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Sylvester AD, Zbijewski W, Shi G, Meckel LA, Chu EY, Cunningham DL, Wescott DJ. Macroscopic differences in adult human femora are linked to body mass index. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38284320 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Bone functional adaptation is routinely invoked to interpret skeletal morphology despite ongoing debate regarding the limits of the bone response to mechanical stimuli. The wide variation in human body mass presents an opportunity to explore the relationship between mechanical load and skeletal response in weight-bearing elements. Here, we examine variation in femoral macroscopic morphology as a function of body mass index (BMI), which is used as a metric of load history. A sample of 80 femora (40 female; 40 male) from recent modern humans was selected from the Texas State University Donated Skeletal Collection. Femora were imaged using x-ray computed tomography (voxel size ~0.5 mm), and segmented to produce surface models. Landmark-based geometric morphometric analyses based on the Coherent Point Drift algorithm were conducted to quantify shape. Principal components analyses were used to summarize shape variation, and component scores were regressed on BMI. Within the male sample, increased BMI was associated with a mediolaterally expanded femoral shaft, as well as increased neck-shaft angle and decreased femoral neck anteversion angle. No statistically significant relationships between shape and BMI were found in the female sample. While mechanical stimulus has traditionally been applied to changes in long bong diaphyseal shape it appears that bone functional adaptation may also result in fundamental changes in the shape of skeletal elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Sylvester
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wojciech Zbijewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gengxin Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren A Meckel
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elaine Y Chu
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | | | - Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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2
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Kootker LM, Ammer STM, Wescott DJ, Davies GR, Mickleburgh HL. Sr-Pb isotope differences in pre- and post-burial human bone, teeth, and hair keratin: implications for isotope forensics. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:151-164. [PMID: 36820918 PMCID: PMC10772009 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The isotopic signatures of human tissues can provide valuable information on geographic origin for medicolegal investigations involving unidentified persons. It is important to understand the impact of diagenetic processes on isotopic signatures, as alterations could result in incorrect estimation of geographic origin. This study examines alterations in isotope signatures of different tissues of five human body donors studied throughout decomposition at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), San Marcos, TX. Two body donors were buried, two were placed in open pits, and one was first allowed to naturally mummify and then buried. Remains were recovered after a period of 7-34 months. The preplacement and post-recovery Sr-Pb isotope data of scalp hair, bone (iliac and tibia), and tooth enamel and dentine were compared. The hair samples record significant shifts in Sr-Pb isotope compositions, with hair keratin Pb isotope composition shifting towards the Pb signature of local soil samples. Hair keratin Sr isotope compositions were altered by the burial environment and possibly also by the lab sample cleaning method. The spongy iliac bone samples show inconsistencies in the recoverability of the preplacement Sr-Pb isotope signatures. The post-placement signatures of the buried donors show slight elevation over preplacement signatures. The post-placement signatures of donors placed in open pits are significantly elevated. The tibia and dental samples record the most consistent isotopic data with the least alteration. These more densely mineralised elements show good recoverability of the preplacement isotope signatures in burials and open pits and are thus deemed better targets for forensic investigative purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M Kootker
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Co Van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Saskia T M Ammer
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co Van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Centre, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co Van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Forensic Anthropology Centre, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
- Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94203, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Date Chong M, Sheehan S, Battaglia J, Wescott DJ, Wallin J. Comparative study of Rapid DNA versus conventional methods on compromised bones. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102825. [PMID: 36592573 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Equivalent amounts of compromised bones were used to directly compare STR success of conventional and Rapid DNA methods. Conventional DNA extraction methods, including manual full demineralization and semi-automated PrepFiler BTA/ AutoMate Express (ThermoFisher Scientific), provided insights regarding the DNA quantity and extent of degradation of each compromised bone analyzed with ANDE 6C (ANDE Corp) and RapidHIT ID (ThermoFisher Scientific) Rapid systems. Full demineralization provided higher DNA yields than extraction with the AutoMate Express for quality control (QC) and environmentally challenged bones. The degradation indices ranged from ∼1.8 to 73. Both demineralization and AutoMate Express extracts benefited from additional clean-up with NucleoSpin XS devices, which usually resulted in more alleles being detected than without further clean-up. Complete "CODIS 20″ profiles could be obtained with bone QC1 with all methods. However, among the 14 compromised bones with low DNA content, complete CODIS 20 profiles were detected for 7, 4, and 0 bones analyzed with demineralization, AutoMate Express and ANDE methods, respectively. The RapidHIT ID was the least sensitive method, providing the fewest detectable alleles for the bones tested. Whereas extracted DNA of approximately 0.1 ng can yield complete GlobalFiler STR profiles, at least 30 ng was required for complete FlexPlex 27 profiles using the ANDE 6C Rapid DNA system. In addition to being less sensitive than conventional methods, the tested Rapid DNA approaches were less predictable when attempting to improve STR success and proved to be less reliable in genotyping accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavis Date Chong
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - Sandra Sheehan
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Jessica Battaglia
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Texas State University, Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Jeanette Wallin
- State of California, Department of Justice, Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory, 1001 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
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Sylvester AD, Wescott DJ, Cunningham DL, Gleiber DS. Effects of obesity on talar micro- and macro-morphology. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:369-381. [PMID: 36707925 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The addition of information regarding obesity status to the forensic anthropological biological profile could significantly contribute to the identification of human skeletal remains since over 40% of the U.S. adult population is currently obese. This study examines the differences in talar shape and trabecular bone structure between obese and non-obese individuals. A sample of 20 obese and 20 non-obese divided evenly by sex was selected from the Texas State University Donated Skeletal Collection. Tali were imaged using x-ray computed tomography (voxel size: 28-38.7 μm). Image stacks were processed to produce binary images as well as trabecular thickness and spacing maps. Landmark-based geometric morphometric analyses were conducted to quantify shape variation. Shape coordinates were used to locate 100 geometrically homologous volumes of interest within each talus. Bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular spacing were extracted at each volume of interest. Within each sex, a one-way ANCOVA was used to determine if significant differences exist between obese and non-obese individuals in trabecular bone after controlling for age. The size of the talus as well as subtle aspects of shape were found to distinguish the sexes. The results further indicate that bone volume fraction significantly differs between obese and non-obese males. In females, bone volume fraction is correlated with age but does not differ between obese and non-obese. The study demonstrates that bone microstructure is a promising approach to estimating body mass or body mass index category but age effects diminish the potential for the talus to be used alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Sylvester
