bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of: Murder in the Heartland
Authors: Hunter B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The above is a quote from the preface of the book Murder in the Heartland and it is the central theme of this book. Murder in the Heartland is an account of four unrelated homicides that occurred in mid-Missouri during the 1980s and 90s. Each case was chosen to illustrate the importance of teamwork between the various branches of law enforcement and the forensic sciences in solving a case of homicide, but also to illustrate the strengths of each discipline. Each case starts from the time that the body or bodies are reported missing and carries the case all the way through the end of the court trial.
Review of: Lizzie Didn't Do It
Authors: Horvath F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The title of this volume is, of course, a dead give away. Lizzie Borden, accused of and tried for the gruesome “axe” murder of her mother and father, is, in fact, innocent. Even though she was legally acquitted of the two murders, there was and still is considerable speculation about her true status. This, even though the murders were committed in 1892. The still well-known quatrain, “Lizzie Borden took an axe …”, perhaps reveals more than anything else that this is a case—and a police investigation—that endures in the annals of crime.
Review of: Serial Offenders: Current Thought, Recent Findings
Authors: Walter RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Based upon the stated assumption that recognizable serial offenders, who present greater risk than nonserial offenders, are on the increase in society, the authors, mental health and law enforcement professionals have attempted to correlate and understand the various types offenses and the offenders. The book is divided into three sections. The first presents current theory and thinking of serial offenders. The second addresses recent clinical and research findings. The third part considers unusual issues that include child offenses, clergy abuse, and survival victims of serial offenders.
Review of: Murder, Culture and Injustice: Four Sensational Cases in American History
Authors: Caplan MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
I trust fellow forensic scientists will agree that it is a sad state of affairs when we must rely upon a book review assignment to provide an excuse for “leisure reading” I have always loved and devoured books about crime and murder, and in fact, I still maintain that reading Gerold Frank's The Boston Strangler as a teenager is largely what propelled me into a career in forensic science After reading Professor Hixson's book, however, I can state honestly that if I were to have read his book as a teenager, I would have pursued forensic science with equal enthusiasm and vigor. I suspect that there are some budding criminologists and forensic scientists among today's youth who will derive similar inspiration from this work.
SPME/GC-MS Characterization of Volatiles Associated with Methamphetamine: Toward the Development of a Pseudomethamphetamine Training Material
Authors: Vu D-TT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The headspace profiles of eleven methamphetamine (MA) samples have been analyzed using solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS). Nine of the eleven are illicit MA seizures from the Southwest U.S. border. One sample is methamphetamine base synthesized in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Southwest Laboratory, and the remaining sample is pharmaceutical-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride that is used to make training aids for drug detecting canines. In addition, volatiles associated with 1-phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), a methamphetamine precursor, have been identified for comparison with those found in methamphetamine seizure and the two reference samples.
Eighty-seven different compounds were identified from all the samples, not including simple hydrocarbons and aldehydes. Only seven occur consistently in all seizure samples, and these are: acetic acid, benzaldehyde, acetophenone, P2P, 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (P12P), 3-phenyl-3-buten-2-one, 1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-propanone. Dimethyl sulfone, a common cutting agent in methamphetamine, was found in six of the nine seizure materials. When the reference methamphetamine and P2P samples are included, only two compounds are common to all twelve samples, and these are benzaldehyde and P2P. As such, these two compounds are likely candidates for use in a pseudomethamphetamine (PM) formulation, and their effectiveness in eliciting a canine response is being evaluated before actual deployment.
Use of Dynamically Coated Capillaries for the Routine Analysis of Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and Cocaine using Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Lurie IS , Jason Bethea M , McKibben TD , Hays PA , Pellegrini P , Sahai R , Garcia AD , Weinberger R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A rapid, accurate, precise, reproducible, economical, and environmentally gentle method using capillary electrophoresis (CE) is presented for the routine analysis of methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and cocaine in seized drugs.
The methodology uses a 32 cm by 50 μm capillary (length to detector 23.5 cm) with a commercially available buffer kit and diode array UV detection. Dynamic coating of the capillary surface is accomplished by flushing with base for 1 min, a proprietary polycation for 1 min, and then a proprietary polyanion for 2 min. This approach provides a relatively high and stable electroosmotic flow (EOF), even at low pHs. The background electrolyte (BGE) contains 75 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) with the same polyanion as above.
Using this methodology, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and an internal standard (n-butylamphetamine) are baseline resolved in less than 5 min. The run-to-run migration time %RSDs and peak area %RSDs are typically &lt;0.3% and &lt;2.1%, respectively. The day-to-day and capillary-to-capillary migration time %RSDs are &lt;1.5% and &lt;2.1%, respectively. The %RSDs of the relative migration times compared with the internal standard on a day-to-day and capillary-to-capillary basis are &lt;0.2% and &lt;0.06%, respectively. The linear dynamic range using peak areas range from 0.003 to 0.10 mg/mL. The correlation coefficients are &gt;0.9998, with all calibration curves passing at or near the origin. Similar data are obtained for cocaine and its internal standard henyltoloxamine.
