bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an Alu-based, Real-Time PCR Method for Quantitation of Human DNA in Forensic Samples
Authors: Nicklas JA , Buel E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Determining the amount of human DNA extracted from a crime scene sample is an important step in DNA profiling. The forensic community relies almost entirely upon a technique (slot blot) to quantitate human DNA that is imprecise, time consuming, and labor intensive. We have previously described a method for quantitation of human DNA based on PCR amplification of a repetitive Alu sequence that uses a fluorescence plate reader. This manuscript describes and validates a variation of this assay using real-time PCR and SYBR® Green I for quantitation. The advantages of the real-time assay over the plate reader assay are: reduced hands-on time, lower assay cost, and a greater dynamic range. The main disadvantage is the cost of the real-time instrument. However, for those forensic laboratories with access to a real-time instrument, this Alu-based assay has a dynamic range of 16 ng to 1 pg, is sensitive, specific, fast, quantitative, and uses only 2 µL of sample.
Predicting Mouth Width from Inter-Canine Width—A 75% Rule
Authors: Stephan CN , Henneberg M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
It has been suggested that inter-canine width plus 57% of the cumulative distance between the lateral aspect of the canines and the pupil centers can be used to estimate mouth width (1). Evidence also suggests that the distance between the medial irises approximates actual mouth width fairly well (1). However, these soft tissue prediction guidelines are limited because they rely on accurate medio-lateral positioning of the pupils within the orbits, for which no systematic empirical evidence appears to exist at this stage. It would, therefore, be more appropriate to use only known hard tissue landmarks in mouth width prediction. This study reports the results of using inter-canine width as a percentage of mouth width for its prediction. This method seems favorable in comparison to the other guidelines because it is as accurate, uses known hard tissue landmarks, and does not rely on assumptions concerning pupil location. Estimating mouth width by using the canines alone, therefore, seems the best guideline to use in facial approximation techniques, at least given knowledge existing at this stage.
Comparison of Blood-Ethanol Concentration in Deaths Attributed to Acute Alcohol Poisoning and Chronic Alcoholism
Authors: Jones AW , Holmgren P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ethanol concentrations were measured in femoral venous blood in deaths attributed to acute alcohol poisoning (N = 693) or chronic alcoholism (N = 825), according to the forensic pathology report. Among acute alcohol poisonings were 529 men (76%) with mean age 53 years and 164 women (24%) with mean age 53 years. In the chronic alcoholism deaths were 705 men (85%) with mean age 55 years and 120 women (15%) with mean age 57 years. The blood-ethanol concentrations were not related to the person's age (r = -0.17 in acute poisonings and r = -0.09 in chronic alcoholism). The distribution of blood-ethanol concentrations in acute poisoning cases agreed with a normal or Gaussian curve with mean, median, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and spread of 0.36 g/100 mL, 0.36 g/100 mL, 0.086 g/100 mL, 24% and 0.074 to 0.68 g/100 mL, respectively. The corresponding concentrations of ethanol in chronic alcoholism deaths were not normally distributed and showed a mode between 0.01 and 0.05 g/100 mL and mean, median, and spread of 0.172 g/100 mL, 0.150 g/100 mL, and 0.01 to 0.56 g/100 mL, respectively. The 5th and 95th percentiles for blood-ethanol concentration in acute poisoning deaths were 0.22 and 0.50 g/100 mL, respectively. However, these values are probably conservative estimates of the highest blood-ethanol concentrations before death owing to metabolism of ethanol until the time of death. In 98 chronic alcoholism deaths (12%) there was an elevated concentration of acetone in the blood (&gt;0.01 g/100 mL), and 50 of these (6%) also had elevated isopropanol (&gt;0.01 g/100 mL). This compares with 28 cases (4%) with elevated blood-acetone in the acute poisoning deaths and 22 (3%) with elevated blood-isopropanol. We offer various explanations for the differences in blood-ethanol and blood-acetone in acute poisoning and alcoholism deaths such as chronic tolerance, alcohol-related organ and tissue damage (cirrhosis, pancreatitis), positional asphyxia or suffocation by inhalation of vomit, exposure to cold coupled with alcohol-induced hypothermia, as well as various metabolic disturbances such as hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis.