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Deborah L Cunningham
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Devora S Gleiber
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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Bonicelli A, Mickleburgh HL, Chighine A, Locci E, Wescott DJ, Procopio N. The 'ForensOMICS' approach for postmortem interval estimation from human bone by integrating metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. eLife 2022; 11:e83658. [PMID: 36583441 PMCID: PMC9803353 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined use of multiple omics allows to study complex interrelated biological processes in their entirety. We applied a combination of metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics to human bones to investigate their combined potential to estimate time elapsed since death (i.e., the postmortem interval [PMI]). This 'ForensOMICS' approach has the potential to improve accuracy and precision of PMI estimation of skeletonized human remains, thereby helping forensic investigators to establish the timeline of events surrounding death. Anterior midshaft tibial bone was collected from four female body donors before their placement at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility owned by the Forensic Anthropological Center at Texas State (FACTS). Bone samples were again collected at selected PMIs (219-790-834-872days). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to obtain untargeted metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic profiles from the pre- and post-placement bone samples. The three omics blocks were investigated independently by univariate and multivariate analyses, followed by Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent variable approaches for Omics studies (DIABLO), to identify the reduced number of markers describing postmortem changes and discriminating the individuals based on their PMI. The resulting model showed that pre-placement metabolome, lipidome and proteome profiles were clearly distinguishable from post-placement ones. Metabolites in the pre-placement samples suggested an extinction of the energetic metabolism and a switch towards another source of fuelling (e.g., structural proteins). We were able to identify certain biomolecules with an excellent potential for PMI estimation, predominantly the biomolecules from the metabolomics block. Our findings suggest that, by targeting a combination of compounds with different postmortem stability, in the future we could be able to estimate both short PMIs, by using metabolites and lipids, and longer PMIs, by using proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonicelli
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA) – Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of CagliariMonserratoItaly
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of CagliariMonserratoItaly
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| | - Noemi Procopio
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
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Bonicelli A, Cheung W, Hughes S, Wescott DJ, Procopio N. Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Maceration Procedures on Bone Metabolome and Lipidome. Metabolites 2022; 12:1020. [PMID: 36355103 PMCID: PMC9693520 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of post-mortem changes is a crucial component of forensic investigation. Human forensic taphonomic facilities (HFTFs) are the only institutions allowing the design and execution of controlled human decomposition experiments. When bodies are skeletonized, bones are normally stored in skeletal collections and used for anthropological studies. However, HFTFs apply chemical and/or thermal treatments to the remains prior bone long-term storage. These treatments are believed to alter heavily the original biochemical and molecular signature of bone material. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of these procedures on the bone metabolome and lipidome by using an animal bone model. Three intact bovine tibiae were processed using three protocols routinely applied at HFTFs, and their three counterparts were used as non-treated controls. Bone powder samples were subjected to biphasic extraction and both metabolites and lipids were analysed via liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. Results showed severe reductions in the abundances of both metabolites and lipids, and the presence of contamination introduced by cleaning agents. Despite the preliminary nature of the study, we demonstrated that the biochemical profile of bone is heavily affected by the maceration procedures. Ideally, these treatments should be avoided, or replaced by minimally invasive procedures agreed across HFTFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonicelli
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - William Cheung
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Sheree Hughes
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 773402525, USA
| | - Daniel J. Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Noemi Procopio
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
- Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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Doro KO, Kolapkar AM, Bank CG, Wescott DJ, Mickleburgh HL. Geophysical imaging of buried human remains in simulated mass and single graves: Experiment design and results from pre-burial to six months after burial. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 335:111289. [PMID: 35397358 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we present an experiment design and assess the capability of multiple geophysical techniques to image buried human remains in mass and individual graves using human cadavers willingly donated for scientific research. The study is part of a novel, interdisciplinary mass grave experiment established in May 2021 which consists of a mass grave with 6 human remains, 3 individual graves and 2 empty control graves dug to the same size as the mass grave and individual graves. Prior to establishing the graves, we conducted background measurements of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), electromagnetics (EM), and ground penetrating radar (GPR) while soil profiles were analyzed in situ after excavating the graves. All graves were also instrumented with soil sensors for monitoring temporal changes in soil moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity in situ. Measurements of ERT, EM and GPR were repeated 3, 37, 71 and 185 days after burial with further repeated measurements planned for another twelve months. ERT results show an initial increase in resistivity in all graves including the control graves at 3 days after burial and a continuous decrease thereafter in the mass and individual graves with the strongest decrease in the mass grave. Conductivity distribution from the EM shows a similar trend to the ERT with an initial decrease in the first 3 days after burial. Distortion in linear reflectors, presence of small hyperbolas and isolated strong amplitude reflectors in the GPR profiles across the graves is associated with known locations of the graves. These initial results validate the capability of geoelectrical methods in detecting anomalies associated with disturbed ground and human decay while GPR though show some success is limited by the geology of the site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy O Doro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, OH, US.
