bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of total water and fatness from weight and height: Inaccurate for lean women
Authors: Scott Eugenie C.
Published: February 2006

Mellits and Cheek have provided a regression equation which predicts total water, and by extension, fat, from weight and height of women. The equation has been used by many researchers as a convenient means to estimate fat when more complicated body composition estimation techniques are not possible. It is an essential component of evidence provided by Frisch for the critical fat hypothesis. The equation has not been validated on another sample, however, and has a large standard error. I test the Mellits and Cheek equation on five samples of young women, two of which show a normal range of heights and weights. The other three are athletic samples composed of lean women. In the normal samples mean fat percent determined by density (from underwater weighing) is closely approximated by the weight and height equation but not in the lean samples. When measured fat is regressed on estimated fat, correlations are low, and standard errors are high, suggesting that the Mellits and Cheek equation predicts poorly the body fat percentage of individual females. In summary, the Mellits and Cheek equation is moderately useful for the prediction of group means for body composition on samples with normal ranges of height and weight. It does not produce acceptable results on groups selected for extreme leanness or obesity. It is not recommended for fat prediction of individuals.
Principal‐components analysis of prehistoric South Asian crania
Authors: Kennedy Kenneth A. R. , Chiment John , Disotell Todd , Meyers David
Published: February 2006

Principal‐components analysis is used as an investigative procedure for establishing temporal, spatial and evolutionary‐developmental changes in Homo sapiens skeletal specimens from prehistoric sites in South Asia. It is concluded that cranial variables which cluster hunter‐gatherers within the sample are related to facial architecture with respect to robusticity and size. Older models presumably reflecting genetic affinities and racial classifications of prehistoric South Asians which were based upon univariatebivariate statistical analyses are not supported by the results of this principal‐components analysis.
Graduate education and the role of the physical anthropologist in biomedical teaching and research
Authors: Burr David B. , Haines Duane E.
Published: February 2006

There is a place for the physical anthropologist in biomedical teaching and research because of the special and unique skills possessed by this individual. However, eventual success in the health sciences environment requires the student to obtain the knowledge and background for functionally oriented teaching and research. Students interested in a biomedical teaching and research career must prepare themselves methodologically and theoretically. This requires: (1) teaching qualifications, (2) an increased emphasis on methodology and technology, (3) an increased emphasis on research and experimental design, (4) appropriate interdisciplinary courses which provide the background for both teaching and research, (5) increased interaction with graduate faculty active in research, and (6) the latitude to adapt the graduate program to meet these specific needs. Students who finish their graduate training with a marketable skill, and who can apply their unique talents to a specialized area, will have broad appeal in the job market and will considerably strengthen their career opportunities.
The relationship between cranial metric and nonmetric traits in the rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago
Authors: Richtsmeier Joan T. , Cheverud James M. , Buikstra Jane E.
Published: February 2006

This study addresses the relationship between cranial metric variables and nonmetric traits using the skeletal sample of rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago. Discriminant function analysis is used to study the metric differences between macaque crania grouped according to the presence or absence of nine nonmetric traits. The computation of total structure coefficients from the discriminant function analyses provides information regarding how closely each metric variable is related to the discriminant functions derived. Total structure coefficients have not been used previously in the study of the relationship between metric and nonmetric traits. The results of the analysis are interpreted using an explicit approach to cranial morphogenesis—functional cranial analysis. It is concluded that the relationship between cranial metric and nonmetric traits is explicable in terms of a common developmental pathway shared by the two types of traits. Identification of the specific etiology of nonmetric traits depends on future anatomical studies of organisms throughout the period of nonmetric trait development.
Demographic components of gene frequency change in free‐ranging macaques on Cayo Santiago
Authors: Ober Carole , Olivier Thomas J. , Sade Donald S. , Schneider Jon M. , Cheverud Jim , Buettner‐Janusch John
Published: February 2006

Gene frequency profiles from January 1973 to January 1977 for three polymorphic loci were examined in Cayo Santiago rhesus social groups. The effects of demographic components (i.e., births, deaths, immigrations, emigrations, and group fission and fusion) on total change in gene frequencies are assessed. Allelic frequencies at the carbonic anhydrase II, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and transferrin loci were analyzed in four social groups. In the two groups that underwent fission and fusion during the study period, the timing of these processes was related to the largest short‐term changes in gene frequences. However, immigration and emigration had the greatest effect on total change in gene frequency in all groups during the study period. The relative importance of births and deaths in producing gene frequency change varied among the social groups. These results suggest that the relative importance of the demographic components of gene frequency change in primate populations is determined by behavioral patterns and ecological conditions specific to the population considered.
Effects of X chromosome on size and shape of body: An anthropometric investigation in 47,XXY males
Authors: Varrela Juha
Published: February 2006

The effects of an extra X chromosome on size and shape of body and head were studied in 47,XXY males; 25 anthropometric measurements were recorded from 29 adult 47,XXY males and compared with those of male relatives and control males. In stature, arm length, leg length, triceps skinfold, and subscapular skinfold 47,XXY males were larger and in biacromial diameter, bideltoid breadth, wrist breadth, and in most head dimensions smaller than normal males. Arm length was increased less than leg length. Increase in stature seemed to be caused solely by increased leg length, and the somewhat feminine proportions in trunk were caused by decrease in biacromial diameter. Correlations of the body and head dimensions between 47,XXY males and their male relatives were found to be normal.

