bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Assessment of Children in Suspected Child Sexual Abuse in Light of Daubert and Frye: Limitations of Profiles and Interviews as Scientifically Grounded Evidence
Authors: Bigelow BJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Practice with children and families entails the higher probability of encountering forensic issues of child sexual abuse (CSA) assessments for which relatively few psychologists, allied mental health and legal practitioners are sufficiently well equipped. The current paper reviews some of the key psycholegal issues bearing on the assessment of suspected CSA in the contexts of: (a) recent psycholegal precedence and common law rules of reliability and admissibility of CSA profile evidence; (b) the empirical problems with CSA syndromes; and (c) the problems with children's interviews as evidence, and suggestions for valid interviewing guidelines supporting free recall. These psycholegal issues are presented in terms of the Frye standard for expert testimony and the Federal Rules of Evidence, with recent American and Canadian case illustrations, such as Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Hadden v. State of Florida (1997), Bighead v. The United States of America (1997), Diocese of Winona v. Interstate Fire & Cas. Co. (1994), and R. v. Simpson (1996).
A Cross-Cultural Review of Sudden Mass Assault by a Single Individual in the Oriental and Occidental Cultures
Authors: Hempel AG , Levine RE , Reid Meloy J , Westermeyer J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A nonrandom sample of North American cases of sudden mass assault by a single individual (SMASI, n = 30) is compared with a nonrandom sample of Laotian amok cases (n = 18) and other amok studies. Perpetrators in both studies show evidence of social isolation, loss, depression, anger, pathological narcissism, and paranoia, often to a psychotic degree. The term “innovative perpetrator” is reintroduced and expanded upon. Similarities among samples far outweigh differences, leading the authors to conclude that SMASI and its appearance in different cultures is not a culture-bound syndrome.
Burned Beyond Recognition: Systematic Approach to the Dental Identification of Charred Human Remains
Authors: Delattre VF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Forensic dental evaluation methods for use in a systematic approach to the dental identification of charred human remains are described. A systematic, conservative approach prevents the loss of valuable dental information before a thorough picture of the individual's dental remains has been adequately documented. The presenting conditions of fire victims are explained and illustrated with photographs, and a series of illustrations and text describe the damage seen in the dentition of the fire victim. A systematic four-stage process for gaining access to the intraoral structures of charred human remains is outlined and illustrated. Utilizing methods of access to the oral structures that maintain the integrity of the dentition through each stage of the evaluation of charred remains will prevent the loss of potential dental information before a thorough dental charting, intra-oral photographs, and radiographs can be obtained.
Radiography of Perforating Centerfire Rifle Wounds of the Trunk
Authors: Straathof D , Bannach BG , Wilson AJ , Dowling GP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
All deaths resulting from perforating centerfire rifle wounds of the chest and abdomen, investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Province of Alberta from 1988 to 1995, were reviewed retrospectively to determine whether the radiographic distribution of bullet fragments in such cases is a useful predictor of bullet trajectory. Study cases were limited to single gunshot wounds without surgical intervention or intermediate targets, and for which adequate radiography was available. Three pathologists individually viewed the radiographs on two separate occasions; wound locations were provided for the second viewing (Group 2). Differences in opinion regarding direction of fire were resolved by consensus review. A trauma radiologist independently made two sets of interpretations in the same way. Comparisons of these groups of interpretations were made with the actual bullet direction determined at autopsy. Of 21 cases included in the study, only three (14.3%) did not require consensus resolution in either group. Accuracy of pathologists' interpretation improved from 38.1% (8/21) to 76.2% (16/21) with provision of wound locations (p = 0.012). The radiologist achieved similar improvement, from 28.6% (6/21) to 47.6% (10/21). The rate of agreement between radiologist and pathologists increased from 42.9% (9/21) to 61.9% (13/21) between Groups 1 and 2. Both the pathologists and radiologist interpreted several cases the same way in both groups; of those cases interpreted differently, the second interpretation was occasionally incorrect after correct interpretation in Group 1. We conclude that bullet direction for perforating centerfire rifle wounds cannot be accurately determined from postmortem radiographs. When wound location is known, the ability to predict bullet direction improves but is still subject to error, including a lack of consistency between observers.
