bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Presumptive Test Reagents on the Ability to Obtain Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Patterns from Human Blood and Semen Stains
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Budowle B , Baechtel FS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Some of the commonly used presumptive test reagents for identification of blood and semen could potentially affect the recovery of intact high-molecular-weight deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from evidentiary samples. Thus, the capability of performing restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis on evidentiary samples could be compromised.
In order to investigate the potential effects of presumptive test reagents on the DNA present in these samples, bloodstains on cotton and glass were exposed directly to luminol, benzidine, phenolphthalein, o-tolidine, and leucomalachite green, while semen stains and vaginal swabs containing semen were exposed directly to bromochloroindolyl phosphate (BCIP) and sodium thymolphthalein monophosphate (STMP) reagents.
The yield gels for DNA quality and quantity and RFLP results indicated that bloodstains exposed to luminol, benzidine dissolved in ethanol, and phenolphthalein, as well as semen stains and vaginal swabs exposed to BCIP and STMP yield RFLP patterns consistent with that of the uncontaminated control. Except for the phenolphthalein treatment, the quantity of extractable, high-molecular-weight DNA obtained was comparable with that of untreated stains. Therefore, evidentiary material purposely or inadvertently contaminated with these reagents can be successfully typed. However, stains exposed to benzidine dissolved in glacial acetic acid, leucomalachite green, and o-tolidine failed to yield high-molecular-weight DNA or to produce any RFLP patterns.
Chemicals Reacting with Various Forms of Hemoglobin: Biological Significance, Mechanisms, and Determination
Authors: Smith RP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The clinical chemistry of various forms of hemoglobin occupies a large fraction of the total activities of hospital and forensic science laboratories. Some of the potential pitfalls are reviewed here along with an account of the accidental discovery of two novel chemical forms. Human or mouse red blood cells were exposed to excess sodium nitrite to convert the intracellular pigment to methemoglobin. When these were subsequently incubated in Krebs-Ringer-phosphate-glucose medium, pH 7.4 at 37°C under nitrogen and in the presence of various concentrations of methylene blue, a blood pigment was generated in high yield which had unique properties. In lysates, the pigment was stable in air, and it could be maintained in liquid nitrogen for as long as a year without deterioration. The pigment had properties different from those of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, or carboxyhemoglobin. After separation by isoelectric focusing, the pigment gave a strong signal on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The other forms of hemoglobin given above are EPR-silent. The pigment was eventually identified as the nitrosylated valency hybrid species, (α2+β3+)2(NO)2. The corresponding species, (α3+β2+)2(NO)2, has similar properties. These species apparently owe their unusual stability in air to the presence of the oxidized subunits in the same tetramer.
Application of Forensic Toxicology to the Problem of Domestic Violence
Authors: Slade M , Daniel LJ , Heisler CJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The role of the forensic toxicologist in helping to determine causes of death or in aiding in the resolution of “driving under the influence” or similar cases is well known and clearly understood. Less clearly defined is the position of the forensic toxicologist vis-à-vis other socially significant problems. However, as the 21st century approaches, it is worth considering how forensic toxicology can help in unraveling some of these problems.
The problem of violence between intimates—that is, domestic violence—is a social problem in which it has been long felt that alcohol has played a part. Until now, though, no carefully controlled toxicological studies have been conducted to substantiate this or to determine whether other drug use is associated with domestic violence.
At the San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office, toxicological data from both the victim and the suspect in 20 cases of domestic violence that ended in homicide have been gathered. It was found that alcohol or other drugs or a combination of these factors was invariably present in the suspect, the victim, or both.
The implications of these results and how they can be used to develop a toxicological strategy to help reduce the most serious consequences of domestic violence are presented.
Are Forensic Experts an Endangered Species?
Authors: Slap AJ , Fessenden M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
There are those in the legal profession, including some judges, who believe that the only good expert is a dead one. Such people believe that only established truth through science should be permitted into the courtroom; anything less is rank speculation and should be excluded on summary judgment. In such a world, there would be scant need for causation experts or juries, despite the guarantee of the Seventh Amendment.
The Tarasoff Dilemma in Criminal Court
Authors: Leong GB , Eth S , Silva JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The duty to protect, or Tarasoff duty, has been conceptualized as arising solely in the context of a clinical setting. A recent California Supreme Court ruling in People v. Clark adds legal, clinical, and ethical dilemmas to the oftentimes contentious Tarasoff issue.
