bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postmortem Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Blood Concentrations
Authors: Spiller HA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There is limited data on postmortem oxycodone concentrations, consisting of three published reports with a total of 11 cases, many of which were polypharmacy cases. This report presents the results of a review of autopsy and coroner's reports from 10 counties for the years 2000 and 2001 to locate cases with oxycodone or hydrocodone exposure as a leading cause of death. Eighty-eight cases were located. Twenty-four deaths were attributed to oxycodone alone. Mean and median postmortem oxycodone blood concentrations were 1.23 mg/L and 0.43 mg/L, respectively. The range was 0.12 to 8.0 mg/L, with 13 cases (54%) ⩽0.5/L. Seventeen deaths were attributed to hydrocodone alone. Mean and median postmortem hydrocodone blood concentrations were 0.53 mg/L and 0.40 mg/L, respectively. The range was 0.12 to 1.6 mg/L, with 11 cases (65%) ⩽0.5/L. There were seven cases where the cause of death was attributed to the effects of a combination of hydrocodone and oxycodone. Mean oxycodone and hydrocodone blood concentrations were 0.34 mg/L and 0.14 mg/L, respectively. Forty cases involved polysubstance overdoses with significant involvement of other drugs and ethanol. Mean oxycodone and hydrocodone blood concentrations were 0.18 mg/L and 0.29 mg/L, respectively. The list of other substances involved was extensive but included ethanol, amitriptyline, methadone, codeine, propoxyphene, and acetaminophen. The findings of this study report oxycodone values associated with a fatality at blood concentrations lower than previously reported. This may represent enhanced information because of the larger sample group. Hydrocodone values associated with a fatality were similar to previously published values.
Review of: Digital Evidence and Computer Crime
Authors: Collins JM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Hundreds of books have been written on computers and computing, but my search found none that included the topics of cybercrime and computer forensics. Further, most computer-related books are targeted toward audiences knowledgeable about computer technology, and many of these are strictly applied, providing no theoretical basis for interpreting underlying concepts. For the average citizen who has no background in "digital data" and the reader who seeks a conceptual framework for what is written, most texts seem limited and lacking. In Digital Evidence and Computer Crime, however, Eoghan Casey (2001) brilliantly articulates technical details in lay terms for a wide audience ranging from those with little or no computer-related experience to knowledgeable experts in the field.
Commentary on: Wickenheiser RA. Trace DNA: a review, discussion of theory and application of the transfer of trace quantities of DNA through skin contact. J Forensic Sci 2002;47(3): 442–50.
Authors: Sutherland B , Cordiner S , Bright J , Walsh SJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We note that Mr. Ray Wickenheiser's review of trace DNA briefly discusses the potential of fingerprints to transport DNA from the donor's skin onto touched surfaces.
High Mortality Rates Among Inmates During the Year Following Their Discharge from a French Prison
Authors: Verger P , Rotily M , Prudhomme J , Bird S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
While the poor health status of prisoners has been highlighted in Western countries, the surveillance of their mortality has been neglected. We studied the mortality of 1305 prisoners released during 1997 from a French prison. Vital status after release was obtained for 86.4% of them. Compared with the general population, ex-prisoners non-natural mortality rates were significantly increased both in the 15-34 and 35-54 age categories (3.5-fold and 10.6-fold respectively) and the risk of death due to overdose was 124 and 274 times higher in the same categories respectively. Prevention and care should be reinforced in the pre-release period without waiting more epidemiological data.
Stability of Cholesterol Gall Stones After 165 Years of Burial
Authors: Wu AB , Bellantoni NF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A woman who died in 1837 was exhumed for the purposes of moving the grave to another location. During the excavation, small white deposits of stone were uncovered in the right abdominal region, inferior to the rib cage and superior to the ilium blade. These stones were analyzed for cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium following solubilization using methyl tert-butyl ether as a solvent. The results of these clinical chemistry analyses showed that these stones consisted primarily of cholesterol. Under these particular soil conditions encountered in this case, cholesterol gall stones are stable for at least 165 years.
