bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Contact Shotgun Wounds of the Head Produced by Different Gauge Shotguns
Authors: Harruff RC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A series of 89 contact shotgun wounds of the head were evaluated to compare the extent of wounding produced by different gauge shotguns. Twelve gauge shotguns were the most common, accounting for 69% of the cases, followed by 20 gauge (18%), 410 caliber (10%), and 16 gauge (3%). The mouth was the most common entry site, used in 62% of cases. Comparison of contact intraoral shotgun wounds revealed statistically significant differences between 12 gauge and 20 gauge wounds. Whereas the extent of internal destruction was similar with both gauges, intraoral 12 gauge shotgun wounds caused bursting of the head with lacerations of the face, forehead, and scalp in 74% of cases, while only 9% of 20 gauge wounds produced a similar extent of external disruption. The external head remained fully intact in 55% of 20 gauge intraoral wounds. To account for the threshold effect for head bursting between 20 gauge and 12 gauge shotgun blasts, commercial shotshell and reloading data were analyzed. While there was considerable overlap between the two gauges, a common 12 gauge load would generate 50% more kinetic energy and 40% greater volume of gas than a common 20 gauge load. Comparison of shotgun blasts at entry sites outside of the mouth showed similar differences. Wounds from .410 shotguns were similar to those from 20 gauge weapons, and 16 gauge shotguns produced wounds intermediate between 20 and 12 gauge.
Studies on Age Estimation Using Racemization of Aspartic Acid in Cementum
Authors: Ohtani S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An attempt was made to estimate the age of cementum using the racemization method, which focuses on the ratio of D- and L-aspartic acids (referred to as the ‘D/L ratio’). Using the whole cementum, the correlation coefficients between the D/L ratio and age were r = 0.984 to 0.997. When the use of incisors and premolars was compared, the former gave better results than the latter. We then made a comparison of cementum, enamel and dentin, using a first premolar from the same individual. For each component tissue the correlation of D/L ratio with the actual age was calculated and the highest value was shown for dentin at r = 0.992, followed by cementum at r = 0.988 and enamel at r = 0.961. These results show that the racemization reaction in cementum proceeds at a constant rate, and confirm that cementum, like dentin, is a tissue with very low metabolism. Therefore, it is clear that accurate estimation of age is practically possible using the amino acid racemization method for cementum.
Internally Concealed Cocaine: Analytical and Diagnostic Aspects
Authors: Bogusz MJ , Althoff H , Erkens M , Maier R-D , Hofmann R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Thirty persons arrested at Frankfurt airport for smuggling internally concealed cocaine in 1993/1994 were investigated. An X-ray examination (in all 30 cases), immunochemical examination of urine (in 27 cases) and of saliva (in 20 cases) was performed in parallel. An X-ray examination gave positive results in all examined persons. EMIT® cocaine metabolite assay (cut off 300 ng benzoylecgonine (BE)/mL) was positive in eight urine samples. After reducing the cut off to 150 ng BE/mL urine, eleven samples were classified as positive. The results were confirmed by means of chromatographic determinations. These findings showed limited role of immunological examination of urine as a screening test in suspected smuggling of internally concealed drugs. All saliva samples showed negative immunochemical results.
The number of concealed containers ranged from 44 to 135 per person. The amount of cocaine hydrochloride found in particular cases ranged from 242 to 1050 g net weight, divided into containers weighing from 5.7 to 13.8 g. Drug packages were obviously machine-made. The packages smuggled by a particular person were uniform. However, a distinct interpersonal variability in drug packages was observed, in regard to the number of protective layers (4–7), size, weight, and cocaine purity. This may be helpful for the identification of production site.
The leaching of cocaine from selected containers was investigated in a stirring bath and was independent of the conditions applied.
