bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge-based inventory management in production logistics: A multi-agent approach
Authors: Cheung C F , Wang W M , Kwok S K
Published: May 2005

With the rapidly changing market conditions, an accurate and highly dynamic inventory management model is much needed for making an enterprise more predictable to the global competition. However, traditional inventory management in production logistics is inadequate in managing inventories with high fluctuation in demand and value. To establish effective inventory management strategy, this paper presents a knowledge-based inventory management system for active inventory replenishment based on multi-agent dynamic forecasting and knowledge-based system technologies. The system dynamically forecasts the fluctuation of the demand and updates price of its raw materials. Hence, appropriate inventory management strategies are derived to respond and adapt to the rapid market changes and the material requirement. A prototype system has been built and successfully trial implemented in a manufacturing enterprise.
On the prediction of passive contact forces of workpiece-fixture systems
Authors: Xiong Cai-Hua , Wang Michael Yu , Tang Yong , Xiong You-Lun
Published: May 2005

The prediction of passive forces in a frictional workpiece-fixture system is an important problem, since the contact forces have a strong influence on clamp design and on workpiece accuracy during machining. This paper presents a general method for the computation of passive contact forces. Firstly, an indeterminate system of static equilibrium is defined, in which the passive, frictional contact forces cannot be determined arbitrarily as in an actively controlled robotic multifinger grasp. Then, a locally elastic contact model is used to describe the non-linear coupling between the contact forces and elastic deformations at the contact point. This model captures the essence of the passive contact. Further, a set of ‘compatibility’ equations is given so that the relationship can be developed between the elastic deformations at all contacts and the displacement of the workpiece. Finally, combining the force equilibrium, the locally elastic contact model and the ‘compatibility’ conditions, the passive force computation problem is transformed into a determinate system of non-linear equations governing all of the elastic deformations at all of the passive contacts. By solving the resulting non-linear equations, all passive contact forces can be accurately predicted in the frictional workpiece-fixture system. This method is illustrated with example cases. The method presented here may also have an application to other passive, indeterminate problems such as power grasps in robotics.
VERNE - a five-axis parallel kinematics milling machine
Authors: Terrier M , Giménez M , Hascoët J-Y
Published: May 2005

Ten years ago a new kind of machine tool was presented in Chicago, based on parallel kinematics architectures. Since then, many of these parallel kinematics machines (PKMs) have been developed around the world. Their main interest lies in their high dynamic characteristics, which could help in going faster in high-speed milling.

In order to develop high-speed milling on PKM tools and to highlight their potentialities, the French laboratory IRCCyN is now equipped with the VERNE. This PKM tool has been developed by the Spanish company Fatronik.

However, the high-speed milling production process is a complex task, in which a great number of parameters influence the final precision of the part and the productivity of the machine. For example, the NC (numerical control) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) parameters (feed forward, milling strategies, etc.), the piece geometry, the machine structure, the tool, etc., have a direct consequence on the final part. Hence, a method has been developed in order to check the capability of the machine (either serial or parallel) in milling, which relies on two approaches. The first one is an experimental approach (either using a coordinate measuring machine or acquiring the output axis encoders), while the second one is a simulated approach. After introducing the kinematics of the VERNE, the experimental approach performed so far will be presented.
Running-in effect on the load-carrying capacity of a water-lubricated SiC thrust bearing
Authors: Wang X , Kato K , Adachi K
Published: May 2005

It is known the friction of self-mated SiC in water strongly depends on the roughness of their contact surfaces, and a proper running-in process is the way to obtain low friction by smoothing the contact surfaces of SiC with tribochemical wear. In this paper, the running-in process of surface-contacted SiC (thrust-bearing-type contact) in water is studied experimentally. It is found the maximum running-in load has a large influence on the load-carrying capacity, which is measured as the critical load for the transition from hydrodynamic to mixed lubrication in this research. A multi-step loading running-in method is proposed to increase the load-carrying capacity of SiC thrust bearings working in water. Finally, the running-in process of a laser textured SiC surface is studied, the effect of the pore area ratio on the roughness of the run-in surface is reported, and the mechanism of the effect of micropores is discussed.
Gear surface temperature monitoring
Authors: Yi J , Quiñónez P D
Published: May 2005

Frictional heating from rolling and sliding contacts of gear teeth is of extreme importance for monitoring the condition of a gear transmission under its continuing operation. The surface temperature holds the critical information about the condition of a gear. A new power circulating gear test rig with a multichannel computer data acquisition system was built to develop various sensor technologies for gear surface temperature monitoring. In this paper, gear surface temperature monitoring will be presented by using miniature thermocouples. Five miniature type-K thermocouples of 125 μm in diameter were embedded underneath the tooth surface of a spur gear, and real-time surface temperature variations from a wide range of operating conditions were measured. The various effects of load, rotating speed, and meshing point on the surface temperature are discussed. The results attained in this study indicate that the maximum temperature rise occurs on the dedendum, close to the dedendum circle, and the maximum surface temperature difference at the various contact points along the tooth profile was 13°C. Among the various temperature monitoring techniques, the thermocouple is a very reliable and practical means for online gear condition monitoring.
Friction and wear of polytetrafluoroethylene reservoirs embedded into metallurgical coatings
Authors: Tobe S , Yamane M , Stolarski T. A.
Published: May 2005

Assessment of tribological performance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reservoirs embedded into two metallurgical coatings [copper-aluminium (Cu-Al) alloy and molybdenum] and arranged in three different patterns was the main aim of studies reported in this paper. PTFE reservoirs were arranged in such a way that the load on the contact, at any given moment, was supported by both PTFE and hard coating. Two different contact configurations were used.

