bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postmortem Stability and Interpretation of β2-Agonist Concentrations
Authors: Couper FJ , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper describes a series of stability and redistribution studies aimed at understanding the presence and significance of β2-agonists in asthma deaths. Salbutamol and terbutaline were shown to be stable in postmortem blood at 23°C for 1 week, 4°C for 6 months and −20°C for 1 to 2 years. However, fenoterol was shown to degrade at 23°C (83% loss), 4°C (93% loss) and −20°C (66% loss) over the same time. Salbutamol concentrations detected in blood taken at the time of body admission to the mortuary were not significantly different from the concentrations detected in blood taken from the same cases at the time of autopsy (45 h later). This suggests that significant postmortem redistribution of salbutamol is unlikely to occur during this period. Postmortem blood concentrations of at least salbutamol are likely to reflect the concentration of these drugs in the body at the time of death.
Aqueous Phase Hexylchloroformate Derivatization and Solid Phase Microextraction: Determination of Benzoylecgonnine in Urine by Gas Chromatography-Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hall BJ , Parikh AR , Brodbelt JS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A derivatization/solid phase microextraction (SPME) method for the determination of benzoylecgonine in urine was developed. The derivatization is conducted directly in 1 mL of urine while sonicating for 3 min with 12 μL of hexyl chloroformate and 70 μL of a mixture containing acetonitrile:water:hexanol:2-dimethylaminopyridine (5:2:2:1 v/v), yielding benzoylecgonine hexyl ester (BHE) as the product. After the 3 min period, an aliquot of 250 μL is transferred to a vial for SPME. After the desired extraction time the 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane SPME fiber was transferred to the GC-MS for separation and analysis with a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The hexyl chloroformate derivatization and SPME procedures were optimized for compatibility and sensitivity. The method was found linear for 0.10 to 20.0 μg/mL (r2 = 0.999) of benzoylecgonine in urine using benzoylecgonine-d3 as an internal standard (1.5 μg/mL). Intra-day precisions were 8.8 and 6.8% RSD for 0.30 μg/mL and 17 μg/mL benzoylecgonine standards in urine (n = 6), respectively. Inter-day precision (n = 3) were ≤3.3% RSD, indicating good reproducibility. A detection limit of 0.03 μg/mL (S/N = 3) was achieved, thus making the SPME method a simplified alternative to SPE for GC-MS confirmation after EMIT tests for benzoylecgonine which have a cutoff of 0.30 μg/mL. Quantitative results by SPME and SPE of two clinical urine specimens known positive for cocaine by EMIT were in excellent agreement. Benzoylecgonine was detected by the derivatization/SPME method in 22 out of 22 other urine specimens known positive for cocaine.
Determination of Postmortem Interval from Old Skeletal Remains by Image Analysis of Luminol Test Results
Authors: Introna F , Di Vella G , Campobasso CP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The luminol test is routinely used in forensic serology to locate blood traces and identify blood stains not visible to the naked eye; its sensitivity is reported as ranging from 1:100.000 to 1:5.000.000. To evaluate the possibility of correlating the post-mortem interval with blood remnants in bone tissue, the luminol test was performed on 80 femurs with a known time of death, grouped in five classes. Powdered bone (30 mg) was recovered from compact tissue of the mid-shaft of each femur and was treated with 0.1 mL of Luminol solution (Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories, Inc.). The reactions were observed in a dark room and filmed by a TV camera equipped with a recording tape. An intense chemiluminescence was observed after a few seconds in all 20 femurs with a PMI ranging from 1 month to 3 years. On the 20 femurs with a PMI ranging from 10–15 years, a clear chemiluminescence was visible with the naked eye in 80% of the sample. Among the 20 femurs with a PMI ranging from 25 to 35 years, a weaker chemiluminescence appeared in 7 femurs (33% of the sample). In the 10 femurs with a PMI ranging from 50 to 60 years, a faint reaction was observed only in a single femur. In none of the ten femurs with a PMI over 80 years was chemiluminescence observed. The image of each reaction was computerized and analyzed for gray scale. The results of image analysis show a possible quantitative relationship between the PMI and luminol chemiluminescence in powdered bone.
