bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Death Caused by a Constricting Snake—An Infant Death
Authors: McCarty VO , Cox RA , Haglund B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 21-month-old male was found dead in his crib. An escaped pet python snake (Python reticulatus) was found near the child on a cribside shelf. Autopsy findings included petechiae associated with asphyxial death plus puncture wounds consistent with the reptile's teeth. This report details this 1982 death of a child in Reno, Nevada, and includes illustration of the reptile's bite marks plus description of snake jaw mechanics in swallowing.
Simultaneous Identification of Alpha-L-Fucosidase and Phosphoglucomutase (PGM) Subtyping in Semen Stains
Authors: Garg RK , Kobilinsky L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Seminal fluid and stains were analyzed by isoelectric focusing to determine the donor phenotype in the alpha-L-fucosidase (AlFuc) polymorphic system. The enzyme is found in both seminal fluid and spermatazoa. Three common phenotypes exist and can be identified in fluid specimens stored at 4°C for more than a year. Untreated semen specimens display more than eight distinct bands of alpha-L-fucosidase activity with isoelectric points of pH 6.6 and below. Neuraminidase-treated specimens have enhanced banding patterns cathodally with a loss of activity in anodal bands making it easier to phenotype specimens. Semen stains maintained in dehumidified chambers at 25 or 37°C retained activity for at least one month and could be accurately phenotyped. Activity was observed in semen specimens maintained at −20°C in the dried state for a period of one year, whereas a complete loss of activity was observed after two weeks in similar specimens maintained at 25 or 37°C under humid conditions. Of seventy-four semen stains analyzed, two had no apparent activity. Of the remaining seventy-two specimens 56, 32, and 12% were phenotyped as FUC 1-1, FUC 2-1, and FUC 2-2, respectively. Calculated gene frequencies are FUC1 = 0.72 and FUC2 = 0.28. Following analysis of alpha-L-fucosidase, the agarose gel can be chemically developed to reveal the PGM1 subtyping pattern. The ability to phenotype both systems in semen stains significantly improves the ability of the analyst to individualize this type of physical evidence. The probability of discrimination for these two combined systems is approximately 0.89.
The Classification of Photocopies by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Munson TO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was used to compare photocopy toner material from photocopies from 62 different (brand name or model number or both) photocopy machines. A simple sample lifter was developed for obtaining a specimen of toner from the copy free of paper fibers. Toner obtained from a single, standard typewritersized character usually provided enough organic material to give a satisfactory pyrogram. Based upon the presence or absence of peaks in the pyrograms, the toners were separated into 18 classes. Most of the toner classes fell into 2 general groups: those containing a large amount of styrene, usually with smaller amounts of butyl methacrylate or other methacrylates or acrylates, or some combination of these chemicals; and those toners consisting mainly of some type of epoxy resin.
Time Since Death Definition by Experimental Reproduction of Lucilia Sericata Cycles in Growth Cabinet
Authors: Introna F , Altamura BM , Dell'Erba A , Dattoli V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ten life cycles of Lucilia sericata (Megnin), reared in the field with continuous registration of temperature, humidity, and luminosity, have been compared to parallel life cycles reared in a growth cabinet. Thanks to this apparatus, constructed according to the directions of the authors, it is possible to change at will some fundamental microclimatic parameters such as lighting, temperature, and humidity to reproduce, with a single programming, the environmental conditions recorded in the field. Our results showed that, statistically, there is no difference between life cycles reared in the field and those reared in the laboratory in artificial field-like conditions.
Tissue Distribution of Cocaine in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Mittleman RE , Cofino JC , Hearn WL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Reports of cocaine-related obstetrical problems, including abruptio placentae and spontaneous abortion, have become increasingly evident in the medical literature; however, little is known about tissue distribution of cocaine in the pregnant woman. We report the toxicologic results of distribution studies performed on a pregnant woman and her fetus. Maternal/fetal cocaine concentration ratios were high when comparing blood (9:1), brain (6:5), and kidney (10:6). Possible explanations of the mechanism for lower fetal cocaine concentrations may include uterine vasoconstriction, incomplete maternal/fetal equalibration, or rapid placental, fetal clearance.
Lung Embolism with Liquid Silicone
Authors: Rodríguez MA , del Carmen Martínez M , Lopez-Artíguez M , Soria ML , Bernier F , Repetto M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A lung embolism was reported in a case involving death following repeated injections of liquid silicone for aesthetic reasons. The liquid extracted from the sites of injection was identified as methylsilicone using infrared spectrophotometry, and the presence of silicone in vacuoles in the lung was verified by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). A study has been carried out with rats after intravenous and subcutaneous injections of methylsilicone.
