Showing papers in "International Journal of Anthropology in 1992"
TL;DR: A consistently positive correlation between the two variables is found; higher caries rates are associated with higher attrition rates, and neither caries nor attrition are directly dependent upon each other, both are correlated with diet.
Abstract: Maat & Van der Velde (1987) have argued that a generalizable relationship exists between dental attrition and caries rates. They postulated a negative correlation between the two variables; lower rates of caries were associated with higher rates of attrition. They based this conclusion upon an analysis of data from a 17th and 18th century Dutch whaling station on Spitzbergen, together with a survey of literature on European populations over the last thousand years. In this paper we present data from two Portuguese Mesolithic sites questioning the universality of those conclusions. We find a consistently positive correlation between the two variables; higher caries rates are associated with higher attrition rates. The solution to this conundrum appears to be that neither caries nor attrition are directly dependent upon each other. Rather, both are correlated with diet. Different series with different dietary regimes will show different relationships between these two variables, each of which will have to be analyzedde novo.
38 citations
TL;DR: A measure of tracking based on Cohen's kappa statistic and the tracking indices proposed by Foulkes-Davis and McMahan are considered in this article, where applications, including significance testing, are made to a study of the growth of Guatemalan school children whose stature was measured longitudinally from 7 to 12 years of age.
Abstract: Tracking can be defined as the tendency of an individual, or a collection of individuals, to maintain a particular course of growth over time relative to other individuals. A measure of tracking based on Cohen's kappa statistic and the tracking indices proposed by Foulkes-Davis and McMahan are considered. Applications, including significance testing, are made to a study of the growth of Guatemalan school children whose stature was measured longitudinally malan school children whose stature was measured longitudinally from 7 to 12 years of age. User-friendly programs for computing these indices are described and made available to interested readers.
31 citations
TL;DR: The osteological analysis of the human remains washed out by the tides showed that the anatomical representation of the bones found on the shoreline is distinctly skewed, caused by the erosion of the graves by wave action and the differential transport of bones by waves and currents.
Abstract: A historical cemetery on Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, was partially washed away during an exceptional seasonal high tide. The osteological analysis of the human remains washed out by the tides showed that the anatomical representation of the bones found on the shoreline is distinctly skewed, caused by the erosion of the graves by wave action and the differential transport of bones by waves and currents.
19 citations
TL;DR: Four Sardinian population samples were studied with regard to the erythrocyte enzyme systems ACP, ESD, PGM1, ADA, AK, 6PGD and Dia, and to the serum protein systems GC and C3.
Abstract: Four Sardinian population samples, from the provinces of Cagliari, Oristano, Nuoro and Sassari, were studied with regard to the erythrocyte enzyme systems ACP, ESD, PGM1, ADA, AK, 6PGD and Dia, and to the serum protein systems GC and C3. The findings showed a rather high degree of genetic heterogeneity of the Sardinians compared to the other populations from the Mediterranean area (Continental Italy, Sicily, Spain, North Africa).
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the skeletal lead content of twenty Italian archaeological populations was found to be up to ten-fold higher than their predecessors or successors, indicating that lead poisoning may have afflicted many members of the aristocratic social stratum.
Abstract: Certain social and industrial activities that were common among Imperial Age Romans have been suggested to have caused lead poisoning whose sociological consequences may have afflicted many members of the aristocratic social stratum. Evaluation of this suggestion has awaited quantitative data. This study reports the skeletal lead content of twenty Italian archaeological populations. Imperial Age populations demonstrated up to ten-fold more bone lead than their predecessors or successors.
17 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of gene frequencies with the few available samples of Iranian populations demonstrated an intra-ethnic and extensive overall genetic diversity in the Iranian plateau.
Abstract: Genetic polymorphisms of six blood groups and seven biochemical genetic markers were investigated in six Iranian populations (Turks, Kurds, Lurs, Zabolis, Baluchis and Zoroastrians). Eight of the genetic systems (ABO, MNSs, Kidd, C3, AP, AK, PGM1 and EsD) showed conclusive heterogeneity among these populations. Comparison of gene frequencies with the few available samples of Iranian populations demonstrated an intra-ethnic and extensive overall genetic diversity in the Iranian plateau. A gradient of C3*F gene was also discernible within the geographical region of Iran which may reflect the relics of the historical movements of different racial groups in this region. The present genetic variation may reflect the differences in the structure of these populations, the analysis of which is further attempted in the accompanying paper.
