were compared for the detection of nitrites. The latter is shown to be more effective and more convenient for identifying individuals which were involved in a firearm discharge.
Detection of Methamphetamine and Amphetamine in a Single Human Hair by Gas Chromatography/Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Suzuki O , Hattori H , Asano M
Published: August 2015

A detailed procedure of an extremely sensitive method for quantitation of methamphetamine and amphetamine in human hair by gas chromatography (GC)/chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry (MS) is presented. N-methylbenzylamine was used as an internal standard. The samples, after extraction with an organic solvent, were derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride before the GC/MS analysis. Quantitation was made with quasi-molecular ions of the derivatives by selected ion monitoring in the CI mode. The detection limit was about 10 pg in an injected volume. The high sensitivity enabled us to measure both stimulants in a single human hair in actual cases.
A Medicolegal Study on Enzymic Fluorometry of Choline in Human Semen
Authors: Takatori T , Tomii S , Terazawa K
Published: August 2015

Studies have been conducted on an enzymic fluorometric method based on an initial rate of reaction for the determination of choline. The reaction system consists of choline oxidase coupled to peroxidase and homovanillic acid. Concentrations of choline as low as 0.1 nmol could be detected by this procedure. The concentration of free choline in normal semen was 18.7 to 29.5 μmol/mL. Free choline in other body fluids was negligible. The cholinc concentrations in seminal stains maintained at room temperature were not changed during a 30-day period. Those concentrations in seminal fluids kept at room temperature were detected until at least the fifth day.
An Analysis of the Identification Value of Defects in IBM Selectric® Typewriters
Authors: Lamar Miller A
Published: August 2015

Twenty-one IBM Selectric® Model 72 typewriters were examined for the presence of identifying defects. The purpose of the study was to determine if Selectric typewriters of a similar age and history of use could be differentiated on the basis of alignment defects. It was found that the typewriters involved in the study could be differentiated using standard typewriter identification techniques.
Enhanced Sensitivity in Analysis of Arson Residues: An Adsorption-Tube/Gas Chromatograph Method
Authors: Frenkel M , Tsaroom S , Aizenshtat Z , Kraus S , Daphna D
Published: August 2015

The headspace of samples taken from fire scenes were passed through a tube packed with active charcoal granules. Desorption of the compounds by either pyrolysis or carbon disulfide (CS2) and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography showed enhanced sensitivity over the headspace method. Both methods were evaluated for the analysis of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil. Interference caused by the presence of water was eliminated by the use of 0.4-nm molecular sieve. Case study of samples was followed by both headspace and adsorption tube methods, the latter has been found to be of a higher sensitivity.
Family Violence
Authors: Tanay E
Published: August 2015

Violence within family differs in significant respects from criminal assultiveness. Failure to differentiate these two forms of violence contributes to the ineffectiveness of the criminal justice system. Love relationships account for the majority of homicides; however, the fiction of the criminal as the killer persists because of the entertainment media. Prevention requires comprehension of the causes and construction of typology of violence.
Identification of Human Blood with Hybridoma-Derived Antibody to Human Immunoglobulin G
Authors: Tamaki Y , Kishida T , Nishimukai H
Published: August 2015

During production of monoclonal anti-Gamma (Gm) antibody by the hybridoma technique, an antihuman immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody was obtained. Unlike conventional antihuman IgG heteroantisera, this antibody reacted with the serum of humans and chimpanzees but did not cross-react with that of other primates or lower animal species in hemagglutination-inhibition tests with anti-D-coated red cells. To examine for the practical utility of the antihuman IgG antibody in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for identification of human blood, microtiter wells were coated with human IgG and allowed to react with the antibody in the presence of human or animal serum under test. The bound antibody was detected with enzyme labeled antimouse IgG. The ELISA gave satisfactory results.
Illicitly Imported Heroin Products: Some Physical and Chemical Features Indicative of Their Origin
Authors: O'Neil PJ , Baker PB , Gough TA
Published: August 2015

