bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scanning Electron Microscopy Determination of String Mozzarella Cheese in Gastric Contents
Authors: Platek SF , Crowe JB , Ranieri N , Wolnik KA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As part of a suspected homicide investigation, a sampling of the gastric contents from the victim was forwarded to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Forensic Chemistry Center (FCC) for analysis of specific, selected components. The victim was known to have consumed string mozzarella cheese, as a snack, less than 24 h before his disappearance and the subsequent discovery of the body. The investigation sought to confirm or dismiss speculation the victim may have been fed a meal or eaten additional food prior to his death. Analysis of the stomach contents involved examination by stereoscopic light microscopy (SLM) and isolation, processing, and analysis of suspect materials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Several wax-like, off-white to cream-colored objects were noted by SLM examination and removed from the gastric contents. Through a series of fixation, sectioning, drying, and coating steps, these objects were prepared for analysis by SEM. Comparison of the suspect material with laboratory control string mozzarella cheese showed excellent correlation between the analyzed samples, confirming the suspect material from the stomach contents as string mozzarella cheese.
Supermarket Tampering: Cocaine Detected in Syringes and in Fruit
Authors: Tomlinson JA , Crowe JB , Ranieri N , Kindig JP , Platek SF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Product tampering, as detailed by the Federal Anti-Tampering Act of 1983 (1), is a felony punishable by both fine and imprisonment. The rationale for product tampering ranges from pranks and attention seeking acts to extortion, terrorism, and homicide. One such case submitted for analysis involved four medical syringes found in a supermarket and suspected of being used to tamper with various products. One of the syringes was found piercing a pear while the other three syringes were found with needles exposed in other parts of the supermarket. Microscopic analysis was used to collect residue from the syringe barrels and the pear. A multidiscipline approach involving SLM, PLM, including microchemical analysis, FTIR, and GC/MS analyses, performed on the residual liquid found in the syringe barrels and in the suspect pear, confirmed the presence of cocaine. This multidisciplinary approach is often necessary when there is a possible health risk to the public and rapid response is important. With this approach, it was quickly determined which drugs or poisons were used in this tampering.
Examination of Lightbulb Filaments After a Car Crash: Difficulties in Interpreting the Results
Authors: Lavabre R , Baudoin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A drunk car driver was involved in a fatal crash with a scooter at night. Examination of the lightbulbs from the vehicles revealed some mechanical and analytical incompatibilities. The laboratory's initial observations led to complementary police investigations which finally solved the first incompatibility. The different precautions taken by the technical police investigators on the crime scene finally allowed the forensic scientists to establish the functional state of the lightbulbs during the crash.
Polyclonal Systemic Immunoblast Proliferation: An Unusual Hematologic Entity Presenting as a Medical Examiner Case
Authors: Baker AM , Davis DW , Berg KK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 43-year-old woman who was receiving oral antibiotics for several days for a superficial foot infection developed a persistent rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy, despite discontinuation of the antibiotic and administration of steroids for a presumed drug reaction. Hours after a subsequent visit to the emergency room for worsening symptoms, she died at home. At autopsy, there was a florid, systemic proliferation of polyclonal plasma cells and immunoblasts infiltrating nearly every organ and tissue of the body, most notably the lymph nodes and spleen. The polyclonal nature of the process was confirmed by immunofixation electrophoresis and immunohistochemistry. Cases of fatal polyclonal systemic immunoblast proliferations are extremely rare, and the trigger for such proliferations is not always known. We review the literature on this unusual entity and discuss the clinical and pathologic findings.
Wounding Characteristics of Glaser Safety Ammunition: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: de Roux SJ , Prendergast NC , Tamburri R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Handgun ammunition that contains multiple pellets (birdshot) comes in two forms. We describe here the autopsy and radiographic findings in three individuals who were fatally wounded with Glaser safety ammunition and contrast the findings to those reported in shot shell injuries.
