bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Forensic DNA from Various Regions of Human Teeth
Authors: Gaytmenn R , Sweet D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
When the use of traditional forensic identification methods such as fingerprints or dental radiographs is difficult or impossible, identification by DNA analysis has proven valuable. In situations such as explosions or airplane crashes, identification is even more difficult because human remains are often fragmented and may be commingled. Teeth are a useful source of DNA and can often survive extreme environmental conditions. However, teeth may be fragmented into several identifiable regions. Therefore it is important to determine if DNA is present in forensically significant yields in all regions of the tooth. The main objectives of this study were to determine which region(s) of the tooth contains quantifiable DNA, if all regions contain similar yields of DNA and whether there is enough DNA in all regions to justify DNA extraction from a found tooth fragment. Results demonstrate that there is sufficient quantity of DNA in the crown body, root body, and root tip to support DNA extraction. Additionally, the root body is the region with the highest yield of DNA. This information will aid forensic DNA analysts in producing a useful DNA profile in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Suicides by Fall from Height in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1991 to 2000
Authors: Perret GP , Flomenbaum M , La Harpe R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Suicides due to fall from height in Geneva from 1991 to 2000 were reviewed. Scene investigations, autopsy findings, psychiatric histories, and toxicology results were examined. There were 197 of these suicides, an incidence of five cases per 100 000 inhabitants per year or one fourth of all suicides in Geneva per year. Autopsies were performed on 33%, the rest had external examinations. Of the victims, 56% were female and 44% were male. The age distribution peaked at 20-29 years in men and 60-69 years in women. Most of the victims jumped from their home, the range of 2 to 7 stories being the most frequent height. Major injury sites, in decreasing frequency, were the thorax, abdomen, skull, vertebrae, pelvis and limbs. Psychiatric illness was reported in 38% of the cases. Toxicological analysis was performed in 25% of the cases and showed that the main drugs present were benzodiazepines, cannabis and antidepressant.
Analytical Aspects of Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA)
Authors: Gaulier J-M , Tonnay V , Faict T , Sayer H , Marquet P , Lachatre G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Through a case report, the authors illustrate the volatile substance abuse (VSA) toxicological investigation difficulties mainly due to evaporation of the compounds from postmortem samples and to the lack of reference data for interpretation. A 17-year-old man, student in a chemistry institute, was found dead with a plastic bag placed over his head. Several chemical substances were found in his belongings. Autopsy findings included serious pulmonary lesions and hemorrhagic digestive ulcerations. A large screening of drugs and toxic compounds and selective analyses for several classes of drugs of abuse were carried out in the autopsy samples. In particular, a headspace (HS), -gas chromatography/-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique was used to screen for volatile substances and metabolites in the biological samples and for residues of volatile substances on the surface of the plastic bag and in the chemicals found on the scene. The main analytical finding was the presence of alkanes (heptane, methyl-2-pentane, methyl-3-hexane, methylcyclohexane) in the gastric content. The literature data, VSA practices, long time-delay between death and autopsy, preservation conditions of the biological samples before analysis, and in-lab experiments on evaporation of volatile substances were considered to interpret this result. The present fatality was attributed to VSA with a gasoline-based stain remover like “eau ecarlate™,” associated with a hypoxic recreation practice using a plastic bag.
A Novel Multiplex PCR System Consisting of Y-STRs DYS441, DYS442, DYS443, DYS444, and DYS445
Authors: Iida R , Sawazaki K , Ikeda H , Miyamoto T , Tsubota E , Takatsuka H , Masuyama M , Matsuki T , Yasuda T , Kishi K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We have developed a new sensitive multiplex PCR system consisting of five male-specific and polymorphic tetranucleotide STRs-DYS441 (GDB: 10013873), DYS442 (GDB: 10030304), DYS443 (GDB: 10807127), DYS444 (GDB: 10807128), and DYS445 (GDB: 10807129) on the Y chromosome. Fifty pg DNA per 10 µL reaction volume was required for the correct typing of five STRs. Using this system, the five Y-STRs were correctly typed from blood and semen stains that had been stored for several years at room temperature.
Distribution of D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D18S51 Alleles in a Central Italian Population Sample
Authors: Vecchiotti C , Spaltro G , Boninfante B , Di Nunno N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were obtained from selected and unrelated individuals. DNA was extracted with the standard Chelex® 100 (BioRad, Hercules, CA) extraction procedure (1); DNA samples were amplified in a DNA Gene Amp 9700 (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) using 10 ng of template DNA. The amplified products were detected using the Abi Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA).
