bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Punched With A Fist: The Etiology of a Fatal Depressed Cranial Fracture
Authors: Fenton TW , deJong JL , Haut RC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We report a case in which a 33-year-old man was discovered unconscious following a fistfight with another man. Emergency neurosurgical efforts to repair a depressed temporoparietal skull fracture and associated brain injuries were unsuccessful. The forensic anthropologist and pathologist worked in tandem to sort out a complex combination of cranial evidence, including healed antemortem trauma, perimortem blunt force trauma, remote and recent neurosurgical intervention, and the craniotomy cut performed at autopsy. The victim had suffered head injuries and a right temporoparietal craniotomy ten years prior to death. The perimortem cranial fractures were centrally located within a surgically repaired roundel of bone involving portions of the right temporal and parietal bones. Reportedly, the victim was punched on the right side of his head as he was lying on the ground with the left side of his head against an asphalt surface. A primary question in the case was whether a blow with a fist could have produced the observed cranial injuries. To adequately answer that question, known data on the minimum amount of force required to fracture the temporoparietal region were compared to data on the amount of force generated by a blow with a fist. A biomechanics expert demonstrated that a single blow with a fist to the rigidly supported head of the victim could generate the required force to produce the observed fractures. The previous medical condition possibly predisposed the victim to the cranial fractures and contributed to the depressed nature of the fractures. Although depressed cranial fractures do not typically result from a blow with a fist, it was determined in this case that the fracture pattern was consistent with a punch to the head.
A Fast and Safe Non-Bleaching Method for Forensic Skeletal Preparation
Authors: Fenton TW , Birkby WH , Cornelison J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Over the last three decades, forensic anthropologists increasingly have consulted on fleshed human remains cases in which the examination of skeletal elements is critical in answering questions of identification and the circumstances of death. This was certainly the case at the Human Identification Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona. As the caseload increased, it became clear that a method for defleshing human remains was needed in order to expeditiously expose the osseous surfaces for analysis, yet at the same time, preserving the evidentiary nature of the material. As a result, a fast, safe and economical method for defleshing human remains and producing high quality, degreased skeletal elements was developed. This non-bleaching cooking method utilizes chemicals that are easily obtained and inexpensive standard household ingredients that can be purchased at most grocery stores.
Stun Gun Injuries in the Abuse and Death of a Seven-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Turner MS , Jumbelic MI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The author autopsied a seven-month-old infant who was shocked repeatedly with a stun gun by his foster mother, in an attempt by the foster mother to get the infant to stop crying. The stun gun injuries were round, well-circumscribed, erythematous macular lesions, which were found in pairs. The lesions were 2 in. apart, and were found to match the distance between the electrodes of the stun gun found in the foster mother's purse. Based on the electrical output of the stun gun, the small size of the infant, location of stun gun discharge, and the decreased resistance of the infant's skin, it can be concluded that the stun gun injury is responsible for the infant's death.
Legal, Ethical and Clinical Implications of Prescribing Involuntary, Life-Threatening Treatment: The Case of the Sunshine Kid
Authors: Irvin TL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Involuntary treatment is a concept often familiar to psychiatrists. In clinical practice, it usually involves the hospitalization and pharmacological management of patients with severe mental disorders. However, the scope of involuntary treatment is not limited to the management of mental illness alone. Psychiatric patients afflicted with medical illnesses may require hospitalization and invasive procedures for optimal management of these disorders. The following case illustrates a dilemma in which a psychotic patient refuses life-saving medical treatment; however, the treatment itself carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the ethical, legal and clinical implications of making such difficult treatment decisions.