Petechiae of the Baby's Skin as Differentiation Symptom of Infanticide Versus SIDS
Authors: Oehmichen M , Gerling I , Meißner C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The successive killing of three siblings by their biological mother at two-year intervals is described. The children were 367 days, 75 days and 3 years old. Although sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or interstitial pneumonia could not be ruled out as the cause of death in the two younger children, who were killed first, the third child exhibited discrete signs of violence in the mouth and throat area which were interpreted as proof of infanticide. All three children had petechiae of the skin of the face and throat, the upper thorax, the shoulders and the mucous membranes of the mouth. None of the children exhibited signs of a disease-related hemorrhagic tendency. After the mother was convicted of murdering the three-year-old boy by smothering in combination with compression of the thorax, she confessed to having killed the other two children in a similar manner. In the absence of hemostatic disease, the presence of petechiae of the skin extending over the entire drainage area of the Vena cava superior can be regarded as evidence of an increase in pressure in the thoracic cavity secondary to obstruction of the airways with simultaneous chest compression.
Suffocation Using Plastic Bags: A Retrospective Study of Suicides in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Bullock MJ , Diniz D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One hundred and ten cases of suicidal suffocation using a plastic bag were identified in the files of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Canada, between 1993 and 1997. The records were reviewed to determine the demographic characteristics of this group compared with all cases of suicide in Ontario, the scene information, autopsy findings and toxicology results. Most suicides occurred in people over 60 years of age, with older women making up a considerable proportion of cases as compared with other methods of suicide. In 40% of cases the deceased was suffering from a serious illness. Autopsy findings were usually minimal, with facial, conjunctival and visceral petechiae present in a minority of cases. One or more drugs were detected in the blood in 92.6% of cases where toxicologic testing was performed. Benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine and antidepressants were the most common drugs found, with diphenhydramine the most common drug present at an elevated concentration. Information at the scene from “right to die” societies was uncommon. One quarter of decedents took additional measures, besides the use of drugs or alcohol, to ensure the rapidity, certainty or comfort of their death. This study further elucidates the characteristics of this uncommon method of suicide. It emphasizes additional scene findings, such as the presence of dust masks, physical restraints and modification of the plastic bag that may be of use to death investigators in determining the correct manner of death.
A Triad of Laryngeal Hemorrhages in Strangulation: A Report of Eight Cases
Authors: Pollanen MS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The results of histological studies on larynges from eight cases of manual strangulation, all that had intracartilaginous laryngeal hemorrhages, a recently described and under-recognized lesion associated with strangulation, are reported. Formalin-fixed larynges were examined in serial section using a standardized protocol. In all cases, intracartilaginous laryngeal hemorrhages were associated with subepithelial laryngeal hemorrhages, and intralaryngeal muscular hemorrhages forming a “triad of hemorrhages.” In five cases, the triad was found in the presence of laryngeal cartilage microfractures. Since cartilage microfractures can be causally related to mechanical injury to the neck, it is likely that the triad of hemorrhages has diagnostic value as an independent morphological criterion for the postmortem diagnosis of strangulation. Since a proportion of cases of strangulation lack characteristics that are self-evidently due to violent application of pressure on the neck, recognition of the triad may have important implications for the postmortem diagnosis of strangulation.
Carisoprodol, Meprobamate, and Driving Impairment
Authors: Logan BK , Case GA , Gordon AM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper considers the pharmacology of the centrally acting muscle relaxant carisoprodol, and its metabolite meprobamate, which is also administered as an anxiolytic in its own right. Literature implicating these drugs in impaired driving is also reviewed. A series of 104 incidents in which these drugs were detected in the blood of drivers involved in accidents or arrested for impaired driving was considered, with respect to the analytical toxicology results, patterns of drug use in these subjects, the driving behaviors exhibited, and the symptoms observed in the drivers. Symptomatology and driving impairment were consistent with other CNS depressants, most notably alcohol. Reported driving behaviors included erratic lane travel, weaving, driving slowly, swerving, stopping in traffic, and hitting parked cars and other stationary objects. Drivers on contact by the police displayed poor balance and coordination, horizontal gaze nystagmus, bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness, slurred speech, slow responses, tendency to doze off or fall asleep, difficulty standing, walking or exiting their vehicles, and disorientation. Many of these cases had alcohol or other centrally acting drugs present also, making difficult the attribution of the documented impairment specifically to carisoprodol and meprobamate. In 21 cases, however, no other drugs were detected, and similar symptoms were present. Impairment appeared to be possible at any concentration of these two drugs; however, the most severe driving impairment and most overt symptoms of intoxication were noted when the combined concentration exceeded 10 mg/L, a level still within the normal therapeutic range.
Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid—An Indicator for an Alcoholic Ketoacidosis as Cause of Death in Deceased Alcohol Abusers
Authors: Iten PX , Meier M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We analyzed the postmortem blood of a total of 100 fatal cases for beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). In 25 cases of sudden and unexpected death of alcoholics we found pathologically increased levels of BHBA of 1260 to 47 200 (median 8000) µmol/L. This led us to the diagnosis of an alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) as cause of death in these cases. The control group of 69 postmortem cases revealed that BHBA concentrations below 500 can be regarded as normal, and values up to 2500 µmol/L as elevated. Our study shows that BHBA values over 2500 µmol/L could lead to death, if no medical attention is sought. During storage we did not find any indication of postmortem formation or decomposition of BHBA in blood in vitro or in the corpses. In our opinion, BHBA should be considered the diagnostic marker of choice for the postmortem determination of alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) as the cause of death. The classical indications of such deaths are: unexpected death of a chronic alcoholic; none or only traces of ethanol in the blood; increased acetone blood concentration; and neither autopsy, histology, microbiology, nor toxicology reveal the cause of death. In six further cases a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was diagnosed as the cause of death.
Postmortem Forensic Toxicology of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: A Review of Pharmacology and Report of 168 Cases
Authors: Goeringer KE , Raymon L , Christian GD , Logan BK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper reviews the complex pharmacology of the new class of antidepressant medications exhibiting selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake. The four selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) considered—fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline and paroxetine—can result in toxicity and death through contributing to serotonergic excess resulting in serotonin syndrome, inhibiting the metabolism of other centrally acting drugs, leading to accumulation of toxic concentrations, and exerting complex vasoactive effects on the vascular smooth muscle. This latter feature is of particular concern in patients with preexisting heart disease.
An analytical method involving isolation of the drugs by liquid/liquid extraction at alkaline pH into n-butyl chloride, and analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is described, together with some of its limitations. Toxicologic and cause and manner of death data were examined in 60 deaths involving fluoxetine, 5 involving fluvoxamine, 75 involving sertraline, and 28 involving paroxetine. Deaths involving drug toxicity were generally a result of ingestion of multiple drugs, and in only a small number of the cases was death attributed principally to the SSRI involved. The potential for drug interactions between members of this class of drugs is discussed as well as their metabolites and a variety of other therapeutic and abused drugs which can contribute to their toxicity.
In the absence of other risk factors, the lowest concentrations determined to have resulted in death were 0.63 mg/L for fluoxetine, 0.4 mg/L for paroxetine, and 1.5 mg/L for sertraline. We had insufficient data to make even this crude assessment for fluvoxamine. Drug-induced elevation of serotonin concentrations may be a significant risk factor for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Other factors including preexisting disease and the presence of other drugs and their pharmacology need to be carefully considered before determining the appropriate cause and manner of death in these cases.
13C4-Secobarbital as the Internal Standard for the Quantitative Determination of Secobarbital—A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Chang W-T , Lin D-L , Low I-A , Liu RH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this study, 13C4-secobarbital was used as an exemplar compound to illustrate the mechanism based on which the effectiveness of a proposed internal standard (IS) could be evaluated. A deuterated analog, 2H5-secobarbital, was also studied in parallel for comparison purposes. Well-established solid-phase extraction and methylation procedures were used prior to the GC/MS measurement step. The contribution of the intensity of an ion designated for the analyte (secobarbital) by the proposed IS, and similarly, the contribution of the intensity of an ion designated for the IS by the analyte—a phenomenon termed “cross-contribution”—were evaluated based on a “direct measurement” procedure in which equimolar amounts of the analyte and the IS were used to generate intensity data. These intensity data were then used as the basis for the calculation of “cross-contribution” (in percentages) of ions designated for the analyte and the IS. Cross-contribution data were compared with the linearity data resulting from two series of standards containing 25 to 9600 ng/mL secobarbital using two sets of quantitation ion pairs—m/z 196/200 and 195/199 with 13C4-secobarbital as the IS and m/z 196/201 and 195/200 with 2H5-secobarbital as the IS. 13C4-secobarbital was found to be much less problematic and thus can serve as a very effective IS. Cross-contribution data alone cannot fully explain the observed differences resulting from the use of these two ISs; further systematic study is needed to provide better understanding of the underlying interference mechanism.
Microchemical Identification of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Authors: Andera KM , Evans HK , Wojcik CM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A new microcrystal test for the detection of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is described. The silver/copper reagent consists of an aqueous solution of 0.1 g of cupric nitrate and 0.1 g of silver nitrate in 10.0 mL water. While some crystals form upon evaporation of the reagent, the test forms distinctive crystals for GHB and does not form crystals with some commonly encountered controlled substances. The reagent was also tested against some controlled substances that have similar biological activity to GHB, including flunitrazepam, and some barbiturates. No crystals were observed with these compounds. A blind test was performed to determine if GHB could be discriminated from the other compounds. Two of ten unknowns were correctly identified as GHB—one solid, one liquid. One GHB sample was not identified as GHB and the remaining seven non-GHB samples were not identified as GHB. The reagent is therefore selective for GHB, but not extremely sensitive.
