bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction of Single-Copy Nuclear DNA from Forensic Specimens with a Variety of Postmortem Histories
Authors: Evison MP , Smillie DM , Chamberlain AT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Specimens of human bone, teeth and dried blood spots from 3 months to 91 years old, with a variety of postmortem histories, were used in a comparative study of recovery of single-copy nuclear DNA sequences from forensic material. Sequences of the amelogenin and HLA-DPB1 genes were chosen for their value in sexing and identification. Sequences of the mitochondrial non-coding region V were also amplified to compare the recovery of mitochondrial and single-copy nuclear DNA. A variation of the silica method for DNA extraction was refined for application to the forensic specimens in this sample. Single-copy nuclear DNA was amplified from 100% of recent postoperative bone specimens (n = 6), 80% of forensic teeth and bone specimens (n = 10), 78% of recently extracted teeth (n = 18), 78% of exhumed bone up to 91 years old (n = 37) and 69% of 15 year old bone specimens fixed in 10% formalin (n = 20). Amelogenin sexing was correct in 85% of cases (n = 74) in which the sex of the donor had been recorded. There was no correlation between the age of the specimen and the extent of DNA preservation.
Pyromania? What Does It Mean?
Authors: Geller JL , McDermeit M , Brown J-M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pyromania, despite an explicit definition spelled out in successive editions of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual since 1980, remains an elusive concept. While rarely diagnosed by psychiatrists, pyromania is a label frequently applied by law enforcement and fire fighting/investigation personnel. To test the understanding of pyromania by these professions, the F.B.I. collected data from participants at advanced fire investigation training sessions, specifically asking them to write out their understanding of pyromania. This paper reports on the data obtained from 603 respondents. The results indicate a remarkably poor understanding of pyromania. The authors examined sources of information available to law enforcement and fire fighting/investigation professionals and found the sources to be generally as misinformed as they are. The authors conclude that the professions of psychiatry, law enforcement and fire fighting/investigation must have better source material available to them and must share information better if we are to decrease the threats posed by the ineffectual differentiation of the causes of serial arson.
Sex Estimation from the Metatarsals
Authors: Robling AG , Ubelaker DH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Discriminant-function analysis of osteometric data from the metatarsals of 200 individuals in the Terry Collection provides a reliable method for estimating sex. Functions derived from individual metatarsals and from complete sets of metatarsals are tested on the sample used to generate the functions and on two independent samples: one comprising 25 additional individuals from the Terry Collection and the other comprising 12 cadavers donated to the University of Missouri. Functions based on race-specific samples (blacks and whites) and on the pooled-race sample correctly classify 83 to 100% of each sample (including a jackknifed study sample), with a few exceptions. These results are similar to sex-estimation methods from other regions of the appendicular skeleton.
HIV Seroprevalence Rates Among Homicide Victims in New York City: 1991–1993
Authors: Tardiff K , Marzuk PM , Leon AC , Hirsch CS , Stajic M , Portera L , Hartwell N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study assessed HIV seroprevalence in homicide victims killed in New York City in 1991–1993, using data from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Among 5852 homicide victims there were 344 (5.9%) victims who were HIV positive. Females were just as likely as males to be HIV positive. For females, the highest rates were in the 25–34 year (11.7%) and 35–44 year (12.6%) age categories. For males the highest rates were in the 35–44 year (13.7%) and 45–54 year (11.5%) age categories. Other than there being no HIV positive Asian victims, there were no differences in HIV rates among racial/ethnic groups. The highest rates of HIV infection for homicide victims were among those using both opiates and cocaine (males: 23.0%; females: 27.3%). Women, not men, using cocaine alone had a high HIV positive rate (18.4%). Victims not using these drugs had rates of HIV around 2%. The authors believe that the high risk of HIV among homicide victims, may be due to the use of cocaine and associated risky use of needles and risky sex practices.
