bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic factors in the population of Plati, Greece
Authors: Tills Don , Warlow Andrew , Lord Jayne M. , Suter Diana , Kopeć Ada C. , Blumberg Baruch S. , Hesser Jana E. , Economidou Ioanna
Published: February 2006

One‐thousand, thirty‐eight individuals from Plati, Greece were examined for the following red cell antigens, serum proteins, and red cell enzymes A A1 Ai B H; MNSs Mg Henshaw Nya Mur Vw; CCwcDEeCe; K k Kpa Kpb Jsa Jsb; P1; Lua; Fy1 Fy2; Jka Jkb; Wra; Zt; Vel; Swa; Jensen, Radin, Gerbich, Diego, Gregory, Haptoglobin, Transferrin, Acid phosphatase, Adenylate kinase, Adenosine deaminase, Esterase‐D, Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, Phosphoglucomutase, 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, Phosphohexose isomerase, Lactate dehydrogenase, Malate dehydrogenase, and Superoxide dismutase. The results are discussed in detail and compared with other Greek and neighbouring populations. Because of the Plati population's long history of residence in the Cappadocian area of Turkey the data have been compared, whenever possible, with results for that region.
Influence of age, sex, and caging on joint mobility in the patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
Authors: Turnquist Jean E.
Published: February 2006

Normal range of joint mobility in the extremities of the patas monkey, Erythrocebus patas, was established for a free‐ranging colony of 64 animals at La Parguera, Puerto Rico (Caribbean Primate Research Center). Eighty‐five animals that had been caged (30″ × 30″ cages) for up to 5 years were used for comparison. Passive joint mobility of anesthetized animals was measured with a goniometer. Nine parameters (five on the forelimb and four on the hindlimb) were measured on each animal. The data were sorted into subsets according to the animal's age, sex, place of birth, and type of confinement, if any. The number of animals in each subset was recorded and the mean (in degrees) and standard deviation for each parameter were calculated. A P⩽0.05 on two‐tailed Student's t‐tests was considered significant. Comparisons between free‐ranging males and females showed significant differences in one or two parameters for all age groups. A cross‐sectional sample of free‐ranging animals of both sexes showed that significant changes in joint mobility occurred only in the first 18 months of life. Joint mobility of all caged animals, however, was highly variable, and even between the more mature animals there were significant differences in several parameters. Almost all comparisons of subsets of the same age and sex showed significant differences between caged and free‐ranging animals in at least one parameter. When the caged animals were laboratory‐born, however, these differences were significant in five out of nine parameters. The results suggest that, although caging itself affects joint mobility, the age of first confinement may have an even greater effect than the length of the confinement.
Growth of lowland native children of European Ancestry during sojourn at high altitude (3,200 m)
Authors: Schutte James E. , Lilljeqvist Ragnhild E. , Johnson Robert L.
Published: February 2006

The moderate growth retardation frequently observed among children living at high altitude is usually assumed to result from hypoxic stress. However, such children are frequently from the poorer socioeconomic strata of their societies and may suffer malnutrition, poor hygiene, inadequate medical care, and overcrowding—factors also associated with growth retardation. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a statistically observable alteration in the growth of middle‐class children of European ancestry during sojourn at high altitude. Semilongitudinal height/weight measurements were gathered retrospectively from medical records of 18 boys and 17 girls who were born at low altitude, were well‐nourished and clinically normal, and who had lived at Achoma, Peru (altitude 3,200 m), continuously for 9–36 months. Measurements were divided, by sex, into four cohorts: I (3–6 months at Achoma), II (6–12 months), III (12–18 months), and IV (18–24 months); initial, presojourn, height and weight were also obtained. All heights and weights were normalized with age‐specific reference values. Changes in Z scores (ΔZ) during sojourn were calculated for each subject by subtracting the score of the presojourn value from those of cohorts I–IV. Paired t‐tests revealed, among the boys, a significant decline in Z score for weight during sojourn in all four cohorts. Weight scores for the girls also declined in all four cohorts, although only the change in cohort III was significant. Height scores showed a decline with time at sojourn in the boys, but in girls there is an initial drop followed by a steady increase to presojourn levels. These results are consistent with the view that moderate hypoxia exerts a primary growth‐limiting effect even on healthy, well‐nourished children.
Relationships between attrition and lingual tilting in human teeth
Authors: Reinhardt Gregory A.
Published: February 2006