The Psychological Impact of Stalking on Female Undergraduates
Authors: Westrup D , Fremouw WJ , Thompson RN , Lewis SF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study examined the psychological impact of stalking upon female undergraduates, a population previously determined to experience a surprising stalking prevalence rate. Despite common understanding that stalking has deleterious effects, there have been no previous efforts to systematically assess them with standardized measures. Thirty-six female stalking victims were compared with 43 females who had been harassed and 48 controls. Psychological impact was assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale, the Symptom Checklist-90-R, and the Self-Report Interpersonal Trust Scale. Stalked subjects endorsed significantly more PTSD symptoms and with greater severity than the harassed or control subjects. Stalked subjects also had significantly higher scores on several subscales of the SCL-90, and had significantly higher positive symptom totals and distress indices.
Revisiting Arson from an Outpatient Forensic Perspective
Authors: Leong GB , Silva JA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Progress in the understanding of individuals who commit arson has been on a slow but steady course over the past two decades. From our review of court-ordered outpatient forensic psychiatric evaluation of individuals charged with arson over a five-year period, preliminary prototypical profiles of the psychotic, mentally retarded, alcohol abusing, and mood-disordered firesetter are offered. The clinical-legal relevance of our results are explored.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Section Award-Winning Paper of 1998
Authors: Rosner R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The current year, 1999, marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL). AAPL was created by fifteen forensic psychiatrists and (as of this date) has 1875 members. AAFS and its Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Section have a long history of cooperation with AAPL. Most notably, AAFS and the Forensic Sciences Foundation were co-sponsors with AAPL of the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry, Inc. Subsequently, AAFS and AAPL jointly sponsored the Accreditation Council on Fellowships in Forensic Psychiatry. For the past decade, an AAFS Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences liaison committee has presented programs at the annual AAPL conventions that are designed to introduce AAPL's forensic psychiatrists to AAFS's broad range of other forensic sciences.
Dementia as a Risk Factor for Homicide
Authors: Rayel MG , Land WB , Gutheil TG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We report a patient with dementia due to B-12 deficiency and syphilis who presented to a forensic hospital after killing his ex-wife with a gun. Despite current awareness on the occurrence of aggression and violence in patients with dementia, there has been no report discussing dementia secondary to an infectious or nutritional origin causing homicide or severe violent behavior. We discuss possible mechanisms and several predisposing factors for violent behavior in the elderly. We also discuss use and access of a gun in demented patients and its complications. We recommend availability of neuropsychiatric assessments in the elderly, limitation of gun access to demented patients and inquiry about weapon possession in the elderly.
Characteristics of Gunshot Wounds in the Skull
Authors: Quatrehomme G , İşcan MY 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The analysis of trauma to the skeleton is an important aspect of forensic case work, but most pathology references devote limited attention to this topic. This paper describes various aspects of gunshot wounds, including entrance and exit patterns, angle and path, range of fire and velocity, and caliber of the bullet, based on observations of a series of known cases. Skeletal remains of 21 victims of gunshot wounds were studied. In most cases, there was documentation of the investigation, autopsy, and victim's identity. Each case was analyzed in terms of wound location, shape, size and exit/entry surface area ratio, beveling, and direction of shooting. Skull entry wounds were most often round or oval. Unusual shapes were observed in bones like the mandible and mastoid process, but were also found to be triangular, nearly rectangular or irregular. Tunneling was observed in the mastoid process. The expected internal beveling was obvious in all but one skull. External beveling of an entry wound was only observed in one case (parietal bone). Exit wounds were roughly round, oval, square, and rectangular and were always more irregular than entry wounds. External beveling of exit wounds was observed in most vault bones, but there was none in the orbit, maxilla, greater wing of the sphenoid, temporal, or left occipital bone. Tangential gunshot wounds were seen in a mastoid process, zygomatic process, mandibular ramus and condyle, and occipital condyle. Most of the exit to entry surface area ratios (cm2) varied from 1.4 to 2.0. In four cases the ratio indicated that entrances were larger than exists. In conclusion, understanding of gunshot wound characteristics is an important matter to interpret distance, velocity, direction and sometimes caliber size. Assessment of this nature of gunshot wounds helps reconstruct events surrounding the death.
