bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Human Skeletal Elements from a Recent UK Murder Inquiry: Preservational Signatures
Authors: Cox M , Bell L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Factors that control bone preservation are not fully understood but generally include those that reflect “natural” taphonomic or diagenetic processes and also those reflecting anthropogenic activity. The aim of this paper is to examine whether the survival of skeletal elements from a recent UK serial murder investigation (n = 12) and three archaeological cemetery sites from England (n = 112, 95, 182; Roman to early-medieval), share a similar recovery signature. Examination of this data demonstrates that even when clear evidence of traumatic and perimortem dismemberment exists within an assemblage, the distribution of missing elements can be almost identical to archaeological material buried in normal attrition cemeteries.
Given that these preservational signatures are so similar, it is concluded that careful observation of bone surfaces is necessary to confidently interpret bone loss, particularly where dismemberment and/or element excision is suggested by the non-anatomical position of the skeleton within the grave. Where postmortem exicision of bone is suspected, careful examination of contiguous bone surfaces, both macroscopic and microscopic, is suggested to detect fine cutmark lesions indicative of anthropogenic excision. Without this evidence other preservational factors must be considered both taphonomic and diagenetic.
Potassium Nitrite Reaction with 11-Nor-Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid in Urine in Relation to the Drug Screening Analysis
Authors: Lewis SA , Lewis LA , Tuinman A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Recently potassium nitrite has been used as an adulterant to interfere with the analysis of 11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in urine. A comprehensive study of the THC-COOH and nitrite reaction chemistry and stability under various conditions is presented. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and negative electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) results are given to substantiate the derived reaction mechanism and properties leading to reaction termination. The addition of potassium carbonate as a buffering agent prior to or following sample void as a means of preventing the formation of a nitroso-complexed form of the 11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid is evaluated.
The Extent of Postmortem Drug Redistribution in a Rat Model
Authors: Hilberg T , Ripel Å , Slørdal L , Bjørneboe A , Mørland J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the postmortem redistribution of several drugs in a rat model and to examine if any of the pharmacological properties was related to the extent of this phenomenon. One of the following drugs: phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), acetaminophen (paracetamol), carbamazepine, codeine, verapamil, amphetamine, mianserin, trimeprazine (alimemazine) or chloroquine was administered together with nortriptyline orally to rats 90 min prior to sacrifice. Heart blood was sampled immediately before sacrifice and after 2 h postmortem, as it has previously been shown that this is sufficient time for postmortem concentration changes to occur in heart blood. Blood was also sampled from the clamped abdominal inferior vena cava (representing peripheral blood) and tissue samples were taken from lungs, myocardium, liver, kidney, thigh muscle, forebrain, and vitreous humor together with a specimen from the minced carcass. Drugs were analyzed by high performance liquid or gas chromatography. For phenobarbital, acetaminophen and carbamazepine the postmortem to antemortem blood drug concentration ratios were close to 1.0 and tissue concentrations were low. The postmortem to antemortem heart blood drug concentration ratio for chloroquine (6.9 ± 1.5) was higher than for nortriptyline (3.5 ± 0.3), and the remaining drugs (codeine, verapamil, amphetamine, mianserin, and trimeprazine) showed ratios of the same magnitude as nortriptyline. The postmortem to antemortem blood drug concentration ratios for both heart blood and blood from the vena cava and also the lung to antemortem blood drug concentration ratio were closely related to the apparent volume of distribution for the drugs studied (p &lt; 0.001). Accordingly, an apparent volume of distribution of more than 3–4 L/kg is a good predictor that a drug is liable to undergo postmortem redistribution with significant increments in blood levels. The postmortem drug concentration in blood from vena cava was closely related to the antemortem blood level, confirming that among the postmortem samples, the peripheral blood sample was the most representative for the antemortem blood concentration.
A Chronological Review of Fingerprint Forgery
Authors: Geller B , Almog J , Margot P , Springer E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The article reviews the history of fingerprint forgery chronologically, based on about 70 papers, books and private communications. More than 30 known cases of fingerprint forgery are considered. Various techniques of fingerprint forgery are described and discussed as well as methods of fingerprint forgery detection.
Graphical Tools for RFLP Measurement Quality Assurance: Single-Locus Charts
Authors: Duewer DL , Liu H-K , Reeder DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Forensic restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses typically provide two results for each sample, one result for each unique allele, at each genetic locus probed. In collaboration with the member laboratories of the Technical Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods, we have developed graphical techniques that compactly summarize even large numbers of such paired measurements. This paper provides a detailed description of the basic tool, a modified bivariate control chart for data from one sample at one locus. We demonstrate how various modifications and combinations of these “single-locus charts” can be used for within- and among-laboratory quality assurance activities.