Associations between occlusal dental attrition and the lingual tilting of human teeth were investigated in two aboriginal California populations. A literature survey suggests lingual tilting is related geographically and temporally to the helicoidal occlusal plane in humans; if true, lingual tilting should be expected throughout the Homo osteological record. Buccal alveolar abscesses, exposed pulp chambers, extent of tooth attrition, angle of lingual tilt, and amount of overjet were observed for lingually tilted teeth. These attributes were analyzed statistically, leading to a conclusion that lingual tilting is slight and infrequent unless tooth attrition is pronounced. It is suggested that lingual tilting is due in part to masticatory stress. A feedback model considers lingual tilting as one conspicuous manifestation of a more complex “severe attrition syndrome,” the initial stimulus for which may derive from heavy occlusal tooth wear. Untested possibilities should be examined–e.g., age‐related changes, the impact of the helicoidal occlusal plane, and the role of masticatory forces.
“Hominoid clavicle” from Sahabi is actually a fragment of cetacean rib
Authors: White T. , Suwa G. , Richards G. , Watters J. P. , Barnes L. G.
Published: February 2006

A late Miocene/early Pliocene mammalian fossil from the site of Sahabi, Libya, was identified in previous publications as a clavicle belonging to the superfamily Hominoidea. After studying both a cast of the specimen and previously published descriptions and photographs we have concluded that the fossil is not a clavicle, but a rib fragment. In addition, our study demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt that this rib belongs not to a primate, but to a marine mammal. Following comparisons with 19 species in 14 genera of marine mammals, as well as six hominoid and three cercopithecoid species, both modern and fossil, we conclude that the specimen is best attributed to the Odontoceti, the cetacean suborder containing dolphins and porpoises. The rib indicates an animal in the size range of Recent Tursiops or Lagenorhynchus.
Osteoarthrosis: Sex‐specific relationship to osteoporosis
Authors: Burr David B. , Martin R. Bruce , Schaffler Mitchell B. , Jurmain Robert D. , Harner E. James , Radin Eric L.
Published: February 2006

Examination of an Eskimo skeletal series demonstrated at least two etiologically distinct groups of joint deterioration divided along sex lines. Low bone mineral content (BMC) among women and high BMC among men were associated with osteoarthrosis on the tibial plateau. This finding contradicts conventional wisdom based on clinical observation, which suggests that reduced skeletal mass prevents osteoarthrosis.
Digital dermatoglyphics of the Faroe Islanders
Authors: Harvey Robin G. , Suter Diana
Published: February 2006

Finger dermatoglyphics of 446 male and 463 female Faroe Islanders are described. According to birthplace information for their grandparents the individuals sampled are considered to be representative of all regions of the Faroes. Pattern frequencies are given for individual digits and the tables contain mean radial, ulnar, and unilateral maximal ridge counts. Overall frequencies of patterns and mean total ridge counts in both sexes are compared with other populations in northwestern Europe, several of which have had close historical connections with the Faroes.

The Faroese have exceptionally high frequencies of arch and ulnar loop patterns, making their mean pattern intensity index values among the lowest in Europe. Low mean total ridge counts are also characteristic of this population. Icelanders show closer dermatoglyphic resemblance to the Faroese than any other European populations. Low mean total ridge counts among Shetland and Orkney Islanders are noteworthy, and it is possible that the resemblance between these North Atlantic island populations is due to common ancestry arising from Viking settlement during the 8th and 9th centuries. The operation of random genetic drift on the gene pool of the Faroe Islanders is another factor to be considered when assessing their biological affinities.
Crown dimensions of deciduous teeth of prehistoric and living populations of Western India
Authors: Lukacs John R. , Joshi M. R. , Makhija P. G.
Published: February 2006

Deciduous tooth crown dimensions are poorly known for the people of South Asia. This contribution describes dental crown dimensions of two prehistoric and one living population from the northwestern region of the subcontinent.
Marital structure and genetic heterogeneity of Ramea Island, Newfoundland
Authors: Devor Eric J. , Crawford Michael H. , Koertvelyessy Tibor
Published: February 2006

The population structure of Ramea Island, Newfoundland, is described using surname, marital migration, and serological data. Results presented indicate that Ramea is an open and heterogeneous population. It is shown, however, that this contemporary characterization has a time depth of only three decades and has resulted from a rapid population response to a single historical/economic event.
Transferrin subtypes in four Northwest Indian tribal populations and some remarks on the anthropological value of this new polymorphism
Authors: Walter H. , Stach Martina , Singh Indera P. , Bhasin M. K.
Published: February 2006

Serum samples from four tribal Populations—Chaudhuri, Kotwalia, Vasava, Gamit—living in Gujarat (Northwest India) were tested for transferrin subtypes. The results are compared with those reported for other Indian populations. Reviewing all the hitherto published Tf subtype data some interestig racial differences in the distribution of gene frequencies emerge. A possible geographical distribution pattern of the variants is explored.
Cytogenetic comparison and phylogeny of three species of hylobatidae
Authors: van Tuinen Peter , Ledbetter David H.
Published: February 2006

