bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in palmar pattern ridge counts among 12 Iranian populations
Authors: Kamali M. Sharif , Malhotra Kailash C. , Chakraborty Ranajit
Published: February 2006

Bilateral palmar prints of 604 male individuals from 12 Iranian groups, six Mongoloid and six Caucasoid, have been analyzed for palmar pattern ridge counts (PPRC). Highly significant variation has been observed in the size of the palmar patterns in all the configurational areas among the Iranian groups. The distance analysis based on PPRCs differentiated the Iranian Mongoloid from the Iranian Caucasoid groups into distinct clusters. The pattern of differentiation based on PPRCs explained the ethnohistoric relationships between the Iranian groups as well as between the Iranian and the 20 Caucasoid groups from India much better than the palmar pattern frequencies. The results of this study demonstrate the existence of variation in the size of the palmar patterns across different populations within an ethnic group, as well as that among different ethnic groups, and seems to be a better indicator of interpopulational diversity than the palmar pattern frequencies.
Hominid‐pongid distinctiveness in the miocene‐pliocene fossil record: The lothagam mandible
Authors: Kramer Andrew
Published: February 2006

The Lothagam mandibular fragment, found in 1967 west of Lake Turkana, Kenya, has been dated to 5.5 million years ago. This date is significant because it may lie within the suggested time range during which the hominid and pongid clades diverged. Because of its fragmentary condition and great age, this specimen has run the gamut of taxonomic assignations, from ramapithecine to pongid to hominid. These three nomenclatural categories serve as the basis for three hypotheses tested in this study. First, morphological and metric comparisons between Lothagam and a sample of Euroafrican ramapithecines address the hypothesis of “Lothagam as predi‐vergence hominoid.” Second, comparisons with a sample of Pan test the “Lothagam as postdivergence, African protopongid” hypothesis. Finally, samples of Australopithecus afarensis and A. africanus were utilized to evaluate the hypothesis of “Lothagam as postdivergence, early hominid.” Unlike previous studies attempting to ascertain the evolutionary affinities of this enigmatic fossil, this work benefits from the large sample of A. afarensis specimens now generally available for study. Metric and morphological comparisons demonstrate Lothagam's affinity to A. afarensis in sharing derived, hominid states in such features as the mental foramen vertical position, the ascending ramus origin, the breadth of the alveolar margin, the reduction of the hypoconulid, the dimensions of the M1 and the dimensions of the mandibular corpus. It is suggested that the dental/gnathic features enumerated in this study can be employed to distinguish ancestral hominid from pongid in future Mio/Pliocene paleontological discoveries.
Scapula form and locomotion in chimpanzee evolution
Authors: Shea Brian T.
Published: February 2006

A number of primatologists have followed Coolidge (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 18:1–57, 1933) in suggesting that 1) there are significant shape differences in scapula form between pygmy and common chimpanzees, 2) scapulae of P. paniscus resemble those of hylobatids more than do those of P. troglodytes, and 3) therefore pygmy chimpanzees may exhibit a greater component of arm‐swinging and other arboreal behaviors than common chimpanzees. In this paper I utilize a comparative analysis of ontogenetic allometries of linear dimensions to determine shape differences in the scapulae of adult pygmy and common chimpanzees and to clarify size‐related changes in shape resulting from ontogenetic scaling, i.e., the differential extension of common patterns of growth allometry. Results demonstrate that the scapulae of adult P. paniscus are relatively narrower (in a direction approximately perpendicular to the scapula spine) than those of P. troglodytes, supporting Coolidge's original claim. The allometric analysis further demonstrates, however, that the two chimpanzee species exhibit ontogenetic scaling for all proportions of the scapula examined. Thus, adult pygmy chimpanzees have the scapula proportions observed in small adult and subadult P. troglodytes of comparable scapula size. The implications of this finding for past claims concerning differences in locomotor behavior between the species are discussed. This work lends additional support to previous studies that have demonstrated a high frequency of ontogenetic scaling within the genus Pan and a pedomorphic or juvenilized morphology in the pygmy chimpanzee.
Differential mortality in Turkana agriculturalists and pastoralists
Authors: Brainard Jean
Published: February 2006

Nomadic pastoral populations appear to have much lower rates of growth than the otherwise very high growth rates now characteristic of populations in developing nations. Because dramatic declines in infant mortality have been a primary contributor to increased population growth rates in these countries, it has been assumed that nomadic pastoral populations are still characterized by high levels of mortality in the first few years of life. Few studies, however, have been undertaken to estimate demographic parameters for nomadic pastoral populations, and even fewer of a comparative nature have been undertaken to document the impact of subsistence strategy on demographic processes.

