bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-Amplification Primer Extension of Heat-Denatured AmpliType® PCR Products: Effects on Typing Results
Authors: Grow M , Phillips V , Reynolds R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Alleles of the HLA DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HGBB, D7S8 and GC loci, which are amplified using the AmpliType® PM PCR Reaction Mix and Primer Set, can be detected using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes immobilized on a nylon membrane strip. Using reagents supplied in AmpliType PCR Amplification and Typing Kits, patterns of blue dots corresponding to particular alleles are visualized on the DNA probe strips. Frequently, the correct interpretation of typing results is dependent not only on the presence of probe signals but also on their relative intensities. The relative probe signal intensities obtained from an undegraded DNA sample extracted from a single individual will be different from those obtained from degraded DNA and from samples containing DNA from more than one source. Because probe signal intensity is an essential consideration for interpretation, factors that can influence it need to be identified. Clearly, the time and temperature of the assay steps and the salt concentration in the typing solutions can affect probe signal intensity. Also, if heat-denatured PCR products are allowed to cool for several minutes, the strands will reanneal and become unavailable for binding to the probes immobilized on the strips. However, the selective loss of GC B and HLA DQA1 4.1 probe signals observed after shorter cooling times cannot be explained by these factors. We demonstrate that following heat denaturation of PM PCR products there is sufficient residual Taq DNA polymerase activity to extend primers as the solution cools and that this primer extension occurs at a more rapid rate than PCR product reannealing. Primer extension across probe binding sites will prevent hybridization of the PCR product to complementary probes on the strip. The extent of signal reduction is dependent on the position of the probe binding site relative to the 3′ ends of the primers and on the strand to which the probe is complementary. We recommend a simple modification to the AmpliType typing protocol to ensure all probe binding sites will be available for hybridization to PM and HLA DQA1 DNA probe strips.
An Introduction to the Gel Pen
Authors: Gernandt MN , Urlaub JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A new “class” of writing ink, whose ink has new chemical features, is being introduced into the United States from Japan. The new ink is known as gel ink and it is water-based. It can be differentiated from the traditional water-based roller ball and porous tip class of writing inks by its chemical composition and physical properties. Gel inks differ from other water-based inks by the incorporation of colored pigments to give the inks a full range of colors without the use of colored dyestuffs commonly used in water-based inks. Other differences include gel ink's high viscosity, leading to the name “gel ink.” The gel pen is visually identifiable and different in appearance from other writing instruments by its clear outside barrel and fill tube, which contains the pigmented gel ink. The pen housing and fill tube is clear in order to display the actual color of ink. The plastic fill tube will be a larger diameter than the tube found in a ballpen and will contain a clear silicon grease plug. Gel inks are tested and differentiated from other writing inks by the same battery of tests used in the past. Nondestructively, gel pen writing can be visually examined for ink absorption into the paper fibers, color difference and overall line quality of the writing. Ultraviolet and infrared light examinations will also aid in differentiating gel inks from other writing inks. Destructive methods of testing gel ink may prove to be the most identifiable and demonstrative of all the available tests. Thin layer chromatography may be used to separate detectable components of inks. Gel inks that contain pigments and no dyestuffs for separation, will have a negative reaction in this area. The gel pen is a unique writing instrument because of the chemistry in the gel coupled with a new pen design. The water-based gel ink is environmentally friendly and permanent. These attributes may allow the gel pen a sizeable impact on the U.S. market.