Samples taken from over 200 seizures of imported illicit heroin preparations of known geographical origin have been examined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chromatographic characteristics were considered in conjunction with the physical appearance of the materials and it was found possible in many instances to discriminate between samples of different origin. Thus by carrying out GLC and HPLC and a visual inspection on a sample of unknown provenance, it may be possible to give an opinion as to its geographical origin.
Enzyme Phenotyping of Alaskan Bears for Wildlife Law Enforcement
Authors: Wolfe JR
Published: August 2015

Two enzymes in Alaska brown and black bears were examined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Both species exhibited a two-allele polymorphism at the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-2 (M) locus (three phenotypes) with brown bear also showing a three-allele polymorphism at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) locus (six phenotypes). Allele frequencies for the LDH-2 locus were 0.65 and 0.35 for black bears, and 0.96 and 0.04 for brown bears. 6PGD allele frequencies for brown bears were 0.19, 0.72, and 0.09. Phenotyping bear meat and blood can be of great value in investigating poaching cases when used for the comparison of meat or blood samples.
Determination of Cause of Damage to an Automobile
Authors: Kuperstein IS
Published: August 2015

Two cases in which there was unusual damage sustained by vehicles during a collision sequence are presented and discussed. The specific causes of the vehicular damage are identified, and the relationship between the analysis of the damage and the stated sequence of events is presented. An accurate understanding of the actual events that occurred in the collision sequences was obtained through the photographic and collision deformation analyses conducted.
A Review of Friction Ridge Skin
Authors: Thornton JI
Published: August 2015

This book belongs in the “must have” category. It attemptS to address the subject of personal identification based on fingerprints, palmprints, and soleprints. It covers the taking of prints, the rudiments of classification, the documentation of prints (-latent and otherwise) by photography, and the comparison of prints. Mr. Cowger writes well, and the chapters on the taking of prints, photography, and classification are clear and succinct. The photographic illustrations accompanying these sections are particularly apt and obviously have been selected with great care. Still, there is little in these sections that is particularly novel, or that has not been addressed in a more expanded form in other standard texts. The principal virtues of this text lie elsewhere.
A Review of Schusswaffen und Schusswirkungen I
Authors: Ryser MA
Published: August 2015

This is the second edition of this book about firearms and the effects of firearms. It is divided in three main chapters: (1) ballistics, weapons, and ammunition; (2) medical consideration of firearms; and (3) criminalistic consideration of firearms. A fourth chapter includes tables and formulas relevant to the subject.
Synthetic Cocaine Impurities
Authors: Cooper DA , Allen AC
Published: August 2015

The compounds 3-aminomethyl-2-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo(3.2.1.) oct-2-ene (1), 3-benzoyloxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo(3.2.1)oct-2-ene (2), and 3-benzoyloxy-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo(3.2.1)oct-2-ene (3) have been detected in clandestine synthetic cocaine samples. Synthetic rationalization, chromatographic separation (gas liquid chromatography), and spectroscopic information (infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry) of these compounds are provided.
Clarifying the Role of Forensic Anthropologists in Death Investigations
Authors: Sauer NJ , Simson LR
Published: August 2015

Although their customary role is the identification of decomposed human remains, forensic anthropologists are frequently called upon to provide evidence for or to testify about the circumstances that surrounded a particular death. The literature is ambiguous and contradictory about the role of anthropologists in death investigations. Relying upon traditional distinctions, we present three cases that illustrate the presence of evidence for “manner of death” on decomposed remains. Then we argue that evidence for vital reactions, necessary for the determination of “cause of death,” rarely if ever survives skeletonization, and while forensic anthropologists can be expected to provide evidence for the determination of manner of death, they are unlikely to contribute to the discovery of its cause.
Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease and “Low” Levels of Carboxyhemoglobin; Report of Fatalities and Discussion of Pathophysiologic Mechanisms of Death
Authors: Balraj EK
Published: August 2015

Levels of carboxyhemoglobin that would ordinarily cause little or no noticeable symptoms or other effects proved fatal in individuals suffering from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. All such deaths that occurred in the Cuyahoga County during a period of 23 years were studied. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that may be operative in these deaths are discussed. The importance of being aware of this fact, while one determines the cause and manner of such deaths, is stressed.
Tissue Distribution of Lidocaine After Fatal Accidental Injection
Authors: Poklis A , Mackell MA , Tucker EF
Published: August 2015