Calculation of Percent Shrinkage in Human Fetal Diaphyseal Lengths from Fresh Bone to Carbonized and Calcined Bone Using Petersohn and Köhler's Data
Authors: Huxley AK , Kósa F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Calculation of age from fetal and newborn remains may be problematic, and when these remains are altered by maceration, decomposition or burning, age may be more difficult to discern. When soft tissue indicators are transformed, then two techniques exist for accurate age determination; dental development, which may prove difficult given the degree of tissue alteration; and appearance, size and fusion of ossification centers, including diaphyseal length, which may yield inaccurate ages if shrinkage is not accounted for. This study is undertaken to facilitate age calculation by systematically re-evaluating diaphyseal shrinkage and determine shrinkage rates from wet to carbonized states and wet to calcined states using Petersohn and Köhler's data, originally published in German and then published in Fazekas and Kósa (1978:362–369). Average shrinkage, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values are calculated for each diaphysis and then for all diaphyses between 4–10 lunar months (LM) and for newborns. Associated values for carbonized diaphyses are: 4 LM-32.50% ± 12.12%; 5 LM-14.04% ± 4.44%; 6 LM-6.78% ± 1.06%; 7 LM-4.18% ± 0.31%; 8 LM-3.47% ± 0.42%; 9 LM-3.05% ± 0.18%; 10 LM-2.46% ± 0.67%; and in newborns 2.16% ± 0.29%. Similar values for calcined diaphyses are: 4 LM-40.11% ± 17.51%; 5 LM-18.29% ± 4.42%; 6 LM-9.84% ± 1.27%; 7 LM-9.82% ± 0.51%; 8 LM-9.42% ± 0.72%; 9 LM-9.45% ± 0.33%; 10 LM-8.94% ± 0.37%; and in newborns 8.96% ± 0.49%. These findings suggest that percent shrinkage due to carbonization and calcination is greatest in the earliest age groups, decreasing substantially with advancing age. The rates of shrinkage, however, vary by the burning process utilized and age group studied. These general findings are similar to those of Petersohn and Köhler, yet specific values for percent shrinkage vary greatly from values cited in this analysis. These data provide a means to assess the degree of shrinkage that occurs for each diaphysis for each given age group.
Allocation of Crania to Groups Via the “New Morphometry”
Authors: Ross AH , McKeown AH , Konigsberg LW 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An investigation regarding the variation in cranial morphology between American blacks and whites was conducted using triangulation schemes of inter-landmark distances and converting these to three dimensional coordinate data. A least squares superimposition method and Euclidean distance analysis were utilized to obtain parameters for classifying individuals in our sample, consisting of 19 black and nineteen white crania from the William M. Bass, III Donated and Forensic collections curated at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Thirty-six caliper measurements were collected on each skull based on 14 homologous cranial landmarks (nasion, bregma, lambda, prosthion, subspinale, basion, frontomalare (left and right), zygoorbitale (left and right), zygotemporale (left and right), and left and right asterion). The results are compared to traditional discriminant analysis.
The classification results using the new morphometry are comparable to traditional discriminant analysis. However, the new morphometry can provide information as to the specific location of morphological variation that cannot be obtained with discriminant analysis.