| | - Amar M Kolapkar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, OH, US
| | | | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University, San Marcos 78666 TX, US
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Department of Cultural Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö 35195, Sweden; Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University, San Marcos 78666 TX, US
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Murray B, Anderson DT, Wescott DJ, Moorhead R, Anderson MF. Survey and Insights into Unmanned Aerial-Vehicle-Based Detection and Documentation of Clandestine Graves and Human Remains. Hum Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1353/hub.2017.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Mickleburgh HL, Schwalbe EC, Bonicelli A, Mizukami H, Sellitto F, Starace S, Wescott DJ, Carter DO, Procopio N. Human Bone Proteomes before and after Decomposition: Investigating the Effects of Biological Variation and Taphonomic Alteration on Bone Protein Profiles and the Implications for Forensic Proteomics. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:2533-2546. [PMID: 33683123 PMCID: PMC8155572 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Bone proteomic studies
using animal proxies and skeletonized human
remains have delivered encouraging results in the search for potential
biomarkers for precise and accurate post-mortem interval (PMI) and
the age-at-death (AAD) estimation in medico-legal investigations.
The development of forensic proteomics for PMI and AAD estimation
is in critical need of research on human remains throughout decomposition,
as currently the effects of both inter-individual biological differences
and taphonomic alteration on the survival of human bone protein profiles
are unclear. This study investigated the human bone proteome in four
human body donors studied throughout decomposition outdoors. The effects
of ageing phenomena (in vivo and post-mortem) and
intrinsic and extrinsic variables on the variety and abundancy of
the bone proteome were assessed. Results indicate that taphonomic
and biological variables play a significant role in the survival of
proteins in bone. Our findings suggest that inter-individual and inter-skeletal
differences in bone mineral density (BMD) are important variables
affecting the survival of proteins. Specific proteins survive better
within the mineral matrix due to their mineral-binding properties.
The mineral matrix likely also protects these proteins by restricting
the movement of decomposer microbes. New potential biomarkers for
PMI estimation and AAD estimation were identified. Future development
of forensic bone proteomics should include standard measurement of
BMD and target a combination of different biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Department of Cultural Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar 352 52, Sweden.,Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University, San Marcos 78666, Texas, United States
| | - Edward C Schwalbe
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U. K
| | - Andrea Bonicelli
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U. K
| | - Haruka Mizukami
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U. K
| | - Federica Sellitto
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U. K
| | - Sefora Starace
- Dipartimento di Chimica, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University, San Marcos 78666, Texas, United States
| | - David O Carter
- Forensic Sciences Unit, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu 96816, Hawaii, United States
| | - Noemi Procopio
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U. K
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Wescott DJ. Review of:
Estimation of the time since death: Current research and future trends. J Forensic Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State Texas State University San Marcos Texas USA
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11
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Kootker LM, von Holstein ICC, Broeders J, Wescott DJ, Davies GR, Mickleburgh HL. Reprint of: The effects of decomposition and environment on antemortem H-Pb-Sr isotope compositions and degradation of human scalp hair: Actualistic taphonomic observations. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 317:110463. [PMID: 33168419 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Multi-isotope analysis (e.g., Sr-Pb-O-H-C-N) of human scalp hair is routinely used in forensic investigations of human remains to constrain the geographic origin of unidentified bodies, and to investigate antemortem mobility patterns. However, while it is known that postmortem processes can affect the preservation of, or even overprint, the biogenic isotopic signatures in hair, the speed and nature of these processes have rarely been studied. This study investigates the effects of decomposition and environment on the H-Pb-Sr isotope compositions of human hair as well as the relationship between structural hair shaft degradation and isotopic signature change over time. Human scalp hair samples from four body donations were collected at different stages throughout gross body decomposition. The willed-donated bodies were placed to decompose outdoors at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University. Hair fibres from two of the donations were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution light microscopy (HRLM). Chemical and microbiological degradation of hair fibres occurred rapidly after placement of the body outdoors. Measurements of scalp hair isotopic composition demonstrated that H-Pb-Sr isotope ratios were altered within days after environmental exposure, presumably by deposition, leaching and/or exchange with the local bioavailable soil, and vapour. The degree of physical hair degradation and changes in H-Pb-Sr isotope composition were not correlated. We conclude that antemortem isotopic H-Pb-Sr isotope ratios are difficult to recover in hairs derived from decomposing whole bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M Kootker
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Isabella C C von Holstein
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle Broeders
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Centre, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States.