Reliability of Bloodhounds in Criminal Investigations
Authors: Harvey LM , Harvey JW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anecdotal evidence and legend have suggested that bloodhounds are capable of trailing and alerting to a human by his or her individual scent. This same evidence may be presented to a court of law in order to accuse a particular suspect or suspects of a crime. There is little to no scientific evidence confirming the bloodhound's ability to trail and discriminate the scent of different individual humans. Eight bloodhounds (3 novice and 5 veteran), trained in human scent discrimination were used to determine the reliability of evidence, garnered through the use of bloodhounds, in a court of law. These dogs were placed on trails in an environment that simulated real-life scenarios. Results indicate that a veteran bloodhound can trail and correctly identify a person under various conditions. These data suggest that the potential error rate of a veteran bloodhound-handler team is low and can be a useful tool for law enforcement personnel.
Fatal Diphenhydramine Intoxication in Infants
Authors: Baker AM , Johnson DG , Levisky JA , Hearn WL , Moore KA , Levine B , Nelson SJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine available in numerous over-the-counter preparations. Often used for its sedative effects in adults, it can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation in children, with effects ranging from excitation to seizures and death.
Reports of fatal intoxications in young children are rare. We present five cases of fatal intoxication in infants 6, 8, 9, 12, and 12 weeks old. Postmortem blood diphenhydramine levels in the cases were 1.6, 1.5, 1.6, 1.1 and 1.1 mg/L, respectively. Anatomic findings in each case were normal. In one case the child's father admitted giving the infant diphenhydramine in an attempt to induce the infant to sleep; in another case, a daycare provider admitted putting diphenhydramine in a baby bottle. Two cases remain unsolved; one case remains under investigation.
The postmortem drug levels in these cases are lower than seen in adult fatalities. We review the literature on diphenhydramine toxicity, particularly as it pertains to small children, and discuss the rationale for treating these cases as fatal intoxications.
PCR-RFLP Identification of Diptera (Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae) A Generally Applicable Method
Authors: Ratcliffe ST , Webb DW , Weinzievr RA , Robertson HM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A simple, rapid method using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) within the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal DNA gene repeat allows identification of insects and other organisms. We used the method to identify the morphologically similar Diptera larvae that are important in forensic entomology for estimating the time and location of death. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a region from the 18S to the 28S rRNA genes. The ITS1 and ITS2 regions provided variation between species and homogeneity within species, with the exception of Cochliomya macellaria. Combinations of the restriction enzymes DdeI, HinfI and Sau3AI provided diagnostic bands for identification of the ten species from three families of Diptera (Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae).
Central Nervous System Consequences of an Unusual Body Disposal Strategy: Case Report and Brief Experimental Investigation
Authors: Andrews JM , Gutstadt JP , Itabashi HH , Dowell SJ , Schuchardt MS , Miller EA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The body of a 73-year-old man was dismembered by his female companion for the purpose of covert disposal. The method employed included skillful separation of body parts with hacksaw and knife, piecemeal disposal of fragments, and prolonged boiling of the decapitated head. The latter treatment resulted in marked shrinkage of cranial dura mater, separation of dura mater from skull, and extrusion of brain fragments into the resultant enlarged epidural space through a dural defect due to the disproportionately greater shrinkage of dura mater compared to brain parenchyma. This resulted in curd-like brain fragments filling an enlarged epidural space and overlying a shrunken, leathery dura mater. The cranial dura mater, still adherent to the skull base, resembled a "shrunken brain" in contour but contained only the remnants of brain tissue not already extruded through the dural defect. This unusual thermal artifact is rarely illustrated or mentioned in forensic literature. The development of this postmortem artifact likely requires the presence of a specific combination of conditions which must be, but apparently rarely are, simultaneously present.