Japanese Population Study of a Y-Linked Dinucleotide Repeat DNA Polymorphism
Authors: Matsumoto H , Tsuruya S , Tsuda R , Orihara Y , Kubo S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A polymorphic CA repeats (YCA II) was previously reported on the human Y chromosome. We have used a simple technique based on polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to study the inheritance, the genetic stability, and the allele frequency distribution of this polymorphism in the Japanese. We found seven haplotypes which were tentatively designated as: A[(CA)19/(CA)21], B[(CA)19/(CA)22], C[(CA)19/(CA)23], D[(CA)19/(CA)19], E[(CA)21/(CA)21], F[(CA)22/(CA)22], and G[(CA)23/(CA)23]. The frequencies of these haplotypes were: A, 0.21; B, 0.29; C, 0.37; D, 0.02; E, 0.02; F, 0.07; G, 0.01. There was complete concordance with each father-son pairs. The results indicate the dinucleotide system YCA II is very useful for investigation of forensic samples, especially mixed stains in sexual offence cases.
PCR-Based Identification of Postmortem Microbial Contaminants—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kupfer DM , Chaturvedi AK , Canfield DV , Roe BA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Investigation of postmortem blood can reveal the presence of significant ethanol levels. However, in some instances it cannot easily be determined if the source of ethanol is from ingestion or from postmortem endogenous fermentation by contaminating microbes. Described here is a robust polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for detecting the presence of common ethanol producing microbial contaminants in human blood. A set of DNA primers were designed for use in PCR to amplify and detect the genomic DNA from humans and three test microorganisms Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Candida albicans. A rapid and reproducible protocol was developed for isolating genomic DNA from mixed human blood-microorganism samples that yields a suitable template for PCR. The organism-specific primer pairs can detect the presence of the target microorganisms in human blood at concentrations as low as 10 colony forming units/mL. The PCR products readily can be detected after agarose gel electrophoresis. This method provides an additional means of rapidly identifying microbial contaminants in postmortem blood samples.
Validation Studies of an Immunochromatographic 1-Step Test for the Forensic Identification of Human Blood
Authors: Hochmeister MN , Budowle B , Sparkes R , Rudin O , Gehrig C , Thali M , Schmidt L , Cordier A , Dirnhofer R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
An immunochromatographic 1-step test for the detection of fecal occult blood was evaluated for applicability for the forensic identification of human blood in stained material. The following experiments were conducted: 1) determination of the sensitivity and specificity of the assay; 2) evaluation of different extraction media for bloodstains (sterile water, Tris buffer pH 7.5 provided in the test kit, 5% ammonia); 3) analysis of biological samples subjected to a variety of environmental insults; and 4) evaluation of casework samples.
This immunochromatographic 1-step occult blood test is specific for human (primate) hemoglobin and is at least an order of magnitude more sensitive than previous methods for detecting human hemoglobin in bloodstains. The antigen is insensitive to a variety of environmental insults, except for exposure to certain detergents and household bleaches and prolonged exposure to certain preparations of luminol.
The entire assay can be conducted in field testing conditions within minutes. When in the laboratory the supernatant from a DNA extraction is used for the assay, there is essentially no consumption of DNA for determining the presence of human hemoglobin in a forensic sample. The data demonstrate that this test is robust and suitable for forensic analyses.
Triacetone Triperoxide: Its Chemical Destruction
Authors: Bellamy AJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Due to the known use of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) as an improvized explosive by terrorist organizations, it is essential that those involved in dealing with suspect materials should be aware of the characteristic properties of TATP, and have a means for disposing of it. This paper evaluates possible methods for disposing of TATP and describes in detail a convenient chemical reduction method. The risks involved in handling this sensitive explosive are shown to be considerably reduced by dissolving it in toluene.
The Detection of Cocaine in Hair Specimens Using Micro-Plate Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Moore C , Deitermann D , Lewis D , Feeley B , Niedbala RS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The analysis of hair for drugs of abuse is becoming increasingly popular and is under consideration by the Division of Health and Human Services as a possible alternative or adjunct to urinalysis in workplace programs. The detection of cocaine in human hair using a commercially available micro-plate enzyme immunoassay is described for the first time. Sample size and incubation time were the major variables in the optimization of the method. In order to validate the procedure, the method was applied to 105 consecutive hair samples routinely received into our laboratory. The samples were simultaneously analyzed by the Micro-Plate immunoassay (EIA), as well as our current fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) procedure and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The sensitivity of the EIA and FPIA assays were 75% and 67.8% respectively; specificity 97.4% and 80.5% respectively; and efficiency 91.4 and 77.1% respectively. The Micro-Plate EIA was shown to be a valid alternative to other immunoassay screening methods for the detection of cocaine in hair by demonstrating increased sensitivity, specificity and efficiency over our current technique.