17 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the two Princesses, Khekeretnebty and Hedjetnebu, were full sisters and could have been more distantly related to the mentioned three members of the family of the King Djedkare Isesi.
Abstract: During recent field work of the Czechoslovak Institute of Egyptology in the South Field of the Royal Cemetery at Abusir several Fifth Dynasty mastabas were investigated. In three of them, four skeletons of the original occupants were found. By means of a comparative analysis based on craniometric, osteometric, epigenetic, cranioscopic, osteoscopic and radiographic features, supported by determination of blood groups, their respective relationships were assessed and related to the archeological record. It is concluded that the two Princesses, Khekeretnebty and Hedjetnebu, were full sisters. A girl named Tisethor, for whom the mastaba of Khekeretnebty was enlarged, was more similar to Khekeretnebty than to Hedjetnebu. Hence it is suggested that she is more likely to have been the daughter of Khekeretnebty than another younger sister of the two older sisters. Another woman buried in mastaba L whose name and titles did not survive, could have been more distantly related to the mentioned three members of the family of the King Djedkare Isesi.
12 citations
TL;DR: In general the Turkish HP, GC, TF and PI allele frequencies do not differ obviously from those observed in other populations of Caucasoid origin.
Abstract: Four population samples from different regions of Turkey (Thracia, Karadeniz Bolgesi, West Anatolia and East Anatolia) with a total of 338 individuals have been typed for haptoglobin (HP) and for group specific component (GC), transferrin (TF) and alpha1-antitrypsin (PI) subtype polymorphisms. The allele frequencies show some regional differences, which, however, are statistically insignificant. In general the Turkish HP, GC, TF and PI allele frequencies do not differ obviously from those observed in other populations of Caucasoid origin.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to determine how well surnames assess the degree of European admixture in urban Aymara, and the first component from a principal components analysis was demonstrated to assess the underlying genetics of pigmentation after controlling for tanning and vascularity, the two primary environmental modifiers of skin color.
Abstract: The goal of the present report was to determine how well surnames assess the degree of European admixture in urban Aymara. Reflectances, which were measured at three wavelengths (425 nm, 545 nm, and 685 nm) and on two sites (the medial surface of the upper arm and the forehead), were used as genetic markers. The sample consisted of 556 Andean Indians of Aymara ancestry (305 males, 251 females; 10.0–29.9 yr) residing in La Paz, Bolivia (average altitude of about 3600 m). The first component from a principal components analysis was demonstrated to assess the underlying genetics of pigmentation, after controlling for tanning and vascularity, the two primary environmental modifiers of skin color. The scores associated with the first principal component were there-force entered into a discriminant function analysis, which indicated that surnames provide a useful indirect index of the degree of European admixture in urban Aymara. However, these results also suggested that the relationship between, surnames and ethnicity is not equally strong across all surname categories. In particular, the likelihood of correctly predicting surname category from reflectances was about twice that expected by chance alone in individuals with two Aymara or two Spanish surnames but was slightly less than would be expected by chance alone in those with mixed surnames. In addition, the findings of this study suggested that there may be significant genetic differences between rural and urban Aymara.
9 citations
TL;DR: The Trace Element Analysis greatly agree with what was expected from the historical and archeological information and may provide a good ecological and adaptive information of ancient human populations, that can be used for comparing populations from different areas.
Abstract: The analysis of Trace Elements in bone and its application to the determination of ancient human population's ecology and adaptation is focussed. The Sr/Ca and Zn/Ca indexes of the medieval population of L'Esquerda, (Barcelona, Spain) by time periods are compared with other independent information available for the same site. The results obtained with the Trace Element Analysis greatly agree with what was expected from the historical and archeological information. The results must be considered carefully, though, because of the relatively small sample size involved when dividing the sample into time periods. Nevertheless, the technique used may provide a good ecological and adaptive information of ancient human populations, that can be used for comparing populations from different areas.
7 citations
TL;DR: Three descendants of Koch, Indo-Mongolid populations, have been studied for their 12 genetic markers of blood group, red cell enzyme and serum protein, which reveals very low differentiation coefficient (GST) value for the total population, and the Poliya and the Tiyor stand close to each other compared to other populations.
