bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allelic Ladder Characterization of the Short Tandem Repeat Polymorphism in Intron 6 of the Lipoprotein Lipase Gene and Its Application in an Austrian Caucasian Population Study
Authors: Glock B , Schwartz DWM , Schwartz-Jungl EM , Mayr WR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphism HumLPL (TTTA)n, which is located in intron 6 of the lipoprotein lipase gene, was investigated by AMPFLP (amplification fragment length polymorphism)-technique using an allelic ladder consisting of amplified alleles of this locus as a standard size marker.
The allelic ladder was prepared by pooling equal concentrations of six separate alleles, which were identified by their different electrophoretic mobility in native polyacrylamide gel, eluted and subsequently amplified. Sequence analysis of the ladder alleles and allele 7, which is not included in the ladder, showed a regular repeat structure with 7 and 9 to 14 repetitions of the core repeat.
The allelic ladder was employed in the analysis of the genotypes of 550 unrelated Caucasoids of Austria. No new alleles were found.
The population investigated showed no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P = 0.195).
Validation of Multiplex Polymorphic STR Amplification Sets Developed for Personal Identification Applications
Authors: Micka KA , Sprecher CJ , Lins AM , Comey CT , Koons BW , Crouse C , Endean D , Pirelli K , Lee SB , Duda N , Ma M , Schumm JW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) loci, which typically consist of variations in the number of 3–7 base pair repeats present at a site, provide an effective means of personal identification. Typing can be accomplished by amplification of genomic DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and locus-specific primers, separation of amplified alleles using gel electrophoresis and their display using silver staining or fluorescent detection. Primers for several STR loci can be combined in a single multiplex reaction so typing of multiple loci can be accomplished rapidly and with less DNA than required if each locus were analyzed separately. Before such multiplex systems are used in forensic or paternity applications, it is desirable that they undergo testing for their reliability.
This study evaluates the performance of two STR triplex systems, one containing the loci HUMCSF1PO, HUMTPOX, and HUMTH01, and the other containing HUMHPRTB, HUMFESFPS, and HUMVWFA31. Protocols for amplification of these two triplexes, and their corresponding monoplexes, were evaluated for sensitivity of detection, resistance to changes in the annealing temperature of the amplification protocol, and the ability to identify the minority contributor in amplification of mixed samples. In addition, five laboratories determined the alleles of twenty DNA samples, each extracted by one of four different extraction methods. The results illustrate that the two STR triplex systems and the monoplex systems contained within them can be used with as little as 0.25 ng of DNA template. Both triplexes amplified with 100% success using the Perkin Elmer Model 480 thermal cycler. With the GeneAmp 9600 System, the CTT triplex amplified with 100% success and the HFv triplex in 95.6% of attempts. These experiments meet many requirements for use in validation of DNA typing systems for forensic cases and paternity identification.
Structural Elucidation of Unusual Police Exhibits. II. Identification and Spectral Characterization of N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)amphetamine Hydrochloride
Authors: Cyr TD , Dawson BA , By AW , Neville GA , Shurvell HF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An unusual police exhibit having the physical appearance, color, and odor of methamphetamine hydrochloride was identified unequivocally on the basis of combined evidence from 1H- and 13C-NMR, mass, and infrared spectroscopic examination as N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amphetamine hydrochloride (HEA·HCl). A minor contaminant of the exhibit was similarly identified as ethanolamine hydrochloride (HE·HCl), suggesting synthesis via reductive amination of phenylacetone. Relevant spectroscopic data (1H-, 13C-NMR, mass, and FT-IR) and spectra are presented.
The Application of Reasoning to the Evaluation of Fundamental Differences in Handwriting Comparisons
Authors: Whiting FI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A cardinal tenet of forensic document analysis is that the existence of a single fundamental difference between questioned and known handwriting samples is a basis for excluding the samples as having come from a common source. But applying that doctrine to actual cases can be difficult because of different interpretations as to what constitutes a true fundamental difference. A review of the literature reveals that there is not just a single classification of a fundamental difference. When differences are observed between writing samples, an additional difficulty occurs in determining whether the suspect can be “eliminated” as the writer, or whether the examiner should merely report that “there is no basis for identifying the suspect as the author.” The critical element in the analysis is in determining what constitutes a reasonable explanation for the observed characteristics. Circumstances that may lend themselves to varying interpretations of how fundamental are any observed differences include situations in which: (1) a single feature or letter differs between the questioned and known samples; (2) the format of the samples contrasts cursive handwriting with manuscript handprinting; (3) the questioned writing exhibits poorer line quality than the known writing; (4) there is only a small quantity of known comparison standards; (5) the writer has used a disguise that may cause the writing samples to appear to be fundamentally different.
