bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nonoxinol-9 on the Ability to Obtain DNA Profiles from Postcoital Vaginal Swabs
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Budowle B , Borer UV , Dirnhofer R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Nonoxinol-9, the active ingredient of many spermicide foams and creams, has been shown to inactivate effectively high titres of HIV in vitro. Therefore the early administration of nonoxinol-9, perhaps by a rape victim herself, has been suggested as a potential prophylactic therapy for prevention of a possible HIV infection. For forensic DNA identity testing, it becomes pertinent to determine whether nonoxinol-9 could have an adverse effect on the recovery of high molecular weight DNA from postcoital vaginal swabs and thereby have an impact on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. If high molecular weight DNA can not be recovered, it may still be possible to proceed with analyses using PCR-based tests. In order to investigate the potential effects of nonoxinol-9, inserts, gels, or sponges containing nonoxinol-9 were applied either 15 min pre- or 15 to 60 min post coitus. Postcoital vaginal swabs were taken one and six h after sexual intercourse, the DNA was isolated and DNA identity typing was performed.
The results demonstrate that nonoxinol-9 has no negative effect on the ability to obtain DNA profiles, either RFLP or PCR-based, from postcoital vaginal swabs. The quantity of extractable high molecular weight DNA obtained (as determined by slot-blot analysis) was comparable with that from uncontaminated postcoital vaginal swabs. RFLP patterns and PCR-based typing results at the HLA-DQ alpha and D1S80 loci from the nonoxinol-9 treated swabs were consistent with the uncontaminated control swabs and the corresponding whole blood samples of the donors. Therefore an early prophylactic administration of the topical anti-HIV agent nonoxinol-9 is not an impedient for obtaining DNA profiles from evidentiary material.
A Rapid Dot-Blot Method for Species Identification of Bloodstains
Authors: Matsuzawa S , Kimura H , Itoh Y , Wang H , Nakagawa T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A very simple and rapid test for species identification is reported. Extracts of bloodstains were applied to a synthetic porous membrane and dried. The membrane was then quenched with glycine buffered saline containing BSA and Tween 20. A suspension of colloidal gold particles (GP) coated with rabbit antiserum to human IgG was poured onto, gently whirled and aspirated through the membrane. Spots from the human and monkey bloodstains became red, whereas those from other species of animals remained unstained. This test was completed within 3 to 4 min, and the antibody-coated GP reagent was prepared within 20 min using a very small quantity of antiserum. Cellulose acetate membranes of 0.45 μm or more in pore size were appropriate to this test.
The Structural Identification of a Methyl Analog of Methaqualone via 2-Dimensional NMR Techniques
Authors: Angelos SA , Lankin DC , Meyers JA , Raney JK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A submission to the Drug Enforcement Administration North Central Laboratory of a substance believed to be a structural analog of methaqualone hydrochloride precipitated an interest in being able to obtain a rapid and positive identification of such compounds. Both mass spectrometry and proton NMR spectroscopy (1-dimensional) provided evidence to suggest that the structural analog possessed a second methyl group in the molecule, relative to methaqualone, and that the methyl group was attached to the existing methylsubstituted phenyl ring. By application of proton 2-dimensional (2-D) NMR techniques, specifically the homonuclear shift correlation spectroscopy (COSY) and 2-D NOE (NOESY), the precise location of the methyl group in this unknown methaqualone analog was established and shown to have the structure 2.
Poisonings Associated with Cyanide in Over the Counter Cold Medication in Washington State, 1991
Authors: Logan B , Howard J , Kiesel EL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In March 1991, four cyanide poisonings were identified in Washington State. Three of these, one nonfatal and two fatal, were directly linked to the consumption of capsules of Sudafed-12 hour cold relief capsules. This article presents the details of these cases including the chronology, causes of death, autopsy and toxicological findings. The fourth case, also fatal, occurred after extensive publicity surrounding the poisonings, and was determined to be a copy-cat case intended to mimic the consumption of tainted Sudafed. The investigation and distinguishing features of this case are also discussed. A further cyanide poisoning occurred in Canada shortly after these incidents and had similar features to the copy-cat case.
