bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing Personal Identification Based on Specific Patterns of Missing, Filled, and Unrestored Teeth
Authors: Adams BJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The primary goal of this research is to examine the overall utility of nonradiographic dental records for the establishment of individual identifications. It was found that even without radiographic lines of comparison, charts and notes that accurately detail a missing individual's antemortem dental condition can be essential for establishing an identification. Based on an analysis of two large datasets, individual dental patterns were determined to be generally unique, or at least very uncommon. Through this type of empirical comparison, it is possible to establish a strong, quantifiable association with a missing individual. The results of this research indicate that a definitive number of points of concordance do not need to be established in dental identification cases. Each case must be assessed individually. The critical factor is to remove subjective judgment calls from dental comparisons. This research has proposed a new method of empirical comparison that allows forensic odontologists to derive objective frequency information regarding the occurrence of specific dental patterns in the general population. The method is similar to that used for mtDNA casework, and a computer program (OdontoSearch) has been developed to make the technique accessible. It was found that even a small number of common dental characteristics may produce a very rare dental pattern, a point that may be counterintuitive to many forensic odontologists.
The Happy Land Homicides: 87 Deaths Due to Smoke Inhalation
Authors: Gill JR , Goldfeder LB , Stajic M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We reviewed all 87 deaths from the Happy Land Social Club fire. All deaths were due to smoke inhalation. The carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentrations ranged from 37 to 93% with a mean of 76.5%. The vast majority (97%) of the decedents had a COHb concentration over 50%. Cyanide blood concentrations ranged from 0 to 5.5 mg/L with a mean of 2.2 mg/L. Nine decedents had no cyanide detected, and seven had cyanide concentrations of less than 1 mg/L. Fewer than one third of the decedents had thermal injuries, and most were partial thickness burns involving less than 20% body surface area. Ethanol was detected in 72% of decedents with a range of 0.01 to 0.29 g% and a mean blood concentration of 0.11 g%. Cocaine or cannabinoid use was identified in 9% of the decedents. All decedents were visually identified, and all had soot in the airway extending to the major bronchi. Carboxyhemoglobin concentrations corresponded well with deaths from smoke inhalation. Cyanide concentrations did not correspond with the extent of smoke inhalation, and the role of cyanide in contributing to these deaths is doubtful. Hydrogen chloride inhalation, as evidenced by comparison of the pH of tracheal mucosa to controls, was not a factor.
Autosomal Microsatellite Profile of Three Socially Diverse Ethnic Tamil Populations of India
Authors: Sitalaximi T , Trivedi R , Kashyap VK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from random, consenting individuals of the three populations: Kongu Vellala Gounder (56), Irular (54), and Chakkiliyar (49). DNA was isolated using standard phenol/chloroform procedure (1). Fifteen autosomal microsatellite loci were amplified using the PowerPlex® 16 system (Promega Corporation, Madison) according to manufacturer's recommendations (2). The amplified products were separated by denaturing gel electrophoresis using the ABI Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencer (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Alleles were determined by comparison with the allelic ladder included in the kit.
Allele Frequency of Eight Y-Chromosome STR Loci in Oriya Population of India
Authors: Sahoo S , Chainy GBN , Kashyap VK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
DNA was isolated from blood samples obtained from 150 healthy male individuals by standard phenol/chloroform procedure (3). Custom-made primers were labeled with 5'-FAM and JOE fluorescent dyes. PCR amplification for all the eight Y-STRs namely, DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393, was carried out with a 25-ng template DNA in two multiplex reactions, standardized in the laboratory, using primers as described elsewhere (4,5). Amplified PCR products were run on a 5% polyacrylamide gel using a ABI 377 Automated DNA Sequencer. Sizing of the products was done using the ABI 377 Genescan Analysis Software version (3.1).
An Alternative Method to Screen for Pepper Spray Residue
Authors: Gillis TD , Kubic TA , De Forest PR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method was developed to screen for pepper spray residue using instruments and methods other than those techniques commonly employed to analyze chemical residue (i.e., gas chromatography mass spectrometry-GCMS or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-LCMS). The method employed gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to screen for dried pepper spray stains. Pepper sprays from nine different manufacturers were investigated. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were identified and unique IR reflectance spectra are presented. An additional five compounds were presumptively found. Results showed that a particular stain could be characterized as a pepper-based stain.
Distribution of the D17S5 Alleles in South-East Spain (Murcia Region)
Authors: Torío A , Moya-Quiles MR , Luna A , Alvarez-López MR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were collected in EDTA coated vacutainers from TABLE 1-Distribution of the D17S5 alleles. 206 healthy unrelated individuals from Murcia Region. DNA was extracted using standard procedures (1). Amplification and typing was performed using previously described protocol (2). Data were analyzed by the Promega software, POWERSTATS. Chi-square test was carried out for testing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( p&gt;0.05).
