bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of Legal Medicine 1986
Authors: McCloskey KL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Once again Dr. Wecht has presented the medical and legal professions with a useful and fascinating series of articles. This work contains a dozen well-written and informative reviews, each of which rightfully deserves separate consideration. However, because of neces- sary space constraints, this discussion will focus on selected chapters. This selection is dictated more by the personal interests and knowledge of the reviewer rather than by any variations in quality among the individual papers.
Inactivation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by Ionizing Radiation in Body Fluids and Serological Evidence
Authors: Bigbee PD , Sarin PS , Humphreys JC , Eubanks WG , Sun D , Hocken DG , Thornton A , Adams DE , Simic MG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method to use ionizing radiation to inactivate HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in human body fluids was studied in an effort to reduce the risk of accidental infection to forensic science laboratory workers. Experiments conducted indicate that an X-ray absorbed dose of 25 krad was required to completely inactivate HIV. This does not alter forensically important constituents such as enzymes and proteins in body fluids. This method of inactivation of HIV cannot be used on body fluids which will be subjected to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing.
Group Specific Component: Isoelectric Focusing Subtyping and Immunoblot Detection
Authors: Arndt RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method for the detection of group specific component (Gc) by immunoblotting, following isoelectric focusing (IEF), is described. This isoelectric focusing method resolves the six common phenotypes of Gc using a narrow range pH 4.5 to 5.4 ampholyte. The Gc proteins were passively transferred from the IEF gel to nitrocellulose and detected with goat anti-Gc followed by peroxidase labeled anti-goat immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody. The increased sensitivity of this technique results in the typing of stains older than one year and also those stains with minimal concentrations of the Gc protein. The polyacrylamide gel can also be used for the subtyping of esterase D.
The Use of k Values in the Interpretation of Glass Density and Refractive Index Data
Authors: Thornton JI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A k value represents a type of summary statistic by means of which glass evidence may be interpreted. This statistic is defined as k = V/D, where the dispersion V = (nD − 1)/(nF − nC), and where D is the density. The k value is therefore the slope of a line through the 0,0 origin and a plot of dispersion versus density. Obtaining a k value facilitates the interpretation of commonality of source, since “within-item” variation in density and refractive index does not significantly alter the k value. “Between-item” variation, on the other hand, profoundly influences the k value, even if the density and one of the refractive indices are coincidentally similar.
A Perspective on Probability and Physical Evidence
Authors: Kingston C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Evaluating the significance of physical evidence often requires a consideration of the probability of chance occurrence of the evidential properties and an appropriate target population. These are used to calculate the probability of duplication of the properties within the target population, which in turn is used to evaluate the significance of the evidence. The target population chosen for consideration by the expert witness generally cannot be the same as that used by investigators or a jury. This paper discusses the choice of an appropriate target population by the expert and offers a suggestion for aiding the jury in evaluating the expert's opinion with respect to other evidence in a case.
Unexpected Death as a Result of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Cohle SD , Graham MA , Sperry KL , Dowling G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Thirteen cases of infective endocarditis (IE) diagnosed for the first time at autopsy or, in those patients with a previous diagnosis of IE, not thought to be active at the time of death, are presented. Of the six patients who died within 24 h of the onset of symptoms, two died of obstruction of a valve orifice, two died of sepsis, one died of sepsis and alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and one died of a coronary artery embolus. Of the five patients with symptoms lasting more than 24 h, three died of sepsis and congestive heart failure. One died from sepsis alone and one died from congestive heart failure (CHF). In two patients whose duration of symptoms is unknown, one died of sepsis and CHF, and in the other the mechanism of death is unknown. Predisposing factors present in 11 of 13 patients included alcoholism (three), intravenous (IV) drug abuse (three), prosthetic valves (three), aortic stenosis (two), past rheumatic fever (one), and nonstenotic congenitally bicuspid valves (two). The reasons for no antemortem diagnosis were a missed or incorrect clinical diagnosis in three patients seen by a physician shortly before death, no signs or symptoms or found dead (four), non-specific signs and symptoms (three), refusal of medical treatment (one), and a solitary lifestyle (one); there was insufficient information about one patient. Individuals with needle tracks, generalized petechiae, Osler's nodes, splinter hemorrhages, intravenous catheters, pacemaker wires, and infected aortic-valve (A-V) shunts are at risk of IE. Blood and the vegetations should be cultured. The attending physician should be notified of the diagnosis in such cases.