The present findings support the earlier proposals that X chromosome carries genes which influence linear growth. It is suggested that the reduction in biacromial diameter is caused by lowered plasma testosterone level which may also have affected sitting height. The control of body and head dimensions seems to be maintained relatively normal.
Sex‐related differences in transmission of hepatitis B infection in a Melanesian population
Authors: Langendorfer Alexandra , Davenport William , London W. Thomas , Blumberg Baruch S. , Mazzur Scott
Published: February 2006

Factors involved in the spread of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the largely Melanesian population (N = 909) of Graciosa Bay, Ndeni, are examined. Based upon cultural information from Ndeni and ways in which HBV is spread in other populations, certain practices and interactions, predicted as effective routes of HBV infection, are analyzed. Most significant are father‐to‐son transmission and older‐brother‐to‐younger‐sibling transmission, indicating that males are instrumental in the transmission of HBV on Ndeni. Other possible routes of HBV transmission that are not shown to be significant on Ndeni are significant modes of disease spread in other cultures. Cross‐cultural differences are discussed with regard to behavior, age of infection, and persistence of HBeAg (an antigen linked to HBV infection). Particularly with regard to maternal transmission, it is clear that the average age of infection combined with the degree of HBeAg persistence limits the number of infective mothers in this population. Cultural practices, however, may explain the disproportion of male carriers over 30 implicating a largely extinct set of culturally sanctioned practices involving very early exposure to HBV in boys and their age‐related inability to make antibody to the virus.
Population genetic studies in three Chinese minorities
Authors: Goedde H. W. , Benkmann H.‐G. , Kriese L. , Bogdanski P. , Ruofu Du , Liangzhong Chen , Meiying Cui , Yida Yuan , Jinjin Xu , Shizhe Li , Yongfa Wang
Published: February 2006

Three minority ethnic groups from China (Mongolians, Koreans, Zhuang) were examined with respect to the genetic markers GLO, GPT, ACP, ESD, 6‐PGD, PGM1 subtypes, C3, and TF. Significant variations were noted for the gene frequencies of GLO, GPT, ESD, sub PGM1 between Zhuang and Mongolians; for GPT, ACP, ESD, sub PGM1 between Zhuang and Koreans; and for GLO between Mongolians and Koreans.
Family resemblance for neuromuscular performance in a Kansas Mennonite community
Authors: Devor Eric J. , Crawford Michael H.
Published: February 2006

Familial phenotypic resemblance for six quantitative neuromuscular performance traits is analyzed by path analysis using data from the Mennonite community of Goessel, Kansas. Of the six traits only one, dominant hand strength, shows no evidence of parent‐offspring transmission (t2 = 0.001) and only one, trunk flexibility, shows evidence of a high degree of transmissibility (t2 = 0.662). The four remaining traits display low to moderate levels of transmissibility (t2 = 0.073 to t2 = 0.245). A substantial residual sibling resemblance due to shared environmental effects is seen for all six traits. It is suggested that the high heritabilities found for many of these traits by other methods result from the inability of these methods to account for the shared nongenetic effects.
Relative cheek‐tooth size in Australopithecus
Authors: McHenry Henry M.
Published: February 2006

Until the discovery of Australopithecus afarensis, cheek‐tooth megadontia was unequivocally one of the defining characteristics of the australopithecine grade in human evolution along with bipedalism and small brains. This species, however, has an average postcanine area of 757 mm2, which is more like Homo habilis (759 mm2) than A. africanus (856 mm2). But what is its relative cheek‐tooth size in comparison to body size? One approach to this question is to compare postcanine tooth area to estimated body weight. By this method all Australopithecus species are megadont: they have cheek teeth 1.7 to 2.3 times larger than modern hominoids of similar body size. The series from A. afarensis to A. africanus to A. robustus to A. boisei shows strong positive allometry indicating increasing megadontia through time. The series from H. habilis to H. erectus to H. sapiens shows strong negative allometry which implies a sharp reduction in the relative size of the posterior teeth. Postcanine megadontia in Australopithecus species can also be demonstrated by comparing tooth size and body size in associated skeletons: A. afarensis (represented by A.L. 288–1) has a cheek‐tooth size 2.8 times larger than expected from modern hominoids; A. africanus (Sts 7) and A. robustus (TM 1517) are over twice the expected size. The evolutionary transition from the megadont condition of Australopithecus to the trend of decreasing megadontia seen in the Homo lineage may have occurred between 3.0 and 2.5 m.y. from A. afarensis to H. habilis but other evidence indicates that it is more likely to have occurred between 2.5 to 2.0 m.y. from an A. africanus‐like form to H. habilis.
Discriminant function analysis of the central portion of the innominate
Authors: Taylor James V. , Dibennardo Robert
Published: February 2006