Isolation of DNA from Saliva of Betel Quid Chewers Using Treated Cards
Authors: Salvador JM , De Ungria MCA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Betel quid (BQ) chewing, a common tradition in tropical areas, often poses a problem during collection and DNA analysis of buccal samples from many indigenous communities for population genetic studies and in forensic analysis of chewed BQ residues. This study evaluated the use of FTA™ card, a chemically treated filter paper, in collecting buccal samples from long-term BQ users and subsequent PCR-based analysis using nine STR markers. A low overall success rate of amplification was observed in the samples extracted using a standard organic extraction procedure (7%) as compared with those prepared using the FTA™ card (89%). The presence of inhibitors in liquid DNA samples was verified when control DNA failed to amplify in the presence of an equal volume of liquid BQ samples. The use of the FTA™ card is more practical during field sampling than handling tubes containing buccal swabs.
Frequencies at CD4, FES, and F13A1 Microsatellite Loci in Central-Southern Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Battaggia C , Ruscitto D , Destro-Bisol G , Vacca L , Calo C , Vona G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
DNA samples were extracted and purified by salting out procedure, precipitated by absolute ethanol and quantified by 1% agarose gel. The DNAs were amplified by Perkin Elmer PCR system 2400 using standard PCR protocols (2-4). Amplified products were separated in denaturing acrylamide gel using an Automated Laser Fluorescent apparatus as previously described (5). HardyWeinberg tests and analysis of genotypic disequilibrium between unlinked loci were carried out by using the Genepop software (6). The results obtained are shown in Table 1. It is to be noted that in all single-locus and multilocus tests, the p-value was statistically insignificant. Furthermore, we calculated the linkage disequilibrium between genotypes of independent loci. Among the possible three pairs of loci, only one case of statistically significant p-value was obtained (FES/F13A1; p = 0.024). Complete data are available at the e-mail address of the corresponding author upon request.
Evidence in Support of Self-Declaration as a Sampling Method for the Formation of Sub-Population DNA Databases
Authors: Walsh SJ , Triggs CM , Curran JM , Cullen JR , Buckleton JS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In general, the use of DNA profiling results in the context of a criminal or legal investigation must be qualified by an estimation of the statistical weight of the DNA evidence. There are various approaches used to arrive at such an estimate but all rely on reference to databases of DNA profiles, which are usually segregated into predominant sub-populations based on the ethnic origin of sample donors. The compilation and validation of sub-population databases to support forensic DNA interpretation is a prerequisite of forensic biology laboratory accreditation (1-3). In Australia, the accuracy and adequacy of such databases has been scrutinized closely in the criminal courts (4,5). Kaska et al. (6) and Ayres et al. (7) examined the comparability of sub-population data obtained under different mechanisms for assigning ethnicity, but there has been limited research into the mechanisms themselves.
Author's Response
Authors: Stephan CN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
I am pleased that the original article on eyeball projection has generated interest and critical review by E. Craig, however, she does not support her suggestions with evidence. The literature clearly states that the mid-orbital tangent guideline specifically predicts the “outer point of the cornea” (1) p. 266, (2) p. 429, (3) p. 381, (4) p. 429, (5) p. 29, or the "apex of the cornea" (6) p. 328. Given E. Craig's comments, either the original guideline, although inaccurate (7), was intended to be used for globe positioning using the cornea as cited over the past 40 years (1–6) (note as recently as last year); or there has been initially, or at some later stage, a misunderstanding of basic anatomical terminology, with the iris being mistaken for the cornea; or changes have been made to the traditional globe projection guideline on a post-hoc basis by using the iris to “explain away” error in the original published guideline.