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, P.O. box 9514, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Pesko BK, Weidt S, McLaughlin M, Wescott DJ, Torrance H, Burgess K, Burchmore R. Postmortomics: The Potential of Untargeted Metabolomics to Highlight Markers for Time Since Death. OMICS 2020; 24:649-659. [PMID: 33095683 PMCID: PMC7687049 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2020.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The success of forensic investigations involving fatalities very often depends on the establishment of the correct timeline of events. Currently used methods for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) are mostly dependent on the professional and tacit experience of the investigator, and often with poor reliability in the absence of robust biological markers. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of metabolomic approaches to highlight molecular markers for PMI. Rat and human muscle tissues, collected at various times postmortem, were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Levels of certain metabolites (skatole, xanthine, n-acetylneuraminate, 1-methylnicotinamide, choline phosphate, and uracil) as well as most proteinogenic amino acids increased steadily postmortem. Threonine, tyrosine, and lysine show the most predictable evolution over the postmortem period, and may thus have potential for possible PMI markers in the future. This study demonstrates how a biomarker discovery approach can be extended to forensic investigations using untargeted metabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogumila K Pesko
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark McLaughlin
- Veterinary Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS), Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Hazel Torrance
- Forensic Medicine and Science Department, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Burgess
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Aitkenhead-Peterson JA, Fancher JP, Alexander MB, Hamilton MD, Bytheway JA, Wescott DJ. Estimating postmortem interval for human cadavers in a sub-tropical climate using UV-Vis-near-infrared Spectroscopy. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:190-201. [PMID: 32976653 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Estimating postmortem interval (PMI) of surface found skeletal remains is challenging. This novel study used UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy to scan soil collected from cadaver decomposition islands (CDIs) ranging from 15- to 963-d postmortem and control soils. A decomposition product spectra model (DPS model) was constructed by deducting the control soil spectra from the CDI soil spectra for the estimation of postmortem indices: PMI (d), ADD4 , ADD10 , and ADD20 . The DPS model (n = 55) was calibrated and subjected to a full cross-validation. Calibration R2 and RPD for the DPS model ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 and from 6.1 to 9.9, respectively, for the four postmortem interval indices. Validation R2 and RPD for the DPS model ranged from 0.73 to 0.80 and from 1.9 to 2.2, respectively. The DPS model estimated postmortem intervals for three test CDIs in a clay soil under perennial grassland (test set 1; n = 3) and six CDIs in a sandy soil under a loblolly pine forest (test set 2; n = 6). Test set 1 had PMI prediction ranges from -69 to -117 days, -796 to +832 ADD4 , +552 to +2672 ADD10 , and -478 to -20 ADD20 of observed PMI. Test set 2 PMI prediction ranged from -198 to -65 days, -9923 to +2629 ADD4 , -6724 to +1321 ADD10 , and -2850 to +540 ADD20 of observed PMI. Test set 2 had poor predictions for two CDIs, for all measures of postmortem indices resulting in discussion of sampling depth, effect of body mass index (BMI), and scavenging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James P Fancher
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Michael B Alexander
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Michelle D Hamilton
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Joan A Bytheway
- Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science facility, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
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14
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Cunningham DL, Rogers MV, Wescott DJ, McCarthy RC. Reevaluation of the body mass estimate for the KNM-ER 5428 Homo erectus talus. Am J Phys Anthropol 2019; 170:148-155. [PMID: 31268179 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we reexamined the body mass estimate for the Homo erectus specimen KNM-ER 5428 based on talus dimensions. Previous estimates of >90 kg for this fossil are large in comparison to body mass estimates for other H. erectus specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample consisted of tali and femora of 132 modern cadaver males from a documented body mass skeletal collection. We recorded the talus trochlear mediolateral (TTML) breadth and femoral head diameter (FHD) for each modern human specimen, and obtained KNM-ER 5428's TTML values from the literature. We developed regression formulae based on TTML using the body mass estimated from FHD for the entire human sample and for known body masses from a normal-BMI subsample, and then used these formulae to calculate body mass for KNM-ER 5428. In addition, we examined the range of body masses for individuals with TTML measurements comparable to KNM-ER 5428. RESULTS The body masses of normal-BMI individuals with a TTML ≥32.3 mm (the smaller of the two fossil measurements from the literature) ranged between 60.3 and 86.2 kg and averaged 72.3 kg. The body masses of normal-BMI individuals with a TTML ≥33.7 mm (the larger measurement) ranged between 63.5 and 86.2 kg with a mean of 73.6 kg. The correlations between TTML and body mass are moderate. Revised body mass point estimates for KNM-ER 5428 ranged between 69.2 and 81.6 kg based on TTML, and average 70.5 and 76.0 kg. DISCUSSION Results suggest previously published body mass estimates of KNM-ER 5428's are too large. Its body mass was likely between 70 and 76 kg rather than >90 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melinda V Rogers
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
| | - Robert C McCarthy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Benedictine University, Lisle, Illinois
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15
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Wescott DJ. Postmortem change in bone biomechanical properties: Loss of plasticity. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 300:164-169. [PMID: 31125761 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bone is a hierarchical composite material composed primarily of collagen molecules, mineral crystals, and water. The mineral phase confers strength and stiffness while the organic matrix provides toughness. As a result, living bone is very capable of absorbing energy and resisting fracture. After death, the bone often becomes dehydrated and the collagen degrades causing greater stiffness and reduced toughness. These changes in mechanical properties are augmented due to the combined effects of water loss and collagen degradation. As a result, bone becomes more brittle postmortem, which causes the changes in fracture characteristics that are commonly used to estimate the timing of the fracture. However, because the loss of moisture and collagen degradation are influenced by taphonomic conditions, anthropologist must use caution when interpreting the timing of fractures based solely on fracture characteristics. As part of this special volume on hard tissue alterations associated with trauma, the aim of this article is to provide an overview of the mechanical changes that occur in bone postmortem and summarize major works in bone biology and anthropology examining the cause and timing of plasticity loss in bone after death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Texas State University, Department of Anthropology, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States.