The accidental death of a 64-year-old heart patient as a result of the injection of an incorrect dose of lidocaine is presented. The attending nurse inadvertently administered an intravenous bolus of 10 mL of 20% lidocaine (2 g). The patient should have received 5 mL of 2% lidocaine (0.1 g). Such iatrogenic overdoses of lidocaine arise from confusion between prepackaged dosage forms. Lidocaine concentrations (mg/L or mg/kg were: blood, 30; brain, 135; heart, 106; kidney, 204; lung, 89; spleen, 115; skeletal muscle, 20; and adipose, 1.3. The results indicate that even during cardiopulmonary resuscitation as much as 38% of the administered dose of lidocaine may be found in poorly perfused tissue such as skeletal muscle and adipose.
A Fatality Involving Phentermine
Authors: Levine B , Caplan YH , Dixon AM
Published: August 2015

A case is presented where phentermine, a sympathomimetic amine used as an anorectic drug, is believed to have significantly contributed to the death of an individual in whom other drugs were also found. Blood, urine, and tissue concentrations of phentermine are reported and compared to other cases in the literature.
Effects of Range, Caliber, Barrel Length, and Rifling on Pellet Patterns Produced by Shotshell Ammunition
Authors: Speak RD , Kerr FC , Rowe WF
Published: August 2015

The effects of range, caliber, barrel length, and rifling on the scatter of shotshell ammunition were investigated. A series of shots was fired from three .22-caliber weapons and two .38-caliber weapons at six ranges varying from 0.3 to 6.1 m (1 to 20 ft). The spread of each shot-shell pattern was measured by taking the square root of the area of the smallest rectangle that would just enclose the pellet pattern. Regression analysis was applied to the variation of pattern spread as a function of range. A linear relationship was found to represent adequately the variation of pattern spread with range. Of the handguns tested, the weapons with the shorter barrel lengths produced the larger pellet patterns, and when the barrel lengths were similar, the larger caliber handguns produced the larger pellet patterns. The competing effects of barrel length and muzzle velocity are also discussed.
Qualifying the Psychiatrist as a Lay Witness: A Reaction to the American Psychiatric Association Petition in Barefoot v. Estelle
Authors: Bennett GT , Sullwold AF
Published: August 2015

Organized psychiatry has recently begun to define limits to expert testimony. The American Psychiatric Association filed an amicus brief in the case of Barefoot v. Estelle urging legal curtailment of psychiatric testimony as to future dangerousness and prohibition on Constitutional grounds of expert psychiatric testimony solely based on hypothetical data. The Supreme Court refused relief on both questions. Psychiatric testimony to ultimate questions at law is limited by the inherent contextual variables of psychiatric clinical and experimental knowledge and practice. A forensic science model for psychiatric participation with explicit psychiatrically defined limitations is proposed using competence to stand trial as an example.
Fatal Acute Selenium Toxicity
Authors: Pentel P , Fletcher D , Jentzen J
Published: August 2015

Selenium is used widely in industry and as a dietary supplement. Reports of acute selenium toxicity are infrequent, however, and the relationship of toxicity to selenium concentrations in blood and tissues has not been established. We describe a patient who died eight days after ingesting selenious acid in the form of gun blueing. The patient's clinical course demonstrated many of the features of inorganic selenium toxicity described in animals; hypotension as a result of both vasodilation and decreased cardiac output, adult respiratory distress syndrome, severe myopathy which contributed to respiratory failure, and a garlicky odor to the breath. Four days after ingestion the serum selenium concentration was twenty times normal and urinary excretion seventy times normal. Postmortem tissue selenium concentrations were up to 40 times normal.
Analysis of Chemical Protection Sprays by Gas Chromatography/mass Spectroscopy
Authors: Nowicki J
Published: August 2015

Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) is a rapid and sensitive technique for the identification of the active ingredients of commercially available chemical protection sprays. Chloroacetophenone (CN) and o-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) are easily extracted from the liquid sprays with methanol. A basic aqueous extraction procedure is needed for sprays containing capsaicin. Residues can be further purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography. Clothing can also be analyzed for the presence of tear gas residue. The compound CN can be identified by analyzing a heated vapor headspace sample of the cloth by GC/MS. A hexane wash of the cloth is needed for identification of CS and capsaicin.
Automated Sampling and Computer-Assisted Identification of Hydrocarbon Accelerants
Authors: Tontarski RE , Strobel RA
Published: August 2015

A method is described for rapidly screening samples in arson cases and making a tentative identification of the accelerant present.
A Simple Spectrophotometry for Determination of Carboxyhemoglobin in Blood
Authors: Katsumata Y , Aoki M , Sato K , Suzuki O , Oya M , Yada S
Published: August 2015

A simple spectrophotometric method for determination of carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) in blood is described. Blood is dissolved in sodium carbonate solution at a dilution near 250-fold. The diluent contains sodium hydrosulfite providing the two-component system HbCO-reduced hemoglobin (HHb). The percentage of HbCO is calculated from absorbance values at 532 and 558 nm measured after the addition of sodium hydroxide, which makes the solution completely clear. Results obtained by the present method are in satisfactory agreement with those by the oxygen electrode method.
Postmortem Stability of Benzodiazepines in Blood and Tissues
Authors: Levine B , Blanke RV , Valentour JC
Published: August 2015

The stability of benzodiazepines in blood and tissues was examined in this study. Specifically, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, flurazepam, and their desalkyl metabolites were studied over several months. Diazepam, flurazepam, and N-1-desalkylflurazepam were stable when stored in blood at room temperature while chlordiazepoxide, norchlordiazepoxide, and nordiazepam were found to be unstable under similar storage conditions. Data from tissues containing these chemicals corroborated the results from blood.
Detection and Analysis of Aminoparathion in Human Postmortem Specimens
Authors: Chan LTF , Crowley RJ , Geyer R
Published: August 2015

Postmortem samples from two fatalities involving parathion ingestion were examined. Parathion could not be detected in the liver tissue but a significant quantity of a related compound was detected. This was shown to be aminoparathion, a biotransformation product of parathion. The substances were extracted with hexane and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography on a 3% OV-210 column. Thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometery were also performed. The transformation of parathion to aminoparathion in human tissue has not been previously reported.
A Capillary Tube Method for the Lewis Typing of Red Blood Cells
Authors: Mudd JL
Published: August 2015

A simple and inexpensive capillary tube procedure, which can be applied in the forensic science laboratory, is described for the detection of the Lewisa (Lea) and Lewisb (Leb) antigens on red blood cells. This procedure will permit approximately 4000 tests to be performed from a single 2-mL bottle of Lewis antiserum.
Trioxane—An Unusual Component in an Improvised Explosive-Actuated Incendiary Device
Authors: Cabiness LR , Blackledge RD
Published: August 2015

Purple granules were found as an adulterant in a specimen of double-based smokeless powder that had been obtained from an improvised explosive-actuated incendiary device. These granules were identified as having originated from tablets used by the U.S. Army in heating rations in the field. Trioxane, the active ingredient in these tablets, was identified by infrared and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Gombert, Domine, si tu es: An Appreciation
Authors: Newcomb Anthony
Published: August 2015

Starting from the narrative and affective shape of the text from the Gospel, this essay explores what analytical approaches best bring out the power and effectiveness of Nicolas Gombert’s setting of Domine, si tu es. It stresses that Gombert’s goal is not to deliver or declaim the text in a recitational manner, but rather to embody its affective climaxes and the tension and relaxation of its overall narrative structure in parallel musical structures. Gombert is shown to be a master musical rhetorician.
Impact of Physician Scorecards on Emergency Department Resource Use, Quality, and Efficiency
Authors: Jain Shabnam , Frank Gary , McCormick Kelly , Wu Baohua , Johnson Brent A.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Variability in practice patterns and resource use in the emergency department (ED) can affect costs without affecting outcomes. ED quality measures have not included resource use in relation to ED outcomes and efficiency. Our objectives were to develop a tool for comprehensive physician feedback on practice patterns relative to peers and to study its impact on resource use, quality, and efficiency.