This study compares indirect childhood mortality estimates for Turkana nomadic pastoralists with childhood mortality in a settled agricultural group within the same population and finds that pastoralists have substantially higher levels of mortality. Based on the childhood mortality estimates, model life tables are selected for pastoral and agricultural groups from which values for mean life expectancy and infant mortality are estimated and compared. Recent improvements in primary health care for the settled agricultural group are ruled out as being an important cause of their lower mortality levels, and some aspects of life‐style associated with subsistence strategy are discussed as likely determinants of the mortality differences.
Unusually low sexual dimorphism of endocranial capacity in a Zulu cranial series
Authors: Ricklan D. E. , Tobias P. V.
Published: February 2006

The mean cranial capacities of 50 male and 50 female Zulu crania were found to be 1373.3 ± 107.4 ml for males and 1251.2 ± 101.1 ml for females (x ± SD). The male value resembles that of other Negro groups, while the female value is somewhat higher than the value for Negro crania as a whole. The index of sexual dimorphism is 8.9%, which is low when compared with those of other Negroid series and other populations. The possible causes for this form of a low sexual dimorphism are as follows: a) A negative secular trend, with the assumption that the Zulu crania were larger than those of the reference populations of African Negroids before the start of the secular trend change. This would seem to be the most likely possibility, with some supporting evidence for both parts of the explanation. b) An absence of secular trend, with a demographic sampling aberration, in which large females and small males of the population are sampled. This possibility cannot be totally excluded. c) An absence of secular trend, with a genetic difference in sexual dimorphism for cranial capacity between the Zulu and the reference populations. While this possibility cannot be excluded, it would be the least preferable explanation.
Body weights in mixed species troops of Saguinus mystax mystax and Saguinus fuscicollis nigrifrons in Amazonian Peru
Authors: Garber P. A. , Teaford M. F.
Published: February 2006

An investigation of body weights of members of mixed species troops of Saguinus mystax mystax and Saguinus fuscicollis nigrifrons was conducted at the Rio Blanco Research Station in northeastern Peru. A total of 107 adult and subadult tamarin monkeys were trapped, measured, and released. Data collected indicate that mean body weights for adult male and female moustached tamarins are 564 gm and 626 gm, respectively, whereas for adult saddle‐back tamarins these values are 412 gm and 411 gm. Subadults weighed 11–27% less than adults. Body weights recorded in this study are significantly greater than those previously reported for tamarins of the same species and age living in other areas of Amazonian Peru. We hypothesize that, in the case of moustached and saddle‐back tamarins, advantages associated with feeding and foraging in mixed species troops facilitate greater efficiency in resource monitoring and result in the maintenance of larger body weights.
Changes in the structure of the baboon hybrid zone in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Phillips‐Conroy Jane E. , Jolly Clifford J.
Published: February 2006

The zone of hybridization between anubis and hamadryas baboons in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia, evidently changed significantly in the early 1970s. When first studied, by Nagel in 1968, the distribution of adult male phenotypes suggested that the hybrid zone was a narrow, static, genetic sink. In contrast, studies during the 1970s found evidence for a broad hybrid zone intergrading with parental populations and probably expanding. A more detailed investigation of data collected in 1973, presented here, shows that between 1968 and 1973 the distribution of phenotypes changed to a more clinal pattern because of the maturation and successful integration of an extensive cohort of hybrid males. We present a provisional model that accounts for the changes in terms of climatic oscillations, with the hybrid zone tending to expand during periods of climatic instability.
Microdifferentiation in historical Massachusetts: A comparison of migration matrix and isonymy analyses
Authors: Relethford John H.
Published: February 2006

Historical studies of population structure allow assessment of the effects of demographic change on genetic variation among and within populations. This paper investigates the degree of microdifferentiation among four towns in north‐central Massachusetts during the 18th and 19th centuries, a time of rapid population growth. Migration matrices were derived from 4,223 marriage records from 1785 through 1849 and then used to estimate genetic kinship using the methods of Imaizumi et al. (Genetics 66:569–582, 1970) and Harpending and Jenkins (In: Genetic Distance. New York: Plenum Press, 1974). Kinship matrices based on isonymy were also derived using the surnames of 4,039 marriages according to Morton's (In: Genetic Structure of Populations. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii, 1973) methods. In addition, an isonymy distance matrix was constructed based on 4,659 marriage records from 1741 through 1849 to compare surname frequencies across space and time simultaneously. For both migration and isonymy matrices, the degree of micro‐differentiation among the four towns, RST, was computed for each of six time cohorts. Both migration and isonymy show a reduction in among‐group variation over time, reflecting population growth and stable, but high, rates of longdistance migration. Estimates of RST from migration and isonymy are very similar. The one notable exception reflects known historical events. Comparison of the kinship estimates for individual towns (rii) also shows close correspondence between migration and isonymy. The differences seem to reflect a tendency for migration matrices to overestimate kinship in earlier generations relative to isonymy. A principal coordinates analysis of the isonymy distance matrix shows the relative isolation of towns from one another in all time periods but with a reduction in differentiation over time.
Familial segregation in the iron age community of Alfedena, Abruzzo, Italy, based on osteodental trait analysis
Authors: Bondioli L. , Corruccini R. S. , Macchiarelli R.
Published: February 2006

