Accidental insulin overdose

Exogenous insulin has been used for many years to treat diabetes mellitus. Due to the complex nature of insulin therapy, there have been numerous accidental overdoses by these patients. Unfortunately, in other instances, insulin has been used as an agent for suicide and homicide in diabetics as well as nondiabetics. Presented here is a fatal case of accidental insulin overdose in a nondiabetic. Following the case presentation, we review insulin pharmacology and the methods of diagnosing insulin overdose postmortem. In any case of insulin overdose, a comprehensive scene investigation to document the amount and type of insulin used, along with information revealing the source of the insulin is critical. In addition, a complete autopsy, including appropriate laboratory studies, is needed to make a diagnosis in these cases. Proper attention should be given to collection and storage of blood samples, as these specimens often yield the strongest evidence of insulin overdose.     

Fatality due to methyl acetylene-propadiene (MAPP) inhalation

A 33-year-old man died after intentionally inhaling a gaseous mix of methyl acetylene (propyne) and propadiene (allene) commonly known as MAPP, which is used for soldering and welding. He was found with a plastic bag securely placed over his head and a cylinder of MAPP alongside his head. The cylinder had been vented into the bag using a flexible hose. A comprehensive toxicological analysis revealed only a trace of diphenhydramine in the liver and 0.02 mg/L of morphine in the urine. Analysis of blood by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) detected two unknown peaks. These were determined to be the components of MAPP gas. MAPP was quantitated in femoral blood (59.6 mg/L) and brain (43.6 mg/kg) using a HS-GC method. The cause of death was attributed to acute MAPP intoxication, and the manner was determined to be suicide. A discussion on the analytical and interpretive considerations commonly encountered when analyzing volatile compounds is also presented.     

Social Influence and the Power of Minorities: An Analysis of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Communist Manifesto</Emphasis>

In this paper, we investigate the strategies that a minority uses to exert direct influence toward social change through the qualitative analysis of a document that has prompted people toward collective action and change, namely the Communist Manifesto. To inform and guide the qualitative analysis, a social psychological model of social influence was used (G. Mugny, The Power of Minorities, Academic Press, London, 1982). According to this model, in order for minorities to exert influence it is important to target those in the majority that, although perhaps numerous, are powerless. The minority needs to create and maintain an antagonism with the powerful majority while, simultaneously, it needs to boost the identity of the powerless majority and to invent itself as the group that can guide them to overthrow the powerful. The analysis suggests that the minority follows three strategies: (a) The declaration of a world vision suggesting a system of categorization that objectifies power relations and creates different targets for influence and for conflict; (b) The construction of the minoritys identity as a particular group that is part but prototypical of the target of influence–the population; (c) The creation and maintenance of relations of antagonism with that part of the majority that holds the power. This enables the minority to avoid being portrayed as deviants, enables them to stand as equals to the majority, and creates the impression that the minority has the potential to overthrow the powerful majority from its position.     

The Role of Shame in Predicting Adult Anger and Depressive Symptoms Among Victims of Child Psychological Maltreatment

Previous research on child maltreatment and adult outcomes has failed to consider affective reactions to the maltreatment, which may play a critical role in victim outcomes. One such affective reaction—shame—may help to explain this relationship. In the context of maltreatment, feelings of shame are seen as a natural extension of the helplessness experienced by many victims of child maltreatment [Finkelhor, D., and Browne, A. (1986). Initial and long-term effects: A conceptual framework. In Finkelhor, D. (ed.), A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Maltreatment, Sage, Newbury Park, CA, pp. 180–198]. The current study examined the moderating role of shame in the relationship between victim reactions to child psychological maltreatment and adult anger and depressive symptoms. Results showed that shame moderated between child psychological maltreatment and adult anger for men but not for women, whereas shame moderated between child psychological maltreatment and depressive symptoms for adult women. Presence of gender-related differences suggests that gender should be considered in the design and development of therapeutic techniques for the treatment and prevention of anger and depression in adult survivors of child psychological maltreatment.     

Policing on prime-time: A comparison of television and real-world policing

This paper provides an investigation of presentations of police and policing activities in two purposively selected contemporary prime-time entertainment justice shows and one reality-based justice show. With the exception of being portrayed as overly successful, television police were portrayed closely to real-life police in terms of their gender, racial composition, organization, tasks, role, and response to crime. As such, prime-time television may aid viewers in better understanding the role of police in American society by providing a basic orientation to police and police work through its mediated presentations. Further research is needed involving a more encompassing sample of prime-time justice shows for more generalizable conclusions to be asserted.     

Participation patterns at the 1998–2003 Southern Criminal Justice Association annual meetings

This paper examines the distance participants were willing to travel to attend the 1998–2003 Southern Criminal Justice Association annual meeting sites. The authors evaluate whether holding the conference at various locations throughout the region impacts individual participation, membership, and institutional representation. The findings reveal that conference sites that require greater travel have lower attendance and do not capture new members. However, the strength of offerings and tourist attractions can offset the negative impact of greater travel. The analysis also identifies a core group of members who show up at the meetings no matter where they are held. Finally, the conferences do not attract much local interest. Recommendations that would enhance attendance at regional meetings are advanced.