69 results on '"De Groote I"'
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2. Evidence of different climatic adaptation strategies in humans and non-human primates
- Author
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Buck, L. T., De Groote, I., Hamada, Y., Hassett, B. R., Ito, T., and Stock, J. T.
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- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Prehistory of the British Isles: A tale of coming and going
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De Groote, I., Lewis, M., and Stringer, C.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Application of 3-dimensional microscopy and micro-CT scanning to the analysis of Magdalenian portable art on bone and antler
- Author
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Bello, S.M., De Groote, I., and Delbarre, G.
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- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. A comprehensive analysis of long bone curvature in Neanderthals and modern humans using 3D morphometrics
- Author
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de Groote, I. E. P. M.
- Abstract
Since their discovery Neanderthals were described as having a marked degree of anteroposterior curvature of the femoral shaft. Although initially believed to be pathological, subsequent discoveries of Neanderthal remains made femoral curvature as well as the lateral curvature of the radius to be considered derived Neanderthal features. Femoral curvature has previously been used in racial identification in modern humans but its functional significance is poorly understood. A recent study on Neanderthals and early modern humans found no differences in femoral curvature but did not consider size-corrected curvature. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) use 3D morphometric landmark and semi- landmark analysis to quantify bone curvature (femur, ulna, radius) in Neanderthals, Upper Palaeolithic and recent modern humans, 2) compare adult bone curvature between these populations, and 3) test hypotheses on the effects of climate, body size, and activity patterns on curvature. Comparisons between and within populations were made using geometric morphometrics (3D landmarks) and standard multivariate methods. Comparative material involved all available Neanderthal and Upper Palaeolithic modem human femora, ulnae and radii, archaeological (Mesolithic, Neolithic, Medieval) and recent human populations representing a wide geographical and lifestyle range. The study found that there are significant differences in the anatomy of the femur, ulna and radius between Neanderthals and modern humans. Neanderthals have more curved femora and radii than modern humans. Early modern humans are most similar to recent modern humans in their anatomy. Recent modern human analyses indicate that femoral curvature and lower arm curvature are responses to disparate influences. Femoral curvature is a good indicator of activity level and habitual loading of the lower limb. Curvature of the lower arm is a consequence of cold adaptation and its purpose is to maintain biomechanical function of the lower arm despite its forshortening.
- Published
- 2008
6. Expressive and receptive language characteristics in three-year-old preterm children with extremely low birth weight.
- Author
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Van Lierde KM, Roeyers H, Boerjan S, and De Groote I
- Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the language characteristics of a group of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children at 3 years of age and to compare these language results with a sample of full-term children with normal birth weight (FBW). METHODS: All children were judged to be free of any major physical, sensorial and neurological impairments and had a mental developmental index of >55 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The Language was tested using the Reynell Developmental Language scales. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the ELBW group and the FBW group regarding the receptive and all the expressive language characteristics. There was a significant correlation between the mental developmental index and the language scores in the ELBW as well as in the FBW group. CONCLUSION: According to the analysis of the language characteristics, the logopedic approach to 3-year-old children born with ELBW must be focused on receptive (comprehension of 'wh'-questions, passive sentences, inferencing skills and spatial prepositions) and expressive (defining words, expressing semantic relations) morphosyntactic abilities and linguistic conceptualization. These communication disorders appear unrelated to neurological or sensorial impairments, but can be partly explained by a decreased general mental functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Behavioral inferences from the high levels of dental chipping in Homo naledi
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Towle, I, Irish, J, and De Groote, I
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QM ,stomatognathic diseases ,QH301 ,stomatognathic system ,GN - Abstract
Objectives: A variety of mechanical processes can result in ante-mortem dental chipping. In this study, chipping data in the teeth of Homo naledi are compared with those of other pertinent dental samples to give insight into their etiology. Materials and Methods: Permanent teeth with complete crowns evidencing occlusal wear were examined macroscopically. The location, number, and severity of fractures were recorded and compared to those found in samples of two other South African fossil hominin species, as well as in samples of non-human primates (n= 3) and recent humans (n= 7). Results: With 44% of teeth affected, Homo naledi exhibits far higher rates of chipping than the other fossil hominin samples. Specifically, 50% of posterior teeth and 31% of anterior teeth display at least one chip. The maxillary teeth are more affected than the mandibular teeth (45% vs. 43%, respectively), 73% of molar chipping occurs on interproximal surfaces, and right teeth are more often affected than left teeth (50% vs. 38%). Discussion: Results indicate that the teeth of H. naledi were exposed to acute trauma on a regular basis. Because interproximal areas are more affected than buccal, and posterior teeth more than anterior, it is unlikely that non-masticatory cultural behavior was the cause. A diet containing hard and resistant food, or contaminants such as grit, is more likely. The small chip size, as well as steep occlusal wear and cupped dentine on some molars is supportive of the latter possibility. This pattern of chipping suggests H. naledi differed considerably – in terms of diet, environment, and/or specialized masticatory processing— relative to other African fossil hominins.
8. Characterizing Evulsion in the Later Stone Age Maghreb: Chronology and Significance
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De Groote, I, Humphrey, LT, Irish, JD, and Burnett, SE
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stomatognathic diseases ,stomatognathic system ,QH ,CC - Abstract
This paper assesses the earliest evidence for widespread dental modification in Northwest Africa. The intentional modification of teeth has implications for an individual's appearance, sense of identity and perceived status. The range of modifications reported varies from alterations of shape or color to the complete removal of healthy teeth (evulsion or ablation). The availability of well-dated collections reveals that Northwest Africa was the first region where the custom of tooth evulsion was widely practiced. Analysis of Iberomaurusian (Late Stone Age, n = 77) and Capsian dental material (n = 12) shows that evulsion was present in most male and female individuals (>94%). The most common Iberomaurusian practice involved removal of both upper central incisors (around 65%) although removal of fewer, none and more teeth was also recorded. Observations of the extent of alveolar remodeling of different sockets revealed that teeth were frequently removed at different ages, suggesting that the cultural significance was age transgressive and may have related to an event that individuals experienced more than once. During the Capsian period the prevalence of evulsion was lower in males than in females, but when present more teeth were removed with evulsion frequently involving both mandible and maxilla. Tooth wear analysis shows that evulsion affected not only the appearance of the individual but also the functioning of the masticatory complex.
9. Characterizing Evulsion in the Later Stone Age Maghreb: age, sex and effects on mastication
- Author
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De Groote, I and Humphrey, LT
- Subjects
stomatognathic diseases ,stomatognathic system ,GN ,QH ,CB ,GF - Abstract
This paper assesses the earliest evidence for widespread dental modification in Northwest Africa. The intentional modification of teeth has implications for an individual’s appearance, sense of identity and perceived status. The range of modifications reported varies from alterations of shape or color to the complete removal of healthy teeth (evulsion or ablation). The availability of well-dated collections reveals that Northwest Africa was the first region where the custom of tooth evulsion was widely practiced. Analysis of Iberomaurusian (Late Stone Age, n=77) and Capsian dental material (n=12) shows that evulsion was present in most male and female individuals (>94%). The most common Iberomaurusian practice involved removal of both upper central incisors (around 65%) although removal of fewer, none and more teeth was also recorded. Observations of the extent of alveolar remodeling of different sockets revealed that teeth were frequently removed at different ages, suggesting that the cultural significance was age transgressive and may have related to an event that individuals experienced more than once. During the Capsian period the prevalence of evulsion was lower in males than in females, but when present more teeth were removed with evulsion frequently involving both mandible and maxilla. Tooth wear analysis shows that evulsion affected not only the appearance of the individual but also the functioning of the masticatory complex.
