bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the Lindbergh Kidnapping
Authors: Graham SA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The kidnapping and death of American aviator hero Charles Lindbergh's young son in 1932 was labeled the “Crime of the Century.” A hand-made wooden ladder left at the scene provided some of the most critical evidence connecting Bruno Richard Hauptmann to the crime. The information was supplied by Arthur Koehler, wood technologist for the U.S. Forest Service who, with remarkable tenacity and by meticulously detailed studies, was able to provide three lines of plant anatomical evidence crucial to Hauptmann's conviction and subsequent execution. Koehler traced part of the ladder's wood from its mill source to a lumberyard near the kidnapper's home through faint machine planing marks even before the suspect was known. After Hauptmann's arrest, Koehler demonstrated by wood anatomical comparisons that one of the side rails of the ladder previously had been part of a floorboard in Hauptmann's attic. Finally, he established that Hauptmann's hand plane had been used to dress the edges of several ladder parts. Koehler's testimony in this important trial was a turning point in the acceptance of botanical evidence as expert scientific evidence in the courts. In spite of the direct connection to Hauptmann indicated by the wood anatomical structure and markings from the ladder, Hauptmann maintained his innocence until the end. The case has been reexamined in recent years by several groups and individuals. Although some believe in Hauptmann's innocence, the wood anatomical evidence remains unchallenged in incontrovertibly linking Hauptmann to the crime.
Forensic Botany: Trichome Evidence
Authors: Bates DM , Anderson GJ , Lee RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Stellate trichomes (epidermal, star-shaped plant hairs) recovered from the stored wreckage of an aircraft's engine were used as a basis for arguing that faulty engine design led to the plane's crash near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Light and scanning electron microscope analyses of the trichomes recovered from the engine wreckage and other associated debris, when compared with trichome samples taken from the nightshade (Solanaceae) and cotton (Malvaceae) families about the storage site and elsewhere, provided positive identification of the trichome source. These data, when interpreted in relation to basic ecological and plant life cycle information, confirmed that the trichome presence was the result of post-crash rather than pre-crash events.
Pollen Composition in a Crashed Plane's Engine
Authors: Lewis WH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pollen removed from engine tubing of a crashed plane near Ruidoso, New Mexico, which had been stored outdoors in partially broken boxes from May to October following a December crash, consisted almost entirely of insect-pollinated types at the near exclusion of wind-pollinated pollen. Plants producing both groups of pollen were found immediately adjacent to the stored engine parts, with many wind-pollinated species shedding abundant atmospheric pollen during the flowering season. There is no known mechanism whereby insect-pollinated types could selectively have been filtered from the air at the exclusion of the predominant wind-pollinated ones. Thus, the pollen part of the mass found in the tubing could not have accumulated either suddenly or over time while the plane was in operation, and therefore the mass must have been a post-crash accumulation. Furthermore, pollen taken from the same mass initiated pollen tube expansion in a sucrose solution and both pollen cytoplasm and walls appeared normal in TEM sections in contrast to pollen charred for only 5 min at 250°C (the crashed engine burned for many hours reaching at least 1000°C). Pollen examined from the engine tubing could only have been deposited after the crash occurred.
Forensic Palynology and the Ruidoso, New Mexico Plane Crash—The Pollen Evidence II
Authors: Graham A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The crash of a private plane near Ruidoso, New Mexico in 1989 resulted in an investigation of a small mass of biological material isolated from a tubular component of the fuel assembly. Part of the biological material consisted of a small pellet of pollen. The pollen grains were glistening, bright yellow in color, and surrounded by a moist hyaline substance that formed thin strands connecting the individual grains. If the grains had accumulated over time, some would have been subjected to an air temperature of about 500° F (190°C) for the operational life of the fuel component. If they were present before the crash, they also would have been exposed to a post-crash fire that distorted aluminum parts and melted resin/fiberglass construction material. Experiments with fresh pollen demonstrated that the grains darkened significantly with moderate heating for short periods, and that the connecting strands disappeared. The conclusion, consistent with other biological, chemical, and soil evidence, was that the biological mass was a post-crash accumulation unrelated to the accident.
