bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Effects of Degradation and Template Concentration on the Amplification Efficiency of the STR Miniplex Primer Sets
Authors: Chung DT , Drábek J , Opel KL , Butler JM , McCord BR 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
In forensic DNA analysis, the samples recovered from the crime scene are often highly degraded leading to poor PCR amplification of the larger sized STR loci. To avoid this problem, we have developed STR markers with redesigned primer sequences called "Miniplexes" to produce smaller amplicons. To assess the effectiveness of these kits, we have tested these primer sets with enzymatically degraded DNA and compared the amplifications to a commercial kit. We also conducted sensitivity and peak balance studies of three Miniplex sets. Lastly, we report a case study on two human skeletal remain samples collected from different environmental conditions. In both types of degraded DNA, the Miniplex primer sets were capable of producing more complete profiles when compared to the larger sized amplicons from the commercial kit. Correct genotypes were obtained at template concentrations as low as 31 pg/25 цL. Overall, our data confirm that our redesigned primers can increase the probability of obtaining a usable profile in situations where standard kits fail.
Virtopsy: Forensic Traumatology of the Subcutaneous Fatty Tissue; Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as Diagnostic Tools
Authors: Yen K , Vock P , Tiefenthaler B , Ranner G , Scheurer E , Thali MJ , Zwygart K , Sonnenschein M , Wiltgen M , Dirnhofer R 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Traumatic lesions of the subcutaneous fatty tissue provide important clues for forensic reconstruction. The interpretation of these patterns requires a precise description and recording of the position and extent of each lesion. During conventional autopsy, this evaluation is performed by dissecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues in successive layers.
In this way, depending on the force and type of impact (right angle or tangent), several morphologically distinct stages of fatty tissue damage can be differentiated: perilobular hemorrhage (I), contusion (II), or disintegration (III) of the fat lobuli, and disintegration with development of a subcutaneous cavity (IV).
In examples of virtopsy cases showing blunt trauma to the skin and fatty tissue, we analyzed whether these lesions can also be recorded and classified using multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MSCT has proven to be a valuable screening method to detect the lesions, but MRI is necessary in order to properly differentiate and classify the grade of damage. These noninvasive radiological diagnostic tools can be further developed to play an important role in forensic examinations, in particular when it comes to evaluating living trauma victims.
Recovery and Identification of the Victims of the Ehime Maru/USS Greeneville Collision at Sea
Authors: Lewis JA , Shiroma CY , Guenthner KV , Dunn KN 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This paper describes the recovery and identification of crew members lost during a collision at sea. On 9 February 2001, south of Honolulu, Hawaii, the Japanese fishing training boat, Ehime Maru was struck by the USS Greeneville (SSN 772), a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine. Witnesses estimate that the vessel sank within 5–10 min after the collision. Nine of the 35 crew members remained unaccounted for after rescue procedures were completed. The U.S. Navy attempted the unprecedented procedure of moving the boat from a depth of 610 m (2000 ft) into shallower waters so that the missing could be located and recovered. Eight of the nine crew members were recovered and identified by their dental records.
Esophageal and Pharyngeal Injuries Associated with the Use of the Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube
Authors: Stoppacher R , Teggatz JR , Jentzen J M 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The Combitube® is a ventilatory device consisting of a twin lumen tube with proximal and distal inflatable cuffs. The major benefit of the Combitube® is that its design and function allow for ventilation through non-laryngoscope-assisted insertion into either the trachea, or esophagus. As with any invasive procedure, intubation using the Combitube® carries certain risks and potential complications. The majority of complications are relatively minor; however, a rare and serious complication reported primarily in the anesthesiology literature is laceration of the esophagus. This reportedly rare injury is increasingly seen by medical examiners/coroners in the forensic setting.
This paper presents a series of three cases of esophageal laceration and a single case of perforation of the hypopharynx associated with the use of the Combitube®, while also exploring potential mechanisms of injury. In addition, this work demonstrates the vital role the medical examiner/coroner plays in identifying existing or potential problems with current or emerging medical devices.
Development of a Simulation Model to Assess the Impact of Contamination in Casework Using STRs
Authors: Gill P , Kirkham A 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Because contamination is usually tube-specific, negative controls cannot give assurance that an associated batch of extracted casework material is contaminant-free. However, it is possible to use them to predict the level of overall (undetected) contamination that is processed by an operational DNA unit. A MATLAB®-based program was used to combine results of negative controls with actual casework DNA profiles to assess the probability that laboratory contaminants will give rise to reportable profiles (along with their likelihood ratios). Using data from an operational DNA unit as an example, it was demonstrated that the risk is inextricably linked to guidelines used to interpret DNA profiles. We have demonstrated how computer-based models can predict the levels of contamination expected in the process and, in addition, how the process can be made more robust by changing reporting guidelines. There is a need to compare DNA profiles against staff and plasticware elimination databases in order to determine sources of contamination. The likeliest outcome of a contamination event is false exclusion.
