bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the AmpFℓSTR™ Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit for Use in Forensic Casework
Authors: Frank WE , Llewellyn BE , Fish PA , Riech AK , Marcacci TL , Gandor DW , Parker D , Carter RR , Thibault SM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
According to TWGDAM guideline 4.5 (1), prior to implementing a new DNA analysis procedure or an existing DNA analysis procedure developed by another laboratory, the forensic laboratory must first demonstrate reliability of the procedure inhouse. Seven phases were designed to validate the use of the AmpFℓSTR Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit, as well as the PE Applied Biosystems 310 Genetic Analyzer. This report summarizes the results obtained for each of the seven phases of the validation study which included the following evaluations: polymer, reproducibility, sensitivity, stutter, precision, mixtures and nonprobative casework.
Validation of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) for Forensic Usage: Performance Testing of Fluorescent Multiplex STR Systems and Analysis of Authentic and Simulated Forensic Samples
Authors: Moretti TR , Baumstark AL , Defenbaugh DA , Keys KM , Smerick JB , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The amplification and typing conditions for the 13 core CODIS loci and their forensic applicability were evaluated. These loci are CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, vWA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11. Results were obtained using the multiplex STR systems AmpFlSTR® Profiler Plus™ and AmpFlSTR COfiler™ (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA), GenePrint™ PowerPlex™ (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI), and subsets of these kits. For detection of fluorescently labeled amplified products, the ABI Prism® 310 Genetic Analyzer, the ABI Prism 377 DNA Sequencer, the FMBIO® II Fluorescent Imaging Device, and the FluorImager™ were utilized. The following studies were conducted: (a) evaluation of PCR parameter ranges required for adequate performance in multiplex amplification of STR loci, (b) determination of the sensitivity of detection of the systems, (c) characterization of non-allelic PCR products, (d) evaluation of heterozygous peak intensities, (e) determination of the relative level of stutter per locus, (f) determination of stochastic PCR thresholds, (g) analysis of previously typed case samples, environmentally insulted samples, and body fluid samples deposited on various substrates, and (h) detection of components of mixed DNA samples. The data demonstrate that the commercially available multiplex kits can be used to amplify and type STR loci successfully from DNA derived from human biological specimens. There was no evidence of false positive or false negative results and no substantial evidence of preferential amplification within a locus. Although at times general balance among loci labeled with the same fluorophore was not observed, the results obtained were still valid and robust. Suggested criteria are provided for determining whether a sample is derived from a single source or from more than one contributor. These criteria entail the following: (a) the number of peaks at a locus, (b) the relative height of stutter products, and (c) peak height ratios. Stochastic threshold levels and the efficiency of non-templated nucleotide addition should be considered when evaluating the presence of mixtures or low quantity DNA samples. Guidelines, not standards, for interpretation should be developed to interpret STR profiles in cases, because there will be instances in which the standards may not apply. These instances include (a) a primer binding site variant for one allele at a given locus, (b) unusually high stutter product, (c) gene duplication, and (d) translocation.
Validation of STR Typing by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Moretti TR , Baumstark AL , Defenbaugh DA , Keys KM , Brown AL , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
With the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE), high-resolution electrophoretic separation of short tandem repeat (STR) loci can be achieved in a semiautomated fashion. Laser-induced detection of fluorescently labeled PCR products and multicolor analysis enable the rapid generation of multilocus DNA profiles. In this study, conditions for typing PCR-amplified STR loci by capillary electrophoresis were investigated using the ABI Prism® 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). An internal size standard was used with each run to effectively normalize mobility differences among injections. Alleles were designated by comparison to allelic ladders that were run with each sample set. Multiple runs of allelic ladders and of amplified samples demonstrate that allele sizes were reproducible, with standard deviations typically less than 0.12 bases for fragments up to 317 bases in length (largest allele analyzed) separated in a 47 cm capillary. Therefore, 99.7% of all alleles that are the same length should fall within the measurement error window of ± 0.36 bases. Microvariants of the tetranucleotide repeats were also accurately typed by the analytical software. Alleles differing in size by one base could be resolved in two-donor DNA mixtures in which the minor component comprised ≥5% of the total DNA. Furthermore, the quantitative data format (i.e., peak amplitude) can in some instances assist in determining individual STR profiles in mixed samples. DNA samples from previously typed cases (typed for RFLP, AmpliType™ PM + DQA1, and/or D1S80) were amplified using AmpFℓSTR® Profiler Plus™ and COfiler™ and were evaluated using the ABI Prism 310. Most samples yielded typable results. Compared with previously determined results for other loci, there were no discrepancies as to the inclusion or exclusion of suspects or victims. CE thus provides efficient separation, resolution, sensitivity and precision, and the analytical software provides reliable genotyping of STR loci. The analytical conditions described are suitable for typing samples such as reference and evidentiary samples from forensic casework.
