bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Anatomy of a Cocaine Comparison Case: A Prosecutorial and Chemistry Perspective
Authors: Moore JM , Meyers RP , Jimenez MD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Methodology used for the comparative chemical analyses of two illicit cocaine seizures, and its application in a successful criminal prosecution, is described. A description of events leading to the arrest of the defendant and an overview of the jury trial are provided. Illicit cocaine, found in the defendant's suitcase and wallet, was subjected to chemical derivatization and three distinct gas chromatographic methods for the detection and relative quantitation of cocaine manufacturing impurities/by-products. The cocaine impurities included cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine, the isomeric truxillines and the hydroxy-cocaines. Among the cocaine manufacturing byproducts detected were benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine, N-benzoylnorecgonine methyl ester and N-norcocaine. Chemical derivatization of the cocaine samples was accomplished using heptafluorobutyric anhydride and N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide. The derivatized impurities/by-products were subjected to capillary gas chromatographic analysis using both flame ionization and electron-capture detectors. The comparative chemical analyses provided a positive correlation between the suitcase and wallet cocaine samples.
Method Comparison of EMIT II and OnLine with RIA for Drug Screening
Authors: Armbruster DA , Schwarzhoff RH , Pierce BL , Hubster EC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The newest formulation of the EMIT assay for drugs of abuse, EMIT II, and a new immunoassay, OnLine, using the kinetic interaction of microparticles in solution methodology, were evaluated for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, and phencyclidine. Both types of immunoassays were performed on an Hitachi 717 analyzer. Calibration curves, the degree of separation between negative and cutoff calibrators, precision, probability of carryover from positive to negative samples, and overall ease and speed of analysis were evaluated. EMIT II and OnLine were compared with RIA tests for the five drugs to determine each assay's ability to detect samples which confirm positive by GC/MS. The RIA and OnLine marijuana tests detected &gt;99% of confirmed positive samples while EMIT II detected about 90%. All three immunoassays performed equivalently for cocaine and opiates, each assay detecting at least 98% of positives. Barbiturates showed the greatest disparity with OnLine detecting 96%, EMIT II 85%, and RIA 79% of confirmed positive samples. Too few phencyclidine positive samples were detected for a method comparison study. The fully automated EMIT II and OnLine assays are preferable for a variety of reasons to our laboratory's current semi-automated RIA tests for large volume urine testing. The immunoassays offer comparable performance for some drugs but not for others.
The Prevalence of Drugs and Alcohol in Fatally Injured Truck Drivers
Authors: Crouch DJ , Birky MM , Gust SW , Rollins DE , Walsh JM , Moulden JV , Quinlan KE , Beckel RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
To assess the impact of alcohol and other drug use in the trucking industry, the National Transportation Safety Board, in collaboration with The National Institute on Drug Abuse investigated fatal-to-the-driver trucking accidents in eight states over a one year period.
Comprehensive drug screens were performed on blood specimens collected from 168 fatally injured drivers. One or more drugs were detected in 67% of the drivers and 33% of the drivers had detectable blood concentrations of psychoactive drugs or alcohol. The most prevalent drugs were cannabinoids and ethanol, each found in 13% of the drivers. Cocaine or benzoylecgonine was found in 8% of the cases. Seven percent of the driver's blood specimens contained amphetamine or methamphetamine and 7% contained phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine.
A panel of toxicologists reviewed the accident investigation report and the toxicology findings for each case and determined that impairment due to marijuana use was a factor in all cases where the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration exceeded 1.0 ng/mL and that alcohol impairment contributed to all accidents where the blood alcohol concentration was 0.04% wt/vol or greater. In 50 of 56 cases where psychoactive drugs or alcohol were found, impairment due to substance use contributed to the fatal accident.
Automated Data Analysis of Fire Debris Samples Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Macro Programming
Authors: Nowicki J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A macro program written for Hewlett Packard Mass Selective Detector data stations that performs data analysis of fire debris samples is presented. The program generates a report that includes ion profiles for alkane, aromatic and polynuclear aromatic compounds, plus a list identifying the major peaks of the sample chromatogram. The algorithm that incorporates the retention index of the peak into the search of the mass spectral library is described in detail.
International Trade in Bear Gall Bladders: Forensic Source Inference
Authors: Espinoza EO , Shafer JA , Hagey LR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fresh and desiccated gall bladders of the Ursidae family (bears) obtained as criminal evidence were characterized by analysis of the principal biliary components, mainly ursodeoxycholyl-taurine, cholyl-taurine and chenodeoxycholyl-taurine using TLC and HPLC. This bile acids profile appears to be an Ursidae family characteristic. Results show that of the samples from Asia only 3% were from the Ursidae family and 18% were from “farmed bears.” Samples seized in the U.S.A. and Canada showed that 22.6% and 85% respectively, were from Ursids. The remaining samples were consistent with bile from the domestic pig (Suidae).