METHODS:

We evaluated condition-specific resource use (laboratory tests; imaging; antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and ondansetron; admission) by physicians at 2 tertiary pediatric EDs for 4 common conditions (fever, head injury, respiratory illness, gastroenteritis). Resources used, ED length of stay (efficiency measure), and 72-hour return to ED (return rate [RR]) (balancing measure) were reported on scorecards with boxplots showing physicians their practice relative to peers. Quarterly scorecards were distributed for baseline (preintervention, July 2009–August 2010) and postintervention (September 2010–December 2011). Preintervention, postintervention, and trend analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

In 51 450 patient visits (24 834 preintervention, 26 616 postintervention) seen by 96 physicians, we observed reduced postintervention use of abdominal and pelvic and head computed tomography scans, chest radiographs, intravenous antibiotics, and ondansetron (P < .01 for all). Hospital admissions decreased from 7.4% to 6.7% (P = .002), length of stay from 112 to 108 minutes (P < .001), and RR from 2.2% to 2.0%. Trends for use of laboratory tests and intravenous antibiotics showed significant reduction (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively); admission trends increased, and trends for use of computed tomography scans and plain abdominal radiographs showed no change.

CONCLUSIONS:

Physician feedback on practice patterns relative to peers results in reduction in resource use for several common ED conditions without adversely affecting ED efficiency or quality of care.
Determination of Deltamethrin in Mice Plasma and Immune Organs by Simple Reversed-Phase HPLC
Authors: Kumar A. , Dubey R.K. , Kant K. , Sasmal D. , Ghosh M. , Sharma N.
Published: August 2015

Deltamethrin, a well-known type 2 synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, is a widespread environmental toxicant. It has potential to accumulate in body fluids and tissues due to its lipophilic characteristics. The immune system is among the most sensitive targets regarding toxicity of environmental pollutants. Various methods are available in the literature to analyze deltamethrin (DLM) concentration in plasma and tissues, but regarding the immune organs, only one gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) method (on spleen tissues) has been reported. In the present investigation, a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed and validated to determine DLM concentration in plasma, thymus, and spleen using zaleplone as an internal standard. Liquid chromatography (LC) separation is performed on an Agilent Zorbax® C8 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, i.d., 5 μm) with isocratic elution using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–5 mM KH2PO4 (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for DLM is 10 ng mL−1 (plasma, thymus, and spleen). The method has been validated in terms of establishing linearity, specificity, sensitivity, recovery, accuracy, and precision (intra- and inter-day) and stabilities study. This validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study of DLM in mice.
Briefing: How do we know the globe has warmed? What do we know about why?
Authors: Thorne Peter
Published: August 2015

This briefing outlines the evidence from instrumental records that leads to an unequivocal finding that the world has warmed. It then goes on to address the underlying causes, showing that only through invoking the effects of humans can the last 50 years be adequately explained. Finally, it addresses the recent hiatus/pause in warming of global surface temperatures and the implications thereof.
Briefing: Discussions with scientific experts on defining the risks from climate change
Authors: Thorniley-Walker Robert
Published: August 2015

Climate scientists have valuable information and views to impart to engineers regarding the potential hazards from climate change. This briefing paper presents discussions with three of the world's foremost climate and environmental experts using a question-and-answer format. Their insights are particularly relevant to the assessment of risk.
Os sentidos - Faça (como fazer)
Authors: Medeiros Sérgio Coelho de
Published: August 2015

.
Poema do Exílio
Authors: Carvalho Nuno Tomaz Pires de
Published: August 2015

.
A morte de Marcondes ou as cartas que não chegaram
Authors: Lopes Carlos Herculano
Published: August 2015

.
Página de corte
Authors: Bedran José Narciso
Published: August 2015

.
Rosas na catedral
Authors: Madeira Antenor Pimenta
Published: August 2015

.
Chicken-in
Authors: Pimenta Neto Olímpio José
Published: August 2015

.
Coisa de poeta
Authors: Carvalhais Júnior Adair
Published: August 2015

.
Semifácio
Authors: Pereira Elisa Maria
Published: August 2015

.
Verão
Authors: Gomes Duílio
Published: August 2015

.
Sobre o pistoleiro e sua postura
Authors: Rios Fernando
Published: August 2015

.
Desliciosamentos-Ensaio poético a Claude Monet por A Estação Saint-Lazare
Authors: Mourão Eliane , Santos Luis Alberto Ferreira Brandão
Published: August 2015