Pesticide Poisoning Initially Suspected as a Natural Death
Authors: Yamazaki M , Terada M , Kuroki H , Honda K , Matoba R , Mitsukuni Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A pesticide poisoning victim suspected initially as having died a natural death was autopsied. The victim was a 47-year-old male. Macroscopically, signs of acute death and, in particular, general erosion in the mucosa of the airways and esophagus were observed. In the gastric contents, which had a pungent smell and a greenish-brown color, 5.00 g/L of propanil, 1.27 g/L of carbaryl, 0.38 g/L of ethylbenzene, and 0.32 g/L of xylene were detected. In the blood (serum), 21.6 mg/L of propanil, 8.1 mg/L of carbaryl, 1.7 mg/L of ethylbenzene, and 4.0 mg/L of xylene were identified. Postmortem methemoglobinemia (45%) was recognized. The cause of death was considered to have been pesticide poisoning; propanil was probably most responsible for his death. The police considered the case to be “death with illness as the suspected cause.” By performing an autopsy, however, we were able to clarify that the cause of death was pesticide poisoning.
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of the Presumptive Remains of Jesse James
Authors: Stone AC , Starrs JE , Stoneking M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We report here the results of mtDNA analysis of remains exhumed in July, 1995 from Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, Nebraska, that are thought to be those of Jesse James. The remains were poorly preserved, presumably due to wet and slightly acidic soil conditions, and insufficient DNA for analysis was obtained from two bone samples. However, two of four teeth, and two hairs recovered in 1978 from the original burial site on the James Farm, did yield reproducible mtDNA sequences. These mtDNA sequences from the teeth and hairs were all identical, suggesting that they came from the same individual; furthermore, this mtDNA sequence was identical to mtDNA sequences determined from blood samples from two maternal relatives of Jesse James. Therefore, either the remains are indeed those of Jesse James, or they are from an unrelated individual who, by chance, happens to have the same mtDNA sequence. To assess the probability that an unrelated individual would have the same sequence, we searched the forensic mtDNA database, and found that this sequence does not appear among the 2426 mtDNA sequences therein. Hence, the mtDNA analysis supports the identification of the exhumed remains from Mt. Olivet Cemetery as those of Jesse James.
Uruguayan Population Data for Eight STR Loci (Using the PowerPlex 1.2™ Kit)
Authors: Pagano S , Alvarez JC , Entrala C , Lorente JA , Lorente M , Budowle B , Villanueva E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Uruguayan Population Data for Eight STR Loci (Using the PowerPlex 1.2™ Kit)
Allele Frequency Distributions for D1S1656, D8S1132, D10S2325, D18S51, and D21S11 Loci in a North Italy Population
Authors: Turrina S , De Leo D , Marigo M , Tiso N , Danieli GA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele Frequency Distributions for D1S1656, D8S1132, D10S2325, D18S51, and D21S11 Loci in a North Italy Population
A Population-Genetic Study of the DYS385 Haplotypes in Two Spanish Populations and the African Immigrant Population in Spain
Authors: Gamero J-J , Romero J-L , González J-L , Carvalho M , Anjos M-J , Corte-Real F , Vieira D-N , Vide M-C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A Population-Genetic Study of the DYS385 Haplotypes in Two Spanish Populations and the African Immigrant Population in Spain
Detection of Deviation from Genetic Equilibrium—A Commentary on Budowle B, Moretti TR, Baumstark AL, Defenbaugh DA, Keys KM. Population Data on the Thirteen CODIS Core Short Tandem Repeat Loci in African Americans, US Caucasians, Hispanics, Jamaicans, and Trinidadians. J Forensic Sci 1999;44:1277–86
Authors: Buckleton J , Triggs CM , Curran JM , Budowle B , Chakraborty R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Detection of Deviation from Genetic Equilibrium—A Commentary on Budowle B, Moretti TR, Baumstark AL, Defenbaugh DA, Keys KM. Population Data on the Thirteen CODIS Core Short Tandem Repeat Loci in African Americans, US Caucasians, Hispanics, Jamaicans, and Trinidadians. J Forensic Sci 1999;44:1277–86
Review of: Causes of Death Atlas Series: Time of Death, Decomposition, and Identification, an Atlas; Asphyxia and Drowning, an Atlas; and Investigation of Road Traffic Fatalities, an Atlas
Authors: Simson LR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Each of these concise volumes is part of a Causes of Death Atlas series. Each deals with the title subject by narrative discussion followed by numerous black and white captioned photographs. (Some of these photographs are found, as color reproductions, in Color Atlas of Forensic Pathology, Dix J. CRP Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2000. A number of the photographs have been recaptioned.)