Of the two coating materials used, the Cu-Al performed better in terms of friction force magnitude. Performance of the three different shapes of PTFE reservoirs depends on both the coating material and the contact configuration.
Martensite decay in micropitted gears
Authors: Oila A , Shaw B. A. , Aylott C. J. , Bull S. J.
Published: May 2005

Metallographic examination performed on a number of micropitted gears has revealed microstructural features similar to those reported in the literature in fatigued bearings, namely, dark etching regions and white etching bands. In addition, a new type of fatigue-induced microstructural constituent was observed close to the surface below asperities referred to as the plastic deformation region. Finally, it is shown that the initiation and propagation of cracks leading to the formation of micropits are related to the phase transformations mentioned previously.
Detection of severe sliding and pitting fatigue wear regimes through the use of broadband acoustic emission
Authors: Price E. D. , Lees A. W. , Friswell M. I.
Published: May 2005

Acoustic emission techniques have been used to monitor severe sliding and pitting fatigue processes during four-ball testing. Results are presented that arose from a collaborative programme between the Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, DC) and the University of Wales Swansea, sponsored by the US Office of Naval Research. The ultimate aim of the research is to develop a systematic fusion technology approach to condition-based maintenance of wear-related surface distress of critical components in naval air and surface combatant engine and transmission systems. The principal monitoring technique utilized in this investigation was acoustic emission (AE). A custom data acquisition system was developed using a novel approach to collect AE signals. Post-test analysis of the data, in the frequency domain, demonstrates the advantage of analysing continuous AE and not just AE pulses.
Elastohydrodynamic analysis of double-layered journal bearings lubricated with couple-stress fluids
Authors: Lahmar M
Published: May 2005

Elastohydrodynamic (EHD) analysis of a journal bearing with a realistic model for the bearing made of two distinct layers is extended to include couple-stress effects in lubricants blended with polymer additives. Based on the Stokes microcontinuum theory, a transient pressure differential equation (modified Reynolds' equation) is derived from the fluid motion equations and solved numerically. The elegant and powerful semi-analytical approach based on the complex variable theory developed in an earlier work is extended to solve linear elastostatics problems for a double-layered journal bearing. The EHD solution in isothermal conditions is obtained numerically by means of an iterative procedure. By the finite perturbation technique, the eight fluid-film stiffness and damping coefficients are determined. At the threshold of instability, the dynamic coefficients are used as input data for studying the linear stability of the rotor-bearing system. According to the results obtained, the influence of couple-stress parameter on the static and dynamic performance characteristics of the compliant journal-bearing system is physically apparent and not negligible. Compared with the Newtonian lubricants case, lubricants with couple-stresses provide an increase in the load-carrying capacity and stability, a reduction in the attitude angle and the friction factor. It is also found that the fluid-solid interaction effect on the performance characteristics is more important, especially for high values of couple-stress parameter and relative rigidity of liner-bush assembly.
The cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms *1F and *1D do not affect clozapine clearance in a group of schizophrenic patients
Authors: Kootstra-Ros Jenny E , Smallegoor Windy , van der Weide Jan
Published: May 2005

Background: The atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine is metabolized by CYP1A2. The activity of CYP1A2 is highly variable and is among others dependent on smoking habits. Certain genotypes of CYP1A2 have been associated with increased inducibility/activity of CYP1A2. However, the relevance of genotyping for these mutations in a clinical setting has not yet been demonstrated.

Methods: In this study, the CYP1A2 * 1F, * 1C and * 1D genotypes of 58 schizophrenic patients on clozapine treatment were correlated with clozapine serum concentrations corrected for dose and weight or concentration/dosage ratios.

Results: The allele frequency of * 1F and * 1D was 67% and 6%, respectively. With an allele frequency of 1%, the occurrence of * 1C was very low. Multivariate analysis of variance did not reveal any significant correlations between CYP1A2 genotypes and clozapine clearance in these subjects, although a possible effect of the * 1D allele cannot be excluded in this study.

Conclusion: Although this study was performed using samples from a limited number of patients, routine genotyping of CYP1A2 * 1F, * 1C or * 1D polymorphisms for their effect on metabolic capacity is, at least in Caucasians, not yet indicated.
Elevated urinary dopamine in adults and children
Authors: Davidson D Fraser
Published: May 2005

Background: Information on the significance of an elevated urinary dopamine is limited and can lead to misinterpretation of the cause of such a finding. This laboratory-based study examines the associations with elevated dopamine gathered from a significant number of patients.