Numerous authors have studied human cemetery remains with an eye toward identifying different socially stratified ethnic or kinship groups within the same population. The interments of the protohistoric graveyard of Alfedena, Abruzzo, Italy, show recurrent organization in separate structures, suggesting to several involved archaeologists that these structures express family groups and/or differences in social function of the occupants. This has induced us to analyze the possible biological implications of specific models for kinship groups, lineages, or mating forms in graveyards. One hundred ninety‐six metric and nonmetric skeletal and dental variables were collected. The analysis of metric features was performed by analysis of variance and by calculating divergences between each pair of individuals. The position parameters of the inter‐and intragroup distance distributions were then compared by means of nonparametric tests. The nonmetric features were analyzed by contingency tables.

The partition of intercircle variance is twice as frequently significant for males (20 variables) as for females (10). For metric variables in males, 20.9% displayed a probability level less than 5% for the null hypothesis of random distribution of individuals in the circles. Fewer (10.3%, but still more than expected at random) reached this level of significance for the females. In the male groups, 19% of nonmetric features showed significant frequency differences, but this was true in only 4.3% of the females. In view of Morton's demonstration of the ineffectiveness of exogamic clans as a genetic barrier, and having verified the existence of morphometric and morphological similarities inside the groups of graves, we can reasonably assume the latter to be the expression of kinship groups (perhaps patrilocal), such as families.
The relationship between auditory exostoses and cold water: A latitudinal analysis
Authors: Kennedy G. E.
Published: February 2006

The frequency of auditory exostoses was examined by latitude. It was found that discrete bony lesions of the external auditory canal were, with very few exceptions, either absent or in very low frequency (< 3.0%) in 0–30°N. and S latitudes and above 45°N. The highest frequencies of auditory exostoses were found in the middle latitudes (30–45°N and S) among populations who expoit either marine or fresh water resources. Clinical and experimental data are discussed, and these data are found to support strongly the hypothesis that there is a causative relationship between the formation of auditory exostoses and exploitation of resources in cold water, particularly through diving. It is therefore suggested that since auditory exostoses are behavioral rather than genetic in etiology, they should not be included in estimates of population distance based on nonmetric variables.
Relationship of fat patterning to coronary artery disease risk in obese adolescents
Authors: Becque M. Daniel , Hattori Komei , Katch Victor L. , Rocchini Albert P.
Published: February 2006

Fatness and fat patterning of 27 male and 33 female obese adolescents were identified by principal‐components analysis of five skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, iliac, abdominal, and thigh). Correlations were computed between the component scores, based on the eigen vectors, and anthropometric and physiological variables. Overall fatness, component I, was highly correlated with all anthropometric and body composition variables. Also, component I significantly correlated with fasting insulin and VO2 max for both sexes and with basal metabolism and HDL‐cholesterol for females and males, respectively. Extremity fat patterning, component II, was poorly correlated with all the anthropometric and physiological variables except diastolic blood pressure for the females. Upper‐lower body fat patterning, component III, was correlated with the fewest physiological variables.
Skeletal stature compared to archival stature in mid‐eighteenth century America: Ft. William Henry
Authors: Steegmann A. Theodore
Published: February 2006

Fourteen soldiers buried at Ft. William Henry, New York, between 1755 and 1757 are compared for stature to a sample of 2, 232 New York Provincial soldiers measured anthropometrically in 1760. The William Henry stature mean of 177.3 cm is significantly higher than that of the Provincials (169.7 cm), and their variation of stature is significantly lower—suggesting that the cemetery population was a select group. A historical explanation is offered for this unexpected finding.
Dermatoglyphic studies among the two breeding isolates of Gujjars of Northwestern India
Authors: Balgir R. S. , Sharma J. C.
Published: February 2006

Dermatoglyphic studies among two breeding isolates of Gujjars (200 individuals from each population) from northwestern India have been carried out. The distribution of phenotypic frequencies of dermatoglyphic features among the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars provides strong evidence that these populations have become distinct in the course of their history. This could have occurred due to the inflow of genes from Muslim invaders and surrounding populations or from the effects of inbreeding and biosocial and geographical isolation of the Muslim Gujjars from their counterpart, the Hindu Gujjars. However, the frequency distribution of dermatoglyphics of the Hindu Gujjars. Resembles those of the Rajputs, Jats, and Ahirs, suggesting an infrequent inflow of genes from neighboring populations and probably their recent isolation. Sexual dimorphism for dermatoglyphics has also been observed in both Hindu and Muslim Gujjar populations.
Fluctuating asymmetry in fetuses of diabetic rhesus macaques
Authors: Kohn Luci Ann P. , Bennett Kenneth A.
Published: February 2006