Photographic Identification of Denim Trousers from Bank Surveillance Film
Authors: Bruegge RWV 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The ability to identify denim trousers (e.g., “blue jeans”) from bank surveillance film through side-by-side comparison is documented herein. Individual identifying characteristics that are generated in the manufacturing process and during normal wear-and-tear may be recognized on denim trousers and in photographs depicting those trousers. These characteristics may include folds, creases, and puckering which manifest themselves as high and low areas (“ridges and valleys”) along and adjacent to the seams and hems. As the jeans are worn and washed over time, the visibility of these ridges and valleys is amplified through abrasion of the ridges, resulting in a loss of dark dye and marked tonal brightening. Given sufficient abrasion, even small ridges may exhibit sufficient contrast against the dye-rich background to be recorded on bank surveillance films, permitting a comparison with trousers recovered from suspects. The application of this technique in a case involving a series of bombings and bank robberies in Spokane. Washington, is discussed.
Removal of a PCR Inhibitor and Resolution of DNA STR Types in Mixed Human-Canine Stains from a Five Year Old Case
Authors: Shutler GG , Gagnon P , Verret G , Kalyn H , Korkosh S , Johnston E , Halverson J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The analysis of biological trace evidence from a reopened investigation into a 1991 murder from Vernon, B.C. revealed mixed human and dog bloodstains on blue jean pants that contained a PCR inhibitory substance. The presence of the inhibitory substance was detected by the inhibition caused from adding a small aliquot of the test DNA extract into a PCR reaction designed to produce a known standard product. The removal of the PCR inhibitory substance was accomplished by treating the extracted DNA with Thiopropyl Sepharose 6B beads. DNA profiles from two human contributors and a canine were obtained using species specific polymorphic STR markers. The two human DNA profiles obtained from blue jean pants were resolved, one matched the suspect and the other matched the victim. The DNA profile from the canine component matched that obtained from the known sample of the victim's dog who was also slain during the assault. This evidence along with other DNA typing evidence was critical in obtaining a resolution of the case.
Paternity Analysis when the Putative Father is Missing: First Case in Chile
Authors: Jorquera H , Cifuentes L , Moreno F , Aguirre E 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Genetic marker analysis is a powerful tool for solving paternity-related problems when the putative father is missing. This report describes the first time this approach was employed in Chile to solve such a problem. In the case presented, the alleged father was missing as a result of the political detentions that took place in Chile during 1973. It was not possible to obtain any biological sample from him because he was missing. Thus, the case was resolved by means of genetic marker analysis of the alleged father's close relatives.
Identification of a Skeleton Using DNA from Teeth and a PAP Smear
Authors: Sweet D , Hildebrand D , Phillips D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Identification of unknown living or deceased persons using dental treatment records is an established forensic technique. However, some cases remain unidentified, especially when antemortem dental records are not available for comparison to postmortem dental records. Cytological smears have been previously reported to be potential sources of DNA reference samples which can be compared to DNA recovered from found human remains. The case described here involves an adult skeleton which exhibited extensive, complex dental restorative treatment. A putative identification of the found skeleton as a missing woman was established using circumstantial evidence found at the scene. However, it became important to establish a positive identification using reliable scientific methods. When it was discovered that antemortem dental records were not available because the treatment was completed in another country and the treating dentist could not be found, cytological smears stained with Papanicolaou (PAP) stain obtained from the putative decedent's medical records were used as a reference DNA sample. DNA was recovered from the teeth of the skeleton using cryogenic grinding. Comparison of the genotypes resulted in the conclusion that the DNA originated from the same source. The use of PAP smears in this way is seen as a valuable resource in cases where positive identification using traditional dental and medical records is not possible.