Methods: The urine catecholamine and metabolite results of specimens (analysed by HPLC-ECD) from 5933 adults and 467 children were examined retrospectively over a 57-month period. Those with elevated dopamine were identified and the explanation for this finding was sought.

Results: In adults, the conditions associated with an elevated dopamine were: urine over-collection; drug effects (including those due to intravenous dopamine, L-dopa, methyldopa, clozapine, antidepressants and metoclopramide); clinical effects (including those due to phaeochromocytoma, carcinoid tumour and pregnancy). In children, high urine dopamine was found in cases of neuroblastoma, Costello syndrome, leukaemia, phaeochromocytoma, Menkes disease and rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder.

Conclusions: A high urine dopamine was found in <3% of adult urine specimens. It was most commonly associated with: over-collection, probable drug effects and neural crest tumours. Neuroblastoma was the most common cause of elevated dopamine in children's specimens, although other associations are described. Some await explanation.
Acquired copper deficiency following prolonged jejunostomy feeds
Authors: Jayakumar S , Micallef-Eynaud P D , Lyon T D B , Cramb R , Jilaihawi A N , Prakash D
Published: May 2005

A 19-year-old man who developed extensive oesophageal lye (Alkali) stricture and received long-term enteral nutrition (eight months) with a jejunostomy tube developed macrocytic anaemia (Hb: 41 g/L) with leucopenia (white blood cell [WBC]: 3.0 x 109/L). The patient's serum vitamin B12, folate, iron and liver function tests were normal. Bone marrow examination revealed gross erythroid hyperplasia and cytoplasmic vacuolization of erythroid and myeloid elements. Further investigations revealed low serum copper (0.3 μmol/L) and ceruloplasmin concentrations (<30 mg/L) with marginally low normal serum concentration of red cell peroxidase (13 U/gHb), establishing the diagnosis of copper deficiency anaemia. The anaemia and leucopenia responded intermittently to intravenous copper therapy, but the serum copper concentration dropped when intravenous copper therapy was withdrawn. Enteral jejunostomy copper supplementation failed to maintain adequate serum copper concentrations. After stabilizing the general condition of the patient, a pharyngo-gastric anastamosis was performed and normal oral diet commenced, which restored normal serum copper concentration. This case report suggests that copper supplements in the form of copper sulphate are not adequately absorbed when administered through a jejunostomy tube.
Effects of menopause and tibolone on antioxidants in postmenopausal women
Authors: Vural Perin , Akgül Cemil , Canbaz Mukaddes
Published: May 2005

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ageing and menopause, and can arise through the increased production of lipid peroxides and/or a deficiency of antioxidant defence.

Aim: To investigate the effects of the menopause and tibolone treatment (2.5 mg/day for six months) on plasma antioxidants and lipid peroxidation.

Methods: Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiol groups, caeruloplasmin, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 24 postmenopausal and 24 premenopausal healthy women.

Results: Data analysis indicates a significant decrease in plasma ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiol groups, caeruloplasmin, erythrocyte GSH and a significant increase in lipid peroxides (expressed as MDA concentrations) in postmenopausal women. There was no significant difference between control and study groups in the mean plasma caeruloplasmin concentrations. It was found that there is a significant increase in α-tocopherol and significant decrease in lipid peroxide concentrations in postmenopausal after tibolone treatment.

Conclusions: The menopause is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease of some antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiols and erythrocyte GSH. Tibolone treatment leads to a decrease in concentrations of plasma lipid peroxide, probably by stimulating direct and indirect mechanisms of tocopherol regeneration and increasing plasma concentrations of vitamin E. However, due to the relatively small numbers involved this study can be regarded as a pilot. Further studies performed on a larger scale are necessary to establish the exact mechanisms of tibolone in inhibiting oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.
HbA1c predicts the likelihood of having impaired glucose tolerance in high-risk patients with normal fasting plasma glucose
Authors: Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Haddon Angela , Labib Mourad
Published: May 2005

Background: Although the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the 'gold standard' for diagnosing prediabetes/diabetes, it is inconvenient for the patient and time consuming. The only alternative simple screening test is fasting plasma glucose (FPG). FPG concentrations of >6.0 mmol/L represent prediabetes/diabetes. FPG concentrations of 6.0 mmol/L may be considered 'normal', although some such patients will demonstrate abnormal glucose tolerance when subjected to an OGTT. We have evaluated the use of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as a screening test for diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients who have risk factors for diabetes but FPG ≤6.0 mmol/L.

Methods and results: A total of 580 patients with at least two risk factors for diabetes underwent an OGTT and HbA1c measurement. In all, 225 patients had a FPG ≤6.0 mmol/L and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 23.1% ( n=52) had an abnormal OGTT result (45 had IGT and 7 had diabetes). Subjects with abnormal glucose tolerance had a higher percentage of HbA1c than subjects with normal glucose tolerance ( P<0.001). An HbA1c of 5.6% gave an optimal sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 77% to predict a 2 h plasma glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L.