A Standard of AmpliType PM Typing from Aged Evidentiary Samples
Authors: Mizuno N , Senju H , Sekiguchi K , Yoshida K , Kasai K , Sato H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In analyzing aged samples by the AmpliType PM PCR amplification and Typing kit, it was occasionally observed that color developed typing strips had dark allele dots on PM loci but no visible S dot. Since the S dot acts as a minimum dot intensity control to determine positive alleles on the PM loci, it is necessary to apply another control system. To achieve positive PM typing from a degraded DNA sample that is inferred to be derived from a single donor, a standard has been adopted wherein loci from which sufficient PCR products are observed on agarose gel can be typed. The objective determination of sufficient PCR was done by comparison between band peak height of each locus generated from a sample and that of the corresponding locus generated from two nanograms (recommended minimum quantity as template DNA) of the control DNA provided in the kit.
The Forensic Application of Allozyme Electrophoresis to the Identification of Blowfly Larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Southern Australia
Authors: Wallman JF , Adams M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Most known carrion-breeding species of blowflies in southern Australia are of the genus Calliphora. The morphological similarity of the immatures of these species means that correctly identifying them poses a challenge for forensic entomologists. This study investigates the potential of allozyme analysis to assist with this task. Molecular profiles of third-instar larvae and adults representing four of these carrion-breeding species, Calliphora stygia, C. dubia, C. hilli hilli, and C. vicina, were compared at 42 allozyme loci. The two life stages were found to display almost identical allozyme profiles in each species (93% of loci were expressed in both life history stages), enabling the reliable identification of larvae in these four species. Integration of these results with data from a previous study indicates that allozyme analysis would also be suitable for rapid, species-level identification of the larvae of six other carrion-breeding Calliphora species occurring in southern Australia. This is the first report of the application of allozyme data to the identification of forensically important blowflies.
Determination of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate in Water and Human Urine by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Quadrupole Ion Trap Spectrometry
Authors: Blair S , Song M , Hall B , Brodbelt J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A simple method of detection was developed for gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The method involves the derivatization of GHB using a hexyl-chloroformate procedure in aqueous media (such as water or urine), extraction of the derivatization product directly from the sample using solid-phase microextraction, and subsequent separation and detection with gas chromatography quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry. The deuterated form of GHB (GHB-D6) is used as an internal standard for quantitation. The method was linear for GHB-spiked pure water samples from 2 to 150 µg/mL GHB with a detection limit of 0.2 µg/mL. Spiked urine samples showed linearity from 5 to 500 µg/mL GHB with a detection limit of 2 µg/mL. The SPME-GC/MS method is applied to actual case samples, and the results are compared to those values obtained using a conventional GC/MS method. Sensitivity and linearity are comparable to those seen using traditional methods of separation, yet the SPME method is superior due to the simplicity, speed of analysis, reduction in solvent waste, and ability to differentiate between GHB and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
The Use of Vitreous Humor as an Alternative to Whole Blood for the Analysis of Benzodiazepines
Authors: Scott KS , Oliver JS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In postmortem drug analysis, the most commonly used sample matrix is whole blood. However, postmortem changes can denature this matrix, resulting in a loss or degradation of drugs, thus biasing analytical findings. Vitreous humor is thought to be less affected by these changes and should, therefore, have the potential to provide a more reliable estimation of antemortem drug concentrations.
To assess the usefulness of vitreous humor for the analysis of benzodiazepine drugs, vitreous humor and whole blood were obtained postmortem in 27 cases. Three benzodiazepine drugs were investigated—temazepam, diazepam, and desmethyldiazepam. For temazepam and diazepam, some correlation was found between the matrices (R2 = 0.789 and 0.724, respectively). However, for desmethyldiazepam, no correlation was observed (R2 = 0.068). Regression analysis on plots of vitreous humor versus blood concentrations produced gradients of less than 1.0 showing that, in general, levels in blood are higher than the corresponding levels in vitreous humor.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in a Case of Suspected Chronic Heavy Metal Poisoning
Authors: Oehmichen M , Schulz-Schaeffer W , Kretzschmar H , Theuerkauf I , Gerling I , Windl O , Meissner C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe a patient who died of suspected heavy metal poisoning after a nine-month history of rapidly worsening dementia. Autopsy at a forensic-pathological institute established the postmortem diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) based on demonstration of the proteinase-resistant prion protein (PrPSc) in Western-Blot on native brain tissue. Microscopic examination of the macroscopically largely inconspicuous brain revealed marked spongiform changes in the gray matter—mainly affecting the cerebral cortex, nucleus caudatus, and putamen—with confluent vacuoles. Patchy or perivacuolar deposits of PrPSc were found as well as granular PrPSc deposits. The cerebellum contained focal PrPSc deposits. There was an astrogliosis in the white matter and a proliferation of microglia in the gray matter with a simultaneous clear reduction in neuronal elements. The differential diagnosis is discussed, as is the potential risk to those performing autopsy on forensic cases with a clinical picture of rapidly progressing dementia, especially in cases where a prion disease is not initially suspected.
