bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride by Thermal Desorption Ion Mobility Spectrometry and SIMPLISMA
Authors: Reese ES , Harrington P de B 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been successfully developed to yield an advanced portable instrument. Such instruments may detect trace quantities of regulated substances at the crime scene. The atmospheric ion chemistry that occurs within the instrument may hinder the determination of analytes in realworld samples. The use of temperature programming adds an extra dimension to the data that improves the selectivity of the IMS data when chemometric processing is applied. The SIMPLISMA (SIMPLe-to-use-Interactive Self-Modeling Mixture Analysis) method is demonstrated for modeling variances in IMS data that are introduced from the temperature program. Methamphetamine hydrochloride IMS peaks are obscured by chemical interferences that arise from cigarette smoke residue. Cigarette smoke residue is pervasive at crime scenes. The ability of SIMPLISMA to resolve the analyte peaks that correspond to methamphetamine hydrochloride from interfering cigarette smoke has been demonstrated. A reduced mobility of 1.62 cm2V−1s−1 was observed for a methamphetamine hydrochloride monomer. With the IMS drift tube at room temperature, a second peak was observed at 1.24 cm2V−1s−1, which is consistent with a dimer ion. This peak has not been previously reported.
Lewis (FUT3) Genotypes in Two Different Chinese Populations
Authors: Liu Y-H , Koda Y , Soejima M , Pang H , Wang B , Kimura H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The allelic frequencies of the α(1,3/4)fucosyltransferase gene (FUT3) in two different Chinese populations (138 individuals in Shenyang and 154 in Guangzhou) were investigated using PCR-RFLP and nucleotide sequencing methods. The common alleles in the Oriental population, Le (wild type allele), le59,508 (with the mutations at nucleotide (nt) 59T → G and nt 508G → A) and le59,1067 (with the mutations at nt 59T → G and nt 1067T → A) were encountered, and also the rare alleles, le1067 (with the mutation at nt 1067T → A) and Le59 (with the mutation at 59T → G), were observed in these Chinese populations. In addition, the common allele in Caucasians, le202,314 (with the mutations at nt 202T → C and nt 314C → T), was found in the Oriental population for the first time. The allelic frequencies of the Le, Le59, le59,508, le59,1067, le202,314, and , and le1067, were 0.750, 0.011, 0.145, 0.054, 0.036, and 0.004 in the Shenyang population and 0.675, 0.026, 0.14, 0.123, 0.026, and 0.010 in the Guangzhou population, respectively. The presence of the alleles containing either the 59 mutation (Le59) or the 1067 mutation (le1067) suggested that the allele le59,1067 may have originated by recombination between them.
Analysis and Interpretation of Short Tandem Repeat Microvariants and Three-Banded Allele Patterns Using Multiple Allele Detection Systems
Authors: Crouse CA , Rogers S , Amiott E , Gibson S , Masibay A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office (PBSO) Crime Laboratory and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) have validated and implemented analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) sequences on casework using silver staining kit and SYBR® Green I detection systems and are presently validating fluorescently tagged STR alleles using the Hitachi FMBIO 100 instrument. Concurrently, the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) Crime Laboratory is validating the ABI Prism310 Genetic Analyzer capillary electrophoresis STR detection system (ABI CE310) from Perkin Elmer Applied BioSystems. During the course of analyzing over 10,000 individuals for the STR loci CSF1PO, TPOX and THO1(CTT) using silver staining for allele detection, 42 samples demonstrated alleles that were “off ladder,” contained three-banded patterns at a single locus, or exhibited an apparent THO1 “9.3,10” allele pattern. PBSO, ADFS and BSO Crime Laboratories have collaborated on the verification of the allele patterns observed in these 42 samples using the following allele detection systems: (1) manual silver staining, (2) SYBR® Green I staining, and/or (3) fluorescently tagged amplified products separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis followed by laser detection. Regardless of the CTT allele detection system utilized, concordant results were obtained for 41 of the 42 samples. The only exception was a sample in which a wide band within the THO1 locus was identified as a THO1 “9.3, 10” genotype by silver staining kit and SYBR® Green I staining but was verified to be a THO1 “9.3” homozygote by all other allele detection systems. Manual allele detection could readily identify microvariants, as a visual assessment of stained gels clearly shows that alleles do not migrate coincident with well-characterized allele size standards. As would be predicted, however, the manual detection systems did not provide adequate resolution to approximate the basepair size for off-ladder variants. All fluorescent software program systems were consistent in designating alleles “not in range” or “off ladder,” thereby indicating true microvariants. All single-locus three-banded patterns were detected using all of the STR multiplex systems. In addition, individual locus-specific primers verified multiplexed amplified products were specific for the locus in question.