Abstract: Three descendants of Koch, Indo-Mongolid populations, have been studied for their 12 genetic markers of blood group, red cell enzyme and serum protein. Distribution of their phenotype and allele frequencies shows some variants apart from their common alleles. Analysis on genetic material reveals very low differentiation coefficient (GST) value for the total population, and in the distance measure the Poliya and the Tiyor stand close to each other compared to other populations. Data on ethnohistory of the peoples have been discussed in the light of the results obtained from genetic analysis.
TL;DR: The amount of asymmetry in various digital and palmar characters found in healthy and pathological individuals (presenting Cooley's anemia, cleft lip, Cleft palate and breast cancer) was examined and no great differences were found in the other pathologies.
Abstract: The amount of asymmetry in various digital and palmar characters found in healthy and pathological individuals (presenting Cooley's anemia, cleft lip, cleft palate and breast cancer) was examined. Males with cleft palate presented higher asymmetry index values than did healthy males. No great differences were found in the other pathologies, while different behaviour in the two sexes was noted.
TL;DR: The genetic structure of six populations of Iran was examined using data on blood groups, serum proteins and cell enzymes showing conclusively that there are genetic differences among the six populations and the analysis of superimposed R and S matrices show that the dispersion of some of the alleles correspond to the dispersive of the populations.
Abstract: The genetic structure of six populations of Iran (Turks, Kurds, Lurs, Zabolis, Baluchis and Zoroastrians) was examined using data on blood groups, serum proteins and cell enzymes. Our results show conclusively that there are genetic differences among the six populations and the analysis of superimposed R and S matrices defined Harpending & Jenkins (1973) show by that the dispersion of some of the alleles correspond to the dispersion of the populations. The FST estimates are not large enough to favour selection on any of the loci studied. The FIT and FIS estimates are positive and moderately high suggesting that the genetic differentiation to some extent is influenced by inbreeding.
TL;DR: Examples from older populations (French Medieval and Canadian Amerindian) confirm the importance of the foramen's shape and bring to light the difficulties in the study of necropolis and ossuary familial concentrations.
Abstract: A family case of sternal foramen is described and the shape of the foramen is emphasized, since it is the same in the father and in the son Examples from older populations (French Medieval and Canadian Amerindian) confirm the importance of the foramen's shape and bring to light the difficulties in the study of necropolis and ossuary familial concentrations
TL;DR: The topological representation of the distribution of the selected New Guinea populations confirms high variability in the interior of the island, and possible causes are discussed.
Abstract: During an anthropological survey in the South-West of Irian Jaya (Indonesian New Guinea), 145 blood samples were collected from the coastal Asmat population. ABO, MNSs, Rh, Kell, Duffy and Kidd red cell antigen systems were investigated and the results are presented here. ABO, MNSs, Rh gene frequencies of the Asmat, together with those of 21 other New Guinea populations, were examined by principal component analysis. The topological representation of the distribution of the selected New Guinea populations confirms high variability in the interior of the island, and possible causes are discussed. A hypothesis is advanced, concordant with language evidence which would explain the resemblance among populations from opposite coasts of New Guinea and between some mountain and coastal groups. When the comparison includes 32 other world populations, the New Guinea groups constitute one assemblage distinct from the others.
TL;DR: Gestational age and birth weight appeared to be important messages of an infant's motor development, insofar as onset of the studied traits, but not “tooth”.
Abstract: Five traits of early child development were studied in 656 infants from the day of birth till 2 years of age. The infants selected for follow-up were born at 26–42 weeks of gestational age and with a birth weight accordingly ranging from 860 to 4560g. Analysis of variance was carried out for each of the following five traits which entailed the age at which a child: 1) turned himself over (turned); 2) sat unsupported for a few seconds (sat); 3) stood up (stood); 4) walked unsupported (walked); and 5) cut its first tooth (tooth). The results of this survey show no significant sex differences in the age of initial occurrence of any of the studied traits. Comparison with older siblings of the surveyed infants indicated a significant sibling resemblance component for all 5 trais, with the respective intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.34 and 0.53. Gestational age and birth weight, but not “tooth”, appeared to be important messages of an infant's motor development, insofar as onset of the studied traits. The separate correlations of “turned”, “sat”, “stood” and “walked” with gestational age or weight were all negative and statistically highly significant.
