bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Death as a Result of Asthma in Wayne County Medical Examiner Cases, 1975–1987
Authors: Campbell S , Hood I , Ryan D , Biedrzycki L , Mirchandani H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
All deaths ascribed to asthma in the 5-to-40-year age group at the Wayne County Medical Examiners' Office were reviewed from 1975 to 1987 inclusive. Fifty-eight deaths were attributed solely to asthma, and the annual number increased fivefold in the 1980s to a rate of approximately 0.5 per 100 000 per year when extrapolated to the Wayne County population. Blacks were overrepresented to double their proportion in the general population. Almost all cases were known asthmatics, and many had received previous emergency care. Most fatalities occurred at night and did not demonstrate any seasonal variation. The onset of the fatal attack was apparently very rapid in most cases, with many engaged in routine activities and few surviving any length of time in hospital or having sought treatment earlier. Our data reveal a significant increase in sudden death in previously well asthmatics in Wayne County in the 1980s. Similar increases in deaths as a result of asthma have been noted previously in other countries for reasons that remain unclear.
The Significance of Postmortem Radiographs in Infants
Authors: Williamson SL , Perrot LL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The radiographs of 108 infants were analyzed prospectively before autopsy to correlate radiographic findings with those found at the postmortem examination. There was poor correlation between radiographs and autopsy findings when pulmonary pathology was present, and there was no gut pathology when radiographs revealed portal venous air. The radiographs were most helpful when either bony abnormalities (that is, fractures or congenital abnormalities) or free air were found before autopsy.
Prison Mental Health Services: Results of a National Survey of Standards, Resources, Administrative Structure, and Litigation
Authors: Metzner JL , Fryer GE , Usery D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The formation of adequate mental health systems within prisons has accelerated as a result of successful class action lawsuits. Our recent national survey questioned all state correctional departments about the existence of standards in each system, compliance with such standards, prevalence of class action lawsuits involving the issue of providing adequate mental health services for inmates, issues related to consent decrees, available mental health resources within the correctional system, and the administrative structure of the mental health system. Our purpose was to identify those factors correlated with certified class action lawsuits involving issues related to mental health services. Twenty-one states were involved in such litigation. Only the presence of psychiatric hospitals operated by the department of corrections correlated with the presence of certified class action lawsuits involving mental health services. Prison systems larger than 15 000 inmates were at higher risk for such litigation. Smaller systems having psychiatric hospitals run by the state mental health agency appeared to be at less risk for such litigation.
Application of the VSC-1/Atari 1040ST Image-Processing System to Forensic Document Problems
Authors: Wenderoth M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In 1987, Foster and Freeman introduced a software package for image processing using the Atari 1040ST computer. The software and computer are interfaced with their video spectral comparator (VSC) to form a complete processing system. There are five basic image-processing functions and several display operations that permit the enhancement of images with this system. These image enhancement capabilities have direct application to problems encountered by forensic document examiners. Three such problems are set forth to demonstrate the direct application of these processing functions. The techniques used in these problems will also be presented.
Psychiatric Patients and AIDS: The Forensic Clinician Perspective
Authors: Weinstock R , Leong GB , Arturo Silva J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A survey was completed by American Acdemy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Psychiatry and Behavioral Science members regarding their opinions on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, (AIDS)-related issues. A considerable range of opinions was found, probably reflecting such differences in society. There was general agreement that psychiatric hospitals should not be allowed to refuse AIDS patients and that education about AIDS is useful for psychiatric patients. There was also support for notifying the public health department, known sexual contacts, and hospital staff about human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients.
Lithium-Ammonia Reduction of Ephedrine to Methamphetamine: An Unusual Clandestine Synthesis
Authors: Ely RA , McGrath DC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A suspected clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was seized in Vacaville, California. Ephedrine, a precursor for the manufacture of methamphetamine, was discovered at the site. However, the chemicals normally expected to be found at an ephedrine conversion laboratory were not recovered. Other chemicals found at the scene included tetrahydrofuran, ammonium chloride, lithium metal, and ammonia gas. Examination of the suspect's notes showed several different common synthesis routes to methamphetamine and a novel route utilizing a lithium/ammonia/ammonium chloride reduction. The reduction of ephedrine to methamphetamine using this dissolving metal procedure has not been reported in the literature. The authors reproduced the suspect's reaction scheme and found the lithium/ammonia/ammonium chloride reduction of ephedrine to be a viable synthesis for methamphetamine.