DNA-PCR Analysis of Bloodstains Sampled by the Polyvinyl-Alcohol Method
Authors: Schyma C , Huckenbeck W , Bonte W 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Among the usual techniques of sampling gunshot residues (GSR), the polyvinyl-alcohol method (PVAL) includes the advantage of embedding all particles, foreign bodies and stains on the surface of the shooter's hand in exact and reproducible topographic localization. The aim of the present study on ten persons killed by firearms was to check the possibility of DNA-PCR typing of blood traces embedded in the PVAL gloves in a second step following GSR analysis. The results of these examinations verify that the PVAL technique does not include factors that inhibit successful PCR typing. Thus the PVAL method can be recommended as a combination technique to secure and preserve inorganic and biological traces at the same time.
Blood Grouping of Mixed Bloodstains Using Immunocytochemical Methods
Authors: Bunai Y , Nakamura I , Nagai A , Yamada S , Watanabe Y , Takayama T , Ohya I 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Immunocytochemical methods to determine the ABO blood group of each blood of mixed bloodstains have been developed. Mixed bloodstains were made on surgical blades and a cedar board. The blades were dipped into blood and then dipped into blood of a different group at intervals of 30, 20, 15, 10 and 5 s. Two drops of blood were dropped on a cedar board and then two drops of blood of a different group were dropped there at the same intervals. The bloodstains were dried for a week. The blood samples were removed from the blades or the cedar board and processed according with a routine histological method. Three serial thin sections were obtained. After deparaffinization, the sections were treated in papain solution for 2 h at 36°C, to unmask antigenic sites on red cell membranes. The labeled streptavidin-biotin (LSAB) and peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) methods were used to detect A and B antigens, and an indirect immunocytochemical method for H antigen. These immunocytochemical methods showed specific immunologic reactions and allowed determination of the blood group of each blood of mixed bloodstains. Further, these methods indicated a possibility to determine who was stabbed first, in cases where two or more victims were stabbed with a single knife.
Problems in Mass-Disaster Dental Identification: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Brannon RB , Kessler HP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A wide variety of problems may prevent or hinder a dental-identification (ID) team in its efforts to identify mass casualties. Since these problems have been infrequently reported in a comprehensive manner, the authors identified and summarized these problems to increase the awareness of dental-ID team members and to prepare them for future mass-disaster missions. The authors analyzed 50 mass disasters—ten in which the authors as members of military dental ID teams played a major role and 40 from the literature—and summarized problems that they confronted.
LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC Allele and Genotype Frequencies in the Northwest Italian Population
Authors: Gino S , Robino C , Torre C , Iorio M , Peruccio D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele and genotype frequencies for five PCR-based DNA markers (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC) were determined in 100 unrelated individuals from Piedmont (Northwest Italy). All five loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the sampled population. The combined PD and CE were, respectively, 0.995 and 0.697. Frequencies obtained were compared with other previously published data on Caucasian populations with no significant differences. The genetic data from this study, in addition to those already collected by other groups, contribute to the expansion of the Italian DNA database suitable for forensic casework and paternity testing.
