bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Criminal Investigation Process and the Role of Forensic Evidence: A Review of Empirical Findings
Authors: Horvath F , Meesig R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Highlights from the major empirical studies on the criminal investigation process, and the role played by physical evidence in that process, are reviewed in light of findings from empirical studies on the effects of forensic analyses on criminal cases. The review reveals that most criminal cases do not involve the use of any physical evidence and that such evidence, even when available, is seldom seen by police detectives as having any intrinsic value. Detectives use physical evidence primarily to strengthen their position vis à vis the suspect's for the purpose of clearing cases by confession. Nevertheless, some research shows that physical evidence improves clearances and convictions in burglary and robbery cases, which traditionally have low case resolution rates. Enhancement of the use and value of physical evidence to investigators, crime laboratory specialists, and others involved in criminal processing requires improved communication and collaborative efforts. Training of police and prosecutors should be particularly emphasized because they have the most to say about whether and how physical evidence is used in the investigation of criminal cases.
The Sexually Sadistic Serial Killer
Authors: Warren JI , Hazelwood RR , Dietz PE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This article explores characteristics and crime scene behavior of 20 sexually sadistic serial murderers. The pairing of character pathology with paraphilic arousal to the control and degradation of others is examined as it manifests itself in their murders. Commonalities across murders and across murderers are highlighted, i.e., the execution of murders that are well-planned, the use of preselected locations, captivity, a variety of painful sexual acts, sexual bondage, intentional torture, and death by means of strangulation and stabbing.
A Survey of High Explosives Traces in Public Places
Authors: Crowson CA , Cullum HE , Hiley RW , Lowe AM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This survey was carried out to determine the background levels of explosives traces in public places. Samples were taken at various transport sites. Police sites were also sampled to assess how likely it is that a suspect could be contaminated. The survey showed that traces of the high explosives nitroglycerine (NG), trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) are rare within the general public environment. Only four low level traces of RDX were detected. NG, probably associated with the use of firearms, was detected at a number of police sites, but traces of other explosives were rare. The results of the survey indicate that it is unlikely that someone in public areas could become significantly contaminated with explosives. Traces of NG found on suspects who have had contact with police sites must be interpreted in the light of the survey results. The analytical procedures used would also have detected ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) if present at levels greater than 2 ng, mononitrotoluenes, if present, at levels greater than 50 ng and the most common isomers of dinitrotoluene if these had been present at levels in excess of 10 ng. None of these were detected. The relatively high volatility of EGDN and the mononitrotoluenes would, however, cause traces of these compounds to disperse rapidly.
The Manufacture, Examination, and Identification of Die Cut Corrugated Boxes
Authors: Bodziak WJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Corrugated boxes are often used as containers for the delivery of bombs or may otherwise be part of the evidence in an investigation. For that reason, forensic examinations may be necessary to compare a corrugated box with its manufacturing source or with other boxes. The methods of manufacturing steel rule box dies, which are used to cut boxes from corrugated stock, result in some important physical characteristics that can assist in the examinations of those items. Dies, which are produced for flat bed platen presses for cutting and folding corrugated boxes, may develop characteristics that can be used to positively associate boxes with a die or with one another.
PCR Analysis of Lewis-Negative Gene Mutations and the Distribution of Lewis Alleles in a Japanese Population
Authors: Liu Y , Koda Y , Soejima M , Uchida N , Kimura H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Three mutations in the Lewis-negative gene, T59G, G508A and T1067A, have been detected by means of a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 149 unrelated Japanese individuals. We found three common Lewis alleles—Le (without the T59G, G508A, and T1067A mutations), le1 (with the T59G and G508A mutations), and le2 (with the T59G and T1067A mutations) in a Japanese population. In addition, we also found one rare Lewis-negative allele, le3 (only with the T1067A mutation). The allele frequencies of Le, le1, le2, and le3 were 0.607, 0.275, 0.114, and 0.003, respectively. Our results were in accordance with those expected by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Some statistical parameters of forensic interest were also calculated.
Rapid and Clear Detection of ABO Genotypes by Simultaneous PCR-RFLP Method
Authors: Tun Z , Honda K , Nakatome M , Nasimul Islam M , Bai H , Ogura Y , Kuroki H , Yamazaki M , Terada M , Wakasugi C 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We reported a new approach of ABO genotyping by a polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Instead of amplifying the loci containing the positions of nucleotides 258 and 700 of cDNA of the A transferase separately, we successfully amplified these 2 loci together in one reaction mixture using 2 sets of primers. The amplified DNA products were digested at the same time with restriction enzymes Kpn I and Alu I. The digested DNA products were then separated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. In addition, we evaluated the influence of various amplification parameters (concentration of template DNA, primers, Taq DNA polymerase, MgCl2, and number of cycles). In particular, high Mg2+ concentration (3.5 mM) made effective amplification of this locus without producing any unspecific band. By using that optimized condition for PCR, together with a simultaneous approach, our study proved to be time saving, more economic, and convenient in interpreting the results.