Midge Larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) as Indicators of Postmortem Submersion Interval of Carcasses in a Woodland Stream: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Keiper JB , Chapman EG , Foote BA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Data on colonization of rat carcasses by aquatic insects in riffle and pool areas of a small woodland stream were obtained to elucidate patterns potentially useful for determining the postmortem submersion interval of corpses in flowing water habitats. After 39 days, the carcasses had no visual signs of deterioration in the absence of large scavenging animals. Midge larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) were the dominant insects colonizing the carcasses. No patterns in numbers of larvae over time were evident, but the diversity of genera increased after 29 days in the riffle. Also, Orthocladius larvae did not begin to colonize the carcasses until after 13 days of submersion in the riffle and after 20 days of submersion in the pool. Although separated only by 20 m, the riffle and pool rats had dissimilar faunal assemblages. This suggests that different indices for determining the postmortem submersion interval of corpses based on midge larvae colonization should be developed for these two habitats. This investigation does not provide replicated data, but does shed light on what may happen to mammalian carcasses placed in a stream at a particular time of the year.
Concentration-Time Profiles of Ethanol in Arterial and Venous Blood and End-Expired Breath During and After Intravenous Infusion
Authors: Jones AW , Norberg Å , Hahn RG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ethanol (0.40 g/kg) was administered to 13 healthy men by intravenous (i.v.) infusion at a constant rate for 30 min. The concentrations of ethanol in arterial blood (ABAC), venous blood (VBAC), and end-expired breath (BrAC) were measured at 17 exactly timed intervals. Blood-ethanol was determined by headspace gas chromatography and breath-ethanol was measured with a quantitative infrared analyzer (DataMaster). BrAC was multiplied by 2300 to estimate the concentrations of alcohol in blood. During the infusion of ethanol, ABAC exceeded VBAC by about 10 mg/dL on the average and ABAC was also higher than BrAC × 2300 by about 4 mg/dL on average. When infusion of alcohol ended, ABAC, VBAC, and BrAC were 94.8 ± 2.06 (±SE), 84.7 ± 1.54, and 89.3 ± 2.10 mg/dL, respectively. The concentrations of alcohol in blood (ABAC and VBAC) and breath decreased abruptly after the administration of alcohol stopped and by 5 min postinfusion, the A-V differences in concentration of ethanol were small or negligible. The mean apparent half-life of the distribution plunge was 7 to 8 min, being about the same for ABAC, VBAC, and BrAC. The disappearance rate of ethanol was 15.5 ± 0.55 mg/dL/h (mean ± SE) for arterial blood, 15.2 ± 0.49 mg/dL/h for venous blood, and 16.3 ± 0.73 mg/230 L/h for breath; no significant differences were noted (p &gt; 0.05). We conclude that A-V differences in the concentration of ethanol exist during the loading phase but are rapidly abolished when the administration of ethanol terminates. In the post-absorptive phase of ethanol kinetics, when alcohol has mixed with the total body water, VBAC exceeds ABAC by about 1–2 mg/100 mL on average.
1996 Honorable Mention Papers by Fellows in the AAFS Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Section
Authors: Rosner R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The year 1996 marked the twentieth anniversary of one of the most important projects in forensic psychiatry, the creation in 1976 of the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry, Inc. (ABFP). Many forensic psychiatrists are not aware of the fact that the ABFP was initially solely sponsored by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Similarly, most practitioners do not know that the leadership for creating the ABFP came from a forensic psychiatrist, former AAFS President, Maier I. Tuchler, M.D. The ABFP provided a method for distinguishing between those who merely asserted their competence in forensic psychiatry and those who successfully demonstrated their competence in the field.
Who Does the Family Court Refer for Psychiatric Services?
Authors: Gunter-Justice TD , Ott DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Demographic differences between adolescents referred for psychiatric services by the Family Court and by facility staff at a state-run juvenile justice evaluation center are examined. Those groups are then compared to the facility's general population. It is concluded that race, gender, age, and judicial discretion are the factors that distinguish court-referred adolescents from their counterparts referred by facility staff and in the general population.