Measures of Aggression and Mood Changes in Male Weightlifters With and Without Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Use
Authors: Perry PJ , Kutscher EC , Lund BC , Yates WR , Holman TL , Demers L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Supraphysiologic doses of testosterone are associated with increased aggression that is hypothesized to be a function of testosterone serum concentrations, mood, and personality. The study attempted to characterize this relationship among weightlifters who were users (n = 10) and nonusers (n = 18) of anabolic steroids. Participants were interviewed using the Modified Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression to assess mood, the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) and Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP) to assess aggression, and the Personality Disorder Questionnaire (PDQ-R) to assess personality. Blood samples were obtained for the determination of total, free, and weakly bound testosterone. Comparisons of continuous variables between testosterone users and non-users were performed with a parametric (unpaired t-test) or non-parametric (Mann-Whitney) test where appropriate. Correlations with testosterone were examined separately for testosterone users and non-users, using Spearman rank correlation. The subjective (BDHI) and objective (PSAP) assessments of aggression found that supranormal testosterone concentrations were associated with increased aggression. However, the PDQ-R results suggest that this finding was confounded by the personality disorder profile of the steroid users, because steroid users demonstrated Cluster B personality disorder traits for antisocial, borderline, and histrionic personality disorder.
“The Story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” or “Am I My Brother's Keeper?”
Authors: Oz C , Zamir A , Gafny R , Motro U 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Presented is a case report of a violent sexual assault where the DNA profile obtained from an item of evidence was compared to a suspect's profile. The profiles did not match, but the sharing of such a large number of alleles raised the suspicion that perhaps the real perpetrator was a blood relative of the suspect. The investigators requested a sample from the suspect's brother, and a match was defined. In an era of technological breakthroughs in the field of forensic DNA analysis, the importance of the scientist's attention to the evidence presented in each case is stressed.
Investigation of Italy's Deadliest Building Collapse: Forensic Aspects of a Mass Disaster
Authors: Campobasso CP , Falamingo R , Vinci F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe the investigation of the 1999 collapse of an apartment building in Foggia, Italy. Sixty-one victims were recovered in the rubble of the building, and five people were unaccounted for. All the bodies were well preserved except for two who had been burned. The majority of the victims were identified visually or by comparing body features, clothing, or personal effects with information collected from relatives or friends. Positive identifications of the two victims who were burned were obtained by dental comparison and DNA analysis. Approximately half of the victims (51.6%) sustained fatal injuires, while the remainder died from asphyxia. The injuries were characterized using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and the New Injury Severity Score (NISS) systems. Injury severity associated with the location of victims inside the apartment may provide useful information for those involved in building design and/or search and rescue operations. Engineers determined that the collapse was the result of the use of inappropriate foundation material.
Systematic Study on STR Profiling on Blood and Saliva Traces after Visualization of Fingerprint Marks
Authors: Grubwieser P , Thaler A , Silvano K , Teissl R , Rabl W , Parson W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper describes a systematic study of the influence of optical, physical, and chemical methods used for fingerprint enhancement on subsequent DNA analysis of biological stains. Latent fingerprints as well as fingerprints in contact with blood and saliva on different surfaces were treated with dactyloscopic methods. As a general finding, subsequent STR profiling of the blood/saliva traces led to good results after all the enhancement methods included in this study. Concerning blood enhancement procedures, the airbrush technique showed deleterious effects on subsequent STR analysis in some cases. We therefore recommend the implementation of the layer technique, as it brings advantages for fingerprint enhancement as well. It could also be shown that, as can be necessary in practical casework, two enhancement methods can be performed on a single stain without having influence on STR profiling. In terms of methodological variety, this paper reflects a comprehensive study performed on STR profiling after fingerprint enhancement methods, including rare methods and variations of techniques, which can be a useful alternative in certain case scenarios.
Identification of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Polypropylene Tape
Authors: Sakayanagi M , Konda Y , Watanabe K , Harigaya Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Identification of colorless, transparent, pressure-sensitive adhesive polypropylene tape (PP tape) was performed using infrared absorption spectrometry (IR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to determine the pressure-sensitive adhesive. Twenty different products of colorless, transparent PP tapes were examined in this study, and the results of analysis of IR spectra and Py-GC/MS were classified into twelve groups. In addition, the tapes were classified into 14 groups on the basis of IR measurement of release agent present in the backside. The results indicate that colorless, transparent PP tapes can be distinguished in terms of manufacturer, thereby demonstrating that this method of identifying colorless, transparent PP tape is effective. Moreover, the method was applied to the analysis of an actual forensic sample.