Terry Collection innominates of 260 American whites and blacks (65 males and 65 females of each race) were analyzed by discriminant function analysis for sex assessment, race known, and for simultaneous race and sex assessment. Measurements from the preservationally favored central portion of the innominate were chosen for their potential usefulness in forensic casework and to objectify long‐recognized “formal” differences between the sexes in the greater sciatic notch. These included acetabular diameter, greater sciatic notch height, and position of greatest notch depth. Accuracy of sex prediction when race is known is roughly 90% in both the base sample of 260 and a test sample of 200 (50 additional individuals for each group). For simultaneous race and sex assessment, accuracy of prediction is roughtly 60% for each group in both samples. This represents about a 45% reduction in error over random assignment by race and sex.
The diabetes alert study: Growth, fatness, and fat patterning, adolescence through adulthood in Mexican Americans
Authors: Mueller William H. , Joos Sandra K. , Hanis Craig L. , Zavaleta Anthony N. , Eichner June , Schull William J.
Published: February 2006

Diabetes Alert is a multidisciplinary genetic and epidemiological study of Type II (non insulin‐dependent) diabetes in Texas Mexican Americans. We report the anthropometry of 1,155 individuals 10 to 70 or more years with particular reference to overweight, fatness, and anatomical fat patterning in the sample. Children ages 10–18 of both sexes are growing at the 50th percentile of the reference data (U.S. Health and Nutrition Examination Survey‐1) for height, Wt/Ht2, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Adults are well below median height but well above median Wt/Ht2 and skinfolds. Prevalence of obesity (Wt/Ht2≧30) among adults is typically 30% or higher by age 30. Diabetics compared to age/sex‐matched non diabetics have shorter sitting heights, have more upper body fat (subscapular skinfold), have less lower body fat (lateral calf skinfold), and were heavier at maximum weight and at age 18. The ratio of lower to upper body fat distribution decreases over the life cycle, being highest at adolescence and lowest at ages 40–50 in both sexes. Our results show a precipitous weight gain after maturity in the sample and an association of diabetes with differences in anatomical fat patterning The agerelated changes in fat patterning need to be explained in terms of their ecological and genetic influences.
Genetic correlations between sides and heritability of asymmetry for nonmetric traits in rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago
Authors: McGrath Janet W. , Cheverud James M. , Buikstra Jane E.
Published: February 2006

The use of nonmetric traits for estimation of biological distance is a long‐standing practice in biological anthropology. Nonmetric traits can be scored using either the individual or the side of the individual as the unit of measure. If sides of the individual are genetically correlated the use of sides would produce redundant genetic information. For this reason, Korey (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 53:19–23, 1980) argues for the use of individuals as the unit of measure for nonmetric traits. Ossenberg (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 54:471–479, 1981), however, argues that bilateral occurrence of nonmetric traits indicates greater genetic liability for the trait and that therefore the sides are the more biologically correct unit of measure.

Genetic correlations for 13 cranial nonmetric traits are estimated for a sample of rhesus macaque skeletons from Cayo Santiago. In addition, heritability of asymmetry is estimated for these 13 traits as a test of Ossenberg's contention that asymmetry is genetically influenced.

Significant genetic correlations between sides support Korey's contention that nonmetric traits should be scored by individual. Only two asymmetry heritabilities were significantly different from zero, providing no significant support for Ossenberg's contention that asymmetry is genetically determined.

Our results support the theory that asymmetry represents a measure of the ability of an organism to buffer stresses. Therefore, a measure of the heritability of asymmetry is a measure of the heritability of the ability to buffer stresses. This ability does not appear to be heritable in this sample.
Skin color comparisons among ethnic groups of college men
Authors: Spurgeon John H. , Meredith Howard V. , Onuoha G. B. I.
Published: February 2006

Reflectance readings of skin color were taken on the medial aspect of the left upper arm. The subjects were United States college men between ages 18 and 27 years attending the University of South Carolina. Using the DSL 99 Reflectance Spectrophotometer, readings were obtained under controlled conditions at five settings (601, 603, 605, 607, 609). Ethnic groups studied included young men of (1) Northwest European White ancestry, (2) West African Black ancestry, and (3) Afro‐Black/Amerind ancestry. Means and variability statistics serve to describe the skin color distributions. Means were near 12 and 32 for filters 601 and 609 on men of West African Black ancestry, with corresponding means near 36 and 64 on men of Northwest European White ancestry. There was no overlapping of comparable frequency distributions from these two ethnic groups. Significance tests at P = .01 allowed acceptance of the hypothesis that skin color on the medial arm surface was darker for young men of Afro‐Black ancestry than for those of 75% Afro‐Black ancestry and 25% Amerind ancestry. Means from original data were compared with means from earlier studies on black and white males in Africa, America, and Europe.
The collection of human skulls and postcranial skeletons at the Department of Human Anatomy of the University of Torino (Italy)
Authors: Giraudi Riccarda , Fissore Federica , Giacobini Giacomo
Published: February 2006

