Hamann-Todd Collection Research Articles

The relationship between cause of death and skeletal markers of physiological stress in the Hamann-Todd collection.

Socioeconomic status, past stress events, and other factors may contribute to the cumulative burden of physiological stress, which influences an individual's susceptibility to mortality and cause of death (COD). Here, we explore the association between skeletal evidence of stress and COD in the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection (HTOC), a predominantly low socioeconomic status sample from the late 19th and early 20th century. Skeletal markers of stress including linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), stature, and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) were analyzed in 298 individuals in the HTOC. Recorded CODs were grouped into six broad categories and contrasted with stress indicators, ages-at-death, and demographic variables, using various parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. COD varied by socially ascribed race and sex within the sample. Overall, infectious diseases were more prevalent than degenerative diseases. Individuals that died of infectious diseases had significantly lower ages-at-death compared to degenerative diseases (p < 0.001). There was no association between LEH and COD (χ2 = 4.449, p = 0.487). Stature varied significantly across COD categories for males (F = 2.534, p = 0.032), but not females (F = 1.733, p = 0.132). Controlling for age-at-death, AMTL prevalence was associated with COD (H = 18.53, p = 0.002), with cardiovascular disease being associated with higher prevalence of AMTL. These findings show that some skeletal stress indicators are associated with COD in the HTOC, but the causal pathways of these relationships are not clear. This study adds to growing bodies of literature exploring relationships between past stress events and susceptibility to mortality and long-term consequences of poor living conditions for past individuals.

Covariation in Limb-limb and Limb-trunk Proportions in Whites and Blacks and Males in Females using the Hamann-Todd Collection, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Covariation in Limb-limb and Limb-trunk Proportions in Whites and Blacks and Males in Females using the Hamann-Todd Collection, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Origins of Forensic Anthropology in the United States

Traditional histories of forensic anthropology focus on key figures, events, and/or publications within a larger narrative of disciplinary formation and expansion. These histories typically highlight individuals such as Thomas Dwight or institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. This project represents an interdisciplinary collaboration with the goal of shedding new light onto the origins of forensic anthropology in the United States. By pulling from a number of published scholarly sources, as well as some unpublished correspondence, this project expands upon the more established historical events concerning the history of forensic anthropology. Here we argue that the origins of contemporary forensic anthropology not only trace back to the work of Wilton Krogman but that Krogman’s forensic anthropology must be understood through the life and work of his mentor, T. Wingate Todd, as well as the Hamann-Todd Collection, early efforts toward personal identification of human skeletal remains, and a complex amalgamation of US and UK influences that Krogman was exposed to through Todd’s mentorship efforts.

The Effects of Physiological Stress on the Accuracy of Age-at-Death Estimation in The Hamann–Todd Collection

Age-at-death estimation is influenced by biological and environmental factors. Physiological stress is intertwined with these factors, yet their impact on senescence and age estimation is unknown. Stature, linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) in the Hamann–Todd Osteological Collection (n = 297) are used to understand whether physiological stress is related to age estimation inaccuracy using transition analysis (TA). Considering the low socioeconomic status of individuals in the collection, it was expected that many people experienced moderate to severe physiological stressors throughout their lives. Of the sample, 44.1% had at least one LEH, but analyses found no relationship between LEH incidence and TA error. There was no association between stature and TA error for males or females. However, females with at least one LEH had significantly shorter statures (t = 2.412, p = 0.009), but males did not exhibit the same pattern (t = 1.498, p = 0.068). Further, AMTL frequency and TA error were related (r = 0.276, p &lt; 0.001). A partial correlation controlling for age-at-death yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.024 (p = 0.684), suggesting that this relationship is mostly explained by age-at-death. These data suggest that age estimation methods are not significantly affected by physiological stress in this sample, but further investigations are needed to understand how these variables relate to skeletal aging.

