bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signature Authentication by Forensic Document Examiners
Authors: Kam M , Gummadidala K , Fielding G , Conn R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We report on the first controlled study comparing the abilities of forensic document examiners (FDEs) and laypersons in the area of signature examination. Layersons and professional FDEs were given the same signature-authentication/simulation-detection task. They compared six known signatures generated by the same person with six unknown signatures. No a priori knowledge of the distribution of genuine and nongenuine signatures in the unknown signature set was available to test-takers. Three different monetary incentive schemes were implemented to motivate the laypersons.
We provide two major findings: (i) the data provided by FDEs and by laypersons in our tests were significantly different (namely, the hypothesis that there is no difference between the assessments provided by FDEs and laypersons about genuineness and nongenuineness of signatures was rejected); and (ii) the error rates exhibited by the FDEs were much smaller than those of the laypersons. In addition, we found no statistically significant differences between the data sets obtained from laypersons who received different monetary incentives.
The most pronounced differences in error rates appeared when nongenuine signatures were declared authentic (Type I error) and when authentic signatures were declared nongenuine (Type II error). Type I error was made by FDEs in 0.49% of the cases, but laypersons made it in 6.47% of the cases. Type II error was made by FDEs in 7.05% of the cases, but laypersons made it in 26.1% of the cases.
Differences in Morphological Age-Related Dental Changes Depending on Postmortem Interval
Authors: Mandojana JM , las Heras SM , Valenzuela A , Valenzuela M , Luna JD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Morphological methods for age estimation from teeth have been developed and applied to samples without taking the postmortem interval into consideration. We studied differences in morphological age-related changes between fresh extracted teeth and teeth from human skeletal remains in order to develop appropriate dental age estimation methods according to the time after death. Forty-three permanent teeth from dental patients were compared to 37 teeth obtained from human skeletal remains with a postmortem interval from 21 to 37 years. Morphological age-related changes were investigated by measuring variables on intact and half-sectioned teeth. A new computer assisted image analysis procedure to avoid subjectivity was developed to measure variables in sectioned specimens. Dental color, translucency length, attrition, cementum apposition, and secondary dentin showed higher values in teeth from human skeletal remains than in fresh extracted teeth. Variables obtained by morphometric analysis of computer-generated images (tooth length, tooth width, root length, and root area) showed higher values in fresh extracted teeth than in teeth from skeletal remains. The postmortem interval affects age-related morphological changes, and therefore different methods should be used for teeth of unknown postmortem interval.
Dental Age Estimation in Belgian Children: Demirjian's Technique Revisited
Authors: Willems G , Van Olmen A , Spiessens B , Carels C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Demirjian's dental age estimation (1,2) in children in a Belgian Caucasian population and to adapt the scoring system in case of a significant overestimation as frequently reported. We selected 2523 orthopantomograms of 1265 boys and 1258 girls, of which 2116 (1029 boys and 1087 girls) were used for estimating the dental age with the Demirjian's technique. The 407 other orthopantomograms were beyond the original age limit (1). A second sample of 355 orthopantomograms was used to evaluate the accuracy of the original method and the adapted method. A signed-rank test was performed to search for significant age differences between the obtained dental age and the chronological age. A weighted ANOVA was performed in order to adapt the scoring system for this Belgian population. The overestimation of the chronological age was confirmed. The adapted scoring system resulted in new age scores expressed in years and in a higher accuracy compared to the original method in Belgian Caucasians.