The human osteological collection at the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Torino, Italy, has recently been rearranged and recatalogued, and is now available for study. It comprises 1,064 modern skulls of known sex (384 males and 680 females); the age is also recorded in 712 cases. Of these skulls, 162 are from persons aged ≤20 years of known sex. A few skulls also have the postcranial skeleton (35 males and 39 females). The collection includes microcephali and hydrocephali, and also some prehistoric, Etruscan, Phoenician, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Ancient Jewish, and Lombard skulls. A brief catalogue is provided.
Erythrocyte and HLA antigens of Atacameño Indians
Authors: Rothhammer Francisco , Goedde H. Werner , Llop Elena , Acuña Mónica , Carvajal Patricia
Published: February 2006

The present study reports the results of erythrocyte antigen typing for the following systems: ABO, MN, Rh, Kell, Duffy, and Diego in roughly 180 Atacameño Indians from the oasis of Toconao, northern Chile. A subsample was tested for variation at the histocompatibility loci A, B, and C. Results agree with previous findings based on smaller samples. Caucasian admixture of the Atacameños from Toconao was estimated to be 0.056 ± 0.022.
The chronological distribution of enamel hypoplasias from prehistoric dickson mounds populations
Authors: Goodman Alan H. , Armelagos George J. , Rose Jerome C.
Published: February 2006

The chronological distributions of enamel hypoplasias (indicators of nonspecific stress) are assessed for 111 individuals from two prehistoric populations from Dickson Mounds, Lewiston, Illinois. The earlier population (circa A.D. 950–1150) involves a transition from an indigenous gathering‐hunting tradition to increasing adoption of Mississippian lifeways. The later population (circa A.D. 1150–1300) is fully Mississippian (MM). Based on the occurrence of hypoplasias on all permanent teeth except third molars, 14 halfyear periods from birth to 7.0 years are graded for evidence of hypoplasiastress. Both populations have a low frequency of hypoplasia which occur before 2 years of age and after 4 years of age. A common peak frequency of hypoplasias between 2.0 and 4.0 years is suggestive of an elevated degree of stress at weaning. The peak frequency of hypoplasias is earlier in the MM (2.5–3.0 years versus 3.0–3.5 years in the pre‐Mississippian population). In addition, the rise to and decline from peak frequency occurs approximately 0.5 years earlier in the MM. The earlier and sharper rise to peak frequency suggests earlier and more severe weanling‐related stress. Hypoplasias chronologies are undoubtedly influenced by age‐related host resistance factors (Sarnat and Schour, 1941). Nevertheless, these data demonstrate that populations may vary in their chronological distribution of hypoplasias and that these variations may provide useful information on age‐related patterns of exposure to environmental stressors.
A possible case of pre‐columbian treponematosis from New York State
Authors: Elting James J. , Starna William A.
Published: February 2006

This paper presents evidence for what is believed to be the first reported case of pre‐Columbian treponematosis in northeastern North America. The temporal position of the skeletal material, salvaged from a site in New York State, is determined on the basis of archeological evidence.
Fluctuating dental asymmetry and measurement error
Authors: Greene David Lee
Published: February 2006

Differences between the dimensions of left and right molar teeth are analyzed in the context of measurement error while considering the power of the F‐Ratio. Molar teeth from two Nubian cemeteries, 24‐S‐46 and 21‐R‐2, excavated at Kulubnarti, Sudan, were initially measured, and then remeasured to obtain data for assessing fluctuating dental asymmetry and measurement error. As has been demonstrated by other investigators, the power of the F‐Ratio for detecting small, but real differences, that might exist between antimeric dimensions when sample sizes are small, as they usually are with archeological materials, limits interpretation. In addition, an analysis of measurement error indicates that such error can have a confounding effect upon interpretations of the degree of fluctuating dental asymmetry that exists even in very large samples that exceed the size of typical archeological samples.
Anthropometric and genetic distance between Gonds of Central India
Authors: Pingle Urmila
Published: February 2006

A morphological and genetic study was undertaken on five Gondi‐speaking populations of Central India (Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra States). There has been no systematic biological study on this large Dravidian‐speaking tribal group, 4 million in number, amounting to 13% of the total tribal population of India. Data was collected on 16 anthropometric measurements and seven genetic markers (blood groups, hemoglobin, G6PD and plasma protein polymorphisms) on the Raj Gonds, Kolams, Manne, Koyas and Plains Maria Gonds. Various genetic distance measures such as Mahalanobis's D2 and Nei's and Sanghvi's measures and cluster analysis techniques were used to determine the relationship between these groups based on anthropometrics and genetic variables. The statistical analysis revealed the Gonds to be a heterogenous group in both morphology and genetic characteristics. The morphological and genetic distances between these five groups when projected graphically revealed that the spatial distribution of these Gonds generally corresponds to their present geographical distribution. However, the actual relationships among each of the Gond populations show differences when based on these two biological variables, the possible reasons for this being discussed in the paper. The emphasis of this study is on the importance of geographical proximity in producing morphological and genetic similarity between populations, brought about by a short distance as well as similar geographical factors (such as soil, terrain, flora, etc.) drawing these populations together under a common ecocultural umbrella.
On the measurement of cranial thickness at nasion on cephalographs
Authors: Einy Shmuel , Smith Patricia , Becker Adrian
Published: February 2006

