bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex Determination from the Tibia: Standards for Contemporary Japan
Authors: İşcan MY , Yoshino M , Kato S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
It is vital that skeletal biologists and forensic anthropologists observe populations over time so that changes can be detected and monitored. The purpose of this study is to determine if temporal changes are manifest in the skeleton and, if so, develop appropriate standards to determine sex from the tibia in the contemporary inhabitants of Japan. Osteometric data were obtained from 84 recent Japanese skeletons located at Jikei Medical University, Tokyo. The collection was assembled from the anatomy dissecting room between 1960–1970. With a mean age of about 56 years for males and 51 for females, this sample represents individuals who lived through WWII. Seven tibial measurements were taken and subjected to SPSS-X discriminant function analysis. Results indicated that proximal and distal breadth measurements were selected by the stepwise procedure as the most discriminating. In addition, a number of combinations of measurements were used to develop formulae that would be suitable for fragmentary bones. Average prediction accuracy ranged from 80% from minimum shaft circumference to 89% with proximal epiphyseal breadth. Classification accuracy was higher in males (96%) than in females (79%). Compared with earlier studies of the Japanese, Jikei tibiae are longer, especially in females and thus exhibit less sexual dimorphism. The present research provides new standards that better reflect the Japanese people of today. Furthermore, unlike earlier length based formulae, these results allow sexing from fragmentary bones.
Differentiation of Automotive and Locomotive Lubricant Oil
Authors: Espinoza EO , Mann MJ , Leonardo L , Copeland A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Migratory waterfowl can confuse open oil pits for freshwater ponds. These open pits lead to waterfowl death. Frequently the pits contain oil and waste lubricant oil from automotive or locomotive origin. Automotive lubricant oil contains zinc dithiophosphate, a detergent and dispersant chemical additive. Locomotive lubricant oils do not contain zinc dithiophosphate. A GC-MS and XRF technique is presented that allows for the characterization of used lubricant oil as to being from automotive of locomotive sources. Identification of the oil source aids in the prosecution of open oil pit owners.
The Isolation and Identification of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) from Sugar Cubes and a Liquid Substrate
Authors: Kilmer SD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This report describes a simplified extraction technique for the analysis of LSD by GC/MS. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Forensic Laboratory recently received two suspected LSD cases involving four sugar cubes and seven food coloring bottles each containing a liquid substance. Following the extraction described in this report, both cases were subsequently confirmed by GC/MS and quantitated by HPLC.
Can Microorganisms Produce Alcohol in Body Cavities of a Living Person?: A Case Report
Authors: Moriya F , Ishizu H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Unusual endogenous ethanol production in intraabdominal bloody fluid of an individual who was stabbed in the abdomen and who developed peritonitis after a peritoneotomy is discussed. In the intraabdominal bloody fluid, 2.45 mg/g ethanol and 0.079 mg/g n-propanol were detected. The level of ethanol in the heart blood was about 1 mg/g. The level of n-propanol indicates that a large quantity of ethanol was produced endogenously in the intraabdominal bloody fluid. In an animal experiment in which rats were injected with 20 mL of 10% glucose mixed 5:1 with a presumed volume of rat blood into the abdominal cavity after injury of the small intestine to allow enterobacteria to spread into the cavity, a significant quantity of ethanol was produced in the administered fluid while the animals were alive. The antemortem ethanol production in the intraabdominal bloody fluid of the victim might have been caused by the microorganisms responsible for the peritonitis after the operation.
Operational Experience of Fingermark Enhancement by Frequency Domain Filtering
Authors: Bramble SK , Jackson GR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fourier transformation of an image and subsequent filtering in the frequency domain has been found to be an effective way to improve images of fingermarks on interfering backgrounds. Examples are given of success in reducing periodic backgrounds that would otherwise have prevented fingermark identification. In addition, it has been found that better background suppression is obtained when high-resolution images are used.
Evaluation of Hinf I-Generated VNTR Profile Frequencies Determined Using Various Ethnic Databases
Authors: Budowle B , Monson KL , Giusti AM , Brown BL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Concerns have been raised about hypothetical problems arising from the use of statistics for determining the likelihood of occurrence of DNA profiles for forensic purposes. A major contention is that reference databases based on subgroups of a major population category rather than on general (or major) population groups, might yield large differences in the estimated likelihood of occurrence of DNA profiles. This hypothetical issue is based on the assertion by some people that the differences among subgroups within a race would be greater than between races (at least for forensic purposes). To evaluate the effects of the above concern the likelihood of occurrence of 615 Hinf I-generated target DNA profiles was estimated using fixed bin frequencies from various ethnic databases and the multiplication rule. Based on the data in this study, differences in allele frequencies at a particular locus do not have substantial effects on VNTR profile frequency estimates when subgroup reference databases from within a major population group are compared. In contrast, the greatest variation in statistical estimates occurs across-major population groups. Therefore, the assertion, by some critics that the differences among subgroups within a race would be greater than between races (at least for forensic purposes), is unfounded. The data in the study support that comparisons across major population groups provide valid estimates of DNA profile frequencies without forensically significant consequences. The data do not support the need for alternate procedures, such as the ceiling principle approach, for deriving statistical estimates of DNA profile frequencies.