Representatives of three subgenera of Hylobatidae, Hylobates (Symphalangus) syndactylus, H. (Nomascus) concolor and H. (Hylobates) agilis were compared karyotypically by G‐banding, C‐banding, and silver staining. A greater degree of similarity (30–55%) was found among these groups than previous reports suggest; however, these figures are still considerably lower than chromosome similarities characteristic of all other catarrhine groups. Inversion, translocation, fission, and fusion have all played a role in restructuring hylobatid chromosomes since a common hominoid ancestor. H. syndactylus and H. concolor show the greatest G‐band correspondence, and in addition share an unusual C‐band distribution and an extremely rare nucleolar organizing region placement (on the Y chromosome). The latter two are probably shared derived traits, suggesting that these two species shared a common ancestor not shared by other hylobatids. These data sugest a branching order for these three hylobatid groups different from those derived by other morphological and biochemical methods.
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin‐deficient phenotype is not maintained by segregation distortion
Authors: Suarez B. K. , Pierce J. A.
Published: February 2006

Recent reports have suggested that the alpha‐1‐antitrypsin allele Piz, which in homozygotes results in severe deficiency of this important protease inhibitor, is maintained at a relatively high gene frequency through the mechanism of segregation distortion. We report here on 121 nuclear families selected because only one parent was segregating the Z allele. After correcting for ascertainment, no evidence of preferential transmission was observed in 278 informative offspring.
Diabetes mellitus in the Pima Indians: Genetic and evolutionary considerations
Authors: Knowler William C. , Pettitt David J. , Bennett Peter H. , Williams Robert C.
Published: February 2006

Non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is a common disease in the Pima Indians. It is familial and strongly related to obesity. Neel (1962) suggested that the introduction of a steady food supply to people who have evolved a “thrifty genotype” leads to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Our findings in the Pimas of differences in insulin sensitivity in different metabolic pathways suggest that the thrifty genotype involves the ability of insulin to maintain fat stores despite resistance to glucose disposal. The recent increase in diabetes incidence following the availability of an abundant food supply suggests that the ability to store energy efficiently during cycles of feast and famine may now lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
Inbreeding effects on dental morphometrics in Papio hamadryas
Authors: Baume R. M. , Lapin B. A.
Published: February 2006

The dentition of nonhuman primates (Papio hamadryas) was utilized to investigate the hypothesis that inbreeding will affect mean tooth size and shape. More than five hundred dental casts were collected from baboons at the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy in Sukhumi, USSR. In addition, inbreeding coefficients for each monkey were obtained from pedigree records, some going back seven to nine generations. Each tooth was measured and scored for the presence of discrete morphological structures. Inbred and outbred groups were differentiated and divided by sex.

Statistical analysis shows that for the most part inbred monkeys exhibit larger teeth than outbred monkeys, in both male and female groups. When the tooth area of inbreds was compared to that of outbreds, the differences were significant. However, there were no significant differences in frequency of discrete traits. Therefore, it can be concluded that primate dentition is affected by inbreeding, although dental metrics is a more sensitive indicator than morphology.
Forelimb musculature and ligaments in Ateles, the spider monkey
Authors: Turnquist Jean E.
Published: February 2006

The forelimb anatomy of Ateles, the spider monkey, is a key factor in its locomotor adaptation because of its extensive use of bimanual suspensory locomotion in addition to climbing and quadrupedal walking (Mittermeier, 1978; and Fleagle and Mittermeier, 1980). The detailed description of the muscles and ligaments of the forelimb of Ateles provided in this paper can be of considerable use not only to primate morphologists interested in both extant and fossil primates but also to functional anatomists. All measurements were made on fresh, unembalmed specimens. Standard anatomical descriptions of the musculature, cross‐sectional areas of the muscles, dry weights of muscle bellies, and relative proportions of antagonistic muscles are reported as are the joint ligaments and potential range of motions of the joints. These anatomical data are compared briefly to published data on Alouatta, the howler monkey, which is predominantly a quadruped (Fleagle and Mittermeier, 1980; and Schön Ybarra, 1982).
A study of the polymorphism and ethnic distribution differences of human serum paraoxonase
Authors: Mallinckrodt M. Geldmacher‐V. , Diepgen T. L. , Duhme C. , Hommel G.
Published: February 2006

The enzyme serum paraoxonase shows a polymorphism in Europeans which is governed by two alleles. The first allele has a gene frequency plow of 0.716–0.777, and is manifested as a low activity group in homozygotes. More than 50% of all European test subjects can be included in this group. A second allele with a gene frequency qhigh of 0.223–0.284 was found in typical European distributions and is manifested in both the form of a second heterozygotic and a third homozygotic group with high activities. The Hardy‐Weinberg rule for a two‐allele model is valid for the distribution. The gene frequency plow of the first allele decreases as one moves from Europe in the direction of Africa and Asia. In typical Mongoloid and Negroid collectives, less than 10% of the population can be included in the low‐activity group, a group which is not even demonstrable in the Aborigines of Australia. The serum paraoxonase of the Aborigine population shows unimodal distribution.

