bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Improvement on Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography for the Differentiation of Photocopy Toners
Authors: Chang W-T , Huang C-W , Giang Y-S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
During the past two decades, the great increase of the use of photocopying machines has given the forensic scientists many practical difficulties in identifying the origins of copied documents. Analysis of chemical properties of toners can be helpful for photocopier discrimination. Several techniques including infrared spectroscopy (IR) pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) have been extensively used.
In this study, a Curie-point pyrolyser, a dual wide-bore capillary column GC equipped with dual flame ionization detectors (FIDs) and a personal computer were connected online. The differentiation of photocopier toners, however, was based both on the comparison of retention indices and on conventional pattern recognition. The proposed method including the library search is quite simple, reliable and low-cost.
Investigations of Thin Layer Chromatographic Techniques Used for Forensic Explosives Analysis in the Early 1970s
Authors: Hiley RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The article describes three brief experimental studies of the thin layer chromatographic (TLC) techniques used for forensic explosive investigations at Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment at Woolwich (RARDE Woolwich) in 1974. The first study demonstrated that 200 ng amounts of nitroglycerine (NG) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in TLC spots visualized using the sodium hydroxide/Griess system can be recovered and reanalyzed using a second TLC eluent. In the second study the characteristics of a titanium(III) chloride/4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde visualization system for nitrotoluenes were investigated. In the third study it was shown that under certain conditions the rate of PETN spot color development after Griess reagent spray could be very slow in comparison with that of NG.
The Development of DNA Profiling Database in an HAE III Based RFLP System for Chinese, Malays, and Indians in Singapore
Authors: Chow ST , Tan WF , Yap KH , Ng TL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiles were obtained for blood specimens from the three population groups—Chinese, Malays and Indians—in Singapore. The population databases were collected from Hae III digested high molecular weight DNA hybridized with four variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) loci - D2S44, D10S28, D4S139 and D1S7. The data were analyzed statistically using the fixed bin system. Comparison of ratio of bin frequencies of these population data with published data on whites, blacks, and hispanics shows that the alleleic distribution at these loci is not seriously different among the six groups. This has important implications to the statistical significance of forensic DNA applications.
The Homogenization of Illicit Heroin Samples: An Empirical and Statistical Approach
Authors: Chow ST , Lee TK , Saw CG , Soon TW , Ng TL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Although methods for sampling and testing illicit heroin are well known, a method for the homogenization of a heroin sample has not been statistically established. This paper reports the conditions for homogenizing granular or powdery illicit heroin samples using a blender. The experimental results and statistical analysis show that the homogenization of illicit heroin containing various concentrations of diamorphine can be achieved after blending for three min.
A Comparative Study of Erotomanic and Obsessional Subjects in a Forensic Sample
Authors: Zona MA , Sharma KK , Lane J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Erotomania is the delusional belief that one is passionately loved by another. These persons often go to great lengths to approach their object of desire, often necessitating the attention of the law. We have reviewed a forensic sample to select subjects who meet criteria for the diagnosis of erotomania.
Case histories from all of the case files of the Threat Management Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department were reviewed to compare erotomanic subjects with those who were suffering from other disorders. Various demographic and other relevant data were examined to determine if the erotomanic subjects presented similar or different profiles.
Delusional Misidentification and Dangerousness: A Neurobiologic Hypothesis
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Leong GB , Weinstock R , Wine DB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Delusional misidentification syndromes have intrigued this century's psychiatric researchers. More recently, the dangerousness posed by individuals suffering from these syndromes has been a subject of scientific inquiry. A series of five individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes was studied from a phenomenologic and neuropsychologic perspective. Using this information, a hypothesis involving the psychobiological contributions to the dangerousness of delusional misidentification can be generated. This may further our understanding of the dangerousness posed by psychotic individuals.
Postmortem Alcohol Production in Fatal Aircraft Accidents
Authors: Canfield DV , Kupiec T , Huffine E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
During 1989 and 1990, the Civil Aeromedical Institute received specimens from 975 victims of fatal aircraft accidents. The maximum concentration of ethanol allowed under FAA regulations (0.04%, 40 mg/dL) was exceeded in 79 of these cases (8%). It was determined based on the distribution of ethanol in urine, vitreous humor, blood, and tissue that 21 of the positive cases (27%) were from postmortem alcohol production. Twenty-two of the positive cases (28%) were found to be from the ingestion of ethanol. In 36 cases (45%), no determination could be made regarding the origin of the ethanol. In two cases, postmortem alcohol production exceeded 0.15% (150 mg/dL).