.
Irmãozinhos
Authors: Guimarães César Geraldo
Published: August 2015

.
Ritos de iniciação
Authors: Guimarães César Geraldo
Published: August 2015

.
Inventário amaro
Authors: Guimarães César Geraldo
Published: August 2015

.
O urubu e o burro
Authors: Silva Aerton De Paulo
Published: August 2015

.
Dez/Encontros
Authors: Oliveira e Paiva Vera Lúcia Menezes de
Published: August 2015

.
Composição
Authors: Queiroz Sônia Maria De Melo
Published: August 2015

.
Amar exato
Authors: Bahia Luiz Dias
Published: August 2015

.
Quase em tempo
Authors: Bahia Luiz Dias
Published: August 2015

.
Do jogo e das peças
Authors: Santos Jussara
Published: August 2015

.
Libertango
Authors: Bernardes Jacques De Oliveira
Published: August 2015

.
Presente de aniversário
Authors: Gouvêa Jaime Prado
Published: August 2015

.
Ser sem pre vi si vel
Authors: Teixeira Oswaldo Augusto Palhares
Published: August 2015

.
Fragmentos de chuva
Authors: G. César
Published: August 2015

.
Casa de familia
Authors: Machado Júnior Odilon
Published: August 2015

.
Conceções dos educadores portugueses sobre a linguagem escrita: um estudo de caso || Conceptions of the Portuguese Preschool teachers about writing language: a case study
Authors: Santos Ana Isabel , Alves Martins Margarida
Published: August 2015

O presente artigo pretende dar conta dos resultados de uma investigação realizada junto de um grupo de 18 educadoras de infância a trabalhar na em escolas da rede pública da Ilha Terceira, Açores, Portugal, cujo objetivo foi o de compreender a sua perspetiva acerca da abordagem à linguagem escrita no âmbito da educação de infância. Foram avaliados aspetos como a posição pedagógica e metodológica que as educadoras afirmam adotar na sua intervenção pedagógica e os processos de aprendizagem que afirmam privilegiar como promotores da literacia nas suas salas. A entrevista realizada durante o segundo trimestre do ano escolar permitiu concluir que a forma de pensar destas educadoras, acerca do desenvolvimento da linguagem escrita, caracteriza-se, basicamente, pelo distanciamento relativamente a uma perspetiva emergente da literacia, centrada nas crianças, pela atribuição de uma acentuada importância às atividades e estratégias de intervenção direta e pelo défice de conhecimentos sobre a forma como se desenvolvem os processos de leitura e escrita em crianças pré-escolares.
Comparação das versões completa e reduzida da Escala de Competência de Estudo utilizando Rasch com universitários brasileiros || Comparative analysis of full and reduced versions of Competence Scale Study using Rasch with brazilian college students
Authors: Joly Maria Cristina , Cecilio-Fernandes Dario , Dias Anelise S. , Oliveira Sandra M. da S. S. , Bustamante Maria Inês , Ávila-Batista Ana Cristina , Almeida Leandro S. , Araújo Alexandra M. , Monteiro Silvia C.
Published: August 2015

Este estudo objetivou comparar as duas versões da Escala de Competência de Estudo –ECE (C&T), uma a original com 54 itens e outra reduzida com 19 itens, por meio da Teoria de Resposta ao Item (modelo Rasch). Participaram 126 universitários de ambos os sexos, com idades variando de 17 a 48 anos (M = 24.65, DP = 6.54). Os coeficientes de precisão obtidos foram de .91 para a escala com 54 itens e de .90 para a de 19, indicando um alto nível de precisão para ambas. Ao ajustar os dados ao modelo Rasch, o erro médio da medida dos itens foi de 0.11 (DP = 0.02). As médias do infit dos itens foram de 1,00 (DP = 0.18) para a escala com 54 itens e de 1.01 (DP = 0.20) para a de 19 itens, e o valor médio do outfit foi de 1,02 (DP = 0.41). A dificuldade dos itens foi semelhante nas duas escalas. Constatou-se que a escala de 19 itens apresentou o melhor ajuste, pois diminuíram os itens que estavam desajustados, tanto na quantidade como no valor.
Pensamiento científico-creativo y rendimiento académico || Scientific-creative thinking and academic achievement
Authors: Bermejo Rosario , Ruiz María José , Ferrándiz Carmen , Soto Gloria , Sainz Marta
Published: August 2015