Identification of the Fragmentary, Burned Remains of Two U.S. Journalists Seven Years After Their Disappearance in Guatemala
Authors: Owsley DW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The contribution of a physical anthropologist to a forensic investigation is generally associated with analysis of skeletal remains in a laboratory. This case, which deals with the identification of two U.S. journalists who disappeared in Guatemala in March 1985, shows that the observations of a physical anthropologist in the field—at the site where the skeletal remains are located—can be essential to the success of an investigation. In this case, there was a deliberate attempt to mislead the investigators, but the physical anthropologists on the team discovered the deception. Subsequently, when they were taken to the actual cremation site, they obtained bone fragments and teeth that permitted identification of the victims. For one individual, the unusual morphology of the frontal sinus made positive identification possible. Comparison of premortem dental X-rays with teeth found at the site resulted in positive identification of the second individual.
Variation in Birth Timing and Location of the Neonatal Line in Human Enamel
Authors: Skinner M , Dupras T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The location of the neonatal line in 173 primary teeth from 43 children was investigated and shown to differ significantly among pre-term, term, and post-term births. Approximately 75% of the neonatal lines that lie beyond 2SD of the mean location of the line in term births are from children born outside of 38 to 42 weeks gestation. The duration of pregnancy accounts for about 36% of the variation in location of the neonatal line in non-term births. Based on the small proportion of non-term births whose neonatal line is located beyond 2SD of the mean location of the neonatal line in term births, it is estimated that this technique will provide individualizing information in about 3% of immature skeletonized remains in a forensic context. The relative timing of pre- and postnatal pathological striae in the enamel of primary teeth can be evaluated in terms of the variation, documented here, in the location of the neonatal line due to individual and birth timing differences. Determination of the timing of pathological enamel striae will aid in the identification of both children and adults for whom histological examination of enamel is undertaken.
Basic Fuchsin—A Guide to a One-Step Processing Technique for Black Electrical Tape
Authors: Howard S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Detection of fingerprint evidence on black electrical tape has often been a frustrating experience for many examiners because of the very nature of the substrate.
The tape, which is frequently found on numerous crime-related exhibits, particularly weapons, requires a number of steps to render any evidence visible, including separate processing techniques for each of the surfaces.
Basic fuchsin (rosaniline chloride) is a fluorescent reagent which provides a “one-step” alternate processing technique.
Fingerprints of different ages and from a variety of donors were processed and the results, as well as the comparison of this process with the established techniques of gentian violet (or crystal violet) and cyanoacrylate/rhodamine 6G, are discussed.
Suicidal Drowning
Authors: Avis SP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Autopsy protocols at the office of the Chief Forensic Pathologist were reviewed with respect to suicidal drowning. Within the years 1987 to 1991, 247 people have committed suicide in the Province of Newfoundland. Of that number, 22 committed suicide by drowning, representing 8.9% of all suicides, and the fourth leading cause of suicidal death.
When considering suicide in the age group of 50 years and older, (n = 68), which accounts for 27.5% of all suicides, drowning represents 25% of all suicidal deaths, and within females in this group represents the most common form of suicidal death (45.5%). The presence of alcohol or other drugs is decidedly unusual in such victims. Of the 22 drowning suicides, 19 were committed in the ocean, two were committed in fresh water and one committed in a residential well. These results contrast to similar studies performed in locations in which access to water could be reasonably considered a factor in choosing a method of suicide.
Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Prahlow JA , Teot LA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The sudden death of an infant may be due to a variety of causes. In such cases, complete autopsy with radiologic, gross, microscopic, and toxicologic examination is warranted. We present a case of a previously healthy 15-month-old girl with no known disease, who experienced witnessed cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, and death. Complete postmortem examination revealed histiocytoid cardiomyopathy as the cause of death.
Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy is a rare infantile cardiac-muscle disorder characterized by the presence of enlarged, polygonal subendocardial myocytes which, by light microscopy, lack normal striations, and instead have granular, faintly eosinophilic cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally, the myocytes contain numerous mitochondria and markedly reduced numbers of myofibrils. Clinically, the disorder is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and/or sudden death occurring in children under the age of two years. We discuss the differential diagnosis, proposed theories of etiology, and the pathology of this rare entity.