Development of an Alu-Based, QSY 7-Labeled Primer 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. This paper describes the development of a new technique based on PCR amplification of a repetitive Alu sequence. Specific primers were used to amplify a 124-bp fragment of Alu sequence; amplification was detected by SYBR Green I staining in a fluorescent plate reader. To reduce background in the plate reader assay, QSY-7 labeled primers were utilized. The assay was tested on animal DNAs, human blood spots, mock crime samples, and degraded DNA in comparison with the slot blot technique. The QSY Alu assay has a dynamic range of 10 ng to 10 pg, and is sensitive, specific, fast, quantitative, and comparable in cost to the slot blot assay.
Allele Frequencies for Two STR Loci D11S1977 and D22S444 in Chinese Population
Authors: Ying BW , Tang JP , Gao YZ , Hou YP , Li YB , Wu JW , Zhang JZ , Yan JY 
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). Reaction condition of PCR amplification can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/ dna/D11S1977.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 (2,3). Data of population genetics and forensic science were analyzed using POWERSTATS program (4). The genotype distribution was analyzed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium according to Hou's method (5) and no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed. The complete data can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/dna/D11S1977.htm.
The Human Ear: Its Role in Forensic Practice
Authors: Swift B , Rutty GN 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The human ear has much to offer investigators in relation to many areas of forensic practice including forensic pathology, anthropology, identification and facial reconstruction and yet its full potential is often overlooked. This review paper explores current knowledge related to the human ear drawing attention to those situations where the ear could play a valuable role in a forensic investigation.
Reliability and Validity of Eight Dental Age Estimation Methods for Adults
Authors: Soomer H , Ranta H , Lincoln MJ , Penttila A , Leibur E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper evaluates the reliability and validity of eight published dental age estimation methods for adults that may aid in victim identification. Age was calculated on 20 Caucasian teeth of known age according to the methods of Kvaal (for in situ and extracted teeth), Solheim (for in situ and sectioned teeth), Lamendin (for extracted teeth), Johanson (for sectioned teeth) and Bang (for extracted and sectioned teeth) by one independent observer. For each method, mean age error and standard error were assessed as the measures of accuracy and precision. In addition, method simplicity, requirements for tooth preparation and the equipment necessary were assessed and recommendations given for forensic use in various situations. Methods for sectioned teeth gave more reliable results when compared to methods for intact teeth.
Commentary on: Fregean CJ, Vanstone H, Borys S, McLean D, et al. AmpFℓSTR Profile Plus and AmpFfSTR Cofiler analysis of tissues stored in GenoFix, a new tissue preservative solution for mass disaster DNA identification. J Forensic Sci 2001;46(5):1180-90
Authors: Arya S , Agarwal N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In a recent issue of the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Fregeau et al. (1) described intriguing data on preservation of DNA from biopsy tissues by addition of GenoFix, a new alcohol-based tissue fixative. GenoFix ensured storage of tissues samples for short term tandem repeat DNA typing analysis even at room temperature for up to one year and seven months, or at —20°C in a freezer for up to 3 1/2 years. Certainly, GenoFix would exert an additive or even synergistic action along with RNA tissue preservatives to guarantee intact nucleic acid sequences in tissues awaiting either criminal investigations or mass disaster identifications. Prospective investigators would better ascertain the alcohol-based GenoFix was compatible with the commercially available aqueous stabilization solutions (RNAlater; Ambion).
Authors' Response
Authors: Fregeau CJ , Fourney RM , Birnboim HC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In the Letter to the Editor, Subhash Arya comments on the utility of GenoFix™ for preserving DNA in tissues at room temperature for extended periods of time. Arya further notes that fixatives like GenoFix™ would be of "immense value to surgeons and allied health care personnel in developing countries in preserving numerous surgically excised tissues awaiting different DNA or RNA based molecular investigations even at far-off locations. In such countries, adverse environment seriously affects even the ordinary biochemical or immunological assays."
Variant Alleles on the Penta E Locus in the PowerPlex® 16 Kit
Authors: Mizuno N , Sekiguchi K , Sato H , Kasai K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Penta E in the PowerPlex® 16 kit is a pentanucleotide tandem repeat marker located on Chromosome 15, containing an AAAGA repeat motif. Variant alleles (18.4 and 19.4) were found in the Japanese population. A sequence analysis revealed that both the variant alleles had a partial repeat motif of AAAA, resulting in one-base-shorter alleles compared to known alleles. Despite the relatively large amplicon sizes (379 to 474 bp) of Penta E, an accurate allele assignment can be reliably made by capillary electrophoresis. However, alleles differing in size by only one base (e.g., 18.4 and 19) were not separated and appeared as a single broad peak. The Genotyper® software assigned one of the component alleles to this peak. Therefore, such broad peaks require careful interpretation so as to not overlook the other component allele contained by the peak. As an index to recognize a peak containing two alleles, the ratio of peak area to peak height was found to be useful.