A Review of Electrical Fire Analysis
Authors: DeHaan JD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This is a book intended for fire investigators but is also of interest to forensic scientists, insurance adjusters, or attorneys who may have occasion to deal with fires involving electrical equipment. As the author points out, nearly all fires involve damage to some sort of appliance, and suspicion often falls (rightly or wrongly) on the mysterious forces of electricity as the source of ignition. The author, an independent electrical engineer with several decades of experience at Battelle Laboratories and as a consultant to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has examined thousands of samples of wiring and equipment. It is that considerable experience which he shares in this book. It is not an exhaustive study of all the electrical, mechanical, and chemical effects that interact in fires, but a straightforward exposition of one expert's experience and knowledge. The text is written in an informal, conversational style in the first person, which is sometimes distracting, but it does make reading it quite easy. There are occasions, for instance, when the author freely admits he does not know the reasons for a particular phenomenon. At these times the total absence of literature citations is most acutely noticeable since the reader is breezily dismissed without a clue as to where one might seek more technical information.
A Review of Luke Karamazov
Authors: Perr IN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Luke Karamazov is a report of 189 pages written by a professor of English at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan about two brothers who are multiple murderers. One brother killed five people, mostly gas station attendants, in the course of a robbery. The other brother was involved in the rape and murder of four young women.
Liquid/Solid Extraction on Diatomaceous Earth for Drug Analysis in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Logan BK , Stafford DT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Absorption extraction on diatomaceous earth was examined and found to be compatible with typical postmortem blood specimens encountered in forensic toxicology. The effects of solvent, solvent volume, eluate flow rate, and pH on drug recovery and extract quality were investigated. It was concluded that the best method was not necessarily that with the highest recoveries, but that considerations of extract quality were also required. The optimized method was compared with a single-step liquid/liquid extraction method and found to be superior in terms of ease of operation, extract quality, and absolute recovery. The results indicated also that although useful for screening, quantitative methods using liquid/solid extraction may be prone to error.
Comparison of Gunshot Wounds and Field-Tipped Arrow Wounds Using Morphologic Criteria and Chemical Spot Tests
Authors: Randall B , Newby P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Arrow wounds represent an unusual class of wounds rarely seen by most death investigators. Although the edged, broadhead-tipped arrow produces a wound usually characteristic of archery/crossbow weapons, the plain, field-tipped arrow wound can be confused with gunshot injuries in those cases in which powder residue or firearm projectiles or fragments or both are not recovered.
We present a case of a deer carcass with a wound of uncertain firearm or archery origin which initiated a comparison of firearm wounds and archery wounds on fresh road-killed deer. We found the following features to be valuable in the differentiation of gunshot wounds and field-tipped archery wounds: First, the majority of the gunshot wounds (but none of the arrow wounds) had identifiable, macroscopic, wipe-off material and chemically identifiable wipe-off residue by spot test. Second, the archery wound defects had very inconspicuous abrasion rings as compared to the often prominent abrasion rings of gunshot wounds. Third, the actual central defect in the archery wounds was more likely to be oblong or slit-like compared to the gunshot wound defects, which were more likely to be round.
Decay Rates of Human Remains in an Arid Environment
Authors: Galloway A , Birkby WH , Jones AM , Henry TE , Parks BO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The environment of southern Arizona with mild winters and hot, dry summers produces great variability in decay rates of human remains. Summer temperatures, which range well over 38°C (100°F), induce rapid bloating as a result of the accumulation of decompositional gases. However, in certain circumstances, the aridity can lead to extensive mummification, allowing preservation of remains for hundreds of years.
A retrospective study of 189 cases, concentrating on remains found on the desert floor or in the surrounding mountains and on remains found within closed structures, outlines the time frame and sequences of the decay process. Remains can retain a fresh appearance for a considerable time in the winter, but the onset of marked decomposition is rapid in the summer months. Bloating of the body usually is present two to seven days following death. Following this, within structures, there is frequently rapid decomposition and skeletonization. With outdoor exposure, remains are more likely to pass through a long period of dehydration of outer tissues, mummification, and reduction of desiccated tissue. Exposure of large portions of the skeleton usually does not occur until four to six months after death. Bleaching and exfoliation of bone—the beginning stages of destruction of the skeletal elements—begins at about nine months' exposure.
Insect activity, including that of maggot and beetle varieties, may accelerate decomposition, but this process is greatly affected by location of the body, seasonal weather, and accessibility of the soft tissues. Carnivores and other scavengers also are contributing factors, as are clothing or covering of the body, substrate, elevation, and latitude.
