bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applications of Isoelectric Focusing in Forensic Serology
Authors: Murch RS , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The typing of certain polymorphic proteins present in human body fluids is an important aspect of the analysis of serological evidence. This is particularly true when dealing with evidence related to violent criminal activity such as homocide, assault, or rape. Until recently, the routine analysis of the genetic polymorphisms of interest relied upon conventional electrophoretic techniques such as horizontal starch or agarose slab gel or both, cellulose acetate, and vertical polyacrylamide gradient gel methods. These techniques adequately separate a limited number of common variants. In some cases, these methods are still those of choice. However, as a result of the nature of the conventional approach, problems with time required for analysis, resolution, diffusion of bands, sensitivity of protein detection, and cost are often encountered. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) offers an effective alternative to conventional electrophoresis for genetic marker typing. This method exploits the isoelectric point of allelic products rather than charge-to-mass ratio in a particular pH environment. The advantages of employing IEF include: reduction of time of analysis, increased resolution of protein bands, the possibility of subtyping existing phenotypes, increased sensitivity of detection, the counteraction of diffusion effects, and reduced cost per sample.
Speed Analysis of Passenger Cars in Free-Fall Launch Motions
Authors: Le Fevre WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Applied forensic engineering in the field of accident reconstruction is often required to determine vehicle speeds in crash and collision cases. One type of automobile crash is that in which a car becomes airborne after being launched from an abrupt change of ground contour. This treatise covers an analysis of speed at launch based on measured distances from a launch surface to the landing point and on the slope of the launch surface. A refinement is introduced accounting for the effect of pitch motion of the vehicle to obtain a more accurate evaluation of speed.
Forensic Science Applications of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS): I. Principles, Sampling Methods, and Advantages
Authors: Suzuki EM , Gresham WR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is a recently developed technique that offers several significant advantages over conventional methods of sampling solids. Some of these include: (1) minimal sample preparation (no sample preparation in a few cases); (2) a very wide range of sample concentrations which yield useful spectra; and (3) a very high sensitivity (less than 100 ng in some cases). DRIFTS has been applied to the analysis of a number of materials of forensic science interest. Specific applications for a variety of evidence types have been found; this work is therefore presented as a series. This paper presents the principles of the technique and examples of the sampling methods, including a microsampling method for liquids. Some of the unique advantages that DRIFTS offers for forensic science work, including better characterization of many compounds, are illustrated. In addition, an explanation of these DRIFTS features is discussed.
Design and Use of a Computer-Assisted Postmortem Identification System
Authors: Lorton L , Langley WH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The organization and rationale for the design of a computer-assisted postmortem identification system are discussed along with results of the use of this system in extensive simulation trials on a database of 578 records. The selectivity of dental characteristics is so great that any individual with 4 or more characteristics (either fillings or missing teeth), can be separated from a group of 578 people for final verification of the identity match. The effects of errors in the database are discussed and the actual effects of different error rates on identification are shown. Error rates of up to 30% have only small effects on the ability of the system to pick out correct identity matches. The system is presently implemented on a portable microcomputer, a representative desktop computer, and a large minicomputer. The present efforts include statistical analysis of an enlarged database and testing of a data acquisition system to allow the building of a large identification database (25 000 records) in a quick and economical manner.
Correlation of Age and Incremental Lines in the Cementum of Human Teeth
Authors: Lipsinic FE , Paunovich E , Houston GD , Robison SF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
It has been long recognized that cementum thickness increases with age. Much literature has recently been devoted to utilizing incremental lines in cementum as an aging criterion in animals, but only one study has been done suggesting this technique in humans. Thirty-one teeth of known age were histologically stained and sectioned to observe incremental lines. Direct predictions of age based on these lines underestimated the age of older specimens. However, there was a correlation between number of lines and age, and with a large enough specimen size, a computer-generated formula for age prediction may be possible.
Determination of Age from the Sternal Rib in White Females: A Test of the Phase Method
Authors: İşcan MY , Loth SR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sex differences in both the rate and pattern of aging in the sternal extremity of the rib necessitated the development of separate standards of age determination for males and females. A test of the male phase technique has already demonstrated its reliability and soundness. The present study was carried out to evaluate the female phase standards. A sample of 10 test ribs including 2 control specimens, was judged by 28 volunteers representing several levels of education and experience in the forensic and anthropological sciences. As in the male test, the judges were asked to assign each unknown rib to an age phase by comparing it with photographs of prototype specimens from the original study. Analysis of the results revealed minimal interobserver error between the doctoral and predoctoral groups, and no discernible association between morphological variation in the rib and antemortem history. Furthermore, rib assignment for both groups of judges averaged well within 1 phase of the ideal phase in which the specimen would have been placed based solely on chronological age.