The Entomological Evidence
Authors: Rozen JG , Eickwort GC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The primary task was to investigate and explain the source of blockage in an elbow (B2) and in other parts of the fuel supply unit recovered from the wreckage of a private airplane. A small clump of pollen associated with a disc-shaped gummy mass of plant fibers suggested that bees belonging to the family Megachilidae might have been responsible for accumulating these plant materials. Examination of other parts of the fuel control unit revealed three dead adult bees identified as Osmia gaudiosa Cockerell (Megachilidae) and a single dead individual of the genus Ashmeadiella (Megachilidae). A survey of the tubing of a heater that had been stored showed that 69% of its tubings and fittings contained nest material and other arthropod debris including those of Ashmeadiella meliloti (Cockerell) and Anthidium sp. (Megachilidae). Through SEM examination, a single branched hair partly embedded in the clump of pollen was matched with the postgenal hairs of an adult Ashmeadiella. These facts left no doubt that the B2 elbow mass was part of a nest of Ashmeadiella. This conclusion was consistent with the facts that the wreckage had been available to the bees for nesting during the entire time of the spring and summer nesting season, and that the plant materials (leaves of Sphaeralcea and pollen sources) were readily available near the storage yard during that time. Contamination of the wreckage by nesting bees was obviously a post-crash phenomenon. Plant materials as well as dead bees would have been consumed by the intense fire that accompanied the crash if they had been present before.
Field Sampling and Chemical Analysis
Authors: Liddell CM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The mass of material plugging the B2 elbow was 4.1 mm in diameter and 0.6 mm thick. It consisted of both light and dark colored organic material mixed with stellate trichomes and the pollen of several plants found near where the aircraft wreckage was stored. The mass was colonized by fungi such as Alternaria and Cladosporium. The organic matrix consisted of two dissimilar materials: A dark “gum-like” material and a lighter, golden-colored “nectar” and was subjected to FT-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analyses. Both reflectance and transmission FTIR techniques were used in the analyses, but the best results were obtained from transmission FTIR. This required that opaque substances such as the organic matrix be prepared as thin films. Several materials were collected from near the storage site as reference materials and these were also analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The reference materials included leaf and sap from Sphaeralcea coccinea and Grindelia squarrosa growing around the storage site. Commercial honey, cleaning solvents, and other organic fluids used in the aviation industry were also analyzed as well as gummy deposits found in equipment unrelated to the aircraft wreckage but stored near the aircraft parts. Mixed FTIR spectra were obtained from the organic matrix found in the B2 elbow, but showed a significant carbohydrate component. Comparison of these spectra to the reference materials clearly showed that the organic matrix was composed of macerated Sphaeralcea leaves mixed with a honey-like nectar.
Soil Science Contribution to an Airplane Crash Investigation, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Authors: Daugherty LA 
Published: August 2015

AbstractInvestigation of a plane crash near Ruidoso, New Mexico revealed foreign biological material and soil in the fuel system of the engine. In-flight accumulation of the soil was claimed by the plaintiffs as one cause for the crash. EDX X-ray maps and spectra were taken by the plaintiff's experts and showed patterns consistent with silicates. The defense hypothesis was that the soil accumulated after the crash while the debris was in a storage yard and exposed to the elements for several months. Many of the parts were covered in muddy water (mud puddles) before the plaintiffs investigated the parts for soil accumulation. The soil composition on the parts was found to be similar to that in the storage yard. Further, the plane was exposed to an intense fire after the crash, and if the soil had been subjected to such temperatures it would have oxidized to a red color. Soil from the storage yard, the crash site, and from an area in Montana where the plane landed on an unpaved runway was exposed to heat up to 1,000°C in the laboratory and the soil turned red. Soil from the fuel component was not red, although a small piece adhering to the outside of the wreckage was red suggesting exposure to the post-crash fire. It was concluded that the engine parts were contaminated with soil after the crash, and that pre-crash accumulation of soil, as a supplement or alternative to biological contamination, was not a viable explanation.
