bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Test of Sex Determination from Measurements of Chest Radiographs
Authors: Torwalt CRMM , Hoppa RD 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Sexually dimorphic distinctions within the human thoracic area may include morphological as well as metric differences in thesternum and 4th rib. This research assesses the validity of a set of previously published measurements from chest radiographs and their use in contemporary forensic situations. The chest plates from 130 adult individuals of a known sample undergoing medico-legal post-mortem examination were examined at autopsy. Thoracic radiographs were taken using a Faxitron ® cabinet X-ray machine at 40 kV using Kodak Diagnostic Film Ready Pack X-Omat TL. Measurements were taken to the nearest millimetre using a sliding calliper. Logistic regression analysis of measurements of the sternum and 4th rib was undertaken to determine sex. Using 4th rib width and sternal area, sex was predicted at an accuracy of 95.8% for males and 90.3% for females.
Developmental Validation of the Quantifiler™ Real-Time PCR Kits for the Quantification of Human Nuclear DNA Samples
Authors: Green RL , Roinestad IC , Boland C , Hennessy LK 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The Quantifiler™ Human DNA Quantification Kit and the Quantifiler™ Y Human Male DNA Quantification Kit were designed for the quantification of human genomic DNA in forensic samples. The kits use a real-time PCR-based process to quantify, respectively, total human DNA or human male DNA only.We report the results of a developmental validation study that we performed with the Quantifiler Kits, following the official SWGDAM guidelines. The Quantifiler Kits were tested for performance criteria such as species specificity, sensitivity, stability, precision and accuracy, and in addition, were tested with forensic case-type samples and mixed (male:female) DNA samples. The Quantifiler Kit methods were highly specific for human DNA, and could detect as little as 32 picograms of DNA using 2 μL of sample per assay. The accuracy and precision of the Quantifiler Kit methods was comparable or superior to that of other quantification methods.
Chromosomal Duplications Along the Y-Chromosome and Their Potential Impact on Y-STR Interpretation
Authors: Butler JM , Decker AE , Kline MC , Vallone PM 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) markers are being used as potential tools for distinguishing low levels of male DNA in the presence of excess female DNA as is present in many sexual assault samples. Usually single copy Y-STR loci produce a single amplicon in single source samples, and thus the observation of multiple peaks at such a locus could suggest to an analyst that a mixture of more than one male contributor is present in the tested sample. However, many regions of the Y-chromosome are duplicated or even triplicated in some individuals and this fact can thus complicate potential mixture interpretation. Reasons for the presence of duplications at multiple loci within a single sample are explored in the context of Y-STR marker location along the chromosome. True male-male mixtures commonly exhibit more than one locus-specific PCR product across multiple Y-STR loci that are not adjacent to one another on the Y-chromosome. In addition, duplicated loci typically possess alleles that differ by only a single repeat unit and possess similar peak heights.
Successful DNA Typing of Urine Stains Using a DNA Purification Kit Following Dialfiltration
Authors: Nakazono T , Kashimura S , Hayashiba Y , Hara K , Miyoshi A 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
To evaluate the utility of DNA polymorphism typing of urine stains in forensic investigations, the amplifiable amount of DNA was estimated in 20 urine specimens obtained from 10 male and 10 female volunteers using a DNA purification kit following dialfiltration. DNA obtained from both urine and urine stains was amplified with the AmpflSTR® Profiler™ PCR Amplification Kit, and was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis using the Genetic Analyzer. The amount of male and female urine necessary for obtaining a complete DNA profile was 0.2mL and 0.08 mL, respectively. When 0.2mL of male urine were used to create urine stains, complete DNA profiles could be obtained from just some of the stains. However, when only 0.1mL of female urine was used, complete profiles could be successfully obtained from all of the stains. DNA on bleached cotton remained amplifiable for 3–6 weeks. This method using a DNA purification kit following dialfiltration can be recommended for the genotyping of urine stains.