Identification of Urine Specimen Donors by the PM+DQA1 Amplification and Typing Kit
Authors: Tsongalis GJ , Anamani DE , Wu AHB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We evaluated the ability to genotype DNA extracted from urine samples, which were previously submitted for toxicological analysis, by either the AmpliType HLA DQα or the combined PM+DQA1 amplification and typing systems. Initial experiments were conducted on fresh urine, which was either processed fresh or frozen for one week at −20°C, from male and female volunteers. Although male urine is noted for containing minimal numbers of nucleated cells when compared with female urine, we were able to type these samples without difficulty. Male urine specimens that were stored frozen for one year in the Toxicology Laboratory provided sources of low concentration, poor quality genomic DNA with respect to degradation of nucleic acid. These samples, however, were also easily typed using the amplification typing kits. Our data, therefore, suggest that the PM+DQA1 amplification and typing systems described here are suitable for typing analysis of donor urine specimens.
Gender Identification of Human Hair Using Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization
Authors: Prahlow JA , Lantz PE , Cox-Jones K , Nagesh Rao P , Pettenati MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Identification of the gender of hair represents relevant medicolegal evidence in criminal cases. The efficacy of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) using chromosome X and Y centromeric probes was tested to determine its ability to identify correctly the gender of hair. In this preliminary study, FISH correctly identified the gender of cells from hair as old as 26 days. The technique is accurate, rapid, sensitive, easily performed, and readily available. As a forensic laboratory technique, FISH shows great promise.
A Fatal Case of Methotrimeprazine Overdose
Authors: Avis SP , Holzbecher MD 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fatal ingestion of methotrimeprazine is unusual, and while therapeutic drug levels are established as concentrations between 0.02 to 0.14 mg/L, fatal levels are not. The following describes a case of fatal suicidal ingestion of methotrimeprazine in which the measured concentration of methotrimeprazine in the blood was 4.1 mg/L. In addition, the major metabolites of methotrimeprazine, desmethylmethotrimeprazine, and methotrimeprazine sulfoxide were also measured at 2.0 and 1.8 mg/L, respectively. Methotrimeprazine and its metabolites were also measured in urine, bile, and vitreous humor. These results are compared with other case reports of methotrimeprazine fatalities reported in the literature.
Region Does Not Mean “Race”—Reality Versus Convention in Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Brace CL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Norman Sauer has posed the rhetorical question: if races do not exist, how come forensic anthropologists are so good at identifying them? The simple answer is that, as members of the society that poses the question, they are inculcated into the social conventions that determine the expected answer. They should also be aware of the biological inaccuracies contained in that “politically correct” answer. Skeletal analysis provides no direct assessment of skin color, but it does allow an accurate estimate of original geographical origins. African, eastern Asian, and European ancestry can be specified with a high degree of accuracy. Africa of course entails “black,” but “black” does not entail African. The significant identifying features of a given region then are stochastically determined and are not the products of natural selection. If they are valuable for purposes of identification, they have no coherent adaptive, that is, biological, significance. Neither individual traits nor a configuration of them associated with a given region have any adaptive significance and thus have no comparative worth. Traits of adaptive value however are not constrained by region and cannot be used to identify “race.”
Obsessional Harassment and Erotomania in a Criminal Court Population
Authors: Harmon RB , Rosner R , Owens H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The criminal behaviors of harassment and menacing are difficult to control, and of increasing concern to the general public and local law enforcement officials. In 1992, the New York State Legislature modified the Penal Law, responding to public fears and concerns that stalking behavior may become violent.
Some persons charged with these types of offenses are suffering from psychiatric disorders. Among these disorders are those classified as Delusional Disorders. According to both DSM-III-R (1987–1993) and DSM-IV (1994), there are five specific types of Delusional Disorder: erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory and somatic. This type of disorder tends to be chronic.
Forty eight cases of persons charged with harassment and menacing in the New York County Criminal and Supreme Court and referred for evaluation to the Forensic Psychiatry Clinic between January 1987 and January 1994 are reviewed. When cases of erotomania and other affectionate/amorous complaints were compared with persecutory/angry forms of harassing behavior, there was a great deal of similarity. When all harassers were compared to the Clinic population as a whole, major differences in ethnicity, age, educational level and sex were noted. Findings are presented regarding incidence, other demographic data, recidivism, violence and clinical diagnosis.
The researchers conclude that erotomania does exist, however, there are other psychiatric disorders which can also be diagnosed in individuals accused of harassing and menacing behavior. From the point of view of the victim and the criminal justice system, the similarities in behavior patterns are more important than the different diagnoses.