Factors in Prison Suicide: One Year Study in Texas
Authors: He X-Y , Felthous AR , Holzer CE , Nathan P , Veasey S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The goal of the study was to examine psychopathology and stressors suffered by suicide victims, and to describe the characteristics of the suicides in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice between June of 1996 to June of 1997. Data on 25 completed suicides were collected from the records department. Results: The authors identified 60% of the suicide victims with a history of psychiatric disorders. Seventy-six percent had been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders while incarcerated. The most frequent psychiatric disorders were mood disorders (64%), psychotic disorders (44%), personality disorders (56%), and comorbidity with a history of presentencing alcohol and drug abuse was common. Most of the victims experienced chronic and/or acute stressors of acute trauma, disrupted relationship, sentence hearing, and/or medical condition. We concluded that important factors associated with increased risk of prison suicide include psychiatric disorders, comorbid substance abuse, a history of suicide attempt, and chronic and/or acute stressors.
Child and Adolescent Suicide in a Large, Urban Area: Psychological, Demographic, and Situational Factors
Authors: Weinberger LE , Sreenivasan S , Sathyavagiswaran L , Markowitz E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We examined all completed suicides by children and adolescents in Los Angeles County who died during 1996 and 1997. There were 46 subjects, aged 11 through 16. The majority of the decedents were males and over age 14. The predominant racial group was Hispanic. There was an almost even split between firearms and hanging as the means of death. Females had a statistically significantly higher rate of prior suicide attempts than males. Over one-third left a suicide note, almost one-half were noted to be depressed, and 22% tested positive for alcohol or illicit drugs. Less than one-quarter were in mental health treatment. Eighty-seven percent had difficulty transitioning to or during adolescence; e.g., problems at home, legal and school difficulties, and relationship losses. These findings are discussed in terms of Eriksonian developmental theory. We offer recommendations for intervention and prevention of suicide.
Fingerprinting the Deceased: Traditional and New Techniques
Authors: Kahana T , Grande A , Tancredi DM , Penalver J , Hiss J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Identification of the deceased is an important task in medicolegal investigations. Fingerprints rank as the most widely used identification method, although obtaining the prints from the cadaver is not always easily accomplished. Various techniques for fingerprinting decomposed, mummified, and burn victims have been suggested in the literature. In the present review, the diverse fingerprinting procedures implemented for cadavers in various conditions, with an emphasis on mummified fingers, are presented.
Septo-Optic Dysplasia and Unexpected Adult Death—An Autopsy Approach
Authors: Gilbert JD , Scott G , Byard RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 20-year-old woman who suffered from septo-optic dysplasia died unexpectedly following a presumed viral gastroenteritis. Autopsy and neuropathological examination confirmed optic nerve hypoplasia with absence of the septum pellucidum. Marked adrenal gland hypoplasia reflected hypothalamic hypopituitarism. The small and large intestines were dilated and filled with liquid fecal material. This case demonstrates that individuals with septo-optic dysplasia may be at risk of unexpected death at all ages. The complexity of mechanisms of death in rare dysmorphic conditions may be overlooked if relevant clinical information is not available at the time of autopsy and unless specific steps are taken to clearly delineate the underlying features of the condition.
Detection of Benzodiazepines in Different Tissues, Including Bone, Using a Quantitative ELISA Assay
Authors: Gorczynski LY , Melbye FJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Benzodiazepines were analyzed in different tissue samples, including bone, by ELISA. The sensitivity of detection for different benzodiazepines was consistent with the manufacturer's reports of the cross reactivities of the antibodies used, with the greatest sensitivity for midazolam and the least for diazepam; in addition the pharmacokinetics was consistent with the known duration of action of the different benzodiazepines, with midazolam cleared rapidly, and diazepam slowly. Following intramuscular injection of 300 μg of midazolam at 16 h intervals for ten days, the drug was detectable in bone tissue samples obtained from skeletonized remains buried in soil at room temperature for three weeks.
GHB and Driving Impairment
Authors: Couper FJ , Logan BK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was identified in the blood of 13 subjects arrested for impaired driving. GHB concentrations ranged from 26 to 155 mg/L (mean 87 mg/L, median 95 mg/L). In eight cases, GHB was the only drug detected, and signs of impairment were consistent with those of a CNS depressant, including erratic driving (weaving, swerving, ignoring road signs), confusion, incoherent speech, unresponsiveness, lack of balance, unsteady coordination, poor performances on field sobriety tests, and varying states of wakefulness. Given the ability of GHB to induce sleep and unconsciousness, it is evident from these cases that recreational use of the drug has the potential to impair a person's driving ability.