Assessing the Occipital Condyles for Age Estimation of Non-Adults

Objectives New methods for assessing age of non-adult remains are frequently sought to improve the ability to correctly identify individuals in for forensic and archaeological purposes. Especially when faced with comingled remains, it is helpful to have a bone appropriate tool for age estimation. Research was carried out to assess the usefulness of the occipital condyles for aging non-adult individuals using metric and morphology analyses. The research population included occipital condyles, both fused and unfused, of individuals of known age at death non-adult from the from the Hamann-Todd Collection, Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio, USA (N=69); Colecção Esqueletos Identificados, Natural History Museum, University of Coimbra, Portugal (N=113); Museu Bocage, National Museum of Natural History, Lisbon, Portugal (N=60). Length and width measurements were taken then regression was used to analyse the datasets. Three morphological factors were observed including, level of fusion at the synchondrosis intraoccipitalis anterior, presence/absence of billows and presence/absence of depressions. Results Accuracy based on the metric model ranged between 37-71%. The morphological model showed fusion present as early as 3-years of age, with all non-adults over 8-years showing 100% complete fusion. Only individuals below 13-years of age displayed billows or depressions present; presence not absence of the morphological variables can be used to estimate age with a 92% accuracy rate. Conclusion The metric model does not reach an acceptable level of accuracy for use in aging non-adults. Morphology of the occipital condyles do not follow a specific age progression but can be used as a quick age assessment guide; if these morphological features are present the individual very likely between 3-13-years of age.

Biocultural conditions and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in skeletal remains

Vitamin D directly influences blood-calcium homeostasis and skeletal health. Individuals who do not have enough vitamin D do not have adequate blood calcium levels leading to a cascade of metabolic deficiencies and health problems, including bone diseases like rickets and osteomalacia. My Ph.D. focuses on the extent and impact of vitamin D deficiency in the recent historic past in the United States. I examined fifty skeletons from the Hamann-Todd Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for the presence or absence of vitamin D deficiency. Biocultural variables can affect one’s likelihood of being vitamin D deficient. To determine which variable(s) these individuals may be subjected to I used morgue records and death certificates to search Ancestry and FamilySearch for genealogical data for these individuals. Preliminary results show that vitamin D deficiency was present in 24% of the sample. Death certificate data was available for 100% of the sample and 100% of the individuals died in Ohio.

Age-at-death estimation from the auricular surface of the ilium: A test of a sex-specific component method.

Accurate age-at-death estimation is important for both paleodemographic studies and forensic casework. Although the auricular surface of the ilium is a well-validated skeletal indicator for aging studies, problems persist with identifying features that estimate age accurately in older individuals. This study tests the utility of one method, developed by Igarashi et al. (2005), which claims to estimate age more accurately in older individuals using a presence/absence scoring system for 13 auricular surface traits. Four hundred (400) individuals, aged 16-93years, from the Hamann-Todd Collection were examined to test the performance of Igarashi et al.'s method in a North American sample. Pearson's product-moment correlation tests were performed for both the overall method and individual traits to assess correlation with chronological age. Eleven of the 13 traits showed statically significant correlations with chronological age, and nine were found to have higher correlations than originally reported. The method showed a tendency toward negative bias (i.e., a tendency to under-age individuals, particularly in the older age range). Models for both males and females and full and reduced models developed by Igarashi et al. were tested; the sex-pooled full model performed best, and the female full model performed most poorly. Although this method did not have significantly higher accuracy rates in a North American sample than other auricular surface methods, unique traits identified by Igarashi et al. did correlate with chronological age. In future studies, these traits should be investigated using different scoring systems (e.g., character states), as they show utility for aging research.

