bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Tropical Conditions on Thin Layer Chromatography in Analytical Toxicology: High Temperatures and Moderate Humidities
Authors: de Zeeuw RA , Franke JP , Dik E , ten Dolle W , Kam BL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The impact of high temperatures (24 to 39°C) and low to moderately high humidities (20 to 70%) on the applicability of TLC systems for drug identification was studied during a 6 month climatologic cycle in Burkina Faso (West Africa). In general, the Rf values as observed on the plates were found to be substantially affected as compared with values obtained at temperate climates. Some TLC systems were more affected than others and the largest deviations of up to 30 Rf units were at low humidities. Tropical conditions also had a negative effect on the reproducibility of Rf values. However, when an Rf-correction procedure was applied, using reference mixtures of known drugs on each plate, accuracy as well as reproducibility of the resulting Rfc values were drastically improved and data thus corrected were found to be compatible with existing TLC data bases developed under moderate climatological conditions.
The impact of high to extremely high humidities (70 to 100%) remains to be investigated.
The Effect of Dentures and Denture Adhesives on Mouth Alcohol Retention
Authors: Harding PM , McMurray MC , Laessig RH , Simley DO , Correll PJ , Tsunehiro JK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A total of 24 alcohol-free, denture-wearing subjects were tested for mouth-alcohol retention times with an Intoxilyzer™ 5000. The subjects were given 30 mL doses of 80 proof brandy to swish in their mouths without swallowing for 2 min prior to expectorating the dose. Subjects were tested under three conditions: 1) with dentures removed, 2) with dentures held loosely in place without an adhesive, and 3) with dentures plus an adhesive. Beyond 20 min following expectoration, mouth alcohol made no significant contribution to the apparent breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), with trace (≤0.01 g/210 L) readings found in only two of the subjects. Denture use, both with and without the concurrent use of adhesives does not significantly affect BrAC as long as a pretest alcohol deprivation period of 20 min is observed.
Ballistic Characteristics of Shot Shell Buffer
Authors: Randall B , Newby P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Many modern buckshot and larger diameter bird shot shotgun shells currently contain granulated plastic shot buffer. The presence of granulated buffer at a shooting scene provides valuable and immediate evidence of the general type of weapon and ammunition used.
The ballistic characteristics of the buffer however are not commonly known but could be helpful in determining range of fire. Using felt targets and various types of 12 gauge shotguns and ammunition (2¾ in. shells), we discovered adherent buffer on the targets up to 20 ft (6.1 m) from the muzzle. Surprisingly, buffer would penetrate light cotton cloth (white T-shirt) at ranges up to or nearly up to the maximum range of adherent buffer on the plain felt targets.
The diameter of buffer spread was up to 9 to 10 times that of the pellet spread. The buffer distribution diameter peaked at 3.3 ft (1.0 m) between the 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3.1 m) range of fire and remained roughly constant at 28 in. (.7 m) throughout the buffer adherence range beyond 10 ft. Along the ground buffer was demonstrated up to 30 ft (9.2 m) from the muzzle but was concentrated in the 12 to 22 ft (3.7 to 6.7 m) range. Buffer clearly could be deposited on objects not struck by pellets. The presence of buffer, but not its distribution diameter, was helpful in determining range of fire.
Estimation of Age from a Tooth by Means of Racemization of an Amino Acid, Especially Aspartic Acid—Comparison of Enamel and Dentin
Authors: Ohtani S , Yamamoto K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In a study of age estimation from teeth by means of measuring racemization of aspartic acid (Asp), a representative amino acid, the accuracy of data from enamel and dentin in the same tooth was compared.
The correlation of D/L ratio of aspartic acid with actual age gave the following parameters: r = 0.928, σ = ±5.2, k = 4.47 × 10−4 yr−1 in enamel and r = 0.995, σ = ±1.4, k = 5.75 × 10−4 yr−1. The difference in ages between one estimated by the D/L ratio and the actual one was within ±3 years in dentin, while in enamel an error of from 2 to 11 years was observed. Reaction rate constants of the racemization in a dry postmortem state (15°C) were calculated as k = 9.70 × 10−8 yr−1 in enamel, and k = 1.33 × 10−7 yr−1 in dentin. Compared to rates determined from teeth recently extracted from living subjects, the rate was higher in dentin than in enamel. These data reconfirmed that dentin is superior to enamel in making exact age estimations from teeth.