Trends in Explosive Contamination
Authors: Oxley JC , Smith JL , Resende E , Pearce E , Chamberlain T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study sought to assign a rough order of magnitude for the amount of explosive residue likely to be available in real-world searches for clandestine explosives. A variety of explosives (TNT, TATP, HMX, AN, RDX, PETN) in various forms (powder, flake, detonating cord, plastic) were carefully weighed or cut into containers, and the amount of residue inadvertently remaining on the work area, hands, or containers was quantified. This was used to evaluate the spillage potential of each explosive. The adhesion of each explosive to a glass surface was quantified from amount of explosive adhering to the inside of a glass vial into which the explosive had been placed and then removed by vigorous tapping. In powdered form, most of the explosives—TNT, PETN, RDX, HMX, and TATP—exhibited similar spillage and adhesion to glass. However, PETN as sheet explosive and plasticized RDX (C-4), showed very little potential to contaminate surfaces, either by spillage or adhesion to glass.
Virtopsy, a New Imaging Horizon in Forensic Pathology: Virtual Autopsy by Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—a Feasibility Study
Authors: Thali MJ , Yen K , Schweitzer W , Vock P , Boesch C , Ozdoba C , Schroth G , Ith M , Sonnenschein M , Doernhoefer T , Scheurer E , Plattner T , Dirnhofer R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Using postmortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 40 forensic cases were examined and findings were verified by subsequent autopsy. Results were classified as follows: (I) cause of death, (II) relevant traumatological and pathological findings, (III) vital reactions, (IV) reconstruction of injuries, (V) visualization. In these 40 forensic cases, 47 partly combined causes of death were diagnosed at autopsy, 26 (55%) causes of death were found independently using only radiological image data. Radiology was superior to autopsy in revealing certain cases of cranial, skeletal, or tissue trauma. Some forensic vital reactions were diagnosed equally well or better using MSCT/MRI. Radiological imaging techniques are particularly beneficial for reconstruction and visualization of forensic cases, including the opportunity to use the data for expert witness reports, teaching, quality control, and telemedical consultation. These preliminary results, based on the concept of “virtopsy,” are promising enough to introduce and evaluate these radiological techniques in forensic medicine.
Neuroleptic-Induced Akathisia and Violence: A Review
Authors: Leong GB , Silva JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Surprisingly, the association of neuroleptic-induced akathisia and aggressive behavior was not formally recognized until nearly two and one-half decades of antipsychotic prescribing had passed. Using a search of the anglophonic literature, this phenomenon is reviewed. Advances in psychopharmacology have reduced neuroleptic-induced akathisia and hold promise to eliminate it altogether. Nonetheless, important clinical and forensic aspects of neuroleptic-induced akathisia and aggression remain and are explored.
STR DNA Typing: Increased Sensitivity and Efficient Sample Consumption Using Reduced PCR Reaction Volumes
Authors: Leclair B , Sgueglia JB , Wojtowicz PC , Juston AC , Fregeau CJ , Fourney RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Improvements in detection limits/sensitivity and lower sample consumption are potential benefits of reducing PCR reaction volumes used in forensic DNA typing of crime scene samples. This premise was studied first with experimental mixtures and a nine-loci megaplex, which demonstrated stochiometric amplification and accurate detection. Next, adjudicated casework samples were subjected to amplification under 15 different template DNA to PCR reaction volume ratios. Reduction of PCR reaction volume and DNA down to 10 µL and 0.500 ng, respectively, produced identical profiles with the same signal intensity and heterozygous allele peak height ratio (HR). Reduction to 5 µL and 0.063 ng yielded HR values that were slightly affected in one to three STR loci. PCR reaction volume reduction can enhance detection and sensitivity while reducing the consumption of irreplaceable crime scene samples.
The External Occipital Protuberance: Can It Be Used as a Criterion in the Determination of Sex?