Elimination of Fluconazole Interference in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometric Confirmation of Benzoylecgonine, the Major Metabolite of Cocaine Using Pentafluoropropionyl Derivative
Authors: Dasgupta A , Mahle C , McLemore J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Cocaine is a widely abused drug and causes death from overdose. Benzoylecgonine, the major metabolite of cocaine in urine is usually confirmed after derivatization by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to demonstrate cocaine abuse. Recently, Wu et al. demonstrated that fluonazole coelutes with benzotlecgonine after conversion to trimethylsilyl analogs and causes false-negative result in the confirmation test. However, fluconazole did not interfere with the screening assay using a enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique. We demonstrated that by converting benzoylecgonine to the corresponding pentafluoropropionyl derivative, the interference of fluconazole can be completely eliminated. The pentafluoropropionyl derivative of benzoylecgonine eluted at 14.7 min while the derivatized fluconazole eluted at 15.6 min. The mass spectral fragmentation pattern of derivatized benzoylecgonine was distinctively different from the mass spectral features of derivatized fluconazole in both electron ionization and chemical ionization mode of operation of mass spectrometers. The quantitation of benzoylecgonine in positive urine specimens has not affected when the specimens were supplemented with 50 μg/mL of fluconazole.
Two Fatal Cases of Dichloromethane or Chloroform Poisoning
Authors: Kim NY , Park SW , Suh JK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The two cases presented here involve deaths that were due to dichloromethane or chloroform poisoning. The dichloromethane and chloroform were determined in biological specimens by headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector. In one case, dichloromethane concentrations found were 252 mg/L (blood), 75 mg/kg (brain) and 30 mg/kg (heart). From the case investigation, it was determined that the death was accidental but related to the dichloromethane poisoning. In the other case, chloroform concentrations were 60 mg/kg (blood) and 14 mg/kg (lungs), respectively. This case, the cause of death was chloroform poisoning by forced inhalation in addition to oronasal obstruction.
Postmortem Stability of Cocaine and Cocaethylene in Blood and Tissues of Humans and Rabbits
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A study was conducted to examine the postmortem stability of cocaine and cocaethylene in rabbit blood and tissues, and to determine whether cocaethylene is produced in decomposed human specimens containing cocaine and endogenous ethanol. Heart blood, liver, brain and femoral muscle taken from rabbits 20 min after oral administration of 20 mg/kg cocaine together with 2 g/kg ethanol were kept at 20–25°C for 5 days. Cocaine and cocaethylene concentrations were in the order brain&gt;liver&gt;muscle&gt;blood, and showed very large intersubject variations at the time of death. Cocaine was degraded rapidly in the blood and liver. However, 12.0 ± 8.5% and 26.2 ± 19.4% of the original cocaine was still detectable in the brain and muscle, respectively. Cocaethylene was degraded more slowly than cocaine in all of the specimens. The pH of the blood remained around 7.4 during a 5-day period; all the other specimens showed pH values of 6.2–6.7 on and after the first day postmortem. When 10,000 ng/g cocaine was incubated with decomposed human blood, liver, brain and muscle homogenates containing 0.29–0.60 mg/g endogenous ethanol at 20–25°C and 37°C, no change in cocaine concentration was observed during the study period of 24 h, and no cocaethylene was detected. The pH values of the homogenates were within the range 4.2 to 5.2 at the beginning of the experiment. It was found that: 1) cocaethylene was more stable in postmortem specimens than cocaine; 2) muscle as well as brain was specimen of choice for detecting cocaine and cocaethylene postmortem; 3) cocaine was resistant to decomposition under acidic conditions; and 4) putrefactive bacteria had no ability to produce cocaethylene even in the presence of cocaine and endogenous ethanol.
Initial Studies on Insect Succession on Carrion in Southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Anderson GS , VanLaerhoven SL 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This is the first report of an ongoing study of insect succession on carrion in British Columbia. Pig (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were used as human models to determine insect succession on carrion over time in an open, sunlit, rural area in summer in southwestern British Columbia, in order to begin a database of insect colonization of carrion in this province. Insects colonized the remains in sequence over 271 days postmortem. Some species, in particular, those in the Piophilidae and Dermestidae families, were collected earlier in the decomposition process than usually reported from other regions, probably indicating geographic variation in colonization times. Maggot activity raised internal carcass temperature, but minimum and maximum internal temperatures fluctuated more than ambient temperatures, with diel internal temperature differences of more than 35°C. Soil fauna also showed considerable changes in identity and number of species, and had not returned to pre-carcass levels 271 days postmortem.
