bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drugs and Driving in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Risser D , Stichenwirth M , Klupp N , Schneider B , Stimpfl T , Vycudilik W , Bauer G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Drugs that affect the central nervous system are generally assumed to have the potential to impair driving ability. In a retrospective survey, police files and the results of toxicological urine analysis from drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs in Vienna from 1993 to 1996 were investigated. Decisive for police intervention was “unsafe driving” (swerving, hesitating, going too slowly, etc.), driving at high speed within the city limits, driving through red lights or stop signs, and driving at night without lights. In one-fifth of the cases drivers caused a traffic accident. Casting suspicion on driving under influence of drugs was mainly caused by impaired coordination of movements, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, drowsiness, conspicuous behavior, and changed pupils. In the majority of the study population more than two symptoms were recorded by police. In 94% of the cases police suspicions could be confirmed by toxicological urine analysis.
A Non-Cannabinoid Immunogen Used to Elicit Antibodies with Broad Cross-Reactivity to Cannabinoid Metabolites
Authors: Salamone SJ , Bender E , Hui RA , Rosen S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A benzpyran derivative was linked to the lysines of bovine thyroglobulin (BTG) where 69% of the available lysines were modified. This derivative was designed to elicit antibodies that were directed towards the conserved epitopes of cannabinoid metabolites that appear in urine. Polyclonal antibodies from sheep and goats and murine monoclonal antibodies were generated using this immunogen. The cross-reactivity of the antibodies was compared with antibodies generated from the more traditional phenolic-linked or 9-linked immunogens. An ELISA assay was developed using Δ9-11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (COOH-THC) to obtain a standard curve. The antibodies generated using the benzpyran immunogen showed an average of two to three times higher cross-reactivity towards 11-OH-Δ9-THC, 8β-OH-Δ9-THC, 8α-OH-Δ9-THC, 11-OH-Δ8-THC, and 8β,11-di-OH-Δ9-THC than antibodies that were generated by traditional cannabinoid immunogens. The selectivity of the benzpyran-elicited antibodies was also compared with antibodies derived from traditional immunogens using clinical urine samples that were confirmed for cannabinoids by GC/MS. The total cross-reactive cannabinoid values obtained with the benzpyran-elicited antibodies were 49% higher than the values obtained using the traditional immunogen structures. The benzpyran immunogen-induced antibodies exhibited the same low cross-reactivity for non-structurally related compounds as antibodies derived from traditional immunogens. The novel benzpyran immunogen used in this study is the first non-cannabinoid immunogen used to generate cannabinoid-selective antibodies and demonstrates the usefulness of such a structure in developing broadly cross-reactive cannabinoid antibodies.
Automobile Exhaust as a Means of Suicide: An Experimental Study with a Proposed Model
Authors: Morgen C , Schramm J , Kofoed P , Steensberg J , Theilade P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Experiments were conducted to investigate the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in a car cabin under suicide attempts with different vehicles and different start situations, and a mathematical model describing the concentration of CO in the cabin was constructed. Three cars were set up to donate the exhaust. The first vehicle didn't have any catalyst, the second one was equipped with a malfunctioning three-way catalyst, and the third car was equipped with a well-functioning three-way catalyst. The three different starting situations were cold, tepid and warm engine start, respectively. Measurements of the CO concentrations were made in both the cabin and in the exhaust pipe.
Lethal concentrations were measured in the cabin using all three vehicles as the donor car, including the vehicle with the well-functioning catalyst.
The model results in most cases gave a good prediction of the CO concentration in the cabin.
Four case studies of cars used for suicides were described. In each case measurements of CO were made in both the cabin and the exhaust under different starting conditions, and the mathematical model was tested on these cases. In most cases the model predictions were good.
Italian Population Data on the Polymarker System and on the Five Short Tandem Repeat Loci CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13B, and vWA
Authors: Garofano L , Lago G , Vecchio C , Pizzamiglio M , Zanon C , Virgili A , Albonici L , Manzari V , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A population study on five short tandem repeat (STR) loci and five sequence specific polymorphism loci was performed on unrelated Italian Caucasians. Separation and detection of the amplified STR fragments were carried out by high resolution vertical denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining, respectively. The sequence specific loci were analyzed using the AmpliType PM Typing Kit (Perkin Elmer, Foster City, CA). All loci, except Gc (p = 0.031), meet Hardy-Wienberg expectations. In addition, there is no evidence for association of alleles between pairs of loci. The combined power of discrimination for the five STR loci is 0.9999862 and for the PM loci is 0.99503. The results suggest that these loci may be useful for human identification cases in Italy.