Entrapment in Small, Enclosed Spaces: A Case Report and Points to Consider Regarding the Mechanism of Death
Authors: deJong JL , Adams T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The mechanism of death due to confinement in an enclosed space is usually ascribed to asphyxia from oxygen deprivation. We report the case of the decomposed remains of a 23-year-old man discovered in an unused industrial size refrigerator in which the mechanism of death is heatstroke. The investigation of the death indicates the subject most likely voluntarily entered the refrigerator and for unknown reasons, closed the door. Injuries identified at autopsy and damage to the inside of the structure indicate he struggled to exit the cabinet. The autopsy shows no significant natural disease processes and toxicology studies were negative. The diagnosis of heat stroke typically rests on the evaluation of multiple features, including the age and size of the decedent, the ambient temperature, the medical history of the decedent, whole body hydration, body fat content, alcohol and drug use, medication history, general physical condition, and many other factors. The diagnosis of heatstroke due to confinement in an enclosed container requires evaluation of the heat stress of the container, the heat strain experienced by the individual, autopsy findings suggesting signs of a struggle to exit the container, and other factors. In all such cases, a careful death investigation with correlation of autopsy findings is required to accurately determine the mechanism and cause of death. We suggest that for all such deaths, physiological and environmental factors promoting hyperthermia and heatstroke be considered as a possible mechanism of death, along with those associated with the more obvious danger of asphyxiation.
Seat Belt Induced Transection of the Trachea in a Child on the Lap of an Adult
Authors: Uemura K , Yoshida K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
As a victim of his parents' suicide, a three-year-old boy was found dead on the lap of the passenger in the left front seat of a car that dove from the wharf and crashed into the sea. He died from the transection of trachea due to shoulder belt in the absence of the signs of drowning. The seat belt paradoxically injured the child on the passenger's lap in the traffic accident. The popular custom of Japanese parents of holding their children on their laps in cars is dangerous, while another custom of killing their children upon suicide of parents or couples should be socially and legally controlled.
Neuropathological Findings Associated with Retained Lead Shot Pellets in a Man Surviving Two Months After a Suicide Attempt
Authors: Malandrini A , Villanova M , Salvadori C , Gambelli S , Berti G , Di Paolo M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We describe the neuropathological findings in a 30-year-old man who died two months after attempting suicide with a shotgun. We focused our study on lesions associated with retained lead shot pellets and distant therefrom, as well as lesions distant from the principal site of injury. At the sites of the retained lead shot pellets, we found macrophage proliferation and astrocyte activation, together with axonal spheroids and signs of neuronal damage. In the remaining white matter we observed axonal swellings, astrocyte activation and rarefaction of the neuropil; regressive phenomena of the neurons were also present. All axonal spheroids immunoreacted with antibodies against APP. αB-crystallin, NF subunits and ubiquitin. Most reactive astrocytes were positive for GFAP and αB-crystallin immunostaining. Some neurons immunoreacting with αB-crystallin were also found. These data indicated that an important local reaction developed at the sites of lead shot retention, and mild signs of diffuse axonal damage were found throughout the brain.
Tenerife Revisited: The Critical Role of Dentistry
Authors: Brannon RB , Morlang WM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The authors record the contribution of dentistry to the identification of victims of one of the most significant disasters in the history of aviation—the March 1977 collision of two Boeing 747 jumbo jets in the Canary Islands, which resulted in 583 fatalities. Dental identification was the primary method of victim identification because a high percentage of the bodies were severely burned. Virtually all aspects of the U.S. identification efforts have been reported with the exception of the valuable role of dentistry. The dental team's organization, methodology, and significant contributions to forensic dentistry and a variety of remarkable problems that the team encountered are documented.
Accidental Dichloromethane Fatality: A Case Report
Authors: Zarrabeitia MT , Ortega C , Altuzarra E , Martinez MA , Mazarrasa O , Calvet R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of accidental dichloromethane poisoning by inhalation is presented. It is of interest that carboxyhemoglobin levels were within the normal range, suggesting that the narcosis and respiratory depression were due to the direct effect of DCM on the central nervous system. The accidental death was attributed to improper ventilation of vapors in the working area.
