Evidence of pathological conditions in the Florisbad cranium

Palaeopathological studies of the middle Pleistocene cranium from Florisbad (Free State, South Africa) document the presence of extensive cortical lesions and areas of thinning, a widened medullary cavity with destruction of the diploë, orbital roof lesions, a benign ectocranial neoplasm, and evidence for alveolar destruction, resorption, and antemortem tooth loss. Differential diagnosis suggests one or more possible aetiologies, including a haematological disorder, metabolic condition(s), Paget’s disease of bone, or non-specific infection perhaps following trauma. Moreover, if not directly associated with those on the external vault, orbital lesions alone could have been caused by infection or an indeterminable factor such as pressure from an enlarged organ. Multiple parasagittal lesions on the internal vault cortex probably represent expansile lesions left by enlarged arachnoid granulations. A multifactorial model of pathogenesis may be most appropriate to account for dentoalveolar lesions and antemortem tooth loss. Additionally, there are clear indications of diagenetic alteration deep within the vault, as well as multiple signs of degeneration on the cranium. These complicate the assessment of pathological alterations and identification of their possible aetiology. The Florisbad cranium is the latest specimen to join the growing sample of Pleistocene hominin remains with non-fatal and non-trivial pathological disorders adding to understanding of early human ecology and lifestyle.     

南京1号与东非Bodo人类头骨化石:对"中心和边缘"假说的检测

"中心和边缘"假说认为非洲是人类演化的中心地区,东亚等地区是边缘地区。在边缘地区,人群的地区性形态特征出现较早,可上溯到直立人生活时期;在中心地区,人群的地区性形态特征出现较晚。Bodo人类头骨化石和南京1号人类头骨化石分别出自中心地区和边缘地区,二者年代都是距今60万年左右,二者都保留有面颅。因此,Bodo人类头骨化石和南京1号人类头骨化石是检测"中心和边缘"假说的最合适的材料。本文是对南京1号和Bodo头骨的面颅测量性特征作比较研究。研究结果表明:1.二者面颅测量性特征上的差别远大于这两个相应地区现代人群之间的差别,提示了人类的地区性体质形态差别早在60万年前就很明显;2.东亚的南京1号人类头骨和东非的Bodo人类头骨尽管同样古老,但各自与当地区的现代人群的面颅上的差异情况并不一致。Bodo头骨与东非现代人群显得差异较大,南京1号头骨与东亚现代人群显得较相近。这种相近,提示了在东亚这个"边缘地区",现代人群的面颅测量性特征可追溯到以南京1号头骨为代表的远古人类那里,而在"中心地区",现代人群的面颅测量性特征还很难与以Bodo为代表的远古人群相联系。本项研究结果与"中心和边缘"假说的推测相符合。     

Unraveling hominin behavior at another anthropogenic site from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania): new archaeological and taphonomic research at BK, Upper Bed II

New archaeological excavations and research at BK, Upper Bed II (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have yielded a rich and unbiased collection of fossil bones. These new excavations show that BK is a stratified deposit formed in a riverine setting close to an alluvial plain. The present taphonomic study reveals the second-largest collection of hominin-modified bones from Olduvai, with abundant cut marks found on most of the anatomical areas preserved. Meat and marrow exploitation is reconstructed using the taphonomic signatures left on the bones by hominins. Highly cut-marked long limb shafts, especially those of upper limb bones, suggest that hominins at BK were actively engaged in acquiring small and middle-sized animals using strategies other than passive scavenging. The exploitation of large-sized game (Pelorovis) by Lower Pleistocene hominins, as suggested by previous researchers, is supported by the present study.     

Mitosis of the free-living flagellate Bodo saltans strain Ps+ (Kinetoplastidea, Bodonida)

Mitosis of the free-living flagellate Bodo saltans of the Ps+ strain characterized by the presence of prokaryotic cytobionts in the perinuclear space was studied. Division of B. saltans Ps+ nuclei occurs by the closed intranuclear type of mitosis without condensation of chromosomes. At the initial stages of nuclear division, consecutive anlage of two spatially separated microtubular spindles begins. The spindle containing about 20 microtubules appears first, then, at an angle of 30–40° to it, the second spindle containing half as many microtubules is formed. The microtubules of the first spindle are associated with 4 pairs of kinetochores, the microtubules of the second one—with 2 pairs. The kinetochores of B. saltans Ps+ have a pronounced laminar structure. Both spindles rest with their ends directly on the internal membrane of the nuclear envelope and form 4 well-pronounced poles. The equatorial phase of mitosis in B. saltans Ps+ is not revealed. The divergence of sister kinetochores towards the poles occurs independently in each spindle. At the elongation phase of mitosis, the poles of both spindles are united in pairs to form a single bipolar structure composed of two loose bundles of microtubules. At this stage of nuclear division, the kinetochores reach the poles of the subspindles and cease to be visible. At subsequent nuclear division stages the nucleus acquires a dumbbell shape. During the reorganization phase the sister nuclei are separated. In the perinuclear space of the interphase nuclei of B. saltans Ps+, 1–2 prokaryotic cytobionts are present. In the course of mitosis, these organisms divide intensively, such that their number can reach 20 and more per nucleus. During separation of sister nuclei, the “excessive” cytobionts are released into the cytoplasmic vacuoles formed by external membranes of the nuclear envelope.     