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16
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Russell CK, Cunningham DL, Wescott DJ, Gleiber DS, Sylvester AD. Sensitivity of Trabecular Mapping to Sliding Semilandmark Placement. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.612.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Kinley Russell
- Center for Functional Anatomy & EvolutionJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMD
| | | | | | | | - Adam D. Sylvester
- Center for Functional Anatomy & EvolutionJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMD
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17
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Abstract
Decomposition research is still in its infancy, but significant advances have occurred within forensic anthropology and other disciplines in the past several decades. Decomposition research in forensic anthropology has primarily focused on estimating the postmortem interval (PMI), detecting clandestine remains, and interpreting the context of the scene. Additionally, while much of the work has focused on forensic-related questions, an interdisciplinary focus on the ecology of decomposition has also advanced our knowledge. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the fundamental shifts that have occurred to advance decomposition research, such as the role of primary extrinsic factors, the application of decomposition research to the detection of clandestine remains and the estimation of the PMI in forensic anthropology casework. Future research in decomposition should focus on the collection of standardized data, the incorporation of ecological and evolutionary theory, more rigorous statistical analyses, examination of extended PMIs, greater emphasis on aquatic decomposition and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research, and the use of human cadavers to get forensically reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, San Marcos, TX, USA
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18
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Cunningham DL, Graves RR, Wescott DJ, McCarthy RC. The effect of ontogeny on estimates of KNM-WT 15000's adult body size. J Hum Evol 2018; 121:119-127. [PMID: 29754743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Homo erectus specimen KNM-WT 15000 has played a critical role in our understanding of body size evolution. New interpretations suggest that KNM-WT 15000 had a younger age-at-death and a more rapid ontogenetic trajectory than previously suggested. Recent fossil discoveries and new interpretations suggest a wide range of body size and shape variation in H. erectus. Based on these new insights, we argue that KNM-WT 15000's adult stature and body mass could have been much smaller than has been traditionally presented in the literature. Using chimpanzee and modern human growth trajectories, we bracketed the range of possibilities for KNM-WT 15000's adult body size between 160.0 and 177.7 cm (5'3″-5'10″) for stature and 60.0 and 82.7 kg (132-182 lbs.) for body mass. These estimates put KNM-WT 15000 near the mean rather than among the largest known H. erectus specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronda R Graves
- Grunley Construction Company, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Texas State University, Department of Anthropology, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Robert C McCarthy
- Benedictine University, Department of Biological Sciences, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
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Murray B, Anderson DT, Wescott DJ, Moorhead R, Anderson MF. Survey and Insights into Unmanned Aerial-Vehicle-Based Detection and Documentation of Clandestine Graves and Human Remains. Hum Biol 2018; 90:45-61. [PMID: 30387383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous biological and archaeological studies have demonstrated the legitimacy of remote sensing in anthropology. This article focuses on detecting and documenting terrestrial clandestine graves and surface remains (CGSR) of humans using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, and automatic processing algorithms. CGSR is a problem of complex decision making under uncertainty that requires the identification and intelligent reasoning about direct evidence of human remains and their environmental fingerprints. As such, it is as much an engineering and geospatial problem as it is an anthropology problem. This article is an effort to survey existing work across disciplines and to provide insights and recommendations to assist future research. To support our claims, preliminary experiments were performed at the Forensic Anthropological Research Facility at Texas State University using UAVs, hyperspectral imaging, thermal imaging, and structure from motion. Prior work, our experience, and preliminary results indicate that both great potential and extreme challenges face remote sensing of CGSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Murray
- 1 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
- 2 Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Derek T Anderson
- 2 Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- 3 Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Robert Moorhead
- 1 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
- 4 Geosystems Research Institute, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA
| | - Melissa F Anderson
- 2 Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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20
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Meckel LA, McDaneld CP, Wescott DJ. White-tailed Deer as a Taphonomic Agent: Photographic Evidence of White-tailed Deer Gnawing on Human Bone. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:292-294. [PMID: 28464354 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ungulate gnawing on bone has been reported in the taphonomic and zooarchaeological literature, but there are no known reports of ungulates altering human remains. Herein, we report on the first known photographic evidence of deer gnawing human remains. As described in nonhuman scavenging literature, forking of the bone characterizes the taphonomic effect of deer gnawing in this case, which is distinct from the effect caused by other scavengers. This type of osteophagia during the winter season is consistent with previously documented behavior of deer gnawing on nonhuman bone, possibly to obtain minerals absent in their diet. In this study, we briefly discuss the distinguishing features of ungulate gnawing, the reasons for this behavior, and possible confusion with other common types of scavenging and modification. This report contributes to taphonomic literature covering the range of animal interactions with human skeletal remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Meckel
- Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666
| | - Chloe P McDaneld
- Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666
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Abstract
