bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatal Moclobemide Overdose or Death Caused by Serotonin Syndrome?
Authors: Hernandez AF , Montero MN , Pla A , Villanueva E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A 41-year-old man was found dead in a hotel room. He was previously diagnosed with depression. Multiple containers of medication and paraphenalia were found at the scene. Autopsy findings included fully developed rigor mortis and pulmonary edema with hemorrhage. Toxicologic analysis of different body fluids was performed and the following drugs were identified in the blood (mg/L): moclobemide (59.76), clomipramine (1.69), tramadol (10.89), diazepam (2.08), nordiazepam (0.82) and caffeine (9.64). A fatal serotonin syndrome was presumably developed as a result of moclobemide-clomipramine interaction as has been recently reported. Tramadol could have a synergistic effect on that syndrome. The forensic pathologists ruled that the cause of death was multiple drug intoxication resulting in serotonin syndrome and that the manner of death was suicide. However, an accidental death from drug abuse could be an alternative diagnosis.
A Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation in a Homicide Case Involving an Apparent “Stomping”
Authors: Ristenbatt RR , Shaler RC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A New York City homicide case was investigated at the request of the District Attorney's office. The deceased had been violently beaten about the face, neck, and chest area. The bludgeoning left the victim unrecognizable, and produced blood-spatter patterns at the scene that attained heights over nine feet. The suspect claimed that he reacted in self-defense to the victim's attack with a table leg at which point he “knocked him down” and possibly “kicked him a few times.” Our investigation was intended to determine whether the bloodspatter patterns observed at the crime scene were consistent with the statements made by the defendant. Conclusions were drawn from an analysis of the crime scene, autopsy photos and report, physical evidence submitted to the laboratory, and reconstruction experimentation performed at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). The spatter patterns observed at the scene were found to be consistent with those that would be produced from a “stomping” incident.
The Role of Forensic Anthropology in the Recovery and Analysis of Branch Davidian Compound Victims: Recovery Procedures and Characteristics of the Victims
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Owsley DW , Houck MM , Craig E , Grant W , Woltanski T , Fram R , Sandness K , Peerwani N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anthropological contributions to the investigation of the events at the Branch Davidian Compound near Waco, Texas in early 1993, were of two major types: the recovery of human remains from the site and the analysis of most of those individuals at the Medical Examiner's Office in Fort Worth, Texas. This paper describes the role of forensic anthropology in the recovery and analysis of Branch Davidian Compound victims and the recovery procedures and characteristics of the victims.
Offender and Offense Characteristics of Sexual Sadists: A Comparative Study
Authors: Gratzer T , Bradford JMW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper compares the offender and offense characteristics of 30 sexually sadistic criminals studied by Dietz et al. with those of 29 sexually sadistic criminals and 28 nonsadistic sexual offenders from the Royal Ottawa Hospital. We examined whether the characteristics noted by Dietz et al. would be found among a less violent group of sadistic offenders and also to what extent these characteristics were specific to sexual sadism. Results suggest some offender and offense characteristic are specific to sexual sadism and that others appear to be common to sexually aggressive offenders more generally. In addition, there were a number of characteristics found exclusively among the most violent offenders described by Dietz et al. An explanation of these results in terms of a biopsychosocial understanding of sexual sadistic offenders is provided.
HLA-DQA1 and Amelogenin Coamplification: A Handy Tool for Identification
Authors: Casarino L , De Stefano F , Mannucci A , Canale M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A protocol for HLA-DQA1 and gender identification by single amplification is described. The use of the commercial HLA-DQA1 amplification kit (Perkin Elmer) permits a positive response for sex determination by adding primers for a short sequence on the first intron of Amelogenin gene. The suggested amplification protocol results in PCR products easily and clearly detectable on ethidium bromide stained agarose gel or silver stained polyacrylamide gel. In both gels the HLA-DQA1 observations at 242–239 bp are accomplished with a single band at 106 bp in females and a doublet 112–106 bp in males. HLA-DQA1 reverse dot-blot hybridization is unaffected by the presence of X and Y amplified fragments.
Fatal Injuries in a Minor Traffic Collision
Authors: Jumbelic MI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An elderly woman was the driver and sole occupant of a midsize car involved in a minor collision with a standard sized automobile. She was restrained with a lap and shoulder belt and the air bag was deployed. Yet she suffered fatal chest injuries. No injuries were sustained by the unrestrained driver and passenger of the larger vehicle. Despite maximum restraint in a fully functioning new model car, even a minor collision can be fatal.