Suicide by Pencil
Authors: Grimaldi L , Giorgio FD , Masullo M , Zoccai GB , Martinotti G , Rainio J 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We report an unusual suicide, committed with a common pencil. A 72-year-old male inflicted himself a penetrating thoracic wound while being hospitalized for a hip prosthesis operation. Although the patient was immediately operated, the cardiac injury appeared to be fatal. Cases of suicidal penetrating wounds of the anterior chest wall are rare and they are mostly inflicted by knives, glass fragments, or other sharp instruments. The potential danger of a pencil should be taken into consideration, especially in psychiatric hospitals and imprisonment facilities. We examined the legislation in Italy and Finland concerning the regulation of privacy in special care institutions.
Comparison of Ages of Epiphyseal Union in North American and Bosnian Skeletal Material
Authors: Schaefer MC , Black SM 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The accurate determination of age at death is a critical component in the analysis of human skeletal remains. Population specific techniques are often used without due consideration of the provenance of the material being studied. This communication considers the ages at which epiphyseal union occur in young Bosnian males and compares those findings to data published by McKern and Stewart on young North American soldiers killed during the Korean War. Of the ten epiphyses considered in this study, all elements were observed to be at least two years in advance in the Bosnian sample compared to the American sample. This article demonstrates that whilst standards based on an American sample produce broadly applicable age ranges for use on forensic work in the Balkans, the age ranges generated produce an upper age limit that is often two or more years older than the chronological age. Therefore, it is desirable, that wherever possible, appropriate standards should be devised for more accurate aging reflecting population specific profiles.
The Potential of Venous Air Embolism Ascending Retrograde to the Brain
Authors: Schlimp CJ , Loimer T , Rieger M , Lederer W , Schmidts MB 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
A bench study was performed to investigate the potential of air bubbles entering a central vein via a central venous catheter to ascend retrograde to the brain. The results support the hypothesis that air bubbles may rise retrograde against the venous blood flow, depending on bubble size, central vein diameter and cardiac output. A review of radiological findings in published case reports indicates that the occurrence of retrograde cerebral air embolism is underestimated
Effects of mercury on neurochemical receptor-binding characteristics in wild mink
Authors: Basu Niladri , Klenavic Kate , Gamberg Mary , O'Brien Mike , Evans Doug , Scheuhammer Anton M. , Chan Hing Man 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Piscivorous wildlife, such as mink (Mustela visori), routinely are exposed to mercury (Hg) in their natural environment at levels that may cause adverse behavioral outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between neurochemical receptors and concentrations of Hg in the brains of wild mink. Specifically, receptor-binding assays were conducted to characterize the muscarinic cholinergic (mACh) and dopaminergic-2 (D2) systems in brain tissues collected from mink trapped in the Yukon Territory, Ontario, and Nova Scotia (Canada), and values were correlated with total Hg and methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations in the brains. A significant correlation was found between Hg (total Hg and MeHg) and mACh receptor density (r = 0.546; r = 0.596, respectively) or ligand affinity (r = 0.413; r = 0.474, respectively). A significant negative correlation was found between total Hg and D2 receptor density (r = -0.340) or ligand affinity (r = -0.346). These correlations suggest that environmentally relevant concentrations of Hg may alter neurochemical function in wild mink, and that neurochemical receptor-binding characteristics can be used as a novel biomarker to assess Hg's effects on wildlife. Given the importance of the muscarinic cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways in animal behavior, further studies are required to explore the physiological and ecological significance of these findings.
A microplate freshwater copepod bioassay for evaluating acute and chronic effects of chemicals
Authors: Brown Rebecca J. , Rundle Simon D. , Hutchinson Thomas H. , Williams Tim D. , Jones Malcolm B. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Toxicity test protocols for establishing the effect of zinc on the freshwater copepod Bryocamptus zschokkei are reported. In the absence of food, larval life-history stages were more sensitive than adult females to acute zinc exposure with a 96-h median lethal concentration of 0.62 mg Zn/L (0.52–0.73 mg Zn/L, 95% confidence intervals) for copepodids. The acute toxicity of zinc to adult females was also significantly reduced in the presence of food (a leaf disc). The main toxic effect of zinc in a life-cycle test was a reduction in the number of offspring per brood at 0.48 mg Zn/L. As this endpoint corresponded with zinc concentrations causing reduced juvenile survival, prolonged embryonic development times, and mortality during hatching, it appears that zinc had a direct toxic effect on the current brood rather than an indirect effect on egg production via maternal reallocation of resources. The lowest-observed-effect concentration for reproduction of measured zinc concentrations of 0.48 mg Zn/L corresponded with environmental concentrations of zinc causing reduced population densities of this copepod in the field. It is proposed that B. zschokkei is an ecologically relevant test species for evaluating the potential effects of contaminants on freshwater invertebrates and for giving insight into the mode of action of a test chemical.