None of the compounds usually encountered in illicit samples interfere with the target compound (e.g., methamphetamine and cocaine) or the internal standard. Quantitative results for synthetic mixtures and seized exhibits are in good agreement with actual values, and also with results obtained from other techniques. The relatively high EOF for the dynamically coated capillary system allows for the screening of basic, acidic, and neutral adulterants in drug seizures; identification is facilitated by the use of automated UV library searches.
Forensic Determination of Ricin and the Alkaloid Marker Ricinine From Castor Bean Extracts
Authors: Darby SM , Miller ML , Allen RO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS methods were developed for the presumptive identification of ricin toxin and the alkaloid marker ricinine from crude plant materials. Ricin is an extremely potent poison, which is of forensic interest due to its appearance in terrorism literature and its potential for use as a homicide agent. Difficulties arise in attempting to analyze ricin because it is a large heterogeneous protein with glycosylation. The general protein identification scheme developed uses LC/MS or MALDI-TOF for size classification followed by the use of the same instrumentation for the analysis of the tryptic digest. Fragments of the digest can be searched in an online database for tentative identification of the unknown protein and then followed by comparison to authentic reference materials. LC fractionation or molecular weight cutoff filtration was used for preparation of the intact toxin before analysis. Extracts from two types of castor beans were prepared using a terrorist handbook procedure and determined to contain 1% ricin. Additionally, a forensic sample suspected to contain ricin was analyzed using the presented identification scheme (data not shown). The identification of the alkaloid ricinine by GC/MS and LC/MS was shown to be a complementary technique for the determination of castor bean extracts.
The Analysis of Forensic Samples Using Laser Micro-Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Armitage S , Saywell S , Roux C , Lennard C , Greenwood P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Laser micropyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used for the analysis of paint, photocopier toner, and synthetic fiber materials to test the forensic potential of this emerging technology. It uses a laser microprobe to selectively target very small parts of the materials for GC-MS analysis. Whereas the paint and the toner samples were amenable to direct laser pyrolysis, the synthetic fibers proved transparent to the 1064 nm laser radiation. The difficulty with the fibers demonstrates that a specific laser wavelength may not be appropriate for all types of materials. Nevertheless, the fibers were able to be indirectly pyrolyzed by impregnation in a strongly absorbing graphite matrix. A vast array of hydrocarbon pyrolysates was detected from the different materials studied. Unique product distributions were detected from each sample and in sufficient detail to facilitate individual molecular characterization (i.e., molecular fingerprinting). The integrity of the laser data were confirmed by comparison to data obtained from the same samples by the more conventional pyroprobe pyrolysis GC-MS method. The high spatial resolution and selectivity of the laser method may be advantageous for specific forensic applications, however, further work may be required to improve the reproducibility of the data.
In Situ Identification and Analysis of Automotive Paint Pigments Using Line Segment Excitation Raman Spectroscopy: I. Inorganic Topcoat Pigments
Authors: Suzuki EM , Carrabba M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Several applications of Raman spectroscopy in the forensic sciences have recently been demonstrated, but few have involved the analysis of paints. Undoubtedly, this is a reflection of the sample degradation problems often encountered when a visible or near-infrared laser is focused on a light-absorbing matrix. In this study, a dispersive CCD Raman spectrometer (785 nm) was used in a configuration which collected scattered light from an excitation region 3 mm long and 80 μm wide, instead of from a focused spot. Sample degradation was not observed, and Raman spectra of automotive paints of all colors were readily obtained. Most of the paints analyzed were U.S. automobile original finishes (1974 to 1989) from the Reference Collection of Automotive Paints, and the inorganic pigments examined were those which had been identified previously by infrared spectroscopy in finishes from this collection.
Prominent peaks of rutile were observed in Raman spectra of light-colored nonmetallic finishes for both monocoats and basecoat/clearcoat systems, and the rutile peaks are readily distinguished from those of anatase. The lead chromates (Chrome Yellow, Molybdate Orange, and silica-encapsulated versions of the two) are the strongest Raman scatterers among the pigments examined, and Chrome Yellow was identified by Raman spectroscopy in several yellow and orange nonmetallic monocoats for which infrared absorptions of this pigment were not observed. Raman spectroscopy also provides an unequivocal means to distinguish Chrome Yellow from Molybdate Orange. This is particularly helpful for the analysis of paints containing light pigment loads or encapsulated pigments since the two formulations cannot be differentiated by infrared spectroscopy in such cases. The iron-containing pigments, ferric oxide, hydrous ferric oxide, and Prussian Blue, are relatively weak Raman scatterers, but peaks of hydrous ferric oxide and Prussian Blue were observed in spectra of paints containing heavy pigment loads. Because no sample preparation is required, Raman spectroscopy provides an excellent means to rapidly screen reference panels for the presence of certain pigments, and some examples of the differences in Raman spectra which occur for paints having similar colors are presented.