Accuracy of Sex Determination Using Morphological Traits of the Human Pelvis
Authors: Rogers T , Saunders S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study assesses the accuracy and reliability of 17 individual morphological traits of the pelvis frequently used to determine the sex of human skeletal remains. A sample of 49 right and left adult hip bones and sacra of documented individuals were available from an historic church cemetery dating from the 19th century. A hypothetical ranking of the accuracy of traits was drawn from the literature. Next, individual traits were evaluated for precision and accuracy of observations, and combinations of two and three traits were evaluated for their collective effectiveness as sex indicators. The effect of age on the accuracy of traits for sex determination was also examined. Precision of traits was generally good. Several combinations of three criteria produced higher levels of accuracy than the trait list as a whole. A total of six traits was judged to be most effective as sex discriminators because of low intraobserver error levels and better than 83% accuracy rates. There was no indication of an age effect on the precision or accuracy of these traits although sample sizes are small.
The Incompetent Defendant: Support Systems Help Avoid Future Legal Problems
Authors: Brown DL , Felthous AR , Barratt ES , Stanford M , Brown LA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Reducing crime and improving efficiency of our criminal justice system should be facilitated by identifying how to treat and manage mental health patients who are prone to committing criminal acts more effectively. A total of 142 competency evaluations were reviewed from cases evaluated by the Galveston County Forensic Psychiatrist from 1984 to 1990. Examination of data from these defendants allowed us to address the psychiatric needs of these defendants in terms of contact with the mental health system, particularly those who had more than one criminal justice system contact. The latter defendants lacked social support systems and consistent mental health system follow-up to provide stabilization of their condition. It was felt that this was a factor in their more frequent contact with the criminal justice system.
A Study of Deaths Involving Oxycodone
Authors: Drummer OH , Syrjanen ML , Phelan M , Cordner SM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Nine deaths involving oxycodone were investigated to assess the contribution of this opiate to these fatalities. All except one of the bodies were subjected to a full autopsy by specialist pathologists with a subsequent thorough toxicological examination. No significant anatomical pathology was found at autopsy. All deaths gave concentrations of oxycodone in femoral blood higher than expected following normal therapeutic use. In three cases no other drug in toxic concentrations was detected. Two cases involved the presence of a high concentration of a benzodiazepine and in a further two cases a high concentration of alcohol in addition to other drugs in therapeutic concentrations were present. One case involved methamphetamine in significant concentrations and another involved high concentrations of oxazepam in combination with pethidine. In all cases the presence of oxycodone was given as a factor contributing to the death. In only one case were there circumstances clearly indicating suicide. Our observations suggest that oxycodone is at least as toxic as other opiates and will cause deaths if misused.
An Unusual Explosive Find
Authors: McDermott SD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In July 1992, ten bottles containing explosives were unearthed on a farm. The explosives were found to be a chlorate/dinitro-toluene mixture similar to a type used in World War 1. The bottles were found to date from circa 1920. The explosive cache was probably in the ditch for more than 70 years.
Databased Classification System for Shoe Sole Patterns—Identification of Partial Footwear Impression Found at a Scene of Crime
Authors: Mikkonen S , Astikainen T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An image related databased classification system was developed for shoe sole pattern designs. Sole designs are stored with shoe information (brand name, size, style, material, etc.), pattern types and certain features existing on shoe soles or in footwear impressions, and they are used as searching criteria. There are two different classification code systems in the database. Preliminary classification is a very broad classification, and it is meant for shoe sole pattern designs and full shoe sole impressions. Feature classification is designed especially concerning partial footwear impressions, and its classification codes are based on defined basic shapes and certain principles, which facilitate also partial footwear impressions storing, shoe sole designs identifying for partial impressions and the elimination of interpretation error while classifying. User-friendly software makes the classification easy and searches rapid and effective.