The validity of the Hardy‐Weinberg rule for a three‐allele model must be rejected in all examined collectives. Human serum paraoxonase shows neither age‐related changes in activity nor sex‐dependent activity differences.
New European fossil hominid material from an Acheulean site near Rome (Castel di Guido)
Authors: Mallegni Francesco , Mariani‐Costantini Renato , Fornaciari Gino , Longo Ernesto T. , Giacobini Giacomo , Radmilli Antonio M.
Published: February 2006

New fossil hominid material recovered from an Acheulean Italian archeological site is reported. It consists of two portions of femora, an occipital fragment, a fragmentary right maxilla, and a portion of parietal. Each specimen is described in detail and measurements are given. On the basis of the morphology, which includes primitive traits reminiscent of Homo erectus, and of the archeological, paleontological, and stratigraphical association, these new fossils are referred to the early European group.
Structured exploratory data analysis (SEDA) of finger ridge‐count inheritance: I. Major gene index, midparental correlation, and offspring‐between‐parents function in 125 South Indian families
Authors: Karlin Samuel , Chakraborty Ranajit , Williams Paul T. , Mathew Susan
Published: February 2006

Fourteen dermatoglyphic traits measured on 125 Velanadu Brahmin families were analyzed for mode of inheritance using three Structured Exploratory Data Analysis (SEDA) statistics: the major gene index, the offspring between parents function, and the traditional midparental correlation coefficient. Since the traits are integer valued with restricted ranges of variation, we simulated various transmission models with discrete expression to better understand the nature of the SEDA statistics for such variables. In addition, permutation procedures were employed to aid the interpretation of the SEDA results. These analyses suggest that corresponding homologous fingers on the left and right hands exhibit similar transmission characteristics. The relationship of the parent and child total ridge‐counts of the two hands separately, as well as their combined total, virtually simulate complete Galtonian blending inheritance. Results for the individual digital ridge‐counts as well as the pattern‐intensity‐index variable also suggest a multifactorial mode of transmission or possibly one involving several genes.
Variations of rat skull bone robusticity evoked by malnutrition
Authors: Pucciarelli Héctor M. , Oyhenart Evelia E. , Terreros María C.
Published: February 2006

Weanling Holtzman rats of both sexes were fed a control (25% protein), a 10% protein, and a 2% protein semisynthetic diet. Protein deficit (PD) and protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) were estimated from comparisons between control and 10% protein, and control and 2% protein‐fed animals, respectively. Animals were killed when they were 56 days old and their skulls cleaned and disarticulated. Individual bones and incisors were ovendried to constant weight. Total weight (TW), maximal projected length (MPL), and robusticity index (RI) were determined on each bone and incisor. It was found that all the bones and incisors did not behave uniformly. They followed two main patterns: (1) Proportional variation. RI values were not affected by nutritional deficiencies. All basicranial bones and 4 of 10 facial bones followed this pattern. (2) Non‐proportional variation. RI values were affected by nutritional deficiencies. This pattern was subdivided into two trends: (2a) PD‐diminished RI values. Both upper and lower incisors and 1 of 10 facial bones followed this trend. (2b) PCM, but not PD, decreased RI values. All vault bones and the remaining five facial bones followed this trend. It was concluded that there was a differential robusticity response among cranial base, calvaria, and incisors, This response may be connected with the differences in both histogenetic characteristics of those components and the functional roles they have to perform. The nonvault intramembranous bones showed a nonspecific behavior. This fact precluded the classification of the facial region in some of the previously defined patterns.
Are the Kow Swamp hominids “archaic”?
Authors: Kennedy G. E.
Published: February 2006

Initial reports of hominids recovered at Kow Swamp, in the Murray Valley of Victoria indicated that, on the basis of cranial analyses, there was a “survival of Homo erectus features” in Australia until as recently as 10,000 years ago (Thorne and Macumber, 1972, p. 316). This claim was later refuted by others, who suggested that artificial cranial deformation may have been responsible for at least some of the distinctive and “primitive” traits seen in the Kow Swamp individuals. Previous research by this worker and others has indicated that taxonomic traits at both specific and subspecific levels are present in hominine femora. Therefore, it may be possible to evaluate the “primitiveness” of the Kow Swamp sample on the basis of their femoral anatomy. Morphometric analyses were undertaken, using as controls femora of Romano British, Tasmanian, and other Murray Valley populations. On the basis of bivariate and multivariate analyses it was found that, at least in this single element of the postcranium, no primitive features were present. The Kow Swamp sample, in fact, shows a very close morphometric relationship with all included Homo sapiens controls and is significantly distinct from Homo erectus.
Age‐specific variation in the secular trend for stature: A comparison of samples from industrialized and nonindustrialized regions
Authors: McCullough John M. , McCullough Christine S.
Published: February 2006