This study examines dental fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in two samples of fetal rhesus monkeys, one composed of 19 fetuses from diabetic mothers (FDM) and the other of 20 fetuses from nondiabetic mothers. Seventeen measurements were taken on the deciduous dentition of right and left mandibles. The degree of FA was assessed by comparing FDM to fetuses of normal mothers by (a) correlation between right and left sides, and (b) analysis of variation differences between right and left sides. Significant FA was found for three traits based on the correlation between right and left sides and for seven traits by the between‐treatment ratio of variance between sides. Distal teeth, both within and outside of a morphologic field, exhibit significantly greater FA than mesial teeth. Our results support the hypothesis that developmental instability is detectable by dental FA.
Functional anatomy of the tarsier foot
Authors: Gebo Daniel L.
Published: February 2006

Tarsiers possess a very odd musculoskeletal foot anatomy that goes beyond their acknowledged specialized leaping adaptations. Tarsius has evolved a fundamentally different method of bone rotation to achieve an inverted foot position during grasping and has developed an unusual muscular system for holding onto vertical supports. Although galagos and tarsiers possess elongated foot bones as adaptations for leaping, galagos utilize many more types of movements, have specialized osteological surface for inversion, and have a more common type of muscle development in the foot and leg than tarsiers possess. Likewise, the Omomyidae, the ancestral lineage of Tarsius, exhibit a lack of morphological similarity with Tarsius in the known foot joints.
Family resemblance for anthropometric and blood pressure measurements in black Caribs and Creoles from St. Vincent Island
Authors: Hutchinson Janis , Byard Pamela J.
Published: February 2006

This paper examines family resemblance for five anthropometric measurements (height, weight, triceps skinfold, upper arm circumference relaxed [UACR] and flexed [UACF] and for systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a group of adult Caribbean islanders of primarily African ancestry. Six hypotheses about family resemblance are tested by using path analysis and likelihood ratios. Significant intergenerational transmission is found only for height and UACR. For weight, UACF, and diastolic blood pressure, non‐transmissible sibling resemblance is the primary component of family resemblance, although significant marital resemblance exists for diastolic blood pressure. Triceps skinfold and systolic blood pressure show no evidence of any family resemblance. Although results for highly heritable traits such as height are comparable to reports from other populations, measurements with a large contribution from common family environment or residual environmental effects, such as triceps skinfold or blood pressure, have much lower family resemblance in this population than in other populations. We hypothesize that this difference is due to the fact that adult children and their parents do not share a common household in this culture and to the presence of major nonfamilial environmental factors contributing to obesity and hypertension in this population.
Metacarpophalangeal pattern profiles in Venezuelan and Northern Caucasoid samples compared
Authors: Arias‐Cazorla Sergio , Rodríguez‐Larralde Alvaro
Published: February 2006

Comparison of hand long‐bone lengths and variances in published measurements of North American Caucasoid, Venezuelan, and English individuals, and of their metacarpophalangeal pattern profiles (MPP), revealed systematic differences between samples from infancy through adulthood. The variances of Venezuelan males tend to be larger than those of Americans, especially under 9 years of age. The same trend was observed for females, but to a lesser degree. The English sample showed variance similar to that of Venezuelans and Americans. Below 7 years of age, bones of Venezuelans were longer than those of Americans, except the distal phalanges, which always were longer in the latter, as were all bones after age 17. The index finger's middle and distal phalanges of Americans were relatively longer than the other bones at all ages. Females also showed this general trend, though not as clearly. Venezuelan adults had longer first and second metacarpals and proximal phalanges than the English adult homologs. American adults had all bones longer than those of English adults. The English adults showed a “typical” MPP, characterized by shorter proximal phalanges, both when compared with Venezuelan and with American adults. Genetic rather than environmental causes are likely as an explanation for these differences. This warned us against the indiscriminate use of any “standard” sample from a different population to establish objective profile patterns and sizes in abnormal cases, as illustrated with one example.
Digital dermatoglyphics in the Basque population: Univariate and multivariate comparison with other Spanish populations
Authors: Arrieta M. I. , Ibarrondo M. A. , Lostao C. M.
Published: February 2006

We have analyzed dermatoglyphic finger patterns in a Spanish Basque population (841 males and 911 females). Bimanual and sexual comparisons have been carried out by means of contingency analysis. The results in the Basque population are compared with those of other Spanish populations, based on univariate (χ2 contingency test and Student's t‐test) and multivariate (principal components analyses) statistical methods.