Population survivorship index for fish and amphibians: Application to criterion development and risk assessment
Authors: Spromberg Julann A. , Birge Wesley J. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Criterion development currently focuses on physiological responses when determining permitted chemical concentrations in environmental media. Losses of biodiversity attributed to chemical pollution may be related not only to physiological sensitivity but also to inherent population characteristics that are not included in risk assessment or criterion development. In the present study, we proposed a process and a tool for summarizing population- and species-level information that contributes to long-term survivorship. We investigated the influences of life-history strategies offish and amphibians that contribute to variations in population sensitivity or resiliency. A life-history survivorship index for application in criterion development and risk assessment was developed to help identify which species in a study system possess life-history strategies inherently sensitive to chemical stressors. It includes life-history characteristics of fecundity, number of spawning events, life stages, parental care, attrition rates, time to reproductive maturity, and other factors. Survivorship index values may be used as multipliers to permitting criteria, resulting in toxicological-ecological guidelines that incorporate toxicological information with regional ecological and population characteristics for local or regional application. We intended the procedure to serve as a step toward incorporating population and ecological information into regulatory procedures with the goal of protecting biodiversity from chronic toxic impacts.
Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the food web of a high mountain lake, Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Vives Ingrid , Grimalt Joan O. , Ventura Marc , Catalan Jordi 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We investigated the contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the food web organisms included in the diet of brown trout from a remote mountain lake. The preferential habitat and trophic level of the component species have been assessed from the signature of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N). Subsequently, the patterns of accumulation and transformation of these hydrocarbons in the food chain have been elucidated. Most of the food web organisms exhibit PAH distributions largely dominated by phenanthrene, which agrees with its predominance in atmospheric deposition, water, and suspended particles. Total PAH levels are higher in the organisms from the littoral habitat than from the deep sediments or the pelagic water column. However, organisms from deep sediments exhibit higher proportions of higher molecular weight PAH than those in other lake areas. Distinct organisms exhibit specific features in their relative PAH composition that point to different capacities for uptake and metabolic degradation. Brown trout show an elevated capacity for metabolic degradation because they have lower PAH concentrations than food and they are enriched strongly in lower molecular weight compounds. The PAH levels in trout highly depend on organisms living in the littoral areas. Fish exposure to PAH, therefore, may vary from lake to lake according to the relative contribution of littoral organisms to their diet.
Combined effects of discharge, turbidity, and pesticides on mayfly behavior: Experimental evaluation of spray-drift and runoff scenarios
Authors: Dabrowski James M. , Bollen Anne , Schulz Ralf 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The effects of the pyrethroid-insecticide cypermethrin (CYP), increased flow speed (Flow), and increased suspended particles (Part) on drift behavior and activity of mayfly nymphs (Baetis harrisoni) were investigated both individually and in combination in a laboratory stream microcosm. Spray-drift trials were performed by exposing the nymphs to 1 μg/L of CYP. During runoff trials (CYP × Part), contaminated sediment containing 2,000 μg/kg of CYP was introduced to the microcosm at a concentration of 500 mg/L. Both trials were carried out under high-flow (CYP × Flow and CYP × Part × Flow) and low-flow (CYP and CYP × Part) conditions, and for all cases, control experiments were performed. Drift rate, drift density (for any treatments with increased flow), and activity were used as behavioral endpoints. Multifactorial analysis of variance shows that CYP exposure significantly increased the drift, whereas Part and Flow trials significantly decreased the drift (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, activity decreased significantly under high-flow conditions. The CYP × Part and CYP × Flow treatments resulted in increased drift rate and drift density, respectively, whereas Part × Flow and CYP × Part × Flow treatments resulted in decreased drift density. The CYP × Part and CYP × Flow trials had a significant antagonistic, interactive effect on drift rate and drift density, respectively, with measured levels being lower than expected levels. The reduction in bioavailability of CYP in the presence of increased flow and sediment levels suggests that mayflies are more likely to be affected by spray-drift exposure (CYP) than by runoff exposure (CYP × Part × Flow). Results indicate that mayflies reacted actively in response to flow conditions and passively in response to pesticide exposure.