Genetic Variation of Three Tetrameric Tandem Repeats in Four Distinct Israeli Ethnic Groups
Authors: Amar A , Brautbar C , Motro U , Fisher T , Bonne-Tamir B , Israel S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The allele frequency distributions of three STR loci amplified by PCR have been studied in four Israeli communities: Ashkenazi Jews and three non-Ashkenazi groups, namely Moroccan, Yemenite, and Ethiopian Jews. The loci analyzed were CSF1PO, TPOX, and HUMTHO1. The typing was performed in sequencing polyacrylamide gels under denaturing conditions that could separate alleles with differences of a single base. The population data were analyzed with respect to Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium and found that all loci meet the H-W expectations. Noticeable differences were encountered between the four Jewish ethnic groups studied hereby indicating the importance of establishing a local database to be used in human identity testing in these different Israeli Jewish groups.
Interpreting DNA Mixtures in Structured Populations
Authors: Curran JM , Triggs CM , Buckleton J , Weir BS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
DNA profiles from multiple-contributor samples are interpreted by comparing the probabilities of the profiles under alternative propositions. The propositions may specify some known contributors to the sample and may also specify a number of unknown contributors. The probability of the alleles carried by the set of people, known or unknown, depends on the allelic frequencies and also upon any relationships among the people. Membership of the same subpopulation implies a relationship from a shared evolutionary history, and this effect has been incorporated into the probabilities. This acknowledgment of the effects of population structure requires account to be taken of all people in a subpopulation who are typed, whether or not they contributed to the sample.
GC/MS Data from Fire Debris Samples: Interpretation and Applications
Authors: (Jack) Wallace JR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Mass chromatography is currently being adapted by many forensic laboratories as the preferred approach for interpreting GC/MS data from fire debris samples. This paper first describes software approaches for minimizing interferences and for facilitating the identification of petroleum liquids when using this approach. Next, guidelines are developed for recognizing chromatographic distortion that often occurs when petroleum liquids are recovered using the popular solid adsorption/elution method. It is seen that for a given petroleum liquid, paraffinic:aromatic ratios can vary eight fold depending on the recovery conditions and sample concentration. Finally, the application of these software tools and guidelines to case samples is illustrated, and an approach for categorizing an exemplar collection on the basis of qualitative features and peak height ratios is demonstrated.
Identifications and Quantitative Measurements of Narcotics in Solid Mixtures Using Near-IR Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Ryder AG , O'Connor GM , Glynn TJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Raman spectroscopy offers the potential for the identification of illegal narcotics in seconds by inelastic scattering of light from molecular vibrations. In this study cocaine, heroin, and MDMA were analyzed using near-IR (785 nm excitation) micro-Raman spectroscopy. Narcotics were dispersed in solid dilutants of different concentrations by weight. The dilutants investigated were foodstuffs (flour, baby milk formula), sugars (glucose, lactose, maltose, mannitol), and inorganic materials (Talc powder, NaHCO3, MgSO4·7H2O). In most cases it was possible to detect the presence of drugs at levels down to ∼10% by weight. The detection sensitivity of the Raman technique was found to be dependent on a number of factors such as the scattering cross-sections of drug and dilutant, fluorescence of matrix or drug, complexity of dilutant Raman spectrum, and spectrometer resolution.
Raman spectra from a series of 20 mixtures of cocaine and glucose (0–100% by weight cocaine) were collected and analyzed using multivariate analysis methods. An accurate prediction model was generated using a Partial Least Squares (PLS) algorithm that can predict the concentration of cocaine in solid glucose from a single Raman spectrum with a root mean standard error of prediction of 2.3%.
Analysis and Comparison of Bullet Leads by Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Keto RO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used to determine eight elements in 9-mm bullet lead from 12 manufacturers. The purpose was two-fold: 1) to develop a feasible ICPMS method for bullet lead analysis, and 2) to observe the range of variability in elemental compositions for bullet lead from diverse sources. The first of these was significantly aided by reduction of the lead concentration by precipitation; the second was demonstrated by the application of numerical correlation analyses to the data.
The results showed that good reproducibility (±5% relative standard deviation) and sensitivity (generally in the sub-part-per-million range) can be obtained. No bullets from different sources had similar elemental signatures, whereas very different signatures could be found within a single box of bullets. Numerical criteria were developed to separate “matching” bullets from all different-source bullets for the subject population.
The Examination of Disguised Numbers
Authors: Seaman-Kelly J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Numbers in a requested text bear valuable insight into whether the exemplar bears disguised writing. If a writer disguises the writing on a requested exemplar, the numbers are usually written naturally, free of disguise. The paper discusses the methods of disguise used when the writer is asked to disguise the numbers in a requested exemplar.