Evaluation of Data Treatment Techniques for Improved Analysis of Fingerprint Images
Authors: Vigo GP , Hueber DM , Vo-Dinh T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We evaluated four different methods for data treatment of fingerprint images. The first two methods (Lee's method, and Iterative Automated Noise Filtering method) are used to remove signal-independent additive noise from digital images of fingerprints. The two other methods (low-pass and high-pass wavelet filtering), based on the wavelet transform, are employed not only to reduce the noise, but also to enhance the information of the fingerprints, especially details at the ridges. To evaluate these four filtering techniques we analyzed images of various fingerprints provided by the Police Department of Knoxville, Tennessee, and recorded digitally in the laboratory using inexpensive apparatus. Experimental results show that the methods are effective in diverse cases and have potential in forensic analysis of fingerprints.
Combined Homicide-Suicides: A Review
Authors: Felthous AR , Hempel A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Although the rate of combined homicide-suicides is low compared with that for suicide alone or homicide, homicide-suicides generate much public concern. In some cases, the homicide-suicide involves annihilation of an entire family or multiple nonfamily members. A difficult phenomenon to study—in part because the perpetrator is dead—it is, nonetheless, crucial to attempt to advance our understanding of this tragic phenomenon from a psychiatric view. This literature review then addresses demographic variables; proposes two classifications, one based on psychopathology, the other on the relationship between offender and victim; and suggests a three dimensional analytical approach to understanding homicide-suicide: 1) psychopathology and ego deficits of the perpetrator, 2) cumulative and precipitating stressors, and 3) motivation and vector of destructive urges against self and the other victim(s) [1]. Finally, some implications for mental health clinicians and forensic experts are offered.
In attempting to understand acts of homicide-suicide, inquiry into the following dimensions should be useful: Ego Weakness. What type of mental disorder(s), psychopathology, or personality traits may have contributed to the homicidal-suicidal behavior? Stressors. What type of acute and chronic stressors did the individual experience leading up to this act? Vectors. Whom did the individual select to kill and why? Were some victims more clearly primary and others secondary or incidental?
Microchemical Spot Tests in Toolmark Examination
Authors: Novoselsky Y , Glattstein B , Volkov N , Zeichner A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The use of spot tests to find traces of metals quickly on the cutting regions of the tool blades submitted for toolmarks comparison is reported. Two cases are presented. The cutting of a padlock by a bolt cutter and the cutting of electric wire by fingernail clipper.
Use of a Fiber Optic Probe for the Detection and Identification of Explosive Materials by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Hayward IP , Kirkbride TE , Batchelder DN , Lacey RJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A fiber optic probe has been developed that allows Raman spectra to be acquired remotely from a spectrometer. This system has been used to acquire spectra from explosive materials. In this study we demonstrate that it is sufficiently sensitive to rapidly detect traces of PETN in fingerprints of Semtex-Hexplosive. Further development of similar systems will enable the detection and non-destructive identification of contraband materials in the field.
Tandem Bullet Versus Multiple Gunshot Wounds
Authors: Jentzen JM , Lutz M , Templin R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The differentiation of tandem bullets fired simultaneously versus multiple bullets fired separately entering through a single entrance wound may present difficulty in wound interpretation for the forensic pathologist. The authors present a case report of three separate projectiles entering through a single perforation. The differentiation of projectiles fired in tandem and multiple single projectiles is discussed.
A Bayesian Approach to Adult Human Age Estimation from Dental Observations by Johanson's Age Changes
Authors: Lucy D , Aykroyd RG , Pollard AM , Solheim T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Much of the data which appears in the forensic and archaeological literature is ordinal or categorical. This is particularly true of the age related indicators presented by Gustafson [1] in his method of human adult age estimation using the structural changes in human teeth. This technique is still being modified and elaborated. However, the statistical methods of regression analysis employed by Gustafson and others are not particularly appropriate to this type of data, but are still employed because alternatives have not yet been explored. This paper presents a novel approach based upon the application of Bayes' theorem to ordinal and categorical data, which overcomes many of the problems associated with regression analysis.