Conclusion: The use of FPG concentration followed by selective measurement of HbA1c in patients who are at high risk of developing diabetes may represent a reasonable approach to identifying patients requiring an OGTT.
Macroprolactin; high molecular mass forms of circulating prolactin
Authors: Fahie-Wilson M N , John R , Ellis A R
Published: May 2005

Two high molecular mass forms of prolactin (PRL) in serum have been identified by gel filtration chromatography (GFC): macroprolactin (big-big PRL, > 100 kDa) and big PRL (40-60 kDa). Macroprolactin has a variable composition and structure, but is most frequently a complex of PRL and IgG, with a molecular mass of 150-170 kDa. It is formed in the circulation following pituitary secretion of monomeric PRL but has a longer half-life, and the PRL in the complex remains reactive to a variable extent in immunoassays. In the majority of subjects little or no macroprolactin can be detected in serum, but in some individuals it may be the predominant immunoreactive component of circulating PRL and the cause of apparent hyperprolactinaemia. Owing to its high molecular mass, macroprolactin appears to be confined to the intravascular compartment and much evidence indicates that it has minimal bioactivity in vivo and is not of pathological significance. Nevertheless, hyperprolactinaemia due to macroprolactin can lead to diagnostic confusion and unnecessary further investigation and treatment if it is not recognized as such. Macroprolactin is a common cause of apparent hyperprolactinaemia with some assays and it is essential that laboratories introduce screening programmes to examine samples with elevated total immunoreactive PRL for the presence of macroprolactin and determine the monomeric PRL component which is known to be bioactive in vivo. A number of screening tests have been described; that based on the precipitation of macroprolactin with polyethylene glycol has been the most widely validated and applied. The reference technique of GFC should be available for confirmation and further investigation of samples, giving equivocal results in screening tests.

In comparison with macroprolactin, little is known about big PRL. It is a more consistent component of total serum PRL but rarely, if ever, the cause of hyperprolactinaemia. Further research is required into the nature of macroprolactin and big PRL, the relationships between high molecular mass forms of PRL, and their clinical significance.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Experimental Bone Hacking Trauma
Authors: Alunni-Perret V , Muller-Bolla M , Laugier J-P , Lupi-Peégurier L , Bertrand M-F , Staccini P , Bolla M , Quatrehomme G
Published: May 2005

The authors report on their macro- and microscopy study of bone lesions made by a sharp force instrument (a single blade knife), and a sharp-blunt instrument classified as a chopping weapon (a hatchet). The aim of this work was to attempt to identify the instrument by analyzing the general class characteristics of the cuts. Each weapon was used on human bones. The results indicate that macroscopic analysis is more problematic. The microscopic analysis assessed that characteristics examined were effective in distinguishing sharp from sharp-blunt injury to the bone. The microscope facilitates analysis unachievable with macroscopic methods, some three-dimensional characteristics not visible to the naked eye being clearly defined with its use. Emphasis has been placed on the value of SEM as an anthropologist's tool in bone lesion injuries.
Acephate in Biological Fluids of Two Autopsy Cases after Ingestion of the Chemical
Authors: Tanaka T , Tanaka N , Kita T , Kasai K , Sato H
Published: May 2005

Two autopsy cases, where the individuals were suspected of having ingested acephate, an organophosphorous insecticide, are reported. Acephate and its active metabolite, methamidophos (MP), were analyzed in the biological fluids by GC/MS, using the salting out method with liquid-liquid extraction columns. The first case was that of a 70-year-old man whose blood acephate was 149μg/mL, and MP was 3.0μg/mL. Serum pseudocholinesterase (ChE) activity was inhibited. No remarkable finding of injury or disease was determined as the cause of his death, but acute poisoning by acephate was mostly suspected. The second case was that of a 60-year-old man. A deep gash in the left neck injured the left common carotid artery in addition to the severely ischemic state of the primary organs. His blood acephate was 46μg/mL, and MP was not detected. ChE activity was in the normal range. Hemorrhage was mainly suspected as the cause of his death. The concentrations of acephate and MP in human blood after oral ingestion are first reported here, and the acute toxic level of acephate is discussed.
Assessing Age-Related Morphology of the Pubic Symphysis from Digital Images Versus Direct Observation
Authors: Sitchon ML , Hoppa RD
Published: May 2005