Mechanical surface analysis of bone: a case study of cut marks and enamel hypoplasia on a Neolithic cranium from Sweden

A method for measuring, recording, and studying fine surface irregularities in three dimensions is presented. The method, which involves recording the movements of a diamond-tipped stylus as it scans the surface being studied, is demonstrated on a Neolithic cranium from Sweden. The cranium emanates from a pile dwelling dated to about 3000 B.C. Its frontal bone exhibits distinct cut marks indicative of scalping, and the teeth show signs of enamel hypoplasia. The surface topography of the putative cut marks and hypoplastic enamel were investigated using the stylus method. Measurements of enamel hypoplasia were also carried out for comparison on a front tooth from the lower jaw, and the cut mark study was compared with scanning electron micrographs. The results of this case study demonstrate that the stylus method can obtain high-resolution measurements of fine surface details directly on the original bone without preparation of or damage to the specimen.     

Mediterranean populations of the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens group): an unexpected puzzle of Pleistocene survivors and prehistoric introductions

An earlier study revealed the strong phylogeographical structure of the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens group) within the northern Palaearctic. Here, we aim to reconstruct the colonization history of Mediterranean islands and to clarify the biogeography and phylogeographical relationships of the poorly documented Middle East region with the northern Palaearctic. We performed analyses on 998-bp-long haplotypes of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of 143 samples collected around the Mediterranean basin, including islands and the Middle East. The analyses suggest that the Cypriot shrew belongs to the rare group of relict insular Pleistocene mammal taxa that have survived to the present day. In contrast, the Cretan, Corsican and Menorcan populations were independently introduced from the Middle East during the Holocene. The phylogeographical structure of this temperate Palaearctic species within the Middle East appears to be complex and rich in diversity, probably reflecting fragmentation of the area by numerous mountain chains. Four deeply divergent clades of the C. suaveolens group occur in the area, meaning that a hypothetical contact zone remains to be located in central western Iran.     

Studies on the condition and structure of bone of the Saldanha fossil cranium.

The external surface of the Saldanha cranium shows extensive exfoliation and cracking. In a few places remnants of the probable original bone surfaces can be observed. These are orange-brown in color, contrasting with the nearly white color of exposed deeper layers, and are subdivided into small segments with pits in their centers. Causes of the color differences are uncertain but merit investigation. The surface cracking and exfoliation probably result from weathering before fossilization. This conclusion is based on the observation that the endocranial surfaces show no such effects, despite the scattering of the cranial fragments at the time of discovery. A depressed fracture in the frontal bone indicates a heavy blow at or shortly after the time of death. This blow probably created some of the fragments, but there are also incomplete fracture cracks which may have resulted from the blow. Unresolved taphonomic problems include the manner in which the cranium held together after decay of soft tissues allowed weathering, and the manner in which the fragments were subsequently scattered. Chips from the cranial vault indicate that the outer table was very thick, tending to support recent proposals that the specimen and assoicated fauna and tools are from a considerably earlier time period than originally believed. The surface damage to the brow ridges gives information on the structure of deeper layers. These are lacking orientation, supporting the hypothesis that hominid brow ridges are not primarily a response to masticatory forces, but may afford protection for the eyes.     

鸢尾切花保鲜的初步研究

本文通过对影响切花保鲜的pH值、切口处理、糖分、细菌数等的实验研究,初步探讨了不同配方保鲜剂对鸢尾切花保鲜的影响。     

Funerary practices of the Iberomaurusian population of Taforalt (Tafoughalt, Morocco, 11–12,000 BP): the case of Grave XII

The Iberomaurusian necropolis of Taforalt (Morocco, 11-12000 BP), excavated by Roche in the 1950s, contains 28 multiple graves. The funerary practices of the Taforalt population have been the focus of a previous work (Mariotti et al., 2009). In the absence of the excavation records of the necropolis, these funerary practices were investigated through the analysis of the contents of each grave and the distribution of intentionally modified specimens (ochre-dyeing, cut marks). Previous research has drawn particular attention to Grave XII (containing three male adults and two juveniles), where many intentionally modified specimens were identified. The present study focused specifically on the human remains recovered from Grave XII. Analysis of these remains has provided evidence of interventions, such as dismemberment and defleshing of the cadaver, and the use of ochre to colour the bones. Furthermore, the presence of lesions on two skulls suggests the possibility of intentional killing and cannibalism among the Taforalt population. This study further supports our previous impression of the complex and diversified funerary practices, characterising the social life of the Iberomaurusian population of Taforalt.     