Over the past two centuries there have been documented secular changes in stature, weight, body proportions, and skeletal maturation rates in the United States. These changes along with a more sedentary lifestyle are likely reflected in femur morphology. Here we examine secular changes in diaphyseal cross-sectional size, shape, area, robusticity, and rigidity at midshaft and subtrochanteric of the femur using 395 adult white females and males from the United States born between the 1850s and the 1970s. The effect of secular change was controlled for an age effect. We also examine the relationship between femur length (proxy for stature) and femur head diameter (proxy for body weight) on measurements of diaphyseal size and biomechanical properties. The femur morphology of Americans born in the twentieth century reflects the combination of changes in stature, body build, and activity levels. Both sexes show significant changes in femur midshaft shape due primarily to a decrease in the mediolateral diameter. There are no significant changes at subtrochanteric in size or biomechanical properties in either sex after controlling for age variation. The results suggest that the changes in femur midshaft shape are primarily associated with a decrease in activity. The stability of the subtrochanteric dimensions and femur anteroposterior diameter may reflect a combination of decreased activity with a corresponding increase in femur length (moment arm) and a decrease in body breadth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- 1 Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
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22
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Bates LN, Wescott DJ. Comparison of decomposition rates between autopsied and non-autopsied human remains. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 261:93-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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23
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Alexander MB, Hodges TK, Wescott DJ, Aitkenhead-Peterson JA. The Effects of Soil Texture on the Ability of Human Remains Detection Dogs to Detect Buried Human Remains. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:649-55. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel J. Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State; Texas State University; San Marcos TX
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24
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Wescott DJ. Sexual Dimorphism in Auricular Surface Projection and Postauricular Sulcus Morphology. J Forensic Sci 2015; 60:679-85. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Wescott
- Department of Anthropology; Texas State University; San Marcos TX 78666
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25
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Wescott DJ, Drew JL. Effect of obesity on the reliability of age-at-death indicators of the pelvis. Am J Phys Anthropol 2014; 156:595-605. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS); Texas State University; San Marcos TX 78666
| | - Jessica L. Drew
- Department of Anthropology; Florida Atlantic University; Boca Raton FL 33431
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26
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Harrington KI, Wescott DJ. Size and shape differences in the distal femur and proximal tibia between normal weight and obese American Whites. J Forensic Sci 2014; 60 Suppl 1:S32-8. [PMID: 25274066 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study tests for differences in articular and diaphyseal size and shape of the distal femur and proximal tibia between normal weight and obese individuals, and discusses the effects of obesity on the patterns of sexual dimorphism and secular change in the skeletal morphology of the knee. Measurements of the femur and tibia were recorded for 143 American White adult males and females born in the 20th century. The sample was divided into normal and obese weight categories based on the body mass index. Results show differences between normal weight and obese individuals in the size and shape of the femoral shaft and the medial side of the knee joint, none of which affect the pattern of sexual dimorphism. While changes in skeletal morphology associated with obesity may be observed in recent secular changes, its role is still unclear because of the relatively recent increase in obesity prevalence.
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27
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Wescott DJ, Cunningham DL, Hunt DR. Temporal trends in femoral diaphyseal torsional asymmetry among the Arikara associated with postural behavior. Am J Phys Anthropol 2014; 154:512-24. [PMID: 24861881 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Average femoral torsion has been reported to differ among populations, and several studies have observed a relatively high prevalence of femoral anteversion asymmetry in Native Americans, especially females. This study investigates sexual dimorphism and temporal trends in femoral torsional asymmetry among the Arikara from the seventeenth to the early nineteenth century. To establish if there are population differences, femoral torsion was first measured using a direct method on a diverse comparative sample of Native Americans from the Southwest, Midwest, and Great Plains as well as American Whites and Blacks. To examine temporal trends among the Arikara, femoral torsion was examined using the orientation of the maximum bending rigidity at subtrochanteric in 154 females and 164 males from three temporal variants of the Arikara Coalescent tradition. There is significant sexual dimorphism in femoral torsional directional and absolute asymmetry among most Native American samples, but not among American Whites and Blacks. Among the Arikara there is significant sexual dimorphism in femoral torsional asymmetry in all three temporal variants, and asymmetry in femoral torsional asymmetry increased significantly from the protohistoric to the early historic period among females. The increased femoral torsional asymmetry is likely associated with a common side-sitting posture observed in historic photographs of Great Plains females. Historic Arikara females may have habitually sat in this compulsory position for extended periods while conducting domestic chores. The dramatic change from the protohistoric to historic period suggests a cultural change in sitting posture among females that was widespread across the Northern Plains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666
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29
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Wescott DJ. Review of: The Forensic Historian: Using Science to Reexamine the PastREFERENCE: Williams RC. The forensic historian: using science to reexamine the past. New York, NY: M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 2013, 143 pp. J Forensic Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Wescott
- Department of Anthropology; Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State; Texas State University; 601 University Drive San Marcos TX USA
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Wescott DJ. Book review. Am J Hum Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.21214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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31
