bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postmortem Blood Free and Total Morphine Concentrations in Medical Examiner Cases
Authors: Burt MJ , Kloss J , Apple FS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between postmortem free morphine and total morphine levels in a large series of medical examiner morphine and heroin related deaths. Free morphine, total morphine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) concentrations were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in 87 medical examiner cases over 20 months. The mean total morphine concentration, mean free morphine concentration, and mean percent free morphine for all cases were: 2.3 mg/L (SD 5.2 mg/L), 0.5 mg/L (SD 1.6 mg/L), and 19.4% (SD 22.8%); respectively. Regression analyses showed weak correlations between total and free morphine concentrations over the entire concentration range (0 to 36.6 mg/L, r = 0.603, n = 91) and over a subset concentration range of 0 to 1.0 mg/L (r = 0.369, n = 54). Twenty-three out of 56 (41%) tested positive for 6-MAM, indicative heroin abuse cases. Lower total and free morphine concentrations and a higher percent free morphine were found in individuals with detectable 6-MAM. Comparing blood concentrations for cases with and without detectable 6-MAM demonstrated mean total morphine concentrations of 0.9 mg/L versus 2.1 mg/L (p = 0.05), mean free morphine concentrations of 0.3 mg/L versus 0.4 mg/L (p = 0.21), and mean percent free morphine of 34.7% versus 13.7% (p &lt; 0.003), respectively. Our findings demonstrate higher free to total morphine ratios in individuals with detectable 6-MAM than in individuals without 6-MAM. The database established in this study may assist medical examiners in the evaluation of postmortem blood opiates regarding the cause of death in opiate related ingestion cases.
Deposition of 7-Aminoflunitrazepam and Flunitrazepam in Hair After a Single Dose of Rohypnol®
Authors: Negrusz A , Moore CM , Hinkel KB , Stockham TL , Verma M , Strong MJ , Janicak PG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of reports on drug-facilitated sexual assault. Benzodiazepines are the most common so-called “date-rape” drugs, with flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®) being one of the most frequently mentioned. The aim of this study was to determine whether flunitrazepam and its major metabolite 7-aminoflunitrazepam could be detected in hair collected from ten healthy volunteers after receiving a single 2 mg dose of Rohypnol® using solid phase extraction and NCI-GC-MS. Such data would be of great importance to law enforcement agencies trying to determine the best time interval for hair collection from a victim of drug-facilitated sexual assault in order to reveal drug use. Ten healthy volunteers (eight women and two men, 21 to 49 years old) participated in the study. The following hair samples were collected from each volunteer: one before flunitrazepam administration, and 1, 3, 5, 14, 21, and 28 days after. In five volunteers, 7-aminoflunitrazepam was detected 24 h after flunitrazepam administration and remained in hair throughout the entire 28-day study period (0.6–8.0 pg/mg). In two cases, 7-aminoflunitrazepam appeared in hair 21 days after drug intake (0.5–2.7 pg/mg), and in two subjects 14 days later (0.5–5.4 pg/mg). In one volunteer, 7-aminoflunitrazepam was detected on day 14 and 21 but concentrations were below the quantitation limit. Flunitrazepam was detected in some samples but all concentrations were below the quantitation limit (0.5–2.3 pg/mg).
Adherence of Forensic Odontologists to the ABFO Bite Mark Guidelines for Suspect Evidence Collection
Authors: Pretty IA , Sweet D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Boards and associations within forensic science have long been accepted as vehicles for the development and dissemination of protocols and recommendations for practice. Recent controversies surrounding bite mark analyses have brought the methods and practices of forensic dentists to the attention of both the courts and the media. In the mid-eighties the American Board of Forensic Odontology developed guidelines for bite mark analysis in response to unfavorable commentaries on the discipline by legal observers.
The purpose of this study is to examine the adherence of board certified and noncertified forensic dentists to the guidelines for collection of evidence from bite mark suspects. A questionnaire was employed during an American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting. Results showed that, in general, when the odontologists collected evidence they did adhere to the guidelines, although collection of salivary samples was not common. Of concern is the large number of odontologists who do not collect their own evidence from suspects. Police officers or other individuals often perform this task and therefore the guidelines must be disseminated to these groups to ensure that the maximum yield is obtained from bite mark evidence. A review of the materials used to collect evidence is also included with details of applications in forensic science.