Comparison of Individual Carpet Fibers Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
Authors: Koons RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provides the capability for elemental characterization of individual carpet fibers of a few millimeters in length. XRF is rapid, nondestructive, and provides adequate sensitivity to detect the presence of a variety of elements added to carpet fibers during their manufacture. Several metallic elements are commonly observed in automotive carpet fibers and are less frequently present in the residential carpet fibers in this study, making source classification of these fibers at least partially successful. Qualitative comparison of X-ray spectra may also provide some discrimination capability when used in conjunction with optical microscopy and polymer characterization.
Postgraduate Forensic Science Education in Turkey
Authors: Atasoy S , Sedat Cologlu A , Abaci-Kalfoglu E , Polat O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Legal medicine in Turkey, has an educational background that goes back to 1839 and the first autopsy in modern terms was performed in 1841. In the early days, it was common practice for those involved in this work to extend their investigative knowledge into areas not directly concerned with medical matters. However forensic medical investigations cannot be entrusted in the hands of single investigators, but should rather be dealt with by cooperative groups of experts nowadays.
This need was the major force for the establishment of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences by a special article of the law (§2547) as a training and research center in 1982.
The Institute being the first and only institution giving master's and doctorate degrees in Forensic Sciences, has 3 major departments: 1) Medical Sciences Department, 2) Basic Sciences Department and 3) Social Sciences Department.
Graduates of various fields ranging from medical doctors specialized in any field, biologists, chemists to lawyers, district attorneys, psychologists and other related fields are composing the multidisciplinary structure of the institute.
The main research fields of the Institute are: population genetics, paternity investigation, child abuse, and identification of human remains.
Poppy Seeds: Differences in Morphine and Codeine Content and Variation in Inter- and Intra-Individual Excretion
Authors: Pelders MG , Ros JJW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Poppy seeds from seven different origins (Dutch, Australian, Hungarian, Spanish, Czech, and two Turkish) were analyzed for the amount of opiates present. Four grams of each kind of seeds, equivalent to the amount of seeds on two bagels, were ingested by volunteers. One volunteer also ingested four times the same amount of poppy seeds from the same origin (Spanish). During 24 hours urine samples were obtained and screened for the presence of morphine and codeine using the FPIA technique (cut-off = 200 ng/mL) and a GC/MS confirmation with a limit of detection (LOD) of 25 ng/mL for codeine and morphine. Poppy seeds from different origins contain a wide variation of morphine (2–251 µg/g) and codeine (0.4–57.1 µg/g) content. No other opiate could be detected. After ingestion a large interindividual variation of excretion of opiates exists. The testing results from the same kind of seeds ingested four times with a one week interval by the same volunteer also show a poor reproduceability. Several kinds of poppy seeds can give positive testing results (Australian, Hungarian, spanish and one kind of Turkish seeds). Within 24 hours all testing results became negative.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Analysis with Fluorescence Detection of Ethyl Centralite and 2,4-Dinitrotoluene in Gunshot Residues After Derivatization with 9-Fluorenylmethylchloroformate
Authors: Meng H-H , Caddy B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method using 9-fluorenylmethylchloroformate (FMOC) as fluorogenic labeling reagent for the detection of ethyl centralite (EC) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in gunshot residues is reported. Residues were sampled with cotton wool swabs which were then extracted and the extracts cleaned by TLC. The sample spots on the TLC plate were scraped off and extracted to recover the analytes. The extract corresponding to EC was hydrolyzed while 2,4-DNT was reduced. The hydrolysis and reduction products (N-ethylaniline and 2,4-diaminotoluene, respectively) were derivatized with FMOC in alkaline buffer solution at 52°C for 20 min. The derivatives were analyzed by a reversed-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The detection limits for EC and 2,4-DNT were 200 pg and 1 ng per standard sample, respectively. Three out of eleven kinds of gunpowders analyzed were found to contain EC, while another three were found to contain 2,4-DNT. According to the results of gunpowder analysis, two different kinds of ammunition, which were presumed to contain EC in one and 2,4-DNT in the other, were chosen for test firings. Ethyl centralite was detected in cotton swabs sampled from spent cartridge cases of both of these two kinds of ammunition, but 2,4-DNT was not detected in any of these spent cases. Nine out of twelve samples swabbed from shooting hands at various times after firing two rounds of either kind of ammunition were found to contain EC, while none of these swabs were found to contain 2,4-DNT. The quantities of EC recovered from these hand swabs were shown to be in the range of 0.6 to 4.0 ng.