Fatality Due to Recreational Use of Chlorodifluoromethane and Chloropentafluoroethane
Authors: Fitzgerald RL , Fishel CE , Bush LLE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Reports on fatalities of chlorofluorocarbons usually involve chlorotrifluoroethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane or chlorodifluoromethane, where analysis was done using packed column gas chromatography. In this case a death was caused by an azeotropic mixture of chlorodifluoromethane and chloropentafluoroethane, a combination that has not previously been reported in the forensic literature. This report details the analysis using mass selective detection employing capillary gas chromatography columns currently used in many toxicology laboratories.
Postmortem toxicology revealed blood concentrations of chlorodifluoromethane and chloropentafluoroethane of 71 mg/L and 0.30 mg/L, respectively. Brain, liver, and lung concentrations of chlorodifluoromethane were (mg/kg) 2.8, 4.4, and 1.6, respectively. Brain, liver, and lung concentrations of chloropentafluoroethane were (mg/kg) 0.80, 0.80, and 0.11, respectively. The victim's blood contained 5.5 mg/L caffeine. Lidocaine, used in resuscitation attempts, was also present in the victim's blood. No other alkali-extractable drugs or volatile alcohols were detected in the victim's blood. The cause of death was acute respiratory arrest due to chlorofluorocarbon inhalation.
The Meaning of an Accessory Projectile
Authors: Smith OC , Berryman HE , Symes SA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A previously expended pistol casing was removed from a gunshot wound after an apparent accidental shooting. Examination of this foreign body indicated it had ridden the bore ahead of the bullet. Further investigation disclosed this as a deliberate but ignorant means to load an already loaded weapon. The assailants then fired at a passerby and killed him. Disclosure of the foreign body by X-ray, recovery and examination at autopsy were used to corroborate the circumstances and allowed charges of criminally negligent homicide to be placed.
Cerebral Intraventricular Lipoma and Sudden Death
Authors: Zappi E , Zappi M , Breithaupt M , Zugibe FT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A lipoma in the left lateral cerebral ventricle of a 73-year-old male is reported. This rather infrequently occurring lesion was an incidental finding in the patient's postmortem examination and probably accounted for the acute hydrocephalus that lead to his sudden death.
Review of Advances in Fingerprint Technology
Authors: Cantu AA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This book presents a history and status of latent fingerprint development, enhancement, identification, storage and retrieval, and testimony. As evidenced in the book, the intended readers are not only fingerprint examiners (users) and legal experts (attorneys), but also chemists, physicists, biologists, information scientists, and image scientists and engineers. This illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of this expanding field. Some of the contributing authors to the ten chapters are the founders of the advanced technology currently being used.
A Computer Interfaced Time-Resolved Luminescence Imaging System
Authors: Murdock RH , Menzel ER 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Time-resolved luminescence imaging using a computer-interfaced gateable digital camera is shown to be useful for laser fingerprint development on strongly luminescent substrates. The system design is optimized for rare earth fingerprint treatment chemistry. System specifications are detailed and operation is discussed. Other potential applications include DNA typing and bioassay.
A Novel Approach to Fourier Spectral Enhancement of Laser-Luminescent Fingerprint Images
Authors: Kaymaz E , Mitra S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The present work reports an efficient adaptive Fourier transform domain filter for enhancement of laser-luminescent fingerprints. The transform domain filter involves selective amplification of the spectral band containing the highest energy, and subsequent use of a band-pass filter. The resulting enhanced image is almost noise-free, and shows prominent features in the fingerprints that cannot be extracted by other conventional enhancement techniques.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Analysis of Human Skeletal Remains: Identification of Remains from the Vietnam War
Authors: Holland MM , Fisher DL , Mitchell LG , Rodriquez WC , Canik JJ , Merril CR , Weedn VW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence analysis of the control region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome was used to identify human skeletal remains returned to the United States government by the Vietnamese government in 1984. The postmortem interval was thought to be 24 years at the time of testing, and the remains presumed to be an American service member. DNA typing methods using nuclear genomic DNA, HLA-DQ alpha [1] and the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) locus D1S80 [2], were unsuccessful using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [3]. Amplification of a portion of the mtDNA control region was performed, and the resulting PCR product subjected to DNA sequence analysis. The DNA sequence generated from the skeletal remains was identical to the maternal reference sequence, as well as the sequence generated from two siblings (sisters). The sequence was unique when compared to more than 650 DNA sequences found both in the literature and provided by personal communications. The individual sequence polymorphisms were present in only 23 of the more than 1300 nucleotide positions analyzed. These results support the observation [4] that in cases where conventional DNA typing is unavailable, mtDNA sequencing can be used for human remains identification.