Epidermal Cells on Stubs Used for Detection of GSR with SEM-EDX: Analysis of DNA Polymorphisms
Authors: Torre C , Gino S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
DNA from epidermal cells attached to the adhesive tape of stubs employed to collect and identify gunshot residue (GSR) with scanning electron microscope (SEM) was extracted, amplified with PCR and typed.
The method allowed identification of specimens when attribution to a definite person was uncertain. These results also suggest that adhesive tape could be used as a non invasive method for obtaining biological material suitable for DNA analysis from the skin surface.
Paternity Exclusion by DNA Markers: Effects of Paternal Mutations
Authors: Chakraborty R , Stivers DN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In parentage testing when one parent is excluded, the distribution of the number of loci showing exclusion due to mutations of the transmitting alleles is derived, and it is contrasted with the expected distribution when the exclusion is caused by non-paternity. This theory is applied to allele frequency data on short tandem repeat loci scored by PCR analysis, and VNTR data scored by Southern blot RFLP analysis that are commonly used in paternity analysis. For such hypervariable loci, wrongly accused males should generally be excluded based two or more loci, while a true father is unlikely to be excluded based on multiple loci due to mutations of paternal alleles. Thus, when these DNA markers are used for parentage analysis, the decision to infer non-paternity based on exclusions at two or more loci has a statistical support. Our approach places a reduced weight on the combined exclusion probability. Even with this reduced power of exclusion, the probability of exclusion based on combined tests on STR and VNTR loci is sufficiently large to resolve most paternity dispute cases in general populations.
Development of Two-Dimensional Footwear Impressions Using Magnetic Flake Powders
Authors: Wilshire B , Hurley N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Footwear impressions deposited on various types of surface were developed using magnetic flake powder and several conventional dusting powders. Although comparable results were achieved when glass was the receptor surface, the magnetic flake powder proved superior for revealing footwear impressions on rough or porous surfaces such as linoleum, polythene and paper.
A Simple Procedure That Allows Software to Determine if a GC/MS Blank Injection Is Contaminated
Authors: Waggoner RW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One problem commonly encountered by operators of GC/MS systems is the injection of solvent blanks which are contaminated. The sources of this contamination are many and are often of an undertermined origin. The contaminated blank is an especially troublesome problem when the operator is running a sequence of samples using an autoinjector. The injection of a contaminated blank during a sequence of samples could jeopardize the data collected for any ensuing samples. A simple macro program, described here, will allow the Hewlett-Packard MS ChemStation software to decide if a blank is contaminated. If contamination is present then the software will direct the autoinjector to make the necessary reinjections.
Probable Torticollis Revealed in Decapitated Skull
Authors: Klepinger LL , Heidingsfelder JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The skeletal features of a moderately decomposed decapitated head recovered in 1993 are consistent with torticollis (wryneck) and inconsistent with other possible syndromes. Asymmetries of the face, cranial vault, mandible, and cervical vertebrae closely resemble published cases of paleopathological and recent torticollis. The laterally directed left occipital condyle and articulation of the basicranium and cervical vertebrae indicate that the head was tipped toward the left shoulder. Right-left asymmetries of areas of muscular attachments are compatible with a leftward head deviation. Mild arthritis of the atlantal-occipital and intervertebral joints, clinoid bridging, and thickening of the inner table of the frontal squamosa may not be related to the possible torticollis. The postural deviations of the head and neck may aid in the identification of this homicide victim, as did skeletal evidence of torticollis in an earlier case from Britain.
Methamphetamine Identification in Four Forensic Cases
Authors: Long C , Crifasi J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Specimens that tested positive for amphetamines by immunoassay were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The absence of detectable d-amphetamine (limit of detection at 50 ng/mL) with a positive methamphetamine prompted further testing by chiral derivatization. This data demonstrates that d-amphetamine need not be present in methamphetamine positive cases.
Forensic Application of Computer Simulation of Falls
Authors: Sloan GD , Talbott JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to describe a method of computer simulated fall reconstruction. Computer applications that simulate gravity and other physical parameters, such as Knowledge Revolution's Working Model®, allow for falls to be modeled and their dynamics studied. There are two prerequisites for the computer simulation of falls: the development of a dynamic computer manikin and the ability to specify the initial conditions to which the manikin is subjected. Discussion is presented on steps in the development of a two-dimensional dynamic computer manikin. Direction for the determination of initial conditions is illustrated in the context of examples that demonstrate the forensic applications of computer fall simulation.
Morphological Classification of Facial Features in Adult Caucasian Males Based on an Assessment of Photographs of 50 Subjects
Authors: Vanezis P , Lu D , Cockburn J , Gonzalez A , McCombe G , Trujillo O , Vanezis M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fifty sets of photographs showing facial features of Caucasian males aged 18 to 60 years were examined to establish a morphological classification of the face. It is suggested that such a classification coudl assist facial identification by photocomparison. The selection criteria stress the importance of interassessor agreement and discrimination among feature subset units in formulating the proposed classification.