A New Variant of “Subjective” Delusional Misidentification Associated with Aggression
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Leong GB , Rhodes LJ , Weinstock R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Delusional misidentification syndromes are psychotic conditions in which the affected individual experiences delusions of radical change concerning the identity of others and/or of the self. These syndromes may lead to aggression, including serious violence toward others. In this article, we describe and analyze in detail an aggressive individual who suffered from a delusion that physical and psychological replicas of himself existed. We specifically analyze the link between the patient's subjective misidentification delusion and his resulting aggression. Both the roles of phenomenology and biology of delusional misidentification are evaluated as potential contributors of aggression.
The Anthropometry of Contemporary Commercial Cremation
Authors: Warren MW , Maples WR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study establishes baseline parameters and examines those variables thought to influence cremains weights. Data were collected during the cremation of 100 individuals. A series of measurements was taken to determine relative skeletal robusticity. The weight, stature, sex, and age of each cadaver was recorded prior to cremation. The average cremains weight for the fully developed adults (n = 91) was 2430 g and ranged from 876 g to 3784 g. Male and female means were separated by 1053 g, but there was considerable overlap in the distribution. All cremains weights above 2750 g were male and all cremains weights below 1887 g were female. Five amputees and one long bone donor produced cremains weights below the means for their respective groups, reflecting the relative contribution of the thick cortical bone of the limbs to total skeletal weight, and thus to total cremains weight. Cremains weight represented approximately 3.5% of total body weight in adults, 2.5% of total body weight in children, and approximately 1% of total body weight in fetuses. The most accurate predictor of cremains weight was cadaver stature (r = .8473; p &lt; .01). Calculated skeletal weight was also highly correlated with cremains weight (r = .7986; p &lt; .01). Cadaveric weight was least correlated with cremains weight (r = .5470; p &lt; .01). Regression formulae were calculated for each of the variables.
Analysis of Gunshot Residues on Human Tissues and Clothing by X-Ray Microfluorescence
Authors: Brazeau J , Wong RK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The analysis of gunshot residues on human tissues and clothing in suicide, homicide, suspicious death, or attempted murder events, permits the forensic scientist to confirm the possibility of an entry wound caused by a gunshot bullet from a pistol, revolver, rifle, etc. The residues to be detected are lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), barium (Ba) usually from the primer, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) usually from the metal jacket bullet and iron (Fe) possibly from the barrel of the gun used. The presence or absence of these elements and their relative concentrations can help in the interpretation of the event.
Isotopic Analysis of 13C as a Tool for Comparison and Origin Assignment of Seized Heroin Samples
Authors: Besacier F , Guilluy R , Brazier JL , Chaudron-Thozet H , Girard J , Lamotte A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The applicability of isotopic analysis of 13C for forensic purposes has been discussed in the case of heroin. The obtained results showed first that morphine acetylation induces an isotopic fractionation, so that the 13C enrichment of diacetylmorphine depends on both geographical origin of the sample and source of acetic anhydride used by the drug trafficker. That measurement can then be of great interest in the determination of common-batch samples (tactical intelligence purpose). Second, diacetylmorphine deacetylation has also been studied and it appeared that this deacetylation allows to relieve the enrichment from the acetylation-induced part. Therefore, measuring morphine 13C enrichment, from deacetylated heroin samples, can be useful for determining the geographical origin of the samples (strategic intelligence purpose). Moreover, measuring both diacetylmorphine and morphine 13C enrichments may help identify the source of acetic anhydride used by the drug trafficker, so that the fraudulent laboratory where the morphine samples have been acetylated.