Morphometric data and the size factor: examining the problem using the pelvis

Morphometric data is inherently linked to size; however, there is no consensus for how to account for this. Some researchers adjust for size, whereas others do not, which can affect the results of a study. This study examines this problem using sexual dimorphism of the pelvis. Twenty-two pelvic measures were collected from 119 individuals from the Hamann-Todd Collection. Measures included dimensions of the false pelvis and the pelvic canal. After all the data was collected, it was compiled into 3 data sets; the first set included unadjusted data, the second set was adjusted for body size, and the third set was adjusted for pelvic size. After all adjustments, independent sample t-tests were run on each data set, to determine which measures appeared dimorphic. In each case, the measures that appeared to be sexually dimorphic differed. According to the t-test for the unadjusted data, four of the 22 measures were not dimorphic: anterior spaces of the midplane and the outlet, sacral breadth, and length of the superior pubic ramus. Using the data adjusted for body size, all pelvic measures were dimorphic. Lastly, using the data adjusted for pelvic size, five measures were not dimorphic: anterior space and transverse diameter of the inlet, inter-acetabular distance, length of the superior pubic ramus, and circumference of the inlet. These conflicting results demonstrate the intricate nature of correcting for size and the challenge comparing results across studies. Overall pelvic-size dimorphism and body-size dimorphism must be considered.

The accuracy of age estimation using transition analysis in the Hamann-Todd collection.

Reconstructing demography of past populations using skeletal data is challenging when analyzing adults because the process of biological aging does not always reflect the individual's chronological age. A proposed solution to address the limitations of traditional age estimation methods is transition analysis (TA), a multifactorial method of age estimation. However, despite its methodological refinement, TA has varying degrees of accuracy when applied to different known-age skeletal samples. This study assesses TA's accuracy by comparing age estimates to known age at death in the Hamann-Todd Collection. We contrasted the maximum likelihood age estimates generated by the ADBOU program to the known ages of 221 individuals. The absolute error was calculated for the entire sample, and compared between sex and ancestry. The mean absolute error in the sample is 11.6 (SD = 10.3) years, with white individuals' errors (14.1 years) being significantly higher than black individuals' (9.1 years; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between sexes (p = 0.621). A weak to moderate positive correlation was found between known age and absolute error for white males (R = 0.607; p < 0.001), white females (R = 0.509; p < 0.001), and black males (R = 0.371; p = 0.006). The accuracy of TA age estimates varied when each anatomical region was analyzed independently, but the combination of all three anatomical regions yielded the most accurate age estimates. These findings further support that TA accuracy depends on the prior distribution used and, in the Hamann-Todd Collection, the accuracy for white individuals is more influenced by this limitation than when black individuals are analyzed.

Cribra orbitalia is a vascular phenomenon unrelated to marrow hyperplasia or anemia: Paradigm shift for cribra orbitalia.

The orbital phenomenon, cribra orbitalia, has long been a source of controversy, especially with regard to its nature, derivation, and relationship to anemia. Therefore, the external surfaces of orbital roofs were systematically examined microscopically in human skulls from historical collections. Superior orbital surfaces of 278 individual crania within the Hamann-Todd collection were assessed at various magnifications using epi-illumination microscopy to identify the presence of cribra orbitalia and characterize its nature. Also, 12 additional individuals with diagnosed anemia in the Hamann-Todd collection were evaluated. Orbital roof alterations, present in one-third of examined crania, had two discrete appearances: Vascular grooves (45%) and application of new bone in a vascular branching pattern on the orbit surface (55%). Porosity of the orbit was not observed. Evaluation of the orbits of 12 individuals with diagnosed anemia revealed one with a single deep defect, suggesting a space-occupying phenomenon, but no evidence of bone accretion, vascular grooves, or porosity. Cribra orbitalia has often been lumped indiscriminately as an indicator of organismal stress, rather than identified as a indicating a specific etiology. Neither that perspective nor porosity are supported by high resolution examination of orbital roof changes. Recognition of the blood vessel imprint pattern falsifies previous speculations and provides a new paradigm. The actual character of cribra orbitalia is documented and new hypotheses generated. While population prevalence of cribra orbitalia seems excessive for explanation on the basis of these hypotheses, the imprints are clearly vascular in origin.

Comparison of Orbital Volume in Young Versus Senescent Human Skulls.