TL;DR: In this paper, data on middle phalangeal hair (MPH) among unrelated autochtonous individuals from Delta de l'Ebre and Murcia (Spain) showed remarkable sexual differences in the Murcia population.
Abstract: Data on middle phalangeal hair (MPH) among unrelated autochtonous individuals from Delta de l'Ebre and Murcia (Spain) show remarkable sexual differences in the Murcia population. The Delta de l'Ebre sample seems to have more pilosity than the Murcia sample. In the Spanish and Mediterranean variation range, Delta de l'Ebre is located between the populations with high pilosity while Murcia females show an extremely low value for this trait.
TL;DR: The bilateral and sexual differentiation patterns reveal the divergence between the ulnar counts and the maximal and radial values, which show a particular position of Murcia with the lowest TFRC values in the Spanish variation ranges.
Abstract: Quantitative finger dermatoglyphics have been analyzed in a Spanish population on the Mediterranean coast, from a sample of 347 individuals (163 males and 184 females) whose four grandparents were born in the studied region (Murcia).
TL;DR: Serogenetic investigations among the Hindu Gujjars of Ropar District in Punjab were carried out with special reference to their genetic relationship with populations of other localities, showing intragroup genetic variations, significant especially at the ABO locus.
Abstract: Serogenetic investigations among the Hindu Gujjars of Ropar District in Punjab were carried out with special reference to their genetic relationship with populations of other localities. Hindu Gujjars of Northwestern India show intragroup genetic variations, significant especially at the ABO locus. The magnitude of intragroup diversity varies depending upon the physical distance between the two groups. The plausible explanation for their diversity seems to be the founder effect, genetic drift and, their breeding and geographic isolation.
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt was made to investigate dermatoglyphic variation between four sex-crimes (SC) and four sex and other crime (SOC) convicts.
Abstract: An attempt was made to investigate dermatoglyphic variation between four sex-crimes (SC) and four sex and other crime (SOC) convicts. These were compared with 10 endogamous and 11 penal populations. The results indicate that the two closely related sex crime cases IPC-363 and IPC 366 («kidnap» and «abducting») show wide differences in dermatoglyphic characters. A comparison of sex crimes with sex and other crime cases showed least differences in the case of IPC-363, IPC-363 KC and in IPC 366 and IPC-366 AC but wide differences in IPC-354 («molestation») cases. The dendrograms suggest that the eight sex crime cases cluster together and are different from other endogamous and penal populations. The significant low mean finger ridge count observed in the case of IPC-366 is in agreement with other studies, suggesting a strong association between crime (sex) and dermatoglyphics.
TL;DR: It is concluded that individuals exhibiting pathologies likely to affect mastication should be excluded from studies relating striation patterns to diet.
Abstract: A sample of individuals with different unilateral pathologies affecting the masticatory apparatus has been studied. Replicas of the same teeth (first or second molar) on both sides have been obtained and observed by SEM. The number, length and orientation of buccal striations have been determined for each individual. Differences in the microwear pattern have been observed between pathological sides. Each individual displays a particular striation pattern, especially referred to the striation number variables. It is concluded that individuals exhibiting pathologies likely to affect mastication should be excluded from studies relating striation patterns to diet.
TL;DR: The geographical distribution of age at menarche in great Britain is analysed in two successive generations as discussed by the authors, and it appears that the variances for age at manarche are equal throughout the country.
Abstract: The geographical distribution of age at menarche in great Britain is analysed in two successive generations. It appears that the variances for age at menarche are equal throughout the country. The means, however, show significant and complicated patterns of regional variation. In the southern and eastern parts of the country, menarche was earlier than in the northern parts in both generations. This patterning is not due to social class differentiation. Except for the sparsely populated areas in northern and western Scotland and for the extreme south-western parts of England and Wales all areas show evidence of a decline in age at menarche from the mothers' to the daughters' generation.
TL;DR: The results of HP, GC and PI typings on two caste populations from Andhra Pradesh (South India) are reported and compared with data obtained on other Indian population samples.
Abstract: The results of HP, GC and PI typings on two caste populations (Relli-I: fruit vendors, Relli-II: scavengers) from Andhra Pradesh (South India) are reported and compared with data obtained on other Indian population samples.