Forensic Photography and Nighttime Visibility Issues
Authors: Harris JL , Harris JL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Photographic demonstrative evidence can be of great value in bringing an understanding to the court regarding visibility issues involved in a nighttime scene. However, there are a number of criteria that must be satisfied to ensure the results accurately represent the visibility conditions. The use of a slide duplicating film results in good contrast fidelity and an extended luminance range. With appropriate calibration, the resulting slides can be projected with neutral-density filters used to reduce the projector output such that the luminance of the screen image is made equal to the luminance that would have existed at the scene. This is important because the thresholds of vision are heavily dependent upon adaptation level. Angular fidelity is achieved by calculating the viewing distance, which will give all scene objects their true angular size. A procedure is described that allows a numerical evaluation of the fidelity of the resulting projected images with respect to threshold observation of scene detail. This numerical evaluation procedure may also be useful in seeking the exclusion of nighttime photos that do not meet the criteria.
The Use of HPLC with Multiwavelength Detection for the Differentiation of Non Ball Pen Inks
Authors: Tebbett IR , Chen C , Fitzgerald M , Olson L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) systems were developed for the examination of blue non ball pen inks. Using an isocratic chromatographic system, together with a Spectra Physics multiwavelength detection system, over 100 blue non ball pen inks were distinguished. The majority of these had not previously been separated by traditional methods. This approach offers a number of advantages over thin layer chromatography. Sensitivity is greatly improved, allowing the detection of picograms of sample, and the increased resolution results in far more information being produced, allowing a more meaningful comparison of samples.
Insect Larvae Used to Detect Cocaine Poisoning in a Decomposed Body
Authors: Nolte KB , Pinder RD , Lord WD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Insect larvae are often found on human remains long after disappearance of the usual toxicologic specimens. It is important for forensic pathologists and toxicologists to recognize the potential of this unique specimen when routine specimens are not available.
Cocaine and benzoylecgonine was extracted from Calliphorid larvae found on a badly decomposed body of a man who had been missing 5 months and was also identified in the decomposing skeletal muscle. This toxicologic information combined with the autopsy findings and the circumstances of the death and disappearance was essential in the determination of cocaine poisoning as the cause of death.
Time Since Death Determinations of Human Cadavers Using Soil Solution
Authors: Vass AA , Bass WM , Wolt JD , Foss JE , Ammons JT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study was conducted to collect data on specific volatile fatty acids (produced from soft tissue decomposition) and various anions and cations (liberated from soft tissue and bone), deposited in soil solution underneath decomposing human cadavers as an aid in determining the “time since death.” Seven nude subjects (two black males, a white female and four white males) were placed within a decay research facility at various times of the year and allowed to decompose naturally. Data were amassed every three days in the spring and summer, and weekly in the fall and winter. Analyses of the data reveal distinct patterns in the soil solution for volatile fatty acids during soft tissue decomposition and for specific anions and cations once skeletonized, when based on accumulated degree days. Decompositional rates were also obtained, providing valuable information for estimating the “maximum time since death.” Melanin concentrations observed in soil solution during this study also yields information directed at discerning racial affinities. Application of these data can significantly enhance “time since death” determinations currently in use.
ABO Genotyping by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Lee JC-I , Chang J-G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
ABO blood group system's genotyping by polymerase chain reaction in genomic DNA level is developed. The positions of nucleotide 258 and 700 of cDNA from A transferase were used to distinguish A, B, and O alleles by restriction enzyme digestion. To identify the 258th nucleotide, a 199- or 200-bp DNA fragment was amplified by PCR and digested with Kpn I. For the 700th nucleotide, a 128-bp PCR amplified fragment was designed and digested with Alu I. By examining the DNA fragment digested patterns, ABO genotypes were easily determined. Results obtained using this method on 20 ABO-known peripheral blood samples showed that this new technique could provide accurate ABO genotype. Biologic forensic samples, such as, blood stains, saliva stains, semen stains, hair, bone tissue, and semen contaminated with vaginal secretion were also successfully typed. This rapid, sensitive and reliable method should be applicable not only in forensic identification but also in medical examination.
Robotic Method for the Analysis of Morphine and Codeine in Urine
Authors: Vidal DL , Ting EJ , Perez SL , Taylor RW , Le SD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A totally automated procedure has been developed for the detection and quantitation of morphine and codeine in urine case samples. The samples were initially screened for these drugs by a SyvaR EMIT Toxicology System (ETS™). A Zymate™ laboratory robotic system confirms positive samples from SyvaR ETS by performing the hydrolysis, extraction, and derivatization of morphine and codeine. The derivatized morphine and codeine were detected using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were experimentally optimized during method development. The automation of these procedures has proven to be reliable and efficient.
