bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethical Practice in the Forensic Sciences—An Introduction
Authors: Weinstock R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
It is always difficult to function at the intersection of two disciplines, in this case, science and law. Science reaches tentative conclusions ever subject to change in the advent of the discovery of new data. The law would like definite conclusions in order to make definitive decisions, sometimes with literally life and death implications, necessitating opinions having “reasonable scientific certainty.” However, there can be pressure to express unwarranted certainty not necessarily justified by the scientific evidence. In gray cases it may be tempting to give an opinion for the side doing the hiring or there can be subtle or not so subtle pressure to do so, especially if it involves pleasing an employer or could result in substantial sums of money for the “right” opinion.
Foundations of Ethical Practice in the Forensic Sciences
Authors: Rosner R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper presents an introduction to moral philosophy to assist forensic scientists in thinking more clearly about ethics. A four step model for the analysis of problems is provided. A logical model for reasoned arguments is offered. Two common objections to claims of objective foundations for ethics are considered and criticized. Two leading theories of objective foundations for ethics are considered and criticized. It is suggested that further research in ethics is needed to develop intellectual structures and tools adequate to resolve questions about what constitutes evidence in ethics and how to adjudicate between conflicting ethical theories. The task for forensic scientists is to develop interim ethical guidelines for practice despite the current absence of universally accepted objective foundations for ethics.
A Member of the Roy Rogers Riders Club Is Expected to Follow the Rules Faithfully
Authors: Nordby JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
When I was five years old I joined The Roy Rogers Riders Club, along with every other kid in the neighborhood. I approached my first code of conduct with unbridled enthusiasm. Members, Roy said, were “expected to follow the rules faithfully.” I tried. But I soon learned not only that I didn't follow them, but that I couldn't. Let me explain.
Physician-Assisted Suicide and the Doctrine of Double Effect
Authors: Kamm FM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this paper, I try to show how the clash between two different types of ethical theory—consequentialist and nonconsequentialist—affects moral and legal arguments for physician assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia (E). I begin by presenting a three-step argument for the permissibility of PAS and E, and then examine two possible criticisms of this argument. In conclusion, I consider how the possible further consequences of permitting PAS are dealt with by proponents of the two ethical theories.
Ethics and Value Bias in the Forensic Sciences
Authors: Macklin R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This article focuses on ethical problems that arise in the practical sphere when professionals and scholars enter the forensic arena. Two different yet related stories from the author's experience are recounted. The first is drawn from the author's membership on the blue-ribbon committee convened by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, which issued the report entitled DNA Technology in Forensic Science in 1992. The second is an inquiry into the role of the bioethicist in the forensic setting, based on the author's response to cases in which she was invited to serve as an expert witness. The article concludes that since the forensic sciences deal with matters of truth and justice, a commitment to uphold these important values forms the moral basis for justifying the actions of those who work in this field.
Comments from the Perspective of the AAFS Ethics Committee Chairman
Authors: Mills DH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Some of us are lawyers. We are informed they have a code of ethics. Doctors, dentists and other professionals have theirs, too. Those among us who work in fields without formal codes are still obliged to act ethically. But when we come together in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, we take on a special group identity: we are all expert scientists and witnesses devoted to developing and presenting scientific evidence and opinions in the administration of justice. Though our efforts and focus are as diverse as our sections imply, each of us seeks to be heard and believed, compelling the creation of a code applicable to all of us. I chronicled the origin of the Academy's code in 1986 (1). I propose now to describe how it has functioned for the first 20 years.
Review of “The Expert Witness Handbook, Tips and Techniques for the Litigation Consultant, 2nd edition”
Authors: Garner DD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The author, who published the first edition in 1987, has over 20 years experience as an expert witness in parachute cases. This experience has significantly impacted the scope and tone of the book. The “Handbook” is primarily focused on civil litigation involving engineering issues, as illustrated by the author's observation in Chapter 1 that “[m]any experts are independent consultants. Others work for large forensic engineering finns which provide a wide range of services.”