Childhood Homicide in Paris, 1990–1993: A Report of 81 Cases
Authors: Fornes P , Druilhe L , Lecomte D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Homicide represents the most dramatic and heart breaking cause of death in children. Yet, in France, the true incidence and medicolegal data (modes, circumstances of deaths, and perpetrators) have been previously unknown. The goal of our study was to analyze the epidemiological and autopsy data in homicides in children in Paris and its suburbs during the past four years. We have included children from a few days after birth to 14 years of age. We report on 81 cases during the following period (17 in 1990; 14 in 1991; 16 in 1992; and 34 in 1993). Of those, 47 were boys and 34 girls. The mean age in boys was 6 years and in girls, 5 years. Fifteen homicides took place in Paris. The other 66 cases were from its suburbs. Twenty-nine of the murdered children were siblings. Seventy children (86%) were killed in their own homes; the father being responsible in 28 cases, and the mother in 17. In 20 instances, the murderer was unknown initially to the police. In 22 cases, the children were killed by gunshot, by stabbing in 14 cases, by battering in 22 cases. Four children died from drug poisoning, 13 from strangulation, and 6 from drowning. A prior history of child abuse was documented in 82% of fatal batterings.
Fatalities Involving Bicycles: A Non-random Population
Authors: Hawley DA , Clark MA , Pless JE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Bicycle riders constitute a small subgroup of all roadway deaths. Bicycle/motor vehicle collision fatalities are less frequent than pedestrian/motor vehicle fatalities. Studies have shown that non-fatal injuries of bicyclists are not randomly distributed, but follow age and sex trends that differ in the U.S. and Scandinavia. Although the bicycle-related fatalities reviewed herein do not constitute a complete profile of all such cases within our geographic area, review of these cases does provide insight into the non-random population of fatally injured cyclists in urban and rural America. A retrospective demographic and forensic medical review of 36 bicycle-related fatalities was done to clarify features of this non-random population. Consistent features including age and sex, patterned injuries and risk-taking behavior are discussed. Three of 24 (12%) adult cyclists died of homicidal gunshot wounds.
Elevated Postmortem Tryptase in the Absence of Anaphylaxis
Authors: Randall B , Butts J , Halsey JF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Elevations in tryptase, a recently discovered mast cell enzyme, have been proposed as a postmortem indicator of fatal anaphylaxis. The previous studies had limited numbers of controls and thus the specificity of the test with postmortem samples was not known. Therefore, tryptase was evaluated in postmortem blood samples from 49 autopsy cases where there was no evidence of fatal anaphylaxis. The tryptase was above the normal serum threshold of 1 nanogram/mL (ng/mL) in 31 of these cases. Twenty-four cases had values in the 1 to 5 ng/mL range, two cases were between 5 and 10 ng/mL, and five were greater than 10 ng/mL. One autopsy specimen had a tryptase value of 106 ng/mL. The postmortem interval and the specimen storage condition did not appear to correlate with these elevations in tryptase. Although elevations in the postmortem tryptase remain an important supporting finding in the diagnosis of fatal anaphylaxis, it should not be used alone as the sole criterion for the postmortem diagnosis of anaphylaxis.
Fixed Bin Frequency Distributions for the VNTR Locus D5S110 in General United States Reference Databases
Authors: Budowle B , Giusti AM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fixed bin frequencies for the D5S110 locus were determined in African Americans, Caucasians, Southeastern Hispanics, and Southwestern Hispanics. The data were generated by RFLP analysis of HAE III-digested genomic DNA. The D5S110 locus met Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the four sample populations, and there is no evidence for association of alleles between the D5S110 and other routinely used VNTR loci. The frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a DNA profile in various general United States populations.
Sex Determination of Forensic Samples by Simultaneous PCR Amplification of α-Satellite DNA from Both the X and Y Chromosomes
Authors: Neeser D , Liechti-Gallati S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Simultaneous amplification of the alphoid repeated sequences clustered in the centromeric regions of both the human X and Y chromosome was performed. Modification and improvement of the polymerase chain reaction conditions resulted in detectable amplification products from less than 1 ng of genomic DNA template. Sex determination was successful in various types of biological materials of forensic interest as bloodstains, vaginal swabs, cigarette butts, bones, and hair roots. The authors suggest that the coamplification of both X- and Y-sequences in a unique reaction mixture is a fast, human specific, sensitive and reliable method providing internal reaction control and sex determination in DNA from a variety of different types of specimens as well as from specimens of limited amount, thus, being very useful in forensic research for the analysis of biological evidence.