Genetic Typing of HLA Class II Genes in Swedish Populations: Application to Forensic Analysis
Authors: Allen M , Saldeen T , Pettersson U , Gyllensten U 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In an attempt to determine the value of DNA based typing of HLA class II loci to forensic analysis, allele and genotype frequencies at DQA1, DQB1, DPB1, and DRB1 were determined in samples from two Swedish populations using hybridization with sequence specific oligonucleotides to PCR amplified DNA. Significant allele frequency differences were observed at the DQB1 and DRB1 loci between the two populations, as well as between one of the Swedish and a Norwegian population. The average heterozygosity varies between 0.74 to 0.91 and the power of discrimination between 0.90 to 0.98, with the highest values obtained for the DRB1 locus. The probability of genotype identity by chance differs on average 2% between the populations. When applied to a paternity case with one parent deceased and a criminal case, typing of class II loci proved in both cases informative. Analyses of DR and DQ genes does not increase the power of discrimination, due to strong linkage, but offers through the reconstruction of putative haplotypes an internal control for the consistency of the typing results at several loci. Typing of the DRB1 and DPB1 loci was found to result in an approximate combined average probability of genotype identity by chance of one in a thousand.
Collection Efficiency of Gunshot Residue (GSR) Particles from Hair and Hands Using Double-Side Adhesive Tape
Authors: Zeichner A , Levin N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Experiments were carried out to sample GSR particles (GSRs) from hair using double-side adhesive coated aluminum stubs (the tape-lift method). Although it was claimed in the literature that double-side adhesive tape is not suitable for sampling GSRs from hair, we have not encountered problems with this method. In laboratory experiments it was possible to find GSRs even 24 h after shooting if the hair had not been washed. No significant difference in collection efficiency was found between this technique and the more complicated method of swabbing the hair using a comb with a solvent-damped cloth (the swabbing-and-comb method). It was found that 200 to 300 dabbings are necessary to achieve maximum collection efficiency from hair with the double-side adhesive. As assessed subjectively, it was noted that stickiness is lost after about 100 dabbings. This method has been used in casework in Israel for about a year and a half and, in some cases, GSRs were found in samples from hair but not in samples from hands. We have also studied collection efficiency from hands of the double-side adhesive. It was found that 50 to 100 dabbings are necessary to achieve maximum collection efficiency, while stickiness appeared lost after about 20 to 30 dabbings. No substantial danger of skin debris concealing GSRs was observed.
Range of Fire Estimates from Shotgun Pellet Patterns: The Effect of Shell and Barrel Temperature
Authors: Horvath F , Gardner K , Siegel J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of range-of-fire estimates in shotgun pellet patterns at fixed intervals. It was also of interest to investigate the effect of barrel and shell temperature changes on the diameter of pellet patterns. One hundred shots were fired from a .12 gauge shotgun though a series of 5 in-line paper targets positioned at 5-foot intervals between 15 and 35 feet from the muzzle. A series of confidence intervals was calculated to determine the error in range-of-fire estimates. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that shell but not barrel temperature significantly reduced pattern diameter.