El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar la relación del constructo de pensamiento científico-creativo con el rendimiento académico en una muestra de alumnos adolescentes. Además de ello, se analizará la fiabilidad de la prueba de pensamiento científico-creativo que se va a utilizar en el presente trabajo. En el estudio participaron 98 estudiantes (12-16 años) de un instituto de Educación Secundaria de la Región de Murcia (España). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: a) el test de Pensamiento Científico-Creativo (Hu y Adey, 2002); adaptado en nuestro país por el Equipo de Altas Habilidades de la Universidad de Murcia. El test consta de 7 tareas que se fundamentan en el Modelo Estructural de la Creatividad Científica (SCSM, Scientific Creativity Structure Model; Hu y Adey, 2002); mediante este test se valoran las dimensiones de fluidez, flexibilidad y originalidad; b) el test de Inteligencia General y Factorial (IGF/5r; Yuste, 2002), que evalúa las habilidades de Inteligencia General y Factorial, razonamiento lógico, razonamiento verbal, razonamiento numérico y razonamiento espacial; y c) el rendimiento académico de los alumnos por ámbitos (científico-tecnológico, lingüístico-social y artístico). Los resultados mostraron relaciones positivas y estadísticamente significativas entre las tareas de la prueba de creatividad científica y el rendimiento académico en los diferentes ámbitos.
Rotación mental y estilo cognitivo objetual, espacial y verbal || Mental rotation and object-spatial-verbal cognitive stiles
Authors: Campos Alfredo , Campos-Juanatey Diego
Published: August 2015

En esta investigación deseábamos averiguar la correlación que existía entre la Measure of the Ability to Rotate Mental Images (MARMI, Campos, 2012), un nuevo test de rotación de imágenes mentales, y cada una de las tres escalas del Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Qustionnaire (OSIVQ, Blazhenkova & Kozhevnikov, 2009).). Se aplicaron los test a un grupo de 203 estudiantes universitarios y encontramos que el MARMI correlacionó significativamente con la escala de imagen espacial del OSIVQ (r = .42). Fueron encontradas bajas correlaciones del MARMI con la imagen del objeto (r = -.02), y con la escala verbal (r = -.10). Obtuvimos diferencias significativas entre las medias de las tres escalas del OSIVQ. Las puntuaciones mayores se obtuvieron en la escala del objeto, y las menores puntuaciones se obtuvieron en la escala espacial. Se discuten los resultados.
Dreaming the Chinese Dream
Authors: Landsberger Stefan R.
Published: August 2015

On 1 October 2014, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will observe the 65th anniversary of its founding which ended a decades’ long period of oppression by imperialism, internal strife and (civil) war. Under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), modernisation became the most important task. Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought guided the nation along this path that would lead to modernisation and the recognition of the new, strong China. As the first three decades passed, it became clear that ideological purity and revolutionary motivation did not lead to the realisation of the dream of rejuvenation. In late 1978, the Maoist revolutionary goals were replaced by the pragmatic policies that turned China into today’s economic powerhouse. How has this radical turn from revolution to economic development been realised? How has it affected China’s political, social and artistic cultures? Is China’s present Dream structurally different from the one cherished in 1949?
DETECÇÃO DE SALMONELLA SPP COM O MEIO SEMISSÓLIDO RAPAPPORT VASSILIADIS (MSRV) EM TUBOS
Authors: Degenhardt Roberto , Franchin Paulo Rogério
Published: August 2015

