Stable isotope evidence for late medieval (14th-15th C) origins of the eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) fishery

Although recent historical ecology studies have extended quantitative knowledge of eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) exploitation back as far as the 16th century, the historical origin of the modern fishery remains obscure. Widespread archaeological evidence for cod consumption around the eastern Baltic littoral emerges around the 13th century, three centuries before systematic documentation, but it is not clear whether this represents (1) development of a substantial eastern Baltic cod fishery, or (2) large-scale importation of preserved cod from elsewhere. To distinguish between these hypotheses we use stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis to determine likely catch regions of 74 cod vertebrae and cleithra from 19 Baltic archaeological sites dated from the 8th to the 16th centuries. δ(13)C and δ(15)N signatures for six possible catch regions were established using a larger sample of archaeological cod cranial bones (n = 249). The data strongly support the second hypothesis, revealing widespread importation of cod during the 13th to 14th centuries, most of it probably from Arctic Norway. By the 15th century, however, eastern Baltic cod dominate within our sample, indicating the development of a substantial late medieval fishery. Potential human impact on cod stocks in the eastern Baltic must thus be taken into account for at least the last 600 years.

Noninvasive measurement of cervical tri-planar motion in normal subjects

An electronic digital inclinometer was used to obtain normative data on cervical mobility from 58 normal subjects. They consisted of 28 males (age range, 17-61) and 30 females (age range, 19-62). The measurements were taken from occiput to T1 in flexion-extension, lateral bend, and axial rotation, isolating the regional motion by measuring simultaneously the upper and lower margins of the eight mobile segments. A comparison of radiographs and inclinometer measures showed excellent correlations (r < 0.9997, P < 0.05). Normative data are presented. Gender-specific regional mobility differences occurred only in cervical extension, whereas no consistent age-related differences were found. Stiffer individuals could be found in either gender or any age group, but rigidity in one plane did not necessarily predict rigidity in another.

Modification of selected Bender designs and interpretation of the first graders' visual-perceptual maturation with implications for Gestalt theory

30 first graders of average ability were administered Cards 3 and 7 of the Bender-Gestalt test and 4 modifications of each. Cards judged easy were reproduced with slightly less error. Interpretation of performance was in terms of the Gestalt principle of good continuation.