10. Solving the Piltdown Man crime: how we worked out there was only one forger
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De Groote, I
- Subjects
GN
11. Preliminary reports on the 2016-2017 excavation of the Neolithic ossuary and terrace
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De Groote, I, Di Modica, K, Gregory, A, Irish, JD, Crombe, P, Vandendriessche, H, and Bonjean, D
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GN ,CC - Abstract
This article reports on the first three systematic excavation seasons at the Neolithic ossuary of Grotte de La Faucille, Belgium. The site was dated on human bone to 4266 ± 40 14C BP (3011-2702 cal BC; 2 sigma), corresponding to the transition from the late to the final Neolithic. The area excavated to date is clearly reworked and the individuals are distributed across the site. Further excavation will focus on the inferior levels at the entrance and inside the cave. This report presents the preliminary analysis of the anthropological and archaeological evidence recorded to date. Five archaeological artefacts were discovered made on bone, tooth and flint. The site has produced skeletal and dental remains of at least 12 humans (MNI 6 juveniles and 6 adults) as well as a number of bone and lithic artefacts. The skeletal remains are fragmentary and some elements, such as the cranium, are highly underrepresented given the number of individuals. The potential to find the remainder of at least 12 individuals is promising and continued excavation may result in one of the largest recent excavation of a multiple Neolithic burial site of the 21st century. The results presented here and ongoing analysis have the potential to significantly expand our understanding of the mortuary behaviours, or variation in behaviours, of the Belgian Neolithic and contribute further to the lively debate on the spread of the Neolithic.
12. Sir Arthur Keith's Legacy: Re-discovering a lost collection of human fossils Quaternary International
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De Groote, I, Stringer, C, Compton, T, Kruszynski, R, and Bello, S
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QH ,CC - Abstract
In 2001, a collection of skeletal material was donated to the Natural History Museum, London, by the Royal College of Surgeons, London. It consisted of boxes discovered among the personal belongings of Sir Arthur Keith. This paper describes the work undertaken to identify and document the human skeletal material in the Keith Collection. The study identified the human fossils as having come from a number of excavations directed by Dorothy Garrod in the 1920s and 30s in Israel. The collection contains the long considered lost human skeletal collection from the type-site of the Natufian industry: Shukbah Cave. The majority of this material is of Natufian origin but contains a few Neanderthal specimens. A small amount of heavily fragmented bones associated with Skhul VII and IX were also found. The most remarkable of the re-discovered collection is the material from el-Wad and Kebara Caves. It was identified to be the missing material from the Middle and Upper Paleolithic levels briefly described in 1939 in The Stone Age of Mount Carmel by Theodore McCown and Sir Arthur Keith. These important fossils hold great potential to answer questions about the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in the Near East, and the emergence of anatomically modern humans.
13. DigiArt: towards a virtualization of Cultural Heritage
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Abrams, G, Di Modica, K, Bezombes, F, Bonjean, D, Burton, DR, Lilley, F, Nikolopoulos, S, Precioso, F, Stretcha, C, Thomaidou, E, Ververidis, D, and De Groote, I
- Subjects
T1 ,CC ,CB - Abstract
DigiArt is a Europe-wide project aimed at providing a new, cost efficient solution to the capture, processing and display of cultural artefacts. The project will change the ways in which the public interact with cultural objects and spaces in a dramatic way. This project is unique in its collaborative approach: cultural heritage professionals working directly with electrical, mechanical, optical and software engineers to develop a solution to current issues faced by the museum sector. The innovations created by the engineers are driven by the demand of the cultural heritage sector. The diversity of the objects and spaces of the three test museums are challenging the engineers to provide a tool useful for a broad variety of indoor and outdoor museums in the future. This goes from using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs or drones) to fly and record large sites, to using scanners to record fine jewellery. As a case study, we present here the use-case of Scladina Cave. At the end of the project, the Scladina Cave Archaeological Centre will offer two different visitor experiences. The first uses virtual reality, which will be available anytime, anywhere, to anyone with an internet connected device. The second will use augmented reality technologies within the cave site. The augmented reality visit of the cave will enhance the tour of Scladina by offering visits that would not be possible where it not for the augmented reality, where 3D objects and animations will contribute to offer a new 3D-immersive experience.
14. D8.2 Dissemination Plan (DIGIART - The Internet of Historical Things and Building New 3D Cultural Worlds)
- Author
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De Groote, I
- Subjects
QA75 ,NX - Abstract
This document outlines the dissemination activities carried out by project partners. It sets out what has already been achieved, and provides an outline of what is planned. Main activities will centre around the workshops (co-)organised and/or (co-)financed by DigiArt to ensure that activities and materials under the DigiArt development are extensively disseminated and promoted within the research community and related external communities, widely announced via appropriate channels, and fully grasped by targeted stakeholders. An overview is given of all dissemination opportunities identified through traditional communication channels such as event attendance (e.g. conferences, seminars, workshops, etc.), project publications (e.g. leaflets, press releases as well as conference papers, articles in professional journals etc.) and project presentations (e.g. to local stakeholders, etc.). This is complemented also by online activities based around the project website, and through the main social platforms (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, etc.). The dissemination activities have been designed to target the key audiences and stakeholders and to maximize awareness of DigiArt’s objectives and training activities.
15. Improving recording and interpretation of fossil tracks
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Wiseman, A., De Groote, I., O'Brien, T., and Bezombes, F.
- Subjects
569.9 ,CC Archaeology ,GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography - Abstract
Hominin fossilised trackways are commonly used to reconstruct locomotory behaviour and to characterise track-maker biometrics. They are the most direct representation of hominin locomotion available, yet the recording and measurement of the tracks and the subsequent interpretation to characterise the track-maker is problematic. The fossil sites are susceptible to extreme cases of erosion, often resulting in the destruction of the fossil beds. In this project, a series of experiments using non-invasive methods tested the applicability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to rapidly and accurately record footprints before further damage to the fossil interface occurred. Various flight paths, UAVs and camera types were incorporated to test the accuracy in minute depth reconstruction and subsequent 3D mesh creation. Data from the UAV was compared to traditional handheld methods of 3D modelling. Results indicated that a handheld DSLR camera following a circular path should be deployed to record fossil footprints. After successfully identifying the best practise for creating 3D reconstructions of footprints, this study sought to determine if the track-maker was identifiable from print shapes. An experimental study that combined morphological assessments with that of 3D motion capture systems to record modern human movement across different substrates at several speeds examined the variability in footprint shapes and investigated if these shapes can be used to infer biometric and/or biomechanical information about the track-maker. Numerous patterns of morphology were recognised, such as the changing prominence of the midfoot impression associated with limb posture, and a ridge-like impression that extends across the forefoot associated with an effective toe-off on a looser sediment. The latter was identified in a number of fossilised footprints. Although the internal morphology of tracks was sensitive to changes in shape concurrent with a range of variables (substrate typology and kinematics), track outlines were much more consistent within an individual. Outlines were statistically compared between tracks from nine different fossil localities, ranging from the Pliocene to the Holocene. It was established that all prints belonging to Homo species are statistically similar in outline shape, but disparate from prints associated with australopithecines. The main conclusion of this thesis as a whole is that functional morphology can be inferred from fossil tracks. Track morphologies are sensitive to substrate and speed, which need to be considered and approximated for accurate identification of the track-maker. The reconstruction of biometrics, however, needs to be refined by further analytical methods.
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- 2019
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16. Dental pathology, wear and developmental defects in South African hominins
- Author
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Towle, I. E., Irish, J. D., and De Groote, I.
- Subjects
617.6 ,QH Natural history ,QL Zoology ,RK Dentistry - Abstract
Studying different types of dental pathology, wear, and developmental defects can allow inferences into diet and behaviour in a variety of ways. In this project data on these different variables were collected for South African hominins and compared with extant primates. The species studied include Paranthropus robustus, Australopithecus africanus, A. sediba, early Homo, Homo naledi, baboons, chimpanzees and gorillas. Macroscopic examination of each specimen was performed, with a 10X hand lens used to verify certain pathologies. Variables recorded include antemortem chipping, enamel hypoplasia, caries, occlusal wear, tertiary dentine, abscesses, and periodontal disease. Clear differences in frequencies were found in the different South African hominin species. Homo naledi displays high rates of chipping, especially small fractures above molar wear facets, likely reflecting a diet containing high levels of contaminants. Other noteworthy results include the high levels of pitting enamel hypoplasia in P. robustus molars compared to other species, likely due to a species-specific enamel formation property or developmental disturbance. The low rates of chipping in P. robustus does not fit with this species being a hard food specialist. Instead, the wear best supports a diet of low-quality tough vegetation. Australopithecus africanus likely had a broad diet, with angled molar wear, lack of caries, and high chipping frequencies supporting this conclusion. Seven new carious lesions are described, two from H. naledi and five P. robustus. Other, rarer, pathologies are also highlighted, including abscesses in an early Homo individual, root grooves caused by erosive wear in A. africanus and a case of amelogenesis imperfecta in a female chimpanzee. The main conclusion from this thesis as a whole is the substantial difference in frequencies of the different variables among hominin species, supporting the proposition that their diets differed substantially.