Polymorphism and Sequence Variations of the HumCD4 Pentameric Microsatellite in an Italian Population Sample
Authors: Tagliabracci A , Buscemi L , Bianchi F , Sassaroli C , Ricci U , Neri TM , Rodriguez D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A sample of 265 subjects from central Italy was analyzed at the HumCD4 locus by polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR). Phenotypes were identified by comparison with a sequenced ladder, after high-resolution horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) followed by silver staining. A set of representative alleles was sequenced by Taq-cycle-sequencing with dye terminator labeling and capillary gel electrophoresis strategies. Eight common alleles—5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12—and a rare larger 14, never before described in Caucasians, were found. Allele and genotype frequencies were similar to those described in former studies on Caucasians, with a prevalency of alleles number 5, 6, 10. Sequence analysis showed that the polymorphism is due to a pentameric TTTTC basic motif, tandemly repeated, and that from allele number 10 onwards the fourth repeat presents a T to C translation (CTTTC). Instead, allele number 9 may exist in two forms, because 75% of alleles examined in this study presented the CTTTC motif at the fourth position, while the remaining 25% had the basic repeat structure.
Identification of Tear Gases in Suspect Spray Cans and Cloth Samples by Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Allinson G , Saul C , McLeod CW , Gilbert J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A handheld ion mobility spectrometer was used to characterize the vapors produced at 50°C by the active ingredients of 20 μL samples of commercially available CN and CS tear gas sprays. After separation of the active ingredients of the sprays from their carrier gases and solvents, the spectra obtained are indistinguishable from standards, and can be used as vapor phase “fingerprints” to distinguish between these tear gas agents. The evaporative method used to separate the active ingredients from propellants and solvents was simple, but very effective in removing spectral interferences. We suggest that from the perspectives of speed of response, portability, intrinsic low detection limits, and the secondary information available from ion mobility spectra, these studies illustrate the potential of mobility spectrometry to fulfill forensic requirements for a rapid screening method for suspect spray cans and clothing.
Genetic Variation at the Short Tandem Repeat Loci HumvWA, HumFXIIIB, and HumFES/FPS in the Egyptian and Yemenian Populations
Authors: Klintschar M , Al-Hammadi N , Lux T , Reichenpfader B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The short tandem repeat systems (STRs) HumvWA, HumFXIIIB, and HumFES/FPS were amplified in a triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood samples from 100 unrelated Yemenians and 100 unrelated Egyptians. The samples were analyzed by native horizontal discontinual electrophoresis. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected. The mean exclusion chances for Egyptians and Yemenians were 0.634 and 0.591 (vWA), 0.530 and 0.531 (FXIIIB), and 0.573 and 0.583 (FES); the discriminating powers were 0.937 and 0.924 (vWA), 0.900 and 0.899 (FXIIIB), and 0.918 and 0.921 (FES); and the observed heterozygosity rates were 0.84 and 0.72 (vWA), 0.73 and 0.83 (FXIIIB), and 0.81 and 0.80 (FES). No significant differences were found between the two Arab populations, but the differences between both Arab populations and a European population for HumFES and FXIIIB and between the Yemenian sample and a European sample for vWA were significant. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium between any of the three STRs tested was found.
TWGDAM Validation of the AmpFISTR™ Blue PCR Amplification Kit for Forensic Casework Analysis
Authors: Wallin JM , Buoncristiani MR , Lazaruk KD , Fildes N , Holt CL , Walsh PS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Studies were performed as recommended by the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM) committee to validate the AmpFISTR Blue PCR Amplification Kit for forensic casework applications. The kit coamplifies the tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci D3S1358, vWA, and FGA. The dye-labeled amplification products were electrophoresed and detected directly using the ABI PRISM™ 377 DNA Sequencer or the 310 Genetic Analyzer. CEPH family studies demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of these loci and probability of identity values from population studies were 1/4,830 (African-American), 1/5,479 (U.S. Caucasian), and 1/3,443 (U.S. West Coast Hispanic). In all studies examining different body tissues and fluids, the expected genotypes were observed. Studies to determine and test the PCR reagent components and thermal cycling parameters demonstrated specificity, sensitivity, and balance over a wide range of conditions. Reliable results were obtained from DNA quantities as low as 0.25 ng. A variety of environmental studies were performed, as forensic samples are often exposed to different environmental conditions and substances which may degrade DNA or inhibit the amplification process. Highly degraded samples demonstrated that FGA was the first locus to become undetectable, followed by vWA, and then D3S1358; this is the expected pattern according to locus size. In studies of PCR inhibition, the pattern in which the loci became undetectable was different; FGA was the first locus to become undetectable, followed by D3S1358, and then vWA. Single versus multiple locus amplifications revealed no benefit to single locus analysis, even in cases of degradation or inhibition. The occurrence of preferential amplification was very rare, particularly in noncompromised, unmixed samples. Artifact peaks were not observed in any instance. Mixture studies confirmed the ability to detect mixed DNA samples and included the characterization of stutter and peak height ratios; the limit of detection was 1:10 for 1 ng total genomic DNA and 1:30 for 5 ng. DNA extracted from nonprobative case evidence was successfully amplified and genotyped. All such studies indicate that the AmpFISTR Blue PCR Amplification Kit will reproducibly yield specific and sensitive results.