Though the Tarasoff issue is but a minor legal point in Clark, a possible consequence of Clark is that a Tarasoff warning could be deemed nonconfidential and admissible in a criminal trial. Psychotherapists could therefore be testifying in criminal courts as prosecution witnesses. While the possibility of a chilling effect on patients' disclosure of violent ideation in the context of psychotherapy first caused apprehension after the California Supreme Court's 1976 decision in Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, this same Court's ruling in People v. Clark some 14 years later may ensure that this fear finally becomes realized.
Maxillary Suture Obliteration: A Visual Method for Estimating Skeletal Age
Authors: Mann RW , Jantz RL , Bass WM , Willey PS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a method of estimating the age of an individual based on obliteration of the four maxillary (palatal) sutures. A sample of 186 individuals of known age, race, and sex were examined. It was found that males of both races (black and white) exhibit more suture obliteration than females at the same age. During the early adult years, maxillary suture obliteration progresses at nearly the same rate in both sexes; however, the age of old individuals may be greatly overestimated using this method. Although this method cannot be used for exact estimates of individual age, it is valuable in establishing the age range, sorting commingled remains, and estimating skeletal age when only the maxilla is present.
Mycocontamination of Illicit Samples of Heroin and Cocaine as an Indicator of Adulteration
Authors: Domínguez-Vilches E , Durán-González R , Infante F , Luna-Maldonado A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The authors studied the fungal spectrum of the drugs most frequently sold in the streets in Spain (brown heroin, white heroin, and cocaine) in order to ascertain their potential use as indicators of the degree of manipulation or adulteration, as well as the potential pathogenicity of the taxa found. For this purpose we analyzed 205 drug samples (106 brown heroin, 69 white heroin, and 30 cocaine) from sachets seized by the Spanish police; they were cultured in appropriate media, from which 391 colonies of micellar fungi from 53 taxa, of which only 8 were encountered in the three types of drugs, were isolated. The results obtained were subjected to a variance analysis with a single source of variation and to a hierarchical variance analysis, in which brown heroin was shown to be significantly more contaminated by fungi than the other two drugs. This can be explained by considering that brown heroin is the most liable to manipulation of all three drugs because of its characteristics.
The Explosive Reaction Between Swimming Pool Chlorine and Brake Fluid
Authors: Kirkbride KP , Kobus HJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Granular swimming pool chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) and brake fluid (polyethylene glycol) react violently when mixed together, producing a fierce fireball. This paper proposes a mechanism which explains the production of the flammable products of the reaction by means of a radical fragmentation of polyethylene glycol.
Cerebral Tissue Pulmonary Embolization Due to Head Trauma: A Case Report with Immunohistochemical Confirmation
Authors: Davis GJ , McCloud LC , Nichols GR , Martin AW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pulmonary embolization of cerebral tissue as the result of severe head trauma is an uncommon, if not rare, phenomenon, and few cases have been reported in the literature. The authors discuss the case of a 51-year-old male who died six days after suffering extensive head trauma in a motor vehicle collision. At autopsy, white-gray emboli were found in several subsegmental pulmonary arteries. The results of histologic examination with the hematoxylineosin stain gave the impression that the emboli were necrotic cerebral tissue; however, routine special stains for neural tissue produced inconclusive results. Immunohistochemical staining of the emboli with monoclonal mouse anti-human neurofilament protein (Dako Corp., Carpinteria, California) confirmed the cerebral nature of the emboli. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary embolization of cerebral tissue confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
Cocaine, Fetal Loss, and the Role of the Forensic Pathologist
Authors: Nolte KB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Adverse obstetrical outcomes are often associated with maternal cocaine use. These have included intrauterine growth retardation, abruptio placentae, and an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion and pre-term labor. This report details the case of an 18-week-gestation fetus recovered from a sewage treatment plant. A brain specimen was positive for cocaine. With the present epidemic of cocaine abuse, it is important for the forensic pathologist to seek toxicologic evidence of cocaine in all suspicious fetal and neonatal deaths.
Individualization and Enamel Histology: A Case Report in Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Skinner M , Anderson GS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The cranium of a native Indian child about six years old was found in 1979 near Taseko River, British Columbia, Canada. While the remains matched the report of a child missing for eight years in terms of race, age at death, locale, and elapsed time since death, the cranium and dentition were basically unidentifiable because of the claimed lack of medical or dental history. There was no dental work, and the parents were unknown or dead. We report the presence, in the dental enamel of the primary and secondary dentition, of stress markers, termed striae of Retzius, whose locations correspond well with anecdotal reports and recently discovered medical records which describe the timing of specific episodes of stress. The enhanced probability of personal identification from dental histological stress markers is evaluated.