Measurements of Ulna—A New Method for Determination of Sex
Authors: Purkait R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Identification of sex from skeleton parts is of paramount importance to medicolegal investigations. The present study makes an attempt to assess sex from the ulna by devising new measurements for fragmentary bones. Dry and adult ulnae (100 male and 60 female) of Madhya Pradesh, India were subjected to three measurements (Olecranon—coronoid angle, length, and width of inferior medial trochlear notch) that were devised specifically for this study. The data were analyzed using discriminant function analysis. Direct analysis using single or multiple variables revealed the Olecranon-Coronoid angle as the best single parameter, yielding 85% accuracy. Measurements of the inferior medial trochlear notch have an additional advantage of being used in fragmentary bone where only the upper end is available. The calibrated discriminant functions correctly classified 90.6% of all males and females in an independent test sample.
Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: A Screening Technique for the Recovery and Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) in Postmortem Blood and Viscera Samples
Authors: Tranthim-Fryer DJ , Hansson RC , Norman KW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper describes the application of Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/SPME/GC-MS) to the recovery and identification of volatile organic compounds in blood and viscera samples from decreased persons. The technique is used as a screening procedure to rapidly obtain information relating to toxicological investigations. The technique is suitable for the detection of volatiles (of wide boiling range) including butane, halothane, toluene, xylenes, and petrol residues in blood and viscera (lung, brain, and body fat).
Pollen on Grass Clippings: Putting the Suspect at the Scene of the Crime
Authors: Horrocks M , Walsh KAJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In a case of alleged sexual assault, the pollen content of samples of grass clippings and soil from the suspect's clothing and shoes was compared to that of a sample of grass clippings from the alleged crime scene (a grassy area) to determine whether or not the suspect had been at the scene. The clothing and shoe samples showed a very strong correlation with each other and with the sample from the alleged crime scene in the combination of the different types of pollen present, very strongly supporting the contention that the suspect had been at the scene.
Fatal Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis (A Report of Two Cases of Confirmed Odontogenic Origin and One of Possible Odontogenic Origin)
Authors: Loomis PW , Campbell HR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Three cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF), two of confirmed odontogenic origin and one of probable odontogenic origin, were observed from 1993–1999. This is in addition to three cases previously reported by this office. A rare sequelae of dental infection, CNF can be a severe, rapidly progressing infection of the cervical tissues having a mortality rate of up to 50%. “Hospital gangrene” was first described during the Civil War. It was later to be described as necrotizing fasciitis and later yet was designated as a separate clinicopathological diagnosis.
An Unusual Case of Suicide by Means of a Pneumatic Hammer
Authors: De Letter EA , Piette MHA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe an extraordinary case of a 49-year-old man who committed suicide by using a pneumatic hammer. As an industrial accident was initially assumed, difficulties in determining the manner of death are discussed. In addition, the ability to perform activity and evidence of a protracted agony in a situation of extensive cerebral destruction are considered. To our knowledge, no such case of suicide has ever been reported.
Blunt Pancreatic Trauma by a Wheelchair User Restraint System During a Traffic Accident
Authors: Bunai Y , Nagai A , Nakamura I , Ohya I 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Traffic accidents are the most common cause of blunt pancreatic trauma, and most injuries occur in unrestrained drivers. Blunt pancreatic trauma in a passenger or a restrained driver is rare. In this report, we describe a case of blunt pancreatic trauma caused by a restraint system for wheelchair users during a traffic accident.