Bilateral distribution asymmetry and sexual dimorphism were observed in the Basque sample. The results of the χ2 test for pattern types in males and females show statistically significant differences between the Basques and other Spanish populations, with the exception of the males from El Bierzo. Comparing populations with regard to the Pattern Intensity Index, the differences observed are much lower; therefore, this confirms what other authors have suggested regarding the limited usefulness of indexes in populational comparisons.

In the Caucasian variation range of pattern types, Basques are located in the high part with regard to arches, in the low part with regard to whorls and radial loops, and in an intermediate part in relation to ulnar loops and overall pattern intensity.

Results of the multivariate comparisons show which populations are more or less distant from the Basque population and which variables are significant in contributing to these population relationships.
Relationship of upper body fat distribution to serum glucose and lipids in a Costa Rican population
Authors: Bailey Stephen , Campos Hannia , Schosinsky Karl , Mata Leonardo
Published: February 2006

Present models of the relation between subcutaneous fat distribution and serum biochemistries have been based largely on U.S. White populations. To determine interpopulational differences in that relation, we measured 68 clinically normal adult Costa Ricans aged 17–32. Data collected included six skinfolds: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, umbilical, anterior midthigh, and medial calf; height, weight, and four fasting serum parameters: glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). Correlations between standardized skinfold ratios and biochemistries were highest–on the order of 0.40–0.50–for upper‐lower body contrasts to triglyceride and cholesterol in males and to glucose and HDL in females. Canonical correlation analysis, with body mass index partialed out, found significant correlations for the first male variate and the first two female variates. The first male variate was positively weighted on subscapular fatness and on triglyceride and cholesterol, respectively. The two female skinfold variates were positively weighted on subscapular and on outer limbs, respectively, while their corresponding biochemical variates were weighted on glucose and triglyceride and on cholesterol and HDL, respectively. These findings are generally consistent with those based on U.S. populations but suggest that in non‐Anglo populations, upper trunk fatness may be more relevant than anterior waist fatness to biochemical dysfunction.
Retromolar foramen of the human mandible
Authors: Ossenberg Nancy Suzanne
Published: February 2006

Analysis of retromolar foramen (RMF) in a large series of mandibles (N 2500) was undertaken to provide descriptive statistics for this variant. RMF of diameter 0.5 mm or greater were scored. Consistent with other data on accessory canals in the facial skeleton, RMF was found to occur more commonly in native populations of North America than in other populations (Africa, Europe, India, northeast Asia). The ratio of bilateral to unilateral occurrences was shown to increase with population incidence, a pattern consistent with the theoretical model of an epigenetic (threshold “quasicontinuous”) variant. Male‐female differences were not found. Age profiles were characterized by a marked peak in the adolescent cohort. In some populations RMF showed a positive intertrait correlation with accessory mandibular foramen and with accessory mental foramen, but correlations with presence/absence of third molar and three‐rooted first molar were not found. With refinements in scoring criteria and, ideally, better evidence of its heritability. RMF should be useful along with other minor cranial variants for ethnohistorical studies.
Morphometrics and niche metrics in prosimian locomotion: An approach to measuring locomotion, habitat, and diet
Authors: Crompton Robin H. , Lieberman Susan S. , Oxnard Charles E.
Published: February 2006

Locomotor morphology, it is recognized, cannot be understood without an understanding of locomotor behavior. The interaction of locomotor anatomy and behavior has been successfully analyzed for single species and species pairs. Broader generalizations, however, require the demonstration of anatomical/behavioral associations for numerous sets of species. To accomplish this it is necessary to develop a method for the simultaneous quantitative description and comparison of many different parameters of the locomotor niche: locomotor behaviors, habitat usages, and diets. As a start towards achieving this we present a multidimensional approach to the description of functional parameters of the niche for prosimians. We derive quantitative evaluations of locomotor activity, habitat utilization, and diet for each of 27 species, using field data, film and video records, and the available literature. These parameters are then displayed graphically and clustered to provide profiles for comparisons both of species and variables. The multidimensional profiles reveal valuable information about activity, environment and diet, and their interactions. They permit closer comparisons with equivalent multidimensional information about prosimian structure, based on morphometric studies. The method gives useful graphical and statistical techniques for interspecific comparisons of morphometrics and niche metrics.
Mate choice by lineage in three captive groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Smith David Glenn , Small Meredith F.
Published: February 2006

The hypothesis that the matrilineal affiliation of 410 infants born in three captive groups of rhesus macaques is independent of the patrilineal affiliation of these infants was tested. Preferential mating with particular patrilines was observed for matrilineal members. We conclude that lineage affiliation does influence mate choice of rhesus macaques, at least when a large number of matrilines and relatively few patrilines which include natal males are represented in the group. Such nonrandom mating might explain high levels of genetic heterogeneity reported among matrilines within rhesus groups, despite high rates of male emigration, and is consistent with the maintenance of high levels of within‐matriline kinship which might promote cooperative behavior among matriline members.
Relationship between the mandibular condyle and the occlusal plane during hominid evolution: Some of its effects on jaw mechanics
Authors: Osborn J. W.
Published: February 2006

A selection of mandibles from recent higher primates, fossil hominids, and hominoids has been studied from photographs of skulls, reproductions, and material published by others, all viewed in the sagittal plane. Tracings of each mandible were constructed so that the dentitions were all scaled to the same length (d) and superimposed. The (scaled) positions of the articular surfaces of the condyles (J = joint point) were compared. The height of each J point above the scaled dentition (h = effective condyle height) and its distance behind the dentition (r = effective ramus width) were compared. With very few exceptionsd r > d/2. There was a poor correlation betweenrand the amount of prognathism.