The increasingly global role of a forensic anthropologist necessitates a proper means for archiving evidence for re-examination. Large quantities of evidence can be stored and be made readily accessible through digital imaging. This study focuses on age assessment from digital photographs for personal identity reconstructions. A comparison of 52 Suchey-Brooks scores assigned to digital images and actual bone revealed that age assessment from digital images can be completed with accuracy. Coefficients of concordance imply that there significant agreement between osteological assessment of aging criteria from digital images and direct observation—greater than random change alone (p<0.05). However, assessments from images should be approached with caution since there are inherent limitations of the naked eye in identifying morphological changes in certain skeletal features, especially where older adults are concerned. Although there is no replacement for a hands-on physical assessment, a digital archive may facilitate the global needs of the forensic anthropologist.
Acute Selenium Poisoning: Suicide by Ingestion
Authors: Hunsaker DM , Spiller HA , Williams D
Published: May 2005

Selenium is a ubiquitous element in the environment essential to the human diet and widely utilized in industrial processes. Fatal human selenium intoxication is rare. The authors report a case in which investigators recovered a bottle of gun-bluing agent beside a 24-year-old man. He exhibited signs and symptoms typical of acute selenium intoxication presenting with nausea and vomiting, followed by pulmonary edema and rapid cardiovascular collapse approximately 3 to 4 h after ingestion. Classic electrocardiographic (EKG) changes, which have been reported to occur in acute selenium intoxication, included sinus tachycardia with ST wave alteration. Toxicological results confirmed elevated blood and tissue concentrations. The cause of death was ascribed to acute selenium intoxication, which ensued rapidly after oral consumption. The manner of death was suicide. This case report, which presents an overview of acute and chronic selenium poisoning, underscores the value of thorough toxicologic analyses of tissue and body fluids in humans.
Survey of Physician Members of The American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Authors: Brogdon BG
Published: May 2005

There are approximately 1000 physician members of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) dispersed into all but one of the ten AAFS Sections. Section membership does not necessarily define their disciplines, specialties, interests or activities. A survey was performed to explore the demographics of the physician members and their views on their Sections and the Academy as a whole. The responses were predominantly favorable but some areas of improvement were suggested. The detailed results also indicate the increasing globalization of the physician membership and the catholicity of medicolegal interests.
Frontal Sinuses for Identification: Qualityof Classifications, Possible Error and Potential Corrections
Authors: Cameriere R , Ferrante L , Mirtella D , Rollo FU , Cingolani M
Published: May 2005

Many studies have examined the characteristics of the frontal sinuses and their use for forensic purposes, particularly when an individual is edentulous. One of the most widespread classification systems is that proposed by Yoshino et al. The aim of this study was to improve the performance of Yoshino's method for identifying unknown skeletal remains by replacing the first two morphological items, frontal sinus size and bilateral asymmetry, by SOR1 =left frontal sinus area/left orbit area, and SOR2 =right frontal sinus area/right orbit area. According to the bivariate distribution of SOR=(SOR1, SOR2) and available data, we also estimated the probability of positive misclassification.
Evaluation of Sieving Polymers for Fast, Reproducible Electrophoretic Analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STR) in Capillaries
Authors: Bienvenue JM , Wilson KL , Landers JP , Ferrance JP
Published: May 2005

Efficient capillary electrophoretic STR analysis requires rapid, reproducible and robust separation of DNA fragments with reasonable capillary longevity—this is currently accomplished using proprietary commercial polymeric sieving matrices specifically developed for this separation. These matrices, while effective, are costly and do not provide adequate resolution of STR DNA fragments in capillaries with shorter effective separation lengths, increasing the time required to accomplish the separation and minimizing the potential extrapolation to other miniaturized platforms. As the forensic community looks toward next generation microchip technology as a means of processing casework more rapidly, new sieving polymers need to be evaluated for utilization in this platform. The research presented here describes the assessment of commercially-available polymeric sieving matrices for STR analysis, with consideration given to feasibility of incorporation into a microdevice. Polymer composition, molecular weight, and concentration were evaluated, along with an assessment of the effects of buffer composition, separation temperature, and capillary length. These variables were evaluated individually or collectively on the ability to resolve STR DNA fragments and the reproducibility of the separations and the results compared to a proprietary commercial product. A 600,000 Da MW poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) solution at a 3%(w/v) concentration was determined to be the most suitable matrix for these separations. This polymer, in coated capillaries, provided highly robust and reproducible separations, with near baseline resolution of fragments having single base differences. Reductions in the temperature of the separation, from 60°C to 40°C, and the urea concentration of the buffer, from 7 M to 3.5 M, provided increased longevity of the PEO polymer for repeated separations. Comparison of this polymer with currently specified commercial products used for STR analysis showed that the optimized PEO matrix provided superior separations under all conditions tested. In addition, PEO could be utilized in shorter capillary systems, with a concurrent decrease in analysis time, highlighting its potential for use in shortened capillary or microdevice systems.
Forensic Discrimination of Match Heads by Elemental Analysis with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Kasamatsu M , Suzuki Y , Sugita R , Suzuki S
Published: May 2005