The Nondestructive Identification of Ivory-Like Seal Materials
Authors: Shimoyama M , Hamanaga Y , Ninomiya T , Ozaki Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As nondestructive identification techniques, optical microscopic observation, microscopic fluorescence spectroscopy, and specific gravity measurement were applied to examine evidentiary ivory-like seal materials. The cross-hatching pattern, which is known to be characteristic on the cross section of genuine elephant ivory, could be observed on each evidentiary ivory-like seal material, and the evidentiary seal materials were concluded to be made of soft-type African elephant ivory on the correlation of microscopic fluorescence intensity and specific gravity. This technique is novel and useful in inferring the source of African elephant ivory.
Extent of Heterogeneity in Mitochondrial DNA of European Populations
Authors: Melton T , Wilson M , Batzer M , Stoneking M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region as detected by sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes is described for 595 individuals from six European or European-derived populations. Estimates of diversity for mtDNA types exceed 0.91 in all populations, while 50% of the 158 types which were observed occur only once. Of 68 shared types, most occur rarely (&lt;3% of the total population); only one type occurs at a frequency greater than 10%, and it is present at comparable frequencies in all six populations (18–29%). An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) incorporating genetic distances between types shows that 100% of the variation present in the total sample is attributable to within-population diversity, while there are essentially no between-population differences. Another AMOVA was performed for the first hypervariable region SSO sites only, which included this sample plus an additional 537 SSO types from nine more European population that were inferred from published mtDNA control region sequence data. Similar results were obtained, with over 99% of the variation overall attributable to within-population differences, and less than 1% of the variation attributable to between-population differences. The Saami were the most different from other populations, which had been observed in an earlier study of nucleotide sequence data. Overall, there is no statistically significant heterogeneity for European populations (p &gt; 0.001), and these groups are virtually indistinguishable with respect to mtDNA SSO types. These results demonstrate the utility of mtDNA typing for forensic investigations.
PCR-Based DNA Typing of Saliva Stains Recovered from Human Skin
Authors: Sweet D , Lorente JA , Valenzuela A , Lorente M , Villanueva E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Human bites in cases of homicide, sexual assault, and abuse are often distorted due to the elasticity and curvature of the skin. Physical comparison of a bite mark to a suspect's teeth is sometimes difficult. Saliva, which is usually deposited during biting, can be collected and analyzed to identify the perpetrator. Using simulated bite mark situations in two experimental series, three samples of 40 μL of whole saliva were deposited on the skin of 27 cadavers (at 33 sites) and three samples of 100 μL of whole saliva were deposited on the skin of 5 cadavers (at 12 sites). Saliva was collected using the double swab technique at t = 5 min, t = 24 h, and t = 48 h. DNA was extracted using the modified Chelex method and submitted to PCR-based typing at two short tandem repeat loci. Results indicate that the concentration of DNA in saliva recovered from skin varies as a function of time since deposition. There is a significant decrease in concentration in the first 24 h but the concentration remains stable from 24 to 48 h. The success of PCR amplification is independent of the time since deposition or the concentration of DNA in the saliva sample. Contamination from the DNA of the cadaver was not found in any of the cases studied.
Infrared Fluorescent Detection of PCR Amplified Gender Identifying Alleles
Authors: Roy R , Steffens DL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An automated DNA sequencer utilizing high sensitivity infrared (IR) fluorescence technology together with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methodology was used to detect several sex differentiating loci on the X and Y chromosomes from various samples often encountered in forensic case work. Amplifications of the X-Y homologous amelogenin gene, the alpha-satellite (alphoid) repeat sequences and the X and Y chromosome zinc finger protein genes ZFX and ZFY (ZFX/ZFY) were performed. DNA extracted from various forensic specimens was amplified using either Taq, Tth or ThermoSequenase. Multiplexing using primers for all three loci in one reaction tube was achieved using Tth and ThermoSequenase.