Identification of a Red “Fiber”: Chironomid Larvae
Authors: Hawley DA , Haskell NH , McShaffrey DG , Williams RE , Pless JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
During preliminary examination of the body of a homicide victim, a peculiar red “fiber” was noticed and recovered. Initially believing this to be a carpet fiber, the item was subjected to fiber analysis. It was found to be a short coiled particle not like any known natural or synthetic fabric fiber. Subsequent examinations determined this “fiber” to be the larva of a common freshwater midge (Diptera; Chironomidae).
Chironomid larvae have been observed on other bodies recovered from freshwater environments. Entomological studies of this organism have led to the conclusion that the presence of chironomid larvae indicates submersion of the body.
A Demonstration of Spermatozoa on Vaginal Swabs after Complete Destruction of the Vaginal Cell Deposits
Authors: Iwasaki M , Kubo S-I , Ogata M , Nakasono I 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The proteolytic enzyme, proteinase K, has been found to destroy all vaginal cells though it does not have the same effect on spermatozoa. In cases of sexual offenses, in which a swab has been used to wipe out the vagina, the female cells and their nuclei on that swab may also contain the heads of spermatozoa. After as short a time as 30 min of proteinase K treatment, the spermatozoa that had separated from the enzymatically destroyed vaginal cells were recovered. This proteinase destruction furnishes some spermatozoa with deformed heads and a somewhat greater number of isolated tails though a sufficient number of spermatozoan heads still remain for a reliable diagnosis. For detection of spermatozoa from a vaginal swab after proteinase K pretreatment, the heads of the spermatozoa are distinctly stained by Oppitz's method. Further, on prior treatment with proteinase K, the ABO blood grouping of the spermatozoa could also be determined on the vaginal swab by using the absorption-elution technique. The resistance of the spermatozoa to proteinase K is the basis for this method.
A New Algorithm for Use in Computer Identification
Authors: Williams AB , Friedman RB , Lorton L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
On 9 May 1987, a Soviet-made IL-62M Polish Airliner, LOT Flight 5055, crashed. exploded, and burned, killing the crew and 183 passengers. A forensic science team from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, comprised of 6 dental officers, 3 forensic pathologists, and 3 medical photographers, worked in concert with the Polish forensic science team. The small number of antemortem records and the extreme fragmentation of the remains presented a new scenario for computer use.
Typically, the Computer-Assisted Postmortem Identification (CAPMI) software is used to compare remains against an antemortem database. Results are listed by the number of tooth-to-tooth matches based on restorative or other characteristics or both. The Polish disaster confounded this approach to some degree, however, and suggested a reconsideration of the theory on which the sort is made, that is, that the cases with maximum number of matches to preexisting dental records would be the most likely identification (ID) match.
A hypothesis was constructed that, if searches were accomplished for fragments with a minimum number of mismatches, the correct matches would appear higher in the rank order. Six antemortem records (that had all dental information) were sorted against one hundred and twelve postmortem fragmented records. The resulting report was reordered so that records were listed by minimum number of mismatches. There was significant improvement in rank placement for all of the records. Thus it was accepted that in the situation of highly fragmented remains a different sorting based on the number of mismatches is indicated. Programming changes to make this option available have been implemented in the new version of CAPMI.
Body Distribution of Ethchlorvynol
Authors: Winek CL , Wahba WW , Winek CL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ethchlorvynol (Placidyl®) is a nonbarbiturate sedative hypnotic. Two fatal cases of ethchlorvynol overdose are reported. Toxicological analyses of body fluids and tissues were performed by gas chromatography using a flame-ionization detector. The quantitative method was sensitive and reproducible. Body distribution of ethchlorvynol in blood and other tissues is presented. Biological samples analyzed included blood, urine, bile, liver, kidney, eye fluid, and gastric contents. Results presented add to the pharmacokinetic data needed to study the disposition of drugs in different tissues. Findings in present two cases are compared with published toxicological data.
Skull and Photographic Superimposition: A New Approach Using a Second Party's Interpupil Distance to Extrapolate the Magnification Factor
Authors: Chee LF , Cheng CT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The photographic superimposition technique requires an antemortem photograph to be enlarged to life size and the skull to be photographed from the same angle as the antemortem photograph. This paper describes how the magnification factor can be extrapolated by measuring the true interpupil distance of a second person and the photographic interpupil distance of the suspect and the second party. A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system is used to determine quickly the skull photographic angle. We believe these techniques are viable and easy to perform.
Symposium: Ethical Conflicts in the Forensic Sciences Introduction
Authors: Peterson JL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Throughout the history of the forensic sciences, its members have shown a particular concern for the attainment of high professional and ethical standards. Forensic scientists are expected to be honest with respect to their qualifications, examinations, and conclusions; they should be technically competent and only use methods of proven reliability; they should remain totally objective and nonpartisan with respect to their review of evidence and delivery of expert testimony; and they are expected to present understandable and balanced reports/testimony to legal decision makers. However, the reality is that forensic scientists function within an adversarial system of justice that places a high premium on winning cases. They, too, sometimes find themselves employed by units of the legal system that fail to provide the leadership and resources necessary to insure competent and balanced examinations of evidence.