Replicating the first known sea travel by humans: the lower pleistocene crossing of Lombok Strait

The first successful experimental crossing of the Wallace Line by means of a primitive raft without steering or sail is reported. Forming part of a long-term project of exploring the technology and use of the most archaic sea-going vessels, this experiment seeks to examine the minimum requirements of succeeding in crossing Lombok Strait, Indonesia. The first effective maritime colonization in human history is thought to have taken place there, leading to the subsequent hominid occupation of Flores about 850,000 years ago. The rationale and methodology of this replication experiment, which took place in January 2000, are discussed, and the implications of the principal findings are briefly considered. They are significant for the understanding of the technological, cultural and cognitive development of Pleistocene hominids.     

无机盐对月季切花保鲜效应的研究

含不同无机盐的保鲜剂均能延长月季切花瓶插寿命,增加切花鲜重,增大花径,提高POD活性,改善切花体内水分状况,维持花瓣膜结构的相对稳定。其中以2％蔗糖 300mg／L 8-HQC 200mg／L Ca(N03)2效果最佳。     

A revision of fossil eagle owls (Aves: Strigiformes: Bubo) from Europe and the description of a new species,Bubo ibericus,from Cal Guardiola (NE Iberian Peninsula)

The European fossil record of eagle owls, genus Bubo Duméril 1806 Duméril AMC. 1806. Zoologie Analytique, ou Méthode Naturelle de Classification des Animaux, rendue plus Facile à l’Aide de Tableaux Synoptiques. Paris: H. L. Perronneau. [Google Scholar], is thought to extend back into the Miocene, but records of Bubo before the Middle Pleistocene are scarce and mainly constituted by non-diagnostic or fragmentary specimens. Apart from a number of fossil species of Bubo of uncertain validity, i.e. Bubo? florianae Kretzoi 1957 Kretzoi M. 1957. Bird remains from the Hipparion-fauna of Csákvár. Aquila. 63:239–248. [Google Scholar], Bubo lignitum Giebel 1860 Giebel CG. 1860. Zur Fauna der Braunkohlen Formation von Rippersroda in Thüringen. Zeitschrift für die Gesammten Naturwissenschaften. 16:147–153. [Google Scholar], and Bubo perpastus (Ballman 1976 Ballmann P. 1976. Fossile Vögel aus dem Neogen der Halbinsel Gargano (Italien). Zweiter Teil Scripta Geol. 38:1–59. [Google Scholar]), most fossil Bubo material is unassigned to species or assigned to the extant Bubo bubo (Linnaeus 1758) on the basis of size, especially for Early Pleistocene records. Given the ambiguity about the validity of the earliest records, here we revise the pre-Middle Pleistocene fossil record of Bubo in Europe. Our results indicate that, in Europe, Bubo is first recorded in the Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene of Italy. By the Early Pleistocene, three taxa can be distinguished: Bubo ibericus sp. nov. from Cal Guardiola (Spain), Bubo sp. nov. indet. from Soave Cava Sud (Italy) and Bubo sp. from various sites across Europe. By the Middle Pleistocene, Eurasian environments experienced a substantial increase in severity and duration of glacial periods which might have led to the replacement of extinct species of Bubo by the recent B. bubo and Bubo scandiacus.     

New analysis of the Pleistocene carnivores from Petralona Cave (Macedonia, Greece) based on the Collection of the Thessaloniki Aristotle University

New taxonomic study of the “old collection” of Carnivora from Petralona Cave, associated to the well-known hominid skull, housed in the Geology School of the Thessaloniki Aristotle University since 1960, revealed 11 species (Canis arnensis, Lycaon lycaonoides, Vulpes praeglacialis, Ursus deningeri, U. spelaeus, U. arctos, Pliocrocuta perrieri, Pachycrocuta brevirostris, Crocuta crocuta, Panthera leo spelaea, and Felis silvestris), which are described in detail. The species composition is typical of the eastern part of the European Mediterranean and may be divided into three biostratigraphic assemblages: early Middle Pleistocene, late Middle Pleistocene and Late Pleistocene.     

中国旧石器时代早、中期石器技术多样性研究的新进展

关于中国石器技术发展轨迹和特点,其中一种观点认为,在更新世大部分时间内,中国石器技术以第1模式为主。本文结合近年的考古发现和研究成果,对中更新世早期至距今约4万年的中国石器技术面貌进行了简要总结。这段时间内的中国石器技术呈现出明显的多样性和复杂性,尤其自晚更新世以来,多种石器技术体系并存,其中包括以手斧、手镐和薄刃斧等大型工具为特色的阿舍利技术体系、以盘状石核和各类小型工具为特征的小型石片石器技术体系、以勒瓦娄哇石核和尖状器为特点的莫斯特技术体系、以及以基纳型刮削器为主的莫斯特技术体系,后两者具有明显的旧石器时代中期技术特点。多种石器技术体系共存,这一现象反映了技术发展的区域性和该阶段人群构成的多样性,这为探讨古人类环境适应行为以及区域间人群扩散交流提供了重要信息。     

贮藏方式对切花菊贮后品质的影响

研究了干、湿贮藏方式及其贮藏期对三种不同发育程度切花菊贮后品质的影响。两种湿藏能促进切花发育,贮藏6周后切花花径分别增大了2.54cm(清水)和3.29cm(S+AgNO_3),但不能延长贮藏期;干藏能延长贮藏期,可贮期达4～6周,提高切花催开后品质。