bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An In Vitro Experiment for Postmortem Vascular Permeation. The Passage of Morphine and Morphine Glucuronides Across a Vascular Wall
Authors: Skopp G , Lutz R , Pötsch L , Ganßmann B , Klinder K , Schmidt A , Aderjan R , Mattern R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A venous blood sample taken at autopsy cannot be considered to represent the antemortem blood concentration of a particular substance. Autolytic processes cause disintegration and increasing permeability of the physiological and anatomical barriers such as vascular walls and lead to changes in substance concentrations. In the present study, the experimental design represents an in vitro postmortem simulation of a drug substance crossing a venous wall. The postmortem behavior of morphine, morphine-3- and morphine-6-glucuronide was investigated. A Chien-Valia-diffusion chamber with a patch of inferior vena cava as diffusion barrier was used. For optimal simulation of postmortem events, vein sampling was restricted to selected autopsy cases. Parameters for the analysis of diffusion across the vascular tissue were dependence on time, temperature, and initial substance concentrations. The penetration behavior simulating venous efflux and influx of the substances was studied by different orientation of the venous wall in the experiments. Rhodamine B was used as a model substance to visualize the binding to the tissue and the passage across the venous wall. The permeation of morphine, morphine-3- and morphine-6-glucuronide across a vein tissue was found to be mainly dependent on the disintegration of the vascular wall and on the postmortem time period as well as on concentration gradients. From the data of this preliminary in vitro study, it can be concluded that a lag time for transvascular diffusion exists postmortem. However, it could be demonstrated, that adsorption to and penetration into the vascular tissue may alter intraluminal blood concentrations even at an early stage of the postmortem time period.
Digital Video Image Capture in Establishing Positive Identification
Authors: Marks MK , Bennett JL , Lee Wilson O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Positive identification of skeletonized, decomposed, or disfigured victims lacking clinical records is a difficult endeavor. However, videotapes of family and social activities can be analyzed using the frame isolating technique of video image capture by inexpensive means. A rare skeletal Class III malocclusion and dental peculiarities in a decomposing 3-year old lacking a clinical history were compared to videotapes taken of a suspected victim shortly prior to her disappearance. Overlaying transparent dental tracings from digitized skeletal remains onto selected frames of the videotape (and reversing this process) produced the identification and hastened the entire investigation.
Defining Microsatellite Alleles by Genotyping Global Indigenous Human Populations and Non-Human Primates
Authors: Jin L , Underhill PA , Buoncristiani M , Robertson JM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Polymorphisms at variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci have been used in forensic science for almost decade. Microsatellite loci, especially tri-, tetra-, and pentanucleotide repeat loci, have shown great potential in personal identification and paternity testing. In this report, we describe results of genotyping three tetranucleotide repeat loci (D5S818, D7S820, D13S317) in 16 worldwide indigenous human populations and one chimpanzee population which were being developed for forensic applications. We demonstrate the utility of typing globally diverse populations in defining microsatellite alleles: Specifically (i) investigating the measurement errors of each allele using semi-automatic genotyping instrumentation and software, (ii) assessing the range of alleles, (iii) understanding the extent of allele frequency differences across worldwide populations, and (iv) identifying possible anomalous alleles with complex structures.
A Pentaplex Automated Fluorescent Typing System for Forensic Identification and French Caucasian Population Data
Authors: Rousselet F , Pfitzinger H , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci has already proven to be a method of choice for large scale typing of DNA samples in which the conventional restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique is ineffective.