Fatality Due to Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) and Heroin Intoxication
Authors: Ferrara SD , Tedeschi L , Frison G , Rossi A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The first case of fatal intoxication due to ingestion of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and intravenous use of heroin is reported. A 42-year-old man, known to have been a heroin addict and to have taken other psychoactive substances, who had been in treatment with GHB for several months, was found dead. Anatomohistopathologic examination showed generalized visceral congestion, edema and pulmonary anthracosis, chronic bronchitis and chronic active hepatitis. Toxicological findings included fluid and tissue distributions of GHB, morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine. GHB and morphine concentrations were respectively 11.5 and 0.77 µg/mL (blood), 84.3 and 0.3 µg/mL (vitreous humor), 258.3 and 1.35 µg/mL (urine), 57.0 and 14.3 µg/mL (bile), 40.0 and 0.43 µg/g (brain), 43.0 and 0.60 µg/g (liver), 47.0 and 0.68 µg/g (kidney). Blood and urine levels of 6-monoacetylmorphine were 28.5 and 12.1 ng/mL respectively. The presumed mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of GHB are briefly reviewed, with reference to its therapeutic use and to reports of non-fatal GHB intoxication.
Differentiation of Perimortem and Postmortem Trauma Using Taphonomic Indicators
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Adams BJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Skeletal remains discovered at a construction site in Georgia display classic “butterfly” fractures on several long bones. Although this fracture pattern is usually associated with perimortem trauma, in this case taphonomic indicators demonstrate that they can also occur on dry defleshed bone. Variations in bone color at the fracture sites indicate recent postmortem trauma. Analysis of the directions of force and points of impact indicates that the bones were most likely disarticulated when the trauma occurred.
D1S80 Locus Typing by Micro Thermal Cycler. Application to Genetic Identity Testing
Authors: Castro A , Fernández-Fernández I , Alonso S , Barbero C , García-Orad A , Tamayo G , de Pancorbo MM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Based on a micro thermal cycler apparatus, a new protocol for amplification of the D1S80 locus has been developed. The advantages of this system consist of a reduction in time and costs of the amplification process, which greatly facilitates the analysis of the D1S80 locus at the population level and considerably increases its applicability in forensic samples. Using this protocol, an allele distribution study of the D1S80 locus has been carried out in a sample of 257 individuals residing in the Basque Country. In this study, up to 22 different alleles, ranging from 17 to 40 repetitions have been observed; moreover, the 35 and 38-repetition alleles, not reported in the european populations analyzed to date, have been detected.
The sample studied fits Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the observed heterozygosity being 0.74, and the expected heterozygosity 0.804 ± 0.012. The Chance of Exclusion and Index of Discrimination are 0.638 and 0.072 respectively.
Moreover, the gene frequency distribution from the Basque resident population does not show significant differences when compared to other European and U.S. Caucasian populations.
Dangerous Delusions of Misidentification of the Self
Authors: Silva JA , Leong GB , Weinstock R , Penny G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Delusions of misidentification of the self involve radical misidentification of physical and/or psychological aspects of the self. These delusions have received limited attention from a phenomenological as well as from a forensic psychiatric perspective. In this article we present a series of four cases of dangerous delusional misidentification of the self and discuss important factors that may contribute to their dangerousness.
Review: Autoerotic Asphyxiation in the United States
Authors: Uva JL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to define autoerotic asphyxia and present the enigma as a preventable problem. Articles published between 1856 and 1994 are identified through medline, referenced citations, and expert opinion. The literature selected were those most often cited and for which the methodological assumptions could be identified. Interventional strategies determined included legislation/regulation, technology, and education. Injury and death from autoerotic asphyxia can be controlled by pre-event, event, and post-event phase control. However, there are formidable barriers in the way.
Stages of Epiphyseal Union for Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebral Centra as a Method of Age Determination for Teenage and Young Adult Skeletons
Authors: Albert AM , Maples WR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Many current methods of age determination available to forensic anthropologists are limiting in that the age ranges provided are often broad, particularly for individuals in their late teens to early 20's. This study introduces an improved method for aging teenagers and young adults. The pattern and stages of union of the superior and inferior epiphyses of the vertebral centra (or ring epiphyses) were examined in 55 individuals, females and males, black and white, between ages 11 and 32 years.