Bone Fragments a Body Can Make
Authors: Stout SD , Ross LM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Data obtained from various analytical techniques applied to a number of small bone fragments recovered from a crime scene were used to provide evidence for the occurrence of a fatality. Microscopic and histomorphometric analyses confirmed that the fragments were from a human skull. X-ray microanalysis of darkened areas on the bone fragments revealed a chemical signature that matched the chemical signature of a shotgun pellet recovered at the scene of the crime. The above findings supported the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprint evidence which, along with other evidence, was used to convict a man for the murder of his wife, even though her body was never recovered.
“Sexing” Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) on DNA Fingerprint Gel: An Internal Control for DNA Fingerprint Evidence
Authors: Verbovaya LV , Ivanov PL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from male and female fresh blood samples was processed exactly as for routine DNA fingerprint analysis; that is, the DNA was digested with particular restriction endonucleases and fractionated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Ultraviolet (UV) visualization of ethidium-bromide (EtBr)-stained gels revealed a sex-specific banding pattern, which depended only on the restriction enzyme used. By means of this test, which is based on direct detection of particular sex-specific restriction fragments in human DNA digests, the authors succeeded in determining the sex of DNA obtained from biological specimens recovered as criminal evidence in rape cases. The data obtained demonstrate that direct sexing of DNA on DNA fingerprint gel appears to be useful as an intermediate control step in DNA fingerprinting analysis used for the purpose of assailant identification.
Gunshot Residue Particles Formed by Using Different Types of Ammunition in the Same Firearm
Authors: Zeichner A , Levin N , Springer E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Examples of some exceptional compositions of gunshot residue particles, formed by using different types of ammunition in the same firearm, are presented. The composition that may be encountered in casework may differ appreciably from the “classic” criteria for identification of gunshot residues. This fact must therefore be taken into account by the expert when interpreting case results, and thus, every case has to be dealt with on an individual basis.
Hand Grenades and Primer Discharge Residues
Authors: Bergman P , Springer E , Levin N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The feasibility of detecting primer discharge residue (PDR), using the scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) method, on suspects in hand grenade throwing incidents was studied. Two types of hand grenades were examined. It was found that unique primer particles are discharged in close proximity to the thrower and may subsequently be found on his person. In addition, it was found that, with these types of grenades, characteristic particles containing elements such as bismuth and tin may also be found. These particles, when found, may serve as an indication of a suspect's connection to a hand grenade throwing.
Postmortem Evaluation of Serum and Urine Neopterin Concentrations
Authors: Ambach E , Tributsch W , Fuchs D , Reibnegger G , Henn R , Wachter H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cellular immune response is accompanied by the release of neopterin. Increased neopterin levels in urine and serum are observed in patients during viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and allograft rejections and certain malignant diseases. We investigated post-mortem neopterin concentrations in urine and serum samples taken from 32 corpses 3 to 69 h (mean 19.3 h) after death. Urine neopterin concentrations in corpses are similar to those of healthy live controls and are independent of the time after death. In contrast, serum neopterin concentrations are frequently greatly increased in corpses, and the levels are higher in sera collected more than 10 h after death in comparison with samples obtained earlier.
Neopterin measurement in urine and serum samples of corpses is feasible. It appears likely that urine neopterin concentrations could aid the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases in corpses.
Comparison of Illicit Cocaine by Determination of Minor Components
Authors: LeBelle M , Callahan S , Latham D , Lauriault G , Savard C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) combined with both a flame ionization detector (FID) and a mass spectrometer (MS) were used to determine the minor components in illicit uncut cocaine. Two HPLC systems were used to determine, in cocaine exhibits, the relative amounts of the main coca alkaloids: cocaine, cis-cinnamoylmethylecgonine (CIS), and trans-cinnamoyl-methylecgonine (TRANS). GC/FID and GC/MS were used to determine only the acidic and neutral components of cocaine exhibits. The significance of the presence of these minor components and their use to the forensic chemist for the matching and comparison of exhibits are discussed.
Height Estimation from Foot and Shoeprint Length
Authors: Giles E , Vallandigham PH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Foot length displays a biological correlation with height that suggests the latter might be estimated from foot- or shoeprints when such evidence provides an investigator the best or only opportunity to gauge that aspect of a suspect's physical description. Previous utilization of percentages and linear regressions of foot length to make height estimates is reviewed and appraised, as is such use of shoeprints. Newly determined percentages and linear regressions for determining height from foot length for young adult males and females based upon very large U.S. Army anthropometric databases are presented and evaluated. Suggestions are made for the practical employment of shoeprint length, preferably as a direct measurement but also indirectly as a shoe size indicator, for height assessment.