Allele Frequencies of Y-Chromosome STR Loci DYS385 and DYS392 in Three Eastern Spanish Populations
Authors: Jimenez G , Rigo AP , Castro JA , Ramon MM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were collected from healthy autochthonous unre- 2. lated males from Valencia and the islands of Majorca and Minorca (Spain). DNA was extracted by means of a standard phenol/ cloroform DNA protocol (1). Coamplification of the loci DYS385 and DYS392 was performed in a duplex reaction, using approximately 20 ng of genomic DNA in a total reaction volume of 25 µL. The primers used are described in Kayser et al. (2) and de Knijff et al. (3). PCR cycling conditions were as described in Furedi et al. (4), with minor modifications. A GeneAmp PCR System 2400 (PE Applied Biosystems) was used for amplification. Detection of the amplified products was carried out using an ABI 310 automatic sequencer (Perkin-Elmer) along with the GENESCAN 2.1 Analysis software. Our own allele ladders were used for allele designations. Allele nomenclature was as proposed by Kayser et al. (2) and de Knijff et 8. al. (3). Gene diversity was estimated according to Nei (5). Allele frequencies, as well as pairwise analysis, were calculated using the ARLEQUIN package (6). Data on Iberian populations were used for comparisons (7-11). DYS392 gene diversities (0.448-0.640) were within the range of those observed in the other Y-chromosome STRs studied in these samples (12), whereas DYS385 had the highest gene diversities (0.615-0.755). Comparisons between all of the three populations studied showed no significant differences. When comparisons were carried out with other Iberian populations, significant differences were observed at DYS385. With respect to Catalonia and Andalusia, we found differences at DYS392.
Filtration Based DNA Preparation for Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Garvin A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Police departments in the United States currently have as many as 500,000 unprocessed swabs taken from rape victims. The standard method for purifying sperm from these swabs is to resuspend first all cells and to digest selectively the excess of the victim's epithelial cells. The intact sperm are then separated from the contaminating solubilized DNA by centrifugation, careful removal of supernatant, and extensive washing of the sperm pellet, all steps that are difficult to automate. Vacuum driven filtration is an alternative method for separating sperm from digested epithelial cells that requires only pipetting steps and can be readily automated in a 96 well format. Sperm DNA is enriched 45-fold using this process and the yield of PCR ready DNA is roughly 20% of the amount originally present on the swab.
Methadone-Related Deaths in Hennepin County, Minnesota: 1992-2002
Authors: Gagajewski A , Apple FS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is the only currently established medical therapy for heroin addiction. However, MMT still remains controversial. In Hennepin County, Minnesota, methadone is one of the top ten drugs reported in medical examiner investigated deaths and one of the most commonly diverted pharmaceuticals. This report reviews the role of methadone in medical examiner deaths over a 10-year period, 1992-2002. We compare cause and manner of death (accidental, natural, suicide) and methadone blood concentrations for decedents who were members of MMT programs with illicit users and those prescribed methadone for chronic pain. Findings reveal that 65% of decedents with measurable blood methadone concentrations were not participating in MMT programs. A total of 96 cases were identified, with the majority white (90.5%) and male (76.8%). MMTP program members were the minority (34.7%) of the methadone positive deaths and 39% were illicit users. Fifteen percent were chronic pain patients with almost half of this group dying from overdose. Methadone concentrations of drug caused/related deaths (0.18-3.99 mg/L) overlapped with those of deaths not attributable to methadone (0.18-3.03 mg/L) with no definable lethal level. Interpretation of methadone blood concentrations must be done in the context of the clinical history for determining cause of death, and may be confounded by postmortem redistribution.
Optimization of the Separation of Organic Explosives by Capillary Electrophoresis with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Casamento S , Kwok B , Roux C , Dawson M , Doble P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The separation of 12 explosives by capillary electrophoresis was optimized with the aid of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The selectivity of the separation was manipulated by varying the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the pH of the electrolyte, while maintaining the buffer concentration at 10 mM borate. The concentration of SDS and the electrolyte pH were used as input variables and the mobility of the explosives were used as output variables for the ANN. In total, eight experiments were performed based on a factorial design to train a variety of artificial neural network architectures. A further three experiments were required to train ANN architectures to adequately model the experimental space. A product resolution response surface was constructed based on the predicted mobilities of the best performing ANN. This response surface pointed to two optima; pH 9.0-9.1 and 60-65 mM SDS, and pH 8.4-8.6 and 50-60 mM SDS. Separation of all 12 explosives was achieved at the second optimum. The separation was further improved by changing the capillary to an extended cell detection window and reducing the diameter of the capillary from 75 µm to 50 µm. This provided a more efficient separation without compromising detection sensitivity.