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- 2017
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17. Big brains and small teeth : a primate comparative approach to dental and mandibular reduction in hominins
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Veneziano, A., De Groote, I., Irish, J. D., and Meloro, C.
- Subjects
599.9 ,GN Anthropology ,QM Human anatomy ,QP Physiology ,RK Dentistry - Abstract
Within the genus Homo, we observe a decrease in mandibular robusticity and in the size of anterior and postcanine dentition, a trend that is usually referred to as reduction or gracilisation. Factors linked to diet, food processing and encephalization have been suggested to be the main drivers of this trend. Stone tools and fire would have allowed Pleistocene hominins to reduce food toughness, thus relaxing the selective pressures on the masticatory apparatus. In the Holocene, the changes in human lifestyle triggered by agriculture would have determined the reduction in human tooth size. Brain expansion may have acted as a constraint on the development of the lower jaw. In this work, a primate perspective was adopted to clarify the relative influence of adaptive and non-adaptive factors on mandibular and dental reduction in the genus Homo. The effect of diet and structural constraints (allometry and encephalization) on dental and mandibular size and robusticity were analysed. The results show that incisor size and mandibular robusticity correlate significantly with diet proxies in non-human extant catarrhines and with neurocranium shape changes in the neurocranium in Homo sapiens. In non-human African apes, the elongation of the neurocranium influences postcanine tooth size. In Homo, body size plays an important part in tooth size allometry, but not in robusticity. These results suggest that improvements in tool-based food preparation may have been a leading factor in the reduction of incisor size in hominins. Molars and premolars were probably influenced by the expansion of the neurocranium during Pleistocene, and incisor size may be constrained by neurocranium shape changes in H. sapiens. This work confirmed the importance of food processing in the trend of reduction and produced convincing evidence for the significance of structural constraints in the evolution of the hominin anatomy. These findings contribute to explain the complex evolution of the human skull.
- Published
- 2017
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18. Close encounters of the third kind?: Neanderthals and modern humans in Belgium, a bone story
- Author
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Abrams, G.C.M.G., Kolfschoten, M. van, Bello, S., Kolen, J., Soressi, M., Plicht, J. van der, De Groote, I., Auguste, P., and Leiden University
- Subjects
Radiocarbon dating ,Aurignacian ,Belgium ,Modern humans ,Bone implements ,Hominin remains ,Northwestern Europe ,Late Mousterian ,Neanderthals ,Chronology - Abstract
The dynamics of the transition between late Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans (AMHs) are the subject of intense debate: the location and duration of the coexistence of these two hominins, as well as their relation and cultural exchanges that could have occurred during this transitional period also known as the Middle Palaeolithic to Upper Palaeolithic Transition.Timing these hominins is crucial in archaeology and paleoanthropology. The precise chronological position of the different cultural facies, as well as the human remains associated with them, are therefore key elements that delineate the chronological framework within which Neanderthals and AMHs could have interacted. While there is increasing evidence of admixture and co-existence of the two hominin species in central and eastern Europe, Belgium might show a different scenario: radiocarbon analyses, using the compound specific radiocarbon dating approach (CSRA) made on bone implements related to the Late Mousterian and the Early Aurignacian as well as late Neanderthal remains, highlight a hiatus in the occupation of the territory. Our new data tend to confirm that Neanderthals and AMHs did not coexist in this region. It seems that in northwest Europe, Neanderthals evolved and went extinct without any influence from modern humans.
- Published
- 2023
19. Dental pathology, wear and developmental defects in South African hominins
- Author
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Towle, IE, Irish, JD, and De Groote, I
- Subjects
QL ,QH Natural history ,RK Dentistry ,QH ,RK ,QL Zoology - Abstract
Studying different types of dental pathology, wear, and developmental defects can allow inferences into diet and behaviour in a variety of ways. In this project data on these different variables were collected for South African hominins and compared with extant primates. The species studied include Paranthropus robustus, Australopithecus africanus, A. sediba, early Homo, Homo naledi, baboons, chimpanzees and gorillas. Macroscopic examination of each specimen was performed, with a 10X hand lens used to verify certain pathologies. Variables recorded include antemortem chipping, enamel hypoplasia, caries, occlusal wear, tertiary dentine, abscesses, and periodontal disease. Clear differences in frequencies were found in the different South African hominin species. Homo naledi displays high rates of chipping, especially small fractures above molar wear facets, likely reflecting a diet containing high levels of contaminants. Other noteworthy results include the high levels of pitting enamel hypoplasia in P. robustus molars compared to other species, likely due to a species-specific enamel formation property or developmental disturbance. The low rates of chipping in P. robustus does not fit with this species being a hard food specialist. Instead, the wear best supports a diet of low-quality tough vegetation. Australopithecus africanus likely had a broad diet, with angled molar wear, lack of caries, and high chipping frequencies supporting this conclusion. Seven new carious lesions are described, two from H. naledi and five P. robustus. Other, rarer, pathologies are also highlighted, including abscesses in an early Homo individual, root grooves caused by erosive wear in A. africanus and a case of amelogenesis imperfecta in a female chimpanzee. The main conclusion from this thesis as a whole is the substantial difference in frequencies of the different variables among hominin species, supporting the proposition that their diets differed substantially.
20. Towards a better interpretation of bone morphology: The effect of obesity on bone
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Atterton, TP, De Groote, I, Perez De Heredia Benedicte, F, and stewart, C
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QM ,QP Physiology ,RA0421 ,RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine ,QM Human anatomy ,QP - Abstract
The effects of obesity on bone are poorly understood in biological anthropology. By using an experimental approach, we hope to achieve several aims and objectives designed to further our understanding of how obesity affects bone health. The aims also look at trying to understand the implications of the results for understanding past human populations and modern day issues surrounding obesity. To accomplish this, a project has been developed and is outlined below. Bones from lean (control), obese and calorie restricted rats (n=9 rats/group) that were raised in metabolic cages and sacrificed at 17 weeks of age, were studied. The samples were provided by the Nutrition and Obesity Research Group of the University of the Basque Country. The carcasses were micro-CT scanned for linear measurements (LM), geometric morphometric shape analysis (GMSA) and cross sectional shape analysis (CSSA). LM, GMSA and CSSA were performed on a set of 18 landmarks representing the overall shape of the right femur, using the MorphoJ package and Avizo 9.0 software. Cross-sections were obtained at the midshaft and the most lateral point of the third trochanter. The following measurements were collected: maximum length, epiphysis diameter, epiphysis circumference, epicondyle width and epiphysis/epicondyle width ratio. Obese rats had significantly longer but narrower femora. The LM, GMSA and CSSA significantly differentiated between control, obese and calorie restricted. Obese individuals had longer femora with a relatively higher positioned third trochanter but were more gracile and weaker in their diaphyseal strength and rigidity compared to the control sample. These findings confirm that obesity has a significant effect on bone shape and strength but the results from the calorie restricted group demonstrates that these may be reversible. Further research into potential underlying mechanisms, including interactions between bone and lipid cells is required
21. Human response to the Younger Dryas along the southern North Sea basin, Northwest Europe.
- Author
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Crombé P, Pironneau C, Robert P, van der Sloot P, Boudin M, De Groote I, Verheyden S, and Vandendriessche H
- Subjects
- Humans, North Sea, Europe, History, Ancient, Climate, Archaeology, Radiometric Dating
- Abstract
Currently in NW Europe little is known about the human response to the extensive cold reversal at the end of the Pleistocene, the Younger Dryas (ca. 12,850 till ca. 11,650 cal BP), mainly due to the poor chronological resolution of the archaeological sites belonging to the Ahrensburgian Culture. Here we present a series of 33 radiocarbon dates performed on the seminal cave site of Remouchamps, situated in the Belgian Meuse basin. Combined with a revision of the available radiocarbon evidence along the southern North Sea basin (Belgium, southern Netherlands, western Germany), it is suggested that the first half of the Younger Dryas, characterized as extremely cold and wet, faced a significant population reduction. Repopulation started around the middle of the Younger Dryas, from ca. 12,200 cal BP onward, probably in response to a slight climatic improvement leading to somewhat warmer summers. This might be considered a prelude to the subsequent population boost of the Early Holocene (Mesolithic)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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22. Ulnar shape of extant primates: Functional signals and covariation with triquetrum shape.