Review of the Role of the Expert Witness in a Court Trial. (A Guide for the Expert Witness.)
Authors: Zimmerly JG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This very brief text is intended as a “guide for the expert witness.” Areas covered include preparation of the consultant or witness, fees, credibility, qualifications of an expert, deposition testimony/direct and cross examination and suggestions on being an effective witness. Two appendices deal with demonstrative evidence and a third contains a glossary of legal terms.
Review of Shortening of Life, Homicide, and Serial Killing—an Interdisciplinary Analysis of “Euthanasia”
Authors: Saternus K-S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Originating from a 1995 congress of forensic pathologists in Liabeck (Germany), the articles in this volume present a variegated analysis of the medical and legal, philosophical, and theological aspects of the euthanasia debate in Germany, supplemented by the experience and opinions of authors from neighboring European countries like Holland (Visser), Norway (Rognum), and Switzerland (Bär). The book contains almost 20 articles; although the texts are written in German, each article begins with a summary in English.
Simultaneous Determination of STR Polymorphism and a New Nucleotide Substitution in Its Flanking Region at the CD4 Locus
Authors: Watanabe G , Umetsu K , Yuasa I , Suzuki T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the course of the investigation of a pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism at the human CD4 locus, a C-A transversion was found at the position corresponding to the 3′ end of the original forward primer presented by Edwards et al. (1). In the present study, the simultaneous determination of the new sequence polymorphism and the pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism at the CD4 locus was attempted. To achieve this purpose, we adopted amplified product length polymorphism (APLP) analysis and designed some new allele-specific forward primers tagged with non-complementary nucleotides differing in length. A total of 646 DNA samples from peripheral blood of Japanese, Chinese and German populations were investigated. Although the C-A transversion was restricted to CD4*5, a new subtype allele with A and 5 repeats, designated CD4*5A, was observed at polymorphic frequencies in the three populations. The simultaneous genotyping by APLP analysis resulted in dramatically increased heterozygosity and discriminating power of the human CD4 locus.
1,2-Indanediones: New Reagents for Visualizing the Amino Acid Components of Latent Prints
Authors: Hauze DB , Petrovskaia O , Taylor B , Joullié MM , Ramotowski R , Cantu AA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A new class of reagents, 1,2-indanediones, was evaluated for latent print visualization on paper. Tests were carried out for fingerprints and amino acid stains. Selected 1,2-indanediones give fluorescent development superior to DFO. Zinc salt treatment further enhances the sensitivity. The new reagents can be obtained from inexpensive starting materials in a short reaction sequence.
Analysis of Gunshot Primer Residue Collection Swabs by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Koons RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The concentrations of antimony, barium, and lead in gunshot residue collection swab extract solutions were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Analytical advantages of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry are a lack of interferences by swab extract constituents, low detection limits, wide linear dynamic ranges, short analysis times, and good precision and accuracy. This procedure is applicable to both hand blank and shooter-associated levels of antimony, barium, and lead in gunshot residue swab extracts.
Psychosocial Profile of Swiss Sexual Offenders
Authors: Curtin F , Niveau G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background data on psychosocial characteristics of sexual offenders are sparse in Europe. From 67 experts' reports done between 1982 and 1995 in Geneva, Switzerland, demographic, criminological and psychiatric characteristics were collected for three groups of sexual offenders: offenders against adults, offenders against non-relative minors (&lt;18 yr), and offenders against minors with incest. The results showed that the offenders against adults were younger (p = 0.02), more frequently single 9p = 0.0007) and with a lower educational level (p = 0.05) than the offenders against minors. Incest offenders had no prior conviction compared with 50% of the other offenders. Violence was more often used by offenders against adults (86%) than by offenders against minors (45%) (p = 0.005). About two-thirds of the sexual offenders had no psychiatric history, but a personality disorder (mainly borderline) was diagnosed in half of the offenders. A history of sexual abuse during childhood was reported by a third of the offenders against minors and by 5% of the offenders against adults (p = 0.04).