Co-Morbidity of Alcoholism and the Paraphilias
Authors: Allnutt SH , Bradford JMW , Greenberg DM , Curry S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Alcoholism has been related to a wide variety of crimes. Various authors have studied the prevalence of alcoholism in relationship to incest, rape and pedophilia. This study evaluates the co-morbidity of alcoholism and the specific paraphilias including sexual sadism, fetishism, incest, pedophilia, exhibitionism and transvestism. Rapists were included although by definition it is not strictly a paraphilic disorder. Seven hundred and twenty eight paraphilic individuals were evaluated. More than 50% of sexual sadists were alcoholics. Alcoholism in association with sexual sadists was statistically significant as compared to transvestites, rapists, pedophiles, and incest offenders. Transvestism had the lowest relative rate of alcoholism. The authors discuss these findings and the role alcoholism plays in causing violent sexual behavior in individuals with paraphilias.
Deaths Due to Foreign Body Aspiration in Children: The Continuing Hazard of Toy Balloons
Authors: Lifschultz BD , Donoghue ER 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Asphyxia due to aspiration of a foreign body is a common cause of accidental death in children. Foreign body aspiration is the most likely cause of accidental fatalities in children under 1-year-of-age. Children may die due to airway obstruction by food objects such as hot dogs, nuts, candies, grapes, seeds, and egg shells. Non-food objects such as balloons, coins, pop tops of beverage cans, pills, safety pins, ball bearings, marbles, and baby powder also may be fatally aspirated. To better understand and help prevent this well recognized health risk to children, we reviewed 10 years of cases at the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office in which deaths in children 14-years-of-age and younger were due to aspiration of foreign objects. The most common item that caused fatal aspiration in our series was a toy balloon.
HPLC Analysis of Solvent Yellow 124—The Marker in Diesel Oil
Authors: Nielsen Sundberg L , Andrasko J , Wistedt I , Kopp I 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method for the analysis of Solvent Yellow 124, a new marker added in diesel oil and sold in Sweden is presented. The method we describe involves analysis by HPLC on a normal phase column.
The diesel samples were injected directly onto the column. No enrichment of the marker prior to analysis was necessary and quantitative analyzing was possible at concentrations above 0.05 mg/L. The quantitative analysis was improved by the use of an internal standard (Pigment Yellow 3). The use of toxic solvents in the mobile phase was avoided.
“Hyperacute” Subdural Hematoma: CT Mimic of Recurrent Episodes of Bleeding in the Setting of Child Abuse
Authors: Sargent S , Kennedy JG , Kaplan JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Mixed density extraaxial hematomae on computed tomography (CT) scanning generally represent recurrent episodes of bleeding (chronic subdural hematoma with rebleeding). Hyperacute hemorrhages in which the patient is actively bleeding or has a coagulopathy have also been described as mixed density (1). We report a case of child abuse in a fourteen month old child who presented with a CT scan showing a mixed density subdural hematoma which was originally interpreted as recurrent episodes of hemorrhage, but who had evidence of only acute, active bleeding at surgery and by histologic examination.