- Author
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Vanhoof MJM, Galletta L, Matthews H, De Groote I, and Vereecke EE
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Phylogeny, Ulna anatomy & histology, Wrist anatomy & histology, Gorilla gorilla, Haplorhini, Pongo pygmaeus, Primates, Hominidae anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we investigated the shape differences of the distal ulna in a phylogenetic context among a broad range of primate taxa. Furthermore, we evaluated covariation between ulnar and triquetrum shape and a possible association between ulnar shape and locomotor behavior., Materials and Methods: We applied 3D geometric morphometrics on a large dataset comprising the distal ulna of 124 anthropoid primate specimens belonging to 12 different genera. For each species, a mean shape was calculated using 11 Procrustes-aligned surface landmarks on the distal ulna. These mean shapes are used in a bgPCA, pPCA, and PACA and 3D morphs were used to visualize more subtle differences between taxa. A p2B-PLS analysis was performed to test the covariance between distal ulnar and triquetrum shape., Results: The results show that more closely related species exhibit a similar distal ulnar shape. Overall, extant hominid ulnae show a shape shift compared to those of extant monkeys and hylobatids. This includes a shortening of the ulnar styloid process and dorspalmarly widening of the ulnar head, shape characteristics that are independent of phylogeny. Within the hominids, Pongo pygmaeus seem to possess the most plesiomorphic distal ulnar shape, while Gorilla and Homo sapiens display the most derived distal ulna. Cercopithecoids, hylobatids, and P. pygmaeus are characterized by a relatively deep ECU groove, which is a shape trait dependent of phylogeny. Although there was no significant covariation between distal ulnar shape and triquetrum shape, the shape differences of the distal ulna between the different primate taxa reveal a possible link with locomotor behavior., Conclusions: The comparative analyses of this study reveal different shape trends in a phylogenetic context. Highly arboreal primates, such as hylobatids and Ateles fusciceps, show a distal ulnar morphology that appears to be adapted to tensile and torsional forces. In primates that use their wrist under more compressive conditions, such as quadrupedal cercopithecoids and great apes, the distal ulnar morphology seems to reflect increased compressive forces. In modern humans, the distal ulnar shape can be associated to enhanced manipulative skills and power grips. There was no significant covariation between distal ulnar shape and triquetrum shape, probably due to the variation in the amount of contact between the triquetrum and ulna. In combination with future research on wrist mobility in diverse primate taxa, the results of this study will allow us to establish form-function relationships of the primate wrist and contribute towards an evidence-based interpretation of fossil remains., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
- Published
- 2024
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23. Investigating the co-occurrence of Neanderthals and modern humans in Belgium through direct radiocarbon dating of bone implements.
- Author
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Abrams G, Devièse T, Pirson S, De Groote I, Flas D, Jungels C, Jadin I, Cattelain P, Bonjean D, Mathys A, Semal P, Higham T, and Di Modica K
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Belgium, Radiometric Dating, Fossils, Archaeology, Neanderthals, Hominidae
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. High frequency of dental caries and calculus in dentitions from a British medieval town.
- Author
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Towle I, Davenport C, Irish JD, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Humans, Dentition, Incisor pathology, Dental Caries epidemiology, Dental Caries history, Tooth Wear, Calculi
- Abstract
Objective: Dental pathology and tooth wear data can offer valuable insights into the diet and behaviour of past populations. This study aimed to investigate the presence of dietary continuity by examining different types of dental pathology and tooth wear in a medieval sample from the United Kingdom, comparing them to earlier and later samples from the same location., Design: A comprehensive examination was conducted on 41 individuals (comprising 914 permanent teeth) retrieved from the medieval cemetery of St. Owens Church in Southgate Street, Gloucester, UK. The research focused on documenting and analysing various types of dental pathology and tooth wear, such as dental caries, calculus, and tooth chipping. The frequency of these specific pathologies and wear patterns was then compared to existing literature. Additionally, non-masticatory tooth wear was also evaluated as part of the study., Results: The sample exhibits high levels of carious lesions and calculus (24 % and 74 % of teeth respectively). Anterior teeth also show an elevated chipping frequency, and along with occlusal notches on the maxillary central incisors suggest teeth were regularly used for non-masticatory purposes., Conclusions: Caries frequency is similar to sites from later periods and may relate to the early adoption of consuming refined carbohydrates. However, remains from the same area, but the earlier Roman period, also shows high rates of caries and calculus, suggesting a continuation of consuming certain cariogenic foods, or certain behavioural/environmental factors, may instead be responsible for these pathology and wear patterns., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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25. Principal component and linear discriminant analyses for the classification of hominoid primate specimens based on bone shape data.
- Author
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Vanhoof MJM, Croquet B, De Groote I, and Vereecke EE
- Abstract
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that machine learning methods can accurately classify extant primates based on triquetrum shape data. We then used this classification tool to observe the affinities between extant primates and fossil hominoids. We assessed the discrimination accuracy for an unsupervised and supervised learning pipeline, i.e. with principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) feature extraction, when tasked with the classification of extant primates. The trained algorithm is used to classify a sample of known fossil hominoids. For the visualization, PCA and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) are used. The results show that the discriminant function correctly classified the extant specimens with an F1-score of 0.90 for both PCA and LDA. In addition, the classification of fossil hominoids reflects taxonomy and locomotor behaviour reported in literature. This classification based on shape data using PCA and LDA is a powerful tool that can discriminate between the triquetrum shape of extant primates with high accuracy and quantitatively compare fossil and extant morphology. It can be used to support taxonomic differentiation and aid the further interpretation of fossil remains. Further testing is necessary by including other bones and more species and specimens per species extinct primates., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Authors.)
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- 2023
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26. Covariation between wrist bone morphology and maximal range of motion during ulnar deviation and supination in extant nonhuman primate taxa.
- Author
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Vanhoof MJM, Galletta L, De Groote I, and Vereecke EE
- Subjects
- Animals, Supination, Phylogeny, Macaca, Wrist, Hylobates
- Abstract
This study investigates the maximal range of motion (ROM) during wrist deviation and forearm rotation for five different primate genera and the possible correlation with the shape of the distal ulna, triquetrum and hamate. A two-block phylogenetic partial least square analysis was performed to test this covariation in a phylogenetic context, using shape coordinates and a matrix of maximal ROM data as input data. The results show that gibbons have the highest ROM for both ulnar deviation and supination, whereas Macaca exhibited the lowest ROM for supination, and Pan had the lowest ROM for ulnar deviation. These results can be attributed to differences in locomotor behaviour, as gibbons need a large wrist mobility in all directions for their highly arboreal lifestyle, whereas Macaca and Pan need a stable wrist during terrestrial locomotion. However, we found no correlation between distal ulna/triquetrum/hamate shape and maximal ROM during ulnar deviation and supination in the different primate taxa. A larger dataset, in combination with behavioural and biomechanical studies, is needed to establish form-function relationships of the primate hand, which will aid the functional interpretation of primate fossil remains., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2023. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)
- Published
- 2023
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27. MEMOR: A database of archeological human remains collections from Flanders, Belgium.
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De Groote I, Van de Vijver K, Veselka B, De Potter P, Massagé L, Van der Dooren L, Vandenborre J, Larmuseau MHD, Danckers J, and Robberechts B
- Subjects
- Humans, Belgium, Databases, Factual, Archaeology, Data Management, Body Remains
- Abstract
The aim of this article is to describe a newly created open access database of archeological human remains collections from Flanders, Belgium. The MEMOR database (www.memor.be) was created to provide an overview of the current practices of loans, reburial, and the research potential of human skeletons from archeological sites currently stored in Flanders. In addition, the project aimed to provide a legal and ethical framework for the handling of human remains and was created around stakeholder involvement from anthropologists, geneticists, contract archeologists, the local, regional and national government agencies, local and national government, universities, and representatives of the major religions. The project has resulted in the creation of a rich database with many collections available for study. The database was created using the open-source Arches data management platform that is freely available for organizations worldwide to configure in accordance with their individual needs and without restrictions on its use. Each collection is linked to information about the excavation and the site the remains originate from, its size and time period. In addition, a research potential tab reveals whether any analyses were performed, and whether excavation notes are available with the assemblage. The database currently contains 742 collections, ranging in size from 1 to over 1000 individuals. New collections will continue to be added when new assemblages are excavated and studied. The database can also be expanded to include human remains collections from other regions and other material categories, such as archaeozoological collections., (© 2023 The Authors. American Journal of Biological Anthropology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
- Published
- 2023
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28. First insights into human mobility in Neolithic Belgium using strontium isotopic analysis and proteomics: A case study of Grotte de La Faucille (Sclayn, province of Namur).