To compare bony orbital volumes in young skulls with those of older skulls to elucidate aging-associated changes of the orbit. One hundred Caucasian male skulls from the Hamann-Todd collection of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History were studied. There were 50 young skulls (age range, 19-33 years) and 50 senescent skulls (age range, 79-96 years). Volcanic sand was used to fill each orbit in an identical fashion and weighed as a proxy for volume. Digital calipers were used to perform linear measurements of the orbit. The relationship between orbit measures and skull size was assessed using Pearson's correlations and 95% CI, and statistical models to compare age groups adjusted for skull size. The volume of the orbits (P < 0.001), the horizontal diameter of the orbit (P = 0.015), and the orbital depth (P < 0.001) were significantly larger in the senescent group of skulls after adjusting for skull surface area. No significant differences were found in the vertical diameters of the orbit between the 2 groups. Skull size did not statistically differ between the age groups. Increases in the depth and horizontal dimensions of the orbit lead to increasing bony orbital volume with increasing age. These changes in size and shape of the orbit with age may contribute to phenotypic changes of aging and may affect disease processes and management.

Estimating Age of Mature Adults from Degeneration of the Medial End of the Clavicle in an African American Sample

Accurate age estimation is fundamental to identifying individuals in forensic anthropology and interpreting demographic patterns in bioarchaeology. Producing age estimates within useful ranges is particularly difficult when assessing older individuals (40+ years). Falys and Prangle (2015) developed a method (referred to henceforth as the FP method) for narrowing age-range estimates for older adults by scoring surface topography, porosity, and osteophytes of the medial end of the clavicle and applying regressions to create age-estimation ranges. That study included individuals of European decent aged 40+ years from four documented skeletal collections. New methods require testing for reproducibility as well as for the appropriateness and utility for subsamples from which the methods were not derived. Here we applied the FP method to a nineteenth-and twentieth-century African American age-and sex-documented skeletal sample (N = 229) from the Hamann-Todd Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The method was reliable, and a statistically significant relationship was found between increased scores of degenerative features and older age. Accuracy in predicting age from the composite scores and regressions was 38.43–78.60% (compared to 96.4% from the original study). It failed to narrow age ranges beyond those available from other common aging methods (e.g., pubic symphysis, auricular surface of the ilium, sternal end of the fourth rib). Results suggest that differences in degeneration of articular surfaces are not negligible. This method should not be used universally across samples as a means of increasing accuracy of forensic identification. Sample-specific testing, in tandem with an exploration of variables that drive and/or affect age-related degeneration, should be pursued.

Perimortem fracture manifestations and mortality after hip fracture in a documented skeletal series

ObjectiveUnhealed hip fractures are underrepresented in the archaeological record, suggesting that better identification criteria are required. This paper evaluates whether a sample of documented perimortem hip fractures displayed classic perimortem features and which features may facilitate better identification of such fractures in the archaeological record. MaterialsTen individuals from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Skeletal Collection with documented hip fractures and intervals of survival. MethodsWe observed the skeletal remains macroscopically and with a Keyence VHX-2000 digital microscope at a range of 5x to 100x magnification. Results90% of the individuals and 64% of the fragments had identifiable perimortem features; hinging was the most consistent feature. Eburnation was found in two individuals who died 13 days after sustaining a hip fracture. ConclusionsThis study underscores the importance of examining fracture margins for evidence of hinging. Eburnation may be added to the list of potential perimortem fracture identification criteria. SignificanceIdentifying perimortem trauma unequivocally remains challenging. Using collections with documented perimortem fractures aids in determining which criteria are most likely to appear in archaeological human bone. LimitationsThe fracture location patterning (70% intertrochanteric) may be the result of sample selection. Suggestions for future researchFurther intensive comparative investigation with the Hamann-Todd Collection would elucidate patterns further.

