bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sub-sampling and Preparing Forensic Samples for Pollen Analysis?
Authors: Horrocks M 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The main forensic application of palynology is in providing associative evidence, assisting to prove or disprove a link between people and objects with places or with other people. Although identification and interpretation of pollen is a specialist job, sub-sampling and preparing pollen samples for analysis may be carried out by non-specialists. As few forensic laboratories have residing palynologists, laboratories may wish to reduce the cost of analysis or risk of contamination by doing their own sub-sampling and preparation. Presented is a practical guide for sub-sampling and preparing forensic samples for pollen analysis, providing a complete standard procedure for both the palynologist and non-specialist. Procedures for sub-sampling include a wide variety of materials commonly collected for forensic analysis (soil, clothing and other fabrics, footwear, twine and rope, firearms, granulated materials, plant and animal material, and illicit drugs), many of which palynologists will not be familiar with. Procedures for preparation of samples (pollen concentration) are presented as a detailed, step-by-step method. Minimizing the risks of laboratory and cross-sample contamination during sub-sampling and preparation is emphasized.
Fetal Visceral Maturation: A Useful Contribution to Gestational Age Estimation in Human Fetuses
Authors: Piercecchi-Marti MD , Adalian P , Liprandi A , Figarella-Branger D , Dutour O , Leonetti G 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
With regard to the law, estimating fetal age is essential to assess viability (after 20 weeks according to the WHO) and the proposed methods generally use long bone measurements. Here, we evaluated the accuracy of soft tissue maturational stage and compared it with long bone measurements. First, eight kinds of tissues or organs from 448 fetuses with known medical history were studied (macroscopically or histologically). We clearly demonstrated that adrenal glands and skin were very good age indicators, because some characteristics appeared only after 20 weeks. We established a linear regression with a 95% confidence interval of +/− 2.9 weeks. Second, we applied our original formula using femur measurement and we combined soft tissues and bones in a multiparametric regression. The confidence interval was reduced to +/− 2.5 weeks. We conclude that the pathologist must use both histological and anthropometric data to determine fetal age as accurately as possible.
Dental Maturity in South France: A Comparison Between Demirjian's Method and Polynomial Functions
Authors: Chaillet N , Demirjian A 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The dental maturity of 1031 healthy southern French subjects aged between 2 and 18 years was studied with dental panoramic tomograms. Demirjian's method based on seven and eight teeth has been used to determine maturity scores as a function of age and polynomial functions to determine age as a function of score. We give gender-specific tables of maturity scores and development graphs for each method. The goal of these methods is different because of the nature of the predictions. The percentiles give the dental maturity compared to a standard for a specific age, and polynomial functions give an age prediction with a confidence interval for age. The variations in dental maturity are specific to each population. Thus, the aim of this study is to give the dental maturity standards for southern French children and to compare both the efficiency and applicability of each method in several fields such as forensic sciences or dental health for the clinicians. The addition of the third molar increased the reliability and the capacity of prediction up to 18 years. The polynomial functions showed the best reliability (1.3% of misclassified) and the percentile methods the best accuracy (more or less 1.2 years, on average, between 2 and 18 years of age).
Successional Behavior and Occurrence Matrix of Carrion-Associated Arthropods in the Urban Area of Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Pérez S , Duque P , Wolff M 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Forensic entomology is a scientific tool applied to the study of insect or arthropod succession at the scene of a crime or that associated with an accident or natural death. Interpreting this succession provides information to determine minimum and maximum limits of the Postmortem Interval (PMI), that is, the time between death and the discovery of the body. This study was carried out during the rainy season, from 27 October to 12 December 2002 in an urban area of the city of Medellín, Colombia. Three domestic pigs were used as animal models. The results showed that both the aforementioned species as well as the physical characteristics of the carcass determined the indicator species of the postmortem interval in urban areas of the city. In total, 11,937 individuals were collected and identified, belonging to 12 orders, 29 families and 42 genera. Diptera were the most abundant order (90%) represented mainly by Calliphoridae (80%). Coleoptera were scarcely present, representing only 2.8% of the total collected. Based on information obtained of eggs and larvae reared to adult of this successional study, an occurrence matrix was elaborated for determining of the PMI. From the same study area and under the same conditions, a list of arthropods associated with carrion is presented in this manuscript.