It is concluded that a low socio-economic status and social isolation characterized offenders against adults, whereas offenders against minors had a relatively normal psychosocial profile.
Horizontal Distance and Height Determining Falling Pattern
Authors: Shaw K-P , Hsu SY 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Falling from a height, usually from a building, occurs ordinarily in suicide, in some accidents, and sometimes as an act of homicide. The point of trajectory, the horizontal distance and the impact point are closely related to the initial velocity, angle and height. This study examines the falling pattern in order to determine the mental status of the jumper as well as the manner of death. Initial velocity is found using horizontal movement and height. A serial study of athletes performing both the running jump (long jump) and standing jump (swimmer's start jump) via biomechanical methods is described. The initial velocity of the running jump and standing jump in normal athletics is 9.15 and 2.70 m/s with initial jumping angles of 21 and 38 deg, respectively. The maximal horizontal velocity of 9.15 m/s is closely related to maximal strength of initial velocity, angle of engaged force, and height. Theoretical estimation of the initial velocity between 2.70 and 9.15 m/s is correlative with the unique initial velocity and running jump to fall from a height that is closely related to the voluntary and attempted jump. Hence, the jumping victim with an initial velocity higher than 2.70 m/s implies suicide. These results indicate that horizontal distance and height are legitimate measures to use in speculating on the falling pattern and the manner of death. A unique case of suicide involving a run and jump with initial velocity greater than 2.70 m/s is illustrated.
Diagnosis of Drowning by Combined Computer-Assisted Histomorphometry of Lungs with Blood Strontium Determination
Authors: Fornes P , Pépin G , Heudes D , Lecomte D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The aim of our study was to examine the combined contribution of computer-assisted histomorphometry of lungs with blood strontium (BS) measurement to the diagnosis of drowning in cadavers recovered from fresh water. The study population comprised 116 drowned subjects. The results for this group were compared with those obtained for three non-drowned groups: 22 subjects who died from causes other than asphyxia. 13 subjects who died of asphyxia (strangulation or hanging); and 23 healthy living subjects in whom normal BS level was measured. Samples of water where the bodies had been found were analyzed in order to establish a relation with the BS concentration of the drowned subjects. Histologically, each type of pulmonary lesion (congestion, edema, alveolar macrophages, alveolar hemorrhage, and emphysema aquosum) was evaluated semiquantitatively using a score according to the severity of the pathology. Then, a quantitative histomorphometric study was performed using a computer-assisted image analyzer to measure the length and thickness of the alveolar walls, and the area and density of the alveolar cavities. The mean values of the BS levels in the 116 drowned subjects and of the water strontium concentrations were found to be much higher than in the living individuals. Although the ranges were wide, we found no overlap between values found in drowned subjects and those in non-drowned subjects. Emphysema aquosum and to a lesser extent alveolar hemorrhage were found to be the most significant histologic changes in the drowned and asphyxia groups compared with the nonasphyxia control groups.
Pathology of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia—An Autopsy Study of 20 Forensic Cases
Authors: Fornes P , Ratel S , Lecomte D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized histologically by massive infiltration of the right ventricular wall by fat tissue, with surviving strands of cardiomyocytes bordered by or embedded in fibrosis. ARVC has been recognized as a cause of sudden death, especially in the young.
The purpose of our autopsy study was to examine the clinical characteristics and the pathological patterns in the hearts of 20 people who died suddenly of ARVC. In view of our findings and the literature, we discussed the possible causes and pathogenesis of ARVC, as well as the mechanisms by which sudden death occurs in this disease.