Cranial bone thickness at nasion is difficult to measure by the conventional method of drawing a line at right angles to the tangent at nasion on the outer table. The difficulty arises from a lack of uniformity of the arc in this region. The proposed use of a constructed line, drawn at 30° to the anterior projection of the Frankfort horizontal plane, provides an accurate, easily reproduceable, and compatible alternative method of measurement.
The physical growth of urban children at high altitude
Authors: Greksa Lawrence P. , Spielvogel Hilde , Paredes‐Fernandez Luis , Paz‐Zamora Mario , Caceres Esperanza
Published: February 2006

The physical growth of urban Aymara children residing in La Paz, Bolivia (3,600 m) is described and compared with Amerindian children residing at low and high altitudes and with low‐altitude U.S. children. The sample consists of 227 males (10.6–19.7 yr) and 219 females (11.2–19.8 yr). The urban La Paz children were taller at all ages than rural high altitude Amerindian children but similar in stature to urban high altitude children from Peru. The variation in stature among the high altitude populations was considerable, amounting to average differences between the tallest and shortest samples of about 10 cm in males and 8 cm in females. In addition, stature in the two urban high altitude samples was similar to that of rural low‐altitude Amerindians. This overlapping of the distributions of stature in high‐ and low‐altitude populations could easily confound comparisons designed to determine the effects of hypoxia on physical growth. La Paz Aymara children had considerably smaller chest sizes relative to stature than high‐altitude Quechua children. However, the available data indicates that relative chest sizes are similar in Aymara and Quechua adults, suggesting that the process by which large chests are achieved may differ between these Andean populations.
Limb bone allometry in primates: A test of the elastic similarity model
Authors: Steudel Karen
Published: February 2006

Morphometric data on postcranial elements of ten species of Old World primates are used to test the elastic similarity model of limb scaling. The data are divided into three groupings to exclude as much variation due to differences in locomotor adaptation as possible. The data on skeletal diameters fits the model reasonably well. The length results, however, are generally not in conformity with the model's predictions.
Differences in the mean fat cell diameter of males between 1 and 48 months of age
Authors: Johnston Francis E. , Weston Marian , McKinney Shortie , Coleman James , Pereira Gilberto , Rounds Jean
Published: February 2006

The mean fat cell diameter was determined from measurements of abdominal adipose cells, obtained during inguinal hernia repair, of 126 white and 95 black males ranging in age from 1 through 48 months of age. The mean diameters of black and white subjects did not differ significantly, suggesting that differences in fatness among adults of these two ethnic groups have their origin beyond the age range of this study. The mean fat cell diameter increased through the 6–8‐month age group, decreased until the end of the first year, and then levelled off through 48 months of age. Comparison of this curve with those for the triceps, subscapular, abdominal, and suprailiac skinfolds of the same subjects showed generally parallel courses except for the triceps, which continued to increase in size after the means of fat cell diameters and the other skinfolds had levelled off. Our data indicate that changes in body fatness on the trunk at least in the first 4 years of life may be accounted for by changes in fat cell size.
Allometry between length and cross‐sectional dimensions of the femur and tibia in Homo sapiens sapiens
Authors: Ruff Christopher B.
Published: February 2006

Allometric equations relating length and cross‐sectional geometric properties of the femur and tibia are generated using skeletal remains from three recent human population samples. Approximate isometry, or geometric similarity, is found both within and between samples. Cross‐sectional areas scale to approximately length2, while second moments of area scale to approximately length4. It is shown that this is consistent with the maintenance of equivalent mechanical stress in long bones of different length under dynamic loadings in vivo. Other evidence indicates that bending and torsional loadings are more critical than axial loadings in the determination of lower limb bone cross‐sectional dimensions.
Microscopic criteria for the determination of directionality of cutmarks on bone
Authors: Bromage Timothy G. , Boyde Alan
Published: February 2006

Shipman and Rose (1983) have recently attracted attention to the fact that the determination of directionality of cutmarks could possibly provide additional evidence for interpretation of early hominid butchering practices and handedness. They found no criteria of directionality, however. We have previously recognized directionality in cut dental tissues and more recently in bone, and so we undertook a study of over 200 experimentally produced cutmarks on bovine bone by scanning electron microscopy. Three criteria of directionality were observed: bone smears, oblique faulting, and oblique chipping. In our analysis we considered properties of bone as a relevant variable in the microscopic appearance of cutmarks, which has also led to the new finding that not all marks made by a single tool under similar conditions are the same. We observed that bone smears occurred in most specimens, relatively low density forming bone surfaces facilitated oblique fault production, whereas oblique chipping frequently occurred in plexiform bone tissue common to growing artiodactyls. In this study, handedness of the operator could be determined from cutmarks, but much further experimental work will be required in order to detail the criteria.
Rib lesions in chronic pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Kelley Marc A. , Micozzi Marc S.
Published: February 2006

The diagnosis of skeletal tuberculosis in human remains has traditionally been based upon the detection of secondary skeletal lesions which result from hemotogenous dissemination of tubercle bacilli (e.g., Pott's disease). Since such lesions develop in less than 7% of cases of human tuberculosis, the paleodemography and paleoepidemiology of this disease have been difficult to assess from skeletal remains.