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van Hattum I, Costas-Rodríguez M, Hobin K, Vanhaecke F, Vandendriessche H, Collet H, Cattelain P, Toussaint M, Goffette Q, Dhaenens M, Palmer JLA, Daled S, Crombé P, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Male, Adult, Humans, Belgium, Isotopes analysis, Strontium analysis, Proteomics, Strontium Isotopes analysis
- Abstract
Objectives: So far, no
87 Sr/86 Sr mobility studies have been done for Neolithic remains from Belgium and information on the Sr isotopic variability in the region is scarce. This study aims to explore mobility in a Final Neolithic population from the funerary cave 'Grotte de La Faucille', contribute to the understanding of the isotopic composition of bioavailable Sr in Belgium, assess evidence for male mobility using proteomic analysis, and explore possible places of origin for nonlocal individuals., Materials and Methods: The87 Sr/86 Sr isotope ratio of dental enamel from six adults and six juveniles was determined. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based protein analysis was employed to identify individuals of male biological sex.87 Sr/86 Sr of micromammal teeth, snail shells, and modern plants from three geological areas in Belgium were measured to establish isotopic signatures for bioavailable strontium. Nonlocality was assessed by comparing human87 Sr/86 Sr isotope ratios to the87 Sr/86 Sr range for bioavailable Sr., Results: Four individuals yielded87 Sr/86 Sr isotope ratios consistent with a nonlocal origin. No statistical differences were found between adults and juveniles. Three males were detected in the sample set, of which two show nonlocal87 Sr/86 Sr values., Discussion: This study provides evidence for mobility in Final Neolithic Belgium. The four nonlocal87 Sr/86 Sr signatures correspond with the87 Sr/86 Sr of bio-available Sr in Dutch South Limburg, the Black Forest in Southwest Germany, and regions of France, such as parts of the Paris Basin and the Vosges. The results support the ruling hypothesis of connections with Northern France, brought to light by archeological research., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)- Published
- 2023
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29. Reconstructing Articular Cartilage in the Australopithecus afarensis Hip Joint and the Need for Modeling Six Degrees of Freedom.
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Wiseman ALA, Demuth OE, Pomeroy E, and De Groote I
- Abstract
The postcranial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis (AL 288-1) exhibits clear adaptations for bipedality, although there is some debate as to the efficiency and frequency of such upright movement. Some researchers argue that AL 288-1 walked with an erect limb like modern humans do, whilst others advocate for a "bent-hip bent-knee" (BHBK) gait, although in recent years the general consensus favors erect bipedalism. To date, no quantitative method has addressed the articulation of the AL 288-1 hip joint, nor its range of motion (ROM) with consideration for joint spacing, used as a proxy for the thickness of the articular cartilage present within the joint spacing which can affect how a joint moves. Here, we employed ROM mapping methods to estimate the joint spacing of AL 288-1's hip joint in comparison to a modern human and chimpanzee. Nine simulations assessed different joint spacing and tested the range of joint congruency (i.e., ranging from a closely packed socket to loosely packed). We further evaluated the sphericity of the femoral head and whether three rotational degrees of freedom (DOFs) sufficiently captures the full ROM or if translational DOFs must be included. With both setups, we found that the AL 288-1 hip was unlikely to be highly congruent (as it is in modern humans) because this would severely restrict hip rotational movement and would severely limit the capability for both bipedality and even arboreal locomotion. Rather, the hip was more cartilaginous than it is in the modern humans, permitting the hip to rotate into positions necessitated by both terrestrial and arboreal movements. Rotational-only simulations found that AL 288-1 was unable to extend the hip like modern humans, forcing the specimen to employ a BHBK style of walking, thus contradicting 40+ years of previous research into the locomotory capabilities of AL 288-1. Therefore, we advocate that differences in the sphericity of the AL 288-1 femoral head with that of a modern human necessitates all six DOFs to be included in which AL 288-1 could osteologically extend the hip to facilitate a human-like gait., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.)
- Published
- 2022
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30. One size fits all? Stature estimation from footprints and the effect of substrate and speed on footprint creation.
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Wiseman ALA and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Biometry, Fossils, Humans, Walking, Body Height, Foot anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Estimation of stature from footprint lengths is a common prediction in forensic cases and in paleoanthropology upon the discovery of fossil footprints. Many studies, which have estimated stature from footprints, generally use a "one-size-fits-all" approach that usually involves applying a known ratio of foot length to total stature to do so, although this method has fallen out of practice in forensic cases in recent years but is still commonly used for fossil trace evidence. Yet, we know that substrate and speed can change the dimensions of a footprint, so why are these "one-size-fits-all" approaches still used today? We tested footprint production across different substrates at a walk, a fast walk, and a jog. We calculated how accurately footprint dimensions were impressed between these different conditions and identified sources of error in footprint lengths, and the percentage changes of how significantly a footprint can change in length between different conditions. We provide a table with different ratios that we encourage practitioners/field scientists to refer to and use when estimating stature from footprints, with respect to the substrate on which the footprint was created and the speed at which it was created. We actively encourage researchers to add the ratios by testing more substrates so that in the future stature can be more accurately estimated, thus aiding the paleoanthropological community, but also forensic investigations by statistically highlighting how different conditions can affect trace dimensions., (© 2021 American Association for Anatomy.)
- Published
- 2022
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31. Functional signals and covariation in triquetrum and hamate shape of extant primates using 3D geometric morphometrics.
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Vanhoof MJM, Galletta L, De Groote I, and Vereecke EE
- Subjects
- Animals, Fossils, Locomotion, Primates, Wrist Joint anatomy & histology, Carpal Bones, Hominidae
- Abstract
In this study, we want to investigate the covariation in the shape of two carpal bones, the triquetrum and hamate, and the possible association with locomotor behavior in a broad range of primate taxa. We applied 3D Geometric Morphometrics on a large data set comprising 309 anthropoid primates of 12 different genera. Principal component analyses were performed on the covariance matrix of 18 (triquetrum) and 23 (hamate) Procrustes-aligned surface landmarks. A two-block partial least square analysis was done to test the covariance between triquetrum and hamate shape, without relying on the predictive models implicit in regression analyses. The results show that the carpal shape of quadrupedal anthropoids, which mainly use their wrist under compressive conditions, differs from that of suspensory primates as their wrist is possibly subjected to tensile and torsional forces. Within the hominids, differences in shape also distinguish more terrestrial from more arboreal species. Even within the great apes, we are able to capture shape differences between species of the same genus. In combination with behavioral and biomechanical studies, the results of this research can be used to establish form-function relationships of the primate hand which will aid the functional interpretation of primate fossil remains., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
- Published
- 2021
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32. Reply to Van Peer: Direct radiocarbon dating and ancient genomic analysis reveal the true age of the Neanderthals at Spy Cave.
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Devièse T, Abrams G, Hajdinjak M, Pirson S, De Groote I, Di Modica K, Toussaint M, Fischer V, Comeskey D, Spindler L, Meyer M, Semal P, and Higham T
- Subjects
- Animals, Caves, Fossils, Genomics, Radiometric Dating, Neanderthals genetics
- Abstract
Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.
- Published
- 2021
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33. Reevaluating the timing of Neanderthal disappearance in Northwest Europe.