ESDA Processing and Latent Fingerprint Development: The Humidity Effect
Authors: Azoury M , Gabbay R , Cohen D , Almog J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The influence of humidification in the ESDA process on subsequent development of fingerprints on paper items was studied. It was found that, while the DFO process is nearly insensitive to previous humidification, fingerprint development with ninhydrin or with indanedione can be significantly affected by previous humidification of the paper.
Obituary—Robert F. Borkenstein 1912–2002
Authors: Logan BK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Professor Robert F. Borkenstein, inventor of the Breathalyzer and a leading light in the development of alcohol impaired driving research and legislation, passed away at his home in Bloomington, Indiana, on August 10, 2002. He was 89. His life is an example of the impact that the application of science at its best can make in people's everyday lives, changing attitudes and behavior, and ultimately saving lives.
Commentary on: Bottrell MC, Webb JB. Book Review of: Forensic Interpretation of Glass Evidence. J Forensic Sci 2002;47(4): 926-7.
Authors: Hicks TN , Buckleton JS , Curran JM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The review of Forensic Interpretation of Glass Evidence by Bottrell MC and Webb JB, which appeared in J Forensic Sci, July 2002, Vol. 47, No. 4 came to our attention (1). We are appreciative of the general tenor of the opening remarks on the importance of our research, and perhaps even more so of the criticisms numbered 1-7 on factual matters. We would like to say, in fairness to our readers, that a revised printing is in preparation, and in fairness to ourselves, that many of the objections raised had not escaped our attention (a list of errata will be offered by the editor to those who do not desire to purchase the revised printing). It also seems to us that some objections stem from matters of expression, or perhaps from a less than punctilious reading, than in matters of substance. But generally speaking, the remarks on factual errors are well taken, and efforts are being made on the part of the authors to secure the more detailed account forgone by the reviewers for reasons of brevity, and which did not appear in the review (nor in other reviews available to this date in forensic literature).
Commentary on: Srihari SN, Cha S-H, Arora H, Lee S. Individuality of handwriting. J Forensic Sci 2002; 47(4):856–72.
Authors: Saks MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Although the proposition had never been tested in any systematic way, many forensic document examiners have long assumed that all writing is “unique”—that “no two people write alike and no one person writes the same way twice.” A recent article by Sargur Srihari and his colleagues (1) reported a study which aimed to prove, for the first time, the truth of at least half of that proposition: that the writing of every person is distinguishable from that of every other person. Srihari et al. drew handwriting exemplars from 1568 individuals, a sample they sought to make representative of the U.S. population. The study comprised two major analyses, each involving about 700 writers. Computer algorithms were used to extract features from scanned images of the handwriting. Attributes of the handwriting were compared at different levels (document, paragraph, word, character) to try to distinguish writers from each other.
Genetic Variation for 7 STR Loci in a Colombian Population (Department of Valle del Cauca)
Authors: Gomez MV , Reyes ME , Cardenas H , Garcia O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Whole blood samples were obtained from 81—461 unrelated Colombian individuals from the parentage testing routinely done at the Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetics, Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali, Colombia, previous informed consent. Genomic DNA was extracted from 1 mL of EDTA anticoagulated peripheral blood using the salting-out methodology. After DNA quantitation by spectrophotometry, 1—2 ng of DNA were amplified using the commercial kits AmpFℓSTR Cofiler (PE Biosystems, Foster City, CA), Geneprint Fluorescent STR Multiplex F13A01, FES/FPS, F13B, LPL (FFFL) and PowerPlex 16 (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI), following the manufacturer's instructions. The amplified products were separated and detected using the ABI 310 DNA sequencer (PE Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Alleles were classified according to the recommendations of the ISFH (1). Statistical analysis was performed using the GDA program (2). Statistical parameters such as power of discrimination (PD) and a priori chance of exclusion (CE) for each loci were estimated as described by Huston (3). Also we calculated the polymorphic information content (PIC) according to Botstein et al. (4). The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each loci and linkage disequilibrium were verified using the GDA program. We did not find significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at all loci. The complete data set is available to any interested researcher upon request from the corresponding author.