Photodegradation of common environmental pharmaceuticals and estrogens in river water
Authors: Lin Angela Yu-Chen , Reinhard Martin 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Photodegradation rates of five pharmaceuticals (gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and propranolol) and of four estrogens (estriol, estrone [E1], 17β-estradiol [E2], and 17α-ethinylestradiol [EE2]), which are common contaminants in the aquatic environment, were measured in both purified and river water at environmentally relevant concentrations (1–2 μg/L) and different oxygen concentrations. Solutions were irradiated with a xenon arc lamp (765 W/m2; 290 nm &lt; λ &lt; 700 nm) and analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method with electrospray ionization for pharmaceuticals and atmospheric pressure photoionization for estrogens. In river water, half-lives were 4.1 h for ketoprofen, 1.1 min for propranolol, 1.4 h for naproxen, 2 to 3 h for estrogens, and 15 h for gemfibrozil and ibuprofen. In air-saturated purified water, rates generally were slower except for that of ketoprofen, which reacted with a half-life of 2.5 min. Naproxen, propranolol, and E1 reacted with half-lives of 1.9, 4.4, and 4.7 h, respectively. The EE2, estriol, E2, gemfibrozil, and ibuprofen reacted with half-lives of 28.4, 38.2, 41.7, 91.4, and 205 h, respectively. The presence of oxygen doubled the direct photolysis rates of naproxen and propranolol. In nonautoclaved river water, 80% of E2 rapidly biotransformed to E1 within less than 20 min, whereas all other compounds remained stable over 22 h.
Probabilistic risk assessment for snails, slugs, and endangered honeycreepers in diphacinone rodenticide baited areas on Hawaii, USA
Authors: Johnston John J. , Pitt William C. , Sugihara Robert T. , Eisemann John D. , Primus Thomas M. , Holmes Melvin J , Crocker Joe , Hart Andy 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Three probabilistic models were developed for characterizing the risk of mortality and subacute coagulopathy to Poouli, an endangered nontarget avian species, in broadcast diphacinone-baited areas on Hawaii, USA. For single-day exposure, the risk of Poouli mortality approaches 0. For 5-d exposure, the mean probability of mortality increased to 3% for adult and 8% for juvenile Poouli populations. For Poouli that consume snails containing diphacinone residues for 14 d, the model predicted increased levels of coagulopathy for 0.42 and 11% of adult and juvenile Poouli populations, respectively. Worst-case deterministic risk characterizations predicted acceptable levels of risk for nonthreatened or endangered species such as northern bobwhite quail and mallards. Also, no acute toxicity was noted for snails and slugs that feed on diphacinone baits.
Effect of dispersant on the composition of the water-accommodated fraction of crude oil and its toxicity to larval marine fish
Authors: Couillard Catherine M. , Lee Kenneth , Légaré Benoît , King Thomas L. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Newly hatched mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) were exposed in a 96-h static renewal assay to water-accommodated fractions of dispersed crude oil (DWAF) or crude oil (WAF) to evaluate if the dispersant-induced changes in aqueous concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) affected larval survival, body length, or ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Weathered Mesa light crude oil (0.05–1 g/L) and filtered seawater with or without the addition of Corexit 9500® were used to prepare DWAF and WAF. At 0.2 g/L, the addition of dispersant caused a two- and fivefold increase in the concentrations of total PAH (ΣPAH) and high-molecular-weight PAH (HMWPAH) with three or more benzene rings. Highest mortality rates (89%) were observed in larvae exposed to DWAF (0.5 g/L; ΣPAH, 479 ng/ml). A reduction in body length was correlated with increased levels of ΣPAH (r2 = 0.65, p = 0.02) and not with HMWPAH. The EROD activity increased linearly with HMWPAH (r2 = 0.99, p = 0.001) and not with ΣPAH. Thus, chemical dispersion increased both the ΣPAH concentrations and the proportion of HMWPAH in WAF. Dispersed HMWPAH were bioavailable, as indicated by a significantly increased EROD activity in exposed mummichog larvae, and this may represent a significant hazard for larval fish.