This study presents a new diagnostic approach to tuberculosis, focusing on the skeletal manifestations of chronic pulmonary disease (which comprises approximately 90% of human‐form tuberculosis). Four hundred forty‐five skeletal remains from persons dying of tuberculosis during the first half of the 20th century were examined. A total of 70/445 (16%) exhibited skeletal lesions in one or more locations as a response to infection. Of these 70, 39 (56%) were found to display a specific set of lesions restricted to the internal aspect of the ribs. These lesions take one of two forms: (1) diffuse periostitis or (2) localized abscess, and appear to correspond to areas of chronic pulmonary infection. The diffuse type of rib lesion is more commonly observed than the localized type.

In our observations (and according to the natural history of tuberculosis) the occurrence of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis is usually mutually exclusive with hematogenous dissemination to secondary bone locations. Thus, the detection of rib lesions in cases of chronic pulmonary disease increases the absolute sample size of skeletal tuberculosis by a factor of two in this study.
Variations in form of the hypoglossal canal
Authors: Hauser G. , De Stefano G. F.
Published: February 2006

Variation in the nature and extent of division of the hypoglossal canal can be classified by a simple scoring scheme. Applied to three series of crania of differing provenance, the results indicate a continuity in expression of the trait rather than the dichotomous character utilized in previous studies. The similarity in results in these three populations, of widely differing environment, suggests fairly strict canalization of development.
Principal‐components analysis of Brazilian Indian anthropometric data
Authors: Neves Walter A. , Salzano Francisco M. , Da Rocha Fernando J.
Published: February 2006

Analysis of nine characteristics on 1,205 males and 932 females from 12 tribes or groups of tribes indicated a poor relationship between morphology and language, as well as moderate agreement with the variability expected considering geography only. Two samples in the Xingu area studied during an interval of half a century (1897–1947) showed remarkable similarity. The conformity of the Caingang morphology with those of other tribes and the distinctiveness of the Xavante and Tenetehara has been amply confirmed.
Observations of dental diseases among prehistoric populations of Hungary
Authors: Molnar Stephen , Molnar Iva
Published: February 2006

The incidence of dental disease among people in developing countries today raises questions about the variation in the oral health of prehistoric populations. Considering these questions, we offer observations describing several types of dental disease which occurred among certain prehistoric populations of Hungary. The dental remains of 162 individuals recovered from seven sites of the Neolithic, Copper, and Bronze Age periods were examined for evidence of caries, hypoplasia, and periodontal disease. Appropriate methods were used to describe and record these dental lesions.

The incidence of dental caries was low by comparison to other prehistoric agriculturists except for two forms of root caries: cervical and cemental. These types accounted for 68% of all the carious teeth recorded. Enamel hypoplasia was also lower than expected, occurring on only 4% of the total number of teeth. Periodontal abscesses were rare but other milder forms of periodontal lesions were frequent. Alveolar bone resorption occurred in varying degrees and followed the expected age distribution. The few exceptions were children or adolescents whose crania had other lesions suggesting a mineral metabolic disturbance. The lower incidence of enamel caries is likely due to high fluoride ingestion which also may have influenced the expression of enamel hypoplasia. No clear population trends were seen in dental disease incidence except for cemental caries which were found among Copper and Bronze Age remains.
Torus palatinus in Icelandic schoolchildren
Authors: Axelsson Gudjón , Hedegaard Björn
Published: February 2006

Three populations in South‐ and North‐Thingeyjarsýslas, Northeast Iceland, were surveyed for the presence of torus palatinus. A total of 987 schoolchildren (489 ♂ and 487 ♀) were examined. A statistically significant difference was noted between the prevalence in South‐Thingeyjarsýsla (33.3%) and North‐Thingeyjarsýsla (14.6%). Prevalence and size were affected by age and population but not by sex. An association between torus palatinus and torus mandibularis was not found. Secular changes in the occurrence of torus palatinus in Icelanders emphasize the importance of environmental etiological factors and diminish the value of torus palatinus as a racial trait.
An anthropometric assessment of Huntington's disease patients and families
Authors: Farrer Lindsay A. , Meaney F. John
Published: February 2006

An anthropometric investigation was designed to evaluate patterns of physical deterioration in Huntington's disease (HD). In this study a comprehensive set of measurements was taken including height, weight, body circumferences, skinfold thickness, and craniofacial, linear, and breadth components of the body, on 44 normal, 26 affected, and 70 at‐risk individuals between 14 and 88 years of age.