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Devièse T, Abrams G, Hajdinjak M, Pirson S, De Groote I, Di Modica K, Toussaint M, Fischer V, Comeskey D, Spindler L, Meyer M, Semal P, and Higham T
- Subjects
- Animals, Archaeology, Europe, Fossils, Genomics methods, Humans, Radiometric Dating, Anthropology, Extinction, Biological, Neanderthals
- Abstract
Elucidating when Neanderthal populations disappeared from Eurasia is a key question in paleoanthropology, and Belgium is one of the key regions for studying the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition. Previous radiocarbon dating placed the Spy Neanderthals among the latest surviving Neanderthals in Northwest Europe with reported dates as young as 23,880 ± 240 B.P. (OxA-8912). Questions were raised, however, regarding the reliability of these dates. Soil contamination and carbon-based conservation products are known to cause problems during the radiocarbon dating of bulk collagen samples. Employing a compound-specific approach that is today the most efficient in removing contamination and ancient genomic analysis, we demonstrate here that previous dates produced on Neanderthal specimens from Spy were inaccurately young by up to 10,000 y due to the presence of unremoved contamination. Our compound-specific radiocarbon dates on the Neanderthals from Spy and those from Engis and Fonds-de-Forêt demonstrate that they disappeared from Northwest Europe at 44,200 to 40,600 cal B.P. (at 95.4% probability), much earlier than previously suggested. Our data contribute significantly to refining models for Neanderthal disappearance in Europe and, more broadly, show that chronometric models regarding the appearance or disappearance of animal or hominin groups should be based only on radiocarbon dates obtained using robust pretreatment methods., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.
- Published
- 2021
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34. Locomotion, posture, and the foramen magnum in primates: Reliability of indices and insights into hominin bipedalism.
- Author
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Landi F, Profico A, Veneziano A, De Groote I, and Manzi G
- Subjects
- Animals, Foramen Magnum physiology, Fossils, Hominidae anatomy & histology, Humans, Phylogeny, Primates physiology, Skull anatomy & histology, Foramen Magnum anatomy & histology, Locomotion, Posture, Primates anatomy & histology
- Abstract
The position (FMP) and orientation (FMO) of the foramen magnum have been used as proxies for locomotion and posture in extant and extinct primates. Several indices have been designed to quantify FMP and FMO but their application has led to conflicting results. Here, we test six widely used indices and two approaches (univariate and multivariate) for their capability to discriminate between postural and locomotor types in extant primates and fossil hominins. We then look at the locomotion of australopithecines and Homo on the base of these new findings. The following measurements are used: the opisthocranion-prosthion (OP-PR) and the opisthocranion-glabella (OP-GL) indices, the basion-biporion (BA-BP) and basion-bicarotid chords, the foramen magnum angle (FMA), and the basion-sphenoccipital ratio. After exploring the indices variability using principal component analysis, pairwise comparisons are performed to test for the association between each index and the locomotor and postural habits. Cranial size and phylogeny are taken into account. Our analysis indicates that none of the indices or approaches provides complete discrimination across locomotor and postural categories, although some differences are highlighted. FMA and BA-BP distinguish respectively obligate and facultative bipeds from all other groups. For what concerns posture, orthogrades and pronogrades differ with respects to OP-PR, OP-GL, and FMA. Although the multivariate approach seems to have some discrimination power, the results are most likely driven by facial and neurocranial variability embedded in some of the indices. These results demonstrate that indices relying on the anteroposterior positioning of the foramen may not be appropriate proxies for locomotion among primates. The assumptions about locomotor and postural habits in fossil hominins based on foramen magnum indices should be revised in light of these new findings., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
- Published
- 2020
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35. The morphological affinity of the Early Pleistocene footprints from Happisburgh, England, with other footprints of Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene age.
- Author
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Wiseman ALA, Stringer CB, Ashton N, Bennett MR, Hatala KG, Duffy S, O'Brien T, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Animals, England, Hallux anatomy & histology, Biological Evolution, Foot anatomy & histology, Fossils anatomy & histology, Hominidae anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Fossil hominin footprints provide a direct source of evidence of locomotor behavior and allow inference of other biological data such as anthropometrics. Many recent comparative analyses of hominin footprints have used 3D analytical methods to assess their morphological affinities, comparing tracks from different locations and/or time periods. However, environmental conditions can sometimes preclude 3D digital capture, as was the case at Happisburgh (England) in 2013. Consequently, we use here a 2D geometric morphometric approach to investigate the evolutionary context of the Happisburgh tracks. The comparative sample of hominin tracks comes from eight localities that span a broad temporal range from the Pliocene to Late Holocene. The results show disparity in the shapes of tracks ascribed to hominins from the Pliocene (presumably Australopithecus afarensis), Pleistocene (presumably Homo erectus and Homo antecessor), and Holocene (Homo sapiens). Three distinct morphological differences are apparent between time samples: changes in adduction of the hallux, changes in the shape and position of the medial longitudinal arch impression, and apparent changes in foot proportions. Linear dimensions classified the potential H. antecessor tracks from Happisburgh as being most similar to the presumed H. erectus prints from Ileret. We demonstrate using 2D geometric morphometric methods and linear dimensions that the Happisburgh tracks are morphologically similar to other presumed Homo tracks and differ from the Laetoli footprints. The probable functional implications of these results fit well with previous comparative analyses of hominin tracks at other sites., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in the study., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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36. Sex differences in the patterning of age-related bone loss in the human hallucal metatarsal in rural and urban populations.
- Author
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Wilson LAB, De Groote I, and Humphrey LT
- Subjects
- Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Female, History, 18th Century, History, 19th Century, History, Medieval, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Osteoporosis pathology, Sex Factors, Young Adult, Exercise, Hallux pathology, Metatarsal Bones pathology, Osteoporosis history, Rural Population history, Urban Population history
- Abstract
Objectives: Age-degenerative features of the metatarsals are poorly known despite the importance of metatarsal bone properties for investigating mobility patterns. We assessed the role of habitual activity in shaping the patterning and magnitude of sexual dimorphism in age-related bone loss in the hallucal metatarsal., Materials and Methods: Cross-sections were extracted at midshaft from micro-computed tomography scan models of individuals from medieval rural (Abingdon Vineyard) and early industrial urban (Spitalfields) settings (n = 71). A suite of cross-sectional geometry dimensions and biomechanical properties were compared between populations., Results: The rural group display generally stronger and larger metatarsals that show a greater capacity to resist torsion and that have comparatively greater bending strength along the medio-lateral plane. Men in both groups show greater values of cortical area than women, but only in the urban group do men show lower magnitudes of age-related decline compared to females. Women in rural and urban populations show different patterns of age-related decline in bone mass, particularly old women in the urban group show a marked decline in cortical area that is absent for women in the rural group., Discussion: Lifetime exposure to hard, physical activity in an agricultural setting has contributed to the attainment of greater bone mass and stronger bones in young adults. Furthermore, over the life-course, less of this greater amount of bone is lost, such that sustained activity levels may have acted to buffer against age-related decline, and this is most pronounced for women, who are expected to experience greater bone loss later in life than men., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
- Published
- 2020
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37. The functional significance of dental and mandibular reduction in Homo: A catarrhine perspective.
- Author
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Veneziano A, Irish JD, Meloro C, Stringer C, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Animals, Body Size, Catarrhini anatomy & histology, Catarrhini classification, Diet, Fossils, Hominidae classification, Phylogeny, Biological Evolution, Dentition, Hominidae anatomy & histology, Mandible anatomy & histology
- Abstract
The reduction in dental size and mandibular robusticity is regarded as a major trend in human evolution, traditionally considered the result of the peculiar extra-oral food processing skills of Homo. The use of stone tools and fire would have allowed our ancestors to chew softer food in smaller bite size, thus relaxing the selective pressures to keep a large dentition and a robust lower jaw. This perspective assumes that differences in dental size and mandibular robusticity in hominins represent functional dissimilarities. This study uses a catarrhine comparative approach to test this fundamental assumption of the hypotheses on dental and mandibular reduction in Homo. A sample of extant catarrhines and fossil hominins was used to test for correlations between dental size, mandibular robusticity, and dietary proxies, the latter include diet quality, diet heterogeneity, feeding time, and microwear variables. The effects of phylogeny and body size were considered. Findings support the association between technological developments in Homo and reduction in incisor size and mandibular corpus robusticity, though not for premolar, molar size, and symphyseal robusticity. These results challenge the functional interpretation of postcanine reduction and symphyseal changes in the genus Homo., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
- Published
- 2019
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38. Neuromandibular integration in humans and chimpanzees: Implications for dental and mandibular reduction in Homo.