Isotopic fractionation indicates anaerobic monochlorobenzene biodegradation
Authors: Kaschl Arno , Vogt Carsten , Uhlig Sylvia , Nijenhuis Ivonne , Weiss Holger , Kästner Matthias , Richnow Hans H. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The concentration and isotopic composition of monochlorobenzene (MCB) was monitored in the plume of an anaerobic, contaminated aquifer in Bitterfeld, Germany. An enrichment in the carbon isotopic composition of more than 4 δ units was found at the fringes of the plume relative to the center (-26.5 ‰), suggesting the occurrence of in situ biodegradation of MCB. A similar enrichment was measured in a detailed cross-section of the plume and in depth-specific samples obtained in a multilevel sampling well. The latter samples gave a good correlation of MCB concentrations and respective isotopic composition according to the Rayleigh equation. On the other hand, batch experiments using the aerobic MCB-degrading strains Ralstonia sp. DSM 8910, Acidovorax facilis UFZ B517, Rhodococcus erythropolis UFZ B528, and Pseudomonas veronii UFZ B547 showed that the known aerobic pathway initiated by dioxygenases does not result in a significant isotopic fractionation. Thus, a novel anaerobic pathway resulting in an isotopic fractionation appears to be the predominant process of MCB degradation in this aquifer. The study also clearly demonstrates the usefulness of isotopic fractionation analysis to prove biodegradation directly in the field, even when microcosm studies are not available and a metabolic pathway has not yet been elucidated.
Biochemical effects of lead, zinc, and cadmium from mining on fish in the tri-states district of northeastern Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Schmitt Christopher J. , Whyte Jeff J. , Brumbaugh William G. , Tillitt Donald E. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We assessed the exposure of fish from the Spring and Neosho Rivers in northeast Oklahoma, USA, to lead, zinc, and cadmium from historical mining in the Tri-States Mining District (TSMD). Fish (n = 74) representing six species were collected in October 2001 from six sites on the Spring and Neosho Rivers influenced to differing degrees by mining. Additional samples were obtained from the Big River, a heavily contaminated stream in eastern Missouri, USA, and from reference sites. Blood from each fish was analyzed for Pb, Zn, Cd, Fe, and hemoglobin (Hb). Blood also was analyzed for δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity. The activity of ALA-D, an enzyme involved in heme synthesis, is inhibited by Pb. Concentrations of Fe and Hb were highly correlated (r = 0.89, p &lt; 0.01) across all species and locations and typically were greater in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) than in other taxa. Concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cd typically were greatest in fish from sites most heavily affected by mining and lowest in reference samples. The activity of ALA-D, but not concentrations of Hb or Fe, also differed significantly (p &lt; 0.01) among sites and species. Enzyme activity was lowest in fish from mining-contaminated sites and greatest in reference fish, and was correlated negatively with Pb in most species. Statistically significant (p &lt; 0.01) linear regression models that included negative terms for blood Pb explained as much as 68% of the total variation in ALA-D activity, but differences among taxa were highly evident. Positive correlations with Zn were documented in the combined data for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), as has been reported for other taxa, but not in bass (Micropterus spp.) or carp. In channel catfish, ALA-D activity appeared to be more sensitive to blood Pb than in the other species investigated (i.e., threshold concentrations for inhibition were lower). Such among-species differences are consistent with previous studies. Enzyme activity was inhibited by more than 50% relative to reference sites in channel catfish from several TSMD sites. Collectively, our results indicate that Pb is both bioavailable and active biochemically in the Spring-Neosho River system.