Using Decision Science to Gain Insight into Ethical Issues: An Example Involving Thresholds in Workers' Compensation
Authors: Marpet MI , Primeaux RP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Systematically analyzing and comparing the ethical dimensions of policy-decision alternatives is remarkably difficult. The ethical implications of a set of decision alternatives, as well as the ranking of that set, are subject to any number of quantitative and qualitative variables, not the least of which is differing individual interpretation. In spite of this, decision science offers a consistent, transparent framework from which to analyze the ethical components and implications of policy decisions.
Workers' Compensation insurance programs are state-governed systems of insurance in which workers, in exchange for giving up the right to sue their employer and their coemployees, receive some compensation if they are injured on the job, without regard as to who was at fault. Importantly. Workers' Compensation does not compensate workers for all losses. Thus, injured workers often sue those who provide goods and services to their employer's production system.
Different states set different thresholds relating to who can be brought into such a lawsuit and under what conditions a sued means-of-production entity can, in turn, bring the injured party's employer into the suit as a third-party defendant. Forensic engineers are often involved in such lawsuits to evaluate whether or not a given component of a production system is or is not defective.
Using Workers' Compensation as an example, this paper explores the methodology and the difficulty of quantifying the ethical implications of policy decisions by examining the concept of thresholding a policy variable. Thresholding will be defined and the ethical effect on the various parties of varying a policy threshold will be discussed.
Scientific Certainty: Research Versus Forensic Perspectives
Authors: Bird SJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The scientific community and the judicial system are different components of society with different structures and functions. Nevertheless, science can contribute relevant and useful information to judicial deliberations if the inherent limitations of that information are understood. These limitations stem from the way the information is presented and perceived both by those who are providing it and those who are providing the context in which it is presented.
Law, Ethical Codes, and the Report of the CSSP Survey on Ethics Policies
Authors: Fleckstein MP , Martone M , Pitluck HM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Recently, the Council of Scientific Society Presidents (CSSP) collected data from its member organizations regarding codes of ethics. To better understand why such a survey would be undertaken, this paper begins by examining what is meant by ethics and highlights some distinctions between law and ethics. It then discusses codes of ethics, stressing their purposes and functions. Finally, it looks at the results of the CSSP survey and evaluates how various organizations formulate and implement their codes.
Am I My Brother's (or Customer's or Tenant's) Keeper? Economic and Ethical Aspects to the California Supreme Court's Struggle with the Issue of Landowner's Standard of Care
Authors: Hodson TJ , Englander F , Englander V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The Supreme Court of California has ruled on several cases involving the question of to what extent a possessor of land is liable for the harm to customers or tenants occurring when a third party commits a criminal act against the customers or tenants present on the land. This paper reviews the historical development of this aspect of negligence law and analyzes the ethical and economic efficiency implications of ascribing legal responsibility for such crimes to: a) local government, b) the possessor of land, c) the customer, and d) the criminal. For example, is there an effort by the judicial system to substitute deterrence from criminal acts provided by possessors of land (i.e., specific deterrence) for the general deterrence traditionally provided through the use of police powers by local government? Analysis indicates that specific deterrence may be more effective in changing the location of criminal acts than in reducing the level of criminal activities. Also, the expense of complying with the legal responsibilities of protecting customers and clients may be especially high in high-crime, low-income areas, thus forcing commercial establishments to move or go out of business.
Thus, we have a troubling tradeoff: compensating individual crime victims in a high-crime area could ultimately deprive the residents of basic economic opportunities.
Gene Frequencies of 12 STR Loci in an Endogamous Badaga Population (South India)
Authors: Panneerchelvam S , Gunachandran N , Vanaja N , Balachandran R , Sivapriya V , Baskar D , Nalina K , Rajmohan S , Damodaran C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were randomly collected from Badagas of the Nilgiris (South India). DNA was extracted by the salting out procedure (1). DNA typing was by PCR using 25 ng of target DNA following manufacturer's instructions (Gene Print. system (silver stain detection), Promega Corporation. Data were analyzed as per the methods already reported (2–4). Differences have been observed wih Tamil population (South India) (5), other nonCaucasian and Caucasian populations.