The opinion held by some toxicologists that postmortem alcohol production can be inferred from the presence of acetaldehyde, acetone, butanol, and other volatiles was found to be incorrect. Several cases with postmortem ethanol had no other volatiles. Volatile compounds were found in several cases where no ethanol was present. In addition a case was found in which the relative ethanol concentrations in blood, bile, and vitreous humor were solely consistent with the ingestion of ethanol, but acetaldehyde, acetone, and 2-butanol were also found in blood. This clearly indicates that the presence or absence of other volatiles does not establish postmortem ethanol production.
Product Tampering Crime: A Review
Authors: Logan B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Product tampering crime has become more common over the last ten years, with a single documented event often triggering an avalanche of false alarms, copycat cases, tampering threats, and falsified reports of suspected tampering. Cyanide has seen widespread use as the toxic agent in many instances of product tampering, and is potentially the most lethal of all agents used. Ingestion of cyanide through tampered food, drink or drug has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people in the last ten years. This paper reviews prominent tampering incidents, examines their common features, notes the propensity for copycat cases, and discusses apparent motives for product tampering, threats of tampering and falsified incidents. The identification of three prominent cyanide tampering incidents (two in Seattle, one in Chicago) is discussed, and the importance of requesting appropriate toxicological tests is discussed. Potential motives include terrorism, sabotage, homicide, insurance fraud, malicious mischief, and attention seeking. The limitations of tamper-evident packaging are noted.
The Analysis of Mono- and Divalent Cations Present in Explosive Residues Using Ion Chromatography with Conductivity Detection
Authors: Hall KE , McCord BR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The separation of nine mono- and divalent cations of interest in explosives residue analysis was achieved using a Waters IC Pak-C Cation M/D column with a 3 mN HNO3 eluent and conductivity detection. The apparatus was then used to collect data on the types of cations found in a variety of explosive residues including black powder, smokeless powder, and ammonium nitrate based explosives.
Improved Long-Term Stability of Blood Cocaine in Evacuated Collection Tubes
Authors: Baselt RC , Yoshikawa D , Chang J , Li J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A study was undertaken to determine if a relatively minor modification of our existing specimen collection tubes could enhance the long-term stability of blood cocaine. We added cocaine, benzoylecgonine (BE) and ethanol to whole sheep blood in glass tubes that were prepared to contain one of several combinations of preservatives and anticoagulant.
On day 1 and at intervals of up to one year, the drugs were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (cocaine and BE) or headspace gas chromatography (ethanol). Storage of blood containing 200 ng/mL cocaine at 4°C for one year resulted in 100% loss of the drug using our normal 10 mL specimen collection tubes containing 100 mg sodium fluoride and 20 mg potassium oxalate. The substitution of oxalic acid for potassium oxalate reduced this loss to 76% without any significant effect on the benzoylecgonine or ethanol concentrations. Further addition of 10 mg echothiophate iodide, a quaternary ammonium compound, brought the cocaine loss down to 60% of the original concentration by one year. Further work will be required to determine if oxalic acid and/or echothiophate iodide could be used in blood collection vials intended for forensic toxicological purposes without any detrimental effect on other assays.
Observations of Differential Decomposition on Sun Exposed v. Shaded Pig Carrion in Coastal Washington State
Authors: Shean BS , Messinger L , Papworth M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The decomposition of two pig carcasses in close proximity to each other, one exposed and the other shaded, in a continuous woodland were observed and different rates of decay were recorded. The exposed pig decomposed much faster than the shaded pig, reaching a stable minimal weight two weeks before the shaded carcass. Bloat size, body weight, occurrence of blow fly larvae, and ambient air temperatures are compared. Maggot development appeared to be a major factor in the overall rate of decomposition and was affected primarily by different temperature patterns at the two sites.
Cholinesterase Activity in Postmortem Blood as a Screening Test for Organophosphate/Chemical Weapon Exposure
Authors: Klette KL , Levine B , Dreka C , Smith ML , Goldberger BA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine whether postmortem blood cholinesterase activity could be used as a screening test for exposure to nerve agents. Whole blood cholinesterase activity at 25°C was analyzed for a one week period in order to simulate the battle field collection problems of: hemolyzed blood samples, delayed recovery of the specimen, and unrefrigerated transfer to the testing facility. A total of 53 nonpreserved postmortem whole blood specimens were analyzed in triplicate for cholinesterase activity by the Δ pH method of Michel. There was a negligible loss of cholinesterase activity by the seventh day of the study. The enzyme activities of the specimens had a mean value (range) of 0.48 (0.20 to 0.74) initially and 0.45 (0.07 to 0.70) pH units after one week. Whole blood from five healthy adults remained essentially unchanged during this period, with an initial value 0.59 (0.52 to 0.67) and a final value of 0.52 (0.46 to 0.62) pH units. To compare postmortem and simulated nerve agent values, aliquots from 18 of the original 53 postmortem specimens were frozen during day one of the study, thawed on day seven and a cholinesterase inhibitor added. These specimens were then analyzed with the other specimens. All values from inhibited specimens were essentially zero (0.0 to 0.01) pH units compared to a range of 0.07 to 0.61 pH units for matched, uninhibited, day seven postmortem specimens. Fifteen actual nonpreserved specimens from the battlefield were analyzed as verification of screen performance. Their results fell within the uninhibited postmortem range above. All of the 53 day one postmortem, day seven postmortem, and 13 of 15 battlefield specimen cholinesterase activities were significantly greater than the levels found in the 18 specimens exposed to the cholinesterase inhibitor. We conclude that the cholinesterase activity in postmortem specimens collected within a one week period of death can be used as a screen for possible nerve agent exposure.