Distributions of Allelic Frequencies and Haplotypes of Two Novel Y-Chromosome STR in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhu QF , Tang JP , Gao YZ , Ying BW , Hou YP , Li YB , Wu J , Ji Q 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Whole blood obtained by venipuncture from 107 unrelated males of the Han ethnic group in Chengdu, China. DNA was extracted using the Chelex method (1). The reaction volume of PCR was 37.5 μL, containing 2–4 ng human genome DNA, 200 μM each dNTP (Pharmacia, Sweden), 1.5μ Taq polymerase (Promega, Madison, WI), 3.75 μL 10 × buffer, Mg2+ 1.5 mM, 1.6 μg/mL BSA, 0.3 μM each primer. Amplification reactions were carried out in a Perkin Elmer 9600 (Foster City, CA) with pre-denaturing for 2 min at 94°C, followed by 35 cycles of denaturing for 40 s at 94°C, annealing for 40 s at 58°C and extension for 25 s at 72°C. The PCR products were analyzed by horizontal non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with discontinuous buffer system and visualized by silver staining (2). Data of population genetics and forensic science were analyzed according to Hou's method (3).
Commentary on: Platt MS, Kohler LJ, Ruiz R, Cohle SD, Ravichandran P. Deaths Associated with Liposuction: Case Reports and Review of the Literature. J Forensic Sci 2002;47(1): 205-207
Authors: Coleman WP , Lawrence N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The recent case report “Deaths Associated with Liposuction: Case Reports and Review of the Literature” (1) exhibits a fundamental error in understanding modern liposuction and its complications. The three cases reported were all performed under general anesthesia yet all were incorrectly classified as “tumescent liposuction.”
Fingerprint Pattern Restoration by Digital Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Wen C , Yu C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fingerprint evidence plays an important role in solving criminal problems. However, defective (lacking information needed for completeness) or contaminated (undesirable information included) fingerprint patterns make identifying and recognizing processes difficult. Unfortunately, this is the usual case. In the recognizing process (enhancement of patterns, or elimination of "false alarms" so that a fingerprint pattern can be searched in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)), chemical and physical techniques have been proposed to improve pattern legibility. In the identifying process, a fingerprint examiner can enhance contaminated (but not defective) fingerprint patterns under guidelines provided by the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST), the Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technology (SWGIT), and an AFIS working group within the National Institute of Justice. Recently, the image processing techniques have been successfully applied in forensic science. For example, we have applied image enhancement methods to improve the legibility of digital images such as fingerprints and vehicle plate numbers.
In this paper, we propose a novel digital image restoration technique based on the AM (amplitude modulation)-FM (frequency modulation) reaction-diffusion method to restore defective or contaminated fingerprint patterns. This method shows its potential application to fingerprint pattern enhancement in the recognizing process (but not for the identifying process). Synthetic and real images are used to show the capability of the proposed method. The results of enhancing fingerprint patterns by the manual process and our method are evaluated and compared.
Deciphering Indented Impressions on Plastic
Authors: Brown S , Klein A , Chaikovsky A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The questioned document laboratory is often called upon to decipher writing that has been erased, obliterated, or that has faded. In cases like these, the original writing is no longer legible to the naked eye, but may be enhanced using various light sources. Certain remnants of the ink's components absorb into the substrate's fibers and can be visualized, usually as luminescence or absorbance.
A case is described here that involved the theft of a credit card. An empty plastic credit card holder was found in the possession of a suspect, and was submitted for examination. Indented impressions could be discerned on its clear plastic window and presumably originated from the credit card that had been held in the envelope. These indented impressions were deciphered in the hope that they would reveal enough details from the credit card to establish a connection between the plastic envelope and the stolen credit card.
With methods generally utilized in the toolmarks and materials laboratory and the photography laboratory of the Israel Police, most of the indented impressions on the plastic were deciphered and a connection between the plastic envelope and the stolen credit card was demonstrated.
An Esoteric Technique Useful in the Identification of Unidentified Remains from the Examination of Faded, Illegible Hospital Identification Wristbands
Authors: . Anthony AT , Gayton BC , McVicker BC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A technique routinely used in the examination of questioned documents has been found to be of assistance when employed in the examination of faded and/or partially legible hospital identification wristbands found with unidentified remains (UIDs). A non-destructive test used predominately by forensic document examiners in the analysis of writing inks, handwritten alterations, and obliterations has proven useful throughout the years when confronted with this unusual type of documentary evidence. This discussion paper was prompted by the Tri-State Crematory disaster, Walker County, Georgia, from a request by investigators as to whether or not any information could be obtained from the examination of faded hospital identification wristbands where no information was readily discernable. Subsequent analysis by non-destructive infrared inspection, a standard technique used in the examination of questioned documents, proved useful in assisting with the identification of unidentified skeletal remains.