A quadruplex PCR including HUMvWFA31A, HUMF13A01, HUMTH01, and HUMFESPFS STR loci is used successfully for routine forensic applications in our laboratory. However, the need to increase the discrimination power of the PCR systems used prompted us to develop a second system of a pentaplex PCR for the analysis of 4 additional STR loci (HUMD8S1179, HUMD18S51, HUMD21S11, and HUMFIBRA) and the sex determination by amplification of a segment of the X-Y homologous Amelogenin gene. Allele and phenotype frequencies for these 4 STR systems were obtained by multiplex amplification, from approximately 200 randomly selected and unrelated French Caucasian individuals. Statistical calculations for these phenotype distributions met expectations for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Furthermore, the French allelic frequencies of D18S51, D21S11, and HUMFIBRA loci were compared with the data obtained by the Forensic Science Service (UK) for the British Caucasian population and proved to be similar.
The Distribution of the vWF Alleles and Genotypes in the Palestinian Population
Authors: Khatib H , Ezzughayyar M , Ayesh S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Short tandem repeat (STR) loci amplified by PCR are known as a useful tool for individual identification and paternity testing. Direct PCR amplification from small amounts of whole blood is a rapid and convenient method for population screening for STR and VNTR markers. The allele frequencies of the vWF locus were determined for 127 unrelated Palestinians. Co-dominant segregation was observed in 20 mother/child pairs. Nine alleles were observed, with frequencies ranging from 0.004 to 0.327. Heterozygosity was 79%, and discrimination power was 0.927.
PCR-Based Forensic Testing of DNA from Stained Cytological Smears
Authors: Dimo-Simonin N , Grange F , Brandt-Casadevall C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Experiments were performed to evaluate the efficiency of PCR-STR (Short Tandem Repeats) and PCR-sequence polymorphisms for the identification of stained pap smears and postocital slides stained with cytological and forensic techniques. HLA-DQA1, PolyMarker, Amelogenin, HUMTH01, HUMVWFA31, HUMF13B, and HUMFES/FPS were determined. With the exception of the forensic Baecchi stain, all the PCR-systems gave consistent results in comparison with the reference blood from the donors. Cytological stained smears can be important evidence for identification in sexual assault cases and in missing person cases.
Distribution of Types for Six PCR-Based Loci; LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC and HLA-DQA1 in Central Pyrenees and Teruel (Spain)
Authors: Bell B , Budowle B , Martinez-Jarreta B , Casalod Y , Abecia E , Castellano M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The PCR-based DNA loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC and HLA DQA1 are widely used in forensic casework analyses. Population data on the distribution of allele frequencies are desired to estimate the rarity of a DNA profile. We studied the allele distributions at these forensically important DNA markers in two Spanish populations (Central Pyrenees and Teruel). Results were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, there was little evidence for departures from expectation of independence between loci within the two sample populations. Tests for homogeneity were carried out between the two Spanish populations and a U.S. Caucasian population.
Italian Population Allele and Genotype Frequencies for the AmpliType® PM and the HLA-DQ-alpha Loci
Authors: Spinella A , Marsala P , Biondo R , Montagna P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The distribution of six genetic loci analyzed by PCR using the commercial AmpliType® PM (PolyMarker) kit (Perkin Elmer, Norwalk, CT) was evaluated in 200 unrelated Italian individuals. The examined loci included: Group-specific component (Gc) (1), D7S8 (2), hemoglobin G gammaglobin (HBGG) (3), glycophorin A (GYPA) (4), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (5), and HLA DQ-alpha (6). The AmpliType PM Kit analysis is based on the reverse dot blot format and the results are interpreted by reading the pattern of blue dots which determine the alleles present at each locus. The population data collected allow the implementation of AmpliType PM into routine casework.
An Unusual Bloodstain Case
Authors: Burnett BR , Orantes JM , Pierson ML 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A body was discovered associated with a series of bloodstains on a sunken loading ramp of a supermarket. The initial evaluation of the scene by the local police determined that the victim was crushed by the rear wheels of an 18-wheel grocery truck when it backed down the ramp for a delivery. However, a careful examination of the photographs of the scene and the victim revealed that the victim was dead and in rigor mortis before the truck entered the ramp. The truck's rear wheels never came into contact with the deceased. The truck interacted with the deceased and his bicycle to create series of unusual bloodstain patterns.