The Psychotic Patient as Security Guard
Authors: Silva JA , Leong GB , Weinstock R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The job of the security guard is generally regarded as stressful because of the potential for violent or other hostile confrontation. Although the public assumes that only mentally healthy individuals who possess the capability to handle stressful situations become employed as security guards, this may not be the case. A series of 15 individuals who suffered from psychotic disorders while working as security guards is studied and discussed in terms of the issues of dangerousness and public safety. One case is described in detail in order to highlight important issues resulting from being psychotic while working as a security guard.
Award Winning Research Papers in Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Introduction
Authors: Rosner R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
While the stated purpose of the AAFS Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Section Award for the Best Paper by a Fellow in Forensic Psychiatry/Psychology and for the paper(s) that earn Honorable Mention in the Award processes is to encourage research in the new generation of forensic psychiatrists/psychologists, there is a secondary aim. That secondary goal is to encourage research among established practitioners who do not regard themselves as researchers. It is hoped that, by demonstrating that respectable research is possible by the most junior members of the profession, more experienced practitioners will take courage and apply themselves constructively to the data readily at their disposal.
The Disposition of Criminal Charges After Involuntary Medication to Restore Competency to Stand Trial
Authors: Ladds B , Convit A , Zito J , Vitrai J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The United States Supreme Court, in the recent case of Riggins v. Nevada, extended its examination of the issue of involuntary treatment with anti-psychotic medication to the mentally disabled facing criminal trial. Although this was an extreme case where the defendant faced a possible death sentence, the involuntary administration of anti-psychotic medication to restore ‘competency to stand trial’ always raises unique medical and moral questions. This highly controversial issue has received little empirical investigation.
We report here on the first study to follow-up on the disposition of the criminal charges of persons committed to a hospital for the restoration of ‘competency to stand trial’ who refused anti-psychotic medication and for whom involuntary treatment was sought. We have previously reported on the characteristics of these cases (N=68) and aspects of their outcome in the hospital. This cohort of patients represents virtually all indicted felony offenders in New York state who were incompetent to stand trial and for whom involuntary treatment with anti-psychotic medication was requested between 1986 and 1990. The present retrospective report focuses on the disposition of the criminal charges for such cases, in a state that does not have a death penalty.
Tentative inferences are considered based on the findings that persons who were involuntarily restored to ‘competency to stand trial’ had a variety of dispositions of their criminal charges, including plea negotiations that resulted in foreshortened incarceration and several cases of insanity acquittals. Suggestions for further and more conclusive studies are proposed.
Competency, Civil Commitment, and the Dangerousness of the Mentally III
Authors: Bittman BJ , Convit A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess if a relationship exists between the nature of an individuals criminal charges and the finding of fitness among defendants evaluated at the Forensic Psychiatry Clinic servicing Manhattan. We examined the records of 354 defendants referred to the Forensic Clinic from the New York Criminal and Supreme Courts for a competency to stand trial evaluation. We reviewed their charges in light of the finding of competency. Incompetent defendants were most often accused of misdemeanors rather than felonies and of non-violent rather than violent crimes. Perhaps individuals who are thought to be psychiatrically disturbed get detained by the police on trivial charges so as to get them off the streets. Deinstitutionalization and civil commitment laws are considered as contributing factors and their impact is discussed.
Production of Urinary Ethanol After Sample Collection
Authors: Saady JJ , Poklis A , Dalton HP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As the interest in urine drug testing grows, ethanol is frequently included in drug-abuse screening. Collection of urine for drug testing is less invasive than blood collection and is used to screen employees in a large cross-section of occupations. Because alcohol can be produced from carbohydrates via fermentation, our interest was to determine: (1) if ethanol could be produced in glucose-positive urine (2) under what microbiological conditions would this process occur, and (3) would the urine ethanol concentration be significant.
Fourteen urine specimens were selected from the Urinalysis Laboratory of a large medical center. All specimens were tested for ethanol concentration on the day of voiding and were found to be negative (&lt;0.01 mg/100 mL). Urine glucose concentrations ranged from 0 to ≥ 2000 mg/dL. Microbiological examinations were performed on all specimens.
Storing the samples at room temperature, five of the specimens produced ethanol over the time course of the study (1 to 21 days) in concentrations ranging from 0.036 to 2.327 g/100 mL. Yeast was identified in the five glucose positive urine samples producing ethanol. Six glucose positive urine samples that did not produce ethanol were found to be yeast negative.
Findings indicate that significant ethanol concentrations can develop from glucose and yeast positive urine, after the day of voiding.