Use of a Television Crime-Drama Series to Promote Legal Understanding in Mentally Ill, Incompetent Defendants: A Pilot Study
Authors: Montgomery J , Brooks MH 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Videotaped material is used for educational purposes in many areas of medicine. In forensic facilities, programs designed to restore competency to stand trial (CST) in incompetent, mentally ill defendants have utilized videotaped courtroom proceedings as learning tools. This pilot study reviewed the progress of incompetent defendants (N = 15) who participated in a program that utilized videotaped segments of the television crime-drama “Law & Order”, among other techniques, to promote CST in individuals deemed unfit to stand trial. The authors hypothesized that participation in at least one cycle of the Competency Restoration Group (CRG)'s curriculum would be associated with improvement in the areas of understanding, reasoning and appreciation. In order to assess whether the group was beneficial to the patient's treatment goal of competency restoration, patients were screened using the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT-CA) prior to starting the group and after completing a cycle of the group's curriculum. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was employed to analyze the results from the pre-and post-group MacCAT-CA testing. The tests yielded significant (p &lt; 0.005) post-test differences in the hypothesized direction for each of the three subsections: Understanding, Reasoning, and Appreciation as well as a significant post test improvement in the total MacCAT-CA scores. These results suggest that a didactic program, using a popular crime drama series, can be effective in facilitating learning in competency restoration programs. Limitations of this study include its lack of a control group and small population.
Aromatic Content in Medium Range Distillate ProductséPart 1: An Examination of Various Liquids
Authors: Dolan JA , Stauffer E 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Classification of ignitable liquids in accordance with voluntary consensus-based standards published by ASTM International has become increasingly specific, relying upon both the chemical composition and the boiling point range of submitted ignitable liquids. This classification system includes among others, specific classes for distillates and dearomatized distillates. In this study, a variety of medium-range ignitable liquids were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Several methods of data analysis were utilized to examine the relative aliphatic and aromatic contents in these liquids. Results show that commercially available products in the medium range exhibit a broad range of compositions with respect to the relative proportion of aliphatic and aromatic compounds and that some liquids may not be easily classified. This study demonstrates the importance of examining the proportion of aliphatics:aromatics for classifying such liquids and suggests guidelines for differentiating medium range distillates, dearomatized distillates, and blended products.
Postmortem Non-Invasive Virtual Autopsy: Death by Hanging in a Car
Authors: Bolliger S , Thali M , Jackowski C , Aghayev E , Dirnhofer R , Sonnenschein M 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
A body was found behind a car with a noose tied around its neck, the other end of the rope tied to a tree. Apparently the man committed suicide by driving away with the noose tied around his neck and was dragged out of the car through the open hatchback. postmortem multislice-computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated that the cause of death was cerebral hypoxia due to classic strangulation by hanging, and not due to a brainstem lesion because of a hang-man fracture as would be expected in such a dynamic situation. Furthermore, the MRI displayed intramuscular haemorrhage, bleeding into the clavicular insertions of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and subcutaneous neck tissue. We conclude that MSCT and MRI are useful instruments with an increased value compared with 2D radiographs to augment the external findings of bodies when an autopsy is refused. But further postmortem research and comparing validation is needed.
Review of: On-Site Drug Testing
Authors: Larsen AK 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
This book is a comprehensive work on the history, development, and techniques involved in testing for drugs of abuse in the workplace. Those individuals who are just getting into the field of on-site drug testing as well as those routinely involved will find something of interest contained in this volume. The first chapter introduces the reader to point of care testing (POCT) and the decision making processes involved with selection and use of drug testing technology. The book proceeds with discussions of the testing used in therapeutic drug monitoring, chapters on the testing technologies themselves and concludes with a review of studies completed on the reliability of noninstrumented drug testing (NIDT) devices and finally a discussion of sample adulteration and the consequences to on-site drug testing.
A Research Review of Public Figure Threats, Approaches, Attacks, and Assassinations in the United States
Authors: Meloy JR , James DV , Farnham FR , Mullen PE , Pathe M , Darnley B , Preston L 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The authors review extant research on threats, approaches, attacks, and assassinations of public figures in the United States. Despite the limited number of studies, data exist concerning: 1) threatening letters and approaches to celebrities; 2) attacks and assassinations of public figures, usually the President of the United States; 3) threats and approaches to legislative members of state and federal governments; and 4) threats, approaches, and attacks against federal judicial officials. Similarities and differences across the various studies are discussed. Consistent findings across the studies indicate that direct threats toward the target are unusual and are often correlated negatively with an approach or attack; a significant proportion of subjects are mentally ill and have criminal histories; many subjects evidenced a downward spiral in their lives in the months or year before their approach or attack; and if an attack occurred, it was predatory (instrumental, premeditated) rather than affective (emotional, reactive), and the weapon of choice was a firearm, usually a handgun. Operational guidance and further research recommendations are made.