The Response of the Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A® to a Number of Possible Interfering Substances
Authors: Cowan JM , McCutcheon JR , Weathermon A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Five Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A®s were tested for their response to eleven chemicals and one mixture of chemicals. The air/water partition ratios were also determined for these eleven chemicals and one mixture. The chemicals tested and their approximate partition ratios were the following: acetaldehyde (190:1), acetone (341:1), acetonitrile (578:1), isoprene (1:1), isopropanol (1671:1), methanol (3229:1), methylene chloride (11:1), methyl ethyl ketone (229:1), toluene (5.5:1), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (14:1), trichloroethylene (20:1), and a 50:50 mixture of 1.1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethylene (14:1). Of the eleven chemicals and one mixture studied during this experiment, only three, isopropanol, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone, could reasonably interfere with the test, and then only under unusual circumstances—those circumstances being a slight additive effect to a breath ethanol concentration near the level required for prosecution. Any substantial additive effect from these three substances would illuminate the interference light which invalidates the test. The mean illumination point of the interference light was 0.0286 g/210 L for methyl ethyl ketone, 0.0294 for toluene, and between 0.0116 and 0.0292 for the apparent alcohol concentration for isopropanol, depending on the amount of isopropanol metabolized to acetone. Even with these unusual circumstances considered, the Intoxilyzer 4011AS-A must be viewed as an effective way of determining the ethanol concentration in human breath for evidential purposes.
A Discriminant Function Analysis of Deciduous Teeth to Determine Sex
Authors: De Vito C , Saunders SR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Studies of deciduous teeth have concluded that crown size differences in these teeth between males and females are not reliable sex discriminators, in contrast to such differences in permanent teeth. This study measured the mesiodistal and faciolingual crown diameters of all deciduous teeth, as well as those of the permanent first molars, of 162 children from the Burlington Orthodontic Growth Study, conducted earlier in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. All 40 deciduous tooth diameters (20 mesiolingual and 20 faciolingual) were significantly different between the sexes, as were the permanent tooth diameters. Using three to five measurements of deciduous teeth, discriminant analyses of several samplings of these children produced discriminant functions in which 76 to 90% of the holdout samples were correctly classified by sex. Combinations of deciduous and permanent measurements were used to classify 83 to 85% of the holdout samples correctly. When compared with published data on other sample populations, the Burlington group is the most dimorphic for deciduous teeth and is within the range of permanent tooth dimorphisms of other populations. The level of classification accuracy, when using discriminant analysis of the deciduous teeth, can approach the accuracy levels of analysis using the permanent teeth.
Crossbow Injuries
Authors: Rogers C , Dowell S , Choi JH , Sathyavagiswaran L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The crossbow is an uncommon source of fatal injury. In Los Angeles County, two crossbow homicides have occurred in the past 20 years. Following the second case, a crossbow was test-fired into a fresh pork thigh, resulting in distinctive wounds. Experimental studies also showed that the vanes of the bolt (arrow) may be a source of trace material found in the wound.
Abuse of Psychiatric Legal Defenses Revisited: Mandatory Psychiatric Student Withdrawal
Authors: Weinstock R , Pruett H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Insanity defenses and competency to stand trial have had a history of abuse in forensic psychiatry. Currently Pavela has proposed a procedure for mandatory withdrawal from universities of students with psychiatric problems. Students can be removed who either meet criteria for being incompetent to stand “trial” or meet criteria for the McNaghten insanity “defense” after breaking even a minor university rule. By being forced to withdraw, they can receive worse than the maximum penalty for the offense.
An alternative procedure is proposed which makes the disciplinary process primary for withdrawal of all students and does not abuse psychiatric “defenses.” Withdrawal of students who violate rules should occur only because the behavior itself warrants it. Psychiatric explanations should be reserved for possible mitigation in a role analogous to that in a criminal trial. Consultation between mental health professionals and university administrators also is recommended to help in understanding problem situations and behavior.
Medical Examiner/Coroner Records: Uses and Limitations in Occupational Injury Epidemiologic Research
Authors: Conroy C , Russell JC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Epidemiologic research often relies on existing data, collected for nonepidemiologic reasons, to support studies. Data are obtained from hospital records, police reports, labor reports, death certificates, or other sources. Medical examiner/coroner records are, however, not often used in epidemiologic studies. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Division of Safety Research has begun using these records in its research program on work-related trauma. Because medical examiners and coroners have the legal authority and responsibility to investigate all externally caused deaths, these records can be used in surveillance of these deaths. Another use of these records is to validate cases identified by other case ascertainment methods, such as death certificates. Using medical examiner/coroner records also allows rapid identification of work-related deaths without waiting several years for mortality data from state offices of vital statistics. Finally, the records are an invaluable data source since they contain detailed information on the nature of the injury, external cause of death, and results of toxicologic testing, which is often not available from other sources. This paper illustrates some of the ways that medical examiner/coroner records are a valuable source of information for epidemiologic studies and makes recommendations to improve their usefulness.