During the 7-year study period, 20 hearts from 9 men and 11 women fulfilled the criteria for ARVC. The mean age was 41 years (range, 17 to 80). The disease was unknown prior to death in all cases. Fourteen persons died at rest, and six on effort. In 9 of the 20 cases, the trigger of sudden death was an acute emotional stress, sometimes associated with a moderate physical activity. The mean heart weight was 380 g (range, 280 to 520). Both ventricles were involved in 40% of the cases. Inflammatory infiltrates consisting of lymphocytes were present in 60% of the cases, but myocyte necrosis was found in only one case.
ARVC is more likely to result from a degenerative process than a congenital disorder. Genetic factors, viral or autoimmune inflammation or both, and apoptosis are also involved in the degenerative disorder.
“Hidden” Laryngeal Injuries in Homicidal Strangulation: How to Detect and Interpret These Findings
Authors: Maxeiner H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
These studies were designed to demonstrate that the usual method of laryngeal dissection carries a significant risk of overlooking important laryngeal injuries. Formalin-fixed hyoid-larynx complexes were prepared in a prospective forensic study involving 191 cases of homicidal strangulation, 1984 to 1997. The basic steps of the applied method included: complete resection of the thyroid cartilage, a horizontal incision through the cricoid cartilage before opening the larynx dorsally, inspection of the laryngeal joints, and incisions of the laryngeal muscles.
Using this procedure allowed us to detect the following injuries, which otherwise would have been destroyed or overlooked: (a) 17 incomplete fractures restricted to the dorsal surfaces of the thyroid laminae and 10 incomplete or non-dislocated fractures of the cricoid cartilage. In 7 cases, such a “hidden” fracture was the only laryngeal injury resulting from neck compression. (b) Extensive laryngeal muscle hemorrhages, especially of the vocal folds, were found in almost half of all cases, more rarely in strangulation by ligature and more frequently in manual strangulation. Gross hemorrhages were the decisive local laryngeal finding in 19 cases. (c) Laryngeal joint injuries (bleedings) were found in 18% to 52% of the different strangulation types. (d) Hemorrhages of the laryngeal mucosa were common findings that occur in about 60% of all cases; only in rare cases do such bleedings have a special diagnostic value.
The quantity and significance of findings obtainable from complete preparation clearly document Camps's demand made in 1976 to dispense with the usual laryngeal dissection technique (dorsal scissor incision through the cricoid cartilage), at least in (questionable) strangulation cases.
Postmortem Insect Activity May Mimic Perimortem Sexual Assault Clothing Patterns
Authors: Komar D , Beattie O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Determination of perimortem sexual assault can be confounded in homicide cases in which only badly decomposed or skeletal remains are recovered. One indicator of assault is a characteristic pattern of clothing disarray, including tearing, removal, or displacement of clothing. Preliminary findings from two studies of clothed pig carrion of approximate human size (59 to 162 kg) reveal that postmortem insect activity, particularly maggot masses, and natural decompositional changes such as bloating can produce changes to clothing which mirror those seen in cases of sexual assault.
Six Forensic Entomology Cases: Description and Commentary
Authors: Benecke M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Insects are known to be useful in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). Here several cases are reported which show that a wide range of applications in medicolegal questions and hygiene together or apart from estimating the PMI can be answered by use of forensic entomology techniques, including close observation of larval development. Case 1 describes how blowfly larvae fell from a putrefied corpse, hid, and finally emerged from pupae three months after disinfection and renovation. In case 2, the entomological state of the decomposed corpse of a heroin user is described. Case 3 deals with a single adult Protophormia terranovae found in the skull of a partially mummified woman. Case 4 reports the finding of Serratia marcescens bacteria in red Muscina stabulans pupae which were found on a 5-day-old corpse. In case 5, blowfly eggs on the corpse of another heroin user are interpreted as an indication of the decedent being laid outside at night after his death in a flat. Case 6 deals with the finding of Parasarcophaga argyrostoma, which in Cologne might be an indicator species which tells if a corpse was lying outside at least for some time.