Age‐specific secular trend patterns for children in industrialized world regions have a regular pattern, beginning low at age 6 and increasing to a maximum at age 10 to 14, then declining. While magnitude differs, the patterns are ordinarily parallel, especially in the female samples. However, age‐specific secular trend values for children from developing regions, or from areas of industrialized countries not benefitting substantially from development, are irregular in pattern and magnitude. Consequently, it is difficult to predict age at maximal secular change. We suggest that fluctuating environmental circumstances in these developing countries influence growth and, hence, the pattern of secular trend. As more stable environmental conditions relating to growth are present in the industrialized countries, this leads to more stable patterns of growth and age‐specific patterns of secular change.
Polymorphism of palmar C‐ and D‐line terminations among the Sikligars of Chandigarh
Authors: Balgir R. S.
Published: February 2006

Modal types of palmar C‐ and D‐line terminations of 60 couples of Sikligars from Chandigarh have been evaluated and compared with the populations from Northwestern India. The distribution of palmar C‐ and D‐line terminations among the Sikligars resembles those of the Rajputs and Hindu Gujjars, suggesting a common population origin, an infrequent inflow of genes from the surrounding populations, and their biosocial isolation. Bilateral distribution asymmetry and sexual dimorphism were also observed.
The mylohyoid bridge in four population samples from India, with observations on its suitability as a genetic marker
Authors: Kaul Samvit S. , Pathak R. K.
Published: February 2006

Four adult skeletal samples from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar in India have been studied for the incidence of mylohyoid bridge. The incidence, varying between 2.98% and 7.14%, has been compared with frequencies reported for other populations of the world. The range of variation for Indians, as a whole, falls within the lower levels of the spectrum of worldwide variation for this trait, ranging between 0.47% for French Europeans and 33.8% observed among Plains American Indians.

While noting its possible significance for clinical purposes, the suitability of the mylohyoid bridge as a population genetic marker has been discussed. It is emphasized that its use as a genetic marker in isolation of other discrete traits has serious limitations. For meaningful population definition and relationships as many discrete variants as possible ought to be utilized.
Passive joint mobility in patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas): Rehabilitation of caged animals after release into a free‐ranging environment
Authors: Turnquist Jean E.
Published: February 2006

A previous study of passive joint mobility in patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) showed that laboratory‐caged animals had significantly greater mobility in most joints than age/sex matched free‐ranging monkeys. Passive joint mobility on 27 of the same animals was measured 6 months after the caged animals were released onto a 40‐hectare island. The results show that within 6 months of becoming free‐ranging, typical passive joint mobility is restored. Thus, although caging directly affects measurements of morphologically‐determined features in patas monkeys, confinement itself does not necessarily prevent rehabilitation if the immature monkeys are released into a free‐ranging environment.
Bone measurement by enhanced contrast image analysis: Ovariectomized and intact Macaca fascicularis as a model for human postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Bowles E. A. , Weaver D. S. , Telewski F. W. , Wakefield A. H. , Jaffe M. J. , Miller L. C.
Published: February 2006

This paper presents an image enhancement and analysis system (DARWIN) based on an inexpensive microcomputer and applies the system to two bone morphometry problems relevant to postmenopausal osteoporosis. Using ovariectomized and intact female Macaca fascicularis as a model, we examined the radiodensity of the sixth lumbar vertebra and the cross‐section area of the right femur. Significantly lower bone density was observed in the vertebral segments of the ovariectomized animals. No significant differences were observed in comparisons of the femoral cross sections. The reduction in radiographic density of the ovariectomized animals' vertebrae is similar to that observed in postmenopausal women, supporting the use of female cynomolgus macaques as models of bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
An autocorrelation analysis of genetic variation due to lineal fission in social groups of rhesus macaques
Authors: Cheverud James M. , Dow Malcolm M.
Published: February 2006

Empirical analyses and models of the lineal effects of fission indicate that considerable genetic differentiation may occur at the time of group formation, thus confusing the usual positive relationship between historical affiliation and genetic differentiation. We analyze the effects of fission pattern on variation in highly heritable morphological traits among eight social groups on Cayo Santiago. The analysis is performed using general network autocorrelation methods that quantitatively and directly measure the amount of variation in social group mean morphology that can be explained by fission. All of the fission autocorrelation coefficients are strongly negative, indicating that groups most recently formed by fission are most dissimilar. Also, most of the variation between groups can be explained by the fission pattern, indicating that lineal fission is the most important process generating between‐group variation on Cayo Santiago.
Cytogenetic study of a female Lemur coronatus × Lemur macaco hybrid
Authors: Warter S. , Rumpler Y.
Published: February 2006