Effects of Human Decomposition on Bullet Striations
Authors: Smith OC , Jantz L , Berryman HE , Symes SA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Five different types of bullets, representing the major materials used in centerfirc handgun and rifle ammunition, were inserted into the cranial, chest and abdominal cavities, muscle and adipose tissues of a fresh cadaver. The bullets were retrieved after the body was 90% decomposed. Observation and comparison of before and after photographs let each bullet serve as its own control. Results indicate the reactivity of bullet materials and the body region are significant factors affecting the corrosion process and may obscure rifling striations.
Acute Benzene Poisoning: A Report of Three Fatalities
Authors: Avis SP , Hutton CJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The toxicity of benzene is well established, particularly its chronic effects on the hematopoietic system and its role as a carcinogen. Acute effects are known but less well documented. This case report describes three cases of acute benzene poisoning resulting from an industrial accident aboard a chemical cargo ship. Complete autopsies were performed on all three victims, who showed evidence of cutaneous, respiratory and cerebral injury. In addition, body fluids, brain, body fat, liver and lung were analyzed for benzene, levels of which were consistent with the lipid soluble nature of benzene, although body fat showed better correlation with blood levels than brain, liver or bile.
Critical Evaluation of Postmortem Changes in Human Autopsy Cisternal Fluid. Enzymes, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, Glucose and Glycolysis, Free Amino Acids and Ammonia. Correlation to Total Brain Ischemia
Authors: Kärkelä JT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
By studying early postmortem changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) it is possible to draw conclusions as to premortem focal brain cell injury and terminal brain ischemia. Cisternal fluid (CF) from 40 different adult cadavers with no known neurological disorder was analyzed and compared with known in vivo values. They were divided into four groups (n = 10 in each group), CF samples taken 2, 4, 10, and 24 h after death. The enzyme activity of CK and CK-BB (EC 2.7.3.2) increased linearly and statistically significantly 4–24 h postmortem (P &lt; 0.001) the 2 h values being already 10 to 20 times higher than in vivo, LD and its isoenzymes 1 to 3 (EC 1.1.1.27) distinctly 10 to 24 h after death. Glucose and pyruvate concentrations in the CF declined, as did Na+ and Cl−. Lactate and K+ increased over time. The earliest statistically significant changes between different timepoints were seen in lactate, pyruvate and K+ concentrations. The GABA concentration was already more than 170 times at 2 h postmortem, and glutamate more than 20 times higher than in vivo. The concentrations of alanine, glycine, lysine, histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine were 2 to 3 times higher at 2 h postmortem than during life. The concentrations of all amino acids and ammonia increased linearly and statistically significantly (P &lt; 0.001) in the CF 4 to 24 h postmortem.
Isolated Myocardial Fibrosis as a Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death and Its Possible Relation to Myocarditis
Authors: Lecomte D , Fornes P , Fouret P , Nicolas G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In performing medicolegal autopsies on sudden deaths, there occur a number of cases in which no cause of death can be found. In particular, no evidence of macroscopic cardiac abnormalities can be observed. However, extensive histological screening may reveal isolated areas of myocardial fibrosis. The five cases presented discuss the etiology of this fibrosis and its possible relation to myocarditis. The cases involve white women between the ages of 19 and 25 with no previous medical history. The weight of the heart in all five cases was normal. Macroscopic evidence of fibrosis was visible in four out of five cases. No other macroscopic abnormalities were observed. Histologically, there was evidence of scarring or interstitial fibrosis in all five cases. In four of the cases. additional screening permitted the observation of dispersed inflammatory foci consisting of lymphocytes, plasmocytes and macrophages. Two of the cases demonstrated eosinophil and neutrophil agregates in the center of necrotic foci. No evidence of vascular inflammatory phenomena was observed in any of the five cases. According to the Dallas criteria, three of the five cases fulfill the requirements for myocarditis and one of the five cases for borderline myocarditis. The Dallas criteria, however, do not take into consideration the possible association between inflammation and myocardial fibrosis since many of the reported series of myocarditis have been from hospital autopsies or endomyocardial biopsies and have not taken into account sudden death from fibrotic sequelae of myocarditis. The following 5 cases demonstrate that: 1) to demonstrate inflammatory foci, extensive sampling (&gt;10) is required, due to their sparse distribution; 2) inflammatory foci may be associated with myocardial fibrosis (Cases 1, 2, 3 and 5), and additionally, fibrosis may be the only evidence of a previous inflammatory process (Case 4). This fibrosis provides a predisposition to electric instability, re-entry circuits and fatal arrythmias. Such cases are not only of forensic interest, but may have far reaching scientific implications. The origin of this myocarditis, whether viral or autoimmune, remains to be elucidated.