- Author
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Veneziano A, Meloro C, Irish JD, Stringer C, Profico A, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Adult, Animals, Anthropology, Physical, Cephalometry, Female, Humans, Imaging, Three-Dimensional, Male, Pan troglodytes anatomy & histology, Biological Evolution, Mandible anatomy & histology, Skull anatomy & histology, Tooth anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Objectives: Although the evolution of the hominin masticatory apparatus has been linked to diet and food processing, the physical connection between neurocranium and lower jaw suggests a role of encephalization in the trend of dental and mandibular reduction. Here, the hypothesis that tooth size and mandibular robusticity are influenced by morphological changes in the neurocranium was tested., Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional landmarks, alveolar lengths, and mandibular robusticity data were recorded on a sample of chimpanzee and human skulls. The morphological integration between the neurocranium and the lower jaw was analyzed by means of Singular Warps Analysis. Redundancy Analysis was performed to understand if the pattern of neuromandibular integration affects tooth size and mandibular robusticity., Results: There is significant morphological covariation between neurocranium and lower jaw in both chimpanzees and humans. In humans, changes in the temporal fossa seem to produce alterations of the relative orientation of jaw parts, while the influence of similar neurocranial changes in chimpanzees are more localized. In both species, postcanine alveolar lengths and mandibular robusticity are associated with shape changes of the temporal fossa., Conclusions: The results of this study support the hypothesis that the neurocranium is able to affect the evolution and development of the lower jaw, although most likely through functional integration of mandible, teeth, and muscles within the masticatory apparatus. This study highlights the relative influence of structural constraints and adaptive factors in the evolution of the human skull., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
- Published
- 2018
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39. Root grooves on two adjacent anterior teeth of Australopithecus africanus.
- Author
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Towle I, Irish JD, Elliott M, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Animals, Fossils, History, Ancient, Hominidae, Tooth Erosion history, Tooth Erosion pathology, Tooth Root pathology
- Abstract
Tooth root grooves and other ante-mortem dental tissue loss, not associated with caries found on or near the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), are commonly termed non-carious cervical lesions. Three main processes are implicated in forming these lesions: abrasion, dental erosion, and abfraction. As yet, these lesions have not been described in non-Homo hominins. In this study, South African fossil hominin collections were examined for evidence of any type of non-carious cervical lesion. Only one individual shows ante-mortem root grooves consistent with non-carious cervical lesions. Two teeth, a mandibular right permanent lateral incisor (STW 270) and canine (STW 213), belonging to the same Australopithecus africanus individual, show clear ante-mortem grooves on the labial root surface. These lesions start below the CEJ, extend over a third of the way toward the apex, and taper to a point towards the lingual side. The characteristics of these grooves suggest the predominant aetiology was erosive wear. In addition, they are extremely similar to clinical examples of dental erosion. These are the oldest hominin examples of non-carious cervical lesions and the first described in a genus other than Homo. Further, the lesions suggest that this individual regularly processed and consumed acidic food items., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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40. Amelogenesis imperfecta in the dentition of a wild chimpanzee.
- Author
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Towle I, Irish JD, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Amelogenesis Imperfecta diagnosis, Animals, Animals, Wild, Cameroon, Female, Retrospective Studies, Amelogenesis Imperfecta veterinary, Ape Diseases diagnosis, Pan troglodytes
- Abstract
This report describes a case of amelogenesis imperfecta in the dentition of a female chimpanzee. Amelogenesis imperfecta is a group of rare genetic conditions that create severe enamel defects, which, although well researched in humans, has not yet been investigated in wild non-human primates., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2018
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41. Behavioral inferences from the high levels of dental chipping in Homo naledi.
- Author
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Towle I, Irish JD, and De Groote I
- Subjects
- Animals, Fossils, History, Ancient, Hominidae, Humans, Paleodontology, South Africa, Dental Enamel pathology, Diet history, Tooth pathology
- Abstract
Objectives: A variety of mechanical processes can result in antemortem dental chipping. In this study, chipping data in the teeth of Homo naledi are compared with those of other pertinent dental samples to give insight into their etiology., Materials and Methods: Permanent teeth with complete crowns evidencing occlusal wear were examined macroscopically. The location, number, and severity of fractures were recorded and compared to those found in samples of two other South African fossil hominin species and in samples of nonhuman primates (n = 3) and recent humans (n = 7)., Results: With 44% of teeth affected, H. naledi exhibits far higher rates of chipping than the other fossil hominin samples. Specifically, 50% of posterior teeth and 31% of anterior teeth display at least one chip. The maxillary teeth are more affected than the mandibular teeth (45% vs 43%, respectively), 73% of molar chipping occurs on interproximal surfaces, and right teeth are more often affected than left teeth (50% vs 38%)., Discussion: Results indicate that the teeth of H. naledi were exposed to acute trauma on a regular basis. Because interproximal areas are more affected than buccal and posterior teeth more than anterior, it is unlikely that nonmasticatory cultural behavior was the cause. A diet containing hard and resistant food, or contaminants such as grit, is more likely. The small chip size, and steep occlusal wear and cupped dentine on some molars are supportive of the latter possibility. This pattern of chipping suggests that H. naledi differed considerably-in terms of diet, environment, and/or specialized masticatory processing-relative to other African fossil hominins., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
- Published
- 2017
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42. Erratum to: Extremely Preterm Born Children at Very High Risk for Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Author
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Verhaeghe L, Dereu M, Warreyn P, De Groote I, Vanhaesebrouck P, and Roeyers H
- Published
- 2016
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43. Correction to 'New genetic and morphological evidence suggests a single hoaxer created 'Piltdown Man''.
- Author
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De Groote I, Flink LG, Abbas R, Bello SM, Burgio L, Buck LT, Dean C, Freyne A, Higham T, Jones CG, Kruszynski R, Lister A, Parfitt SA, Skinner MM, Shindler K, and Stringer CB
- Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160328.].
- Published
- 2016
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44. Assessing size and strength of the clavicle for its usefulness for sex estimation in a British medieval sample.
- Author
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Atterton T, De Groote I, and Eliopoulos C
- Subjects
- Biomechanical Phenomena, Clavicle physiology, Discriminant Analysis, Female, History, Medieval, Humans, Male, Paleontology, Pilot Projects, United Kingdom, Clavicle anatomy & histology, Sex Characteristics, Sex Determination by Skeleton methods
- Abstract
The construction of the biological profile from human skeletal remains is the foundation of anthropological examination. However, remains may be fragmentary and the elements usually employed, such as the pelvis and skull, are not available. The clavicle has been successfully used for sex estimation in samples from Iran and Greece. In the present study, the aim was to test the suitability of the measurements used in those previous studies on a British Medieval population. In addition, the project tested whether discrimination between sexes was due to size or clavicular strength. The sample consisted of 23 females and 25 males of pre-determined sex from two medieval collections: Poulton and Gloucester. Six measurements were taken using an osteometric board, sliding calipers and graduated tape. In addition, putty rings and bi-planar radiographs were made and robusticity measures calculated. The resulting variables were used in stepwise discriminant analyses. The linear measurements allowed correct sex classification in 89.6% of all individuals. This demonstrates the applicability of the clavicle for sex estimation in British populations. The most powerful discriminant factor was maximum clavicular length and the best combination of factors was maximum clavicular length and circumference. This result is similar to that obtained by other studies. To further investigate the extent of sexual dimorphism of the clavicle, the biomechanical properties of the polar second moment of area J and the ratio of maximum to minimum bending rigidity are included in the analysis. These were found to have little influence when entered into the discriminant function analysis., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Extremely Preterm Born Children at Very High Risk for Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Author
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Verhaeghe L, Dereu M, Warreyn P, De Groote I, Vanhaesebrouck P, and Roeyers H
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Belgium epidemiology, Child, Female, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Male, Prevalence, Psychopathology, Risk Factors, Statistics as Topic, Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, Autism Spectrum Disorder epidemiology, Infant, Extremely Premature
- Abstract
This study aimed to provide a more comprehensive picture of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a geographic cohort of extremely preterm born adolescents by using established diagnostic instruments in addition to screening instruments. 53 participants passed a screening procedure with two screening instruments and a diagnostic evaluation with a semi-structured assessment and a parent interview. 28 % of the adolescents had a community based clinical diagnosis of ASD. When research diagnoses were also taken into account, this rate increased to 40 %. Intellectual disability, language impairment and behavioural difficulties are characteristic for these children with ASD. This study is to our knowledge the first to use ASD-specific diagnostic instruments to confirm ASD diagnoses in extremely preterm born children in early adolescence. The study expands findings of previous research and raises the need for follow-up into late childhood and early adolescence.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. New genetic and morphological evidence suggests a single hoaxer created 'Piltdown man'.