DNA Extraction Strategies for Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Comey CT , Koons BW , Presley KW , Smerick JB , Sobieralski CA , Stanley DM , Baechtel FS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A polymerase chain reaction-based DNA typing method, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AMP-FLP) analysis, has shown promise as a means of analyzing forensic biological evidence. A variety of DNA extraction methods were evaluated for their suitability for AMP-FLP analysis. Factors that were considered in the evaluation included DNA yield, ability of DNA to be amplified, the presence of DNA fragments other than those expected for the alleles in the sample, and differential amplification of different sized alleles for a sample. An initial screen of eight extraction methods was conducted on bloodstains deposited on cotton sheeting. These methods included Chelex® 100, organic extraction followed by Centricon 100® (Amicon, Inc., Beverly, MA) dialysis and concentration, Geneclean™ (Bio 101, La Jolla, CA), GlassMax™ columns (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, MD); GlasPac™ (National Scientific Supply Co., Inc., San Rafael, CA), Qiaex (Qiagen Inc., Chatsworth, CA), Elu-Quik™ (Schleicher and Schuell, Keene, NH), and DNA Capture Reagent (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, MD). Then, four methods, Chelex® 100 extraction, organic extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, organic extraction followed by Centricon 100® (Amicon, Inc., Beverly, MA) dialysis and concentration, and Geneclean were evaluated on blood and semen stains. These stains were deposited on a variety of substrates, including cotton sheeting, denim, wallboard, nylon, wood, and carpet. The effect of addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the amplification reaction was also examined. The method judged most suitable for AMP-FLP analysis was organic extraction followed by Centricon 100® dialysis and concentration, with BSA added to the amplification reaction. Additionally, a modification of an existing differential extraction procedure for separating non-sperm from sperm DNA was developed.
Identification of Sperm and Non-Sperm Male Cells in Cervicovaginal Smears Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization: Applications in Alleged Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Collins KA , Nagesh Rao P , Hayworth R , Schnell S , Tap MP , Lantz PE , Geisinger KR , Pettenati MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The identification of spermatozoa or constituents of seminal fluid is critical in the evaluation of alleged sexual assault victims. However, failure to identify sperm and/or elevated levels of acid phosphatase can occur for a variety of reasons. Molecular techniques, such as molecular cytogenetic analysis offers new approaches to improve on the identification of male cells in alleged sexual assault cases.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a Y chromosome specific DNA probe was applied to archival cervicovaginal smears from 41 alleged sexual assault cases to identify Y-bearing (male) cells. FISH identified Y-bearing sperm and non-serm cells in 78% of the cases previously confirmed to have sperm. FISH also identified Y-bearing non-sperm male cells in 39% of the cases in which cytology did not detect spermatozoa; in one of these instances, it also detected sperm. Cervicovaginal acid phosphatase levels, determined at the time of the cervicovaginal smears, were also compared with the presence or absence of Y-positive cells. Application of this technique can detect non-spermatozoic male cells in routine cervicovaginal smears of sexual assault victims.
Assessing Ethnicity from Human Mitochondrial DNA Types Determined by Hybridization with Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotides
Authors: Connor A , Stoneking M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A logistic regression model was developed to predict ethnic group from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) types determined by hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes of the two hypervariable segments of the mtDNA control region. The model was developed with, and tested against, a previously reported data set of 525 individuals from five ethnic groups (African-American, Southeast Asian, Caucasian, Japanese, and Mexican) involving 23 probes at nine regions within the two hypervariable segments [1]. The model correctly predicted the ethnic group of 65.3% of the overall sample; however, the success rate varied substantially among ethnic groups, with the most success obtained with Caucasians (81% correctly classified). A discriminant analysis yielded similar results. An example is given of using the model to predict the ethnic group of an SSO-type from a forensic case. Such models provide alternatives to traditional skeletal-based methods of predicting ethnicity, especially in cases where skeletal material is absent or incomplete.
Evaluating Low-Speed Rear-End Impact Severity and Resultant Occupant Stress Parameters
Authors: Rosenbluth W , Hicks L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Automotive Systems Analysis, Inc. (ASA) and Lowell Hicks, Inc. (LHI) have developed a ground-up set of sensor instrumentation and recording method to document vehicle-artifact/occupant-stress parameters occurring from a continuing series of low-speed rear-end multi-vehicle impact tests (≈ 2 to 8 MPH). This work has four goal areas: 1) calculate impacted vehicle (TARGET) barrier equivalent velocity (BEV) from isolator Artifacts; 2) correlate calculated BEV' to occupant stress; 3) calibrate injury potential of occupant stress impulse; 4) compare occupant stress with everyday volunteer activities.
The test collision series now includes several different vehicle pairs with varying impact/escape speeds, weight ratios, and parallel parameters from a driver side manikin and passenger side volunteer.
Observable physical vehicle isolator artifacts (piston stroke scrapes) were compared with computer-recorded linear sensor time traces, and these data were fitted to a ‘calculated BEV’ worksheet/algorithm. The worksheet/algorithm method shown here was found to be reasonably repeatable, per vehicle model and series tested.