Vacuum Collection of Gunpowder Residues from Clothing Worn by Shooting Suspects, and Their Analysis by GC/TEA, IMS, and GC/MS
Authors: Zeichner A , Eldar B , Glattstein B , Koffman A , Tamiri T , Muller D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Experiments were conducted to collect gunpowder (propellant) residues from shooters' clothing by vacuum and to analyze them by gas chromatography/thermal energy analyzer (GC/TEA), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The residues were collected on fiberglass and Teflon filters using the portable vacuum sampler, all supplied with the IMS instrument. Several solvents were examined for the extraction of the propellant components from the filters. The extracts were centrifuged and/or filtered, concentrated by evaporation, and analyzed without any additional clean-up procedure. Based on the results of the study, an operational method for analysis of gunpowder residues was introduced into casework without changing the present operational technique for gunshot (primer) residue (GSR) analysis on clothing implemented by the Israel Police. In the modified method, the clothing is first sampled by double-side adhesive-coated aluminum stubs (the tape-lift method) for GSR analysis (the existing method), followed by vacuum collection for propellant residue examination. The issue of interpretation of the analytical results is discussed.
In Memoriam: James G. Zimmerly, M.D., J.D.
Authors: Wecht CH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
James Zimmerly attained his M.D. in 1966 from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, his J.D. in 1969 from the University of Maryland School of Law, and his M.P.H. in 1969 from John Hopkins University. He also received an honorary LL.M. from his alma mater, Gannon University, in 2000. For almost 20 years, Dr. Zimmerly, an emergency room physician, had split his evening and weekend time between the Washington County Hospital Trauma Center in Hagerstown and Dorcester General Hospital in Cambridge, Maryland.
ENFSI Proficiency Test Program on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDX
Authors: Niewoehner L , Wenz HW , Andrasko J , Beijer R , Gunaratnam L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Within the framework of the ENFSI Expert Working Group “Firearms,” a proficiency test on the detection and identification of GSR by SEM/EDX was organized and performed. The test material was designed by the Bundeskriminalamt and manufactured to order by an external company for SEM accessories. The participating laboratories were requested to determine the total number of PbSbBa-containing particles on the test samples following their own laboratory specific methods of automated GSR particle search and detection by SEM/EDX. Two similar samples with synthetic GSR particles were dispatched to all participants in order to gain additional information on systematic errors within the obtained results (split-level study), whereas one sample was supplied only with PbSbBa particles, and the second one was additionally contaminated with some environmental particles. This report summarizes the results of the study as well as a statistical evaluation and comparison with previous studies.
Parasomnia Pseudo-Suicide
Authors: Mahowald MW , Schenck CH , Goldner M , Bachelder V , Cramer-Bornemann M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Complex behaviors arising from the sleep period may result in violent or injurious consequences, even death. Those resulting in death may be erroneously deemed suicides. A series of case examples and review of the pertinent literature are provided to increase awareness of the possibility that some apparent "suicides" are the unfortunate, but unintentional, consequence of sleep-related complex behaviors and therefore are without premeditation, conscious awareness, or personal responsibility. The correct cause-of-death determination in such cases may have profound social, religious, and insurance implications for surviving friends and family members.
Commentary on: Bottrell MC, Webb JB. Review of: Forensic Interpretation of Glass Evidence. J Forensic Sci 2002;47(4):926-7.
Authors: Aitken CGG , Taroni FT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As keen advocates of the Bayesian approach to the evaluation of evidence, we welcomed the publication of the book on the forensic interpretation of glass evidence by Curran et al. (1) and were disappointed by the review by Bottrell and Webb (2). Our welcome was because the book brings together in one publication the excellent material provided by the contributors over several years for the evaluation of evidence in general and glass evidence in particular. Our disappointment was because the reviewers emphasized some small shortcomings in the presentation of the material and ignored many good points in the content.
Exsanguination by Subclavian-esophageal Fistula Associated with a Left Subclavian Aneurysm
Authors: Quinton RA , McClain JL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Aortic aneurysms are a common autopsy finding, but aneurysms confined exclusively to the subclavian arteries are rare. When found, they are typically associated with trauma, surgery, or aberrant vessel distribution. Subclavian-esophageal fistula formation is also rare, with the vast majority being related to aberrant vessel distribution or esophageal foreign bodies. Dicle et al. first reported a subclavian-esophageal fistula associated with a non-aberrant subclavian artery aneurysm in 1999 (1). The following case would mark the second report of that phenomenon, and the first in the setting of a forensic autopsy.