The Incidence of Acute Cocaine or Methamphetamine Intoxication in Deaths Due to Ruptured Cerebral (Berry) Aneurysms
Authors: Davis GG , Swalwell CI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Acute intoxication with either cocaine or methamphetamine may contribute to formation and rupture of a berry aneurysm by causing transient hypertension and tachycardia. We report the results of a retrospective study to determine the incidence of acute cocaine or methamphetamine intoxication in deaths due to ruptured berry aneurysm in our jurisdictions. We reviewed all deaths from ruptured cerebral aneurysms that fell within our jurisdictions during the seven years from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 1993 and found 83 cases. The mechanism of death invariably involved subarachnoid hemorrhage, although some cases also had intracerebral hemorrhage. A history of drug abuse was found in 13 cases. Toxicological analysis was performed in 39 cases. Of these methamphetamine was detected in six cases and cocaine in three cases—an incidence of 21%. (In one case both methamphetamine and cocaine were detected.) The incidence of acute cocaine intoxication in all autopsies in Jefferson County was 13.6%. The incidence of methamphetamine intoxication in all autopsies in San Diego County was 4.9%.
Although the exact mechanism by which berry aneurysms form remains undetermined, research indicates that propagation and rupture of the aneurysm are aggravated by hypertension and tachycardia, both of which are pharmacologic side effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. Based on the preponderance of methamphetamine associated with deaths due to ruptured berry aneurysms it appears that methamphetamine is more toxic than cocaine, perhaps owing to the longer half-life of methamphetamine.
Caliber Estimation from Cranial Entrance Defect Measurements
Authors: Ross AH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Caliber estimation from entrance defects has long been rejected by forensic scientists. This appears to be a consequence of soft tissue perspective of forensic pathologists. This study examined the relation between caliber and cranial entrance defects and maximum cranial thickness. The calibers considered in this inquiry were .22, .25, .32, and .38. The sample consisted of 73 specimens obtained at autopsy (thirty-seven of .22 caliber, five of .25, six of .32, and twenty-five of .38).
To test the strength of the relation between caliber, minimum diameter, and maximum thickness Pearson correlation coefficients were conducted. The strongest relationship was observed between caliber and minimum diameter. A relationship between minimum diameter and maximum thickness was also observed. To test the null hypothesis that the mean minimum diameter is not significantly different between calibers an analysis of variance procedure was performed. The ANOVA yielded a strong relationship between dependent variable minimum diameter and caliber. Multiple regression analysis measuring the association between minimum diameter, caliber, and maximum thickness was also conducted. The Pr &gt; F .0001 suggests that the overall model is significant.
Discriminant functions and canonical variables were obtained. Classification was first performed by using two values small and large calibers. The large caliber group consisted of .38, while the small caliber group included .22, .25, and .32. The correct classification rate using crossvalidation for large caliber is 86.96%, and 93.33% for the group small caliber. A narrower classification was also performed by using three values, .23 caliber (.22 and .25 calibers grouped), .32, and .38 as the criterion variable groups also using minimum diameter and maximum thickness as predictors. The correct classification rate using crossvalidation is 82.02% for .23 caliber, 73.94% for .38 caliber, and 16.67% for .32 caliber defects. The discriminant functions can be used with appropriate caution to classify observations into groups defined by caliber using minimum diameter and maximum thickness as the predictors. Caution is suggested when attempting to estimate caliber from defects that are not produced from the perpendicular entrance of a bullet.
Dangerous Delusional Misidentification and Homicide
Authors: Arturo Silva J , Harry BE , Leong GB , Weinstock R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case involving a delusional misidentification syndrome associated with homicide is presented. The anglophonic literature concerning delusional misidentification and homicide is reviewed. Delusional misidentification may be a risk factor for potential violence toward others, including homicide of a delusionally misidentified person.