Allele Frequency Distribution of Three STR Loci (CSF1PO, TPOX, and TH01) in a Brazilian Population Sample
Authors: Soares-Vieira JA , Muñoz DR , Iwamura ESM , Billerbeck AEC , Otto PA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
After informing 331 unrelated Brazilian individuals (240 Caucasians and 91 Mulattoes) and getting their consent, blood samples were collected. DNA was extracted from 5 mL of peripheral blood obtained from each of 331 volunteers by the salting-out procedure (1). PCR analysis was performed using the GenePrint™. STR Multiplex System (CTT Multiplex, Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) under conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The amplified fragments were submitted to electrophoresis on denatured polyacrylamide gels and visualized after silver staining. Allele identification was achieved by comparison of the amplified fragments with the allelic ladder included in the reagent set. Statistical analysis: gene and genotype frequencies were estimated using standard counting procedures; for comparing gene counts between samples and for testing Hardy-Weinberg proportions within each sample, Chisquared tests were used throughout. All these procedures are described in detail by Weir (2). In order to locate the categories responsible for significant values in contingency tables, the method of adjusted standardized residuals described by Haberman was applied (3,4). Tables 1, 2, and 3 summarize the frequencies and Table 4 describes the observed and expected heterozygosities. The complete data set is available to any interested researcher upon request.
Allele Frequencies for the PowerPlex™ 16 STR Loci in an Albanian Population Sample from Northern Italy
Authors: Robino C , Gino S , Torre C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In recent years Italy experienced a strong migration flow from Albania: a STR reference database, to be used in forensic casework, was created for the Albanian population. Blood/saliva samples were obtained from 100 unrelated Albanians residing in Piedmont (North West Italy). Genomic DNA was isolated from blood by the Chelex method (1) and from saliva by standard organic phenol/chlorophorm extraction. PCR amplification was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, using the GenePrint™ PowerPlex™ System (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI). The amplified products were detected with the 310 Genetic Analyzer (Perkin-Elmer, Foster City, CA). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evaluated by exact test using the software GENEPOP Version 3.2a (2). The complete data are available to any interested researcher at http://medicina.medfarm.unito.it/dipart/dafml/torre/databasealbanians.htm
Chinese Population Data in Beijing at 3 STR loci—CSF1PO, HUMTH01, and TPOX
Authors: Fung WK , Liu Y , Hou Z , Tang H , Jia S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An STR database was obtained from a sample of 164 unrelated Chinese in Beijing, China. The DNA was extracted using the Chelex extraction method (1). 2 ng target DNA was co-amplified using the commercial typing kit, Promega Geneprint™. STR Multiplex System—CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, according to the manufacturer's instructions. PAGE and silver staining for the STRs were performed according to the methods described in the Promega “GenePrint™ STR Multiplex System—CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01” Manual. Assignment of alleles was made by visual comparison between the commercially supplied reference allelic ladders and the amplified samples at the corresponding locus. Statistical analysis was performed. No deviations from equilibrium were observed. The power of discrimination ranges from 0.820 to 0.891 and the combined power for the 3 loci is 0.9966. The complete data set is available upon request from the second author at fmeicbjpsb@sohu.com.
Distribution of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism D1S80 Alleles in Turkish Population
Authors: Çakir AH , Açik L , Kesici T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples from 112 unrelated healty volunteer and criminal donors in Turkey were collected in EDTA tubes. Liquid blood was deposited onto cotton swatches and dried at room temperature. The stains were stored at −20°C until analyzed. DNA was extracted by Chelex 100 method (1).
Spanish Population Data on Nine STR Loci
Authors: Arce B , Heinrichs B , Armenteros MF , Carrasco F , Lorente JA , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from unrelated volunteer panish individuals (n = 401) residing all over Spain. DNA was extracted using phenol:choloroform and Microcon-100 filtration (1).