- Author
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De Groote I, Flink LG, Abbas R, Bello SM, Burgia L, Buck LT, Dean C, Freyne A, Higham T, Jones CG, Kruszynski R, Lister A, Parfitt SA, Skinner MM, Shindler K, and Stringer CB
- Abstract
In 1912, palaeontologist Arthur Smith Woodward and amateur antiquarian and solicitor Charles Dawson announced the discovery of a fossil that supposedly provided a link between apes and humans: Eoanthropus dawsoni (Dawson's dawn man). The publication generated huge interest from scientists and the general public. However, 'Piltdown man's' initial celebrity has long been overshadowed by its subsequent infamy as one of the most famous scientific frauds in history. Our re-evaluation of the Piltdown fossils using the latest scientific methods (DNA analyses, high-precision measurements, spectroscopy and virtual anthropology) shows that it is highly likely that a single orang-utan specimen and at least two human specimens were used to create the fake fossils. The modus operandi was found consistent throughout the assemblage (specimens are stained brown, loaded with gravel fragments and restored using filling materials), linking all specimens from the Piltdown I and Piltdown II sites to a single forger-Charles Dawson. Whether Dawson acted alone is uncertain, but his hunger for acclaim may have driven him to risk his reputation and misdirect the course of anthropology for decades. The Piltdown hoax stands as a cautionary tale to scientists not to be led by preconceived ideas, but to use scientific integrity and rigour in the face of novel discoveries.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Hominin footprints from early Pleistocene deposits at Happisburgh, UK.
- Author
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Ashton N, Lewis SG, De Groote I, Duffy SM, Bates M, Bates R, Hoare P, Lewis M, Parfitt SA, Peglar S, Williams C, and Stringer C
- Subjects
- Animals, Geologic Sediments, United Kingdom, Biological Evolution, Foot, Fossils, Hominidae
- Abstract
Investigations at Happisburgh, UK, have revealed the oldest known hominin footprint surface outside Africa at between ca. 1 million and 0.78 million years ago. The site has long been recognised for the preservation of sediments containing Early Pleistocene fauna and flora, but since 2005 has also yielded humanly made flint artefacts, extending the record of human occupation of northern Europe by at least 350,000 years. The sediments consist of sands, gravels and laminated silts laid down by a large river within the upper reaches of its estuary. In May 2013 extensive areas of the laminated sediments were exposed on the foreshore. On the surface of one of the laminated silt horizons a series of hollows was revealed in an area of ca. 12 m(2). The surface was recorded using multi-image photogrammetry which showed that the hollows are distinctly elongated and the majority fall within the range of juvenile to adult hominin foot sizes. In many cases the arch and front/back of the foot can be identified and in one case the impression of toes can be seen. Using foot length to stature ratios, the hominins are estimated to have been between ca. 0.93 and 1.73 m in height, suggestive of a group of mixed ages. The orientation of the prints indicates movement in a southerly direction on mud-flats along the river edge. Early Pleistocene human fossils are extremely rare in Europe, with no evidence from the UK. The only known species in western Europe of a similar age is Homo antecessor, whose fossil remains have been found at Atapuerca, Spain. The foot sizes and estimated stature of the hominins from Happisburgh fall within the range derived from the fossil evidence of Homo antecessor.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Earliest evidence for caries and exploitation of starchy plant foods in Pleistocene hunter-gatherers from Morocco.
- Author
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Humphrey LT, De Groote I, Morales J, Barton N, Collcutt S, Bronk Ramsey C, and Bouzouggar A
- Subjects
- Archaeology, Carbohydrates chemistry, Dental Caries epidemiology, Dental Caries history, Dietary Sucrose, Feeding Behavior, Geography, History, Ancient, Humans, Mass Spectrometry, Morocco, Paleodontology, Prevalence, Streptococcus mutans, Dental Caries microbiology, Food Supply, Plants, Edible
- Abstract
Dental caries is an infectious disease that causes tooth decay. The high prevalence of dental caries in recent humans is attributed to more frequent consumption of plant foods rich in fermentable carbohydrates in food-producing societies. The transition from hunting and gathering to food production is associated with a change in the composition of the oral microbiota and broadly coincides with the estimated timing of a demographic expansion in Streptococcus mutans, a causative agent of human dental caries. Here we present evidence linking a high prevalence of caries to reliance on highly cariogenic wild plant foods in Pleistocene hunter-gatherers from North Africa, predating other high caries populations and the first signs of food production by several thousand years. Archaeological deposits at Grotte des Pigeons in Morocco document extensive evidence for human occupation during the Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age (Iberomaurusian), and incorporate numerous human burials representing the earliest known cemetery in the Maghreb. Macrobotanical remains from occupational deposits dated between 15,000 and 13,700 cal B.P. provide evidence for systematic harvesting and processing of edible wild plants, including acorns and pine nuts. Analysis of oral pathology reveals an exceptionally high prevalence of caries (51.2% of teeth in adult dentitions), comparable to modern industrialized populations with a diet high in refined sugars and processed cereals. We infer that increased reliance on wild plants rich in fermentable carbohydrates and changes in food processing caused an early shift toward a disease-associated oral microbiota in this population.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Gaze aversion during social interaction in preterm infants: a function of attention skills?
- Author
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De Schuymer L, De Groote I, Desoete A, and Roeyers H
- Subjects
- Adult, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Premature psychology, Male, Attention physiology, Avoidance Learning physiology, Child Development physiology, Eye Movements physiology, Infant, Premature physiology, Interpersonal Relations
- Abstract
Preterm infants avert their gaze more often and for longer periods in early social interactions compared to full term infants. In previous studies this finding is interpreted as being a function of the higher degree of parental stimulation that is often found in parents of preterm children. The current study explores an additional hypothesis. Since the development of general visual attention abilities is found to be less optimal in preterm children, it is possible that less optimal maturation of attention abilities partially explains the elevated gaze aversion in a social context. Therefore, the current study investigated the association between gaze aversion in a social context and the ability to disengage and shift visual attention in a non-social context in 20 preterm and 42 full term infants aged 4 and 6 months. Results confirm that preterm infants are slower to shift their attention in a non-social context and that they avert their gaze more often in a social context compared to full term children. Furthermore, more frequent gaze aversion during social interaction at 6 months was related to longer disengagement and the shifting of attention at 4 and 6 months, but only within the preterm group. The results suggest that attention maturation is less optimal in preterm children; this can be observed in a non-social as well as a social context. Less attention maturation in preterm children can negatively influence the amount of time they can stay actively involved in social interaction., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. The Neanderthal lower arm.
- Author
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De Groote I
- Subjects
- Analysis of Variance, Animals, Discriminant Analysis, Humans, Principal Component Analysis, Fossils, Neanderthals anatomy & histology, Radius anatomy & histology, Ulna anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Neanderthal forearms have been described as being very powerful. Different individual features in the lower arm bones have been described to distinguish Neanderthals from modern humans. In this study, the overall morphology of the radius and ulna is considered, and morphological differences among Neanderthals, Upper Paleolithic Homo sapiens and recent H. sapiens are described. Comparisons among populations were made using a combination of 3D geometric morphometrics and standard multivariate methods. Comparative material included all available complete radii and ulnae from Neanderthals, early H. sapiens and archaeological and recent human populations, representing a wide geographical and lifestyle range. There are few differences among the populations when features are considered individually. Neanderthals and early H. sapiens fell within the range of modern human variation. When the suite of measurements and shapes were analyzed, differences and similarities became apparent. The Neanderthal radius is more laterally curved, has a more medially placed radial tuberosity, a longer radial neck, a more antero-posteriorly ovoid head and a well-developed proximal interosseous crest. The Neanderthal ulna has a more anterior facing trochlear notch, a lower M. brachialis insertion, larger relative mid-shaft size and a more medio-lateral and antero-posterior sinusoidal shaft. The Neanderthal lower arm morphology reflects a strong cold-adapted short forearm. The forearms of H. sapiens are less powerful in pronation and supination. Many differences between Neanderthals and H. sapiens can be explained as a secondary consequence of the hyper-polar body proportions of the Neanderthals, but also as retentions of the primitive condition of other hominoids., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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