Two species of lemur, Lemur macaco and Lemur coronatus, which do not hybridize in the wild, have produced a first, “definite” female hybrid in captivity. Its karyotype contains one haploid set from each parent. The analogy with the parental chromosomes is such that the pairing of the corresponding chromosomal arms leads to the formation of an open chain and a ring. The difficulty in obtaining hybrids between these two species could reflect the existence of a prezygotic barrier. The presence of multivalents, with probably a negative action on the gametogenesis, would introduce a postzygotic barrier.
Diachronic variation in cranial thickness of near eastern populations
Authors: Smith Patricia , Wax Yohanan , Becker Adrian , Einy Shmul
Published: February 2006

Cephalometric radiographs were taken of 111 skulls of skeletal remains of populations living in Israel and Jordan during the last 12,000 years. From these radiographs, skull length and height, and cranial thickness were measured. For each sex and period, high correlations were found between cranial thickness at vertex, bregma, and lambda. Cranial thickness at nasion was correlated with sinus width but not sinus height. All measurements were correlated with skull length but not skull breadth. Using multivariate analysis, no significant differences in cranial thickness were found between the sexes. Significant diachronic trends were found in lambda and sinus width, and they were independent of variation in skull length.
Aging in the musculoskeletal system of rhesus monkeys: II. Degenerative joint disease
Authors: DeRousseau C. Jean
Published: February 2006

In order to discuss the rate and onset of adult aging in rhesus monkeys, 55 adult animals from the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center and the University of Wisconsin Psychology Primate Laboratory were examined. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) at the hip and spine was scored, and loss of passive joint mobility at the hip was measured.

Development of DJD at both the hip and spine was significantly and positively correlated with age. Spinal changes, especially at the thoraco/lumbar intervertebral symphyses, appeared to develop somewhat more rapidly than hip degeneration. In some individuals, DJD was observed soon after the completion of growth, but pronounced changes seldom occurred before the middle of the second decade of life. Similarly, age‐dependent losses of passive joint mobility appeared to begin early in ontogeny and to become increasingly pronounced in the aging adult.

Although interspecific comparisons are difficult due to intraspecies and intraindividual variation, the timing of musculoskeletal aging in the rhesus spine and hip differs from that observed in humans in a way that parallels previously documented species differences in patterns of musculoskeletal growth. These observations and data on age‐related change in other systems, suggest that rates and durations of many ontogenetic processes in rhesus monkeys are approximately three times as fast and one‐third as long as those of the corresponding human processes. Importantly, differences in the timing of reproduction do not appear to follow the same scaling factor observed in other systems. Although reproduction may, therefore, be under separate control, the consistent pattern observed in other aspects of somatic growth and aging supports the hypothesis (Cutler, 1976; Sacher, 1978) that evolutionary changes in ontogeny have resulted from selection acting upon a few genes with widespread regulatory effects.
Maximal exercise capacity in adolescent European and Amerindian high‐altitude natives
Authors: Greksa Lawrence P. , Spielvogel Hilde , Paredes‐Fernández Luis
Published: February 2006

Forty‐seven highland natives were given maximal exercise tests on a treadmill ergometer at 3,600 m. The subjects were grouped into four subsamples on the basis of ethnicity (European vs. Aymara) and age (young vs. old adolescent). Two‐way ANOVA indicated that VO2max adjusted for body size did not differ significantly between ethnic groups but was significantly larger in older than younger boys within each ethnic group (p < .05). This finding does not support the hypothesis that Amerindian highland natives have adapted genetically to hypoxia but is consistent with the hypothesis that the relatively high VO2max's of highlanders are acquired by developmental adaptation. Several measures of ventilation and oxygen transport capacity differed significantly between ethnic groups, suggesting that growing European and Aymara boys may respond somewhat differently to the stress of high‐altitude hypoxia. However, despite these differences, VO2max, an integrated measure of the overall functional capacity of the oxygen transport system, did not differ significantly between ethnic groups, suggesting that both groups are equally capable of meeting the body's oxygen requirements during maximal exercise at high altitude.
The eruption pattern of the permanent incisors and first permanent molars in Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus
Authors: Dean M. C.
Published: February 2006

This study aims to reassess the claim that the eruption sequence of the permanent incisor and first permanent molar teeth of Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus is identical with that in modern Homo sapiens. Eight fossil hominid mandibles of equivalent dental developmental age were chosen for comparative study. Emphasis has been placed upon the comparative timing of events within the growth period rather than eruption sequence alone. The results of this study indicate that Homo sapiens and Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus share the same pattern of permanent molar and incisor eruption and that this is significantly different from the pattern of eruption shared by the great apes, Australopithecus africanus and Australopithecus afarensis.
The nature of the primate grasping foot
Authors: Gebo Daniel L.
Published: February 2006