Prevalence of Drugs of Abuse in Urine of Drivers Involved in Road Accidents in France: A Collaborative Study
Authors: Marquet P , Delpla P-A , Kerguelen S , Bremond J , Facy F , Garnier M , Guery B , Lhermitte M , Mathé D , Pelissier A-L , Renaudeau C , Vest P , Seguela J-P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This collaborative, anonymous, case-control study was intended to determine the prevalence of opiates, cocaine metabolites, cannabinoids and amphetamines in the urine of drivers injured in road accidents and to compare these values with those of non-accident subjects (“patients”) in France. Recruitment was performed nationwide in the emergency departments of five hospitals and comprised 296 “drivers” aged 18 to 35 and 278 non-traumatic “patients” in the same age range. Females represented 28.4% of “drivers” and 44.2% of “patients.” Screening for drugs in urine was performed by fluorescence polarization immunoassays in each center. Each positive result was verified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), in a single laboratory. Statistical analysis comprised single-step logistic regression and simultaneously took account of confounding factors and the final differences in prevalence values between the two populations or different subgroups.
Cannabinoids were found in 13.9% of drivers (16.0% of males and 8.3% of females, p &lt; 0.05) and 7.5% of patients (12.3% of males, 1.6% of females, p &lt; 0.0001): only in females was this prevalence higher in injured drivers than in patients (p &lt; 0.05). Opiates were present in 10.5% of drivers' and 10.4% of patients' urine samples (NS), and were more frequent in urine samples positive for cannabinoids, in drivers (p &lt; 0.01) as well as in patients (p &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of cocaine metabolites in drivers and patients was 1.0 and 1.1% and that of amphetamines 1.4 and 2.5%, respectively.
No causal relationship between drugs and accidents should be inferred from this retrospective study. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of cannabis and opiate (licit or illicit) use in young people, whether injured drivers or patients, has potential implications for road traffic safety in France. Cocaine and amphetamines did not appear to be a major problem, unlike the experience in other countries.
Alcoholic Ketoacidosis at Autopsy
Authors: Pounder DJ , Stevenson RJ , Taylor KK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Total ketone bodies (acetone, acetoacetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate) were measured in 105 medicolegal autopsies (71 non-alcoholics, 22 chronic alcoholics, and 12 diabetics) using a coupled enzymatic head-space gas chromatographic method. Samples included vitrcous humour, pericardial fluid, and blood from the femoral vein, inferior vena cava (IVC), superior vena cava (SVC), and aorta. Vitreous ketone levels showed good correlation with blood and pericardial fluid levels, suggesting that vitreous could be used as an alternative autopsy specimen for this analysis. This opens up the possibility of using simpler clinical laboratory methodologies which cannot be applied to autopsy blood due to hemolysis. In 71 non-alcoholics (age 18 to 96, median 67) total ketones (mM/L) were: vitreous 0.19 to 3.35, median 0.49; pericardial fluid 0.02 to 1.54, median 0.35; femoral blood 0.23 to 8.08, median 1.00; aortic blood 0.25 to 9.96, median 0.90; IVC blood 0.30 to 6.49, median 1.27; SVC blood 0.32 to 6.00, median 1.07. Eleven outliers (&gt;2.5 mM/L in femoral blood) mostly had prolonged illness prior to death. The 22 alcoholics (age 36 to 83, median 62) included four extreme outliers with femoral blood total ketone levels of 129.9 (also diabetic), 39.4 (no anatomical cause of death), 38.5 (suicidal hanging), and 18.6 (hypothermia), suggesting that while alcoholic ketoacidosis may be a previously overlooked potential cause of death, interpretation must be guarded and made within the total case context. The other 18 alcoholics had ketone levels not statistically different from non-alcoholics, suggesting that ketoacidosis is a significant factor in at most a small minority of alcoholic deaths. Three of 12 diabetics had extreme elevations of femoral blood ketone bodies: 87.5, 20.4, and 17.4 mM/L. Measurement of ketone bodies in vitreous humour or pericardial fluid using clinical laboratory methodologies is recommended in unexplained deaths in chronic alcoholics as well as diabetics.