Sudden Death Due to Tricuspid Valve Myxoma with Massive Pulmonary Embolism in a 15-Month Old Male
Authors: Parker KM , Embry JH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Myxomas of the tricuspid valve are extremely rare, with only 13 cases reported in the world literature (1). We report the case of a 15-month old male with tricuspid valve myxoma and massive myxomatous pulmonary emboli discovered at autopsy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Medical Examiner/Coroner Information Sharing Program (MecISP)
Authors: Hanzlick R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In 1986, the Centers for Disease and Prevention established the Medical Examiner and Coroner Information Sharing Program (MecISP) with four primary goals: 1) To improve the quality of death investigations in the United States and to promote more standardized practices concerning when and how to conduct these investigations; 2) to facilitate communication among death investigators, the public health community, federal agencies, and other interested groups. 3) to improve the quality, completeness, management, and dissemination of information regarding investigated deaths; and 4) to promote the sharing and use of medical examiner/coroner death investigation data. Major MecISP projects have included periodic production of a directory of death investigators in the United States and Canada, creation of standard and generic death investigation report forms, development of death investigation data sets, and collection of death investigation data from medical examiner/coroner offices. MecISP also conducts site visits to assist in office computerization, supports educational meetings and the development of training materials for death investigators, facilitates ongoing projects of relevant professional organizations, contributes publications to the death investigation literature, conducts surveillance of selected types of deaths, and responds to specific inquiries from medical examiners and coroners about administrative and practical death investigation issues.
The Impact of Homicide Trials on the Forensic Pathologist's Time—The Fulton County Experience
Authors: Hanzlick R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Subpoenas received for criminal trials related to homicides in Fulton County (Atlanta) Georgia were tracked in a computer database for an 18 month period in order to determine the proportion of forensic pathologist worktime required for testimony in homicide cases. The number of subpoenas received annually amounted to 64% of the average number of homicides occurring annually. Testimony was required in about 33% of cases in which a subpoena was received, and, therefore, the number of testimony appearances per year was about 21% of the average annual number of homicides. Assuming a 40 hour work week for 52 weeks per year and an average of 3 hours of time preparing for, traveling to, and testifying in court, the time required of the forensic pathologist to testify in homicide trials amounted to about 2% of a full-time-equivalent. Although the time required for testimony in homicide cases may vary among jurisdictions because of the nature of its homicides, distance and travel time to court, and other factors, the data presented here may be used to estimate the impact of homicide trial court time on forensic pathology practice.
Gunshot Residue Analysis—A Review
Authors: Meng H-h , Caddy B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A review of all aspects of analysis associated with gunshot residues is provided. This includes a summary of what both inorganic and organic residues are, how they arise and how they may be collected from a variety of substrates. Ways of processing samples to the point of analysis and the means by which they may be analyzed using a variety of techniques is discussed. The techniques described include SEM/EDX, flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and some other less common methods for inorganic residues and gas, high performance liquid and super critical fluid chromatography with speciality detectors including mass spectrometry together with capillary electrophoresis, for organic residues. A summary of how the results of such analyses may be interpreted is discussed under the different analytical techniques.