Frequency of Serial Sexual Homicide Victimization in Virginia for a Ten-Year Period
Authors: McNamara JJ , Morton RJ 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe frequency of serial sexual murder has been widely discussed, and estimates of the number of victims in the United States range from 500 to 6000 per year. This study attempted to quantify the number of serial sexual murder victims in Virginia for a ten-year period. Multiple sources of data were utilized, including Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) case files, FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) reports, Virginia State Police ViCAP reports, Virginia Homicide Investigators Association, and the Virginia Division of Forensic Science DNA database, to effectively cull out all the known serial sexual murder victims for the given time period. Review of these records revealed a total of 28 victims of serial sexual murder, compared with a total of 5183 murder victims for the same ten-year period. The frequency of serial sexual victimization was 0.5% of all homicides for the given period. These results highlight the unusual frequency of serial sexual murder. Erratum to this paper appears in 49(3).
Autosomic STR Loci (HUMTPOX, HUMTH01, HUMVWA, D18S535, D1S1656 and D12S391) in San Salvador (El Salvador, Central America)
Authors: Martínez-Jarreta B , Vásquez P , Abecia E , Garde M , de Blás I , Budowle B 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This study involved the analysis of six STR in 120 male individuals from San Salvador which is the capital city of El Salvador (Central America). They represent a prominent population of the country: Mestizos who are descendents of Spanish and Amerindian people. The data can be used for forensic and paternity analyses where this population may be relevant.
Human Y-Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat DXYS156 in an Indian Population Sample
Authors: Ghosh A , Seshadri M 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Allele frequencies for Y-specific short tandem repeat (STR) locus DXYS156 was determined for 120 male individuals from India. DXYS156 locus maps to the short arm of the Y-chromosome (Yp) and consists of a pentanucleotide repeat (TAAAA)n. The samples used for the present study belonged to four endogamous population groups: Konkanastha Brahmins, Marathas, Ezhavas and Nairs. The former two populations belonged to the western region while the latter two groups are from the southwestern region of India.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of TPO and CD4 Loci Among Two Endogamous Ethnic Groups of Maharashtra in Western India
Authors: Das B , Seshadri M 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Molecular genetic polymorphism study was undertaken in two endogamous ethnic groups of Maharashtra in Western India at two microsatellites i.e., TPO, a tetranucleotide repeat locus and CD4, a pentanucleotide repeat locus. The two ethnic groups studied were Konkanastha Brahmins and Marathas belonging to Indo-European language family. Eighty-two random, unrelated individuals were genotyped for the locus TPO, whereas for CD4 locus, 79 individuals were genotyped.
Review of: Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Davis GJ 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Vernon Geberth, retired New York City Police Department Lieutenant Commander and editor of CRC Press' series, Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations, has given the law enforcement and wider forensic community a needed textbook, Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives. Already justifiably well-known for his Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, now in its third edition, and for his courses in homicide investigation, Geberth draws upon his considerable experience and that of myriad others in offering the reader a didactic and pragmatic new book in investigating sexual assault homicides.
Review of: Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques
Authors: Reed HC 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This text is one of a limited number of books which address the subject of the use of interviewing and interrogation techniques by professional investigators. The authors of Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques are polygraph examiners who also conduct training for polygraph examiners and for interviewers. The authors tip their hats to a series of past and current polygraph examiners who have written and lectured on the subject since the 1930s.
Review of: Forensic Voice Identification
Authors: Bohan TL 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Dr. Hollien states that his most important reason for writing this book2 was to reduce the gap separating the two components of voice-identification professionals: engineers and phoneticians. As one of the latter group, he attributes the gap as arising, on the one hand, from the engineers' belief that the phoneticians are insufficiently quantitavie and, on the other, the phoneticians' belief that the engineers are ignorant of the “soft” information that assists in voice identification.3 Since, by profession and temperament, I value quantitavie evaluations of forensic techniques and am impatient with hand-waving arguments, I approached this review biased toward the engineering camp, which meant that I would be able to gauge how well the author succeeds in his gap-narrowing effort. Stated differently, I felt that I could gauge how half of his taget audience would receive the boo.
Review of: Introduction to Environmental Forensics
Authors: Lentini JJ 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Since the passage of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or CERCLA, commonly referred to as Superfund, the interest in and demand for forensic analyses of environmental problems has grown dramatically. The 1980 law established prohibitions and requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites; provided for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites; and established a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no responsible party could be identified. The act was amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) in 1986 to increase the involvement of state governments, and many states have environmental regulations mirroring the federal Superfund rules. In addition to assigning responsibility for Superfund sites, there is a demand for forensic scientists to assist in the identification of entities responsible for marine spills, and for the assessment of real estate prior to sale.