Sequence Polymorphisms of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region in 105 Chinese Han Population
Authors: Rao L , Wu MY , Liang WB , Zhang L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A total of 105 EDTA blood samples were collected from unrelated blood donors living in Chengdu, Southwest China. DNA was extracted according to the method of Miller et al. (1). The quantity of DNA was estimated by fluorometry.
The Use of Dental Aging Techniques in Forensic Odontological Practice
Authors: Pretty IA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Many studies have been published describing numerous techniques to determine the aging of individuals from dental tissues. However, few case reports demonstrate how such techniques can be employed by the forensic odontologist undertaking casework. Indeed, many of the techniques are highly complex and utilize equipment not generally available to odontologists outside of the university or hospital systems. This paper describes five cases where dental aging was used for identification in the absence of materials for any other techniques. In each case the Bang and Ramm method was employed using sectioned teeth. Teeth were sectioned, photographed, and scaled in image analysis software. Bang and Ramm equations were employed, and in each case an age was derived. The estimated age was supplied to the coroner, who was able to use the information to positively identify five individuals for whom no other identification system was feasible.
Chinese Population Data on DXS6797 and GATA144D04 Loci
Authors: Ying BW , Shi MS , Deng JQ , Hou YP , Yan JY , Li YB , Wu J , Zhang J , Lin W 
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/DXS6797.htm. The volume of PCR reaction for each locus was 37.5 µL. 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). The complete dataset can be accessed at http://www. legalmed.org/dna/DXS6797.htm.
DNA Polymorphism Study at D1S80, DYS19, DYS287, and DYF155S2 in Two Tribal Populations from Central India
Authors: Das B , Seshadri M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples using a rapid non-enzymatic method (1). The PCR primers and the amplification parameters of D1S80 were as described by Kasai et al. (2) for DYS19 as per Kayser et al. (3) and de Knjiff et al. (4) for DYS287 (YAP) as per Hammer and Horai (5) and for DYF155S2 as per Jobling and Tyler-Smith (6). PCR amplification of all the four loci was achieved by using locus specific primers flanking the repeat region and was carried out in an eppendorf™ Master Cycler. For D1S80 and DYF155S2, the amplimers were resolved on 4% non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel followed by silver staining, whereas for DYS287 (YAP) locus, the amplimers were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. For DYS19 locus, the forward primer was labeled with flourescent CY5™ dye amidite and the amplimers were electrophoresed on 6% denaturing urea gel (7M) using ALF Express DNA Sequencer (Amersham Pharmacia Biosciences, PVT. Ltd., Uppasala, Sweden). Internal ladders were used in addition to external standards (CY5™ labeled 50-500 bp DNA ladder) for accurate size determination. The amplimers of DYS19 locus were also compared with the standards, kindly supplied by Dr. Chris Tyler-Smith from Oxford University, Oxford, UK, for confirmation.
RuvbL1 and RuvbL2 enhance aggresome formation and disaggregate amyloid fibrils
Authors: Zaarur Nava , Xu Xiaobin , Lestienne Patrick , Meriin Anatoli B , McComb Mark , Costello Catherine E , Newnam Gary P , Ganti Rakhee , Romanova Nina V , Shanmugasundaram Maruda , Silva Sara TN , Bandeiras Tiago M , Matias Pedro M , Lobachev Kirill S , Lednev Igor K , Chernoff Yury O , Sherman Michael Y 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe aggresome is an organelle that recruits aggregated proteins for storage and degradation. We performed an siRNA screen for proteins involved in aggresome formation and identified novel mammalian AAA+ protein disaggregases RuvbL1 and RuvbL2. Depletion of RuvbL1 or RuvbL2 suppressed aggresome formation and caused buildup of multiple cytoplasmic aggregates. Similarly, downregulation of RuvbL orthologs in yeast suppressed the formation of an aggresome‐like body and enhanced the aggregate toxicity. In contrast, their overproduction enhanced the resistance to proteotoxic stress independently of chaperone Hsp104. Mammalian RuvbL associated with the aggresome, and the aggresome substrate synphilin‐1 interacted directly with the RuvbL1 barrel‐like structure near the opening of the central channel. Importantly, polypeptides with unfolded structures and amyloid fibrils stimulated the ATPase activity of RuvbL. Finally, disassembly of protein aggregates was promoted by RuvbL. These data indicate that RuvbL complexes serve as chaperones in protein disaggregation.