Vertebral ring epiphyseal union was found to be a good predictor of age. The correlation between stages of union and known age was 0.78 (P &lt; .0001). The standard deviation was 2.566 years at the 99.9% confidence level. Sex differences were observed, but were not statistically significant. A larger sample size may perhaps demonstrate statistically significant differences in sex, and may or may not yield differences in race. A preliminary interobserver bias test showed high replicability. Results of this study compare favorably with results of other aging studies.
Current age information for the progress of vertebral ring epiphyseal union is supplied for young males—and for the first time—females. This improved aging method provides necessary corroborative information for use with observations from other skeletal age indicators. Data collected from epiphyseal union of the vertebral centra aid in lessening the gap for early adult age determination.
Korean Population Data on the PCR-Based Loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, HLA-DQA1, and D1S80
Authors: Woo KM , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Korean population data was generated for the loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, Gc, HLA-DQA1, and D1S80. The genotype frequency distributions for the loci do not deviate from Hardy Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, there was no evidence for departures from expectations of independence between the loci. Using a test for homogeneity all the loci, except for D1S80, were similar between the Korean population sample and a Chinese population sample.
A Recovery Method for Airborne Gunshot Residue Retained in Human Nasal Mucus
Authors: Schwartz RH , Zona CA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Each living person is equipped with their own personal particle filter, a nose. The human nose is capable of filtering and trapping airborne gunshot residue (AGSR) from discharged firearms. An extraction/concentration technique has been developed to recover the AGSR retained in human nasal mucus. The technique has successfully recovered abundant AGSR from 48 hours post-firing sample collection times. The AGSR particles were characterized by a JEOL™ 6400 scanning electron microscope coupled with a Noran™ Voyager energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer.
Signature Murders: A Report of Several Related Cases
Authors: Keppel RD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Three female patrons of singles bars were murdered in separate events in Bellevue, Washington in 1990 within sixty-seven days of each other. An evaluation of those murders revealed that all the murders were linked by a distinct personal “signature” or “calling card” left by the killer. As reported in the literature, the modus operandi of a killer frequently changes from one murder to the next and is different from the killer's signature, which is a permanent psychological imprint at each scene. The murder cases reported here demonstrate an elaborate signature of one killer who engaged in a rare personalization of his necrophilic fantasies by posing, openly displaying, and sexually inserting foreign objects into each one of three victims' bodies.
Applications of Minisatellite Variant Repeat (MVR) Mapping for Maternal Identification from Remains of an Infant and Placenta
Authors: Tamaki K , Huang X-L , Yamamoto T , Uchihi R , Nozawa H , Katsumata Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Minisatellite variant repeat (MVR) mapping using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at D1S8 (MS32) was applied to a practical forensic case of an infant and placenta found in an incinerator. They were thought to be left for a few days postmortem, and the infant was severely burnt when found. DNA was extracted from the infantile muscle and maternal placental hematoma. MVR-PCR analysis as well as other common DNA typing (D1S80, HLA-DQA1) were performed on both DNA samples. Both MVR diploid codes were matched although some extra faint bands in the ladder were observed from the maternal placental sample, which probably indicated superimposing of an allele derived only from the mother, and not the infant. In order to detect the original maternal alleles, three flanking polymorphic sites were typed and allele-specific MVR-PCR was performed. Finally, one maternal allele not inherited by the infant and two alleles from the infant were typed. Two alleles suggested the infant and/or mother was Japanese. The two diploid codes including one possibly from the mother were deduced and compared with other codes in the databases for evaluating the discriminating power.
Selecting an Appropriate Isotopic Internal Standard for Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drugs of Abuse—Pentobarbital Example
Authors: Liu RH , Foster G , Cone EJ , Kumar SD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Internal standards are commonly used for the quantitative determination of drugs of abuse and their metabolites (drug/metabolite) in biological fluids and tissues by the selective ion monitoring (SIM) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) procedure. Analogs of drugs/metabolites that are labeled with three or more deuterium atoms (Isotopic analog) at appropriate positions are considered to be the most effective internal standards for these applications. Before a specific deuterated analog can be adopted as an internal standard in a GC/MS assay, the mass spectrum of the compound or its derivative must be evaluated along with the corresponding spectrum from the parent drug/metabolite. There should be an adequate number of sufficiently high-mass ions (typically three for the drug/metabolite and two for the isotopic analog) that can be attributed to each analyte, and these ions should be sufficiently free of interference from the other analyte of the pair (cross-contribution). Interferences may be caused by the presence of an isotopic impurity in the deuterated analog (extrinsic factor) or may be due to the ion fragmentation characteristics of the compound (intrinsic factor). The extrinsic factor may be corrected by the manufacturer with different synthetic methods and purification procedures, while the intrinsic factor may be partially or wholly corrected through the use of different chemical derivatives (sample preparation stage) or different ionization (GC/MS assay stage) procedures.