Determining Explosivity Part II: Comparison of Small-Scale Cartridge Tests to Actual Pipe Bombs
Authors: Oxley JC , Smith JL , Resende E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The small-scale explosivity device (SSED) has been used to assess the explosive power of a number of low explosives—smokeless powders (WC-870, Red Dot, Bullseye, Winchester Action Pistol, and IMR-PB), Pyrodex, black powder, and an improvised explosive (TATP). The device requires 2 g of energetic material, a heavy-walled containment vessel, and a standard blast shield to permit use in most laboratories. The data from the SSED are compared with the fragmentation of pipe bombs which contained 300 to 700 g of powder. The SSED provided the same relative ordering of explosivity as suggested by the fragmentation of the real devices. In addition, the SSED was used to evaluate the chemical residue remaining after an explosion. Issues in using the device such as optimal detonators and restricted reaction volume were probed using three high explosives—TNT, Tetryl, and RDX.
Sustained Combustion of an Animal Carcass and Its Implications for the Consumption of Human Bodies in Fires
Authors: DeHaan JD , Nurbakhsh S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
When a human body is found with significant portions of its torso and limbs destroyed yet with comparatively minor damage to head, hands and feet, the mechanism of such destruction defies ready explanation, since exposure to external fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids, usually results in the destruction of hands, feet, limbs, and head prior to significant combustion of the large mass of the torso. Previous tests by these authors have demonstrated the conditions necessary to promote combustion of a body: the presence of adequate body fat, presence of a porous, rigid char to act as a wick, and an external flame source sustained for several minutes to char the body and cause the subcutaneous fat to begin rendering.
In the test reported here, a freshly-slaughtered pig carcass with a net weight of 215 lb. (95 kg) was wrapped in a cotton blanket and placed on a carpet-covered plywood panel. The fire was initiated using 1 L of gasoline poured on the shoulder area of the blanketwrapped carcass. The gasoline burned off within 4 min, having ignited a large area of the blanket and adjoining carpet. Flames from those fuel packages resulted in the establishment of a steady-state fire sustained by the rendering of the body fat, with the necessary wick provided by the charred cotton blanket and carpet. The heat release rate of this fire was 60 ± 10 kW, with flames less than 12 in. (0.35 m) high for its duration. The fire sustained itself by the rendering process for more than 6½ h from ignition, at which time it was extinguished. An average mass loss rate of 1.5 g/s (5.3 kg/h) was observed during the self-sustained fire. Extensive destruction of the carcass (more than 60% by weight) included reduction of large bones to a fragile, ashen state. Other test data will demonstrate the similarity between subcutaneous fat from human and porcine sources. The implications for the reconstruction of accidental and homicidal fires involving such destruction will be discussed.
Latent Fingerprint Detection Using a Scanning Kelvin Microprobe
Authors: Williams G , Neil McMurray H , Worsley DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Electrochemical interactions between latent human fingerprints and metal surfaces in ambient air are investigated using a scanning Kelvin microprobe. Inorganic salts present in sweat deposited at fingerprint ridges locally depassivate the metal surface producing a Volta potential decrease of greater than 200 mV. Volta potential patterns may persist for months and prints may be visualized by potential mapping, even when overcoated with a polymer layer. Because the Volta potential differences are produced by involatile salts they persist when the organic components of the fingerprint residue have been volatilized by heating to 600°C.
DNA-Based Identification and Molecular Systematics of Forensically Important Sarcophagidae (Diptera)
Authors: Wells JD , Pape T , Sperling FAH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sarcophagid flies have many characteristics that make them ideal forensic indicators. However, their utility is severely limited because it is difficult or impossible to determine the species of a sarcophagid larva, and in many instances an adult specimen, based on anatomy. We developed a database of mitochondrial DNA sequence data that makes it possible to identify all sarcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a human corpse at an urban location in Canada or the USA. Analyses were based on a 783 base pair region of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). The species analyzed, including some of no forensic importance that were included for purposes of phylogenetic comparisons, were members of the genera Sarcophaga, Peckia, Blaesoxipha, Ravinia, Wohlfahrtia, Brachicoma (all Sarcophagidae), and Musca (Muscidae).