Review of: Case Studies in Forensic Epidemiology
Authors: Sanders J 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This volume is intended to be a textbook on the intersection of law and epidemiology. The book is divided into four parts: epidemiology in the courtroom, epidemiology in legislation and administrative rule making, community organization and advocacy group use of epidemiology in advocacy efforts designed to change law, and a final section on the role of epidemiological research in social debates about deviance. Each part of the book includes an introductory chapter that sets forth general issues, followed by two “case study” chapters that are designed to flesh out the issues in a particular area. Chapter 1 begins the first part with a very useful introductory summary of epidemiological methods and an introductory overview of the law of torts. The chapter compares and contrasts standards for the proof of causation in each area. Chapter 2 is a “case study” of the silicone breast implant litigation, and Chapter 3 a “case study” of a lawsuit involving an E. coli outbreak in which the author was an expert witness.
Review of: Alchemy of Bones: Chicago's Luetgert Murder Case of 1897
Authors: DeHaan JD 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
As a criminalist interested in historic cases, I had heard only whispers about the Luetgert murder case. Even in Chicago, it was mentioned only in anthologies such as those by Jay Robert Nash. Now thanks to Robert Loerzel, an investigative reporter from Chicago, this fascinating case comes to life to show forensic scientists and investigators how much has changed (and hasn't changed) in the 100 years since it captured the nation's attention.
Review of: Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories
Authors: Cason TD 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This volume provides a helpful resource both for those familiar with assisting in the seizure of clandestine laboratories and for those who may be interested in becoming involved in this particular endeavor. It will not, as the author notes, train you to be a clandestine laboratory investigator. Reading this book is rather cumbersome due to the writing style and somewhat excessive wordiness and would certainly have benefited from some additional editing. Much of what is written in the early chapters appears to be presented more as an idealistic or academic review of the stepwise processes rather than a “real world” portrait of the way clandestine laboratory seizures frequently occur. For example, the text emphasizes the “on site” evaluation of seized chemicals and equipment to make a determination of the target drug and of the synthesis method being used. Quite often, however, this information is already known prior to the lab seizure and is, in part, the basis for obtaining a search warrant.
Review of: Forensic Pathology (2nd edition)
Authors: Bell MD 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This is the second edition of a general forensic pathology book, first published in 1989 and now updated in this 2003 edition. The book has 62 additional pages compared with the original edition. There are two additional chapters entitled “Nursing Home Deaths” and “Sudden Death During or Immediately after a Violent Struggle.” The latter topic was covered briefly in the first edition, but now has its own chapter. The Table of Contents in this new edition has been expanded to help narrow the search for a specific topic. Eleven color photographs have been added to the original 8 color photographs in the first edition, although they are 2-3/8 × 1-1/2 in. compared to the original 2-7/8 × 4-1/2 in. size. The same high quality black and white photographs remain in the second edition. Some of the photographs have identifying autopsy numbers and I would recommend that the publisher remove them in any future editions. Some of the diagrams (such as Fig. 6.16) appear hand drawn and would benefit from the expertise of a professional anatomic artist.
Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Ritonavir, Zidovudine, Lamivudine, and Stavudine in Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Fletcher Courtney V. , Yogev Ram , Nachman Sharon A. , Wiznia Andrew , Pelton Stephen , McIntosh Kenneth , Stanley Kenneth 
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To evaluate and describe the parameters and characteristics of different drug regimens in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Design. Randomized, open‐label, multicenter study.Setting. Pediatric HIV research clinics in the United States and Puerto Rico.Patients. Twenty‐one HIV‐infected children, aged 3–14 years, who were clinically stable and treated with the same antiretroviral therapy for 16 weeks or longer.Intervention. In step 1, children were randomized to receive one of three treatment regimens: zidovudine plus lamivudine, ritonavir plus zidovudine and lamivudine, or ritonavir plus stavudine. Patients originally assigned to the zidovudine plus lamivudine group in step 1 were eligible to progress to step 2 if their HIV RNA values at week 12, 24, or 36 were 10,000 copies/ml or greater but 100,000 copies/ml or less. In step 2 they received a regimen of ritonavir plus stavudine and nevirapine.Measurements and Main Results. Seven children were randomized to each of the three treatment regimens. Concentrations of the agents were quantitated at steady state after observed doses, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Nevirapine concentrations were not determined. One child was excluded from analysis because pharmacokinetic parameters could not be estimated. Ritonavir oral clearance was slower in the pooled cohort of children who received stavudine compared with zidovudine and lamivudine. Stavudine oral clearance was marginally faster when combined with ritonavir and nevirapine compared with only ritonavir.Conclusion. Therapy for HIV is complex, and pharmacodynamic data indicate that relationships exist between systemic concentrations of antiretroviral drugs and virologic response. Careful drug interaction studies have not been conducted for all treatment regimens, and it will not be surprising if unexpected interactions are found. Pharmacokinetic studies to address these considerations should be viewed as a fundamental component of antiretroviral drug development, as they represent a tool to improve pharmacotherapy for HIV‐infected children.