Sex estimation from the calcaneus and talus using discriminant function analysis and its possible application in fossil remains

Foot bones have been shown to be sexually dimorphic and they are frequently used for sex estimation. In this study, we estimated the sex based on the calcaneus and the talus of a modern North American population obtained from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection, housed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (Ohio, USA). A total of 164 calcanei (84 males and 80 females) and 162 tali (83 males and 79 females) were studied. Several univariate discriminant functions were obtained, with accuracy ranging from 70.2 to 90.2%. The best variable for sex estimation in this sample is the talar length. Multivariate discriminant functions were also obtained. The accuracy (83.3 to 96.4%) was generally higher than that obtained with the univariate discriminant functions. The best multivariate equation is the one that uses all the variables measured in the talus. Discriminant functions previously reported in other studies were tested on the Hamann-Todd collection to verify their validity outside the population for which they were made. In addition, together with the equations reported here, they were applied on data from fossil remains belonging to three different groups (Homo neanderthalensis, hominins from the Sima de los Huesos, and anatomically modern Homo sapiens) in order to find some discriminant functions that allow for a valid determination of sex in this type of fossil populations. Several equations yielded good correct allocation percentages in fossil populations thus facilitating the estimation of sex for 16 fossil specimens of previously unknown sex.

Anatomic Variations of the Infraorbital Foramen in Caucasian Versus African American Skulls.

The infraorbital foramen (IOF) represents a highly conserved structure but demonstrates morphologic variability. The purpose of this study is to describe the IOF location, size, and supernumerary foramina in an African American population and compare it with a Caucasian population. Sixty African American and 60 Caucasian skulls from the Hamann-Todd collection of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History were studied. The primary outcome was the number of accessory IOF and measurements of the location, size, shape, and direction of each foramen. Pearson chi-square, t tests, Fisher exact test, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to analyze the data. The African American population had a smaller vertical IOF diameter (mean = 2.81 mm) compared with the Caucasian population (mean = 3.08 mm) on the right side (p < 0.01). The distance from the IOF to the anterior nasal spine on the left side was greater in the African American population (mean = 33.93 mm) compared with the Caucasian population (Caucasian mean = 32.84 mm, p = 0.03). The distance from the IOF to the zygomaticomaxillary suture was significantly shorter in the African American population (mean = 11.85 mm) compared with the Caucasian population (mean = 13.21 mm) on the left side (p = 0.01). Accessory foramina were found in 13 Caucasian skulls (21.7%) and 6 African American skulls (10%; p = 0.08). Two distinct types of IOF existed in each population, one close to the main foramen and one within the sutura notha. The IOF is smaller and exits more laterally, with a lower proportion of accessory foramina in an African American population compared with a Caucasian population. Both groups exhibit 2 distinct types of IOF. These morphologic differences should be noted during surgeries and anesthetic planning to avoid neurovascular complications.

Variations in Hook of Hamate Morphology: A Cadaveric Analysis

The hook of the hamate is an anatomical structure that separates the ulnar border of the carpal tunnel from Guyon's canal and serves as a landmark for surgeons. The hook of the hamate is also subject to fracture from injury. We hypothesize that there are variations in the hook of the hamate in the general population. One thousand pairs of hamates (2,000 hamates) from the Hamann-Todd Collection at the Cleveland Natural History Museum were analyzed. The height of the hook of the hamate and the total height of the hamate bone were measured using digital calipers. The hook height ratio was defined as the hook height divided by the total height of the hamate. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student's t test to determine differences in sex and race. The mean hook height was 9.8 ± 1.4 mm (range, 2.5-15.9 mm), whereas the mean hook height ratio was 0.42 ± 0.04 (range, 0.15-0.56). There was a 3.1% (62/2,000) incidence of abnormally small hooks, which we classified as hypoplastic and aplastic. Of the hypoplastic hooks, 55% (24/44) were bilateral, whereas 44% (8/18) of the aplastic hooks were bilateral. The incidence of variation in size in the hook of the hamate was highest in white females (9.3%) and lowest in black males (1.4%). Abnormalities in hook of hamate anatomy are common in the general population, especially in white females. Knowledge of anatomic variation in the hook of the hamate may provide additional insight into surgeons' palpation of bony anatomy, interpretation of imaging studies, and use of the hook as a landmark during surgery.