Evaluation of an Alkaline Lysis Method for the Extraction of DNA from Whole Blood and Forensic Stains for STR Analysis
Authors: Klintschar M , Neuhuber F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A modified alkaline lysis protocol for extracting DNA from forensically relevant specimens is evaluated and compared with the chelex 100 method. For whole blood, bloodstains and sperm stains, both methods yielded comparable results after amplification for a pentameric STR locus (HumCD4). The main advantages of the new method are: only approximately ten minutes and two pipetting steps are necessary and the expenses for the extraction are extremely low as only NaOH, TrisHC1 buffer and a single microcentrifuge tube are required. Alkaline lysis also proved to yield DNA suitable for typing longer STRs by using dye-labeled primers and capillary electrophoresis. These advantages should render this protocol especially interesting for high-throughput laboratories in combination with multiplex PCR and fluorescent dye technology, although the storability of the extracts proved to be problematic.
Usefulness of a Toothbrush as a Source of Evidential DNA for Typing
Authors: Tanaka M , Yoshimoto T , Nozawa H , Ohtaki H , Kato Y , Sato K , Yamamoto T , Tamaki K , Katsumata Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We investigated the usefulness of a toothbrush as a source of DNA for an unidentified cadaver. Ten toothbrushes were obtained from ten individuals along with their peripheral blood. We recovered from 10 to 430 ng of DNA from all but one of the toothbrushes. All ten toothbrushes, including the one containing no detectable DNA by fluorometry, were typed correctly at all of the loci tested, including nine STRs. Three toothbrushes obtained in two actual deaths also identified two victims and one suspect. Therefore, toothbrushes seem to be useful as a source of evidential DNA for personal identification.
Population Genetics of HPRTB, F13B, and LPL inPernambuco, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Mauricio-da-Silva L , Silva RS , Dellalibera E , Donadi EA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One hundred thirty-four unrelated Northeast Brazilian individuals were typed for the HPRTB, F13B, and LPL short tandem repeats (STRs). DNA was amplified by specific primers and identified by silver staining of polyacrylamide gels. The allelic frequencies of these loci were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg proportions. The most frequent alleles were HPRTB*13, F13B*10, LPL*10. The combined probability of paternity and the discrimination power of these 3 STRs were high, permitting their utilization for forensic science purposes.
The Slovenian Population Data on the PCR Based Loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC, and D1S80
Authors: Drobnič K , Regent A , Budowle B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele frequencies for the loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC, and D1S80 were determined for a sample population of unrelated individuals from Slovenia. All loci meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations, except the loci GYPA (p = 0.041) and D1S80 (p = 0.009). There is little evidence for association of alleles among the seven loci. Only one out of 21 pairwise comparisons demonstrated departures from independence (HLA-DQA1/HBGG, p = 0.008). The allelic frequency data generally are similar to that of U.S. Caucasians.
Population Studies and Validation of Paternity Determinations by Six Microsatellite Loci
Authors: Ingvarsson S , Finnsdottir V , Sigurdsson A , Geirsson G 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A single locus system of 6 microsatellite markers was evaluated for paternity testing. A nonradioactive method based on peroxidase labeling of a DNA probe was used to estimate the allele frequency of markers D1S216, D3S1217, D7S480, D9S157, D13S153, and D16S422 by genotyping 1134–1698 chromosomes. The number of detected alleles were 22, 15, 23, 10, 16, and 19, respectively, and the allele frequency varied from 0.001 to 0.317. The genotype of 87 families, consisting of mother, father, and child was determined. The probability that a random individual will give a positive paternity was evaluated. We conclude that the markers can be reliably typed and give sufficient and reliable information for paternity testing.
Allele and Genotype Frequencies for D1S80 Locus in a Brazilian Population Sample
Authors: Soares-Vieira JA , Billerbeck AEC , Iwamura ESM , Muñoz DR , Otto PA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Gene and genotype frequencies in relation to the D1S80 locus were determined in a sample of 197 unrelated individuals (144 Caucasians and 53 Mulattoes), living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The Mulatto group was composed by mixed individuals who presented at least one negroid physical characteristic or declared themselves to be of mixed (Black-White) ancestry. Nineteen different alleles were detected in the Caucasian sample and 15 among Mulattoes. Alleles 18 and 24 were found to be the most common ones in the Caucasian population with frequencies of 0.173 and 0.357 respectively; the sample heterozygote frequency was estimated in 0.824. Alleles 18, 24, and 28 were found to be the most common alleles among Mulattoes with respective frequencies of 0.150, 0.349, and 0.113; the sample heterozygote frequency was 0.759. Fifty-five different genotypes were detected among Brazilian Caucasians whereas the respective figure among Mulattoes was 31. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were found in both population samples.