Metric Variation in the Human Occipital Bone: Forensic Anthropological Applications
Authors: Wescott DJ , Moore-Jansen PH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sex and race variation of the occipital bone have been previously investigated, but particular examination of the effect of age and ancestry on sexual dimorphism has not been addressed. This paper examines morphological variation associated with sex and ancestry in the condylar region of the occipital bone and the effect of age and ancestry on the estimation of sex. Models previously published by Holland (1,2) are also tested, and methodological problems are addressed. The results indicate that age does not have an effect on sexual dimorphism, but that whites exhibit greater, although not significantly, more sexual dimorphism than blacks. Significant sex and ancestry variation is present in the condylar region of the occipital bone, but neither sex nor ancestry could be estimated accurately using measurements of this anatomical region defined by Holland (1,2).
Detection of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) as a Natural Component in Wine
Authors: Vose J , Tighe T , Schwartz M , Buel E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The compound gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) was found in extracts from samples of unadulterated wines. This finding indicates that GBL is a naturally occurring component in some wines and may be present in similar products. The concentration detected was approximately 5 µg/mL and was easily observed using a simple extraction technique followed by GC/MS analysis. These results illustrate the need to carefully examine an allegedly adulterated sample's matrix before determining a sample was laced with GBL.
The Use of Capillary Electrophoresis in the Detection of Monomethylamine and Benzoate Ions in the Forensic Examination of Explosives Residues
Authors: Klapec DJ , Ng DL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is used in the ATF Forensic Science Laboratories for the analysis of inorganic ions commonly encountered in post-blast residues including monomethylamine (MMA) and benzoate ions. Monomethylamine nitrate is found in Tovex®, a water gel explosive. Sodium benzoate is added to Pyrodex®, as a fuel and burn rate modifier. In the analysis of explosive residues, these ions are used as an indicator for the presence of Tovex® and Pyrodex®. Traditionally, these two ions, along with other ions of interest were analyzed by spot tests and ion chromatograph (IC). CE is currently being used in place of spot tests as a confirmation technique for IC.
AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR® COfiler™ Analysis of Tissues Stored in GenoFix™, a New Tissue Preservation Solution for Mass Disaster DNA Identification
Authors: Frégeau CJ , Vanstone H , Borys S , McLean D , Maroun JA , Chaim Birnboim H , Fourney RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A preliminary study was conducted to assess the capability of a new alcohol-based tissue fixative, GenoFix™, to preserve DNA from biopsy tissues stored at room temperature and/or -20°C in a freezer, for subsequent short tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing analysis. Fresh human smooth muscle samples were stored at room temperature in GenoFix™ for one month and up to one year and seven months before being processed using the megaplex STR systems, AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR® COfiler™. Alternatively, muscle tissues in GenoFix™ were placed at -20°C in a freezer for up to 3 ½ years following two to three months in the fixative at room temperature. DNA analysis was also carried out on tissues stored in GenoFix™ for one month at room temperature and subsequently paraffin-embedded and stored at room temperature for four years. The AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFℓSTR® COfiler™ STR profiles produced, using DNA extracted from all fixed tissue samples, were of very good quality. The fluorescent signals were well balanced across the nine STR loci or six loci comprised in the megaplexes surveyed and profiles showed no differences with those observed for the control blood of the respective donor patients. Continuous exposure to GenoFix™ at room temperature (up to one year and seven months) did not compromise the STR typing analysis of the fixed tissues. No adverse effects were noted on the STR typeability of tissues fixed with GenoFix™ and stored at -20°C in a freezer for up to 3 ½ years. STR profiles generated from the paraffin-embedded tissues fixed in GenoFix™ were of excellent quality. This preliminary study suggests that GenoFix™ can be used to store tissue samples at room temperature for up to one year and seven months or at -20°C in a freezer for longer storage (up to 3 ½ years). This new and odorless tissue fixative promotes tissue and DNA preservation in a very effective manner and as such may prove useful in criminal investigations or mass disaster identifications carried out in remote locations and in which a small or large number of tissue samples are collected for further analyses.