Next, manikin and vounteer occupant stress data, measured along with TARGET vehicle BEVs, were charted and compared with injury-threshold-impulse criteria referenced in the literature.
Lastly, the occupant-stress impulses were compared with sample stress impulses for various volunteer physical activities, as a practical calibration of vehicle occupant stress.
A Cognitive Model of Dangerous Delusional Misidentification Syndromes
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Leong GB , Garza-Treviño ES , Le Grand J , Oliva D , Weinstock R , Bowden CL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The hallmark of the delusional misidentification syndromes is the presence of a misidentification delusion of the self or others. Delusional misidentification may present with an increased risk for dangerous behaviors. Individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes may express hostility in ways ranging from serious verbal threats to homicidal acts. The causes of dangerous misidentification delusions remain for the most part undetermined. In this article, we report a series of six cases of individuals who harbored dangerous misidentification delusions. These individuals were studied phenomenologically and forensically. They were also studied biologically, including neuropsychological testing. A cognitive hypothesis aimed at explaining dangerousness and delusional misidentification is proposed. Implications of the hypothesis for further research are briefly outlined.
Collection of Fiber Evidence Using Water-Soluble Cellophane Tape
Authors: Chable J , Roux C , Lennard C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The collection and preservation of microtraces, such as fibers, using cellophane tape is generally accepted as being very practical and efficient. At the scene of a crime, for example, this means of sample collection is both easy and rapid, which explains in part its popularity. However, in addition to a very low specificity (high background), this technique suffers from one major disadvantage: the microtraces must undergo a long and tedious pretreatment before any detailed analysis is possible. This pretreatment involves the isolation and separation of the microtrace from the tape, followed by a solvent wash (usually with xylene) to remove all trace of the adhesive.
A recently commercialized product alleviates some of the problems associated with sample collection by this means: “Mask Plus II” (No. 5414, Scotch™, St-Paul, MN) is a new cellophane tape that is completely soluble in water. Microtrace collection can be performed with this tape by the conventional lifting procedure. In the laboratory, the microtraces may then be conveniently released from the tape by immersion in warm water (60°C) with continual agitation. After solubilization of the cellophane tape, the microtraces are isolated by membrane filtration then allowed to air dry.
The described technique has been thoroughly evaluated for fiber collection with comparison of the results with those obtained using conventional cellophane tape. Particular attention has been paid to operating conditions (temperature, humidity, conservation, etc.), collection efficiency, as well as possible alterations to the fibers themselves.
Evaluation of Canines for Accelerant Detection at Fire Scenes
Authors: Kurz ME , Billard M , Rettig M , Augustiniak J , Lange J , Larsen M , Warrick R , Mohns T , Bora R , Broadus K , Hartke G , Glover B , Tankersley D , Marcouiller J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In recent years, canines have been successfully used in fire investigations to detect accelerant residues. We set out to determine the lower limits at which canines could reliably detect potential accelerants. Measured amounts ranging from 10 to as little as 0.01 μL of gasoline, kerosene, and isopars were applied to preselected spots along a continuous sample path (25 to 40 feet long) made out of burned and unburned wood or nylon carpeting strips at the testing site. Two canines were led past this sample path at least three times and positive alerts and negative responses were recorded. Both dogs were generally able to alert on spots containing 0.01 μL or more of all three accelerants, at or beyond the purge and trap recovery and gas chromatographic detection method employed. The canines did alert occasionally on background, especially that containing traces of styrene residues, either purposely added in specific amounts or formed upon partial pyrolysis of carpeting material. The dogs alerted on sites containing 0.1 to 1.0 μL of freshly applied gasoline or kerosene placed at actual heavily damaged fire scenes, but were less successful on samples containing smaller amounts.
Analysis of Heroin Drug Seizures by Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography (MECC)
Authors: Walker JA , Krueger ST , Lurie IS , Marché HL , Newby N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A rapid procedure using Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography (MECC) is presented for the quantitation of illicit heroin samples. This analytical system resolves heroin from accompanying impurities and adulterants enabling accurate quantitation via the use of an internal standard. An aqueous run buffer consisting of 40 mmol sodium dodecyl sulfate, 8.5 mmol sodium phosphate, 8.5 mmol sodium borate and 15% acetonitrile is used with a 27 cm × 50 µm fused silica capillary column. Linearity, accuracy and reproducibility studies of heroin using this method are established. Comparisons to a commonly used gas chromatographic method show excellent correlation. Due to its high resolution and speed, this MECC system also serves as a screening procedure to detect impurities and adulterants present in heroin samples. Relative migration times of various opiates and adulterants are reported. With minor exceptions, complete separation of numerous compounds is achieved within five minutes, including compounds that are difficult to analyze by gas chromatography such as morphine, O6-acetylmorphine, aspirin and salicylic acid.