In arson and bombing cases, matches are often used as the ignition method. We have investigated the use of elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry to discriminate match heads used in arson cases. Six elements, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc, and barium, in match heads were detected after the match heads were dissolved in HNO3, and these elements were quantified in 8 wood stick matches and 5 paper stick matches by means of calibration curves prepared from standard sample solutions. Using this method, we were able to distinguish all the matches from one another both before and after combustion. The method has the potential to be very useful for resolving arson cases.
STR-Typing of Human DNA from Human Fecal Matter Using the QIAGEN QIAamp® Stool Mini Kit
Authors: Johnson DJ , Martin RL , Roberts KA
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the QIAGEN QIAamp® Stool Mini Kit against a standard phenolchloroform procedure for the extraction, quantitation, and STR-typing of human nuclear DNA from human feces. Stools from six subjects were sampled by swabbing and excision. Samples extracted with the QIAamp kit gave a wide range of DNA yields, whereas those extracted by the organic method yielded no DNA. DNA was not recovered from one subject's stools by either procedure. The QIAamp extracts were amplified with the Profiler Plus™ and COfiler™ kits, and PCR inhibition was observed with DNA extracts that were further concentrated. Substitution of water or TE-4 for the QIAamp elution buffer eliminated most, if not all, of the inhibition. A modified QIAamp procedure was used to extract thirty samples, which were subjected to one of five environmental conditions. DNA was recovered from all of these samples, and typing results were obtained on 93% of the samples.
Decision Analysis in Forensic Science
Authors: Taroni F , Bozza S , Aitken C
Published: May 2005

Forensic scientists are routinely faced with the problems of making decisions under circumstances of uncertainty (i.e., to perform or not perform a test). A decision making model in forensic science is proposed, illustrated with an example from the field of forensic genetics. The approach incorporates available evidence and associated uncertainties with the assessment of utilities (or desirability of the consequences). The paper examines a general example for which identification will be made of the decision maker, the possible actions, the uncertain states of nature, the possible source of evidence and the kind of utility assessments required. It is argued that a formal approach can help to clarify the decision process and give a coherent means of combining elements to reach a decision.
The Identification of Isopar H in Vinyl Flooring
Authors: Wells SB
Published: May 2005

Vinyl flooring manufacturers use plasticizers to decrease the viscosity and increase the pliability of vinyl. Several ignitable liquid plasticizers used in the manufacture of vinyl flooring were identified and investigated in this study. Twenty-nine collections from five major vinyl manufacturers, a total of 72 samples, were analyzed using passive headspace concentration in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E 1412-00) and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis as described in ASTM E 1618-01 (1,2). Norpar products and TXIB (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate) are ignitable liquids common to the manufacture of vinyl flooring and were identified in all recently obtained samples. Isopar H is an ignitable liquid found in various products such as charcoal starters, copier toners, and some solvents (2). Of the 29 collections analyzed, Isopar H was only identified in Armstrong's Interflex-Traditions pattern.
Maintenance of the ENFSI Proficiency Test Program on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDX (GSR2003)
Authors: Niewoehner L , Andrasko J , Biegstraaten J , Gunaratnam L , Steffen S , Uhlig S
Published: May 2005

Within the framework of the ENFSI Expert Working Group “Firearms,” every second year, a proficiency test on the detection and identification of GSR by SEM/EDX is carried out. This proficiency test is a development and extension of the previous proficiency test GSR2001. The test material was again designed by the organization panel and manufactured by an external company for SEM accessories. This time the participating laboratories were requested to determine the total number of PbSbBa containing particles on a test sample following their own laboratory specific methods of automated GSR particle search and detection by SEM/EDX. One synthetic particle sample (SPS) with artificial GSR particles was dispatched to all participants. This paper summarizes the results of the study and assesses the overall performance of the participating laboratories. Furthermore an extended statistical evaluation and a comparison with previous studies was carried out.
A Study of Business Letter Features
Authors: Lines SR , Carodine RB
Published: May 2005

As part of their work, forensic document examiners examine word processed letters. The purpose of this study, the first of its kind, was to determine how common or rare certain features are in word-processed business letters and if any of these features could determine the author or source. Initially, 114 original business letters were obtained that were dated from 1999 through 2003. Specific features of the letters were selected for examination. These features were letter format, type style, the point size of the font, margin spacing to ascertain the use or nonuse of the default margins for Word (1.25 in. nonjustified) and the default margins for WordPerfect (1 in. nonjustified). In addition, the research involved the examination of the right margins to determine if they were justified or not and the use of the comma or colon in the salutation of the letter. The features of each letter were independently examined by the authors and the findings documented. As expected, several features were found to be very common. For example, full block format was used on 48% of the letters followed by the semi-block with 39%. The Times Family of fonts was used on 67% of the letters. Font point size 12 was the most popular with 70%. The nonjustified default margins were widespread with 67% and the colon was the overwhelming favorite in the salutation with 79%. There were some unexpected findings that could possibly lead to the identification of a source or typist.
Fatalities By Ingestion of Propylene Glycol
Authors: deRoux SJ , Marker E , Stajic M
Published: May 2005