Computer Aided Retrieval of Common-Batch Members in Leuckart Amphetamine Profiling
Authors: Jonson CSL , Strömberg L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Comparison of profiles is a well established way to find links between confiscated drugs. It is a laborious and time consuming task to manually compare large numbers of profiles to find common-batch links. To facilitate the comparison a computerized method has been developed. It is described and applied to a set of amphetamine impurity profiles. From each profile, areas of selected peaks are fed to the computer. By using quotients of corresponding peaks, the computer finds pairs of closely related profiles. With a sufficient number of peaks, the method is tolerant to variations in intensity between profiles, random peak area variations and a few strongly deviating peak areas. The program was written in Q-basic from Microsoft and may be run on any IBM-compatible personal computer. The method may also be used for analyzing data from other forensic objects, when the descriptors chosen are affected by errors like those described in the text.
Evaluation of HLA in Detection of Non-Parentage Among Known False Trios
Authors: Salaru NNR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paternity study was performed with trios in which the putative father was not the biological father (NBF), in order to evaluate the effectiveness of HLA-A and -B phenotyping for routine testing.
All 372 generated trios had ABO, Rh, MNS, Kell, Duffy, Kidd and HLA (A and B) systems tested.
HLA-A and -B phenotyping directly excluded 81.73% of NBF. Red blood cell markers excluded 8.82% of NBF missed by HLA; only 0.81% of NBF were not identified by the markers used.
Each laboratory engaged in disputed paternity testing should evaluate its actual performance in detecting non-biological fathers and its exclusion rates in real trios. These data together can be used as a guide of mother's reliability.
Paternity Investigation Among Known False Trios: ABO, Rh, MNSs, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, and HLA Systems
Authors: Salaru NNR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paternity study was performed with trios in which the putative father was not the biological father (NBF), in order to evaluate adjustment of genetic markers employed to disclose non biological fathers for the population, and the biological meaning of likelihood of paternity in casework.
All 923 generated trios had ABO, Rh, MNS, Kell and HLA systems tested; 372 of them also had Duffy and Kidd systems tested.
The most powerful exclusion system was HLA, followed, in this order, by ABO, Rh, Duffy, MNSs, Kidd, and Kell. Taking into account the Indian/black/white historical miscegenation background in the population, an improvement in the performance of red blood cells as disclosers of non biological fathers could be achieved, if particular additional sera were used.
In the group tested with seven different systems, direct exclusions were observed in 90.31%, and they were single system exclusions in 26.61%. In order to avoid the remote possibility of mutation, it is suggested that the number of used systems be increased. Indirect exclusions were verified in 8.87% and only 0.81% of NBF were not excluded at all. In this last group, probabilities of paternity were calculated and two values greater than 95% were obtained.
To be able to accomplish the “visum et repertum” duty and to assist the court, the expert should equally emphasize: a) the probability of paternity of the alleged father and the possibility of finding an unexcluded NBF; b) the actual performance of systems used to uncover NBF, together with the probabilities of paternity of those who were not discovered; c) the previous referenced trend of probabilities of paternity of true and of non-biological fathers to cluster in distinct class intervals of likelihood of paternity.
Simultaneous Subtyping of Group Specific Component and Esterase D by Isoelectric Focusing on Agarose Gels
Authors: Miller SA , Stern CM , Schanfield MS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A quick, sensitive and economical technique has been developed to subtype GC and ESD simultaneously on the same agarose IEF gel. This method could be a useful tool for forensic application.
Direct Sequencing of the Human Protamine P1 Gene and Application in Forensic Medicine
Authors: Queralt R , de Fàbregues-Boixar O , Adroer R , Gené M , Gómez-Catalán J , Huguet E , Oliva R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Protamines are among the most variable nuclear proteins known in eukaryotes. In order to learn more about their evolution and function in humans and to explore the possibility of potential applications in forensic medicine we have developed a rapid method to amplify and directly sequence the protamine P1 gene simultaneously in many different samples. The method takes only 3.5 h from genomic DNA to the sequencing reactions. Despite the high variability of these genes only one polymorphic site was detected at the coding region level in different individuals. This polymorphic variation does not create a change in the amino-acid sequence of the protamine. Because all the protamine genes sequenced from different species are markedly different among them as well as to the human sequence, amplification and direct sequencing of this gene can be used to unequivocally identify the human or animal origin of biological specimens. Furthermore, the single polymorphic site detected in the human P1 gene could be useful in conjunction with other markers in identification studies in humans.
A Modified Reagent for the Confirmation of Blood
Authors: Hatch AL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Oxygen and pyridine compete for the same binding site on the heme molecule. Lowering the oxygen concentration in Takayama's reagent by addition of an oxygen scavenger such as dithiothreitol (Cleland's reagent) shifts this equilibrium in favor of pyridine, and increases the rate at which hemochromogen crystals are formed. This modification makes the confirmatory test for blood faster, and therefore easier to use. The absolute sensitivity and the specificity of the reagent appear unchanged.