Sex Determination by Discriminant Function Analysis of Lateral Radiographic Cephalometry
Authors: Hsiao T-H , Chang H-P , Liu K-M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The present work is an attempt to develop a new method to determine sex from the skull with lateral radiographic cephalometry and discriminant function analysis. The superciliary ridges, frontal sinuses, external occipital protuberance, and mastoid processes were adopted as objects of lateral radiographic cephalometric measurements. With discriminant functions created from 18 established cephalometric variables, a total of 100 cases were classified into two sexual groups with 100% accuracy in a random sample of Taiwanese adults. Therefore, we may obtain a much greater reliability of sex determination from skulls according to this newly developed technique.
Computer-Assisted Systems for Forensic Pathology and Forensic Toxicology
Authors: Druid H , Holmgren P , Löwenhielm P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A computer software, RättsBASE (RB), was developed for all forensic pathology units in Sweden and introduced in 1992. Simultaneously, a corresponding software, ToxBASE (TB), was developed for the Department of Forensic Toxicology, where all forensic toxicology in Sweden is managed. Both of the databases were created using dBASE IV, and the programming was carried out according to specifications from the staff at the forensic toxicology and forensic pathology units. Since the development of RB and TB was coordinated, the sysetems can run together smoothly.
The purpose of both systems was to automate the offices and to enable compilation of detailed statistics. Installation of Novell Netware and ISDN-connections (Integrated Service Digital Network) has enabled rapid communication between the units and easy compilation of nationwide statistics of forensic pathology and forensic toxicology.
The systems offer a wide spectrum of reports and include a simple module for evaluation of the importance of the forensic efforts for the whole death investigation. The configuration of the softwares has also enabled processing of a large amount of related toxicological and autopsy data that in turn has yielded a base for compilation of toxicology interpretation lists.
This article includes a summary of the features of the software and a discussion of its benefits and limitations.
Sweat Testing for Benzodiazepines
Authors: Kintz P , Tracqui A , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Thirteen subjects participated in a clinical study to determine the cumulative excretion, the time course, the dose-concentration relationship, and concentrations of diazepam in sweat following oral administration of a single dose of the drug. Nordiazepam and oxazepam, two metabolites of diazepam, were also investigated. Sweat was collected by means of Sudormed™ sweat patch. Patches were removed at specified times over one week and drug content was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in negative chemical ionization mode using deuterated internal standards. Irrespective of the time of collection, diazepam and nordiazepam were present, but oxazepam was never detected. Drugs were detectable in the 2 to 4-h period following the administration. Peaks of diazepam were obtained during the 48 to 72-h period. After the peak, a decrease of drug concentration was observed. Concentrations were in the range from 0.1 to 6.0 ng/patch for both drugs. After single administration of diazepam (10, 20, or 30 mg), drugs monitored in three groups of three subjects were suggestive to be dose related. All these data suggest that the sweat patch technology can be useful to document drug use over a week-long period of surveillance.
Sex Determination from Blood and Teeth by PCR Amplification of the Alphoid Satellite Family
Authors: Hanaoka Y , Minaguchi K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sex determination from blood and teeth by PCR amplification of the alphoid satellite family according to the method of Witt and Erickson was investigated. Amplification of the X-(131 bp) and Y-(172 bp) specific sequences in males and that of the X-specific sequence in females was satisfactory in almost all samples. However, of the 22 samples (blood: 5, dental pulp: 12, tooth hard tissue: 5), a false positive fragment was detected at 172 bp among the female samples (blood: 17, dental pulp: 30, tooth hard tissue: 23) as a result of silver staining. These bands were not amplified by the dual PCR method and were different from the Y-specific band. Subsequent restriction enzyme digestion (DdeI, HinfI, and NciI) of these bands resulted in different patterns from the typical Y-specific band. Furthermore, in five male samples of hard tooth tissue specimens (n = 14), a Y-specific band was detected as a weak band, and in two of these five samples, this weak specific band was not amplified by dual PCR in spite of the male origin of the samples. These results showed that this method is useful for sex determination, but that dual PCR and restriction analysis should be used together in practical applications.
A New Individualization Marker of Sweat: Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) Polymorphism
Authors: Yasuda T , Takeshita H , Sawazaki K , Nadano D , Iida R , Miyahara S , Kishi K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We have confirmed for the first time, both biochemically and immunologically, the existence of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) in human liquid sweat. Isoelectric focusing of sweat samples on polyacrylamide gels (pH 3.5 to 5), followed by dried agarose film overlay detection, was used to determine the phenotypes of sweat DNase I. Because this detection method not only had high sensitivity, but also high band resolution, it was possible to determine DNase I types from sweat samples of 50 to 100 μL. Pretreatment of sweat samples with sialidase was essential for typing to enhance markedly the sensitivity accompanied by simplification of the isozyme pattern. The DNase I types in all sweat samples were consistently related to the types found in corresponding blood, urine, and semen samples. DNase I typing could, therefore, provide a novel discriminant characteristic in the forensic examination of sweat.