Two IR labeling strategies for detection of PCR products were utilized. In the first strategy, one of the PCr primers contained a 19-base extension at its 5′ end identical to an IR-labeled universal M13 Forward (−29) primer which was included in the amplification reactions. During PCR the tailed primer generates sequence complementary to the M13 primer which subsequently primes the initial amplification products, thereby generating IR-labeled PCR products. In the second strategy, dATP labeled with an IR dye (IR-dATP) was included in the amplification reaction. During amplification IR-dATP was utilized by the polymerase and incorporated into the synthesized DNA, thus resulting in IR-labeled PCR products. X and Y specific bands were readily detected using both labeling methodologies.
Amplified products were electrophoretically resolved using denaturing Long-Ranger gels and detected with an automated detection system using IR laser irradiation. A separation distance of 15 cm allowed run times of less than 2 h from sample loading to detection. Because the gels could be run more than once, at least 120 samples (2 loads × 60 samples/load) can be typed using a single gel.
Firearms Reference Collections—Their Size, Composition, and Use
Authors: Hamby JE , Thorpe JW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
It was thought that firearms reference collections in forensic science laboratories are liable to come under scrutiny. A survey was carried out to ascertain how many forensic science laboratories have such collections, what uses are made of them, and the views of examiners about replacing them with images available using modern information technology. It was found that the vast majority of laboratories with a firearms section have a reference collection and virtually all the remaining laboratories have access to one. Although most examiners are prepared to consider using images, the use of collections for such purposes as repairs and research shows that reference collections cannot be completely disbanded.
Firearm and Toolmark Identification Criteria: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Nichols RG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A review of the literature pertaining to identification criteria for firearms and toolmark identification was performed. Thirty-four articles were reviewed including empirical studies of consecutively manufactured barrels, firing pins, breechfaces, and assorted tools. Also reviewed were mathematical and computer models developed for the purpose of developing a standard identification criteria. These articles are reviewed in a format to allow interested parties to learn what has been done in the field so as to permit a better articulation of their own criteria for identification.
The Mass Spectrum of Cocaine
Authors: Smith RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The current literature allows an analysis of the electron impact mass spectral fragmentations of cocaine (I). Using published high-resolution mass measurements as a reference, the mass spectra of several cocaine derivatives were examined—specifically those having individual functional group modifications at the nitrogen, alkyl ester group, aromatic ring and two-carbon bridge. Previously proposed major fragmentation pathways are supported by these data, and structures and mechanisms for lesser fragmentations are proposed. The relative intensities of the m/z 152 ions in the mass spectra of the cocaine diasteromers are rationalized based on these proposals.
Barbiturates and Analgesics in Calliphora vicina Larvae
Authors: Sadler DW , Robertson L , Brown G , Fuke C , Pounder DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Calliphora vicina larvae were reared on artificial foodstuffs spiked with a range of concentrations of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), sodium salicylate, paracetamol, sodium aminohippurate, amphetamine sulfate, and the barbiturates thiopentone, phenobarbitone, amylobarbitone, barbitone, and brallobarbitone. Larvae were harvested at either day 6, 7, or 8 for analysis of drug content. Paracetamol, aspirin, amylobarbitone, and thiopentone were not detected in larvae fed on foodstuff containing drug concentrations equivalent to those expected in skeletal muscle from fatal human overdoses. Drug concentrations in larvae (expressed as larva: Foodstuff drug ratio) were 12–14% for phenobarbitone, 9–11% for sodium salicylate, 10% for aminohippurate, 18–19% for brallobarbitone, 41% for amphetamine, and 50–67% for barbitone. Amylobarbitone became detectable in larvae fed on higher drug concentrations (larva: Foodstuff drug ratio 2.6–21%). Higher levels of thiopentone and phenobarbitone were lethal to the larvae. Despite sharing similar basic structures, related drugs were each handled very differently by the larvae. We found it impossible to predict, on the basis of chemical structure, which drugs are likely to be detectable in Calliphora vicina larvae and in what ratio to the drug-spiked foodstuff. Drug concentrations in larvae are significantly lower than in their food source and the absence of a drug from feeding larvae does not necessarily imply its absence from the food source.