bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recapturing a Five-Month-Old Bite Mark by Means of Reflective Ultraviolet Photography
Authors: David TJ , Sobel MN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
After a brutal rape, which the victim survived, a bite mark was photographed and other evidence was collected. It was not until several months later when the bite mark became a critical piece of evidence, that the problem with its collection became apparent to the prosecutor. The photograph of the bite mark taken by law-enforcement officials at the time of the crime did not include a reference scale. Therefore the bite mark was of little evidentiary value. The authors subsequently examined the victim (five months later) and “recaptured” the bite mark pattern with a proper reference scale by means of reflective ultraviolet photography.
Mentally Abnormal Killers in the UK Health Care System: Issues Facing the Multidisciplinary Team
Authors: Hambridge JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the UK, mentally ill offenders can be assessed and given treatment and rehabilitation in a secure health care setting rather than in a correctional facility. Beds in such health care facilities are limited and evidence suggests that only the most serious offenders, such as those who have committed a homicide, are given priority. This paper examines the role of the Regional Secure Unit, a National Health Service provision, in the assessment and treatment of these offenders. A number of issues facing the multidisciplinary team are raised. A case study is presented to illustrate some of these points.
Benzoylecgonine and Ecgonine Methyl Ester Concentrations in Urine Specimens
Authors: Ramcharitar V , Levine B , Smialek JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The two major urinary metabolites of cocaine are benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME). The major advantage of BE screening is that many commercial immunoassays are designed to detect BE. On the other hand, EME is more amenable to gas chromatographic screening. To ascertain the merits of screening BE versus EME for identifying cocaine use, 380 consecutive urine specimens presented to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner-State of Maryland were tested for BE by EMIT (cutoff 0.3 mg/L) and for EME by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detection (cutoff 0.05 mg/L). Each presumptive positive was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One hundred four specimens tested positive for BE or EME. Ninety three specimens were positive for both BE and EME, seven were positive for BE (cutoff 0.05 mg/L) only and four were positive for EME only. BE concentrations ranged from 0.08–386 mg/L while EME concentrations ranged from 0.06–72 mg/L. The BE concentration was greater than or equal to the EME concentration in 73% of the cases. Using BE as a sole screen, 96% of the cases of cocaine use were identified while EME screening identified 93% of the cases.
Evaluation of the Abuscreen Online Assay for Amphetamines on the Hitachi 737: Comparison with EMIT and GC/MS Methods
Authors: Baker DP , Murphy MS , Shepp PF , Royo VR , Caldarone ME , Escoto B , Salamone SJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The performance of the ONLINE Assay for Amphetamines on the Hitachi 737 was compared to the Syva Emit d.a.u. Assay and GC/MS. Randomly screened (n = 2964) patient urine samples were assayed using ONLINE and Emit d.a.u. assays concurrently, using d-amphetamine, 1000 ng/mL and d-methamphetamine, 1000 ng/mL as the screening cutoff for ONLINE and Emit d.a.u. assays, respectively. All presumptive positives were confirmed by GC/MS. The specificity was 99% (2937/2964) for ONLINE and 97% (2873/2964) for Emit. Agreement with GC/MS was 80% (110/137) for ONLINE and 55% (110/201) for Emit.