Variability of the Blood/Breath Alcohol Ratio in Drinking Drivers
Authors: Jones AW , Andersson L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The ratio of blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) to breath-alcohol concentration (BrAC) was determined for 799 individuals apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in Sweden. The BrAC was determined with an infrared analyzer (Intoxilyzer 5000S) and venous BAC was measured by headspace gas chromatography. The blood samples were always taken after the breath tests were made and the average time delay was 30 ± 12 min (± SD), spanning from 6 to 60 min. The blood/breath ratios of alcohol decreased as the time between sampling blood and breath increased (F = 15.4, p &lt; 0.001), being 2337 ± 183 (6 to 15 min), 2302 ± 202 (16 to 30 min), 2226 ± 229 (31 to 45 min), and 2170 ± 225 (46 to 60 min). When the BAC was corrected for the metabolism of alcohol at a rate of 0.019 g%/h, the mean blood/breath ratios were 2395 ± 193 (6 to 15 min), 2416 ± 211 (16 to 30 min), 2406 ± 223 (31 to 45 min), and 2407 ± 210 (45 to 60 min); no significant differences (F = 0.197, p &gt; 0.05). The overall mean time-adjusted blood/breath ratio (± SD) was 2407 ± 213 and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were 1981 and 2833. During 1992, 1993, and 1994, the mean blood/breath ratios of alcohol were remarkably constant, being 2409 ± 288, 2407 ± 206, and 2421 ± 235, respectively, and the values were not significantly influenced by the person's age, gender, or blood-alcohol content. In 34 individuals (4.3%), the blood/breath ratio was less than 2100 after compensating for metabolism of alcohol between the times of sampling blood and breath. This compares with 156 individuals (19.6%) having a blood/breath ratio less than 2100:1 without making any correction for the metabolism of alcohol.
Influence of Age, Gender, and Blood-Alcohol Concentration on the Disappearance Rate of Alcohol from Blood in Drinking Drivers
Authors: Wayne Jones A , Andersson L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The rate of disappearance of alcohol from the blood (β-slope) was determined in drinking drivers by taking two blood samples about 60 min apart (mean 68 min, span 30 to 120 min). The results were compared for men and women as a function of their age and the prevailing blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). The material consisted of 1090 double blood samples from 976 men and 114 women with mean age 36.6 ± 12.9 y (± SD) and 38.0 ± 12.3 y (± SD), respectively. The mean BAC for the male DUI suspects was 1.88 ± 0.748 mg/mL (± SD) compared with 1.86 ± 0.702 (± SD) for the females. The relationship between β-slope (y) and BAC (x) was y = 0.175 + 0.009x with a small positive correlation (r = 0.13) and standard error estimate (syx) of 0.049 mg/mL. The mean β-slope for female DUI suspects was 0.214 ± 0.053 mg/mL/h (± SD), compared with 0.189 ± 0.048 mg/mL/h in the male suspects, and this small difference was statistically highly significant (t = 5.21, p &lt; 0.001). The overall mean rate of alcohol elimination from blood in drinking drivers was 0.191 ± 0.049 mg/mL/h (± SD), and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) spanned from 0.09 to 0.29 mg/mL/h. The value of the β-slope was slightly steeper starting from a high initial BAC but was not much influenced by the person's age.
The Analysis of Lysergide (LSD): The Development of Novel Enzyme Immunoassay and Immunoaffinity Extraction Procedures Together with an HPLC-MS Confirmation Procedure
Authors: Webb KS , Baker PB , Cassells NP , Francis JM , Johnston DE , Lancaster SL , Minty PS , Reed GD , White SA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A forensic procedure for the screening and confirmation of the presence of lysergide (lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD) in urine is described together with the evaluation of a novel enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and immunoaffinity extraction procedure. Following initial screening using either an established radioimmunoassay (RIA) or a novel EIA procedure, a quantitative estimate is established using a conventional high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence (HPLC) technique following solid phase extraction. Final confirmation and quantitation, without derivatization, is established using HPLC in combination with electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry using methysergide as an internal standard. The detection limit of LSD in urine is 0.5 ng/mL. A blind trial confirmed the validity of the results. The choice of internal standard is discussed. Consideration is given to the photo-sensitivity of LSD solutions. A study of potential interferants in the HPLC-MS confirmation of LSD is presented and shows that for the wide range of compounds studied, there are none that would interfere with this confirmation technique. A comparison is shown between solid phase and immunoaffinity extraction/clean up procedures, and between RIA and EIA screening procedures.