The Proof in Law of Suicide
Authors: Massello W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The certification of suicide as the manner of death is frequently contested in court by the victim's survivors, particularly when there are life insurance benefits at stake. The evidence upon which the opinion of suicide is based must, therefore, meet the standard of proof required in law, if it is to be sustained by the courts. This standard of proof and some of its contingent common law doctrines are discussed, with references to several judicial opinions from cases which involved contested suicides.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder and the Insanity Defense
Authors: Felthous AR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
What constitutes a “mental disorder” for purposes of the insanity defense? Does mental disorder denote any diagnosable condition listed in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders? Is a mental disorder a disturbance wherein the functional criteria of the appropriate insanity law appear to be met? Or does insanity law define mental disorder apart from functional criteria of insanity? The answer to the last question is that some insanity laws attempt to define or qualify mental disorder, but many do not. Unclarities in the law leave room for unnecessary disagreements between expert witnesses even before the functional criteria for insanity are to be addressed. The potential for confusion is compounded when the defendant's disturbance is ambiguous, amphibious, or both. Schizotypal personality disorder is offered as an example of such a disturbance, and inferences are discussed.
A Diagnostic Study of the Criminal Alias
Authors: Harry B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The author found that 64 (30.9%) of 207 incarcerated male offenders had been officially recognized as having changed their names at some time. The most common ways in which their names were modified included changing the middle name or initial, changing the spelling of one name, or completely changing all three names. These alias users were older property offenders who had more prior arrests, less education, more tattoos, more prior psychiatric contact, and were more often alcoholics than alias nonusers. While these findings are consistent with intentional deception, they also suggest that criminal alias users may have a pathological self concept.
Suicide in Fulton County, Georgia (1975–1984)
Authors: Gowitt GT , Hanzlick RL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Demographic and trend analysis of 881 consecutive suicides in blacks and whites is presented. For the years 1975 through 1984, the suicide rate was 15.1/100 000 and did not significantly change. White males were overrepresented in all age groups, had an overall suicide rate of 34.9, and showed a small but statistically significant increase in rate which was not accounted for by any specific age group. White females, in general, were represented in proportion to their prevalence in the population, and those ages 20 to 24 demonstrated an increasing suicide rate which was small. Black males were at highest risk in their twenties, showed no significant trends, and were also represented near their prevalence in the population. Black females of all ages were underrepresented, and had low suicide rates which decreased with time. No significant rate changes were noted for teenagers or the elderly. Firearms was the method of choice in all groups, although methods varied with age, race, and sex, and male children preferred hanging. Small but significant increases were noted for the prevalence of nondrug methods in females and carbon monoxide deaths in white males. Similarities and differences to larger scale studies are discussed. Suicide may have characteristics unique to given geographical areas and pervasive to all areas. The authors advocate study and publication of local data to clarify further the nature of suicide.
Quick Test for Accelerants after Steam Distillation
Authors: Fulton BA , Meloan CE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Gage-O® paste for gasoline detection is placed on a 3-mm diameter glass rod and inserted for 30 s into the water-organic interface of the distillate in the Barrett receiver after steam distilling the suspected residue. If accelerants such as gasoline, turpentine, paint thinner, or brush cleaner are present, a small white line, which fluoresces intensely with long wavelength ultraviolet radiation, appears. The remaining accelerant can be confirmed by separation with gas chromatography.
Lightning Damage of Bearing Surfaces in Turboprop Aircraft Engines
Authors: Hart RK , Anderson DM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
During the servicing of turboprop engines from aircraft which had reportedly sustained lightning strikes, the No. 5 main bearing from Pratt and Whitney, Type PT-6A engines, was often found to be pitted on its bearing surfaces to a degree that required replacement. This bearing is located deep inside the engine housing and is preceded by the No. 6 propeller shaft bearing at the front of the engine casing. Microscopic examination of the pits in the rolling contact surfaces of the examined No. 5 bearings appeared to show a wear pattern similar to that obtained on bearing surfaces by delamination during mechanical wear. When examined at high magnifications in the scanning electron microscope (SEM), it was found that the brightly reflecting bases of many of the pits had a dendritic structure and striations as a result of molten metal flow. Sectioned views through several pits confirmed that the metal base portions of these pits had indeed been remelted. The only energetics that could have accounted for this type of structure in pitted bearing surfaces was rapid melting and cooling by intense electric discharges through very small contact areas in mating bearing surfaces.