Validation of the AmpliFLP™ D1S80 PCR Amplification Kit for Forensic Casework Analysis According to TWGDAM Guidelines
Authors: Cosso S , Reynolds R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The validation of the AmpliFLP™ D1S80 PCR Amplification Kit for use in forensic casework was accomplished by performing all the relevant experiments outlined in the TWGDAM guidelines. Standard specimen and reproducibility studies were performed using organic and rapid DNA extraction techniques on both stain and liquid samples (blood, semen and saliva). Over 300 samples from three different populations (US Caucasians, African Americans and US Hispanics) were analyzed to determine allele and genotype frequencies. Purified DNA was mixed in defined ratios (ranging from unmixed DNA samples to 1:9 mixtures of 2 different DNA samples) prior to amplification to demonstrate that samples containing DNA from more than one individual can be detected and, in many cases, that the genotypes contributing to the mixture can be identified. Since casework samples frequently are exposed to environmental insults that can result in DNA degradation, purified DNA was degraded in the laboratory to analyze the effect of DNA fragment length on D1S80 amplification. It is crucial in the validation process to examine actual casework evidentiary material. This D1S80 kit can be used successfully by forensic scientists to amplify and type nonprobative evidentiary material, including bloodstains collected from crime scenes and rape kit materials collected for sexual assault cases. The D1S80 kit is specific to human DNA, and the D1S80 alleles are inherited according to the laws of Mendel. The sensitivity of the novel gel electrophoresis gel matrix allowed the PCR cycle number to be reduced to 29 cycles and the D1S80 kit sensitivity to be increased to 2.5 ng from the previous D1S80 Reagent Set specifications of 30 cycles and 5 ng, respectively.
Hamartomatous Malformation of the Left Ventricle Associated with Sudden Death
Authors: Koponen MA , Siegel R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe unusual left ventricular cardiac lesions in a 17 year old boy who died suddenly during exertion. These consisted of two grossly evident regions of deficient myocardium, containing cavernous spaces which represented exaggerated inter-trabecular regions of the left ventricular cavity. Dense fibro-elastotic tissue was deposited around these spaces along with a variable admixture of mature adipose tissue, fibrous tissue and blood vessels. The etiology of these presumably congenital developmental abnormalities is obscure. The lesions most probably represent a hamartomatous malformation, which is a poorly documented pathological entity.
“The Santa Claus Syndrome” Entrapment in Chimneys
Authors: Boglioli LR , Taff ML 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In recent years, there have been sporadic reports in the lay press of individuals stuck in chimneys primarily during burglary attempts. Most of these individuals suffered from suffocation or soot inhalation. Because of the similarities between this form of breaking and entering and Santa Claus' traditional entrance into homes on Christmas Eve, we define the “Santa Claus Syndrome” as postural (positional) asphyxia, inhalational injuries and body burns, and/or complications related to compartment syndrome due to entrapment in chimneys. We report a case of a man who became trapped in a chimney during a burglary attempt and died a delayed death due to postural asphyxia associated with inhalational and burn injuries and anterior compartment syndrome. An analysis of this unusual case is presented. Exhaustional and postural asphyxia, compartment syndromes, and confined space-hypoxia syndrome are also discussed.
Myocardial Hypertrophy and Coronary Artery Disease in Male Cocaine Users
Authors: Karch SB , Green GS , Young S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We compared the heart weights and the incidence of atherosclerotic lesions in trauma fatalities testing positive for cocaine with the hearts of cocaine negative trauma fatalities, with the hearts of decedents dying from cocaine overdose, and with historic controls derived from the literature. There were 116 trauma victims, 83 men and 33 women, aged 20–50 years, and 26 men with cause of death listed as cocaine toxicity. The 32 cocaine (+) male trauma fatalities had a mean age 34 ± 10 years and a mean heart weight of 375 ± 82 grams. The 51 cocaine free males had a mean age 31 ± 9 years, and mean heart weight 337 ± 54 grams (P = .01). Heart weights in the cocaine using group were also significantly greater than historical controls from World War I, Korea, and Vietnam. The incidence of atherosclerotic changes was similar in both groups, but cocaine (+) men had more frequent coronary artery lesions involving multiple vessels (P = .01). Comparisons between 16 cocaine (+) females and 17 cocaine (−) female controls disclosed no significant differences in heart weight or the frequency of atherosclerotic lesions. The 26 men dying of cocaine overdose also had larger hearts than the controls (379 ± 64 g, P = .004), and more severe CAD (30% had involvement of 2 or more vessels, P = .02). The degree of myocardial hypertrophy documented in this study was highly significant, but because the increase is modest (around 10%), it is likely to go unrecognized at autopsy. Cardiac enlargement and coronary artery disease in cocaine users may be much more prevalent than has previously been appreciated, and may be responsible for some unexplained cases of sudden death in cocaine users.