Deoxyribonuclease I Phenotyping from Saliva Stains
Authors: Iida R , Sawazaki K , Yasuda T , Tsubota E , Aoyama M , Matsuki T , Kishi K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Good typing results were obtained using a newly developed method for extraction and purification of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) from saliva stains. Previously, DNase I phenotyping from saliva stains has been unsuccessful because of low enzyme activity and heavy contamination. Salivary DNase I was extracted from stains using phosphate buffer containing Nonidet P-40. Extracts were purified using Phenyl Sepharose CL-4B gel. Electrophoresis was performed, and DNase I was successfully phenotyped. All of the DNase I phenotypes, which were obtained from saliva stains using this new method, were identical to the phenotypes determined from urine samples. Moreover, DNase I was correctly phenotyped from saliva stains that had been stored for over three months at room temperature or at 37°C. These results suggest that DNase I polymorphisms provide valuable information for forensic characterization of saliva stains.
Modified Sheet Printing Method (MSPM) for the Detection of Lead in Determination of Shooting Distance
Authors: Ståhling S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this study the sheet printing method (SPM) for determination of shooting distance has been modified. Instead of cellulose hydrate foil, a plastic-based photographic paper was used as a substrate for transfer of metallic gunshot elements from cloth. The modified sheet printing method (MSPM) has been successfully tested in more than 100 shooting experiments. This technique saves time and has several additional advantages in comparison with the SPM method.
Use of an Alternate Light Source for Tattoo Recognition in the Extended Postmortem Interval
Authors: Bennett JL , Rockhold LA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
With increasing frequency the art of tattooing is permeating Western culture. In the United States, this rise in popularity has been accompanied by the adoption of more personalized and intricate designs; hence tattoos are becoming increasingly useful as tools for personal identification in medicolegal settings. Although pathological examinations indicate tattoos become more distinct given removal, or slippage, of the epidermal layer and/or following saturation with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, information on the degenerative change of tattoos during the postmortem interval has not been presented. This technical note provides an assessment of tattoo enhancement methods and presents a new method to enable better recognition of tattoos during the postmortem interval. Our results indicate certain tattoos remain visible and identifiable given extensive soft tissue decomposition. The use of an alternative light source proved most useful in illuminating tattoo inks throughout decomposition.
A Method for Mathematically Documenting Bitemarks
Authors: McGivney J , Barsley R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method for describing and documenting bitemarks is presented in which the patterned injury from each arch is broken down into its constituent marks. The centroid of each mark is determined and used as a point to define the mark. Lines are used to connect each point around the arch. The length of each line is recorded and the angle formed between each pair of adjacent lines is also recorded. The ordered set of line lengths and angles is used to describe the bitemark. This format lends itself to computer storage, manipulation, and comparison.
Electronic Typewriter Grids
Authors: Hicks AF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In order to determine if misalignments of typewritten characters or entire typewritten passages are present, forensic document examiners have long made use of glass and acetate grids. These grids come with varying spaces between their lines and are physically placed on top of the typewritten document to check the alignment characteristics of the typewriting. Computer technology allows for these grids to be created in any spacing desired and overlaid on an image that has been imported into the computer. The two primary advantages of this are the ability to create a grid with any line spacing that might be necessary and the relative ease with which the results can be displayed for others.