Inflicted Compressional Asphyxia of a Child
Authors: Kohr RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Compressional or traumatic asphyxia is a well recognized entity to most forensic pathologists. The vast majority of reported cases have been accidental. The case reported here describes the apparent inflicted compressional asphyxia of a small child. A review of mechanisms and related controversy regarding proposed mechanisms is discussed.
Review of Statistics for Lawyers, 2nd ed.
Authors: Dow SB , DeJong C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A little over a century ago Oliver Wendell Holmes, then a justice on the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, opined that the lawyer of the future will be skilled in “statistics and the master of economics (1).” Holmes was commenting on the state of legal education. At that point, social data gathered through empirical means and the methods of analyzing it had no part in legal education. Economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and other social science disciplines played no part in legal education (2,3). Most of the faculty who had any interest in these fields and their methods had been purged from law schools (4). Simply put, the emerging social sciences had no part in the law students' curriculum. Needless to say, the methods and research tools of these emerging disciplines, such as statistics, likewise played no part in legal education. As a result, by the end of its formative period, legal education was largely cut off from mainstream intellectual development in American universities.
DNA Fingerprinting of Mosses
Authors: Korpelainen H , Virtanen VV 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Our study introduces the use of DNA fingerprinting of clonal plants in combination with phylogenetic and vegetation studies as a prospective forensic tool in criminal investigations. In this homicide case, the bryophyte species found on the suspects were identified as Brachythecium albicans, Calliergonella lindbergii, and Ceratodon purpureus. Colonies of all three species occurred at the crime site. DNA fingerprinting analyses were conducted for B. albicans and C. lindbergii, which were expected to reproduce mainly clonally, unlike C. purpureus, and included samples found on the suspects and samples collected from the crime site and other locations. It was concluded that B. albicans found on the suspects was likely to originate from the crime scene and that the sample of C. lindbergii may also have originated from the same site.
Two X-Chromosome STR Loci DXS6807 and DXS7133 Frequency Data in Chinese Population
Authors: Shi MS , Deng JQ , Ying BW , Hou YP , Yan J , Li YB , Wu J , Tang JP , Ji Q 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were collected from unrelated individuals of Chinese Han ethnic group in Chengdu of China. DNA was extracted using Chelex method (1). PCR amplification conditions can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/dna/DXS6807.htm. The volume of PCR reaction for each locus was 37.5 L. The PCR products were analyzed by horizontal non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with discontinuous buffer system and visualized by silver staining (2). Data of female population genetics and forensic science were analyzed using POWERSTATS program (3).
Developmental Validation of a Real-Time Quantitative PCR Assay for Automated Quantification of Human DNA
Authors: Richard ML , Frappier RH , Newman JC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Our laboratory has developed an automated real-time quantitative PCR assay for detecting human DNA. The assay utilizes an inhouse, custom-designed TaqMan®-MGB sequence-specific probe (CFS-rHumRT) and the ABD 7900HT SDS platform. Developmental validation has followed TWGDAM (1) guidelines and demonstrates that the assay is primate specific, is highly sensitive, yields consistent results, and works with human DNA extracted from a variety of body fluid stains. When operating within the dynamic range of the system using high-quality DNA samples, the technique yields similar quantification results to our current QuantiBlot™ assay with the added benefit of time saving through automation. Furthermore, the QPCR assay identifies how much amplifiable DNA is in a sample and thus has the potential to predict PCR success in downstream applications such as STR analysis.