Two hundred participants completed a four-page exemplar consisting of three pages of naturally executed numbers and one page of disguise. For the disguised exemplar, the participant was requested to disguise the set of numbers to avoid identification.
Results of the 200 participants in this study indicate the use of the alternate number form as the most popular method of disguising numbers. This paper lists the participants' preferences as to the method of disguise employed and to the choice of alternate number form used.
Substitution of H2O for Formamide in the Sample Preparation Protocol for STR Analysis Using the Capillary Electrophoresis System: The Effects on Precision, Resolution, and Capillary Life
Authors: Biega LA , Duceman BW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Water has been evaluated as a suitable solvent to replace formamide in the preparation of samples for capillary electrophoresis analysis. Critical aspects relevant to forensic analysis were studied to test the validity of the substitution. Correct assignment of allele labels was reproducibly performed on known samples, and size determination was found to be precise. Three hundred injections, regardless the method of preparation, may be run on a single capillary without loss of precision or resolution.
Spanish Population Data on the Loci D13S317, D7S820, and D16S539 Generated Using Silver Staining (SilverSTR III™ Multiplex)
Authors: Entrala C , Lorente JA , Lorente M , Alvarez JC , Budowle B , Villanueva E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A set of 212 samples from unrelated Spanish Caucasians living in Andalucia (southern Spain) were analyzed with a new commercially-available kit for multiplex amplification of 3 STR loci (D13S137, D7S820, and D16S539), manual denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. These three loci are of special interest for the forensic community since they are a part of the 13 CODIS-core STR loci. The results show that the loci D13S317 and D16S539 meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE), but the locus D7S820 did not meet HWE (p = 0.003). However, there was no detectable departures from independence (i.e., linkage disequilibrium) between any pair-wise combination of loci. The D7S820 data were further investigated. The excess homozygosity was due to an excess of D7S820 10, 10 homozygotes. To determine if the allele frequency data are meaningful and can be applied to forensic identity cases, the Spanish D7S820 allele frequency data were compared with four other Caucasian sample populations. The D7S820 allele frequencies were statistically similar; thus, the results support that the allele frequency data can be used reliably for estimating DNA profile frequencies.
A Systematic Analysis of PCR Contamination
Authors: Scherczinger CA , Ladd C , Bourke MT , Adamowicz MS , Johannes PM , Scherczinger R , Beesley T , Lee HC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In light of the strict legal scrutiny surrounding DNA typing at this time, it has become necessary to systematically address the issue of PCR contamination. To precisely define the parameters affecting PCR contamination under casework analysis conditions, PCR amplification reactions were intentionally compromised by employing sub-standard laboratory technique and by introducing secondary sources of DNA.
The PCR parameters considered for potential sources of contamination include amplification set-up, amplification product handling, aerosol DNA and storage. In addition, analyst technique was evaluated by modifying or eliminating standard safeguards.
Under the circumstances normally encountered during casework analysis, PCR contamination was never noted. Significantly, using the dot blot detection method, contamination was never observed when nanogram quantities of genomic DNA were mishandled or aerosolized. Contamination occurred only when amplification product was carelessly manipulated or purposefully sprayed near or directly into open tubes containing water or genomic DNA. Although standard precautions should be employed during PCR-based DNA typing, our data indicates that contamination during amplification procedures is not prevalent when detected by dot blot analysis.
NaOH Treatment to Neutralize Inhibitors of Taq Polymerase
Authors: Bourke MT , Scherczinger CA , Ladd C , Lee HC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The introduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) into the forensic field has greatly extended the ability to analyze DNA from small or degraded samples. However, one significant problem with PCR analysis is the sensitivity of Taq Polymerase to inhibitors found in many substrates commonly encountered with evidentiary materials. We hypothesize that the most problematic of these compounds intercalate into double stranded DNA (dsDNA) and have significantly less affinity for single stranded DNA (ss-DNA). This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a novel method for the neutralization of Taq inhibitors by denaturation and washing with NaOH in Microcon-100 filtration units. The data show that DNA recovered following NaOH repurification routinely amplifies when other inhibitor neutralization techniques are unsuccessful. Genetic profiles have been obtained with both AmpliType PM + DQA1 and D1S80 systems. However, the NaOH protocol is not advised when the quantity of DNA is limited since the treatment results in significant loss of DNA.