Propylene glycol (PG), a widely used solvent and lubricant, is thought to have low toxicity when ingested. Three cases were identified where PG, either alone or in combination with other chemical agents, contributed to death. The decedent in whom PG was the sole agent was a 32-year-old schizophrenic man with cardiomegaly and renal impairment. The blood PG concentration was 4410 mg/L at least 9.5 h following ingestion.
Blunt Force Injury of the Abdomen Complicating Previously Undiagnosed Peliosis Hepatis in a 2-Year-Old Female
Authors: Pasquale-Styles MA , Schmidt CJ
Published: May 2005

Peliosis hepatis is an abnormal accumulation of blood-filled lakes in the liver that is most commonly seen in adults and is generally associated with chronic wasting diseases, use of androgenic steroids or bacterial infection. Few cases have been reported in children.We report a case of a 2-year-old female with no past medical history who presented with homicidal blunt force abdominal injury. The autopsy revealed lacerations in the liver and previously undiagnosed peliosis hepatis. 1 Wayne County Medical Examiner Office, 1300 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207.
Forensic Applications of Infrared Chemical Imaging: Multi-Layered Paint Chips
Authors: Flynn K , O'Leary R , Lennard C , Roux C , Reedy BJ
Published: May 2005

This paper examines the potential of infrared chemical (hyperspectral) imaging as a technique for the forensic analysis of automotive paint chips in particular, and multicomponent (e.g., layered) samples in general. Improved sample preparation procedures for the infrared analysis of paint chips are detailed, with the recommendation that where mounting resins are chemically incompatible with the sample, it is better to mount and section the sample in a soft wax from which the sections can be removed and pressed into a KBr disk for transmission analysis. Infrared chemical images of multilayered paint chips have been successfully obtained, with the chief advantage over conventional infrared analysis being that thousands of infrared spectra are collected in a few minutes across the whole sample, at a spatial resolution of around 5 µm. As with conventional infrared spectroscopy, chemical species can be identified from their spectra, but the wealth of information available can be also extracted in a number of different ways that make multicomponent spectral (and hence chemical) comparisons between two samples easy to visualize and understand. In one approach, the infrared chemical images of two paint chips being compared side-by-side can be viewed as a “movie,” in which each frame is an intensity map of the two samples at a given wavenumber (frequency) value. In another approach, the spectra (pixels) in the image files are classified into chemically similar groups, resulting in a “cluster” image that makes it possible to simultaneously compare all of the layers in two paint chips. These methods are applicable to other multicomponent samples, and also to other chemical imaging techniques
Suicide by Inhalation of Carbon Monoxide in a Residential Fire
Authors: Sauvageau A , Racette S , Yesovitch R
Published: May 2005

Fire deaths are usually accidental, but atypical cases of homicide or suicide have been described. In suicide by fire, the only method reported by several authors consists of self-immolation. We present here the unusual case of an adult female who committed suicide by waiting in the living room after setting fire to her bedroom. The autopsy revealed smoke inhalation and the toxicological analysis revealed carboxyhemoglobin levels of 67%. Very few cases of suicide by fire not of the self-immolation type have been reported, and all have been anecdotal. A review of the literature is presented and a new term, “suicide by inhalation of carbon monoxide in a fire,” is proposed for such cases.
The Effect of Exposure to the Elements on the Forensic Characterization by Infrared Spectroscopy of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Fibers
Authors: Causin V , Marega C , Guzzini G , Marigo A
Published: May 2005

Validation of a recently proposed differentiation method for single poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers, based on integration of IR absorption bands, is presented. IR microscopy in the transmission mode, differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy were employed. The reliability of the technique has been extended to the cases in which the fibers being compared have experienced long exposure to the elements, as may happen if these items are recovered from open-air crime scenes. The effect of immersion in water and irradiation by the sun for a three-month period have been considered. The fibers remained morphologically and structurally unaltered. The significance of comparisons between fibers kept in different environments is thus enhanced, because the detrimental effect of the elements can be ruled out. This further validation of the proposed technique contributes to render the data presented by the forensic scientist less vulnerable to context effect and bias.
Estimating Eyeball Protrusion from Body Height, Interpupillary Distance, and Inter-Orbital Distance in Adults
Authors: Swan LK , Stephan CN
Published: May 2005

Eyeball protrusion is one characteristic that must be assessed/predicted in craniofacial identification methods of skull-face superimposition and facial approximation. Previously it has been suggested that average exophthalmometry values, as measured on living individuals, should be used. However, it is unknown if proptosis prediction can be improved beyond the accuracy obtained when using mean values. Some authors have suggested that relationships between exophthalmos, height, interpupillary distance, and interorbital distance exist and it has been reported that these latter variables can be used to estimate eyeball projection. However, crucial tests are yet to be conducted. This study measures these variables and tests the accuracy of exophthalmometry means, a previously proposed prediction equation, and newly derived regression equations to determine which methods provide the best results. Data indicate that variation in exophthalmos is fairly small and as such prediction from other variables, like body height, are weak; thus, exophthalmometry means currently offer the best practical method of prediction. It should be noted that up to 2mm error from either side of the mean is expected for 68% of cases.
Comparison of GC-MS and EIA Results for the Analysis of Methadone in Oral Fluid
Authors: Cooper G , Wilson L , Reid C , Baldwin D , Hand C , Spiehler V
Published: May 2005