Blood, Brain, and Hair GHB Concentrations Following Fatal Ingestion
Authors: Kalasinsky KS , Dixon MM , Schmunk GA , Kish SJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Despite the increasing incidence of illicit use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), little information is available documenting levels of the drug in GHB fatalities. We measured GHB levels in postmortem blood, brain and hair specimens from a suspected overdose case by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) following solid phase extraction (SPE) and derivatization with bis(trimethyl-silyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). Examination found 330 µg/mL GHB in femoral blood and 221 ng/mg GHB in frontal cortex brain tissue, values higher than those typically reported in the literature. The hair shaft was negative for GHB whereas the plucked root bulbs with outer root sheath attached (2221 ng/mg) and root bulbs after washing and removal of the outer root sheath (47 ng/mg) contained the drug. Our results are consistent with an acute single dose of GHB and, as the toxicology screen was negative for other drugs of abuse, emphasize the significant danger of this drug.
Allele Frequencies for Fourteen STR Loci of the PowerPlex™ 1.1 and 2.1 Multiplex Systems and Penta D Locus In Caucasians, African-Americans, Hospanics, and Other Populations of the United States of America and Brazil
Authors: Levedakou EN , Freeman DA , Budzynski MJ , Early BE , McElfresh KC , Schumm JW , Amin AS , Kim YK , Sprecher CJ , Krenke BE , Silva DA , McIntosh TM , Grubb JC , Johnston LJ , Sailus JS , Ban JD , Crouse CA , Nelson MS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele Frequencies for Fourteen STR Loci of the PowerPlex™ 1.1 and 2.1 Multiplex Systems and Penta D Locus In Caucasians, African-Americans, Hospanics, and Other Populations of the United States of America and Brazil
Review of: Breaking the Chains
Authors: Rossi D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
These two volumes contain a wealth of information directly pertinent to the understanding of criminal behavior but also significant to comprehending a significant part of the 20th Centuries contribution to the evolution of criminological thought, the practice of forensic psychiatry, and the concept of “clinical criminology.” Perhaps, most importantly, they chronicle the work of a man who's efforts aimed to better understand the criminal and improve the environment of incarceration. The place in criminal psycho dynamics and its application to “clinical criminology” defined by Bruno M. Cormier (1919C1991) is known and acknowledged by most students and practitioners in the field. These two volumes are a tribute to his memory, his work, and the influence he had on a discipline vital for civilization and yet ignored by it.
Review of: Criminal Profiling
Authors: Rossi D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This work of Mr. Turvey appears as a text book of 25 chapters enhanced by several appendices, a glossary, and an index. While the book is under Turvey's authorship there are four contributors identified. The writing style is generally casual with expressions of personal sentiment and bias included. There is a suggestion that the author is more in need of impressing rather than educating the reader. Neither the comprehension nor the objectivity are strengths of this work. To the casual reader the omissions of historical work in criminal psychopathology and psycho dynamics may not be noticeable nor will that be of behavioral analysis and its variance through different schools of thought. The presentations are superficial and fail to reveal the actual depth to which one's training and experience need be to function as a member of an investigation team and perform crime scene behavioral reconstruction, analysis, and profiling. Mr. Turvey does not enlighten the reader with the normal differences in “profiling” based on the variance between schools of thought on human behavior. At present one may consider three categories of approach strategies and within each there can be expected variances. These issues are not addressed and the uninformed reader is left to believe that “profiling” is some generic process.
Review of: Geographic Profiling
Authors: Rossi D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Dr. Rossmo, a criminologist and a police officer has formulated a procedure that has been titled “geographic profiling” which is explained and illustrated in this relatively easy-to-follow book. A seasoned specialist in law enforcement, Dr. Rossmo has combined his experiences as a police officer with his education in criminology to offer an interesting formula intended to facilitate the process of investigating particularly serial crimes. The book's 12 chapters are enhanced by a glossary and lengthy bibliography. Criminal behavioral demography occupies nine of the chapters with one devoted to “geographic profiling,” another to applications and a final concluding chapter. The reader will find a preponderance of descriptive criminology and an relative absence of criminal psycho dynamics. This is not a work focusing on causality or etiology of criminal behavior. Rather, the author utilizes characteristics similar to diagnostic symptoms, a procedure that lends itself to the formula proposed by Dr. Rossmo. At the center of his model is computer analysis of variables associated with crime scene locations ideally resulting in the identification and apprehension of the perpetrator.