Wounding Characteristics of .38 Caliber Revolver Cartridges
Authors: Klatt EC , Tschirhart DL , Noguchi TT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Injury patterns in both artificial media and animal tissues were analyzed, and the results were then correlated with autopsy findings in subjects who died from gunshot wounds to determine the wounding characteristics of bullets from two standard .38 caliber revolver cartridges. The 150-grain round nose bullet, in comparison with a 110-grain semi-jacketed controlled-expansion round (hollowpoint bullet), was found to have greater penetration and a greater tendency to deviate from its flight path. The controlled expansion round was found to produce a wider bullet track with greater deformation and bullet fragmentation than the round nose ammunition in artificial media and animal tissue. Autopsy study of shooting victims indicated more through-and-through wounds with round nose bullets than with hollowpoint rounds, and overall survival in shooting victims was greater with roundnose bullets, but was modified by site of injury and availability of prompt medical treatment. Neither round appeared to differ in inherent “knockdown” power. Though distinct differences in wounding patterns can be demonstrated in artificial and animal media, the differences between round nose and controlled expansion round bullets are not marked in actual human subjects with gunshot wounds.
Drug Use Testing: The Canadian Scene
Authors: Robinson AE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Mandatory drug testing became a public issue in Canada during the summer of 1986 as a result of action taken in the United States. Initial reactions were emotional and polarized. Of prime concern currently are the employment-related issues; there is emphasis on facilitating access to employee assistance programs for workers having alcohol or drug abuse problems. There is no legal prohibition of testing, but there have been demands for such legislation. Testing of railway workers for alcohol and drugs has been proposed, subject to strict conditions, for employees in designated positions (where public safety is at risk), for cause and after an accident. Public reaction will be taken into account before these proposals are implemented.
Legal Considerations in Drug Use Testing: Privacy Rights, Contracts, and Wrongful Use of Test Results
Authors: Chamberlain RT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Although there are many legal issues associated with substance abuse testing, this presentation deals with only three areas: privacy, employee contractual concerns, and wrongful use of test results. Privacy must be considered under the federal and state constitutional guarantees to public employees, or whether one is a private employee so as not to determine applicability. In addition, there are state and federal statutes to deal with along with private civil actions such as the tortious invasion of privacy. Under contractual relationships, courts have gone a long way from allowing termination-at-will to public policy exceptions of forensic and implied covenants and guarantees of requiring just cause before discharge. Union involvement may necessitate bargaining in the implementation of substance abuse testing. The wrongful use of test results most often leads to actions of defamation.
A Review of Pathology Annual 1988
Authors: Zumwalt RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This collection of eleven monographs on anatomic pathology topics should appeal to the surgical pathologist in a hospital practice. The selected topics are timely and cover a wide range. The individual articles are all well written, thoroughly referenced, and adequately illustrated. The editors have done a commendable job in their selection of authors to present state-of-the-art information and techniques on their subjects. The general hospital pathologist should find his time well spent in reading this collection of review articles.
The Comparison of Brake and Accelerator Pedals with Marks on Shoe Soles
Authors: von Bremen A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The driver of a motor vehicle that was involved in a collision may sometimes be identified by marks on shoe soles or pedals. Forceful contact of an automotive pedal with a shoe sole may leave characteristic features on either or both. An optical method was developed to compare these features that are illustrated with 15 photographs. Four cases are discussed in detail and conclusions are given.
Intramolecular Energy Transfer in the Europium-Ruhemann's Purple Complex: Application to Latent Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Menzel ER , Mitchell KE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The reaction product of ninhydrin with amino acids reacts further with europium chloride hexahydrate (EuCl3 · 6H2O) to form an organo-rare earth complex which exhibits Eu3+ luminescence at 615 nm with a lifetime of 0.4 ms. This emission is sensitized by intramolecular ligand to europium resonance energy transfer. Benzo(f)ninhydrin is better suited to this energy transfer process than ninhydrin and yields more intense Eu3+ emission. The emission is effectively excited by argon-ion laser near-ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be modulated such that time-resolved imaging can reveal amino acids on strongly fluorescent surfaces which would otherwise not be tractable. This is applied to the detection of latent fingerprints.
The Identification of Maternity in an Unusual Pregnancy-Related Homicide
Authors: Clark EGI , Zumwalt RE , Schanfield MS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A recent bizarre homicide which culminated in the delivery of a live-born infant necessitated careful determination of true maternal origin. A 23-year-old pregnant woman was abducted, subdued, strangled, and delivered of a term infant by a crude Cesarean section. The infant was stolen and subsequently presented to physicians by a woman posing as the mother. Methods used to help confirm the surviving infant's parentage involved red cell antigen and enzyme system evaluations as well as immunoglobulin allotyping, which ultimately proved to be the most effective serologic test performed. The forensic science investigation of this unusual case also used bite mark analysis and patterned injury interpretation. Immunoglobulin allotyping is specifically discussed as a forensic serology test which is currently available and particularly applicable in cases involving parentage determination.