DNA Typing as a Strategy for Resolving Issues Relevant to Forensic Toxicology
Authors: Chaturvedi AK , Vu NT , Ritter RM , Canfield DV 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
To investigate aircraft accidents, multiple postmortem biological samples of victims are submitted to the Civil Aeromedical Institute for toxicological evaluation. However, depending upon the nature of a particular accident, their body components are often scattered, disintegrated, commingled, contaminated, and/or putrefied. These factors impose difficulties with victim identification, tissue matching, and consequently authentic sample analysis and result interpretation. Nevertheless, these limitations can be overpowered by DNA typing. In this regard, three situations are hereby exemplified where DNA analysis was instrumental in resolving a tissue mismatching/commingling issue, pinpointing an accessioning/analytical error, and interpreting an unusual analytical result. Biological samples from these cases were examined for six independently inherited genetic loci using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) suitable for analyzing degraded DNA generally encountered in putrefied/contaminated samples. In the first situation, three of five specimen bags from one accident were labeled with two different names. DNA analysis revealed that one of these bags actually had commingled specimens, originating from two different individuals. Therefore, the sample was excluded from the final toxicological evaluation. In the second situation, an unacceptable blind control result was reported in a cyanide batch analysis. By comparing DNA profiles of the batch samples with those of the known positive and negative blind controls, it was concluded that the error had occurred during the analysis instead of accessioning. Accordingly, preventive measures were taken at the analytical level. The third situation was related to the presence of atropine at toxic concentrations in the blood (318 ng/mL) and lung (727 ng/g) with its absence in the liver, spleen, and brain. DNA analysis of the blood and liver samples exhibited their common identity, ensuring that the submitted samples had indeed originated from one individual. The selective presence of atropine was attributed to its possible administration into the thoracic cavity by the emergency medical personnel at the accident site for resuscitation, but circulatory failure prevented its further distribution. These examples clearly demonstrate the applicability of the PCR-based DNA typing to enhance the effectiveness of forensic toxicology operation.
A Study Involving Venlafaxine Overdoses: Comparison of Fatal and Therapeutic Concentrations in Postmortem Specimens
Authors: Jaffe PD , Batziris HP , Hoeven P van der , DeSilva D , McIntyre IM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The distribution and redistribution of venlafaxine were investigated in two overdoses and several cases involving the therapeutic use of venlafaxine. Blood, liver, bile vitreous humor, urine and gastric contents were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Blood concentrations of venlafaxine in the two overdose cases were 53 mg/L and 78 mg/L. Comparison of venlafaxine concentrations in blood samples taken at different times after death revealed increases in concentrations over time, suggesting the possible postmortem redistribution of venlafaxine.
Cyclohexyl Nitrite Encounter
Authors: Dearmore IK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A brown glass bottle containing yellow liquid was submitted for examination for the presence of common controlled substances. While no controlled substances were detected, the liquid was identified as impure cyclohexyl nitrite, a compound of the same chemical class as amyl and butyl nitrite, which are known for their abuse potential. A bottle labeled cyclohexyl nitrite, but not confirmed by analysis, is the only known previous case submitted to this lab. The case history, examination, and analytical results are presented.
Comparing the Alleged Weapon with Damage to Clothing—The Value of Multiple Layers and Fabrics
Authors: Taupin JM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The examination of damage to multiple layers of clothing of an attempted murder victim is described. The large number of cuts to the garments, the multiple layers and the varying types of fabric composing these garments gave valuable information as to the possible implement causing the damage. The results also show that some types of material may better reflect the geometry of the suspect weapon than others.
A Novel Application of Time Since the Latest Discharge of a Shotgun in a Suspect Murder
Authors: Andersson C , Andrasko J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The recently developed method for the determination of time since the latest discharge of a shotgun was applied to an unusual murder case. A man was killed by two shots from a shotgun, but the suspect maintained that he killed the man unintentionally and in self-defense, by shooting one shot from each of the barrels of a double-barreled shotgun at the same time. The laboratory investigation revealed that only one of the barrels was fired the last time the gun had been used. As the victim was hit by two shots, the conclusion was that both shots were fired from the same barrel, which means that the suspect had to reload his weapon between firings. The suspect was consequently charged with murder.