The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Cozart® Microplate Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) for the determination of methadone in oral fluid from patients in a drug misuse treatment program. Oral fluid specimens were collected using the Cozart® RapiScan Collection system from 198 donors who were receiving treatment for their addiction and were monitored for drug misuse. Oral fluid specimens were also collected from forty volunteer donors who were not drug users. The specimens were analyzed in the laboratory by EIA and then analysed for methadone and its main metabolite EDDP by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 103 samples were confirmed positive for methadone. The Cozart® Microplate EIA for d-Methadone in oral fluid using a cutoff of 30 ng/mL in diluted oral fluid had a sensitivity of 91.3%±2.8% and a specificity of 100%±1.0% vs. GC-MS.
Accumulation of Explosives in Hair
Authors: Oxley JC , Smith JL , Kirschenbaum LJ , Shinde KP , Marimganti S
Published: May 2005

The sorption of explosives (TNT, RDX, PETN, TATP, EGDN) to hair during exposure to their vapors is examined. Three colors of hair were simultaneously exposed to explosive vapor. Following exposure of hair, the sorbed explosive was removed by extraction with acetonitrile and quantified. Results show that sorption of explosives, via vapor diffusion, to black hair is significantly greater than to blond, brown or bleached hair. Furthermore, the rate of sorption is directly related to the vapor density of the explosive: EGDN>TATP⋙TNT⪢PETN>RDX. In some cases, the explosive-containing hair was subject to repeated washings with sodium dodecylsulfate or simply left out in an open area to determine the persistence of the explosive contamination. While explosive is removed from hair with time or washing, some persists. These results indicate that hair can be a useful indicator of explosive exposure/handling.
Silicon-based spin and charge quantum computation
Authors: Koiller Belita , Hu Xuedong , Capaz Rodrigo B. , Martins Adriano S. , Das Sarma Sankar
Published: May 2005

Silicon-based quantum-computer architectures have attracted attention because of their promise for scalability and their potential for synergetically utilizing the available resources associated with the existing Si technology infrastructure. Electronic and nuclear spins of shallow donors (e.g. phosphorus) in Si are ideal candidates for qubits in such proposals due to the relatively long spin coherence times. For these spin qubits, donor electron charge manipulation by external gates is a key ingredient for control and read-out of single-qubit operations, while shallow donor exchange gates are frequently invoked to perform two-qubit operations. More recently, charge qubits based on tunnel coupling in P+2 substitutional molecular ions in Si have also been proposed. We discuss the feasibility of the building blocks involved in shallow donor quantum computation in silicon, taking into account the peculiarities of silicon electronic structure, in particular the six degenerate states at the conduction band edge. We show that quantum interference among these states does not significantly affect operations involving a single donor, but leads to fast oscillations in electron exchange coupling and on tunnel-coupling strength when the donor pair relative position is changed on a lattice-parameter scale. These studies illustrate the considerable potential as well as the tremendous challenges posed by donor spin and charge as candidates for qubits in silicon.
Methylation-GC-MS analysis of arabinofuranose- and galactofuranose-containing structures: rapid synthesis of partially O-methylated alditol acetate standards
Authors: Sassaki Guilherme L. , Iacomini Marcello , Gorin Philip A.J.
Published: May 2005

Arabinose and galactose were treated with MeOH containing traces of H2SO4 or HCl at 25ºC to give mixtures of their methyl alpha- and beta-furanosides, as shown by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Oxidation of the Me alpha,beta-Araf mixture with NaIO4 preferentially oxidised the beta-isomer, to give pure Me alpha-Araf . Each product was progressively O-methylated using the Purdie reagent (MeI/Ag2O) at 25ºC and resulting mixtures of partially methylated glycosides (PMGs) were rapidly assayed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) first to favour higher yields of mono-O-methyl derivatives and later for products with higher degrees of methylation. The products were converted to complex mixtures of partially O-methylated alditol acetate derivatives (PMAAs) by successive hydrolysis, reduction with NaBD4, and acetylation. These can be used as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) standards in methylation analysis of complex carbohydrates containing arabinofuranosyl and galactofuranosyl units. Of particular interest were the retention times and electron impact MS of the difficult to prepare alditol acetates of 5,6-Me2Gal, 2,5-Me2Gal, 2,5,6-Me3Gal, 3,5,6-Me3Gal, 5-MeAra, 2,5-Me2Ara, and 3,5-Me2Ara. The relative reactivities of hydroxyl groups for mixtures of Me alpha- and Me beta-Galf were HO-2 > HO-3 > HO-6 > HO-5, that of Me alpha and Me beta-Araf HO-2 > HO-3 > HO-5, and that of Me alpha-Araf HO-2 > HO-3 > HO-5.