Relationship Between the Piriform Aperture and Interalar Nasal Widths in Adult Males
Authors: Hoffman BE , McConathy DA , Coward M , Saddler L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The piriform aperture of 182 skulls of black and white males in the United States was measured and compared with soft tissue readings taken previously. Statistical analysis indicated that nose width prediction formulas currently utilized in facial reconstruction required modification. Two revised formulas are proposed to improve accuracy of reconstructions: an addition prediction formula for ease of use and a multiplication prediction formula for more precise results on those skulls outside of the mean range.
Benzoylecgonine (Cocaine Metabolite) Detection in Hair Samples of Jail Detainees Using Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Authors: Reuschel SA , Smith FP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Benzoylecgonine (BE) was detected in hair samples using nonproprietary extraction methodology and modifications of well-established radioimmunoassay (RIA) screening/quantitative gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) confirmation procedures. Samples collected anonymously from a population of 48 jail detainees weighed between 5.3 and 61.2 mg. All of the 22 hair samples which had RIA results indicating the presence of BE or immunologically similar substances above a cutoff amount of 1.25 ng/sample (50 ng/mL) were confirmed by GC/MS. Several varieties of hair color and texture were tested, although in each general category there were samples which contained BE as well as other samples which did not reveal detectable amounts of BE. The range of concentrations in 22 hair extracts that screened positive were 0.26 to 18 ng/mg hair as determined by GC/MS. In comparison with other reports of cocaine-related substances in hair, these data show consistent concentrations.
Sensitive and Specific Quantification of Human Genomic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) in Forensic Science Specimens: Casework Examples
Authors: Waye JS , Michaud D , Bowen JH , Fourney RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe the forensic science application of a method for quantification of human genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The two cases cited in this report involve DNA samples extracted from skin tissue and bloodstained clothing recovered from different crime scenes. High-molecular-weight DNA was recovered from both specimens, and the concentrations of these DNAs were estimated to be ∼0.5 µg/µL by ethidium bromide/agarose gel electrophoresis. Using the human-specific DNA probe p17H8 (locus D17Z1) to quantify the amount of human genomic DNA in these samples, it is shown that less than 1% of the DNA isolated from the skin tissue is of human origin and that the DNA isolated from the bloodstained clothing is effectively devoid of human DNA sequences. These case examples illustrate the need to quantify not only the total amount of DNA recovered from forensic casework material, but also the proportion of the DNA that is of human origin.
Fixed Human Tissues: A Resource for the Identification of Individuals
Authors: Shibata D , Kurosu M , Noguchi TT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Polymorphic genetic loci of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) present in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were successfully analyzed by utilizing the polymerase chain reaction. Using this analysis, with three different polymorphic loci [human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DQ alpha, low-density lipoprotein receptor, and parathyroid hormone], fixed tissues representing 14 different individuals were genotyped and could be distinguished from each other. The techniques were further applied to the fixed autopsy tissues of a man in which a question of paternity arose postmortem. Since many individuals have surgical procedures or autopsy, these readily available fixed tissues represent an additional resource for the identification of individuals.
The Completeness of the Afterbirth: A Medical/Pathological Discussion
Authors: Kasznica J , Kessler S , Abramowitz A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Practical problems (with possible medicolegal implications) regarding the interpretation of the completeness of the afterbirth are discussed. The case material was obtained during surgical pathological examination and, later, at the time of autopsy of the same patient. The mother (three weeks following emergency delivery) succumbed to life-threatening complications of an epidural anesthetic accident.
Obliteration of Latent Fingerprints
Authors: James JD , Pounds CA , Wilshire B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Comprehensive trials have established that latent fingerprints can be rendered partially or totally unidentifiable during print development by the following:
(a) ridge smearing, which depends on the type and age of the latent print and also on the type of brush and brushing procedures used, and
(b) overpowdering and/or overbrushing of the print.
These causes of pattern obscuration are discussed in terms of their implications for fingerprint development procedures, since up to 10% of prints developed at crime scenes can be difficult or even impossible to identify.
Rates of Putrefaction of Dental Pulp in the Northwest Coast Environment
Authors: Duffy JB , Skinner MF , Waterfield JD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cytological stability is of interest to criminal investigators in instances where remnants of soft tissue have been preserved, since such tissue can aid in the identification of human remains, helping to determine either the sex of the individual or his or her identity. This study based on seven experiments shows that, in Northwest coast outdoor environments in both summer (three experiments) and winter (three experiments), the stability of dental pulp nuclei ranges from 4 days to 2 weeks. The seventh experiment serves to describe the morphological sequence observed in nuclear putrefaction. The specimens included human and pig extracted teeth and unextracted pig teeth. Deposition of the specimens was made both on the surface and in the subsurface (30-cm depth), and the environmental variables were recorded.