TWGDAM Validation of the AmpFℓSTR Profiler Plus and AmpF∓STR COfiler STR Multiplex Systems Using Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: LaFountain MJ , Schwartz MB , Svete PA , Walkinshaw MA , Buel E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Prior to forensic implementation, a profiling system requires validation following the recommendations presented by the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (TWG-DAM). In this work two such systems, AmpFℓSTR Profiler Plus and AmpFℓSTR COfiler have been validated according to the guidelines provided by TWGDAM. Profiler Plus and COfiler simultaneously amplify nine and six STR loci respectively; both also amplify a portion of the amelogenin gene. Performance of the two STR multiplex systems under conditions set forth by TWGDAM was robust and reproducible, indicating that these systems are suitable for use in forensic analysis. Additionally, specific sections of the TWGDAM validation guidelines are especially valuable in terms of familiarizing users with particular limitations of the systems prior to taking on casework.
NIST Mixed Stain Studies #1 and #2: Interlaboratory Comparison of DNA Quantification Practice and Short Tandem Repeat Multiplex Performance with Multiple-Source Samples
Authors: Duewer DL , Kline MC , Redman JW , Newall PJ , Reeder DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The Mixed Stain Study 1 (MSS1, Apr.–Nov. 1997) and Mixed Stain Study 2 (MSS2, Jan.–May 1999) evaluated multiplexed short-tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing systems with samples containing DNA from more than one source. These interlaboratory challenge studies evaluated forensic STR measurement, interpretation, and reporting practice using well-characterized samples of very different analytical difficulty. None of the relatively few errors reported in either exercise resulted in a false identification of a reference source; several errors in evaluating the unknown source in three-source samples would hinder matching the profile in any archival database. None of the measurement anomalies reported is associated with any particular STR multiplex; all DNA amplification anomalies are associated with inefficient DNA extraction, inaccurate DNA quantitation, and/or analytical threshold policies.
Communicated Threats and Violence Toward Public and Private Targets: Discerning Differences Among Those Who Stalk and Attack
Authors: Reid Meloy JR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A computation of false positive and false negative rates concerning the probability that directly communicated written or oral threats predict subsequent violent behavior yields a striking difference between “public” and “private” targets. Among private targets, communicated threats appear to increase risk, but are so common that they have little predictive value. On the other hand, public targets are unlikely to receive a direct threat from those who approach to attack. The author suggests that the most parsimonious explanation for this difference is the type, or mode of violence, that is apparent. Private targets appear to be most likely victimized by affective violence, wherein the emotionally reactive subject will immediately shove, push, punch, slap, choke, fondle, or hair pull the victim without the use of a weapon, usually in response to a perceived rejection or humiliation. Public targets are most likely to be victimized by predatory violence, which is planned, purposeful, cognitively motivated, opportunistic rather than impulsive, and often involves a firearm. Implications for risk assessment are discussed.
Blind Trials of an Onsite Saliva Drug Test for Marijuana and Opiates
Authors: Jehanli A , Brannan S , Moore L , Spiehler VR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The objective of these clinical trials was to calculate the performance, limit of detection, specificity and sensitivity of a novel, semi-quantitative immunoassay for drugs of abuse in saliva and to determine operator bias when measured blind by four different operators. The test is based on lateral flow gold particle technology coupled with digital photography to provide a semi-quantitative end point. The performance of the test was compared with that of enzyme immunoassays and GC/MS methods. Volunteers consumed marijuana or codeine and their saliva was collected 0.25 to 24 h later with the Cozart RapiScan collection device. The sensitivity and specificity of the opiate test were both 100% ± 10.4% for codeine for 9 h after dosing. The cutoff of the marijuana test at 10 ng/mL THCA was too high to detect marijuana use for more than a few hours after smoking. There was no operator bias because the results were presented in written form either as “positive” or “negative for each of the five drug classes on the screen of the hand-held reader.