ABO Blood Grouping on Dental Tissue
Authors: Xu XZ , Liao J , Fang H , Li M , Liu ZY 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Twenty-five permanent teeth, including eight carious ones whose pulp cavities had been exposed, were used for this research 3–5 weeks after extraction. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, at pH 7.2) was employed to extract ABO blood group substance from tooth powder. ABO grouping was performed on blood-stained compresses from the extraction wound (as controls), tooth fragment, tooth powder, and cotton fibers immersed in PBS extract by absorption-elution (AE) technique and on the PBS extracts by the two-dimensional absorption-inhibition (2-D AI) technique. It was found that blood grouping in PBS extracts by 2-D AI yielded reliable results: no false positive results, and a high rate of correct grouping, (24/25), while blood grouping on other dental materials, such as tooth fragments, tooth powders, immersed fibers, by AE gave an unacceptable rate of false positive/negative results.
Identification of Human DNA in Complex Biological Samples Using the Alu Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Tsongalis GJ , Coleman WB , Esch GL , Smith GJ , Kaufman DG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Alu-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify human DNA from complex mixed sources of DNA. Amplification of human DNA sequences by Alu-PCR could be accomplished in samples containing low concentrations of template in the presence of excess heterologous DNA sequences. Thus, sensitivity and specificity are maintained in complex DNA mixtures allowing positive identification of the presence of human DNA sequences by this technique.
Two Deaths Involving Isoflurane Abuse
Authors: Kuhlman JJ , Magluilo J , Levine B , Smith ML 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Two deaths due to isoflurane abuse are reported. One case was a suicide and the other a multiple drug death including isoflurane. A simple headspace gas chromatographic method was used for isoflurane quantitation. A review of the literature did not reveal blood and tissue concentrations of isoflurane. Drug tissue distributions and a discussion of the toxicological findings are presented.
Transection of Trachea Due to Improper Application of Automatic Seat Belt (Submarine Effect)
Authors: Roh LS , Fazzalaro W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The seat belt has been a major contributor in minimizing injuries in automobile accidents. However, it often causes characteristic patterned injuries to the body relative to its application at the time of an accident. We report an unusual case of a driver who sustained a transection of the trachea due to the “submarine effect” from improper application of the seat belt.
Positive Identification in a Case of Intentional Extreme Fragmentation
Authors: Owsley DW , Mann RW , Chapman RE , Moore E , Cox WA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The investigation of the first of the murders of young males to which Jeffrey Dahmer confessed led to systematic survey of two acres of semirural property in Bath Township, Ohio. The survey revealed the fragmentary skeleton of a young adult male, as well as bones of several species of animals. Through archaeobiological analysis, the animal bones were identified and taphonomic modifications documented. The human bones were dry and weathered, and many were rodent-gnawed, indicating that they had been exposed for many years. The human bones displayed an extreme degree of splintering, warping, bending, and spiral breakage. The only relatively complete bone was a cervical vertebra. Dismemberment and breakage had been accomplished by cutting, blunt force, and, in the case of the ribs, manual bending. Even in so extreme a case of intentional fragmentation, however, forensic anthropological analysis resulted in positive identification, with the primary criteria based on matching osteological features evident in premortem and postmortem radiographs of a cervical vertebra.
Radiographic Identification of Human Remains Through Deformities and Anomalies of Post-Cranial Bones: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Rougé D , Telmon N , Arrue P , Larrouy G , Arbus L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Human remains can be identified radiographically by anomalies and deformities of the post-cranial bones when there are no old fractures and the cranium and extremities are not available. These anomalies and deformities of the sternum, vertebrae, sacrum and innominate bone are often protected from damage by scavengers. We report their use to exclude a proposed identity in one case and to confirm identity in another case. The value and number of these criteria and their pathogenesis is discussed with reference to their prevalence and their expression of inter- and intraindividual variability.