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J. Wescott D. Book review. Am J Phys Anthropol 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Graves RR, Lupo AC, McCarthy RC, Wescott DJ, Cunningham DL. Just how strapping was KNM-WT 15000? J Hum Evol 2010; 59:542-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2010.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Anderson MF, Anderson DT, Wescott DJ. Estimation of adult skeletal age-at-death using the Sugeno fuzzy integral. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009; 142:30-41. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Abstract
A great deal has previously been written about the use of skeletal morphological changes in estimating ages-at-death. This article looks in particular at the pubic symphysis, as it was historically one of the first regions to be described in the literature on age estimation. Despite the lengthy history, the value of the pubic symphysis in estimating ages and in providing evidence for putative identifications remains unclear. This lack of clarity primarily stems from the fact that rather ad hoc statistical methods have been applied in previous studies. This article presents a statistical analysis of a large data set (n = 1766) of pubic symphyseal scores from multiple contexts, including anatomical collections, war dead, and victims of genocide. The emphasis is in finding statistical methods that will have the correct "coverage.""Coverage" means that if a method has a stated coverage of 50%, then approximately 50% of the individuals in a particular pubic symphyseal stage should have ages that are between the stated age limits, and that approximately 25% should be below the bottom age limit and 25% above the top age limit. In a number of applications it is shown that if an appropriate prior age-at-death distribution is used, then "transition analysis" will provide accurate "coverages," while percentile methods, range methods, and means (+/-standard deviations) will not. Even in cases where there are significant differences in the mean ages-to-transition between populations, the effects on the stated age limits for particular "coverages" are minimal. As a consequence, more emphasis needs to be placed on collecting data on age changes in large samples, rather than focusing on the possibility of inter-population variation in rates of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle W Konigsberg
- University of Illinois, Department of Anthropology, 109 Davenport Hall, 607 South Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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35
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Wieberg DAM, Wescott DJ. Estimating the timing of long bone fractures: correlation between the postmortem interval, bone moisture content, and blunt force trauma fracture characteristics*. J Forensic Sci 2008; 53:1028-34. [PMID: 18624891 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2008.00801.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is very limited knowledge about how long perimortem fracture characteristics persist into the postmortem interval (PMI). Therefore, in this study, 60 porcine long bones were exposed to natural taphonomic conditions and fractured with a steel bone breaking apparatus every 28 days throughout a 141-day period. Differences between macroscopic blunt force trauma fracture characteristics (fracture angle, surface morphology, and outline) were examined to determine if they varied over time or in relationship to bone moisture content (ash weight) and overall assessment. There are significant relationships between (1) PMI and percent ash weight (%AW), fracture surface, and fracture angle and (2) %AW and fracture surface and fracture angle. Bone moisture content correlates significantly with fracture morphology and other characteristics commonly used by forensic anthropologists to determine the timing of traumatic injuries. However, fracture characteristics normally associated with perimortem trauma can persist long into the PMI.
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Abstract
Pelin et al. recently showed that sacral height measured on lateral magnetic resonance images can be used with moderate accuracy to reconstruct stature in males. In most forensic anthropological cases, however, sacral dimensions must be obtained from dry bones. In this study, the relationship between stature and sacral height, hip height, and femur head diameter measured on dry bone was evaluated for American Blacks and Whites of both sexes (n = 247). There are significant correlation between stature and these three dimensions, but the results suggest that none of the dimensions predict stature with the accuracy needed to be useful in forensic anthropological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L Giroux
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri-Columbia, 107 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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37
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Abstract
Femur subtrochanteric size and shape can be used to differentiate between adult Native Americans and American Blacks and Whites, but little is known about when shape differences are established during growth and development. Ontological changes in subtrochanteric shape were examined using 74 Native American and 61 American Black/White subadult femora. At birth, the proximal femur diaphysis is relatively circular in both groups. Between birth and 5 years, the diaphysis becomes more mediolaterally broad, especially in Native Americans, due to differential growth between the mediolateral and anteroposterior planes. This change may be due to biomechanical stresses associated with developing a mature gait pattern. After the age of 5, growth occurs more equally in the two planes and shape does not change significantly. The adult shape of the proximal femur is established by c. 5 years of age and can be used to discriminate between Native American and American Black/White femora in older subadults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Abstract
This study investigates differences in femur midshaft shape, robusticity, and sexual dimorphism derived from external measurements between a broad range of prehistoric and historic North American populations with different subsistence strategies and inferred levels of mobility. The sample was divided into six groups to test whether observed femur midshaft variables follow the patterns predicted based on archaeologically and historically determined subsistence and mobility data. The results suggest significant variation in femur midshaft shape and robusticity in all populations, and that inferred mobility levels do not correspond consistently with femur midshaft structure in either males or females. Results do, however, support the prediction that sexual dimorphism is generally greater in more mobile populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
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Wescott DJ. Population variation in femur subtrochanteric shape. J Forensic Sci 2005; 50:286-93. [PMID: 15813538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Use of proximal femur shape to determine ancestry has appeal, but its validity is problematic because of unaddressed issues associated with skeletal plasticity, within- and between-population variation, sample selection, and interobserver error. In this paper, I inspect within- and between-group variation in proximal femur shape using five groups (American Blacks, American Whites, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Polynesians), and examine the affect of three environmental variables (subsistence strategy, physical terrain, and geographical region). Finally. I consider the validity of using the proximal femur to assess ancestry. The results show that there is significant within-group variation in proximal femur shape. Among Native Americans, both geographical location and subsistence strategy have a significant affect on proximal femur shape. Nevertheless, this study generally verifies the assertion that the proximal femur can be used reliably to distinguish Native Americans from American Blacks and Whites, but its precision may be reduced in some geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Wescott DJ. Book reviews. Am J Phys Anthropol 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Abstract
Numerous studies on Pleistocene samples have shown that within-group cranial variation was greater than that seen today. The three anatomically modern Upper Cave crania (UC 101, UC 102, and UC 103) from Zhoukoudian, China provide one of the best samples available for addressing the issue of the antiquity of the modern pattern of within-group cranial variability because archaeological evidence indicates that they are spatially and temporally restricted. Research on the Upper Cave fossils usually only includes UC 101 and UC 103 because of postmortem damage to UC 102's cranial vault. However, the face of UC 102 is undamaged, allowing for most facial measurements to be performed accurately. In this study we use facial dimensions to compare all three Upper Cave specimens, and we evaluate whether the variation seen among them is larger than that observed in extant populations. Using a worldwide sample of modern populations to establish a baseline, the three Upper Cave crania were compared to each other. Since there is disagreement over the sex of UC 102, this specimen is treated alternately as a female and as a male. Results show that the Upper Cave specimens exhibit significantly more variation than do individuals within more recent human populations, especially if UC 102 is considered male. Furthermore, results indicate that the fossils never fall into the same modern human group, and that each specimen is significantly atypical of its nearest modern neighbor in multivariate space. We conclude that the three Upper Cave crania do not represent a family group but are representative of the larger contemporaneous heterogeneous Asian Pleistocene population. Our results support the contention that today's within-group homogeneity is a relatively recent phenomenon, and is likely the result of a Neolithic population expansion and its many effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Cunningham
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri-Columbia, 107 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Konigsberg LW, Herrmann NP, Wescott DJ. Commentary on: McBride DG, Dietz MJ, Vennemeyer MT, Meadors SA, Benfer RA, Furbee L. Bootstrap methods for sex determination from the os coxae using the ID3 algorithm. J Forensic Sci 2002; 47:424-7. [PMID: 11908629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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Wescott DJ, Moore-Jansen PH. Metric variation in the human occipital bone: forensic anthropological applications. J Forensic Sci 2001; 46:1159-63. [PMID: 11569559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Sex and race variation of the occipital bone have been previously investigated, but particular examination of the effect of age and ancestry on sexual dimorphism has not been addressed. This paper examines morphological variation associated with sex and ancestry in the condylar region of the occipital bone and the effect of age and ancestry on the estimation of sex. Models previously published by Holland are also tested, and methodological problems are addressed. The results indicate that age does not have an effect on sexual dimorphism, but that whites exhibit greater, although not significantly, more sexual dimorphism than blacks. Significant sex and ancestry variation is present in the condylar region of the occipital bone, but neither sex nor ancestry could be estimated accurately using measurements of this anatomical region defined by Holland.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Wescott
- University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville 37919, USA
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Wescott DJ. Sex variation in the second cervical vertebra. J Forensic Sci 2000; 45:462-6. [PMID: 10782974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The second cervical vertebra can be used to estimate sex with 83% accuracy in unidentified human skeletal remains. Reported here are the necessary statistics, based on 8 dimensions taken from 400 second cervical vertebrae, for the computation of customized discriminant functions. Discriminant function equations developed using variables selected in a stepwise procedure are also presented here as an example of the usefulness of this bone in estimating sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996, USA
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Wescott DJ, Jantz RL. Anthropometric variation among the Sioux and the Assiniboine. Hum Biol 1999; 71:847-58. [PMID: 10510574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the Assiniboine are thought to have split from the Yanktonai Sioux some time in the early 17th century, but this view has been challenged by some linguists, archeologists, and skeletal biologists. Our purpose here is to examine the population structure of the Sioux and the Assiniboine, as reflected in 6 head and 6 body anthropometric dimensions, and to investigate the hypothesis that the Assiniboine diverged relatively recently from the Yanktonai Sioux. For both males and females there is an overall significant division effect, and the FST value indicates a fair amount of differentiation among these closely related groups. The Assiniboine are clearly distinct from all 3 Sioux divisions. The Assiniboine also exhibit a higher within-group phenotypic variance than expected, indicating that their differentiation is due to time and gene flow from outside groups. Among the Sioux divisions the Santee and Yankton-Yanktonai are the most similar, especially in head and face dimensions. The results of this study do not support the historical account of Assiniboine origins. The high degree of differentiation between the Yanktonai and Assiniboine suggests a much more distant split between the Assiniboine and the Sioux than has been traditionally put forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996-0720, USA
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