Impact of the Women's Health Initiative Trial Results on Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Bestul Megan B. , McCollum Marianne , Hansen Laura B. , Saseen Joseph J. 
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To describe the impact of the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) discontinuation rates.Design. Retrospective chart review.Setting. University‐based family medicine clinic.Subjects. Ninety‐eight postmenopausal women (aged 50–79 yrs) with an intact uterus who were receiving HRT.Measurements and Main Results. Two study periods were defined: pre‐WHI (July 9, 2001–January 9, 2002) and post‐WHI (July 9, 2002–January 9, 2003). Patient demographics and HRT discontinuation or persistence data were collected. Seven women were eligible for only for pre‐WHI, 13 only for post‐WHI, and 78 were eligible for both groups based on HRT use during both time periods. Forty‐two of the 78 women were randomized to the pre‐WHI group and 36 to the post‐WHI group to yield equal groups of 49 each. No significant demographic differences existed between the groups. Time‐to‐event analysis revealed an increased probability of HRT discontinuation after WHI versus before WHI (log‐rank test, p<0.01). A subset of 85 women taking HRT 1 year before WHI were followed for 18 months. Discontinuation rates were 8% (7 of 85 patients) during the 12 months before WHI and 38% (30 of 78) during the 6 months after WHI, with 80% (24 of 30) of these patients discontinuing within 3 months.Conclusion. Increased HRT discontinuation was temporally associated with release of WHI data, which implies that highly publicized, negative outcomes data can quickly influence pharmacotherapy decisions.
Acridine orange staining method to reveal the characteristic features of an intravascular threadlike structure
Authors: Lee Byung‐Cheon , Baik Ku Youn , Johng Hyeon‐Min , Nam Tae Jeong , Lee Jawoong , Sung Baeckkyoung , Choi Chunho , Park Won‐Hee , Park Eun‐Sung , Park Dae‐Hun , Yoon Yeo‐Sung , Soh Kwang‐Sup 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA threadlike structure in blood vessels that is considered part of the Bohghan duct system was first reported about 40 years ago. This structure has remained elusive since then due to the inability of other researchers to duplicate the original identification. In this study we identified the characteristic features of this threadlike structure in rats by the use of fluorescent microscope imaging of nuclei stained by acridine orange perfusion. The nuclei of the tissue that comprises the structure are rod‐shaped, 10–20 μm long, and aligned in a broken‐line striped fashion. The novel technique reported here can differentiate the intravascular threadlike structure from the fibrin strings that normally form during perfusion and can confound the observation procedure. The physiological function of the threadlike structure remains to be elucidated; however, further study may provide a new understanding of mammalian biology in general, and of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in particular. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 278B:27–30, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zum Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten großformatiger geschoßhoher Sanierungs‐Dämmelemente unter statischer Mitwirkung der außenseitigen Putzdeckschicht
Authors: Sieder Mike , Reyer Eckhard 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDas niedrige Wärmeschutzniveau unserer Altbauten (hier: vor 1982 errichtete Gebäude) und deren hoher Anteil am Gesamtgebäudebestand (ca. 77 %) führt dazu, daß die Gesamtheit der Altbauten ca. 95 % der jährlich bundesweit benötigten Heizenergie verbraucht, vgl. [1] und [2]. Die wärmeschutztechnische Verbesserung der Außenwände von Altbauten stellt deshalb einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Energieeinsparung, zum Umweltschutz und zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit den begrenzten Energieressourcen dar.Einen Großteil der Altbausubstanz bilden Mehrfamilien‐Wohngebäude mit mehr als vier Wohneinheiten, die große Fassadenflächen mit Wiederholungsfaktor aufweisen. Für effiziente Wärmedämm‐ und Sanierungsmaßnahmen spielen Zeit‐ und Kostenaufwand, Beeinträchtigung der Gebäudenutzung während der Maßnahme sowie die Qualitätssicherung eine wesentliche Rolle. Eine Lösungsmöglichkeit bietet die Applikation vorgefertigter Dämmelemente, die möglichst großformatig sein sollten. Bedingt durch die Vorfertigung und die Applikation über möglichst wenige Befestigungspunkte müssen solche Elemente als selbsttragende Konstruktion konzipiert werden und neben architektonischen und bauphysikalischen Aspekten deshalb auch statischen Gesichtspunkten genügen. Durch Anwendung etablierter Oberflächenmaterialien, wie z. B. Putz, ergeben sich Konstruktionen, deren Tragsicherheit, bauphysikalische Eignung, Dauerhaftigkeit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit für den entsprechenden Anwendungsfall sichergestellt werden müssen.