PCR Amplification of Animal DNA with Human X-Y Amelogenin Primers Used in Gender Determination
Authors: Buel E , Wang G , Schwartz M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The X-Y homologous gene amelogenin has been described for use as a PCR sex typing test for humans. Previous studies have revealed that appropriate primers yield a 106 and 112 bp fragment from the human X and Y chromosome respectively. Our studies have found that a PCR product is also obtained from DNA isolated from a number of common animals. This animal PCR product is very close in size to that of the human female PCR derived product and may be confused as human under routine agarose gel electrophoresis. In this report we detail the variety of animals examined and a method that can maximize the usefulness of this system.
Investigation of Species Specificity Using Nine PCR-Based Human STR Systems
Authors: Crouse CA , Schumm J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Several eukaryotic genomes contain polymorphic markers consisting of trimeric and tetrameric short tandem repeats (STR). Recent reports have demonstrated the variability of short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms at a variety of loci among several human population groups. Currently, there are nine commercially available STR PCR systems from Promega Corporation that may be utilized for human identification. We report here the analysis of 23 different species DNA's using these nine STR primer systems to assess their specificity for human euchromatin. The STR systems tested include, CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, HPRTB, FESFPS, vWF and F13A01 as single systems and as triplex systems (CSF1PO/TPOX/THO1 and HPRTB/FESFPS/vWF). There were no STR PCR products observed for seventeen of the twenty-three species regardless of the STR system. Amplified STR fragments were detected in rhesus DNA for CSF1PO, TPOX and HPRTB systems. STR PCR products were detected for human, gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan DNAs using eight of the nine systems. FESFPS primers did not amplify DNA fragments from any of the species tested. Most of the STR PCR products detected from primate DNAs electrophoretically migrated outside of the human allelic ladder fragments and as a result, allele designations were not possible.
Distinguishing Amphetamine and Methamphetamine from Other Interfering Sympathomimetic Amines After Various Fluoro Derivatization and Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dasgupta A , Gardner C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Misidentification of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as methamphetamine has been reported because of similar retention times of their derivatives in the gas chromatograph as well as very similar mass fragmentation pattern. This problem of misidentification is avoided by chemical ionization mass spectrometry using methane as the reagent gas. Chemical ionization mass spectral patterns of trifluoroacetyl, pentafluoropropionyl, heptafluorobutyryl and perfluorooctanoyl derivatives of amphetamine, methamphetamine, the internal standard d8-methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine were studied after extraction from human urine. The mass spectral patterns of all these drugs are distinctively different in chemical ionization mode from commonly interfering sympathomimetic amines, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phentermine and phenylpropanolamine.
Officers, Their Weapons and Their Hands: An Empirical Study of GSR on the Hands of Non-Shooting Police Officers
Authors: Gialamas DM , Rhodes EF , Sugarman LA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
To help determine the potential of secondary gunshot residue (GSR) transfer from officers onto subjects to be tested for GSR, the presence of GSR on non-shooting patrol officers' hands were evaluated. Forty-three officers were sampled with adhesive-lift discs, which were subsequently concentrated and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) microanalysis. GSR levels on the officers' hands were lower than expected considering that a firearm was carried and handled by all officers. Only three of the 43 officers had unique GSR particles. No officer had more than one unique GSR particle. Twenty-five of the 43 officers had no particles of GSR on their hands. Although the potential for secondary transfer contamination from an arresting officer to a subject exists, the low empirical numbers of GSR particles found on these non-shooting officers suggest that the potential for this occurrence is relatively low.
Shaken Babies—Some Have No Impact Injuries
Authors: Gilliland MGF , Folberg R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One study has questioned the validity of shaking as a mechanism of head injury in children. A prospective, postmortem study investigated 80 deaths from head trauma to identify the roles of shaking and direct impacts. Evidence of shaking was defined as two or more of the following criteria: 1) finger marks and/or rib fractures, 2) subdural and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage, or 3) a history of vigorous shaking. Shaking to the exclusion of other head trauma was defined as the presence of two or more of the above criteria together with the complete absence of scalp or skull injuries. Nine (11.3%) of the 80 study deaths qualified as exclusively shaking injuries by this definition. Thirty (37.5%) of the deaths had direct injuries as well as two of the criteria of shaking; these deaths were classified as combined shaking and blunt trauma. Forty-one (51.3%) of the deaths had impact injuries without having two of the criteria of shaking. We reviewed the extent of ocular injuries in all the cases. We found ocular hemorrhages with increased frequency in cases with two or more of the criteria of shaking compared to cases with only impact mechanism of injury. Retinal hemorrhages continue to show themselves to be a good marker of infants injured by vigorous, intentional shaking. This study likewise confirms the observations of others that most, but not all, shaken babies have impact injuries as well.
Development of Test Material for Narcotics Detection Equipment: Sand/Drug Mixtures
Authors: Pilon P , Hupé M , Chauhan M , Lawrence A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study outlines the preparation and testing of a reliable test material for the evaluation of cocaine and heroin detectors based on chemical systems. The test material is simple to prepare and use. It consists of a homogeneous sand/drug mixture that can be transferred reproducibly to a surface for subsequent sampling and analysis. The ratio of sand to drug can be varied easily, allowing for the testing of instruments with varying sensitivities to the drugs of interest.
Attribution of Hand Bones to Sex and Population Groups
Authors: Smith SL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Forensic anthropologists assign sex and population group (race) to individuals on the basis of skeletal remains. While the most useful bones for these determinations are cranial and pelvic, these are not always available. The purpose of this paper is to provide models for classification using metacarpals and hand phalanges. Four samples of 40 individuals each (black and white males and females) form the dataset. Measurements include lengths and radioulnar and dorsopalmar widths of the 19 bones of each hand. The large number of total variables necessitated separate models for metacarpal and phalangeal categories; due to the considerable number of significant differences between corresponding right and left hand variables, separate models were created for right and left sides. A stepwise discriminant procedure was used to select variables, with some highly correlated (r &gt; 0.85) variables subsequently removed. The model for left hand metacarpals has the greatest power of discrimination (89.4%); that for right hand middle phalanges, the least (71.7%). Metacarpals assign approximately 87–89%, proximal phalanges 76–79%, middle phalanges 72–79%, and distal phalanges 81–83% of individuals to their correct sex and population groups. Models exchanging variables selected from one side for corresponding variables on the other show discriminating power ranging from 72.3 to 85.6%. Thus roughly 70–90% of individuals are correctly classified by these models; more conservative “jackknife” estimates yield a success rate of approximately 67–82%. When these models are used for classification of sex alone, 89.9–94.4% (“jackknife” range, 88.7–94.4%) of cases are correctly classified; for race alone, 80.5–98.1% (“jackknife” range, 77.4–96.9%).
Efficient and Reliable PCR-Based Detection of the ABO Blood Group Alleles: Genotyping on Stamps and Other Biological Evidence Samples
Authors: Liechti-Gallati S , Neeser D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
PCR-based ABO genotyping was established using restriction enzyme digestion followed by horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. The method described here is fast, with results obtained within hours, not days, it obviates the need for radioisotopes and can be performed with 1–2 ng of extracted genomic DNA. ABO blood group determination was successful in various types of biological materials of forensic interest such as bloodstains, vaginal swabs, cigarette butts, and hair roots. Moreover, after preincubation in distilled water, DNA (2–8 ng) was extracted from 12 up to 10-years-old stamps and was correctly typed at the ABO locus. The results presented here indicate that the PCR-based ABO genotyping is a fast, sensitive, reliable, and economic method providing blood group determination in DNA from a variety of different types of specimens. It can provide determination from specimens of limited amount and/or with partially degraded DNA as well. Therefore, it is very useful for first-step suspect screening as well as in forensic research for the analysis of biological evidence.