The association between circulating IGF1, IGFBP3, and calcium: results from NHANES III
Authors: Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Shanmugalingam Thurkaa , Bosco Cecilia , Wulaningsih Wahyu , Rohrmann Sabine 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundDespite mounting evidence linking both calcium and IGF1, there is a lack of studies investigating any association between circulating levels of IGF1 and serum calcium.MethodsSerum calcium, IGF1, and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were measured for 5368 participants in NHANES III. We calculated multivariable-adjusted geometric means of serum concentrations of IGF1, IGFBP3, and IGF1/IGFBP3 by categories of calcium (lowest 5% (<1.16 mmol/l), mid 90%, and top 5% (≥1.31 mmol/l)). We also performed stratified analyses by sex, age, ethnicity, BMI, serum levels of vitamin D, and bone mineral density (BMD).ResultsOverall, we found that circulating calcium was positively associated with circulating levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3, but not their molar ratio (i.e., geometric mean of IGF1 by increasing calcium categories: 237.63, 246.51, and 264.22 ng/nl; Ptrend: 0.43; Pfirst vs third category: 0.01). In particular, these associations were observed in women, people aged <60, non-Hispanic whites, those with vitamin D levels above the mean, and those with low BMD. In contrast, there was an inverse association with the molar ratio for those with BMI ≥30 kg/m2.ConclusionWe found an overall positive association between circulating levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3 and serum calcium. However, stratification by potential effect-modifiers did not support all suggested hypotheses. Our findings provide more insight into the interplay between calcium and IGF1, which in the future can be investigated in larger observational studies allowing for additional stratifications based on a combination of the different effect-modifiers investigated here.
Computed Tomography and Shifts to Alternate Imaging Modalities in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Parker Michelle W. , Shah Samir S. , Hall Matthew , Fieldston Evan S. , Coley Brian D. , Morse Rustin B. 
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND:
Many studies have demonstrated a rise in computed tomography (CT) utilization in children’s hospitals. However, CT utilization may be declining, perhaps due to awareness of potential hazards of pediatric ionizing radiation, such as increased risk of malignancy. The objective is to assess the trend in CT utilization in hospitalized children at freestanding children’s hospitals from 2004 to 2012 and we hypothesize decreases are associated with shifts to alternate imaging modalities.

METHODS:
Multicenter cross-sectional study of children admitted to 33 pediatric tertiary-care hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2012. The rates of CT, ultrasound, and MRI for the top 10 All-Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRGs) for which CT was performed in 2004 were determined by billing data. Rates of each imaging modality for those top 10 APR-DRGs were followed through the study period. Odds ratios of imaging were adjusted for demographics and illness severity.

RESULTS:
For all included APR-DRGs except ventricular shunt procedures and nonbacterial gastroenteritis, the number of children imaged with any modality increased. CT utilization decreased for all APR-DRGs (P values &lt; .001). For each of the APR-DRGs except seizure and infections of upper respiratory tract, the decrease in CT was associated with a significant rise in an alternative imaging modality (P values ≤ .005).

CONCLUSIONS:
For the 10 most common APR-DRGs for which children received CT in 2004, a decrease in CT utilization was found in 2012. Alternative imaging modalities for 8 of the diagnoses were used.