Comparison of Extraction Methods for Methamphetamine and its Metabolites in Tissue
Authors: Inoue T , Suzuki S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Five extraction methods were examined for analysis of methamphetamine and its major metabolites in tissue samples. The extraction methods studied were an acetone extraction method, an ethanol extraction method, an ammonium sulfate method, dialysis, and a direct solvent extraction. Acetone, ethanol, and dialysis methods showed no interference from endogenous components using thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography, and gave satisfactory recovery of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and p-hydroxymethamphetamine when added to rabbit liver. These methods, however, proved time-consuming. The ammonium sulfate method and direct solvent extraction method were simple and more rapid, but recovery of the polar metabolite was poor.
Infrared Quantitative Evidential Breath-Alcohol Analyzers: In Vitro Accuracy and Precision Studies
Authors: Goldberger BA , Caplan YH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The in vitro accuracy and precision of four infrared breath-alcohol analyzers, the Alcotest 7010, BAC Verifier, Intoxilyzer 5000, and Intoximeter 3000, were studied with a protocol adapted from portions of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) “Standard for Devices to Measure Breath Alcohol.” Statistical evaluation of these studies indicated that all instruments met or exceeded the performance requirements modified from the U.S. DOT Standard for quantitative evidential breath-alcohol analyzers.
Blood Droplet Dynamics—II
Authors: Pizzola PA , Roth S , De Forest PR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An earlier companion paper to the present one dealt with a literature review as well as blood droplet formation and impacts to stationary target surfaces. The present paper discusses the results of experiments with moving target surfaces. These are discussed in the context of their correlation with blood droplet impacts to inclined stationary targets and with respect to the interpretation of bloodstain patterns at crime scenes where the target surface is capable of its own movement. A special belt device was designed and constructed for the experiments reported here. This motorized apparatus was used to drive paper belt target surfaces at various controlled speeds.
Detection of Bullet Residue in Bone Using Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Analysis
Authors: Fischbeck HJ , Ryan SR , Snow CC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
External beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis has been used to verify the presence of lead in the finger bone of a murder victim. The deceased, who had been buried several years, was known to have suffered a bullet wound to his right hand several yers before death. X-ray radiographs of the right second proximal phalanx revealed the possible presence of metal fragments below the surface of the bone. To verify the presence of lead in a nondestructive manner, the bone was scanned with a 1.5-MeV proton beam. PIXE analysis showed that lead was present only in the vicinity of the fragments previously detected in the radiographs. A study of gunshot residue in bone shows that the distribution of lead around the bullet hole is independent of the firing distance for distances greater than 0.6 m.
Projectile Entry Angle Determination
Authors: Cashman PJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Small angles of projectile entry are difficult to determine in two-dimensional targets or in three-dimensional targets where internal deflection has taken place. This results from the fact that small errors in measurement lead to large errors in the calculation of the sine function used in the estimation of the angular projection of a circle onto an inclined plane at angles of less than 20° from the normal. The use of a bullet tip scale, constructed to the dimensions of the entering projectile, allows a significantly more accurate determination of small angles of entry in targets not subject to stretching. A comparison of the relative error inherent in calculating entry angle using the sine function and measuring the angle using the bullet tip scale demonstrates the suitability of using the tip scale at angles less than 20° and the sine function at entry angles greater than 20°.
Clay Mineralogical Analysis Using the &lt;0.05-mm Fraction for Forensic Science Investigation—Its Application to Volcanic Ash Soils and Yellow-Brown Forest Soils
Authors: Marumo Y , Nagatsuka S , Oba Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Clay mineralogical analysis is conducted with a fraction size of less than 0.05 mm in diameter (&lt;0.05-mm fraction), without extraction of the clay fraction (&lt;0.002 mm), using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared absorption (IR), and differential thermal (DTA) techniques. Volcanic ash soils and yellow-brown forest soils were used as samples in this experiment. On the basis of IR spectra, clay mineralogical compositions of volcanic ash soil samples could be classified into four groups. XRD was the most effective to discriminate among the yellow-brown forest soil samples and DTA was sensitive for gibbsite. The following procedure was concluded as the most effective one to discriminate small amounts of soil samples. First, IR is used to classify the samples into an allophane-rich type and a siliceous type. To the former type, DTA is applied, and, to the latter, XRD is applied, followed by DTA. Sample was sufficient for this method, including IR, XRD, and DTA, if about 50 mg of the &lt;0.05-mm fraction was obtained.