There is a proportionally high incidence of subdural hematoma in cases of child abuse, due in part to the increased susceptibility of the immature brain to trauma. Because the mechanism of injury is different for hemorrhage due to hyperacute subdural hematoma (SDH) and that of acute bleeding within a chronic SDH, the distinction between these entities has potentially important legal implications in cases of suspected child abuse. This potential pitfall in interpretation of the CT scan has not to our knowledge been reported in the forensic literature.
Not Under the Hammer: A Revolver Suicide
Authors: Lew EO , Kennington RH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The only inconsistent finding at the scene was that the single fired cartridge casing in the latched revolver cylinder was not under the hammer. This inconsistency is explained by the discovery that the revolver cylinder can be hand-indexed in reverse. The revelation that the casing does not have to be under the hammer may be a novel concept to many investigators.
Sleep in Populations ofDrosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Liu Chang , Haynes Paula R. , Donelson Nathan C. , Aharon Shani , Griffith Leslie C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe fruit flyDrosophila melanogasteris a diurnal insect active during the day with consolidated sleep at night. Social interactions between pairs of flies have been shown to affect locomotor activity patterns, but effects on locomotion and sleep patterns have not been assessed for larger populations. Here, we use a commercially available locomotor activity monitor (LAM25H) system to record and analyze sleep behavior. Surprisingly, we find that same-sex populations of flies synchronize their sleep/wake activity, resulting in a population sleep pattern, which is similar but not identical to that of isolated individuals. Like individual flies, groups of flies show circadian and homeostatic regulation of sleep, as well as sexual dimorphism in sleep pattern and sensitivity to starvation and a known sleep-disrupting mutation (amnesiac). Populations of flies, however, exhibit distinct sleep characteristics from individuals. Differences in sleep appear to be due to olfaction-dependent social interactions and change with population size and sex ratio. These data support the idea that it is possible to investigate neural mechanisms underlying the effects of population behaviors on sleep by directly looking at a large number of animals in laboratory conditions.
Collaborative protein filaments
Authors: Ghosal Debnath , Löwe Jan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIt is now well established that prokaryotic cells assemble diverse proteins into dynamic cytoskeletal filaments that perform essential cellular functions. Although most of the filaments assemble on their own to form higher order structures, growing evidence suggests that there are a number of prokaryotic proteins that polymerise only in the presence of a matrix such as DNA, lipid membrane or even another filament. Matrix‐assisted filament systems are frequently nucleotide dependent and cytomotive but rarely considered as part of the bacterial cytoskeleton. Here, we categorise this family of filament‐forming systems as collaborative filaments and introduce a simple nomenclature. Collaborative filaments are frequent in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes and are involved in vital cellular processes including chromosome segregation, DNA repair and maintenance, gene silencing and cytokinesis to mention a few. In this review, we highlight common principles underlying collaborative filaments and correlate these with known functions.
Plant functional traits of dominant native and invasive species in mediterranean‐climate ecosystems
Authors: Funk Jennifer L. , Standish Rachel J. , Stock William D. , Valladares Fernando 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe idea that dominant invasive plant species outperform neighboring native species through higher rates of carbon assimilation and growth is supported by several analyses of global data sets. However, theory suggests that native and invasive species occurring in low‐resource environments will be functionally similar, as environmental factors restrict the range of observed physiological and morphological trait values. We measured resource‐use traits in native and invasive plant species across eight diverse vegetation communities distributed throughout the five mediterranean‐climate regions, which are drought prone and increasingly threatened by human activities, including the introduction of exotic species. Traits differed strongly across the five regions. In regions with functional differences between native and invasive species groups, invasive species displayed traits consistent with high resource acquisition; however, these patterns were largely attributable to differences in life form. We found that species invading mediterranean‐climate regions were more likely to be annual than perennial: three of the five regions were dominated by native woody species and invasive annuals. These results suggest that trait differences between native and invasive species are context dependent and will vary across vegetation communities. Native and invasive species within annual and perennial groups had similar patterns of carbon assimilation and resource use, which contradicts the widespread idea that invasive species optimize resource acquisition rather than resource conservation.