As salmonelas não tifoides são ainda consideradas os principais micro-organismos causadores de doenças de origem alimentar em todo o mundo, sendo ovos e a carne de aves os principais alimentos envolvidos nos surtos. A detecção do patógeno em toda a cadeia de produção é uma importante atividade em vistas ao seu controle. Portanto, métodos seguros, rápidos e de baixo custo são se grande valia para os microbiologistas. Objetivou-se a validação de uma forma alternativa da utilização do Meio Semissólido Rappaport Vassiliadis, descrito na ISO 6579:2002/Amd. 1:2007-Anexo D. A proposta modificou o enriquecimento seletivo do meio MSRV em placas para a alternativa utilizando o meio de cultura em tubo de ensaio, no qual se introduziu um tubo de Craige para a distinção da motilidade. Foram analisadas 307 amostras simultaneamente pela metodologia original e pela alternativa proposta. As análises permitiram a detecção de Salmonella spp em 33, e a avaliação estatística não demonstrou diferença entre as duas formas de emprego do meio semissólido (α = 0,4795), sendo determinada a acurácia relativa (AC) de 99,35%, a sensibilidade relativa (SE) de 93,97% e a especificidade relativa (SP) de 100%. Portanto, o método alternativo proposto pode ser empregado pela sua equivalência e vantagens adicionais que a forma alternativa de emprego do MSRV confere à análise.

Palavras-chave: Microbiologia de alimentos. Métodos de análise. ISO 6579.
O ACESSO À JUSTIÇA COMO DIREITO HUMANO FUNDAMENTAL: A BUSCA DA EFETIVAÇÃO DA RAZOÁVEL DURAÇÃO DO PROCESSO POR MEIO DO PROCESSO ELETRÔNICO / ACCESS TO JUSTICE AS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT: THE SEARCH FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REASONABLE DURATION OF THE
Authors: Schiefelbein da Silva Queli Cristiane , Spengler Fabiana Marion
Published: August 2015

O presente artigo buscou demonstrar a importância do processo eletrônico como uma forma de efetivar a duração razoável do processo e o acesso à justiça. Dessa forma, inicialmente, procurou-se apresentar o acesso à justiça como um direito humano fundamental e o mais básico dos direitos humanos, sendo este o garantidor de todos os demais direitos. Analisada a importância da garantia do acesso à justiça, traz-se posteriormente o conceito de tempo e de razoável duração do processo, observando-se brevemente as alterações trazidas pela EC n. 45/2004 e a previsão já existente no Pacto de San José da Costa Rica quanto à garantia de prazo razoável. Por fim, considerando as evoluções tecnológicas, e observando que o Poder Judiciário e o processo precisam acompanhar as transformações da sociedade, o processo eletrônico é apresentado como uma solução para ajudar na busca da efetividade do acesso à justiça e da duração razoável do processo.Palavras-chave: Acesso à justiça. Duração razoável. Processo eletrônico.
PARALELO ENTRE OS PRECEDENTES DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS – ANÁLISE DA DECISÃO ROE VERSUS WADE, E O INSTITUTO DA EFICÁCIA TRANSCENDENTE DOS MOTIVOS DETERMINANTES NO BRASIL – ANÁLISE DA DECISÃO PROFERIDA PELO STF NA ADPF N. 54 / PARALLEL BETWEEN THE FOREGOING OF TH
Authors: Mello Luciana Ferreira , De Queiroz Barboza Estefânia Maria
Published: August 2015

Este artigo destinou-se a fazer uma comparação entre a prática dos precedentes do Judicial Review americano e a Eficácia dos transcendentes motivos determinantes no Brasil. Para tanto, após a apresentação dos conceitos, serão analisadas duas decisões sobre o aborto, uma do sistema norte-americano, por meio da prisma do prática dos precedentes em Roe versus Wade; e outra do sistema brasileiro por intermédio da análise do caso de aborto de fetos anencéfalos. Finalmente, será analisado o impacto que a adoção da eficácia das razões determinantes transcendentes pode trazer para a paternal questão do aborto específico.Palavras-chave: Precedentes. Aborto. Roe versus Wade. ADPF n. 54. Controle de constitucionalidade. Commom law. Civil law. Eficácia transcendente dos motivos determinantes.
Editorial - Democracia, administración pública y derechos sociales
Authors: Courtis Christian
Published: August 2015

Editorial