Facsimile Signatures Produced by Gelatin Transfer Duplicator—Recognition and Identification
Authors: Gencavage JS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A gelatin transfer duplicator can be used effectively to reproduce facsimile signatures resulting in forgeries of a reasonably good quality. However, an examiner of questioned documents who has a comprehensive understanding of the various stamping devices used in producing legitimate facsimile signatures should be able to recognize the fraudulent reproductions. It is also possible to identify the fraudulent reproductions with the matrix materials used in the reproduction process. An explanation of the process utilized in the examination and identification of these forgeries is furnished.
Determination of Age from the Sternal Rib in White Males: A Test of the Phase Method
Authors: Işcan MY , Loth SR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The effectiveness of a given age determination technique can better be assessed by testing the standards on unknown specimens. A test of this nature was carried out to evaluate the authors' previously published phase method for age estimation from the sternal extremity of the rib. A sample of 15 test ribs was judged by 25 physical and forensic anthropologists with varying levels of education and experience. The judges were asked to match the rib to the phase it most closely resembled by comparing it with the photographs from the original study. The results indicated that interobserver error based on experience was minimal, and nearly all of the participants averaged within one phase of the ideal. Variation appeared to be greater among the ribs than among the judges, yet no consistent association could be made between this variation and factors such as cause of death, antemortem medical history, drug or alcohol abuse, and occupation.
Estimating Height and Weight from Size of Footprints
Authors: Robbins LM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the mid 1800s, Topinard proposed a simple formula for estimating a person's height: maximum foot length divided by 0.15 reveals the stature of most individuals. In addition to corroborating Topinard's findings, the author has developed formulas to serve as predictive models for estimating both height and weight when only a subject's footprint dimensions are known. The formulas are presented with a discussion of the data from which they are derived.
The Impact of Psychological Autopsies on Medical Examiners' Determination of Manner of Death
Authors: Jobes DA , Berman AL , Josselson AR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of psychological information on medical examiners' determination of manner of death in equivocal cases. Ten cases, a typical and equivocal case for each of five case types (single car, child, autoerotic, psychotic, and Russian roulette death) were evaluated for manner of death by 195 medical examiner subjects. From this sample 95 control subjects received 10 cases made up of physical and circumstantial evidence, while 100 experimental subjects received the same 10 cases expanded with brief psychological autopsies. Psychological information was shown to have a statistically significant impact on subjects' determination (and certainty) of manner of death is equivocal cases and even in some typical cases.
Detective Magazines: Pornography for the Sexual Sadist?
Authors: Dietz PE , Harry B , Hazelwood RR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The origins of detective magazines can be traced to 17th and 18th century crime pamphlets and to 19th century periodicals that Lombroso called “really criminal newspapers.” Content analysis of current detective magazines shows that their covers juxtapose erotic images with images of violence, bondage, and domination; that their articles provide lurid descriptions of murder, rape, and torture; and that they publish advertisements for weapons, burglary and car theft tools, false identification, and sexual aids. Six case histories of sexual sadists illustrate the use of these magazines as a source of fantasy material. We postulate that detective magazines may contribute to the development of sexual sadism, facilitate sadistic fantasies, and serve as training manuals and equipment catalogs for criminals. We recommend that detective magazines be considered during policy debates about media violence and pornography.
Tolerance at High Blood Alcohol Concentrations: A Study of 110 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Perper JA , Twerski A , Wienand JW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One hundred ten consecutive alcoholics who voluntarily entered a detoxification center were studied to determine their ability to perform certain designated functions (a) while under the influence of alcohol at admission and (b) four days later, after they had undergone detoxification. Their blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) within an hour of admission were determined by using the DuPont Automated Clinical Analyzer (ACA), following standard procedures. The results of the tests performed by these subjects were then studied to ascertain the level of psychomotor impairment in alcoholics at elevated BACs. The results were broken down by age, sex, race, and BAC. The findings indicate that alcoholics develop an increased tolerance to alcohol at BACs, which are extremely high, including levels generally considered to be potentially fatal.
Pathological Gambling and Criminal Responsibility
Authors: Rachlin S , Halpern AL , Portnow SL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There exists significant interdisciplinary support for eliminating the volitional component of the insanity defense. Somewhat in contrast to this trend is the presentation of pathological gambling as a potentially exculpatory condition in criminal trials. The authors discuss three federal appellate court decisions on this attempted inappropriate usage of psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature. All have upheld convictions, and thereby rejected contentions that such an impulse disorder can form the basis for a valid plea of lack of criminal responsibility. It is suggested that the public interest will be served by statutorily making disturbances of behavioral control insufficient to raise a defense of insanity.