The Use of Plasma Ashing on Samples for Detection of Gunshot Residues with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDXA)
Authors: Varetto L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method is described for the removal of organic material from the adhesive tape employed for collecting particles on the hands. It utilizes the coupled action of contamination by the electron beam of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and oxygen plasma ashing. The cells of the epidermis are destroyed and only thin filaments are left, while particles that were previously concealed become evident. The treatment does not alter the morphology or composition of gunshot residue (GSR) or of inorganic environmental particles.
Document Image Transmission by Telecommunication
Authors: Gernandt MN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Photophone® is an image-transmission device which uses telecommunications to transmit questioned documents for examination on an international scale. This instrument, now in use by the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is a combination video camera and monitor screen, high-power microscope, diskette storage facility, and thermal printer. The Photophone video camera and zoom lens can be focused close up on a document, or on a particular portion of a document, or even out to infinity to capture a high-fidelity image on the Photophone screen. The video camera can also be attached to a zoom microscope for high-quality, increased-magnification pictures. The image generated on a Photophone screen can be image processed for increased contrast, spot zoom capabilities, and negative images. All pictures can be either stored on diskette or printed for hard copy, or both. Photophone creates for the INS a vitally integrated system for examination of questioned documents and identifying individuals at all U.S. Ports of Entry and offices containing a Photophone.
Unique Aspects of a New, Hand-Reloadable Ammunition
Authors: Lauridson JR , Hunt Scheuerman E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The unique shape and ballistics aspects of a new variety of hand-reloadable ammunition manufactured by the United States Ammunition Co. are described. The thin copper plating of the projectiles will usually be lost after the weapon is fired. As a result, specific rifling marks will usually be lost, making identification difficult. The medical examiner should be aware of the implications of finding these projectiles during death investigations.
Lethal Poisoning by Zipeprol in Drug Addicts
Authors: Crippa O , Polettini A , Avato FM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Two cases of lethal intoxication involving or due to oral ingestion of zipeprol are described. The two cases concerned abusers of the substance for nonmedical purposes. Data regarding the distribution of the unmodified drug in biological fluids and tissues are presented.
An Accelerant Classification Scheme Based on Analysis by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Authors: Nowicki J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using ion chromatography profiling allows the arson examiner to gather information about the chemical nature of the hydrocarbons present in a fire debris sample. Fragmentions have been identified that provide specific analyses for alkanes, cycloparaffins, aromatics, naphthalenes, and dihydroindenes. An accelerant classification scheme currently used only classifies accelerants by their boiling point ranges into light, medium, and heavy petroleum distillates and gasoline. Many flammable liquids do not properly fall into one of these categories. An expanded accelerant classification scheme that takes into account the chemical nature of the accelerant, in addition to its boiling point range, is described here.
Barium and Antimony Distributions on the Hands of Nonshooters
Authors: Havekost DG , Peters CA , Koons RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Barium and antimony levels from selected areas of the left and right hands of 269 nonshooters provide a database for interpretation of gunshot residue swab analysis results. The database represents a variety of activities of individuals sampled by collectors throughout the United States. Nonshooting exposure to barium and antimony can generally be distinguished from firearms-associated exposure by considering the relative levels of the elements, location on the hands, and condition of the swabs. Consistent definition of sampling procedures and accurate analytical results make this database applicable for interpretation of data generated by most gunshot residue swab examiners.
Chemically Sensitized Erythrocytes for Hemagglutination Reactions
Authors: Harrington JJ , Gordon RE , Ross JP , Kobilinsky L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The use of chemically modified indicator erythrocytes for hemagglutination reactions can result in increased sensitivity. Treatment of erythrocytes with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or dextran T40 (10% weight/volume) induces changes in the cell surface in the form of extensions and blebbing, thereby increasing the surface area. These sensitized cells can be used in forensic science when detection or quantitation of erythrocyte surface reacting antibodies is important. The effect of altering membrane lipid fluidity on erythrocyte surface antigens has also been investigated. Treatment of cells with a reagent that increases the membrane ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid results in enhanced hemagglutination capacity despite the lack of extensive spiculation.