A Study on Polymorphism at Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Loci D16S539, D7S820 and D13S317 in the Bharias, a Primitive Indian Tribal Population from Patalkot, India
Authors: Biswas R , Biswas K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele distribution studies was carried out in "Bharias" from the central part of the Indian subcontinent. "Bharias" are one of the classified primitive Indians. They are located in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, at "Patal Kot" that is situated amidst dense forests surrounded by high hills of "Satpura ranges" lies between 22°-24' and 22°-29' north latitude and 78°-43' and 78°-50' east longitude. "Patalkot" is a bowl-shaped formation on the Satpura hills surrounded on three sides by hill ridges like a straight wall thus making "Patalkot" almost inaccessible. The estimated total area of Patalkot is about 79 sq. kms. The highest contours of the area are 3750 ft above sea level. The total population of "Bharias" comprises 2012 members belonging to 238 families, inhabited in 12 small villages, distributed in 23 hamlets (1,2). The different villages within "Patalkot" located at different altitudes ranged from 1950 to 3050 ft
Allelic Frequency of Six STR Loci in Five Colombian Cities
Authors: Duran R , Zarante A , Acevedo ML , Villegas MR , Salazar J , Bocanegra BY , Bernal J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were obtained at blood banks in large cities such as Bogota, Cali, Cucuta, Barranquilla, and Medellin by venopuncture with EDTA anticoagulant. They were informed of the research and so they donated their blood voluntarily before signing a written consent document. Genomic DNA was extracted by using phenolchloroform methods with some modifications for anticoagulated blood samples (1). The ion-exchange resin method (CHELEX 100) was also used according to the established protocol (2). DNA samples were amplified through PCR reactions using the multiplex kit (CTT and FFv from Promega Corp., GenePrint™, STR Systems, Silver stain detection Madison, WI). The PCR products from the six STR loci were analyzed using vertical electrophoresis protocol; minor modifications were introduced to fit available equipment. An electrophoresis camera (C.B.S. Scientific Co., Del Mar, adjustable CA, ASG 250-400 U.S. version) was used for 6% polyacrylamide denaturing gels in all six STR markers. Then, silver staining was applied according to the method described by Bassam BJ (3). Amplification was made in a LABLINE, 212S-model
Gunshot Fatalities in Children and Adolescents in New York City
Authors: Gill JR , Lenz KA , Amolat MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We reviewed the case records of all fatalities due to gunshot wounds in children and adolescents under 19 years of age in New York City from 1996 to 2000. The epidemiological profile, circumstances, toxicology results, location, and injuries were examined. There were 263 deaths: 242 homicides, 17 suicides, and 4 accidents. Among the homicides, 96% involved Black or Hispanic and 68% involved 17 and 18-year-old decedents. There were 11 times as many male as female homicides. The detection of ethanol and/or illicit drugs was 56% in the homicide and 53% in the suicide groups. Suicide notes were found in 18% of suicides, and an additional 35% verbally expressed a plan to commit suicide. Most suicides (77%) were in the home and half of the homicides occurred on the street.
Mortality in Cerebral Palsy (CP): The Importance of the Cause of CP on the Manner of Death
Authors: Rosen RS , Armbrustmacher V , Sampson BA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive motor deficit present or sustained in the perinatal period. We reviewed the files of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York for the 1997-2001 interval seeking those with any mention of cerebral palsy. There were 26 such cases, including 18 natural deaths, three accidents, two homicides, two therapeutic complications, and one death classified as undetermined. Proper reporting and careful investigation of these deaths is required for accurate certification of cause and manner of death, as well as for adequate tracking of these deaths for public health purposes.
A Web-Based Survey of Odontologist's Opinions Concerning Bitemark Analyses
Authors: Pretty IA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Within the field of forensic dentistry, the detection, collection, and analysis of bitemarks remains one of the most contentious areas. Attempts at the production of consensus documents have produced documents such as the ABFO's Guidelines for Bitemark Evidence Collection. Despite this, the range of differing analysis techniques, allied with a varied opinion base on the robustness of bitemark conclusions has led to polarized views within the profession. The purpose of this study was to survey forensic dentists to obtain their views on a number of crucial components of bitemark theory and contentious areas within the discipline. Using a web-based survey, 14 questions were asked of respondents. Seventytwo odontologists completed the survey, with 38% being of Diplomate status, 10% had completed 20 or more bitemark cases, and 20% between 10 and 20 cases, 91% of respondents believed that the human dentition was unique, with 78% believing that this uniqueness could be represented on human skin during the biting process. Seventy percent believed that they could positively identify an individual from a bitemark, and 22% stated that the statistical tool, the product rule, should be applied to bitemark conclusions. Over half of the odontologists used overlays for bitemark analysis, with a digital method of production the most popular. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.