Homicidal Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Rupture
Authors: Prahlow JA 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
When a normally natural mechanism of death is induced by physical injury or intense emotional stress, it is appropriate to rule the manner of death as something other than natural. When the case-specific circumstances are such that the death occurs as a result of the criminal activity of another person, it is acceptable to rule such deaths as homicides. Presented herein is a case of homicidal cerebral artery aneurysm rupture occuring in an intoxicated, 46-year-old man who was punched in the face by another individual. The details of the case are presented, followed by a discussion of the controversies that exist when dealing with such cases. Guidelines for investigating similar deaths are presented, with emphasis on the timing of the trauma in relation to onset of symptoms due to aneurysm rupture.
Medical Malpractice Charges in Germany - Role of the Forensic Pathologist in the Preliminary Criminal Proceeding
Authors: Dettmeyer R , Egl M , Madea B 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Medical malpractice charges from 1989 to 2002 were evaluated. A rising number of cases during this period is evident. The charges of practice falling below the standard of care (n = 285) were surveyed to determine who informed the prosecution, which clinical subjects are involved, what kind of charges can be found and whether such allegations can be appropriately assessed by means of a forensic autopsy. Forensic pathologists were found to be useful for ascertainment and interpretation of autopsy findings. If special questions arise, an additional expert opinion should be suggested by the forensic pathologist. There was no relevant shift in the range of subjects involved compared to former studies. The investigated charges might represent only a small fraction of cases of medical practice falling below the standard of care.
Review of: Terrorism and Organized Hate Crime: Intelligence Gathering, Analysis, and Investigations
Authors: Ward RH 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The author of Terrorism and Hate Crime, Ronczkowski, brings a broad background of experience to this effort, which serves as a basic for those interested in the fundamentals of crime analysis as it relates to terrorism and other forms of violent groups. In defining various forms of terrorism, the author emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering and analysis.
Incidental Myocardial Infarction in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV?
Authors: Gilchrist ER , Duflou JA 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV is an illness that often leads to premature death due to arterial rupture or dissection and is characterized by very fragile connective tissue. This report documents the death of a 30-year-old man with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV from myocardial rupture and cardiac tamponade following a myocardial infarction. We believe that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV contributed to the coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial rupture in this young man and that this disease led indirectly to his death by myocardial infarction, an unusual cause of death in this syndrome.
Unexplained Sudden Death and the Likelihood of Drug Abuse
Authors: Gruszecki AC , McGwin G , Robinson CA , Davis GG 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The common history of drug abuse in adults with an undetermined cause of death has led us to hypothesize that chronic drug abuse increases the risk of sudden death. To begin evaluating this hypothesis, we conducted a retrospective case-control study of 61 decedents whose cause of death remained undetermined following autopsy matched one to one to a control group of pedestrians or passengers killed in motor vehicle collisions. In 21 pairs, the case subject had evidence of drug abuse but the control did not, and in 5 cases the reverse was true. Analysis showed that individuals with an undetermined cause of death are 4.2 times more likely to have evidence of drug abuse than are victims of a motor vehicle collision.
Symmetrical Fracturing of the Skull from Midline Contact Gunshot Wounds: Reconstruction of Individual Death Histories from Skeletonized Human Remains
Authors: Fenton TW , Stefan VH , Wood LA , Sauer NJ 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
This paper reports a bilaterally symmetrical cranio-facial fracture pattern that is observed in self-inflicted, midline gunshot wounds. Five cases of self-inflicted gunshots wounds are presented as follows: two high-powered rifle cases, two shotgun cases, and one handgun case. In all five cases the remains were either decomposing or skeletonized and submitted to forensic anthropologists. Following identification, the main focus of the anthropological examination was the analysis of perimortem trauma to the skeleton. In each case, the skull was submitted in a highly fragmented state. Nevertheless, by focusing on the pattern of perimortem cranio-facial fractures, the anthropologists contributed key information regarding the circumstances of death. The observed symmetrical cranio-facial fracture patterns in the above cases are described in detail and interpreted. The specific location of the linear fractures is discussed, as well as the theoretical rationale behind the location in terms of skeletal architecture, such as buttresses, struts, and sutures. The interpretive framework provided by this paper may prove helpful to others who are faced with similar cases of cranio-facial fracturing.
A PCR Multiplex and Database for Forensic DNA Identification of Dogs
Authors: Halverson J , Basten C 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Animal-derived trace evidence is a common finding at crime scenes and may provide an important link between victim(s) and suspect(s). A database of 558 dogs of pure and mixed breeds is described and analyzed with two PCR multiplexes of 17 microsatellites. Summary statistics (number of alleles, expected and observed heterozygosity and power of exclusion) are compared between breeds. Marked population substructure in dog breeds indicates significant inbreeding, and the use of a conservative Θ value is recommended in likelihood calculations for determining the significance of a DNA match. Evidence is presented that the informativeness of the canine microsatellites, despite inbreeding, is comparable to the human CODIS loci. Two cases utilizing canine DNA typing, State of Washington v. Kenneth Leuluaialii and George Tuilefano and Crown v. Daniel McGowan, illustrate the potential of canine microsatellite markers for forensic investigations.