Detection of Cocaine and Its Metabolites in Breast Milk
Authors: Winecker RE , Goldberger BA , Tebbett IR , Behnke M , Eyler FD , Karlix JL , Wobie K , Conlon M , Phillips D , Bertholf RL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method was developed for measuring cocaine and its metabolites, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, norcocaine, ecgonine ethyl ester, cocaethylene, and m-hydroxybenzoylecgonine, in breast milk by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Limits of detection for this method ranged from 2.5 to 10 ng/mL, and limits of quantitation ranged from 5 to 50 ng/mL. For each of the compounds measured by this method, linear response was demonstrated to 750 ng/mL. Breast milk was collected from 11 mothers who admitted to drug use during pregnancy and ten drug-free volunteers serving as control subjects. Cocaine was detected in six of the specimens obtained from drug-exposed subjects, and in none of the drug-free control subjects. In breast milk specimens where cocaine and one or more of its metabolites were detected, the concentration of parent compound was greater than any of the metabolites. The highest cocaine concentration found was over 12 μg/mL. Breast-fed infants of cocaine abusing mothers may be exposed to significant amounts of drug orally.
Pelvic Age Estimation Using Actual Specimens and Remote Images
Authors: Hutchinson DL , Russell KF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Age estimates of the auricular surface (sacro-iliac joint) of the ilium taken from bony specimens, 35 mm slides, and digital images were compared for 29 intact specimens from archaeological contexts. Results demonstrate that age estimates from all photographic and digital images may result in significantly differing estimates of age than those from bony specimens. Of the imaging techniques, 35 mm slides provided estimates most similar to those from bony specimens. Digital images provided age estimates that varied more from bony specimens. In general, photographic and digital images may offer researchers a way of documenting age information that would otherwise be unavailable or delayed. Yet, caution should be used when age estimates are derived solely from images rather than from bony specimens.
The Use of the D-, L- Aspartic Ratio in Decalcified Collagen from Human Dentin as an Estimator of Human Age
Authors: Pilin A , Čabala R , Pudil F , Bencko V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Among the methods dealing with the age estimation, the evaluation of the ratio of the D-, L- form of the aspartic acid in tissues with a low metabolic turnover is considered to be the most precise. We introduced demineralization of the dentin with 0.5 M EDTA adjusted to pH = 7.4. The advantage of such a procedure is that after demineralization we obtained pure insoluble protein (collagen) and soluble noncollagenous proteins in one step. In this study we analyzed insoluble collagen. The amino acids obtained after the hydrolysis were derivatized into TFA isopropyl esters and analyzed by gas chromatography on Chirasil L-Val capillary column. We analyzed human dentin from the lower canines. The correlation coefficient was 0.93 for our set of 71 persons. The result concurred with those of other scientists.
DNA Profiling of Trace Evidence—Mitigating Evidence in a Dog Biting Case
Authors: Brauner P , Reshef A , Gorski A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A young girl was the victim of a severe dog attack. An animal, suspected of having caused the attack, was later impounded for investigation. Microclots of blood, recovered from the dog's fur, were analyzed by STR DNA. Results showed that this blood was not related to the biting. Other forensic evidence—hairs, fibers, and odontology—failed to connect a particular animal to the attack. The implications of these findings for the dog and its owners are discussed as well as other forensic methods for resolving such cases.
DNA Testing of Klinefelter's Syndrome in a Criminal Case Using XY Chromosomal STR Multiplex-PCR
Authors: Honda K , Tun Z , Matoba R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We report genetic typing of Klinefelter's syndrome applied to casework in forensic DNA testing. In this case, by using extracted DNA from body samples (muscle and bones), we could identify two distinct X alleles in two out of three X-STR loci (HPRTB and ARA), in addition to Y alleles (DYS390, DYS393). The extra X was found to have originated from father, and the victim turned out to have 47XXY Klinefelter's syndrome. The victim was a 30-year-old male, born from relatively elderly parents as a second child. His father was a severe alcoholic and had been malnourished for more than 20 years at the moment of his birth. He exhibited slight mental retardation as a child, and belonged to a criminal group as an adult. The method presented here was useful to accurately diagnose sex chromosomal abnormality instead of conventional chromosomal analysis and Xg blood group typing. A subtype of this syndrome, 48 XXXY or mosaic, for example, could be identified if the intensity of the overlapped X bands were calculated.