Review of: Mass Fatality and Casualty Incidents. A Field Guide
Authors: Simson LR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The author recommends that you read through this entire “field guide,” and that you ask yourself how you or your agency fits into the response to mass fatality and casualty incidents. This seemed like strange advice for a book with a “field guide” format, including numerous lists and outlines of procedures. However, having followed the author's advice, I concur with his recommendation.
A New Perspective in the Estimation of Postmortem Interval (PMI) Based on Vitreous [K+]
Authors: Muñoz JI , Suárez-Peñaranda JM , Otero XL , Rodríguez-Calvo MS , Costas E , Miguéns X , Concheiro L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The relation between the potassium concentration in the vitreous humor, [K+], and the postmortem interval has been studied by several authors. Many formulae are available and they are based on a correlation test and linear regression using the PMI as the independent variable and [K+] as the dependent variable. The estimation of the confidence interval is based on this formulation. However, in forensic work, it is necessary to use [K+] as the independent variable to estimate the PMI.
Although all authors have obtained the PMI by direct use of these formulae, it is, nevertheless, an inexact approach, which leads to false estimations. What is required is to change the variables, obtaining a new equation in which [K+] is considered as the independent variable and the PMI as the dependent. The regression line obtained from our data is [K+] = 5.35 + 0.22 PMI, by changing the variables we get PMI = 2.58[K+] − 9.30. When only nonhospital deaths are considered, the results are considerably improved. In this case, we get [K+] = 5.60 + 0.17 PMI and, consequently, PMI = 3.92[K+] − 19.04.
Differences in Osteon Banding Between Human and Nonhuman Bone
Authors: Mulhern DM , Ubelaker DH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to compare patterns of osteon organization in human and nonhuman bone. A linear organization of Haversian systems in nonhuman bone, where osteons line up in rows, has been reported but has not been quantified. The present research provides a quantitative examination of this observation through a comparative analysis of the femoral midshaft from human and nonhuman bone. Femoral midshaft thin sections from 60 humans were compared to femoral midshaft sections from nine sheep and six miniature swine. The presence or absence of osteon banding was recorded and, if present, described. Results indicate that 2 out of 60 human sections and 5 out of 15 nonhuman sections exhibit osteon banding (x2 = 9.46; p &lt; 0.01). Further, the type of banding present in the human and nonhuman samples is easily distinguished, indicating that human and nonhuman bone can be distinguished where banding is present in this study.
Examination of Variation in Sternal Rib End Morphology Relevant to Age Assessment
Authors: Yoder C , Ubelaker DH , Powell JF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The morphology of the sternal end of the right fourth rib has been proffered as an accurate age assessor in skeletonized individuals of both sexes. This technique was tested for its applicability on left and right II, III, V–IX. Tests were performed between phase scores obtained from right and left ribs; right rib IV phase scores and scores obtained from the others in the right rib series; and between right rib IV scores and a composite score composed of the average of an individual's phase scores (omitting rib IV). Left ribs IV–IX were found not to vary significantly from their right counterparts. Although only right rib II was found to vary significantly from rib IV, use of the other ribs in the series should be undertaken with caution due to questions concerning their statistical significance. A composite score is therefore recommended for use instead.
Macroscopic Characteristics of Hacking Trauma
Authors: Humphrey JH , Hutchinson DL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Hacking trauma is often encountered in forensic cases, but little experimental research has been conducted that would allow for the recognition of wounds caused by specific weapon types. In this paper, we report the results of a hacking trauma caused by machete, cleaver, and axe weapons and the characteristics of each weapon type on bone. Each weapon type was employed in multiple trials on pig (Sus scrofa) bones and then the wounds were examined macroscopically for several characteristics that serve to differentiate the weapons.