The anthropometric data were converted to z‐scores using standards to adjust for age and sex differences. These scores were then adjusted for inter‐family variation. There were significant differences among normal and affected individuals for all dimensions of body mass, as well as for several craniofacial and linear components of the body. Several significant differences were also found between normals and particular age cohorts of at‐risk persons. HD gene carrier status was further assessed by factor analysis of the adjusted scores.
Genetic variation in North Amerindian populations: Association with sociocultural complexity
Authors: Suarez Brian K. , O'Rourke Dennis H. , Crouse Jill D.
Published: February 2006

A survey of nine polymorphic loci for 82 North Amerindian populations was undertaken to test the hypothesis that increasing levels of sociocultural complexity are ineluctably accompanied by increased heterozygosity. The data reveal a significant relationship in the predicted direction. Moreover, the significant correlation between average heterozygosity and sociocultural complexity is substantially increased by the removal of 19 highly admixed samples. However, this relationship, at least among North Amerindian populations, may be more apparent than real since both mean heterozygosity and the level of sociocultural organization are significantly negatively correlated with latitude. When this latter variable is controlled for, all correlations between heterozygosity and sociocultural complexity are rendered nonsignificant.
Comparison of the septal areas in New Guinean and European brains
Authors: Koch Friedrich , Schüz Almut , Kariks Jekabs
Published: February 2006

In 1966, septal nuclei of unusual size in brains of kuru‐diseased Fore people from the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea were reported (Beck and Gajdusek, 1966). Microscopic investigation which did not reveal any pathological changes in these nuclei led to the question of whether their large size could be a characteristic feature of the Fore (and perhaps also of other ethnic groups of New Guinea), rather than a consequence of the disease.

We had at our disposal brains from patients of coastal areas of New Guinea who did not suffer from kuru. The septal areas of eight cases were investigated by serial sections and compared to those of nine European brains. No difference in size comparable to that reported in the earlier study could be detected. We conclude that a possible pecularity in the size of the septal nuclei of Fore people cannot be generalized to the entire population of New Guinea.
Apples, oranges, and the lunate sulcus
Authors: Falk Dean
Published: February 2006

Holloway (1984) used a method of direct tape‐arc measurements of chimpanzee brain casts to reject the hypothesis that the lunate sulcus is located in an anterior position in the Taung endocast. However, Holloway neglected to measure the occipital pole‐lunate sulcus (OP‐LS) arc directly on the Taung endocast as he did on chimpanzee brain casts (a crucial part of his methodology); instead, he determined the relative position of Taung's lunate sulcus on the basis of a calculation that confounds direct measurements and measurements from photographs. When arc OP‐LS is measured directly on Taung according to Holloway's methods, the feature that has been identified as the medial end of the lunate sulcus is shown to be located within the range that Holloway determined for chimpanzees. Thus Holloway's methodology and data support rather than refute the claim that the lunate sulcus is located in a pongid‐like position in australopithecines.
Radiographic changes in the clavicle and proximal femur and their use in the determination of skeletal age at death
Authors: Walker Robert A. , Lovejoy C. Owen
Published: February 2006

Visually seriated radiographs of the proximal femur, proximal humerus, clavicle, and calcaneus from 130 individuals from the Hamann‐Todd collection were examined as indicators of skeletal age at death. The clavicle demonstrated the most consistent relationship to age in both sexes. The same radiographs were also seriated by size‐normalized optical density as a means of establishing relative radiolucency. In this context, visual seriation proved superior. The four sites studied showed strong divergence in response to age. Since each was sampling bone response from the same individual, it is concluded that bone loss is highly site specific. This demonstrates the individual character of specific skeletal sites. Visual inspection of clavicular radiographs, seriated on a populational basis, provides age estimates that are comparable to anatomical age indicators and provides independent estimates of skeletal age when included in the summary age method (1985: Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 68:1–14).
Subcutaneous fat remodelling in Southeast Asian infants and children
Authors: Bailey Stephen M. , Gershoff Stanley N. , McGandy Robert B. , Nondasuta Amorn , Tantiwongse Puangtong
Published: February 2006

Longitudinal data on 1,048 Thai children were evaluated for evidence of subcutaneous fat remodelling. Fat distribution, as defined by 100 (triceps/[triceps + subscapular]), was more pronounced, in the limbs during infancy but shifted toward the trunk thereafter. Subsequent stepwise regression analysis indicated that biological age–as measured by Gruelich‐Pyle bone age–and weight together explained between 0.8% and 14.5% of variance in fat distribution, with generally larger R2 values over age and for males. Relationships were curvilinear, with sex differences in slope. Path analysis supported the model that weight was a major causal agent primarily after infancy, whereas biological age had a small influence both in infancy and in late childhood. These findings indicate that trunk fat deposition is a normal feature of childhood. They also suggest that hypotheses which associate elevated trunk fatness with disorders of glucose metabolism are invalid for younger children.
Bilirubin binding by the fractionated alternate allelic components of heterozygous monkey albumin
Authors: Lorey Fred W. , Smith David G. , Ahlfors Charles E.
Published: February 2006