Asphyxia Due to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor Mediated Angioedema of the Tongue During the Treatment of Hypertensive Heart Disease
Authors: Dean DE , Schultz DL , Powers RH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This report describes seven deaths caused by angioedema of the tongue related to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These seven cases were received in our office between 1998 and 2000. In that time frame we performed approximately 2000 autopsies. The cases involved African-American mean and women, aged 51 to 65 years, all of whom had been prescribed an ACE inhibitor for the treatment of hypertensive heart disease. In each case, the external examination revealed markedly swollen tongues. The autopsies confirmed massive tongue swelling due to angioedema, and some patients also had swelling of the lips, pharynx, and larynx. Toxicologic analyses on postmortem blood samples were negative for ethanol and drugs of abuse. Although oral and pharyngeal swelling related to angioedema is well known in the clinical literature, its fatal potential has rarely been described.
Fatal Overdose of Zopiclone in an Elderly Woman with Bronchogenic Carcinoma
Authors: Bramness JG , Arnestad M , Karinen R , Hilberg T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The death of a 72-year-old woman with respiratory debilitation due to bronchogenic carcinoma is described. She overdosed herself with probably 200 to 350 mg of zopiclone. Zopiclone, quantitated by HPLC in femoral postmortem blood, was found to be 1.9 mg/L (4.8 µmol/L). This level is higher than many other zopiclone fatalities reported. We report a case where only zopiclone was detected.
Y-Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat Haplotypes at the Loci DYS393, DYS19, DYS392, and DYS385-I/II, DYS390, DYS389-I/II, and DYS391 in a Filipino Population Sample
Authors: Miranda JJ , Benecke M , Hidding M , Schmitt C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Whole blood samples were obtained from 106 unrelated male individuals living in Metro Manila, Philippines, through the Department of Health, Manila. DNA was extracted by isopropanol fractionation-sodium iodide precipitation (4) and quantified by spectrophotometry. Nine Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STR's) were analyzed from a population sample of 106 unrelated males by means of a quadruplex PCR (DYS393, DYS19, DYS392, DYS385-I/II) and a triplex PCR (DYS390, DYS389-I/II, and DYS391).
Allele Frequencies of Pentanucleotide STR D6S957 in Chinese and German Populations
Authors: Hou Y , Tang J , Li Y , Wu J , Zhang J , Walter H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Specimens were obtained from 99 Germans (Bremen, Germany) and 131 Chinese (Chengdu, Sichuan province, China), who were unrelated volunteer blood donors. DNA was extracted using the Chelex method (1). DNA Typing was carried out by PCR. Amplification primers for D6S957 locus were published in GDB, which were designed by the Utah marker development group (2). Each PCR reaction contained 2 to 40 ng human genomic DNA, 1x Taq buffer, 1.5 mM MgCl2, 200 µM each nucleotide, 1.5 U Taq polymerase, 0.25 µM each primer in a total volume of 37.5 µL. In the PCR protocol the DNA was initially denatured at 94°C for 5 min. This was followed with 94°C for 40 s, 60°C for 50 s and 72°C for 1 min. A total of 30 cycles was carried out in a GeneAmp PCR System 9600. The PCR products were analyzed using a horizontal nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a discontinuous buffer system (3). The gels were silverstained (4). Allele determination was carried out by comparison with the sequenced human allele ladder, which was made in-house and contained all the alleles found in this study. Following the recommendations of the International Society of Forensic Haemogenetics (5), the allele classification for the D6S957 locus was based on the number of repeat motifs. A modified X2-test (6) was used to verify whether the genotype distribution conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium predictions. All other parameters dealing with forensic genetics were calculated with a computer program POWERSTATS (7).