Determination of the Size of a Foreign Body in the Eye Using Image Analysis of Its Roentgenogram
Authors: Pilin A , Pudil F , Hořejš J , Braný J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The case of a computer-enhanced image analysis of X-ray pictures of a pellet in the orbit of a man who sustained a shotgun injury to his right eyeball is presented. The man was shot accidentally during a pheasant hunt. Two hunters were shooting simultaneously but they were using three different sizes of pellet—3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 mm. One of the pellets hit a third man in the eye. He sustained serious injury with a resultant loss of sight in this eye despite immediate medical treatment. Unfortunately the pellet could not be removed from the orbit, but it was necessary to establish who was responsible for the injury. The problem lay in determining the specification and size of the pellet at that moment. The problem was solved using computer-enhanced video image analysis of the X-ray pictures of the pellets. The image processor LUCIA G (http://www.lim.cz) was used.
A Fatality Due to the Intranasal Abuse of Methylphenidate (Ritalin®)
Authors: Massello W , Carpenter DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A fatality in a teenager from the recreational intranasal abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) is reported. The prescribed use of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) in the treatment of attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder is widespread. The intranasal abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) among teenagers is becoming increasingly more recognized. Previous deaths from the parenteral abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) have been reported. This fatality is the first reported from its intranasal abuse.
Stereochemical Determination of Selegiline Metabolites in Postmortem Biological Specimens
Authors: Kupiec TC , Chaturvedi AK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this study, findings related to an aircraft accident are reported. Biological specimens collected at autopsy from the pilot of the fatal accident and two types of tablets found at the accident scene were submitted for toxicological evaluation. It was determined that the pilot was dead at the crash site and the cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries. The tablets were identified as selegiline and levodopa, commonly prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Selegiline, a stereospecific compound, is biotransformed into (−)-N-desmethylselegiline, (−)-methamphetamine, and (−)-amphetamine. The latter two levorotatory metabolites cannot be easily distinguished by routine analysis from their dextrorotatory isomers, which are controlled substances. It was, therefore, prudent to differentiate these isomers to determine if they resulted from the ingestion of a controlled substance, (+)-methamphetamine. Initial immunoassay drug screenings revealed the presence of amphetamine class drugs (867 ng/mL) in urine, amphetamine/methamphetamine (261 ng/mL) in urine, and methamphetamine (46 ng/mL) in blood. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) results revealed the presence of methamphetamine in the concentrations of 76 ng/mL of blood and 685 ng/mL of urine. The concentration of amphetamine was 52 ng/mL in blood and 320 ng/mL in urine. To determine the stereospecificity of these amines, the isolated amines from the biosamples were derivatized by a stereospecific agent, (S)-(−)-N-(trifluoroacetyl)-prolyl chloride, and characterized by a GC/MS method to be levorotatory. The 2.14 ratio of (−)-methamphetamine to (−)-amphetamine concentrations in the urine was consistent with a selegiline study in the recent literature. The stereospecific analysis, in conjunction with the history of the pilot being on Parkinson's medications, suggests that the source of these amines was selegiline. This conclusion substantiates the importance of the identification of enantiomers in evaluating and interpreting related analytical results for accident investigations.
Recommendations for Toxicological Investigations of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults
Authors: LeBeau M , Andollo W , Hearn WL , Baselt R , Cone E , Finkle B , Fraser D , Jenkins A , Mayer J , Negrusz A , Poklis A , Walls HC , Raymon L , Robertson M , Saady J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The recent increase in reports of drug-facilitated sexual assaults has caused alarm in the general public and prompted forensic toxicologists from across North America to address the toxicological issues surrounding this matter. The authors have developed recommendations and guidelines to inform law enforcement, medical, and scientific personnel of the requirements for performing successful toxicological examinations in cases of drug-facilitated rape.
Commentary on McIntyre IM, King CV, Staikos V, Gall J, Drummer OH. A Fatality Involving Moclobemide, Sertraline and Pimozide. J Forensic Sci 1997;42:951–53
Authors: Desta Z , Flockhart DA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Commentary on McIntyre IM, King CV, Staikos V, Gall J, Drummer OH. A fatality involving moclobemide, sertraline and pimozide. J Forensic Sci 1997;42:951–53