The grasping primate foot is one of the hallmark adaptations for the order Primates. Prosimian muscle and joint analysis indicates that there are two distinct primate grasping feet. The I–V opposable grasp, in which the hallux opposes the other four digits around a support, is the primitive grasp type utilized by cheirogaleids, lorisides, Daubentonia, and tarsiids. Lemurids and indriids, on the other hand, have a derived I–II adductor grasp, where the grasping action of the hallux and the second digit have been enhanced. This grasp seems to be in response to increasing body size and the use of vertical supports. North American adapids, which were large and possessed the I–V opposable grasp, were probably not able to utilize vertical supports frequently. The recognition of this innovative adaptation, the I–II adductor grasp, which is unique to Madagascar, extends our appreciation of prosimian locomotor capabilities.
Interobserver reliability of skinfold measurements in infants and young children
Authors: Johnston Francis E. , Mack Robert W.
Published: February 2006

Interobserver reliabilities were determined for the triceps, biceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal skinfolds in 77 children, 9–24 months of age. Technical errors of measurement (replicate variances) and coefficients of variation were compared to data on 12–17‐year‐olds from the U.S. Health Examination Survey (HES) to 2.5–7‐year‐old Guatamalan children. Of the five skinfolds, the between‐observer variation was not significantly different from zero in four; in the case of the biceps fold, F‐ratio was significant at p < .01. Errors of measurement are less for these data than for the HES or Guatemalan studies. This difference is attributed to the larger means of the older children and youth, as well as to the greater error of measurement shown to exist for larger skinfolds.
Directional asymmetry of body dimensions among white adolescents
Authors: Schell Lawrence M. , Johnston Francis E. , Smith Daniel R. , Paolone Albert M.
Published: February 2006

Asymmetry of paired dimensions has been recognized as a methodological problem in anthropometry and more recently as an indicator of environmental stress. This study seeks to determine the extent of directional asymmetry for some of the measurements commonly made in anthropometry. Upper arm circumference, biepicondylar breadth, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, bicondylar breadth of the femur, and calf circumference were measured on right and left sides among 135 white adolescents from suburban Philadelphia. Handedness (right or nonright) was subject‐assessed. Body composition was estimated through underwater weighing. Asymmetry was evaluated using a paired t test. Arm measurements are significantly asymmetric in favor of the right side; subscapular skinfolds and leg measurements are not significantly asymmetric. Among the sample of right‐handed subjects (n = 116), upper arm circumference and biepicondylar breadth were significantly larger on the right side, and, among the males of this subsample, triceps was as well. The nonright‐handed subjects (n = 19) did not show statistically significant asymmetry. Asymmetry was negatively but weakly related to body composition. These results are consistent with an explanation in terms of preferred use of one side of the body and consequent muscle hypertrophy, but an adequate test of this explanation requires hypothesis testing in larger samples of nonright‐handed subjects.
Mechanics of increased support of weight by the hindlimbs in primates
Authors: Reynolds Thomas R.
Published: February 2006

Quadrupedal primates support most of their weight on their hindlimbs during locomotion. Neither the position of their center of gravity nor the average position of their foot contacts is substantially different from that of other quadrupeds supporting most of their weight on their forelimbs. Arguments are presented to support the theory that high levels of hindlimb retractor activity will produce this shift of support to the hindlimbs. If this muscular activity is appropriately timed, it will generate only low horizontal accelerations, which can be offset by small changes in the average position of the limbs. Estimates of muscular force are derived from force plate and kinematic data, which indicate that primates in fact do exhibit the postulated pattern of muscular activity. It is suggested that this shift occurs to reduce the compressive forces on the forelimbs.
Atlanto‐occipital fusion and spondylolisthesis in an Anasazi skeleton from bright angel ruin, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Authors: Merbs Charles F. , Euler Robert C.
Published: February 2006

The skeleton of a middle‐aged female showing an unusual pattern of congenital, traumatic, and degenerative pathology was recovered from a small Kayenta Anasazi site located near the confluence of Bright Angel Creek with the Colorado River in the Inner Gorge of Grand Canyon. The atlas is fused with the base of the skull and C2 is fused with C3. The cervical region was subjected to hyperextension, perhaps through use of a tumpline, with resultant reduction of the neural canal to 8 mm, a condition that quite likely led to neurological problems. The skeleton also includes a depression fracture of the lateral condyle of the left tibia. Complete, bilateral spondylolysis of L5 led to an olisthesis of approximately 15 mm. The disc between L5 and S1 then ossified, most likely from staphylococcus bacteremia, making the olisthesis permanent and thereby creating a unique archaeological specimen. Although spondylolysis is usually viewed as a stress fracture, the general pattern of pathology in this individual makes it necessary to consider an etiology of acute trauma.
Dental modifications and tool use in the western Great Basin
Authors: Larsen Clark Spencer
Published: February 2006

Nondietary function is an important concern in the study of the human dentition and its role in adaptation. The purpose of the present investigation is to describe and interpret a pattern of dental wear in the anterior dentition of precontact hunter‐gatherers that inhabited the western Great Basin. These data are discussed in light of ethnographic documentation as a means by which the archaeological record is linked with associated behavior of the representative populations. A series of 171 dentitions from a group of archaeological localities was examined. Of 1,931 teeth observed, 16 of these showed narrow (0.4–2.0 mm) transverse grooves located on the midocclusal surfaces of anterior teeth. The grooves were restricted in occurrence to five older adult males.