Microscopic Characteristics of Hacking Trauma
Authors: Tucker BK , Hutchinson DL , Gilliland MFG , Charles TM , Daniel HJ , Wolfe LD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to associate machetes, axes, and cleavers with the microscopic parallel striations they leave on the cut surfaces of the bone. Hacking trauma was experimentally inflicted on pig bones using machetes, axes, and cleavers. Negative impressions of both the cut surfaces of the bone and the weapon blades were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The results of this investigation indicate that it is possible to correlate a class of hacking weapons to trauma inflicted on bone by these weapons.
Improved MtDNA Sequence Analysis of Forensic Remains Using a “Mini-Primer Set” Amplification Strategy
Authors: Gabriel MN , Huffine EF , Ryan JH , Holland MM , Parsons TJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis of highly degraded skeletal remains is often used for forensic identification due largely to the high genome copy number per cell. Literature from the “ancient DNA” field has shown that highly degraded samples contain populations of intact DNA molecules that are severely restricted in size (1–4). Hand et al. have demonstrated the targeting and preferential amplification of authentic human DNA sequences with small amplicon products of 150 bp or less (1,2). Given this understanding of ancient DNA preservation and amplification, we report an improved approach to forensic mtDNA analysis of hypervariable regions 1 and 2 (HV1/HV2) in highly degraded specimens. This “mini-primer set” (MPS) amplification strategy consists of four overlapping products that span each of the HV regions and range from 126 to 170 bp, with an average size of 141 bp. For this study, 11 extracts representing a range of sample quality were prepared from nonprobative forensic specimens. We demonstrate a significant increase in MPS amplification success when compared to testing methods using ∼250 bp amplicons. Further, 16 of 17 independent amplifications previously “unreported” due to mixed sequences provided potentially reportable sequence data from a single, authentic template with MPS testing.
An Environmental Survey Relating to Improvised and Emulsion/Gel Explosives
Authors: Walker C , Cullum H , Hiley R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The detection and identification of traces of inorganic ions and sugars can play a major role in the forensic investigation of an explosives related incident. This survey investigated the background levels of these substances in the general environment. Six sampling locations were selected from around the mainland of the United Kingdom, representing urban and rural sites. Swab and vacuum samples were collected from different locations within each site including motor vehicles, private houses, hotels, the exterior of buildings, road surfaces, and street signs. Sampling was carried out in summer and winter to investigate changes in the levels of the target species due to seasonal factors such as road treatments or weather. The samples were extracted with water and analyzed for a range of inorganic anions, cations, and sugars using ion chromatography. Most of the target anions were found to be common to all locations. Chloride, sulphate, nitrate, and phosphate were found to be the most common and the most abundant. Chlorate was found at a low level in some external samples. Perchlorate and thiocyanate were not detected in any samples. There was a marked increase in the quantity of sodium and chloride detected in samples collected during the winter. Sodium and calcium were detected in most samples. Potassium and magnesium were detected in approximately half of the samples. Ammonium was less common but detected at significant levels in wall samples. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose were detected in the vacuum samples from the interior surfaces of houses, hotels, and cars.
Compositional Analysis for Identification of Arson Accelerants by Electron Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Rodgers RP , Blumer EN , Freitas MA , Marshall AG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Elemental compositions of each of 100 to 500 different constituents (i.e., every peak in a mass-to-charge ratio range, 50 &lt; m/z &lt; 300) of lighter fluid, kerosene, turpatine, gasoline, diesel fuel, and two brands of mineral spirits (and their weathered analogs) make possible direct identification of each accelerant in a experimental fire, based on electron ionization 6.0 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (EI FT-ICR) ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. Septum injection of as little as 500 nL of accelerant into an all-glass heated inlet system yields definitive elemental compositions (molecular formulas) based on accurate (&lt; ±1 ppm average error) mass measurement alone. Extraction and EI FT-ICR mass analysis of fire debris from a controlled burn of a couch with simple (lighter fluid) and complex (turpatine) ignitable liquid yielded dozens of elemental compositions serving as a unique “fingerprint” for each petroleum product, despite the presence of up to 249 additional extracted matrix and pyrolysis components. Forty-five of 56 lighter fluid constituents and 126 of 133 turpatine constituents (not counting 13C-containing species) were identified in the debris from a fire staged for each respective accelerant.