Purification and Determination Procedure of Coumarin Derivatives
Authors: Park SW , Seo BS , Kim EH , Kim DH , Paeng K-J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Anticoagulant coumarin derivatives, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, warfarin, and coumatetralyl were analyzed simultaneously with a modified analytical method. The method includes purification by Sep-Pak cartridge and HPLC analysis using isocratic elution with methanol: 0.8% Acetic acid (8:2). The recoveries of coumarin derivatives from biological samples ranged from 96 to 99%. The concentrations of coumarin derivatives in intoxicated rats' organ were also determined with this analytical procedure.
Chasing the Casing: A 38 Special Suicide
Authors: Skinker DM , Coyne CM , Lanham C , Hunsaker JC 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Multiple self-inflicted gunshot wounds of the head are uncommon. Detailed history, scene investigation, autopsy findings, consideration of ballistics, and evidentiary proceedings are necessary to determine the manner of death in these cases.
This report involves a pattern of atypical, self-inflicted bullet wounds of the head of a 26-year-old male. Investigation confirmed that a single eyewitness and several earwitnesses reported a single discharge of a firearm. The eyewitness testified that the decedent singly discharged a Smith & Wesson revolver, caliber .38 Special, to the right side of his head after interposing several objects between the muzzle and his skin immediately prior to discharge. He was declared brain dead two days later.
At necropsy two contiguous atypical entry wounds were present in the right preauricular temple. The inferior wound was interpreted to be a near contact wound. The gray metal slug fragmented, creating separate tracks to the right maxillary sinus and the mid left posterior cerebrum, respectively. The larger, atypical wound of entry was associated with passage of the projectile through the right temporalis muscle and squamous temporal bone. The projectile, consisting of a slightly distorted empty metallic cartridge case containing a “live” primer, was recovered from its point of final lodgment in the right temporal lobe.
The literature addressing paired entry wounds following single discharge of the firearm with interposed targets is relatively sparse. Cases reporting multiple bullet wounds involving suicide are only sporadically reported. This report summarizes the investigative findings supporting the determination of the manner of death and revealing the interesting origin of the “misplaced” casing.
Walkeway Safety: An Overview
Authors: Marpet MI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
At the 1995 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Seattle, Washington, the Engineering Science section hosted two program sessions on walkway safety. Of the dozen papers presented at that meeting, five papers were distilled into four of the six papers, technical reports, and case reports which follow in this journal. The two other papers were first submitted to the Journal of Forensic Sciences, and later abstracted and presented at the walkway-safety track in the Engineering Science section of the 1996 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Together, the six papers that follow this introduction should give the reader an understanding of many of the major issues in walkway safety.
On Threshold Values That Separate Pedestrian Walkways That Are Slip Resistant from Those That Are Not
Authors: Marpet MI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Pedestrian accidents generate significant direct, morbidity and mortality costs. Slip accidents are generally a result of a number of factors. One factor that has received considerable attention is the walkway-surface slipperiness. It is desirable to be able to isolate, to the extent possible, the contribution of the walkway surface to slipperiness.
It has been the practice of those involved in evaluating walkway slip resistance to test the floor against a standard test foot under specified conditions and compare the results of that testing against a threshold. Those walkway surfaces that produce a friction coefficient above the threshold are considered acceptable.
Past and present tests and associated thresholds are discussed. Abuse issues are discussed.
It is recommended that field tests measure the available friction with a tribometer capable of correctly characterizing the friction model experienced by the pedestrian and compare that against a utilized friction threshold, determined by normative or force-plate means, for activities foreseeable in the area where a fall occurs.