The Rapid Determination of the ABO Group from Body Fluids (or Stains) by Dot Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Dot-ELISA) Using Enzyme-Labeled Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Zhou B , Guo J-Y , Wang C-X , Chen J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Using ABH enzyme-labeled monoclonal antibodies, the authors could rapidly detect the ABO group from body fluids and body fluid stains by the dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA). In this test, the antigen was immobilized on nitrocellulose paper; the entire piece of paper was coated with an appropriate dilution of enzyme-labeled McAb directly against the antigen of interest; and, finally, 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) substrate solution was added. The site of a positive reaction is clearly visible as a brown spot. We analyzed 521 samples and got satisfactory results. We also analyzed 99 practical case samples by this method and achieved the same results as those obtained by other researchers using other methods. This method is accurate, simple, direct, rapid, and sensitive; it also produces easily observed results, requires no equipment, and can be completed in 30 min. The test proved to be clearly more sensitive for the detection of the ABO blood group in secretor saliva than the conventional hemagglutination inhibition test. Also saliva diluted 10−4 to 10−5 and the ABO group of nonsecretor saliva and urine could be easily detected by this method.
Applying Speech Enhancement to Audio Surveillance
Authors: O'Shaughnessy D , Kabal P , Bernardi D , Barbeau L , Chu C-C , Moncet J-L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Audio surveillance tapes are prime candidates for speech enhancement because of the many degradations and sources of interference that mask the speech signals on such tapes. In this paper, the authors describe ways to cancel interference when an available reference signal is not synchronized with the surveillance recording, for example, when the reference is obtained later from a phonograph record or an air check recording from a broadcast source. As a specific example, we discuss our experiences processing a wiretap recording used in an actual court case. We transformed the reference signal to reflect room and transmission effects and then subtracted the resulting secondary signal from the primary intercept signal, thus enhancing the speech of the desired talkers by removing interfering sounds. Before the secondary signal could be subtracted, the signals had to be aligned properly in time. The intercept signal was subjected to time-scale modifications made necessary by the varying phonograph and tape recorder speeds. While these speed differences are usually small enough not to affect the perceived quality, they adversely affect the ability to cancel interference automatically. In working with recording devices, we took into account four factors that affect the signal quality: the frequency response, nonlinear distortion, noise, and speed variations. The two methods that were most successful for enhancement were the least-mean-squares (LMS) adaptive cancellation and spectral subtraction.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism DNA Analysis by the FBI Laboratory Protocol Using a Simple, Convenient Hardware System
Authors: Lewis ME , Kouri RE , Latorra D , Berka KM , Lee HC , Gaensslen RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using two probes, pYNH24 and CMM101, was performed on the BIOS Timeframe™ system following the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory protocol and some variations of it. Comparable results were obtained by the different methods used.
Amplification of a Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Locus (pMCT118) by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Its Application to Forensic Science
Authors: Kasai K , Nakamura Y , White R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A genetic locus (D1S58, detined by DNA probe pMCT118) that contains a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) has been successfully amplified from a very small amount of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA sequence of the locus was determined and was found to consist of a 16-base consensus sequence and flanking sequences. Oligonucleotide primers complementary to the flanking sequences were synthesized to serve as primers for amplification of MCT118 by the PCR method. Human genomic DNA isolated from blood (2 ng from each sample) was successfully amplified at the MCT118 locus, and polymorphic bands were detectable by ethidium bromide staining after electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. Determination of genotypes at this VNTR locus can now be routinely achieved within 24 h, without the need for Southern blots or radioactive materials. Furthermore, the small size (387 to 723 base pairs) of the DNA fragments produced in the PCR amplification permits good resolution of individual alleles that differ by only one repeat unit. The precise specification of the number of tandem repeats present in each allelic fragment is reproducible from one analysis to another.
Distributions of Genetic Markers in a Nebraska Population
Authors: Roy R , Schmidt K , Gaensslen RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Seven genetic marker systems were analyzed from liquid blood and dried bloodstain specimens submitted to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory from various law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska. The phenotypic and genotypic frequencies for the ABO, Lewis, esterase D (ESD), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), adenylate kinase (AK), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and haptoglobin (HP) systems were calculated. The results indicate that the phenotypic frequencies are generally in agreement with frequencies reported in other populations in the United States.
Multiple Gunshot Wounds of the Head: An Anthropological View
Authors: Stanley Rhine J , Curran BK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A decomposed body was judged at the scene to have two gunshot wounds of the thorax and three of the head. Confirmed at autopsy, the condition of the remains precluded conclusions about the precise nature of the defects. Preparation and reconstruction of the skull disclosed seven large cranial defects and a series of fractures. This preparation allowed the application of well-known principles of gunshot wound analysis. Although the analysis of specific gunshot wound defects is well covered in the literature, there are few examples of the application of gunshot wound principles to complex wound cases. Three entrances and three exits were identified. A seventh defect resulted from bullet passage. Finally, the wounds were sequenced.