In this study, pentobarbital/d5-pentobarbital is used as the exemplar analyte/deuterated analog pair to illustrate the ion selection and evaluation procedures. Full-scan mass spectra were employed for preliminary ion selection. SIM data were then used to calculate the extent, if any, of cross-contributions. SIM ion chromatograms obtained under a lower GC oven temperature were used to differentiate sources (ion fragmentation mechanism versus isotopic impurity) of cross-contributions.
In-Vitro Production of Ethanol in Urine by Fermentation
Authors: Sulkowski HA , Wu AHB , McCarter YS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI) can lead to serious injuries to the intoxicated driver and surrounding individuals, in addition to revocation or suspension of driving privileges. The accuracy and interpretation of the testing procedures may be compromised if an individual's urine contains sugar, and either bacteria or yeast. Under these conditions, ethanol can be produced in vitro, producing a result that may be erroneously indicative of DUI. In this study three yeast species and six bacterial species were added to a blank urine sample devoid of any alcohol or sugar. Samples were incubated at 0, 25, and 35°C for 24, 48, and 144 hours in the presence of one of four different sugars. Ethanol concentrations were assayed using an enzymatic alcohol dehydrogenase assay. Results showed that when glucose was used as a substrate, all yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosi, and Candida sp. not albicans) and three bacterial species (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis) were capable of producing ethanol while the other three (Enterococus sp., Staphylococcus sp. not aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were not. The rate of ethanol production is temperature dependent and can be inhibited by storage of samples at 0°C or the use of approximately 1% sodium fluoride as an antimicrobial agent. Many of these species were also able to use other substrates (sucrose, fructose, and galactose) to produce ethanol by fermentation.
The Case Against Daubert: The New Scientific Evidence “Standard” and the Standards of the Several States
Authors: Bohan TL , Heels EJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In June of 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., rejected the Frye “general acceptance” rule under which evidence proffered as scientific had long been evaluated for admissibility by Federal Courts and most state courts. In the body of the following paper, we argue that Daubert was a disastrous decision and one reflecting a general lack of understanding of the scientific/technical enterprise. We argue that, far from achieving the goal of excluding bogus expert testimony, Daubert invites it. We also argue that the bad result that is Daubert arose from addressing a non-question: whether the Federal Rules of Evidence superseded Frye. In the section on The Scientific Evidence Standards in the States in the Wake of Daubert to the paper we provide an annotated listing of the scientific evidence standards governing the courts of the 50 states one year after Daubert issued, by which time many state high courts had had an opportunity to enunciate their respective states' approach to scientific evidence with the guidance of Daubert. That summary indicates as of that time which state courts were governed by Frye and which ones by Daubert. It also shows that many state high courts show a confusion that is traceable to the phrasing of Daubert. More happily, this summary also shows that a number of state high courts have a very good grasp of scientific evidence and have enunciated readily-applied rules by which their trial courts are to evaluate it. It is to be fervently desired that these state decisions or the thought processes producing them lead to widespread judicial rules for evaluating would-be scientific evidence, rules which will readily exclude “junk science” from the courtroom while not raising unreasonable barriers to valid expert testimony.
Computer Imaging for Questioned Document Examiners I: The Benefits
Authors: Frank Hicks A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Computers are touching every aspect of our lives. Many computer software programs are beneficial to Forensic Document Examiners. These include word processing programs and databases for typewriter reference files. A new area of interest is the use of digital imaging programs to address some document problems. Many imaging packages, such as Adobe Photoshop 3.0, allow the examiner to quickly and easily tackle problems that, otherwise, would require some very expensive instrumentation and/or a great deal of time and trouble. This software can also be of benefit in preparing demonstrative exhibits of the examiner's findings. Illustrations and step-by-step instructions will assist examiners in putting this technology to work for them.
Computer Imaging for Questioned Document Examiners II: The Potential for Abuse
Authors: Frank Hicks A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Just as today's digital imaging products can be a great deal of help to Forensic Document Examiners, they also provide an opportunity for the creation of fraudulent documents. Part 2 of this paper will discuss two ways in which the use of Adobe Photoshop 3.0 might cause some real headaches in Questioned Document examinations.