Multiplex Amplification and Typing Procedure for the Loci D1S80 and Amelogenin
Authors: Budowle B , Koons BW , Errera JD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method has been developed that enables multiplex amplification and simultaneous typing of the loci D1S80 and amelogenin using discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. The protocol is sensitive, simple, rapid, and relatively inexpensive. The results of the multiplex analysis of the D1S80 and amelogenin loci were comparable to those obtained when each locus was analyzed individually. A small validation study was undertaken to evaluate the forensic applicability of this multiplex system. The data demonstrate that DNA exposed to a variety of environmental insults yields reliable multiplex typing results.
The Wrong Urn: Commingling of Cremains in Mortuary Practices
Authors: Kennedy KAR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Personal identification of human skeletal remains altered by the heat of crematory furnaces in modern mortuaries may be complicated by the presence of more than a single individual in a sample. When identification of cremains of neonates and young children is required in legal disputes, as in cases where relatives suspect that a funeral establishment has presented them with the ashes of another individual, the forensic anthropologist may be consulted by their legal representative.
Problems to be considered in personal identification of cremated bodies are (1) presence or absence of commingled remains in a sample; (2) identification of one or more individuals present. Methods used in sorting and identifying neonate, infant and pre-adolescent remains include reconstruction of stature in situations where long bone diaphyses are preserved, as this may provide evidence of age at time of death, and assessment of dental crown development of unerupted and erupted deciduous teeth also for age determination. These procedures were used in the case reported here concerning mortuary practices of a funeral home and a family claiming that they were presented with the cremains of an adult and not those of their 15-hour-old daughter.
The Effect of Contact Pressure and Test-Foot Sliding on Slip Resistance: Experimental Results
Authors: Marpet M , Brungraber R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Since the inception of interest in friction, the effect, if any, of contact pressure has been investigated. DaVinci, Amontons, and Coulomb, three early investigators, found no effect. The development of interest in walkway safety tribometry, the measurement of friction at the shoe-bottom/walking-surface interface, suggests a reassessment of the applicability of Amontons-Coulomb because the shoe bottom is resilient and because the interface between the shoe bottom and the walkway surface is frequently contaminated, for example, with a liquid such as water. In any such reassessment, the relationship between contact pressure and the friction coefficient becomes worthy of attention. Contact pressures in normal walking can vary upwards from a few psi to over a thousand psi (heelstrike in high-heeled shoes).
This paper will explore the historical background and experimental research in the literature and present the results of our experiments which explore the relationships between contact pressure and friction. The effect on friction of test-foot sliding is experimentally analyzed.
The relationship between the tribological results presented here and real-world walkway safety are discussed. The effect of test-foot polishing is analyzed. Future areas of investigation are discussed.
A Review of Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror
Authors: Thornton JI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
I have never met Hazel Thornton, although in the past few months, I have spoken to her on the phone a couple of times. We share the same last name, and apparently, the same great great grandfather. But until very recently, we were oblivious to each other's existence.
Optical and Digital Techniques for Enhancing Radiographic Anatomy for Identification of Human Remains
Authors: Fitzpatrick JJ , Shook DR , Kaufman BL , Wu S-J , Kirschner RJ , MacMahon H , Levine LJ , Maples W , Charletta D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Out of a total of more than 300 radiographic identifications made by one of us (JJF), there were 11 cases in which radiologic adjuncts were used because the antemortem radiographs were either miniaturized or because anatomical landmarks could not be clearly discerned. The techniques used included slide projection (two cases), photographic enlargement and enhancement (two cases), digitization (three cases), and digitization with computer enhancement (three cases), commercial digitization (one case). In a 12th case, where identification was made by comparison of antemortem and postmortem film X-rays, the films were digitized as a further evaluation of a commercial system. This is the first reported use of these techniques.