Abstract: Full Facial Allotransplantation Including the Temporomandibular Joints: An Anatomical Study and Surgical Protocol

INTRODUCTION: Face allotransplantation cardinally shifted the reconstruction paradigm of unmanageable facial defects. Incorporation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in total face allotransplant can further improve functional outcome in these patients. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the vascular supply of TMJ and develop a surgical protocol of a total face allotransplantation including TMJ. METHODS: 100 skulls and mandibles from the Hamann-Todd collection (Cleveland Museum of Natural History) and 100 facial CT scans were examined to evaluate the variability of TMJ dimensions. Intercondylar distance, width, length and height of condyles, mandibular ramus and body dimensions, condylar fossa breadth and anteroposterior dimension, and gonial (GA), intercondylar (ICA) and condyle-symphysis (CSA) angles were measured on dry skulls. Bilateral frontal ramal inclination (FRI) and lateral ramal inclination (LRI) were measured in 3D reconstructed CT scans. Injection of the common carotid arteries with red-colored latex was performed in eight fresh cadaver heads. They were then dissected for visualization of the vascular branches entering the TMJ. Four fresh cadavers were then used to perform a TMJ-included total face transplantation. Donor allografts were harvested using an extracranial Le Fort III approach combined with a temporal craniotomy to include the total TMJ. Internal carotid and middle meningeal arteries were well preserved. Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was performed to address any anticipated discrepancy between donor and recipient intercondylar distance. The allograft was transferred to the recipient face and secured with miniplates at the orbital rims and nasal bridge. TMJs were secured on the zygomatic processes of temporal bones by long miniscrews. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference between genders were observed in all parameters measured on dry skulls except for ICA and CSA. There was a statistically significant difference of FRI between genders in CT measurements. The mean values, standard deviation and the range of all measurement are provided bellow in male vs female format. Intercondylar distance: 118.1mm±5 (range 104.6-128mm) vs 112.2mm±6.5 (range 98–123.3mm) p<0.05 Gonion-gonion distance: 99.0mm±6.3 (range 86.6–115.3mm) vs 91.2mm±4.9 (range 82.7–104.5mm) p<0.05 Lateral fossa-lateral fossa points: 120.1mm±4.6 (range 109.5–129.1mm) vs 113.3mm±4.9 (range 101.7–123.2mm) p<0.05 ICA: 141.1° ±10.2 (range 118.9–162.5°) vs 139.7°±10.0 (range 119.3–160.3°), p>0.05 CSA: 64.8°±5.6 (range 53.4–74.6°) vs 64.1°±5.6 (range 54–77.1°), p>0.05 GA: 122.4°±7.8 (range 104.2–147.9°) vs 126.4°±6.2 (range 114.2–144.6°), p<0.05 FRI: 79.3°±4.1 (range 69.7–90.2°) vs 77.1°±3.6 (range 71.3–96.9°), p<0.05 LRI: 82.1°±5.4 (range 69.2–96.8°) vs 82.3°±5.8 (range 114.2–144.6°), p>0.05 The TMJ received 1 – 3 direct branches (maximal diameter 0.7–0.8 mm) from the maxillary and middle meningeal arteries medially, and the superficial temporal artery laterally. Fixation of TMJ on zygomatic processes minimally increased the intercondylar distance on recipient face. However, transplanted joints were located more inferior and anterior compared to their normal anatomical position. Class 1 original donor occlusion was achieved with normal ramal inclination and mandibular range of motion. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that TMJ-included total face allograft procurement and transplantation is technically and functionally feasible and reasonable occlusion, range of motion and lateral excursions is achievable.

Anatomical Description of Zygomatic Foramina in African American Skulls.