The Analysis of Fire Debris for the Presence of Propan-2-ol Using Dynamic Headspace Concentration and Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection
Authors: Lewis RJ , Denieul SE , Langford AM , Okely M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe a simple procedure for the identification of propan-2-ol in fire debris. Vapors collected from samples of debris at elevated temperatures, were subsequently dissolved in water prior to being analyzed by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
Chorionic Villus Sampling Prior to Pregnancy Termination, a Tool for Forensic Paternity Testing
Authors: Reshef A , Brauner P , Shpitzen M , Gallili N , Marbach A , Motro U , Shmueli E , Meiner V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), prior to pregnancy termination (pre-termination CVS), is suggested as a tool for forensic paternity testing. Unlike the abortion material, which consists of ruptured tissues of fetal and maternal origin, extra-embryonic membranes obtained through CVS can provide an uncontaminated source of fetal tissue for genotyping. We discuss the possibility of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) and its implications on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based analyses of short tandem repeats (STRs) and the D1S80 loci.
Analysis of Salivary DNA Evidence from a Bite Mark on a Body Submerged in Water
Authors: Sweet D , Shutler GG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A female body was recovered after approximately 5.5 h in a river with slow-moving current. On the victim's right breast, a patterned injury was discovered and determined to be from human adult teeth. Evidence was collected according to established techniques including recovery of saliva from the bite mark area despite the body being found submerged in water. DNA analysis by PCR using polymorphic STR markers revealed a DNA profile of mixed origin. In addition to the victim's DNA profile, a genotype contribution from the perpetrator was identified as a minor component. The DNA typing results from the bite mark correlated with the DNA typing results obtained from other biological trace evidence identified from the victim's genital samples. The bite mark and the DNA evidence were used to screen suspects and played an important role in obtaining resolution of this case. Consequently, it is advisable that investigators routinely swab for salivary DNA in bite mark cases, even when the amount is thought to be minimal.
Airway Obstruction by a Ball
Authors: Jumbelic MI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A toddler died as the result of choking on a toy ball that occluded his upper airway. The size of this toy was within the federal safety standards for use by children under the age of three years. Though it has been recognized since 1987 that the minimum safe diameter set by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act may be too small, no change has been made to the regulation (1). In 1995 a comprehensive review of asphyxia related to the size of the foreign object found 4.44 cm diameter and 7.62 cm length a more comprehensive standard (1). Currently federal warning labels are required on some items that contain balls smaller than 4.44 cm to prevent use by children less than three years of age (2). The small parts fixture test in use by the federal government is available as a safety tool for parents to use at home. Unfortunately the “safe” diameter of 3.17 cm is too small to provide assurance that a toy is not a choking hazard.
Wischnewski Ulcers and Acute Pancreatitis in Two Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis, Portal Vein Thrombosis, and Hypothermia
Authors: Wolf DA , Aronson JF , Rajaraman S , Veasey SP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Accidental hypothermia has been described in the forensic literature but reports of occurrence in hospitalized patients are rare. Associated anatomic lesions include acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis and characteristic acute gastric ulcers termed Wischnewski ulcers. We report here two patients with cirrhosis and ascites; one also had hepatocellular carcinoma. Portal vein thrombosis, acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis and Wischnewski ulcers were present in both. The clinical records documented hypothermia that progressed over several days. Temperature nadirs of 31.0°C (87.8°F) and 32.2°C (90.0°F) were recorded in each patient, respectively, one day before death, although each transiently reached temperatures that did not register on standard monitoring devices. This is the first report that chronicles antemortem body temperatures in hypothermic patients with Wischnewski ulcers and pancreatitis at autopsy. Also, the association of these findings with portal vein thrombosis and cirrhosis has not been previously described. We discuss this constellation of findings with regard to possible mechanistic interrelations.
Chloropicrin Found in Industrial Grade Nitrogen
Authors: Brewer WE , Amick GD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Industrial grade nitrogen cylinders were analyzed for the presence of adulterants after several individuals became ill following a nonfatal exposure. A preliminary report from another laboratory indicated the presence of chloropicrin and phosgene, a known decomposition product of chloropicrin. Our results confirmed the presence of chloropicrin and demonstrated phosgene to be an artifact of GC/MS analysis. A possible contamination scenario is discussed.
Construction of a Roller Device for the Collection of Hair and Fiber Evidence
Authors: Swinton SF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The discovery of hair and fiber evidence can be of critical importance in the investigation of crimes, particularly violent crimes. A procedure is described for the construction and assembly of a roller device that utilizes readily available components and single-sided adhesive tape. The advantages over previously described roller devices include decreases in both the potential for contamination and the time required for construction of the device, as well as the ability to disinfect all of the roller components.
Commentary on Swalwell CI, Davis GG. Methamphetamine as a Risk Factor for Acute Aortic Dissection. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(1):23–6
Authors: Fikar CR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Commentary on Swalwell CI, Davis GG. Methamphetamine as a risk factor for acute aortic dissection. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(1):23–6.