Fingerprints as Evidence for a Genetic Profile: Morphological Study on Fingerprints and Analysis of Exogenous and Individual Factors Affecting DNA Typing
Authors: Alessandrini F , Cecati M , Pesaresi M , Turchi C , Carle F , Tagliabracci A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Material recovered from 374 fingerprints left by eleven laboratory workers on three different substrates (glass, wood, metal) at a standard pressure time of 30 s, with and without preliminary handwashing, was submitted to morphological, quantitative, and type analysis. Morphological and agarose-gel electrophoresis analysis showed that a non-negligible amount of epidermal corneal cells presented apoptotic alterations. The quantity of DNA recovered from fingerprints ranged between 0.04 to 0.2 ng, and in a significant number of experiments no DNA was detected. Handwashing reduced the amount of DNA recovered from fingerprints. The "shedder status" of the donor was a very important factor, causing inter-individual variations in the amount of DNA left by fingerprints. Spurious alleles from laboratory-based and secondary transfer contamination, stutters, and other artifacts described when analyzing low-copy-number DNA and capable of affecting correct profiles were observed.
DNA Short Tandem Repeat Profiling of Morocco
Authors: Jauffrit A , El Amri H , Airaud F , André M , Herbert O , Landeau-Trottier G , Giraudet S , Richard C , Chaventré A , Moisan J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Blood samples were randomly collected on 186 unrelated males coming from all regions of Morocco. DNA was extracted using a Nucleon extraction kit (Amersham Life Science) and was genotyped with the Powerplex 16 kit (Promega) containing markers D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, vWA, D8S1179, TPOX, and FGA. Profiles were analyzed on a ABI 3100 sequencer (Applied Biosystem, Inc).
Y-Chromosomal STR Haplotypes at the Loci DYS19, DYS385, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, and DYS393 in Marmara Region of Turkey
Authors: Hadi Çakir A , Çelebioğlu,1 Ph.D. A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Genomic DNA was isolated from either blood samples or hair samples using Chelex extraction procedure (1).
The extracted DNA was quantified according to the quantification procedure (2). Slot-blot hybridization was done using the Quantiblot® Human DNA Quantification Kit (Perkin-Elmer, Foster City, CA).
Malaria Deaths in the United States: Case Report and Review of Deaths, 1979–1998
Authors: Stoppacher R , Adams SP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Malaria is the world's most important parasitic disease, accounting for an estimated 300 to 500 million new cases and between 1.5 and 2.7 deaths annually. The majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic and are the result of infection with Plasmodium falciparum. The number of deaths in the United States due to malaria is comparably much lower and involves so-called “imported” cases in which U.S. travelers acquire the infection upon travel to endemic areas and subsequently return to the United States or in which infected foreign citizens travel to the United States.
There were a total of 118 deaths due to malaria in the United States between 1979 and 1998 with an average of 5.9 deaths per year. Specific epidemiological data provided by the CDC regarding the 40 deaths that occurred between 1992 and 1998 yielded the following results. Deaths occurred in patients ranging from 9 months to 89 years of age (median, 53 years). Thirty-eight (95%) of these were due to P. falciparum and two (5%) due to P. vivax. Anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis was taken in 40% of cases, not taken in 45% of cases, and unknown in 15% of cases. Twenty-four (60%) of the cases involved U.S. travelers to endemic areas, of whom 59% traveled to Africa, 25% to South America, 8% to India, 4% to Haiti, and 4% to unspecified areas. The remaining cases included eleven foreign travelers to the U.S. (27.5%), three induced cases (7.5%), and two undetermined cases (5%). Thirty-nine (98%) of the cases were diagnosed antemortem and only one case was known to have come to the attention of the medical examiner/coroner.
An illustrative case report demonstrates many of the features associated with fatal malaria infections in the United States. The case involves a U.S. student who was studying in Africa and who, by report, had not taken antimalarial chemoprophylaxis. Despite seeking medical attention, the patient was not diagnosed with P. falciparum infection and cerebral malaria until the time of medico-legal autopsy, where the classic gross and microscopic features of cerebral malaria were identified.
This case represents one of the few cases of P. falciparum infection in the United States not diagnosed antemortem. Given the worldwide prevalence of the disease, increasing international travel, and rapidly developing drug resistance, malaria will continue to be an important disease and should be considered in cases of sudden, unexplained deaths. By reviewing the major epidemiological features of malaria-related deaths in the United States and by presenting the major gross and microscopic features of cerebral malaria, an attempt is made at raising the awareness of the forensic community to the potential of malaria-related deaths.