The position of the J point with respect to the occlusal plane was different for different groups within the material analysed and could prove to be a useful tool to help improve the reconstruction of fragmented fossil material. Some examples are given.

A.afarensisandHomo habilisshared a low and anterior J point (r ∼ d/2). The later australopithecines evolved a high and anterior J point, whereas that ofHomo erectuswas raised and displaced posteriorly (r ∼ 3d/4). The value ofrwas increased todin the Neanderthals, and recent man has moved the J point forward again.

The effect of the position of the J point, the slope of the preglenoid plane, and the curve of Spee on the relationship between upper and lower postcanines when the jaw is opened and then closed to process food have been analysed. The results show that the position of the J point affects the way in which the mandible moves, and this may be related to changes in diet during evolution.
Female transfer in baboons
Authors: Anderson Connie M.
Published: February 2006

Eight of 19 identified adult females transferred over 7 years in a study of intertroop relations among Papio ursinus at Suikerbosrand. Only one of the eight was cycling at the time of transfer. Five of the seven recent mothers who transferred had lost their infants shortly before transferring. Females who transferred received no more aggression before or after their transfer than females who did not transfer. The most important factors determining this extraordinarily high rate of female transfer include subtrooping and absence of predation.
Epidemics in nonrandomly mixing populations: A simulation
Authors: Sattenspiel Lisa
Published: February 2006

Two stochastic, discrete‐time simulation models for the spread of an epidemic through a population are presented. The models expolore the effects of nonrandom mixing within the population and are based on an SIR epidemic model without vital statistics. They consider a population of preschool children, some of whom attend child care facilities. Disease transmission occurs both within the home neighborhood and at the child care facility used, if any. The two models differ in population size used, population density, the proportions of children using different kinds of care, and the functions used for calculating the probability of disease transmission. Results are presented for seven different variables–length of the epidemic in weeks, number of cases, number of cases in each kind of care (two day care centers, private homes, and children staying at home), and the number of private home providers affected by the epidemic. In addition, the distribution of total epidemic size and the progress of an epidemic are estimated from 25 epidemic trials. The effects of the location of homes of initial cases, the type of care used by initial cases, and the density of the population are discussed. Results from the simulation confirmed the importance of type of care on the risk for disease transmission. Results from all runs of the simulation showed that children who attended a day care center were most likely to become infected, children who went to a private home were intermediate, and children who did not use any day care facility were at the lowest risk. The size and length of the epidemics were related to the presence of the disease in day care centers, regardless of the location of the initial case, and the time at which the disease entered the center(s). The simulations also showed that the geographical distribution of the homes of children attending a particular center was a critical feature involved in the production of epidemics. The center with more widely distributed homes of students was less likely to experience a major epidemic than the center with clustering of student′s homes within a neighborhood. This indicates that it is not simply attendance at a day care center that is critical for disease spread, but that the nature of the population of children attending a center is also of critical importance in the actual risk for disease spread within the center. These results are discussed with reference to the spread of hepatitis A among day care centers in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Perinatal stress and increased fluctuating asymmetry of dental calcium in the laboratory rat
Authors: Siegel Michael I. , Mooney Mark P.
Published: February 2006

Recent studies have consistently reported an increased magnitude of fluctuating dental, long bone, and membranous bone asymmetry as a function of perinatal stress. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that increases in the fluctuating asymmetry of calcium may be related to the metric changes in these calcium‐dependent systems. Pregnant rats were exposed to noise stress from conception through weaning. Bilateral lower first molars were extracted from the neonates, and calcium levels were determined using a standard atomic absorption technique. Levels of fluctuating asymmetry of calcium were found to be significantly increased (p < .01) in the audiogenic noise‐stressed group compared to unstressed, normal controls. These results follow the pattern reported earlier for metric analysis of the dentition and support a stress‐induced calcium‐transport‐disruption hypothesis.
Ontogenetic plasticity in nonhuman primates: I. Secular trends in the Cayo Santiago macaques
Authors: DeRousseau C. Jean , Reichs Kathleen J.
Published: February 2006