Thiamylal: Review of the Literature and Report of a Suicide
Authors: Costantino AG , Caplan YH , Levine BS , Dixon AM , Smialek JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 28-year-old white male medical student was found hanging by the neck from the bathroom closet of a hotel room. An intravenous infusion line leading from a bottle of thiamylal sodium (an ultrashort-acting barbiturate) was inserted into the antecubital vein of the left arm. Blood was analyzed for alcohol and other volatiles and for acidic, basic, and neutral drugs. Only thiamylal was detected. Thiamylal was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection, and its presence was confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The tissue distribution of thiamylal was 29 mg/L in blood, 1.4 mg/L in urine, 16 mg/L in bile, 135 mg/kg in liver, 25 mg/kg in kidney, and 0.4 mg in the stomach contents. The uptake and distribution of thiamylal is similar to thiopental. The distribution of the drug in this case was compared to that of other fatalities involving ultrashort-acting barbiturates.
Opiate Analysis in Cadaveric Blowfly Larvae as an Indicator of Narcotic Intoxication
Authors: Introna F , Dico CL , Caplan YH , Smialek JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Specimens of liver were collected from 40 cases in which the cause of death had been determined to be opiate intoxication. Rearings of Calliphora vicina larvae were then promoted on the decomposing liver. A control group of 10 decomposed liver specimens from non-opiate deaths was treated similarly. Analysis of larvae and liver for opiates (morphine) was conducted by radioimmunoassay. Good qualitative and quantitative correlation was observed in both the positive and negative groups. Regression analysis comparing the concentrations of opiates found in the larvae with those found in the liver in the positive group resulted in a correlation of r = 0.790.
The Accuracy of Blood Alcohol Analysis Using Headspace Gas Chromatography When Performed on Clotted Samples
Authors: Senkowski CM , Thompson KA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Subjects consumed alcoholic beverages and attained blood ethyl alcohol concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.15 g/dL. Sets of blood samples were drawn from these subjects, including some samples that were allowed to clot and some in which anticoagulent was added. A quantitative analysis for ethyl alcohol was performed on these samples using headspace gas chromatography. The mean deviation of the concentration of ethyl alcohol in the clotted samples from the ethyl alcohol concentration in the corresponding control samples was 0.001 g/dL. The 99% confidence interval for this mean was ± 0.0005 g/dL.
Photoelastic Stress Analysis of Film Ribbons
Authors: Daniels JR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Diffused polarized-light microscopy reveals detailed patterns in the film base of used typewriter ribbons inside the de-inked letter impressions. The multicolored patterns, which are observed to match the complex paper fiber configurations found at corresponding letter sites on the typed page, are theorized to be a manifestation of photoelasticity. Wavelength-dependent phase retardation differences, as a result of strain birefringence, correspond to retained microscopic deformations produced in the ribbon base polymer by paper fibers at the page surface at the instant of typing impact stress. Diffuse illumination is observed to enhance such embedded patterns relative to interfering surface features such as manufacturing striations.
A Review of Rape — The Evidential Examination and Management of Adult Female Rape Victim
Authors: Mittleman RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this book is to provide a “single comprehensive reference” addressing “all the major facets” of rape as well as providing background information bridging the “gap among the may different professionals who are responsible for assessing and helping the rape victim.” The text is divided into six topics including: “Historical Perspectives and Legal Issues,” “The Assailant,” “Medical History, Examinations and Evidence Collection,” “Psychological Impact,” “Forensic Evaluation,” and “Treatment Considerations.” Although such a short volume (only 156 pages of text) cannot be comprehsnive, this book does provide a good, basic overview for professionals from varying disciplines.
The Forensic Science Implications of Site and Temporal Influences on Postmortem Blood-Drug Concentrations
Authors: Prouty RW , Anderson WH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The dependence of postmortem blood-drug concentrations on the collection site and on the postmortem interval before specimen collection has been studied. These studies consisted of both sequential sampling from the same collection site at defined time intervals and a comparison of the drug concentrations of postmortem blood simultaneously collected from various sites. A site and time dependence was observed for postmortem blood-drug concentrations. The heart blood-drug concentrations were, in general, significantly higher than those of peripheral specimens. As a result of this phenomenon, the analysis of peripheral blood specimens and solid tissues is often necessary before a definitive interpretation of postmortem toxicological analyses is possible.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Detection by Means of Enzyme Immunoassay: A Useful Method in Forensic Pregnancy Diagnosis in Bloodstains
Authors: Vallejo G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper reports on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) detection in bloodstains using a commercial kit based on enzyme immunoassay. The specificity and sensitivity of the method is tested, as well as HCG stability over time in the samples. Detection of this hormone in bloodstains is of special interest for pregnancy diagnosis in forensic science applications.
The experimental series comprises 60 bloodstains prepared in our laboratory and obtained from blood samples taken from 30 pregnant women and 30 healthy, nonpregnant individuals. The bloodstains were studied at different stages of aging over a 6-month period, each sample being stored at 2 different temperatures throughout the process.