Authors: Gulekon IN , Turgut HB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Sex determination of a corpse can be problematic in cases where the body is damaged. Useful criteria would assist in the identification of sex in such cases. The goal of this study is to determine the usefulness of the external occipital protuberance (EOP) in the determination of sex, especially in lateral cranium radiographs. The types and configurations of the EOP were investigated on normal lateral cranium radiographs of 1000 subjects (500 males and 500 females) and 694 dry-skull remains (371 males and 323 females) from a 16th Century Anatolian population for the purpose of sex determination. In the radiographic examination, the incidence of less prominent (Type 1) EOP is found to be 85.4% in females whereas 17.8% in males. The spine type (Type 3) EOP is found to be 63.4% in males and to be 4.2% in females. On the other hand, studies of dryskull remains revealed the incidence of Type 1 EOP to be 67.5% in females and Type 3 EOP to be 55.2% in males. The crest type (Type 2) EOP is approximately equal in both sexes and is found to be less valuable for sex determination in both groups.
Age Estimation from Teeth in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Muller-Bolla M , Lupi-Pégurier L , Quatrehomme G , Velly AM , Bolla M 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the dental formulas according to age because of possible changes during the last decades. From these dental formulas, the median age of emergence for the permanent teeth was deduced.The study population corresponded to the 1 to 15 year-old children who had consulted either a pediatric dentist or orthodontist in the city of Nice (France). Data were collected from the 5848 patients' charts that included an orthopantomography. This permitted the observation of emerged teeth and agenesis. Bar charts were used to indicate the dental formula according to age.There was no significant difference in the emergence pattern of both controlateral maxillary and mandibular teeth. Only the anterior tooth emergence significantly differed according to the maxillary. The lower central incisor was the lone tooth with a median age earlier than others; the remaining teeth had an age equivalent to those of previously estimates.
Evaluation of a Multicapillary Electrophoresis Instrument for Mitochondrial DNA Typing
Authors: Stewart JEB , Aagaard PJ , Pokorak EG , Polanskey D , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Laser-induced detection of fluorescent labeled PCR products and multi-wavelength detection (i.e., multicolor analysis) enables rapid generation of mtDNA sequencing profiles. Traditionally, polyacrylamide slab gels have been used as the electrophoretic medium for mtDNA sequencing in forensic analyses. Replacement of slab gel electrophoresis with capillary electrophoresis (CE) can facilitate automation of the analytical process. Automation and high throughput can be further enhanced by using multicapillary electrophoretic systems. The use of the ABI Prism® 3100 Genetic Analyzer (ABI 3100, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) as well as the ABI Prism™ 310 Genetic Analyzer (ABI 310, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) were evaluated for mtDNA sequencing capabilities and compared with sequencing results obtained on the platform currently in use in the FBI Laboratory (the ABI Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencer, ABI 377, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Various studies were performed to assess the utility of the ABI 3100, as well as the ABI 310 for mtDNA sequencing. The tests included: comparisons of results obtained among the ABI 3100, the ABI 310 and the ABI 377 instruments; comparisons of results obtained within and between capillary arrays; evaluation of capillary length; evaluation of sample injection time; evaluation of the resolution of mixtures/heteroplasmic samples; and evaluation of the sensitivity of detection of a minor component with reduced template on the ABI 3100. In addition, other studies were performed to improve sample preparation; these included: comparison of template suppression reagent (TSR, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) versus formamide; the use of Performa™ DTR Gel Filtration Cartridges (Edge BioSystems™ Inc., Gaithersburg, MD) versus Centri-Sep Spin Columns (Princeton Separations, Adelphia, NJ) for product purification after cycle sequencing; and sample stability after denaturation. The data support that valid and reliable results can be obtained using either capillary electrophoresis instrument, and the quality of sequencing results are comparable to or better than those obtained from the ABI 377 instrument.