Forensic Analysis and Psycholegal Implications of Parricide and Attempted Parricide
Authors: Weisman AM , Sharma KK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In a retrospective archive study, 64 adjudicated adult cases involving the murder or attempted murder of at least one parent, referred for forensic evaluations are described. Biographic, demographic, diagnostic, crime scene, psycholegal opinion, and disposition data are presented. Results indicated a 40% rate of insanity acquitees. Attempted parricide subjects were more likely to have inpatient psychiatric histories, witnesses present during the criminal act, nonresponsiveness towards their actions, competency raised, and a hospital disposition. Gender and ethnicity were found to have a significant effect on ultimate disposition. Fifty-four percent of the sample opined psychotic were sentenced to prison, suggesting other factors considered by judge and jury. Profile characteristics and typologies are presented. The findings are compared to studies involving parricide and legal strategies involving similar cases.
A Pilot Study Using the First Cervical Vertebra as an Indicator of Race
Authors: Marino EA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The articular surfaces and vertebral foramen of the first cervical vertebra can be used to estimate race from complete and fragmentary specimens. Eight measurements taken from 200 vertebrae from the Terry and Hamann-Todd collections (Smithsonian Institution and Cleveland Museum of Natural History, respectively) were used to construct 13 discriminant functions that predict race with 76–60% accuracy.
Black Market in Anabolic Steroids—Analysis of Illegally Distributed Products
Authors: Musshoff F , Daldrup T , Ritsch M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anabolic steroids found in the illegal market often do not contain ingredients declared on the label. Forty-two products encountered in the illegal distribution channels were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fifteen of the products did not contain the expected ingredients. Mainly, counterfeits of parabolan and primobolan products were found. Instead of trenbolone or metenolone, the cheaper agents nandrolone or testosterone derivatives were identified. In one product the gestagene progesterone was found. In two other cases no steroid was present or tocopherole was substituted.
Comparison of Three DNA Extraction Methods on Bone and Blood Stains up to 43 Years Old and Amplification of Three Different Gene Sequences
Authors: Cattaneo C , Craig OE , James NT , Sokol RJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Extraction of amplifiable DNA from degraded human material in the forensic context remains a problem, and maximization of yield and elimination of inhibitors of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are important issues which rarely feature in comparative studies. The present work used PCR amplification of three DNA sequences (HLA DPB1, amelogenin and mitochondrial) to assess the efficiency of three methods for extracting DNA (sodium acetate, magnetic beads and glass-milk) from 32 skeletal samples and 25 blood stains up to 43 years old. The results, analyzed using multivariate statistics, confirmed that the extraction method was crucial to the subsequent detection of amplification products; the glass-milk protocol performed better than sodium acetate, which was better than magnetic beads. Successful amplification also depended on gene sequence, multiple copy mitochondrial sequences performing best; however, with the singly copy sequences, the longer HLA DPB1 (327 bp) being detected just as often as the shorter amelogenin (106/112 bp). Amplification products were obtained more frequently from blood stains than bone, perhaps reflecting differences inherent in the material, and from younger compared with older specimens, though plateauing seemed to occur after 10 years. PCR inhibitors were more frequent in sodium acetate extracts.
Austrian Caucasian Population Data for the Quadruplex Plus Amelogenin: Refined Mutation Rate for HumvWFA31/A
Authors: Ambach E , Parson W , Niederstätter H , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Human identification of biological specimens has undergone immense change since the development of PCR typing systems for forensic casework. In contrast to RFLP and VNTRs, STRs are the method of choice when the investigated genomic DNA is present in low quantity or in degraded shape. In the current study, the X-Y homologous gene Amelogenin has been added to a widely used multiplex PCR amplification system consisting of four tetrameric STR loci (Quadruplex—HumTH01, HumvWFA31/A, HumFES/FPS, and HumF13A1). The modified Quadruplex was used to type 382 unrelated Caucasians from Western Austria. The population data meet Hardy-Weinberg and linkage equilibrium expectations, and do not show significant deviations from either US, German, and Turkish Caucasian databases. In an investigation of 382 meioses, two mutations were revealed at the HumvWFA31/A locus. Consequently, the data in this paper provide the conditions for adding Amelogenin to the Quadruplex, and suggest that when doing paternity testing, the mutation rate for the HumvWFA31/A locus must be considered.