Authors' Response
Authors: Srihari SN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In response to Professor Saks’s critique we first wish to provide some background to our work. Numerous challenges have been made in the courts against presenting expert forensic testimony on the grounds of whether the particular modality of forensic evidence has a scientific basis (1). Our research group has been engaged, for over two decades, in the domain of processing handwriting by computer (2). Both the legal debate and our research experience motivated us to undertake computer-based studies of handwriting individuality. Having worked with millions of samples of handwriting encountered by postal services we were familiar with the automatic analysis of computerscanned handwriting. We had explored how to take advantage of the individual characteristics of a writer in deciphering an address but had not done, prior to the work reported in Ref (3), a study of whether handwriting was individual.
Two X-Chromosome STR Loci DXS6804 and DXS9896 Frequency Data in Chinese Population
Authors: Deng JQ , Ying BW , Shi MS , Hou YP , Yan J , Li YB , Wu J , Tang JP , Ji Q 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were collected from unrelated individuals of the Chinese Han ethnic group in Chengdu, China. DNA was extracted using the Chelex method (1). PCR amplification conditions can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/dna/DXS6804.htm. The volume of PCR reaction for each locus was 37.5 µL. The PCR products were analyzed by horizontal nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a discontinuous buffer system and visualized by silver staining (2). Data of female population genetics and forensic science were analyzed using the POWERSTATS program (3). The complete dataset can be accessed at http://www.legalmed. org/dna/DXS6804.htm
The Forensic Analysis of Thermal Transfer Printing
Authors: LaPorte GM , Wilson JD , Mancke SA , Payne JA , Ramotowski RS , Fortunato SL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Thermal transfer printing refers to printing processes that utilize heat to produce an image by either physical or chemical means or by a combination of both. As the technology has improved and the supplies have become less expensive, the use of thermal printing in the personal and business markets has increased significantly. Specifically, dye diffusion thermal transfer and thermal mass transfer have become predominant in the production of counterfeit credit cards, drivers' licenses, and other types of documents produced on plastic media. Chemical analysis by means of thin layer chromatography (TLC) has proven to be useful in characterizing various types of inks (e.g., writing and inkjet inks). In this study, the authors examined 81 different samples that included a total of 54 printer samples (43 photographic prints on paper and eleven plastic card samples) and 27 printer ribbons. A new TLC method was developed and tested utilizing a solvent system (80% n-hexane, 3% methyl ethyl ketone, and 17% ethyl acetate) that is capable of producing excellent resolution.
The Development of Reduced Size STR Amplicons as Tools for Analysis of Degraded DNA
Authors: Butler JM , Shen Y , McCord BR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
New multiplex PCR sets of commonly used short tandem repeat (STR) markers have been developed to produce PCR products that are reduced in size when compared to standard commercial STR kits. The reduction in size of these amplicons can facilitate the examination and analysis of degraded DNA evidence by improving amplification efficiency. This "miniSTR" approach will permit current forensic practitioners to use STR markers and instrumentation already present in their laboratories and to generate genotyping data that is directly comparable to reference samples and searchable through the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) databases. This paper discusses the development of these new primer sets and presents some initial results in the analysis of degraded and aged DNA samples. A method for removal of problematic fluorescent dye artifacts is also described. Comparison studies in over 100 samples have verified that these miniSTR primers can provide fully concordant results to commercial STR kits and can provide improved signal from degraded DNA specimens. These miniplex sets should prove valuable in the analysis of samples where allele dropout and reduced sensitivity of larger STR alleles occurs.