Fundamental Studies of Gunshot Residue Deposition by Glue-Lift
Authors: Basu S , Boone CE , Denio DJ , Miazga RA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The mechanism of gunshot residue (GSR) deposition and its probing characteristics have been studied by the Glue-Lift collection of GSR and its identification by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). By blocking alternately muzzle-blast residues and trigger-blast residues of shotguns, it has been shown that, if the firearm is thoroughly cleaned before the firing, the muzzle-blast residues seldom settle from the air onto the shooter's hands. Whereas the trigger-blast residues are literally blasted onto the immediate surfaces of the firearm and on both of the shooter's hands that are on the weapon. Therefore, the hand deposits are mainly the breech deposits. If the firearm is not pre-cleaned the residues of previous firings lodged as fouling in the interior of the gun are blown off rather irregularly through the breeches and the muzzle in the subsequent firings. These residues occasionally overlap with the fresh breech deposits of the shooter's hands. Color tests for residue developed with sodium rhodizonate have confirmed the basic mechanism of GSR escape through the breeches and the ejection mechanism of the close-breech weapons. The forced deposition of the trigger-blast residues is an advantageous as well as limiting process. The contrast of residue deposits on the back of a hand versus the palm, is due to shadowing of the residue particles by the hand grasp on the firearm. But these particles may also be transferred to the nonfiring hand by contact with a fired gun. Whether it is a handgun or a longarm, if the gun is pre-cleaned and the ammunition and the hand grasps remain unchanged, a fixed amount of residues is deposited per firing on the back of the trigger hand. This deposition, which takes into account all deposited particles containing one, two, and three characteristic elements of GSR (e.g., Pb, Sb, Ba), is a fundamental piece of information helpful for the reconstruction of a shooting.
Extent of Heterogeneity in Mitochondrial DNA of Sub-Saharan African Populations
Authors: Melton T , Ginther C , Sensabaugh G , Soodyall H , Stoneking M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region as detected by sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes is described for 381 individuals from nine sub-Saharan African populations. Population diversity estimates for SSO types ranged from 0.23 to 0.97, while 102 SSO types were detected, none of these types was shared by more than four populations. Eighteen types occurred in ≥ 10% of individuals in some populations; of these, 11 were population-specific. One type occurred in 15% of the total sample, but was shared among only three populations. African SSO types were characterized by high frequencies of blank variants, indicating that there was additional variation present at the nucleotide sequence level in regions where SSO probes hybridize. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) incorporating genetic distances between SSO types showed that 30% of the total variation was due to differences among populations, indicating that there is statistically significant heterogeneity (p &lt; 0.001). An AMOVA on mtDNA control region nucleotide sequence data from 12 populations showed that including all additional variation present at the sequence level increased the variance due to population subdivision to 34% (p &lt; 0.001). Overall, when considering both the low diversity within some populations and high heterogeneity among populations, SSO typing of mtDNA may not be a desirable forensic DNA typing method for continental African populations. Further mtDNA sampling of African-derived populations of North America should be carried out to determine how much of the continental African mtDNA variation is of forensic significance. However, the existence of extensive mtDNA control region nucleotide sequence variation in African populations means that control region sequencing is still appropriate in forensic cases requiring mtDNA analysis.
Sequence Analysis of Domestic Dog Mitochondrial DNA for Forensic Use
Authors: Savolainen P , Rosén B , Holmberg A , Leitner T , Uhlén M , Lundeberg J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method has been developed for the direct sequencing of hypervariable region 1 (HVI) of domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and wolf (Canis lupus) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) using single hairs as template. The method uses a robotic work-station and an automated sequencer to allow for robust routine analysis. A population data base was created in order to investigate the forensic and population-genetic informativeness of domestic dog HVI. Sequence variation, partitioning of dog breeds among sequence variants and phylogenetic relations between the variants were determined. Samples from 102 domestic dogs of 52 different breeds and two captive wolves were analyzed. Nineteen dog-sequence variants were found and the frequencies of the variants ranged from 1 to 21%. The calculated discrimination power of the region, i.e., the exclusion capacity, implied that nine out of ten disputed individuals can be excluded by this analysis. The sequence variants were found to cluster into four phylogenetic groups.
The Estimation of Age of Bloodstains by HPLC Analysis
Authors: Andrasko J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A new HPLC system is described for estimating the age of bloodstains deposited on clothing. In addition to the decomposition peak designated as “X” and reported earlier in the literature, several other ageing processes were studied and found suitable for estimation of age of the stains. The various processes can be used independently of each other for estimation of bloodstain age when the storing temperature is known. Moreover, the ratio between the different peaks formed by ageing is practically independent of temperature between 0°C and 37°C.