Viscoelastic Characteristics of Typical Shoe Outsole Materials and Their Effects on Walkway Friction Models
Authors: Medoff HP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The physical laws governing the forces encountered when two materials in contact move, or tend to move, relative to another, have been developed over the last three hundred years. The assumptions used in these theories considered materials to be elastic in nature. A number of problems arise in applying these theories to footwear outsole materials. For example, the materials can be viscoelastic, which can alter their response to applied loads. Friction in elastomers has been shown to be made up of two different terms: adhesion and deformation. Waves of detachment have been observed in sliding elastomers that are the result of viscoelastic instability at the contact surface. Although this has been established in various laboratory tests, it has not been shown that typical conditions encountered during gait (forces, walking/sliding speed, temperatures, pressures) fit the adhesion/deformation model of elastomers. Available methods to measure/simulate friction during gait are controversial. Viscoelastic materials properties can vary with rate of loading, including friction and mechanical. Tensile tests at various strain rates were performed on typical commercially available shoe outsole materials-leather, and Neolite®. The results did not show any significant trend with respect to strain rate and measured mechanical properties.
Required Coefficient of Friction Versus Top-Piece/Outsole Hardness and Walking Speed: Significance of Correlations
Authors: Fendley AE , Medoff HP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Slip resistance of shoes in relation to walkway surfaces is of importance to forensic science. Pedestrians adapt to changes in shoe construction, walkway, and interface characteristics by altering patterns of movement. The instantaneous ratio of tangential to normal ground reaction forces (required coefficient of friction) is affected by such movement alterations. Slip probability depends on the ratio of required to available coefficient of friction (μr/μa). However, there are practical problems in application of this concept. Adequate assessments of the safety of footwear/walkway-surface interactions should take into account subject tests of μr in actual walking scenarios as well as material tests of μa and relevant footwear/walkway characteristics.
Based on the literature, this paper discusses the relationship of μr to top-piece/outsole hardness and walking speed. A pilot experiment is described in which subjects walked across a force plate at a series of increasing speeds wearing shoes with the top-piece/outsoles replaced by various test materials. Correlations of μr versus top-piece/outsole hardness and walking speed are presented from data analysis of a single representative subject. The paper explores how biomechanical adaptations of the subject to his foot-wear may account for the fair-moderate correlations observed.
A Target Fiber Study Using Cinema and Car Seats as Recipient Items
Authors: Palmer R , Chinherende V 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A target fiber study using two garments purchased from two major UK clothing retail chains was carried out using cinema and car seats as potential recipient items. A total of 17 acrylic fibers matching one of the target garments and six cotton fibers matching the remaining target garment were found on the recipient items. The limitation of using white light comparison microscopy alone is demonstrated. The findings of this study illustrate that the evidential value of matching fibers is heavily dependent on the number and type of tests used in a given comparison.
A Free Zone Capillary Electrophoresis Method for the Quantitation of Common Illicit Drug Samples
Authors: Walker JA , Marché HL , Newby N , Bechtold EJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper presents a simple quantitative method using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with liquid cooling to analyze commonly seized illicit substances. Fourteen common basic drugs were screened using a 200mM sodium phosphate run buffer. Linearity and reproducibility are shown for cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and phencyclidine (PCP). Known adulterants and impurities did not interfere with these drug compounds. Comparisons of CE quantitations with results from other laboratory techniques demonstrate the reliable adaptation of CE to the forensic laboratory.
Homicide Among Youth and Young Adults, 15 Through 29 Years of Age. A Report of 138 Cases from Paris and Its Suburbs, 1991–1993
Authors: Fornes P , Druilhe L , Lecomte D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Recent surveys of some metropolitan areas in the United States have shown an increasing death rate as a result of violence among adolescents and young adults. In France, there has been no systematic research into the characteristics of homicide among youth and young adults. We have attempted from autopsy and police records to determine the incidence and the circumstances of homicides in the 15 to 29 age group, in Paris and its suburbs, during the past 3 years.
The main results are as follows: