The relationship between the palatal form and the maxillary sinus in orang-utan.

The relationship between the palatal form and the maxillary sinus was studied in 40 skulls of male and female Bornean orangutans (Pongo satyrus borneensis) ontogenetically. Univariate analyses of the measurements of the palate and the maxillary sinus showed that the sexual dimorphism appeared earlier in palatal length than in the maxillary sinus volume. Bivariate statistical analyses, including correlation and linear regression analyses, revealed close relationships between the characteristics of the palate and the maxillary sinus for both the growth period and the adult status. Partial correlation coefficients showed, however, that these relations were highly influenced by the skull size. Except significant correlations between the maxillary sinus width and the palatal volume in the adult status, all partial correlation coefficients were clearly below the Pearson's correlation coefficients. In contrast to the situation in humans, this study suggests that under physiological conditions the influence of the palatal form on the maxillary sinus size in the orang-utan is very small. Alterations of the craniofacial morphology during the evolution of the hominids, such as facial reduction and decrease of the maxillary sinus size, are considered important factors which led to changes of the relations between the palatal form and the maxillary sinus.

Growth pattern of the maxillary sinus in orang-utan based on measurements of CT scans.

The postnatal growth of the maxillary sinus was analyzed in 20 male and 20 female skulls of orang-utan (Pongo satyrus borneensis) in 5 age steps. Coronal CT scans were carried out of all skulls using a computed tomograph Siemens SOMATOM DR. The distances between the CT scans were always 4 mm. The outline of the maxillary sinus was surrounded on the CT scans with a planimeter and then the volumes were calculated. Using a growth model introduced by Fanghänel (1974), growth functions for the volume measurements for male and female animals were calculated separately. The growth curves showed a particular course, which was characterized by a quick rise until the age of 15 years. After the age of 20 years the curves for females orang-utan became gradually flat. At the age of 21 to 23 years the confidence intervals of the growth curves for male and female orang-utan began to drift apart, indicating the appearance of a sexual dimorphism. Using the basicranial length as an indicator of skull size, it becomes evident, that the sexual difference in the maxillary sinus' volume is probably based on the fact, that the maxillary sinus' volume of the male orang-utan increases further on following a common growth pattern.

On secondary hyperparathyroidism in orang-utans, Pongo satyrus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Orang-utan crania with alterations in bone structure which could be determined morphologically were studied and evaluated. The alterations in bone structure were referred to in the literature up to about 1939 as "rickets"; when vitamin D was given to the animals, the alterations diminished, until they were almost unnoticeable. From about 1941/52, the alterations were diagnosed as "Morbus Paget". Research on orang-utan crania has become possible through comparison of a larger number of single symptoms, occurring in a number of individuals. Out of a larger sample, the study was carried out on 5 individuals, showing these alterations in varying degrees. The individuals also covered various age groups, both sexes and both subspecies of orang-utans. The findings permit a diagnosis of secondary (or tertiary) hyperparathyroidism (= Morbus Engel-von Recklinghausen = fibrous cystic osteitis). The study also showed that orang-utans fall prey to Morbus Engel-von Recklinghausen in a shorter period and suffer more severely than humans. The frequency of orang-utans suffering from this disease, which are kept captive in zoos, is statistically far higher than the occurrence in humans. Orang-utans living under natural conditions do not suffer from the disease at all; according to the study of 500 animals. The authors also believe that there is a psychogenic basis for the occurrence of Morbus Engel-von Recklinghausen in zoo animals; psychological conditions such as apathy, disinterest, etc. are part of the illness, and these symptoms are also shown by animals having no outward signs of fibrous cystic osteitis. The authors believe that improved prophylaxis of orang-utans in zoos would lead to discovery of Morbus Engel-von Recklinghausen in early stages, and allow early therapy to arrest the disease. This is necessary for preservation of the species.

[Two cases of homicide from the pre-ceramic neolithic era of Arabia Petraea]. / Zwei Fälle von Homicid aus dem Praekeramischen Neolithicum der Arabia Petraea.

Human remains from Basta 1 (P PN B, 6. Mill. B.C.) and Sabra 1 (Khiamian, 7. Mill. B.C.) were prepared and studied; the results show that Basta 1 was a permanent settlement and Sabra 1 was a temporary summer camp. Both settlements are located in Arabia Petraea. Basta 1, No. 3477: The calvarium of a boy, aged 8 to 9 a, from Basta 1 was studied. The race can be determined as orientalide, according v. Eickstedt's classification. The boy was killed; as evidence by 2 blows to the skull occurring while he was alive. The cause of death has been reconstructed, using parallels taken from ethnological and forensic medical research. First, the boy received a light blow on the left forehead, with a sharp weapon. The authors present as a working hypothesis that the motivation for the death was rape, taking place as the boy was (probably) in a semi-conscious state. After recovering and rising to his feet, the boy suffered a deadly blow on the back of the skull (rabbit punch). A blunt instrument was used for the second blow. The body lay where it fell over 1 a or more; afterwards it was found by members of his own group. They removed the calvarium and buried it in their permanent settlement. The manner in which burial took place, would seem to indicate, that no further religious or ritual ceremony was involved. This type of crime has been observed e.g. as occurring among purely male groups-such as temporary herdsmen. In case of the boy from Basta 1, this would the earliest evidence for the occurrence of this type of sexual delinquency in prehistoric times. Sabra 1, No. 4088: Skull fragments of 2 individuals were recovered from a camp fire shifted by humans, in Sabra 1. Individual I is a male, aged 25 to 30 a; Individual II is a female of 25 to 30 a (or perhaps even younger). The examination showed that the bone fragments had been subjected to temperatures less than or equal to 200 degrees C (examination of bone material) and around 100 degrees C (evidence of charcoal material), when they were still fresh. The bones were not burned but grilled (or roasted). The evidence would indicate a case of antropophagy. The parallels in ethnological studies show that anthropophagy occurs only in farming societies, as religious rites; up to now, there is no evidence for this type of rites among the hunting and collecting groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Status and potentials of the newly modified Kollmann method (facial reconstruction based on the skull)]. / Zu Stand und Möglichkeiten der erneut modifizierten Kollmann-Methode (Gesichtsrekonstruktion aufgrund des Schädels).

The authors discuss briefly the status of the method of plastic face-reconstruction after Kollmann. Results of fundamental research are treated as well as the standardization of technical processes. The difference to the His-method is discussed and it is stated that the newly modified method after Kollmann now seems to be suitable to allow a restricted application in the skull-identification. Moreover it may now be used to clear up anthropological questions, while in the past it did not always prove to be successful. In no case however artistically satisfactory results can be expected, not are they intended. For this purpose the His-method should be used as usual.

[Effect of artificial skull deformation in vitro on sensory performance in the human. Morphologic and tomographic study based on the calvarium E2 of Tell es Sultan/Jericho (7th millenium b.c.)]. / Uber den Einfluss der künstlichen Schädeldeformation in vivo auf die Sinnesleistungen beim Menschen. Morphologische und tomographische Studie an Hand des Calvariums E2 vom Tell es Sultan/Jericho (7. Jahrtausend v. u. Z.).

The question of an influence of artificial skull deformations on sensory performances in man has been discussed since Torquemada (1615). It was inquired into by means of the individual E2 of the Tell es Sultan/Jericho (7th millenium B.C.). At first a morphological expert evidence and then an ear tomography (Mündnich and Frey's method) were carried out. Hereby abnormal displacements of all head organs or their parts could be seen. Evaluable pathological findings, however, did not result. Thus an influence of artificial skull deformation on sensory performance in man has to be refused in the same way as the connection of the same with infant mortality invented by Torquemada (in this case political reasons were probably responsible for it). The functional thesis of Toldt for the formation of Arcus superciliares etc. was confirmed.

[On a newly modified method for plastic reconstruction of the face using the skull (based on Kollman data)]. / Uber eine erneut modifizierte Methode plastischer Gesichtsrekonstruktion auf dem Schädel (nach Kollmann).

Since Kollmann & Büchly (1898) presented for the first time a plastic reconstruction of the face on the skull, which was based on empiric data, this method has been improved continuously. Up to now, however, doubts on its reliability could not be removed completely. While in the meantime the reconstruction of the large organs of the face could be based on a more secured empiric basis, this was not possible concerning the remaining surface of the face. This could be surmounted using the measurements of the soft parts of the living body (34 items) proposed by Helmer (1980). Basing on these measurements the author presents a newly modified method for the plastic reconstruction of the face on the skull. Among others he accepts as basic pattern the principle of parallel profile lines suggested by Helmer (to identify skulls by means of superposition of electronic pictures). By that the author is of the opinion that he has improved the possibility of verifying and reproducing acquired results. It is recommended to fill still uncertain methodological gaps by distinct working hypothesis. However, on plastic reconstructions unclear details should be treated in such a way that they are standing out against the remaining surface. The potential scope of the plastic reconstruction of the face on the skull has been limited by Helmer's method (identification of skulls), but is basically still unchanged.

[Observations on the identification of Holy Emmeram at St. Emmeram's Church in Regensburg. Critical comparison]. / Bemerkungen zur Identifikation des H1. Emmeram aus St. Emmeram in Regensburg. Ein methodenkritischer Vergleich.

The report deals with an attempt to identify individuals found in Saint Emmeram Church, Regensburg, Whether one or the other could be considered identical with Holy Emmeram. The data regarding the historical person of Holy Emmeram, his life and death, were taken from the Via written by the Bishop of Freising, Arbeo, in 780 A. D. Individual I showed a good correlation with measurements of medieval and modern persons for the area of Pouitou and Southwest France. In this area mainly individuals of medium stature, stocky build and cromagniform appearance are found. The majority of individuals in the area today are brachycranial; however, Individual I - although mesocranial - is also a type occurring in the area. Especially the structure of the nose is more common to the Pouitou area than to the area of Bavaria where Individual I was interred. Additional characteristics indicate that Individual I was a member of a nobel family rather than a commoner. It would also seem that Individual I can be regarded as a man of books and a cleric. Specific bone fractures of the left ulna and the maxilla are similar to those related to the injuries sustained by Holy Emmeram related to the Vita. Measurements carried out on Individual II would indicate that this person is not identical with Emmeram. The grave of Individual II - regarded up to now as a sepulcher - should probably be considered as a secondary interment of later date. The author's opinion is that Individual I is identical with Holy Emmeram, martyred in the 7th century A. D.