Validation Studies for the Genetic Typing of the D1S80 Locus for Implementation into Forensic Casework
Authors: Gross AM , Carmody G , Guerrieri RA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A series of validation experiments were designed to evaluate, according to the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM) guidelines, the analysis of the D1S80 locus for casework implementation. Approximately 400 samples from three different populations (Minnesota Caucasians, Minnesota African Americans, and Minnesota Native Americans) were typed to determine allele frequencies. Simulated forensic type specimens (blood, saliva, hair and semen, or vaginal secretions) were typed to demonstrate that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from various tissues of an individual yield the same D1S80 type.
Dilution studies were performed and it was determined that a wide range of input DNA (0.5 ng to 40.0 ng) will consistently yield typeable results. The evaluation of DNA from various animals showed that the D1S80 locus is specific to human DNA within the limits of the parameters tested. The reproducibility of the system was tested by duplicate analysis of approximately 200 population samples. Duplicate samples were analyzed on both horizontal and vertical gel systems. In addition, simulated forensic specimens were analyzed by two independent laboratories: the Minnesota Forensic Science Laboratory (MFSL) and the Roche Biomedical Laboratories (RBL). All analyses, including extraction, quantitation, amplification and typing, were performed independently. All typing results for both laboratories were in agreement.
By the analysis of mixtures from various simulated casework type mixtures, it was demonstrated that the D1S80 typing system is suitable for analyzing mixtures. In addition to the simulated casework, evidentiary samples from several adjudicated cases previously analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and/or DQA1 were typed at the D1S80 locus. The D1S80 results were consistent with previous RFLP and/or DQA1 results regarding inclusions/exclusions.
Analysis of Allele Distribution for Six Short Tandem Repeat Loci in the French Canadian Population of Québec
Authors: Busque L , Desmarais D , Provost S , Schumm JW , Zhong Y , Chakraborty R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Short tandem repeat (STR) loci represent a rich source of highly polymorphic markers in the human genome which are useful for the purposes of forensic identification and determination of biological relatedness of individuals. Here, as a part of an ongoing extensive study, we report the analysis of a multilocus genotype survey of 642 to 870 chromosomes in the French Canadian Caucasian population of Québec at six STR loci. The loci HUMCS-FIPO, HUMTPOX, HUMTH01, HUMF13A01, HUMFESFPS, and HUMvWA were typed using two multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Amplified DNA samples were subsequently analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining. The heterozygote frequencies of the loci range from 0.614 to 0.820 (0.661 to 0.818 expected) and the number of alleles from 7 to 12 per locus. Although statistically significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations of genotype frequencies was noted at some loci by one or more tests, in general, the genotype frequencies are well estimated from the product of allele frequencies at all loci. The most frequent six-locus genotype is expected to occur in the French Canadian population with a frequency of 3.50 by 10−5 and together, these six loci have an average probability of discrimination of 0.9999985. The study presented here indicates that these six STR loci are informative genetic markers for identity testing purposes in the French Canadian Caucasian population of Québec.
The Effects of Blood Transfusions on PCR DNA Typing at the CSF1P0, TP0X, TH01, D1S80, HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC Loci
Authors: Brauner P , Shpitzen M , Freund M , Manny N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pre-transfusion and post-transfusion blood samples from eight individuals were typed at 10 PCR amplified loci. In no case did the PCR DNA profile of the post-transfusion blood sample differ from that of the pre-transfusion profile.