Postmortem Angiography of Catheter-Induced Pulmonary Artery Perforation
Authors: Resnick JM , Engeler CE , Derauf BJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of pulmonary artery perforation by the placement of a balloon-tipped, flow-directed (Swan-Ganz) catheter, as demonstrated postmortem by angiography and confirmed by conventional autopsy method, is reported. Angiography is an effective adjunctive modality in the postmortem diagnosis and localization of pulmonary artery perforation. In cases of suspected catheter-induced pulmonary artery perforation and death, postmortem angiography may prove useful to the forensic pathologist.
Behavior of Glass at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Lentini JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The author conducted a series of tests to examine the usefulness of crazed glass as an indicator of abnormal fire behavior. Despite widely held beliefs and widely published statements that crazing of glass is a result of exposure to rapidly increasing temperature, the test results show that glass will not craze, except when its temperature is rapidly decreased. A finding of crazed glass in a fire scene has no special meaning regarding the temperatures to which the glass was exposed.
Determination of Volumes in Laboratory Vessels
Authors: Lomonte JN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Equations are derived to calculate volumes in partially filled round bottom and Erlenmeyer flasks by use of simple hand-held calculators. The calculations are made from dimensional measurements of the vessels and the height of the liquid inside the vessels. By making these measurements at the scene of clandestine laboratory seizures and taking representative samples, the excess quantities of materials seized may be taken directly to waste disposal without causing a hazardous materials storage problem
Fatal Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Young Adult Producing Nontraumatic Splenic Rupture
Authors: Bell MD , Wright RK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 24-year-old man with no previous medical history was admitted to a local hospital with pancytopenia after a recent “viral illness.” During his hospitalization, he developed sudden abdominal distension and hypotension. Surgical exploration of his abdomen revealed a ruptured spleen. The spleen was removed, but the patient did not survive the operation. We investigated this unexpected and unexplained hospital death for any traumatic or iatrogenic injury. The cause of death after review of the clinical history, autopsy, and microscopic sections was virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS). VAHS consists of a generalized histiocytic proliferation and marked hemophagocytosis associated with a systemic viral infection. Clinically it presents as pancytopenia and organomegaly. This recently described entity is often confused with malignant histiocytosis. This is the first case report of VAHS producing nontraumatic splenic rupture, thus adding to the differential diagnosis of spontaneous splenic rupture and sudden natural death.
Spontaneous Clostridial Myonecrosis
Authors: Ray D , Cohle SD , Lamb P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Spontaneous, nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis is a rare infection with an insidious onset and usually fatal outcome. Spontaneous clostridial myonecrosis has a frequent association with colon carcinoma, leukemia, diabetes mellitus, and drug-induced immuno-suppression. We present the case of a 73-year-old diabetic man who died of spontaneous Clostridium septicum myonecrosis, who had presented with fulminant gangrene of the right thigh. Clostridium septicum was cultured from the quadriceps muscle postmortem.
At autopsy, in addition to the gangrene, there was a Duke's A adenocarcinoma of the cecum, which had not been diagnosed during life. When spontaneous nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis is diagnosed at autopsy, investigation should include thorough exam and the obtaining of past medical history in order to elucidate predisposing factors.
A Statistical Approach to Drug Sampling: A Case Study
Authors: Tzidony D , Ravreby M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In many countries it is left to the discretion of the court to accept or reject conclusions based on sampling procedures as applied to the total drug exhibit. As an alternative to this subjective approach, a statistical basis is presented using binomial and hypergeometric distributions to determine a lower limit for the proportion of units in a population which contains a drug, at a given confidence level. A method for calculating the total weight of a drug present in a population within a given confidence interval is also presented. In the event of no failures (all units sampled contain a drug), a sample size of six or seven units is generally sufficient to state that a proportion of at least 0.70 of the population contains a drug at a confidence level of at least 90%. When failures do occur in the sample, point estimation is used as the basis for selecting the appropriate sample size.
The Analysis and Characterization of TNT Using Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection
Authors: McCord BR , Whitehurst FW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The forensic characterization of various samples of TNT is described. The analysis technique consists of extraction followed by normal phase liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. The samples are examined by enhancing the minor components and impurities left over from manufacture, and using these components as points of comparison. Initial attempts to order the data using spectral searching and pattern recognition techniques are described.
Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Implications for Arson Residue Analysis
Authors: Kirkbride KP , Yap SM , Andrews S , Pigou PE , Klass G , Dinan AC , Peddie FL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The effects of selective microbial activity on hydrocarbon accelerants have been examined both in vitro and in simulated arson residues. Two groups of Pseudomonas species that assimilate components of common petroleum based accelerants have been found; one species metabolizes only aromatic hydrocarbons, the other only aliphatics. The kinetics of hydrocarbon metabolism are discussed and gas chromatographic profiles of two common accelerants that have been subjected to microbial attack are presented. Some implications and recommendations for arson investigation are discussed.