How Long After Waterproofing a Deck Can You Still Isolate an Ignitable Liquid?
Authors: Hetzel SS , Moss RD 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Dried, treated wood was sealed with Thompson's WaterSeal® “Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer” and exposed to outdoor, summer conditions. Sections of the sealed wood were then periodically tested and analyzed in accordance with ASTM methods. The WaterSeal® contained a medium petroleum distillate (MPD) as a solvent for a wax. The treated lumber contained a background of aldehydes that could mimic a dearomatized MPD if not carefully investigated by the analyst. The MPD of the WaterSeal® was detectable 14 days, but not 27 days after application with exposure to relatively hot, dry and sunny weather conditions. The test was repeated with the MPD detectable 16 days, but not 20 days after application with exposure to cooler and wetter weather conditions. The testing demonstrates the need for a thorough and complete investigation by the fire investigator and the submission of comparison samples to the laboratory.
Prediction of Race Using Characteristics of Dental Morphology
Authors: Heather JHE 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Historically, forensic anthropology has concentrated on race determination using skeletal morphological variation. Conversely, dental anthropology has been concerned with worldwide patterns of dental morphological variation. This paper represents a synthesis of the goals of forensic anthropology with the methods of dental anthropology. Dentitions of modern African Americans (n = 110) and European Americans (n = 155) were observed using methods based on the Arizona State University dental morphology standards. Of 136 characters observed, eight were found with frequencies that were very different between the groups. Based on these eight characteristics, probability tables were created for determining an individual's social race, using both Bayesian prediction and logistic regression. These tables are applicable for determining the probability that an unknown individual can be categorized as African American or European American. This method was tested on 40 individuals known to belong in one of these two ancestral groups. Correct assignment of race was made in 90% of cases.
VIRTOPSY—Scientific Documentation, Reconstruction and Animation in Forensic: Individual and Real 3D Data Based Geo-Metric Approach Including Optical Body/Object Surface and Radiological CT/MRI Scanning
Authors: Thali MJ , Braun M , Buck U , Aghayev E , Jackowski C , Vock P , Sonnenschein M , Dirnhofer R 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Until today, most of the documentation of forensic relevant medical findings is limited to traditional 2D photography, 2D conventional radiographs, sketches and verbal description. There are still some limitations of the classic documentation in forensic science especially if a 3D documentation is necessary. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate new 3D real data based geo-metric technology approaches. This paper present approaches to a 3D geo-metric documentation of injuries on the body surface and internal injuries in the living and deceased cases. Using modern imaging methods such as photogrammetry, optical surface and radiological CT/MRI scanning in combination it could be demonstrated that a real, full 3D data based individual documentation of the body surface and internal structures is possible in a non-invasive and non-destructive manner. Using the data merging/fusing and animation possibilities, it is possible to answer reconstructive questions of the dynamic development of patterned injuries (morphologic imprints) and to evaluate the possibility, that they are matchable or linkable to suspected injury-causing instruments. For the first time, to our knowledge, the method of optical and radiological 3D scanning was used to document the forensic relevant injuries of human body in combination with vehicle damages. By this complementary documentation approach, individual forensic real data based analysis and animation were possible linking body injuries to vehicle deformations or damages. These data allow conclusions to be drawn for automobile accident research, optimization of vehicle safety (pedestrian and passenger) and for further development of crash dummies. Real 3D data based documentation opens a new horizon for scientific reconstruction and animation by bringing added value and a real quality improvement in forensic science.
Observations on Dental Structures when Placed in Contact with Acids: Experimental Studies to Aid Identification Processes
Authors: Mazza A , Merlati G , Savio C , Fassina G , Menghini P , Danesino P 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
In a “mafia” crime case, a magistrate asked us whether it is possible to destroy a cadaver by immersing it in acids, and would it be possible to identify any residues. The aim of this study was to observe the behavior of teeth exposed to four kinds of acid solutions. The teeth were placed in plastic containers with 25 mL of acid and observed. The experiences showed that teeth are completely dissolved after 14 h of immersion in 37% solution of hydrochloric acid, while at 90 h in 96% sulfuric acid, the destruction of the samples is still incomplete. In nitric acid the teeth undergo a complete dissolution in 12 h, and in 17 h in aqua regia (chloroazotic acid—hydrochloric/nitric acid 1:3). It was possible to recognize the characteristic morphological features of dental tissues and structures up until the advanced stages of degradation.