The Use of Individual Extracted Ion Profiles Versus Summed Extracted Ion Profiles in Fire Debris Analysis
Authors: Gilbert MW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Mass spectrometry has become commonplace in the area of forensic fire debris analysis. The use of extracted ion chromatography can assist the fire debris analyst in distinguishing an ignitable liquid from interference due to pyrolysis or other contaminants. Often the individual extracted ion chromatograms are added together to give a profile of a specific class of compounds. Occasionally, the summed ion profile is still too complex to allow the identification of an ignitable liquid. In these instances, the individual ion profiles can be of better use. An example of the use of individual ion profiles versus summed ion profiles to identify an ignitable liquid in an actual case is presented.
Photography in Bite Mark and Patterned Injury Documentation—Part 1
Authors: Wright FD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Photography is an important means of collecting and preserving physical evidence as it relates to bite mark and patterned injuries in skin. Proper use and understanding of color, black-and-white, ultraviolet and infared photography can greatly aid the collection and preservation of evidence. The techniques and equipment for the photo-documentation of this evidence are presented.
Dandruff as a Potential Source of DNA in Forensic Casework
Authors: Lorente M , Entrala C , Lorente JA , Alvarez JC , Villanueva E , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Dandruff is a clinical alteration of the skin that consists histologically of orthokeratotic clumps with minute parakeratotic foci found in inflammatory pathologies such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Therefore, some nucleated cells should be found in dandruff and hence there is a possibility that forensically typeable DNA could be extracted from dandruff.
Because of a particular case in which we were involved, a study was carried out to determine whether or not DNA could be extracted from dandruff, and if the two most widely used extraction techniques (Chelex and organic) would be applicable.
Results show that sufficient quantities of DNA (more than 30 to 40 ng) can be obtained from as little as 1.0 to 1.5 mg of dandruff. Both methods yield DNA, although the organic procedure seems to yield more (72.5 ng Chelex vs. 183.3 ng organic). All the DNA samples extracted were typed correctly for the loci HUMTH01 and HUMvWA.
Therefore, dandruff can be considered a potential source of DNA for forensic identification
Unexpected Death During a Brain Scintigraphy
Authors: Kairemo KJA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Brain scintigraphy was performed for differential diagnosis of suspected subdural hemorrhage in a 79-year-old woman.
Planar pertechnetate (99mTcO−4) brain scan with AP, PA, lateral and vertex projections was planned. The procedure was started with AP-projection, continuing with lateral projections. After these images the patient was determined dead and the planned scannings were aborted. There was a clear difference in the intracranial uptake (choroid plexuses) in the lateral views as well as in the uptake in the venous sinuses. The findings in the AP view were normal and no signs of subdural hemorrhage were observed. The patient died during a routine nuclear medicine procedure, and cessation of intracranial circulation was observable on 99mTcO−14 scans: the lack of uptake in cerebral sinuses confirmed the lack of intracerebral flow. In this rare case, brain death could be timed accurately using a static nuclear medicine procedure. Autopsy confirmed sudden brain circulatory disorders and general arteriosclerosis.
Unexpected Sudden Death During Propranolol Therapy in a Patient with Mild Mesenteric Venous Myointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Bryant J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent commonly used in the treatment of hypertension, decreases mesenteric blood flow during exercise, at rest, and in cirrhosis. Widespread idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins produces intestinal ischemia in otherwise healthy individuals. This report describes a 42-year-old woman who died suddenly and unexpectedly while attending a ball game. She had hypertension treated with propranolol and no other clinically apparent disorders. Autopsy revealed mild mesenteric venous myointimal hyperplasia and segmental jejunal infarction. Recent clinical and experimental studies are used to propose possible mechanisms for this death which combine the effects of propranolol and mesenteric venous myointimal hyperplasia.
The Distribution of D1S80 (pMCT118) Alleles in a Southern Italian Population Sample
Authors: Alessio A , Claudio C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A population study on the distribution of alleles for the D1S80 locus (pMCT118) was carried out on 141 unrelated and healthy blood donors from the province of Messina (Eastern Sicily). Forty-two different genotypes and 16 different alleles were observed and two of these were found to be relatively common in the sample. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested using a preliminary simple chi-square method by binning in five groups and an exact test. The results demonstrated that the population was in HWE for both tests. A comparison of our data with other population studies showed that the distributions of alleles were similar.