Quantification and Aging of the Post-Blast Residue of TNT Landmines
Authors: Oxley JC , Smith JL , Resende E , Pearce E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Post-blast residues are potential interferents to chemical detection of landmines. To assess the potential problem related to 2,4,6trinitrotoluene (TNT), its post-blast residue was identified and quantified. In the first part of this study laboratory-scale samples of TNT (2 g) were detonated in a small-scale explosivity device (SSED) to evaluate the explosive power and collect post-blast residue for chemical analysis. Initiator size was large relative to the TNT charge; thus, issues arose regarding choice of initiator, residue from the initiator, and afterburning of TNT. The second part of this study detonated 75 to 150 g of military-grade TNT (typical of antipersonnel mines) in 55-gal barrels containing various witness materials (metal plates, sand, barrel walls, the atmosphere). The witness materials were analyzed for explosive residue. In a third set of tests, 75-g samples of TNT were detonated over soil (from Fort Leonard Wood or Sandia National Laboratory) in an indoor firing chamber (100 by 4.6 by 2.7 m high). Targeted in these studies were TNT and four explosive-related compounds (ERC): 2,4-dintrotoluene (DNT), 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB), 2- and 4-aminodinitrotoluene (2-ADNT and 4-ADNT). The latter two are microbial degradation products of TNT. Post-blast residue was allowed to age in the soils as a function of moisture contents (5 and 10%) in order to quantify the rate of degradation of the principal residues (TNT, DNT, and DNB) and formation of the TNT microbial degradation products (2-ADNT and 4-ADNT). The major distinction between landmine leakage and post-blast residue was not the identity of the species but relative ratios of amounts. In landmine leakage the DNT/TNT ratio was usually greater than 1. In post-blast residue it was on the order of 1 to 1/100th of a percent, and the total amount of pre-blast residue (landmine leakage) was a factor of 1/100 to 1/1000 less than post-blast. In addition, landmine leakage resulted in low DNT/ADNT ratios, usually less than 1, whereas pre-blast residues started with ratios above 20. Because with time DNT decreased and ADNT increased, over a month the ratio decreased by a factor of 2. The rate of TNT degradation in soil observed in this study was much slower than that reported when initial concentrations of TNT were lower. Degradation rates yielded half-lives of 40 and 100 days for 2,4-DNT and TNT, respectively.
The Use of Thoracolumbar and Hip Joint Dysmorphism in Identification
Authors: Hulewicz B , Wilcher GW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of roentgenographic identification of a deceased person is presented. Comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiographs of the vertebral column and hip joint, for the purpose of identification, was based on the deceased medical history, and the fact the deceased was endentulous, and fingerprint comparison was not feasible. Evaluation of anatomical variants, due to the effects of degenerative disease, provided positive identification in a visually unidentifiable deceased person.
Background Correction in Forensic Photography II. Photography of Blood Under Conditions of Non-Uniform Illumination or Variable Substrate Color-Practical Aspects and Limitations
Authors: Wagner JH , Miskelly GM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The combination of photographs taken at wavelengths at and bracketing the peak of a narrow absorbance band can lead to enhanced visualization of the substance causing the narrow absorbance band. This concept can be used to detect putative bloodstains by division of a linear photographic image taken at or near 415 nm with an image obtained by averaging linear photographs taken at or near 395 and 435 nm. Nonlinear images can also be background corrected by substituting subtraction for the division. This paper details experimental applications and limitations of this technique, including wavelength selection of the illuminant and at the camera. Characterization of a digital camera to be used in such a study is also detailed. Detection limits for blood using the three wavelength correction method under optimum conditions have been determined to be as low as 1 in 900 dilution, although on strongly patterned substrates blood diluted more than twenty-fold is difficult to detect. Use of only the 435 nm photograph to estimate the background in the 415 nm image lead to a twofold improvement in detection limit on unpatterned substrates compared with the three wavelength method with the particular camera and lighting system used, but it gave poorer background correction on patterned substrates.
Distribution of D3S1358, D21S11, FGA, vWA Alleles in a Central Italian Population Sample
Authors: Vecchiotti C , Spaltro G , Boninfante B , Di Nunno N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were obtained from selected and unrelated individuals. DNA was extracted with the standard Chelex® 100 (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) extraction procedure (1); DNA samples were amplified in a DNA Gene Amp 9700 (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) using 10 ng of template DNA. The amplified products were detected using the Abi Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA).
The Relationship between the Soft Tissues and the Skeletal Detail of the Mouth
Authors: Wilkinson CM , Motwani M , Chiang E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The estimation of mouth width and lip thickness from the skull for facial reconstruction has traditionally relied upon scant scientific research and “rules of thumb” laid down by subjective interpretation and experience. This study tested these assumptions by taking caliper and photographic measurements of mouth width and interpupillary and interlimbus distances of 96 subjects and lip thickness and teeth height measurements of 95 subjects. The most reliable indicator of mouth width was found to be the interlimbus distance, and lip thickness was positively related to the height of the teeth. There were no differences in these relationships between men and women. Standards for predicting the lip thickness from the teeth height were suggested for White Europeans and Asians from the Indian subcontinent.