Forensic Science Ethics: Developing an Integrated System of Support and Enforcement
Authors: Peterson JL , Murdock JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This article reviews rules and codes adopted by operating agencies and professional societies which regulate the professional conduct of forensic scientists. The purpose, origin, and content of these codes are examined, with particular emphasis on their ability to address the major ethics-related problems confronting the field. The recently adopted ethics and management guidelines of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors are discussed as a major new policy having the potential of ensuring that benchworkers, managers, supervisors, and parent agency executives all subscribe to a common and comprehensive set of ethical standards.
A Review of The Anatomy and Biology of the Human Skeleton
Authors: Hinkes MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This book discusses human skeletal anatomy from an anthropological perspective. It is written by two students of the late Thomas W. McKern, in part as a tribute to their mentor. The basis for this book is the lab manual developed by McKern for his osteology class and then elaborated on by Steele and Bramblett as they went on to teach their own classes.
The Form of Gunshot Residue Is Modified by Target Impact
Authors: Burnett B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the examination by scanning electron microscopy of hair and polyester fabric that had been shot with a 9-mm pistol at muzzle-to-target distances from 10 to 70 cm, it was discovered that part of the gunshot residue (GSR) deposited on the target is molten at impact. Impact of these molten GSR particles results in flattening, splattering, or some modification of the otherwise spherical form. In the case of hair, microtopography and the probable rapid movement of the hair in the muzzle blast influence the form of GSR. A sample of hair shot within 30 cm often results in GSR finding its way under hair scales. The detection of these form-modified GSR particles on fabric or on (and under) scales of hair indicates a close-proximity shot.
Determination of Particle Size Distribution of Soils in Forensic Science Using Classical and Modern Instrumental Methods
Authors: Wanogho S , Gettinby G , Caddy B , Robertson J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Wet sieving, laser diffraction, Coulter counting, and microscopical image analysis are compared as particle size distribution methods for the characterization of soil samples. The influence of the sample size on the distribution and the problem of choosing representative samples from small amounts of soil are highlighted.
Observations on the Specificity of Breath-Alcohol Analyzers Used for Clinical and Medicolegal Purposes
Authors: Jones AW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper deals with the application of three kinds of breath-alcohol analyzer for clinical and medicolegal purposes. The limited specificity for analyzing ethanol in expired breath has given misleading information with potential serious consequences. Three different methods of alcohol analysis are reported: semiconductor sensing (Alcotest 7310), electrochemical fuel cell (Alcolmeter SM-1), and infrared (IR) absorptiometry (IR Intoximeter 3000). Methanol could not be distinguished from ethanol with any of these breath-test instruments. When nonspecific techniques of ethanol analysis are used, the results must be considered with caution when interfering substances expelled in breath cannot be excluded.
Teaching Forensic Psychiatry to Medical Students
Authors: Felthous AR , Miller RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Are separate courses on forensic psychiatry available for medical students? During the 1985 to 1986 academic year, the authors surveyed all U.S. medical schools to identify courses on forensic/legal psychiatry. A minority of schools included separate courses or practicums on forensic psychiatry or mental health law. In a follow-up telephone survey, instructors of each of these courses were interviewed. Information was obtained on format of course, duration, discipline of instructor or instructors, topics covered, reading materials, institutional settings, and the number of students who took the course. The results are discussed and compared with earlier surveys.
Descriptive Morphological Features of the Nose—An Assessment of Their Importance for Plastic Reconstruction
Authors: Macho GA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
On a series of lateral radiographs of 154 males and 199 females from Vienna, Austria, 3 qualitative morphological features of the external nose were recorded. Their relationship to craniometric dimensions, age, and the contour of the nasal bones was tested using Wilks' stepwise discriminant analyses. All tests gave significant results at the 1% probability level, but, overall, correct assignment of the features to their categories did not exceed 61%. Although height dimensions were used for discrimination in females, the prominence of the nasal bones and age appeared to be the most important discriminating variables in both sexes. Analyses further revealed that the nasal bridge and the direction of the nasal septum are highly correlated, whereas the tip of the nose seemed to be independent; this may reflect the dependence of the latter on exogenous influences, especially nutrition. It was demonstrated that the profile line of the external nose does not follow its underlying bony structures, that is, the profile line of the nasal bones. Thus, the present study showed that obtaining soft tissue thicknesses alone is not sufficient for successful facial reconstruction, but that a more holistic approach should be used to elucidate the relationships between soft tissue cover and the underlying hyaline and bony structures.