The zygomaticofacial/temporal/orbital nerve is a terminal branch of the zygomatic nerve and exits the orbit through zygomatic foramina. The nomenclature in the literature varies with some studies identifying all 3 foramina on the malar surface of the zygoma, while others describe each along different aspects of the zygoma. In this study, foramen on the malar surface of the zygoma is termed zygomatic foramen, and the authors describe anatomical variations in the position and number of these foramina in an African American population. Sixty-two African American skulls from the Hamann-Todd collection of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History were studied. The primary outcome was the number of zygomatic foramina on the malar surface of the zygomatic bone. Secondary outcomes included the location of foramina relative to the orbital rim and the frontozygomatic suture. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe measurements. Chi-squared and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze measurements between left and right hemicrania. The average number of foramina was 1.98 ± 0.93. More foramina were found on the right (2.13 ± 0.98) when compared with the left (1.68 ± 0.79; p = 0.001). The average distance between the lateral-most and medial-most foramina was 9.7 ± 5.0 mm. The distance from the orbital rim to the lateral foramen was 8.4 ± 4.2 mm, and distance from the orbital rim to the medial foramen was 7.7 ± 2.1 mm. The frontozygomatic suture was 22.9 ± 3.9 mm from the lateral foramen and 27.9 ± 3.6 mm from the medial foramen. The locations of the foramina in relation to the frontozygomatic suture and orbital rim were consistent with other populations. However, in this African American population, more zygomatic foramina were noted compared with previously published results in Korean, Indian, Brazilian, and West Anatolian populations. Surgeons should be cognizant of zygomatic foramina in this population to reduce potential neurovascular complications.

Effect of Age on Nonmetric Cranial Traits for Sex Estimation in Adults

Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) standardized a set of commonly used nonmetric cranial traits, including the nuchal crest, mastoid process, supraorbital margin, glabella, and mental eminence, for sex estimation of unknown skeletal remains. Walker (2008) presented cranial trait scoring data from several populations and developed logistic regression equations to estimate sex from cranial trait scores, which has become a popular method in forensic anthropology. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the effect of age on the scoring of the five cranial traits examined by Walker. A large, uniformly age-distributed sample of adults (20–92 years; n = 272) of European-American and African-American ancestry from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection was examined by two observers. A third observer contributed data also from the Hamann-Todd Collection (20–85 years; n = 333). Ordinal logistic regression and pseudo-R2 tests revealed some significant effects of age on the mastoid process, supraorbital margin, glabella, and mental eminence, depending on the observer and data set. However, the magnitude of these effects is negligible, with age accounting for a maximum of only 5% of the variance in trait scores. Despite assertions in several commonly used texts that female skulls tend to become more masculinized with age, the results of the present research indicate that age does not play a significant role in the scoring of the five cranial traits evaluated by Walker (2008).KEYWORDS: forensic anthropology, age effect, Walker traits, skull, sex estimation

Morphometric variation and ray allocation of human proximal hand phalanges.

In previous studies, the anatomy of proximal hand phalanges has been described and techniques of anatomical allocation have been developed. However, these rely on the observation of small phalangeal traits without providing a multivariate analysis of morphological variation. In bioarchaeological contexts, the form of these distinctive traits is often not clear and the use of alternative supplementary methods is vital. This study aims to conduct a multivariate analysis of proximal phalanges and introduce a new methodology of ray allocation for isolated proximal phalanges. The sample utilized involves 60 Greek individuals of the Athens Collection as well as 48 African-American and 49 European-American individuals of the Hamann-Todd collection. Multivariate analyses of variation were performed to assess differences across three population samples, sexes, and the five hand rays. Subsequently, a metric method for identifying the ray of isolated specimens was developed and a blind test was utilized to assess its value. The results demonstrated that there is extensive overlapping among population samples and substantial sexual dimorphism. Across rays, three morphological groups were observed. Identifying correctly the 1st and the 5th rays was possible in 100% and 93.0% of the cases, respectively. The classification accuracy for the 2nd ray reached the 91.0%. Sex-specific functions provided moderate accuracy for the 3rd and 4th rays, which ranged from 77.2 to 83.3%. The blind test indicated that the combined use of morphological and metric methods can provide a more certain anatomical allocation of proximal hand phalanges than each of these approaches separately.