Although secular trends toward increasing body size are apprent in many human populations, little is known about their occurrence in nonhuman primates. The Cayo Santiago skeletal collection of Macaca mulatta includes 101 adult animals (⩾ 10 years of age) born at different times in the past 3 ½ decades, so that variation in size may be examined relative to birth year. No secular trends in orbital height were observed in this sample, but in both sexes lengths of adult long bones increased significantly over time, while cranial dimensions and length of the second molar in female also showed significant variation with birth year. These changes were consistent with the history of provisioning of the animals and with fluctuations in population size. Low‐order correlations were observed between birth year and body proportions, especially the crural index in males, a pattern that has also been observed in human populations. These findings argue that, in addition to biomechanics and heritage, diet may affect allometric relationships and that an inherent plasticity or malleability of the growth process may be characteristic of non‐human as well as human primates.
Shape in morphometrics: Comparative analyses
Authors: Corruccini Robert S.
Published: February 2006

Comparative morphology has long been vexed by conflicting considerations of size and shape (relative size); a subsidiary consideration has been the effect of allometry (shape change with size) on results and interpretations.

A review of history and opinion indicates the lack of universal acceptance of the following points: the inherent relatedness and/or separability of size and shape; the greater importance (anatomically, functionally, and/or taxonomically) of shape than size; the existence of residual size effects (allometry) after canceling the gross linear size factor from morphometric data; the failure of covariance matrix inversion to negate size always; the dimensionless quality of shape variables; the effect of logarithmic transformation; and the inadvisability of simple ratios.

Two morphometric data sets (primate postcranial proportions, hominoid maxillary premolar odontometrics) encompassing significant size and taxonomic diversity in primates enable illustration and examination of these points.

Although determination of optimum procedures is problematic, accuracy of classification and partition of variance among known morphogroups are criteria that can be applied. Intergroup distances generated after inversion of the covariance matrix show little improvement over raw size distances, unlike the shape distances expressed by shape vector (ratio), double‐centered, Penrose, common part removed, and Q‐mode correlation methods; very slight further improvement is accomplished using pooled within‐group adjustment to remove residual size (allometric) effects. No improvement emanates solely from log transformation of measurements. Significant problems are indicated by the results obtained with interspecific regression residuals: particularly, large and small forms in the analysis become unrealistically similar. Also, regression‐corrected distances still correlate with size even though the univariate residual values, by definition, do not.
Some blood genetic characteristics of several Sudanese tribes
Authors: Saha N. , Seikh F. S. El
Published: February 2006

The distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood groups, serum haptoglobin, and transferrin; red cell glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase; and hemoglobin was studied among the two aboriginal negroid tribes (Nuba and Fur); the Nilotic tribe; five tribes of Arab ancestory; and a mixed group of other minor tribes of Arab origin. The Nilotic and Nuba tribes were genetically quite distinct from the rest, with lower R1, R2, and r in the Rhesus system and low HbS and Gd−. The Arab tribes had a genetic structure which was intermediate between that of the original negroid population of the Sudan and the Arabs to the north. However, some of the Arab tribes had special genetical characteristics, e.g., Messeria had high TfD1; both Messeria and Hawazma had high HbS and Gd−, while GdA, was higher only in the Hawazma. The Gaalin had very low HbS, RO, GdA, and Gd−, suggestive of less negroid admixture compared to Messeria and Hawazma. The Fur, though an aboriginal negroid tribe, had genetic characteristics similar to Arabs.
Physical growth of infants 7 to 13 months of age: Results from a national survey
Authors: Ryan Alan S. , Martinez Gilbert A.
Published: February 2006

This study considers measurements of weight, recumbent length, head circumference, triceps skinfold, and arm circumference of 1,100 infants aged 7 to 13 months from a cross‐sectional sample representative of the U.S. infant population. Based on these data, smoothed percentiles of weight, recumbent length, head circumference, triceps skinfold, and arm circumference by sex and age (in months) and weight for recumbent length were calculated. Compared with the percentile values from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS; Hamill et al., 1977, DHEW Publ. No. PHS 78–1650), percentile values from the 1984 Ross Laboratories Infant Nutrition Survey (RNS) for weight, recumbent length, and weight for recumbent length tended to be smaller (p < .05). We attribute these variations to differences in sampling design and conclude that they are not of sufficient magnitude to warrant new growth charts. Smoothed percentiles for triceps skinfold and arm circumference presented herein are new reference values that can be used for assessment of the nutritional and growth status of older infants.
Feeding low‐fat milk during infancy
Authors: Ryan Alan S. , Martinez Gilbert A. , Krieger Fritz W.
Published: February 2006