The Surface Analysis of Copper Arc Beads—A Critical Review
Authors: Howitt DG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The chemical composition of arc beads has been purported to reflect the local atmospheric conditions at the precise moment when the arc occurs. It has further been claimed that Auger analyses, taken from beneath the surface contamination layers of an arc bead, can be used to distinguish whether the arcing was the cause of a fire. The hypothesis is that because atmospheric gases are trapped in the arc bead when it solidifies, the concentrations of gases inside the bead will reflect ambient conditions when the arc causes the fire, but rich concentrations of combustion gases when it does not. A review of the literature on the solubility of gases in liquid copper indicates that there is no scientific justification for this hypothesis.
Identification of Butyl Cannabinoids in Marijuana
Authors: Martin Smith R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Homologs of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; Ic), cannabidiol (CBD; IIc) and cannabinol (CBN, IIIc) having butyl, rather than pentyl, side chains on the aromatic ring were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as minor constituents of marijuana samples that also contained propyl cannabinoids. The mass spectra of butyl-THC (Ib), butyl-CBD (IIb), and butyl-CBN (IIIb) are analogous to those of the corresponding propyl and pentyl homologs and are consistent with the proposed structures.
Infrared Spectra of U.S. Automobile Original Topcoats (1974–1989): III. In Situ Identification of Some Organic Pigments Used in Yellow, Orange, Red, and Brown Nonmetallic and Brown Metallic Finishes—Benzimidazolones
Authors: Suzuki EW , Marshall WP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A number of unidentified absorptions, which appeared to be due to specific color-imparting pigments, were observed in infrared spectra of some U.S. automobile original topcoats (1974–1989) from the Reference Collection of Automotive Paints. In previous work of this study, several inorganic pigments were identified which were responsible for some of these. Unlike the inorganic pigment absorptions, which were usually broad and few in number, the remaining unidentified absorptions were sharp and numerous, indicative of organic compounds. Because these peaks are narrower than most binder absorptions, spectral subtraction can be a useful means to help delineate pigment peaks obscured by binder features. Using this technique, several organic pigments have been identified. In cases in which the pigment peaks are prominent, the specific pigment responsible can usually be identified based on the peaks observed between binder absorptions or superimposed upon them, without having to use spectral subtraction. This is possible even when absorptions of two or more pigments are present. This paper discusses the analysis of benzimidazolone pigments, which were identified in some yellow, orange, red, and brown nonmetallic single layer Reference Collection topcoats, and a few brown metallic ones. Absorptions of these particular pigments were not observed in spectra of any Reference Collection topcoats produced before 1977. Use of the benzimidazolones—especially Benzimidazolone Orange—increased in the 1980s because they were common replacements for lead chromate pigments, which were phased out of use in U.S. automobile original finishes during this period.
A Fully Three-Dimensional Method for Facial Reconstruction Based on Deformable Models
Authors: Quatrehomme G , Cotin S , Subsol G , Delingette H , Garidel Y , Grévin G , Fidrich M , Bailet P , Ollier A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Two facial models corresponding to two deceased subjects have been manually created and the two corresponding skulls have been dissected and skeletonized. These pairs of skull/facial data have been scanned with a CT scanner, and the computed geometric three-dimensional models of both skulls and facial tissue have been built. One set of skull/facial data will be used as a reference set whereas the second set is used as ground truth for validating our method. After a semi-automatic face-skull registration, we apply an original computing global parametric transformation T that turns the reference skull into the skull to be reconstructed. This algorithm is based upon salient lines of the skull called crest lines; more precisely the crest lines of the first skull are matched to the crest lines of the second skull by an iterative closest point algorithm. Then we apply this algorithm to the reference face to obtain the “unknown” face to be reconstructed. The reliability and difficulties of this original technique are then discussed.