Facsimile Documents: Feasibility for Comparison Purposes
Authors: Seaman Kelly J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Transmission of documents via facsimile machines is becoming more common today. Can a document examiner use a facsimile copy of a handwritten document to perform an examination? This article examines facsimile copies of documents prepared with various writing instruments to determine how accurately they reflect the original. Facsimile copies of altered documents are also examined to determine if evidence of the alteration can be seen on the facsimile copy.
Family Violence as a Determinant Factor in Juvenile Maladjustment
Authors: Osuna E , Alarcón C , Luna A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The family is one of the major socialization agencies for children. Parents are one of the most important models from whom the child and adolescent acquire a wide variety of behavior patterns, attitudes, values, and norms. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of factors related to family conflicts in the genesis of social maladjustment. A total of 189 young people (110 boys and 79 girls) from training schools connected with the juvenile court in Murcia (Spain) were studied. The subjects' ages ranged from 11 to 18 years (mean 13.51, SD 0.16). Our sample comprised a group of minors who experienced a high incidence of intrafamilial pathology, which was found to be a significant discriminant factor. Aggressive behavior, rules, norms, values, opinions, and attitudes toward aggressivity can be learned in the family setting.
Marijuana Analysis with Recording of Botanical Features Present and Without the Environmental Pollutants of the Duquenois-Levine Test
Authors: Hauber DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In order to properly document the botanical features present in a sample submitted as suspected marijuana and to reduce the problems of the disposal of the hazardous wastes produced with the use of the Duquenois-Levine Test, a protocol is described that involves recording the morphological features of Cannabis found in a sample and two thin-layer chromatography systems for determining the cannabinoids present. This protocol provides more information on a sample than was obtained with other, previous protocols involving the Duquenois-Levine Test.
An Unusual Fatal Case of Accidental Asphyxia in a Child
Authors: Calvet R , González-Gil J , González-Azpeitia C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The death of a three-year-old child by asphyctic mechanism is described. The child was accidentally suspended by the neck from a half-opened car window. This report details the form in which the accident occurred. The influence of the type of window and the autopsy findings.
Alternative Approach for Strain Measurement and Control in Fatigue Tests at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Chen Jie , Xia Zihui 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFor strain-controlled fatigue tests, especially at elevated temperature, implementation of knife-edges and punching dimples within the gauge length of a specimen is a common practice to mount the extensometer. Premature failure on the test section of the specimens might be introduced by implementing these techniques. In this paper, an alternative approach is introduced to control and measure the strains in fatigue tests. Two dimples outside the gauge-length section are punched and used to mount the extensometer. The correlation between the controlled (measured) strain and the strain within the gauge-length section is established. For the isothermal fatigue tests (strain cycling at constant elevated temperature), the correlation can be established either through analytical analysis or finite-element analysis (FEA). By comparing the hysteresis loops obtained through the correlation and the one directly measured within the gauge length, it is found that the established correlation obtained from FEA has better agreement with the latter result. In addition, this technique can also be used for thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) tests (both temperature and strain cycling). However, it is found that the correlation developed through FEA does not give accurate result. Therefore, the interconnection should be established through a cyclic test, in which two extensometers are mounted on the specimen, one measures the strain within the gauge length and the other measures the strain outside the gauge length.
Performance Evaluation of Lightweight Pavement via Geo-Centrifuge Tests
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyum , Lee Kwan-Ho 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Asphalt pavements on soft soils are very common in many parts of Korea. These result in long periods of soft soil treatment, increased treatment costs, residual settlement of asphalt pavements, increased maintenance costs, and so forth. To overcome these problems, a new asphalt pavement system was studied, featuring a permeable asphalt surface, lightweight base concrete, and pile foundations. The first objective of the study was to evaluate the mix design properties of the permeable asphalt pavement, such as the Marshall stability, flow, air voids, and elastic modulus. The second objective of the study was to evaluate the mixing ratio of water, cement, sand, and the bubble foaming agent, as well as the compressible and flexural strength. The third objective of the study was to determine the number of pile foundations and the spacing of each pile. To verify the performance of lightweight pavement systems on soft soil, geo-centrifuge tests were conducted. The 1/30 reduced lightweight pavement system model was used, and a maximum 30 g of accelerated loading was applied to the pavement system. The kaolinite was used to simulate the highly soft soils at ocean or riverside areas. The settlement of the pavement system and the stress-strain relationship and load-displacement of the pile foundations were determined. From our limited study, the use of lightweight pavement systems on soft soils could be an alternative construction method on soft soils to reduce the challenges of conventional design and constructions.