Despite the widespread agreement that low‐fat milk should not be used during infancy, there is a sizable portion of infants in the United States who were fed a diet that included low‐fat milk (⩾2% fat). In 1985, 14% of infants 8 months old, 20% of infants 10 months old, and 32% of infants 12 months old were fed low‐fat milk. The reasons given most often by mothers for low‐fat milk use was their consideration that low‐fat milk has less fat than whole cow's milk and that low‐fat milk use was recommended/suggested by their physician. Nutrient intakes of infants fed low‐fat milk are compared to those of infants fed whole cow's milk and infant formula. Except for fat, nutrient intakes of infants fed low‐fat milk or whole cow's milk were similar. A majority of infants fed either low‐fat milk or whole cow's milk received amounts of sodium, potassium, and chloride that exceeded the recommended safe and adequate ranges and amounts of iron below the RDA. These data are considered in relation to dietary requirements during infancy.
Cranial variation in European populations: A spatial autocorrelation study at three time periods
Authors: Sokal Robert R. , Uytterschaut Hilde
Published: February 2006

This study reports on spatial variation of 10 cranial variables in European populations at 3 time periods. Means for these variables, based on 137, 108, and 183 samples from the Early Medieval, Late Medieval, and Recent periods, were subjected to one‐dimensional and directional spatial autocorrelation analyses. Significant spatial structure was found for most variables. It becomes more pronounced as time progresses. The spatial patterns are not strongly clinal. Correlograms based on distances computed from all variables are monotonic only to 900, 1,650, and 1,350 km for the three periods. Regional patterns are seen for most variables and become more structured and significant with time. There is little similarity among the correlograms of the variables at any one period and virtually none among periods. Inferences about spatial structure of these populations, based on spatial autocorrelation analysis, suggest a pattern dominated by migration, followed by expansion and admixture rather than selection or chance fluctuations. The patterns of morphometric change seem to reflect the patterns of linguistic change in these areas.
Postcanine tooth size in female primates
Authors: Cochard Larry R.
Published: February 2006

The results of many allometric studies of postcanine tooth size in mammals have not corresponded to expectations of tooth size based on energy requirements and dental function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between postcanine occlusal surface area, body size, and the metabolic demands of pregnancy and lactation in female primates. Tooth and body sizes from 38 primate species were taken from the literature to test two hypotheses: (1) females should have relatively larger teeth than males in order to masticate additional food for the energetic costs of reproduction; (2) taxa with the largest neonatal size (a measure of average metabolic costs of pregnancy and lactation) should have females with a greater degree of relative dental enlargement.

The results show that relatively large female teeth are not found consistently in primate species. Females have less occlusal surface area than expected on the basis of the male tooth and body size regression in 21% of the species, and there is no correlation between relative female tooth size and relative newborn size across higher primate taxa.

The degree of female dental enlargement is most closely related to degree of sexual dimorphism in body weight. The correlation between degree of body weight dimorphism and relatively larger postcanine teeth in females than in males is 0.87 in the 38 species. Species that are monomorphic in weight tend to be monomorphic in tooth size even though females apparently require more food than males.

While it may be advantageous for females of dimorphic species to have relatively larger postcanine teeth compare to males, the hypotheses about female tooth size and function for primates in general are rejected. It is concluded that dental dimorphism and postcanine tooth size in general cannot be viewed from a strict adaptationist perspective with regard to dietary volume.
Morphology and locomotor adaptations of the foot in early Oligocene anthropoids
Authors: Gebo Daniel L. , Simons Elwyn L.
Published: February 2006

Newly discovered foot bones of Aegyptopithecus are described and compared to those of Apidium and Dolichocebus. Locomotor adaptations are inferred for African early Oligocene propliopithecids, parapithecids, and for Argentine early Oligocene Dolichocebus. All show an anthropoid grade of development in their foot anatomy. Tarsals of Aegyptopithecus compare best with those of Miocene hominoids. Apidium shares derived calcaneal features that link it with Old World monkeys. Dolichocebus exhibits a very generalized platyrrhine talar morphology akin to that seen in Saimiri, Callicebus, Cebus, and Aotus. The morphology of early Oligocene primate foot bones suggests that at least three quite distinct groups, corresponding to three recognized superfamilies, were present in the early Oligocene of South America and Africa.
Effects of sexual dimorphism in body size on feeding postural behavior of Sumatran orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)
Authors: Cant John G. H.
Published: February 2006

Male orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) weigh about twice as much as females. Observations in northern Sumatra of adults of both sexes (one male, three females) feeding in the same trees reveal the effects of body size dimorphism on feeding behavior: The male tended to use larger branches than the females, and to employ above‐branch postures (sitting and standing) with greater frequency. The females employed suspensory under‐branch postures more often. When feeding techniques were variable, the male tended to pull in branches to detach food with the mouth, whereas the female plucked more fruit by hand. By controlling for postcranial morphology and habitat structure, these results provide the first rigorous quantitative test of predictions about the effects of body size on primate positional behavior, and raise further questions about sexual diethism in feeding postural behavior of primates of varying absolute size.