Analysis of bilirubin‐binding parameters for purified albumin of nine rhesus monkeys heterozygous for albumin MacA and albumin MacB was performed after separating these two albumin forms by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). The binding capacity (n) for MacA‐enriched samples was lower than that for the MacB variant in eight of nine fraction pairs analyzed, while the affinity constant (K) was higher in all nine MacA‐enriched samples. The values for n × K were higher in MacA‐enriched samples in eight of nine pairs tested. These data, together with previous studies, geographic specificity of the MacB variant, and the presence of dietary competitors for the primary bilirubin binding site on the albumin molecule, suggest an evolutionary advantage for the MacB variant only in areas where the dietary competitors are present.
A linkage study of protein‐coding loci in Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Ferrell Robert E. , Majumder Partha P. , Smith David G.
Published: February 2006

Genealogical and gene marker data from the closely related species Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis have been used to search for linkage between genes coding for the blood proteins albumin, carbonic anhydrase 1 and 2, diaphorase 1 and 2, group‐specific component, glucose phosphate isomerase, hemoglobin alpha chains, isocitrate dehydrogenase, prealbumin, and transferrin. The results are consistent with conservation of the linkage between the loci coding for albumin and group‐specific component and loci coding for the two carbonic anhydrase isozymes, as observed in other species. Among the 38 possible pairwise comparisons, no new linkage groups were identified. Tight linkage can be excluded for most pairs of loci.
Multimale mating and absence of canine tooth dimorphism in woolly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides)
Authors: Milton Katharine
Published: February 2006

The relatively low degree of canine tooth dimorphism in Australopithecus afarensis has been used as “primary evidence” to support the concept of a mating system of monogamous pair‐bonding and male provisioning. A recent field study of woolly spider monkeys shows that these large primates, which lack canine tooth (and body size) dimorphism, are characterized by apolygynous mating system. Male parental care of infants is absent in this species. These data support the view that a lack of canine tooth dimorphism in an anthropoid species does not necessarily imply either a monogamous, pair‐bonded mating system or male parental care.
Comment on the evolution of claw‐like nails in callitrichids (marmosets/tamarins)
Authors: Ford Susan M.
Published: February 2006

A recently proposed scenario for the evolution of a unified complex of exudativory, vertical clinging, and claw‐like nails in callitrichids is examined. Consideration of behaviors and morphologies exhibited by Callimico goeldii leads to a decoupling of this “complex,” with the early occurrence of claws and vertical clinging in the callitrichid lineage and only later, in some descendents, the development of exudativory and possible related behaviors.
Subfossil platyrrhine tibia (Primates: Callitrichidae) from Hispaniola: A possible further example of Island gigantism
Authors: Ford Susan M.
Published: February 2006

A distal right tibia described by G. S. Miller in 1929 (Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 82[5]:1–16) on the island of Hispaniola is shown to be that of a heretofore unknown extinct platyrrhine and is informally referred to as Ceboid M. Its affinities appear to be with the dwarfed callitrichids, especially Saguinus. It is suggested that Ceboid M represents yet another case of gigantism in the Antilles, in response to a lack of both competitors and predators. A reconsideration of the affinities of Xenothrix mcgregori from Jamaica is suggested.
Rhomboid fossa in the clavicles of North Indians
Authors: Jit Indar , Kaur Harbir
Published: February 2006

The incidence and size of the rhomboid fossa were studied in paired clavicles of North Indians obtained from 20 neonates, 60 children, and 789 adult bodies of known age and sex on which postmortem examinations had been performed by the senior author (except in cases of neonates). The fossa was absent in the newborns but was present bilaterally in 44% of male and 54% of female children below 18 years of age and in 16.5% of male and 20.8% of female children unilaterally. Statistically the sexual differences were not significant (P > 0.05).

In the adults, the incidence of bilateral fossa was 58.70% in males and 54.14% in females and a unilateral fossa was seen in 13.29% of males and 16.56% of females, but the sexual difference in both cases was insignificant (P > 0.05). However, in unilateral cases, the incidence of the fossa was greater on the right than on the left side in both male (P < 0.001) and female (P < 0.001) bones.

Although racial differences cannot be ruled out, no sexual or side differences in the incidence of the fossa could be found. Factors responsible for creating a deep fossa unilaterally are not understood.
Nonlever action of the mandible
Authors: Taylor R. M. S.
Published: February 2006

This study considers the current concept of the mandible as a lever of the third order. The concept requires a fulcrum, and this function has been ascribed to the condyle region, but it tends to be overlooked that the fulcrum of a third‐order lever in this case would sometimes have to bear a considerable stress. Certain changes, attributed to stress, have been observed in anatomical components of the articulation, but they cannot be explained in terms of the lever concept. They are accounted for by the changing anatomical relations in the working and contralateral sides during mandibular function. They arise from minor stress, especially when dental conditions indicate a period of abnormal function.