Forensic Autopsies in Italy
Authors: Castiglione AG , Lomi A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In Italy, forensic autopsies are performed under one of two different statutes. Judicial autopsies are requested by the prosecutor or by the court; and nonjudicial forensic autopsies are done under a special statute whenever a proper death certificate was not filed by a treating physician.
Judicial autopsies are performed by doctors chosen from a special list, after a basic check on their training and competence, on a case-by-case basis. A fee of some $350 is paid, by the Ministry of Justice, to the doctor for each case. As we have had an adversarial trial system, since 1989, we also have “adversarial autopsies” and the prosecutor, the defendant and the victim's next of kin each can appoint a forensic pathologist as a consultant to stand in at the autopsy and discuss the case. These forensic pathologists will testify in court as expert witnesses
Nonjudicial autopsies, which are regulated by the National Health Service, are usually only performed by forensic pathologists in large urban areas. Elsewhere they are often omitted for lack of qualified physicians.
In this article, we discuss some of the practical and legal problems arising from both the new Italian criminal procedure and the National Health Service Regulation, stressing the need to study different systems, including the medical examiner system, in order to improve the quality of forensic medical investigations.
Aspartic Acid Racemization in Intervertebral Discs as an Aid to Postmortem Estimation of Age at Death
Authors: Ritz S , Schütz H-W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We investigated whether measurement of aspartic acid racemization in intervertebral discs (IVD) could be used in the postmortem estimation of age at death. The extent of aspartic acid racemization in IVD tissues was found to increase with age. The rate of racemization turned out to be much higher in the nucleus pulposus than in the annulus fibrosus. The relation between age and the D-aspartic acid content in the anterior peripheral annulus fibrosus of IVD was close enough to allow postmortem estimation of age at death based on the extent of aspartic acid racemization in this tissue.
Representative Sampling of “Street” Drug Exhibits
Authors: Colón M , Rodríguez G , Díaz RO 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The value of a scientific analysis and the significance of the results are influenced by the degree to which the sample analyzed reflects the composition of the material or population under study. An appropriate methodology will result in representative sampling.
Formulae for representative sampling protocols were evaluated, and an optimal formula to be used in a sampling plan for “street” drug exhibits with a large number of units was selected. The selected formula was applied to choose a number of sample units for routine chemical analysis of controlled substances, with the analytical result considered to be representative of the entire lot of powdered drug units in the exhibit.
The results obtained during the research demonstrate that adoption of the formula n = 20 + 10%(N − 20) [where n = sample size, N = total population (N ⩾ 20)] can be used for selection of an appropriate representative sample from powdered street-drug exhibits. This sampling procedure results in forensic analyses of controlled substances which are supportable to a reasonable scientific certainty, and which are obtained in an efficient manner.
Incidence of Psychoactive Cannabinoids in Drivers Killed in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Authors: Gerostamoulos J , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed for the psychoactive cannabinoids Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11-Hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) using electrochemical detection (ECD). A C8 bonded column was used and the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile, methanol and 0.01 M sulphuric acid at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The detection limits for both THC and 11-OH-THC were 1.0 ng/mL. Preliminary screening of 193 drivers using an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) showed 21 tested positive on either blood, urine or both. Of these subjects 13 were confirmed as positive by the HPLC/ECD method in blood. Blood concentrations for THC ranged from 1.4 ng/mL up to 20 ng/mL and for 11-OH-THC 2.5 ng/mL up to 85 ng/mL.