The experimental evidence proves HCG to be a useful and stable diagnostic indicator of pregnancy in bloodstains. In addition, the technique used is fast, as well as highly sensitive and specific.
Improving Information Management in a Metropolitan Coroner's Office. Part 1: Design and Implementation of a Cost-Effective Minicomputer System with Initial Applications for the Toxicology Laboratory
Authors: Cechner RL , Hepler BR , Sutheimer CA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We report the development of a system of computer hardware and software which addresses the special needs of forensic toxicology laboratories for real-time data-gathering, analysis, and retrieval. In addition to accessioning, work-list preparation, and result reporting, we implement automatic test ordering based on patient and case characteristics to provide reliable and uniform analyte profiles for puzzle solving. The system also provides extensive real-time event journaling to satisfy strict chain of custody requirements, consistent with both College of American Pathologists accreditation and National Institute on Drug Abuse certification. The toxicologist's expertise has been woven into the fabric of the software so that appropriate new orders are placed as results from previous orders arrive. The relationships among analyte concentrations in various specimens (blood, urine, gastric, and so forth) as a function of time before and after death have been incorporated into other software experts which review final results for inconsistencies. The system has saved many hours of error-prone manual work, streamlined data storage and access, automated data collection from instruments, and made a broad spectrum of expertise available to the laboratory at all times. These features have decreased error rates, increased productivity, and enhanced the puzzle-solving skills of the laboratory.
Deciphering Bloody Imprints Through Chemical Enhancement
Authors: Doherty PE , Mooney DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Obliterated bloody impressions are occasionally submitted to the crime laboratory, and potentially to the document examiner, for decipherment. Nondestructive methods often lead to inconclusive results in these circumstances. With this point in mind, the researchers explored a series of chemical reagents with the intent to enhance bloody imprints to a legible degree. The reagents selected for this comparison include rhodamine dye, luminol, and Coomassie Blue stain.
A Fatal Interaction of Methocarbamol and Ethanol in an Accidental Poisoning
Authors: Ferslew KE , Hagardorn AN , McCormick WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case is presented of a fatal drug interaction caused by ingestion of methocarbamol (Robaxin®) and ethanol. Methocarbamol is a carbamate derivative used as a muscle relaxant with sedative effects. Therapeutic concentrations of methocarbamol are reported to be 24 to 41 μg/mL. Biological fluids were screened for ethanol using the Abbott TDx system and quantitated by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Determination of methocarbamol concentrations in biological tissue homogenates and fluids were obtained by colorimetric analysis of diazotized methocarbamol. Blood ethanol concentration was 135 mg/dL (0.135% w/v) and urine ethanol was 249 mg/dL (0.249% w/v). Methocarbamol concentrations were: blood, 257 μg/mL; bile, 927 μg/mL; urine, 255 μg/mL; gastric, 3.7 g; liver, 459 μg/g; and kidney, 83 μg/g. The combination of ethanol and carbamates is contraindicated since acute alcohol intoxication combined with carbamate usage can lead to combined central nervous system depression as a result of the interactive sedative-hypnotic properties of the compounds.
A Dextromoramide-Related Fatality
Authors: Brewer E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 38-year-old man was found in his car suffering from a heart attack. Serum analysis by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of dextromoramide (Palfium®), methadone, and lidocaine. The serum concentrations at admission to the hospital were: 1.9 μg/mL of dextromoramide, 0.4 μg/mL of methadone, and 0.4 μg/mL of lidocaine. A serum alcohol analysis performed using headspace gas chromatography was negative.
Case Report: Nonfracture-Associated Fatal Fat Embolism in a Case of Child Abuse
Authors: Nichols GR , Corey TS , Davis GJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fatal fat embolism is usually thought of as a sequel to long-bone fracture, although cases secondary to soft tissue injury and atraumatic conditions have been infrequently reported. In this case of a two-year-old child-abuse victim who sustained multiple blunt traumatic injuries without skeletal fractures, pulmonary and systemic (brain and kidney) fat emboli were identified. At autopsy, all thoracic and abdominal viscera were intact; cranial contents exhibited only diffuse symmetrical petechial hemorrhages of the white matter. Because of the severe and widespread nature of soft tissue hemorrhage, and the absence of a grossly discernible cause of death, fat embolism was suspected. Using a combination of frozen section with oil red O staining and formalin-fixed osmium stained tissues, the immediate cause of death was determined to be diffuse fat embolism.
Review of the literature reveals a pathophysiologic basis for fat embolism in the absence of fracture, both as a consequence of an acute increase in local pressure at the site of trauma and an alteration of the emulsification of blood lipids during shock. In light of these findings, we present this case to remind the forensic science community to consider fat embolism as the cause of death in cases of blunt-force injury without fracture.