TL;DR: The present work is the outcome of both biological anthropology and prehistoric research and the estimation of biological population state and dynamics and the morphological characteristics including the skull morphology have been used in the present work.
Abstract: The present work is the outcome of both biological anthropology and prehistoric research. The theses of cultural ecology became the basis for research on biological and cultural changes of human groups. More than 80 human bones series from the Neolithic cultures of Central Europe have been used here. The role of economic processes (ie: the additional role of cultural system) within the general picture of a given system has been stressed here. As far as anthropological analysis is concerned, the estimation of biological population state and dynamics and the morphological characteristics including the skull morphology, have been used in the present work.
TL;DR: The genetic structure of six populations of Iran was examined using data on blood groups, serum proteins and cell enzymes to show conclusively that there are genetic differences among the six populations and the analysis of superimposed R and S matrices show that the dispersion of some of the alleles correspond to the dispersive of the populations.
Abstract: The genetic structure of six populations of Iran (Turks, Kurds, Lurs, Zabolis, Baluchis and Zoroastrians) was examined using data on blood groups, serum proteins and cell enzymes. Our results show conclusively that there are genetic differences among the six populations and the analysis of superimposed R and S matrices defined by Harpending & Jenkins (1973) show that the dispersion of some of the alleles correspond to the dispersion of the populations. The FST estimates are not large enough to favour selection on any of the loci studied. The FIT and FIS estimates are positive and moderately high suggesting that the genetic differentiation to some extent is influenced by inbreeding.
TL;DR: Nineteen skulls of an ancient Jewish population from Ein-Gedi, were studied cephalometrically and compared with those obtained from a later local Arab population from the 17th to 18th centuries and with contemporary population standards: significantly different measurements were obtained.
Abstract: Nineteen skulls of an ancient Jewish population from Ein-Gedi, were studied cephalometrically. The material dated to the 1st century AD and most skulls showed some damage. Thus, only eleven parameters could be measured. The results were compared with those obtained from a later local Arab population from the 17th to 18th centuries and with contemporary population standards. Significantly different measurements were obtained for almost all the linear parameters for the three groups: the highest values were found in the contemporary population, followed by the Ein-Gedi population with the smallest values in the Arab sample. The dimensional linear differences can best be explained by different levels of environmental stress leading to growth retardation. Unlike the linear measurements the differences in the angular parameters were less marked, probably reflecting similar growth patterns.
TL;DR: The observed heterogeneity in the phenotype of the analyzed characteristics supports the hypothesis of heterogeneity existing also in the frequencies of the alleles responsible for their shaping, and caused by the inhibition of gene flow due to the reproductive isolation of the subpopulation groups on the island.
Abstract: The study of the population structure of the island of Hvar by radiomorphometric methods on the basis of a number of dimensions of the left second metacarpal bone (bone length, width of diaphysis and width of the medullary canal) was carried out on a sample of 822 inhabitants of that island aged between 16 and 85 years.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the following sequence is possible: Babesia divergens, Ixodes ricinus, Ursus spelaeus and/or arctus, caves, Rh negative selection, and the extinction of Neanderthal Man.
Abstract: We have taken into account the possibility of identifying the cause of the selection of Rh negative individuals during the Paleolithic period, referring to the known data on Rh positive and Rh negative phenotype and the pathogenic agents inside the red blood cells. After having narrowed down the field, identifying the Babesia divergens as the most probable responsible agent for the selection of the Rh negative individuals, we discuss the epidemiologic mechanism which may have intervened, and we evaluate the likelihood of this hypothesis in relation to the available data. We conclude that the following sequence is possible: Babesia divergens, Ixodes ricinus, Ursus spelaeus and/or arctus, caves, Rh negative selection. This would appear to be confirmed by the coinciding of the distribution areas of Rh negative individuals, Ursus spelaeus and arctus, Ixodes ricinus and Babesia divergens. We have also mentioned the possibility that the extinction of Neanderthal Man had the same cause as the selection of the Rh negative individuals.
TL;DR: The levels of trace elements in bones can provide information about the diet of a selected population and at the same time can be used to infer the sex and age of the individuals as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The levels of trace elements in bones can provide information about the diet of a selected population and at the same time can provide information about the sex and age of the individuals.