Application of Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography to Forensic Analysis of Barbiturates in Biological Fluids
Authors: Ferslew KE , Hagardorn AN , McCormick WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) is a form of capillary zone electrophoresis. Addition of a surfactant produces micelles in an aqueous/organic buffer. Separation of drugs is obtained via differences in the electrophoretic mobilities of the analytes within the capillary, resulting from their electrophoretic velocity and the electroosmotic flow of the buffer in a given electric field. The migration order is determined by the differential partitioning of the drugs between the micelles and the aqueous/organic phase.
Barbiturates were extracted from various biological fluids at pH 4.5 with TOXI-TUBES B. MECC analyses were performed using a Waters Quanta 4000 Capillary Electrophoretic System with a 745 Data Module with a 75 µ × 60 cm capillary and an aqueous/organic buffer of 85% 10 mM borate, 10 mM phosphate, 100 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and 15% acetonitrile at a pH of 8.5 with a voltage of 20 kV using ultraviolet absorption detection at 214 nm. Migration times were: phenobarbital, 7.78 min.; butalbital, 8.01 min.; butabarbital, 8.23 min.; mephobarbital (internal standard), 8.88 min.; amobarbital, 9.41 min.; pentobarbital, 10.03 min. and secobarbital, 10.79 min. Correlation coefficients (r) between peak areas and concentration ranges of 3 to 60 µg/mL were from 0.964 to 0.999. Coefficients of variation (CV) ranged from 2.6 to 8.6% between days and 2.3 to 9.8% within day. Application of this methodology to four forensic cases of butalbital intoxication detected concentrations of 0.7 to 12.7 µg/mL in blood; 0.8 to 1.9 µg/mL in vitreous humor and 1.5 to 7.6 µg/mL in urine. MECC is applicable to forensic analysis of barbiturates extracted from biological fluids.
AmpliType® PM and HLA DQα Typing from Pap Smear, Semen Smear, and Postcoital Slides
Authors: Roy R , Reynolds R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples extracted from stained pap smear, semen smear and postcoital slides were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and typed for the AmpliType® PM and HLA DQα alleles. HLA DQ α and PM types consistent with blood controls from the donors were obtained. Stained cells fixed to slides can provide a valuable source of material for determining a genetic profile of the sample donor, particularly in sexual assault cases and possibly in missing person cases involving women.
The Use of DAPI As a Replacement for Ethidium Bromide in Forensic DNA Analysis
Authors: Buel E , Schwartz M 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ethidium bromide is used extensively for the visualization of DNA in forensic applications. This is usually accomplished by the addition of dye to the gel and buffer before electrophoresis or by staining the gel after the run. In both procedures considerable ethidium bromide containing buffer is generated that must be decontaminated. We demonstrate that another fluorescent DNA binding dye, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI), can be used in place of ethidium bromide for yield and restriction gels, and to stain the visual marker of analytical gels. A low concentration of DAPI is added directly to the DNA. Most of the stain is immediately bound to the DNA and remains bound during electrophoresis.
Consistency and Reproducibility of AmpliType® PM Results Between Seven Laboratories: Field Trial Results
Authors: Fildes N , Reynolds R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The AmpliType® PM Field Trial was designed to assess the ability of forensic laboratories to obtain the correct results from samples commonly encountered in forensic casework. The seven forensic laboratory participants of the AmpliType® PM Field Trial each performed four studies. Samples were analyzed using components of the AmpliType® PM PCR Amplification and Typing Kit. Laboratories were also provided with DNA probe strips to type the DQA1 locus. Of the 381 PM and 325 DQA1 DNA probe strip results obtained from DNA-containing and non-DNA-containing samples, 98.2% and 95.7% showed the correct result for PM and DQA1 types, respectively. No samples were typed incorrectly. The remaining small percentage of samples were either uninterpretable due to the presence of a mixture, or no result was obtained due to insufficient DNA. The Field Trial demonstrated that laboratories can easily implement the AmpliType® PM system to analyze DNA-containing samples and controls successfully for forensic casework applications.
Resin Dental Casts as an Aid in Bite Mark Identification
Authors: McKinstry RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Two techniques are presented for the fabrication of resin dental casts to aid in bite mark analysis. The first technique produces visible light cured dental casts of the suspected biter's dentition. These casts can be compared to the victim's bite marks or photographs of the bite marks. The technique is rapid and casts of the suspected biter's dentition can be made in less than thirty minutes, which is advantageous when the elimination of possible suspects must be accomplished in a timely fashion. The second technique involves the fabrication of crystal clear epoxy resin dental casts of the suspected biter's dentition. The dental casts are translucent and permit visualization through the teeth when comparisons are made to the bite marks or to tracings or photographs of the bite marks. The casts can also serve as an educational tool for a jury or juries in trials involving bite mark evidence. The resin dental casts are less brittle than dental stone casts permitting storage without concern for breakage for periods of years.