Documentation of prehistoric and historic western Great Basin aboriginal populations indicates an adaptation that involves use of plant materials in the production of a variety of utilitarian objects, such as fish nets, basketry, funerary bags, fowling bags, and rope. In postcontact contexts, the anterior dentition has been shown to play an important role in the preparation of materials used for the production of this equipment. It seems most likely, then, that the grooves observed herein resulted directly from the use of the dentition as part of the tool assemblage for the production of other tools.
The “unisex phantom,” sexual dimorphism, and proportional growth assessment
Authors: Shephard Roy J. , Labarre Robert , Jéquier J.‐C. , Lavallee Hugues , Rajic M. , Volle M.
Published: February 2006

The “unisex phantom” tactic of Ross and associates attempts to examine proportional growth, expressing body measurements relative to a phantom created from arbitrary mean dimensions and the observed coefficients of variation for an arbitrary sample of adult men and women. Fundamental assumptions of the model are (1) that data treated in unisex fashion have the normal distribution required of Z‐type statistics throughout the period of growth, and (2) that it is reasonable to consider anthropometric measurements in all populations (regardless of ultimate size) as growing toward the common height chosen for the phantom. The validity and possible usefulness of this approach has been tested using anthropometric data collected on 546 francophone primary school children from the Trois Rivières district who had been measured repeatedly from 6 to 12 years of age. Over this age range, the mixing of data for girls and boys does not create a bimodal distribution, and has only a marginal effect upon skewing and kurtosis; however, the requirement of a normal distribution is not satisfied by quite a number of common anthropometric measurements even at this age. Moreover, application of the unisex phantom procedure to the Trois Rivières sample does little to clarify anticipated sex‐related differences in regional growth, and it is argued that univariate standardization against a power function of an arbitrary adult height may not provide the best method of examining the multivariate problem of growth. Comparison of results with data from Saskatoon, previously treated by unisex phantom methodology, reveals puzzling inconsistencies; it is suggested that interlaboratory differences of methodology rather than ethnic differences are responsible for apparent discrepancies in growth patterns. It is urged that interlaboratory validation of techniques and landmarks should precede the ascription of apparent differences in body build to constitutional factors.
Dental wear in the Libben population: Its functional pattern and role in the determination of adult skeletal age at death
Authors: Lovejoy C. Owen
Published: February 2006

Modal patterns of occlusal attrition are presented for the Libben population based on a sample of 332 adult dentitions. Maxillas and mandibles were reviewed independently by seriation prior to assessment of complete dentitions. The Spearman rank order coefficient for upper and lower dentitions was.96. Wear patterns are very similar to those reported by Murphy (1959a: Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 17:167–178) for Australian aborigines. There were no significant sexual differences in wear rate. Dental wear is concluded to be a highly reliable and important indicator of adult age at death for skeletal populations if seriation procedures are employed.
Ectocranial suture closure: A revised method for the determination of skeletal age at death based on the lateral‐anterior sutures
Authors: Meindl Richard S. , Lovejoy C. Owen
Published: February 2006

A new method for estimation of age‐at‐death based on the degree of suture closure is presented. The method employs simple ectocranial scoring of specific sites on the external table. Composite scores for two groups of sutures, lateral‐anterior and vault systems, which are used to provide estimates of age‐at‐death, have been developed from a sample of 236 crania from the Hamann‐Todd Collection. A variety of tests show that the lateralanterior sutures are superior to the sutures of the vault, that ectocranial is superior to endocranial observation, and that age estimates are independent of race and sex. It is concluded that suture closure can provide valuable estimates of age‐at‐death in both archaeological and forensic contexts when used in conjunction with other skeletal age indicators.
Accuracy and direction of error in the sexing of the skeleton: Implications for paleodemography
Authors: Meindl Richard S. , Lovejoy C. Owen , Mensforth Robert P. , Carlos Lydia Don
Published: February 2006

Determinations of sex by subjective assessment of the skulls from a skeletal series of known sex were compared to fully independent assessments based on pelves of the same specimens. Within‐sex correlations of cranial and pelvic morphologies measured on an android‐gynecoid scale were smaller than expected. Subjective assessment by means of the skull compared favorably to that of the linear discriminant functions of Giles and Elliot; however, the direction of error was similar for both procedures. Of course, estimations based on the pelves were generally superior to both in terms of frequency and overall bias of error. The bias of sex estimation for paleodemographic purposes is contingent upon completeness of skeletal remains.