The Fin de Millénaire Duty to Warn or Protect
Authors: Felthous AR , Kachigian C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
At the turn of the millennium, the authors summarize the evolution of a clinician's duty to protect third persons from a patient's violent acts over the past half century, with special emphasis on jurisprudential developments in the last decade. Four evolutionary periods are identified: Pre-Tarasoff, Inception, Diversification, and Retreat. The period of Retreat from Tarasoff in the nineties is characterized by the following approaches to Tarasoff: adoption, statutory containment, rejection of a duty to warn, rejection of a duty to control voluntary patients, and proactive circumscription of any protective duties. A more rational jurisprudential approach would permit some measure of flexibility for the proper exercise of clinical discretion.
Investigating the Role of Screen Violence in Specific Homicide Cases
Authors: Meloy JR , Mohandie K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Despite a substantial body of research indicating a significant and causal empirical relationship between viewing what the authors label “screen violence” and behaving violently, little attention has been paid to the forensic psychological and psychiatric investigation of these phenomena in specific homicide cases. Through the analysis of seven cases of homicide, mostly committed by adolescents, the authors introduce five concepts—aggression immersion, theme consistency, scene specificity, repetitive viewing, and self-editing—for advancing such investigations.
The Contract Murderer: Patterns, Characteristics, and Dynamics
Authors: Schlesinger LB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of an independent professional contract murderer, who killed over 100 people, is reported. After eluding law enforcement for 30 years, the subject killed several associates who he believed could implicate him in various crimes. These homicides eventually led to his arrest, since the victims were individuals who could be linked to him. This hit man had a background of poverty and childhood abuse but, as an adult, had pursued a middle-class lifestyle and kept his family totally separate from his criminal career. In addition, he had a number of characteristics that helped him carry out his crimes in a highly planned, methodical, and organized manner: he had adept social judgment; personality traits of orderliness, control, and paranoid vigilance; useful defense mechanisms of rationalization and reframing; and an exceptional ability to encapsulate emotions. This case is discussed within the context of contract murder, a crime that occurs relatively frequently and is probably increasing; yet it often goes undetected, the arrest rate is low, and the offender is rarely studied.
Focal Neurological Complications of Handcuff Application
Authors: Chariot P , Ragot F , Authier F-J , Questel F , Diamant-Berger O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The application of handcuffs may result in compression neuropathies at the wrist. The frequency of these complications is unknown. Twelve of 190 (6.3%) consecutive subjects kept in police custody presented distal neurological symptoms possibly related to handcuff application. The duration of handcuffing was significantly longer in patients with neurological symptoms than in patients without neurological symptoms (mean ± SD: 3.7 ± 5.2 h vs. 1.8 ± 2.6 h, P = 0.02). A long duration of handcuff application and, possibly, the existence of somnolence or acute alcohol intoxication could be predisposing factors to handcuff neuropathy. A prospective study of clinical and electrophysiological detection and follow up is needed.
Abstracting Data from Medical Examiner/Coroner Reports: Concordance among Abstractors and Implications for Data Reporting
Authors: Kung H-C , Hanzlick R , Spitler JF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was two-pronged: 1) to determine the level of concordance (agreement) between multiple records abstractors who extracted defined data elements from printed medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) death investigation records; and 2) to identify data items for which improved reporting could facilitate the effective use of ME/C reports and data.
Four hundred ninety four printed death investigation records were obtained from 224 medical examiner/coroner offices throughout the United States. Trained abstractors were asked to extract information for 110 data elements from investigative reports. Additional data elements for each toxicology workup were abstracted from toxicology laboratory reports and six-digit AIS codes were also abstracted for each injury as described in autopsy reports. The ability of multiple abstractors to identify each data element and identically abstract the data was assessed using Kappa statistical methods.
Level of agreement for many data elements was very good (&gt;0.9), but for some data elements agreement was marginal to poor, especially for items related to toxicology, the nature of specific injuries, and dates, times of the occurrence of death and injury.
Many data items can be easily abstracted from ME/C records. However, some data items seem difficult to abstract reliably in all cases. Standardizing the report formats used by ME/Cs and/or standardizing the electronic storage of ME/C data would make the abstraction of such data easier and improve the usefulness of ME/C data.
Fatal Descent from Height in New York City
Authors: Gill JR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
All deaths due to descent from height that underwent autopsy at the Manhattan Office of Chief Medical Examiner of New York City over a two year period (1997–1999) were reviewed. The scene and autopsy findings, psychiatric history, and toxicology results were examined. There were 120 deaths: 77 suicides, 36 accidents, 5 undertermined, and 2 homicides. Psychiatric illness was reported in 86% of suicides. The toxicological detection of psychiatric medications supports the high percentage of psychiatric disease in the suicide group. In the accidental group, the detection of ethanol and illicit drugs was higher (36%) than expected from the case investigation and similar to the suicide group (29%). Accidental falls by women made up fewer than 3% of all manners. Due to the variation in the extent of injuries, it is unwise to attempt to conclude how high a person descended based on the autopsy findings. Descents into water commonly have minimal findings on external examination with marked internal injuries. The methods of investigation and criteria for death certification using the study results are discussed.