The Application of Signal Detection Theory to Decision-Making in Forensic Science
Authors: Phillips VL , Saks MJ , Peterson JL 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSignal Detection Theory (SDT) has come to be used in a wide variety of fields where noise and imperfect signals present challenges to the task of separating hits and correct rejections from misses and false alarms. The application of SDT helps illuminate and improve the quality of decision-making in those fields in a number of ways. The present article is designed to make SDT more accessible to forensic scientists by: (a) explaining what SDT is and how it works, (b) explicating the potential usefulness of SDT to forensic science, (c) illustrating SDT analysis using forensic science data, and (d) suggesting ways to gain the benefits SDT analyses in the course of carrying out existing programs of quality assessment and other research on forensic science examinations.
A Classification of Psychological Factors Leading to Violent Behavior in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Silva JA , Derecho DV , Leong GB , Weinstock R , Ferrari MM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder has long been linked to violent behavior. However, the exact nature of that association remains poorly characterized due to the limitations of knowledge in the area of phenomenology, contextual factors, the biology, and the nature of the aggression involved in the disorder. A clear understanding of the genesis of violence in posttraumatic stress disorder can be helpful to those involved in assessing psychiatric-legal issues relevant to the disorder and in its therapeutic management. In this article, we review the potential psychological links between post-traumatic stress disorder secondary to combat exposure and violent behavior and suggest a tentative classification of the main psychological causes of violence in that syndrome.
Multiple-Probe Thermography for Estimating the Postmortem Interval: I. Continuous Monitoring and Data Analysis of Brain, Liver, Rectal and Environmental Temperatures in 117 Forensic Cases
Authors: Al-Alousi LM , Anderson RA , Worster DM , Land DD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One hundred seventeen forensic postmortem cases have been studied under controlled conditions. In each case, temperatures of the brain, liver, rectum, and the environment were monitored over a period beginning shortly after death and ending up to 60 h postmortem. The four temperature measurements were recorded every 5 to 10 min using the Microwave Thermography System. Rectal and environmental temperatures were measured by electrical thermocouples while brain and liver temperatures were measured using microwave probes. Data acquisition, analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC), and data processing were provided by a microcomputer. The ADC technique is described and its problems are discussed. The data were then transferred to a mainframe computer for extensive curve-fitting and statistical analysis. The microcomputer-based ADC and data logging and acquisition were found to be accurate, fast, easy to implement, and useful for the field. The postmortem rate of human body cooling was found to be adequately represented by triple-exponential equations.
Multiple-Probe Thermography for Estimating the Postmortem Interval: II. Practical Versions of the Triple-Exponential Formulae (TEF) for Estimating the Time of Death in the Field
Authors: Al-Alousi LM , Anderson RA , Worster DM , Land DD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A simple, reliable, and relatively accurate method for estimating the time since death is described. It is based on the Triple-Exponential Formulae (TEF), which are devised for the first time in this study. The postmortem cooling rate of the brain, liver, and rectum in 117 forensic cases were investigated (Part I). The method can be used in the field as a computer program, reference graph, or reference chart-ruler. The program is simple and can easily be run by any user. There are six reference graphs representing the average brain, liver, and rectal cooling curves for naked and covered body groups. The ruler is designed for the rectal cooling curves for covered and naked bodies. This method requires one temperature measurement of the chosen body site and the environment. The postmortem interval is estimated as a probable value ± a possible range of time estimates with a built-in confidence limit.