Basque Country Autochthonous Population Data on D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51 and D16S539 Loci
Authors: Garcia O , Martin P , Albarran C , Alonso A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Whole blood samples were obtained from 206 unrelated Basque Country autochthonous donors (individuals were considered autochthonous if the eight surnames and birthplace of their grandparents were of Basque origin). Genomic DNA was extracted by a standard phenol/chloroform extraction procedure. PCR amplification was performed using the AmpFℓSTR Green II and D16 PCR amplification kit (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA) following manufacturer's instructions. The amplified products were separated and detected using the ABI 377 DNA sequencer (PE Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Alleles were classified according to the recommendations of the ISFH (1). Statistical analysis was performed as previously reported (2)
Diffuse Vascular Injury in Fatal Road Traffic Accident Victims: Its Relationship to Diffuse Axonal Injury
Authors: Pittella JEH , Gusmao SNS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The authors have reported a macro- and microscopic study of brain lesions in 120 victims of fatal road traffic accidents, independent of the survival time. Diffuse vascular injury (DVI) was found in 14 patients (11.7%). All patients with DVI died within 24 h after the accident. The 14 patients with DVI also showed severe (Grade 2 or 3) diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Since DVI is restricted to road traffic accidents and incompatible with life, the high frequency observed in our series could be explained by the fact that all 120 patients were victims of road traffic accidents, and 69.2% had died within 24 h after the accident. The association between DVI and severe DAI (Grades 2 and 3) suggests that both lesions depend on the same mechanism, with the degree of axonal and vascular damage being determined by the intensity of the head acceleration. Our results show a relationship between DVI and DAI that suggest there may be a spectrum or at least a continuum between these entities as distinct from DVI being a separate entity.
Turkish Population Data on the CTTV STR Loci
Authors: Çetinkaya G , Űlküer Ű , Togan İ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The samples were collected from 168 unrelated Turkish individuals randomly selected from criminal cases. The DNA was extracted from fresh blood leucocytes and blood stains following the published methods (1,2). For each PCR mix 2-25 ng of DNA was added to the PCR mix. All the CTTV loci were amplified in one reaction tube. Amplification of multiplex loci was done with the help of GenePrint STR system CTTV kit in accordance of the manufacturer's (Promega Corp., Madison, WI) recommendations. Separations of the amplified alleles were performed by ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer. The exact test (3) for the presence of HardyWeinberg equilibrium was carried out by the TFPGA (4) program. Heterozygosity (5) values (expected and observed) for the populations were calculated by employing GENETIX (6) program.
A Study to Investigate the Evidential Value of Blue Gel Pen Inks
Authors: Mazzella WD , Khanmy-Vital A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The aim of this project was to investigate the evidential value of blue gel pen inks in Europe. For this purpose, 33 blue gel pen inks, of different brands and models, representative of those available on the European market at the time of the study, were analyzed using three techniques: filtered light examination (FLE), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). First, after visual examination (naked eye and stereo microscope), it was possible to classify the 33 inks into three groups described as: milky, metallic, and normal. This paper describes in detail the results obtained for the normal gel pen group. The ability of the techniques to discriminate gel inks between and within brands varied. The results indicated that RS and SEM were more discriminating than FLE. The greatest degree of differentiation was achieved when using a combination of RS and SEM techniques (discriminating power = 0.91). This study also highlights some problems concerning the identification of the brand of a gel pen from a written text.
Allele Frequencies for Six STR Loci (D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, FGA) in a Population Sample of North Italy
Authors: Turrina S , De Leo D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Whole blood samples were collected from 170 unrelated healthy individuals living in the North Italy. Genomic DNA was extracted using GenomicPrep Blood DNA Isolation Kit (Amersham-Pharmacia-Biotech, Milano, Italy) and its concentration was determined spectrophotometrically. Two to five ng of target DNA was amplified in singleplex for FGA and D8S1179, while duplex amplification was adopting for D13S317/D16S539 and D5S818/D7S820. PCR amplification conditions were the same for all six loci and the program of amplification were carried out in a GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 Thermal Cycler (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA). The amplified products were separated and detected using the A.L.F. express DNA sequencer (Pharmacia-Biotech, Uppsula, Sweden). Allele designation was established following the recommendations of the DNA commission of the ISFH (1). Statistical analysis was performed as previously reported (2) by a computer program made from the authors using Excel spread sheets.