Biological and Chemical Hazards of Forensic Skeletal Analysis
Authors: Galloway A , Snodgrass JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the course of conducting forensic analysis of human skeletal material, anthropologists are exposed to a number of biological and chemical hazards. This paper reviews the primary concerns in terms of infection or exposure. Handling of human tissue provides an avenue through which bloodborne pathogens may be transported. Scene recovery also includes a set of hazards through exposure to human, animal and soil vectors. Basic personnel protection and laboratory procedures should be established for the protection of all personnel involved in this work.
Evaluation of Aspartic Acid Racemization Ratios in the Human Femur for Age Estimation
Authors: Ohtani S , Matsushima Y , Kobayashi Y , Kishi K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Levels of D-aspartic acid (D/L ratio) in cranial noncollagen proteins (acid-soluble peptide fractions) have been reported to increase with age. We isolated total amino acid fractions from the femur and separately isolated acid-insoluble collagen fraction and acid-soluble peptide fractions; then D/L ratios were measured from each fraction by gas chromatography. We evaluated the applicability of their D/L ratios for age estimation based on their correlation coefficient. A sex-related difference was observed in the D/L ratio. In particular, aged females showed a low ratio, suggesting an association with bone disorders. In males, the D/L ratios of acid-soluble peptide fraction showed the highest correlation rate (r = 0.969) with age, and those of total amino acid fraction showed the highest correlation rate (r = 0.633) with age in females. Without separation of male and female, the D/L ratios of total amino acid fraction showed the highest value (r = 0.853). The D/L ratio of acid-soluble peptide fractions differed according to the size of bone powder particles, being higher for larger particle sizes. These results suggest that the application of D/L ratio from total amino acid fraction is the most effective method for estimating age using the human femur. However, care is necessary when studing cadavers that might be females.
Identification of Race and Sex from Palate Dimensions
Authors: Burris BG , Harris EF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Measurements of the width and depth of the palate were used to predict the race (American black or white) or sex or both of an individual. The sample consisted of 332 living subjects with permanent dentitions, and measurements were made between cusp tips, so palate size includes bony and dental components. Blacks, with a more square palate, were distinguished from whites primarily by greater interpremolar widths and P1-to-M2 depths. Simultaneous prediction of race and sex had a correct classification of 48%, which is about twice that expected from chance. Pooling the two sex increases correct classification of race to 83%. Formulas also are provided for each variable separately to accommodate fragmentary remains. Resilience of palatal structures to traumatic and natural forces makes this method practical in several forensic situations.
Suicide Among Youth and Young Adults, 15 Through 24 Years of Age. A Report of 392 Cases from Paris, 1989–1996.
Authors: Lecomte D , Fornes P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The aims of our study were (1) to examine the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, autopsy and toxicological findings in 392 youth suicides in Paris, between 1989 through 1996, and (2) to analyze the psychodynamic determinants leading up to the onset of the suicide.
During the eight-year study period 392 suicides involving young people were investigated at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Paris. Two hundred and sixty victims (66%) were males. The mean age was 22 years in both sexes. Fifteen percent of the victims were below 20 years. Ninety-two percent of the subjects were single. Forty percent of the victims were students, 35% were unemployed. One third of the victims had previously attempted suicide. Thirty-five percent of the subjects used to take psychoactive prescription drugs and some of them had been under the care of a mental health professional at the time of the suicide. In 40% of the cases a suicide note was found near the body. Depression (70% of victims), schizophrenia, (10%), affective disorders, parent-child relational problems, partner relational problems, adolescent antisocial behavior, and borderline personality were found to be the most frequent diseases and stressors involved in the suicides. The suicide was rarely an accidental reaction to stress. It was constantly preceded by situational distress, which led to suicidal ideas if the adolescent failed to cope with problems. Ten percent were known as heroin users. In more than 40% of the cases, the victim's parents were divorced or separated. The most frequent method of suicide was poisoning followed by jumping from a height, gunshot, subway death, and hanging/asphyxia. Among firearms, a handgun was more likely to be used than rifles (85/15%). Tranquilizers were the most frequent psychoactive drugs used for suicide followed by antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and barbiturates (10%).
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators and the Pathologist: Comment and Cautionary Notes
Authors: Walley VM , Bourke ME , Green M , Stinson WA , Veinot JP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper briefly reviews the components of, the clinical uses of, the techniques to place, and the complications related to implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Information useful in the specific identification of ICDs is presented. A series of recommendations for the autopsy examination or postmortem explantation of ICDs by the pathologist is given. Because of the serious risk of injury to the pathologist possible with postmortem discharges of ICDs which have not been deactivated, and because of the risk of device explosion if the ICD is incinerated, a number of cautionary notes are provided. A brief case with occurrence of accidental postmortem discharge of an active ICD is also presented.