Molecular Detection of JC Virus in Embalmed, Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Brain Tissue
Authors: Amaker BH , Chandler FW , Huey LO , Colwell RM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Embalmed tissues are adequate for the detection of JC virus in lesions of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) by immunohistologic and molecular methods. JC virus was readily detected in embalmed brain tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two brains were removed from bodies that had been embalmed at least 24 h prior to autopsy. They were subsequently post fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 10–14 days before dissection and molecular studies weere performed. Though these techniques are not novel, their use in embalmed tissues is. Routine embalming should not eliminate these diagnostic procedures from consideration.
GC/MS Confirmation of Barbiturates in Blood and Urine
Authors: Meatherall R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A gas chromatography-mass spectrometric method is described for the quantitative measurement of 6 commonly used barbiturates in blood and urine specimens. The targeted barbiturates are butalbital, amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital, mephobarbital and phenobarbital. They are recovered along with the internal standard, tolybarb, from blood and urine using liquid extraction then alkalated to form the N-ethyl derivatives. The ethylated barbiturates have symmetrical peaks which are well separated from each other on a non-polar methylsilicone capillary column. The derivatives facilitate quantitations between 50 and 10,000 ng/mL. The day-to-day CVs for all 6 barbiturates were between 4 and 9% at 200 and 5000 ng/mL.
The method has been extended for identifying other acidic drugs and drug metabolites. They are mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and anticonvulsants. An additional 83 compounds can be qualitatively identified.
A False Report of Product Tampering Involving a Rodent and Soft Drink Can: Light Microscopy, Image Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis
Authors: Platek SF , Ranieri N , Wolnik KA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The “Pepsi® Tamperings” of 1993 resulted in a large number of cases involving foreign objects reportedly found inside canned soft drinks. Although the majority of cases involved medical syringes and metallic objects, one case involved the report of a mouse found inside a can of Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi. Using light and polarized light microscopy and computer-assisted image analysis, trace evidence and tooth structure from the suspect mouse were matched to scratches and indentions on the suspect can. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were used to compare and match particles of gnawed metal from the lid of the suspect can to other particles recovered from the muzzle and stomach of the suspect mouse. The forensic analyses in this case proved the mouse could not have been canned in the soft drink product and refuted the defendant's sworn statements.
Estimation of Postmortem Interval Based on Colony Development Time for Anoplolepsis longipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Goff ML , Win BH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The postmortem interval for a set of human remains discovered inside a metal tool box was estimated using the development time required for a stratiomyid fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), Hermetia illucens, in combination with the time required to establish a colony of the ant Anoplolepsis longipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) capable of producing alate (winged) reproductives. This analysis resulted in a postmortem interval estimate of 14 + months, with a period of 14–18 months being the most probable time interval. The victim had been missing for approximately 18 months.
A Killing of Baby Doe
Authors: Harris LS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An anencephalic infant died in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit six hours after birth. Eighteen months later, in a discussion of intrusive federal “Baby Doe” regulations with co-workers at the hospital, a registered nurse mentioned that he had found a way to avoid these provisions, and that he had in fact done so on one occasion by killing this particular infant. A co-worker related his story to police, and the “wheels of justice” were set into motion. I describe the chronology of events and the pathologic findings in this case of infanticide, purportedly committed “with mercyaforethought.”
Two Traffic Fatalities Related to the Use of Difluoroethane
Authors: Broussard LA , Brustowicz T , Pittman T , Atkins KD , Presley L 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The 18-year-old white male driver and 17-year-old white male passenger of an automobile were killed when their vehicle crossed the median of a 4-lane highway and collided with a minivan. A can of airbrush propellant was found in the automobile of the deceased. The only drug detected during initial toxicological analyses was 130 mg/L ethanol in the blood of the driver. When performing ethanol analysis by headspace gas chromatography, an unidentified peak was observed in the blood of both deceased. This peak was identified as difluoroethane (Freon 152), the propellant in the aerosol can found in the automobile. The concentrations of difluoroethane in the blood of the driver and passenger were 78 mg/L and 35 mg/L, respectively. Based on a literature search we believe that this is the first report of the quantitation of difluoroethane in biological samples.