Examination of Random Weld Bead Flow Patterns on Welding Slag and Comparison of These Patterns to the Flow Patterns Present on Welded Surfaces
Authors: Krone CS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
During the process of welding metal together, a scale or slag develops over the surface of the weld. This slag is a by-product of the welding process. It is composed of metallic oxides and residue of the fluxing agents present in the welding rods. This scale is normally removed when the weld is completed. If the scale remains on the weld, it will chip off when the weld is struck with a hard object or the weld breaks.
When the inside surface of these pieces of slag are examined, random flow patterns are observed that can be compared to the random weld bead flow patterns on the surface of the weld. These patterns are produced by the pooling of molten metal during the fluxing of work surface metal and the welding rod material. These patterns are produced at random and are unique to each and every welded surface.
The author of this paper is not aware of any literature discussing the examination and comparison of random weld bead flow patterns on welded material. In this case discussed herein, such a comparison was made. Specifically, the author was able to compare these flow patterns on the slag removed from a victim's upper torso with the flow patterns on welded surfaces on a wall decoration.
The results of the comparison concluded positively that the slag was once attached to a welded surface on the wall decoration.
The Effects of Specific Latent Fingerprint and Questioned Document Examinations on the Amplification and Typing of the HLA DQ alpha Gene Region in Forensic Casework
Authors: Presley LA , Baumstark AL , Dixon A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The apparent stability of DNA in forensic samples has permitted the successful application of several techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis to forensic cases. PCR-based typing of the HLA-DQ alpha region in forensic casework has been shown to be a valid and reliable technique. This inherent stability of DNA in forensic evidence has led us to address the question of whether DNA could successfully withstand certain evidence processes such as latent fingerprint and electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) processing and still yield a sufficient quantity and quality of DNA for PCR HLA DQ alpha typing. Through testing done with biological material on simulated and casework envelope, stamp, and cigarette butt type evidence, it was determined that samples could be processed for specific latent fingerprint and ESDA examinations and still yield sufficient DNA for conclusive HLA DQ alpha typing results.
A Comparison of the Fixed Bin Method with the Floating Bin and Direct Count Methods: Effect of VNTR Profile Frequency Estimation and Reference Population
Authors: Monson KL , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
When the results of a forensic comparison of highly polymorphic variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci fail to exclude a suspect as a possible contributor of biological evidence, it is desirable to convey to the trier of fact the significance of the match. Furthermore, in a forensic context, it is desirable that the estimated frequency of occurrence be conservative, that is, that any uncertainty in the estimate will favor the accused. Using an empirical approach with a data base of 2046 individuals belonging to one of four population groups, this study examined the effect of the method used to estimate frequency of occurrence of a VNTR profile from a reference data base, and the consequences of using a data base that may not represent the circumstances of the crime. The fixed bin method was at least as conservative as the floating bin and genotype counting (direct counting) methods. Secondly, for forensic purposes, profile frequency estimates from different reference populations do not deviate greatly. VNTR profiles are rare in any of the data bases.
Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) Typing from Semen Stains: Low Enzyme Activity in Vaginal Fluids Does Not Interfere with Seminal DNase I Typing from Mixture Stains
Authors: Sawazaki K , Yasuda T , Nadano D , Iida R , Takeshita H , Uchide K , Kishi K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe the use of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) polymorphism for individualization of semen in body fluid stain mixtures, as a means of providing new and more useful information to practicing forensic biologists as a genetic marker. We have already reported that human DNase I isozyme patterns from different subjects are classificable into ten groups. Isoelectric focusing of DNase I isozymes on polyacrylamide gel (IEF-PAGE, pH 3.5 to 5) was accomplished using a 0.5 mm thick gel. Pretreatment of semen samples with neuraminidase enhanced the isozyme band resolution and sensitivity. Activity detection using the dried agarose film overlay (DAFO) procedure was reliable, sensitive and simple, with high resolution, and the phenotypes of DNase I were determined in semen stains of about 0.3 µL stored at room temperature for up to a year in most of the samples tested. The DNase I types in semen stains were correlated with the types found in the corresponding blood and urine samples, although most of the vaginal fluid samples had no typable DNase I activity. This is considerably advantageous for seminal individualization from body fluid mixture stains in criminal cases. An evaluation of DNase I typing by IEF-PAGE and DAFO was also performed on casework samples submitted to our laboratory, and the results showed that DNase I was expected to be one of the most useful individualization marker of semen in practical application.
Transferrin Subtyping in Dental Pulps
Authors: Kido A , Kimura Y , Oya M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Serum transferrin (TF) subtypes were also found in dental pulps by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. The types observed in dental pulps completely agreed with those in serum samples from the same individuals. The allele frequencies in 105 samples were TF*C1 = 0.757 and TF*C2 = 0.243. Reliable subtyping was possible for 4 weeks following extraction of the teeth. The TF system can provide a useful genetic marker for the medicolegal individualization of teeth.