Gertrud Hauser

Heavy metals in human hair samples from Austria and Italy: influence of sex and smoking habits

Hair samples from 79 young healthy adults from Vienna (Austria) and Rome (Italy) were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb by ICP-MS. No differences were found between the two locations except for chromium, which was significantly higher in the Viennese population (P < 0.001). In both cities male hair contained higher arsenic (P < 0.001) and lower cadmium (P < 0.05) levels than female hair, and in Vienna lead concentrations were lower in males (P < 0.05). Striking differences appeared when smokers were compared with non-smokers. Geometric means (micrograms/g) of smokers versus non-smokers were: arsenic 0.081 vs. 0.065, cadmium 0.075 vs. 0.038 (P < 0.05), cobalt 0.025 vs. 0.010 (P < 0.05), chromium 0.84 vs. 0.72 (P < 0.05), lead 3.42 vs. 1.47 (P < 0.001) and nickel 0.64 vs. 0.32 (P < 0.005). Consideration of a large number of biological and behavioural factors minimizes bias inherent in unmatched sample composition.

ANALYSIS OF LAUGHTER AND SPEECH SOUNDS IN ITALIAN AND GERMAN STUDENTS

Naturwissenschaften 85 (1998) Q Springer-Verlag 1998 Sébrier M A, Krafft B (1993) Influence of prior experience on prey consumption behaviour in the spider Zygiella x-notata. Ethol Ecol Evol 5 :541–547 Sherman PM (1994) The orb-web: an energetic and behavioural estimator of a spider’s dynamic foraging and reproductive strategies. Anim Behav 48 :19–34 Vollrath F, Downes M, Krackow S (1997) Design variability in web geometry of an orb-weaving spider. Physiol Behav 62 :735–743 Vollrath F, Samu F (1997) The effect of starvation on web geometry in an orb-weaving spider. Bull Br Arachnol Soc 10 :295–298 Weissmann M, Vollrath F (1998) The effect of leg loss on a web spider’s prey catching behaviour. Bull Br Arachnol Soc (in press) Witt PN, Reed CF, Peakall DB (1968) A spider’s web: problems in regulatory biology. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York

Reflections on interobserver differences in scoring non-metric cranial traits (with practical examples)

On the basis of critical observations on the variability of expression of some “discrete” traits of the human skull, the authors performed a study concerning the interobserver error in the interpretation of these traits. The first results, obtained from three independent studies on the same skulls, point to a variable degree of subjectiveness in the interpretation even of rather well specified traits. The authors suggest that one of the major causes of error in scoring “discrete” skull characters would be the inadequacy of the present generally accepted standard notation.

Variations in the Method of the Division of the Hypoglossal Canal in Sienese Skulls of Known Age and Sex

In 300 Sienese skulls of known age and sex (146 male and 154 female) 6 modes of expression of bipartition of the hypoglossal canal were studied on the basis of a new scheme of notation that takes into account gradually increasing intensity. The analysis of data, including also the traditional method of notation confirms the criticisms expressed by various authors on the loss of information when the variability of this trait is neglected, especially with reference to age-dependent changes (hyperostotic effects).

Sexual dimorphism in pelvic height

Most studies of sexual dimorphism concern classical dimensional and morphological features. The present study examines pelvic height derived from three (two standing and one sitting) measurements. The absolute pelvic height in the two sexes is very similar and appears unaffected by the greater male stature, while the index pelvic height to vertex-iliocristal height is greater in females. The findings are discussed with respect to differing rates and timing of growth in the two sexes.

Cheek dimples in Greek children and adolescents

In 14141 male and 14141 female Greek children and adolescents ranging in age between seven and fifteen years the presence of cheek dimples was investigated. Neither sex (12.6% in both female and males) nor side differences when expressed unilaterally were observed. There was however a significant increase of dimples with age as well as significantly higher numbers of asymmetric than symmetric expressions in all age groups.With respect to these observations hypotheses of origin of cheek dimples and related effects of age are discussed.

Variations of Supraorbital Bony Structures in Sienese Skulls

Various non-metrical traits were examined in the supraorbital region in a series of skulls of recorded sex (147 males, 130 females), age (18-80 years) and provenance (Siena and surroundings), using a standard method of categorization and notation introduced by two of the authors in 1983. The results are discussed from a topographic-anatomical point of view in relation to trait variation and with respect to the usefulness of the method applied for population studies.

Genetic screening, information and counselling in Austria

Since the majority of women who are pregnant deliver their babies in hospital, screening of newborn there presents no difficulties. Screening however is also carried out in those born at home, so that all babies are examined and tested. This, like other pre-natal, neo-natal and paediatric services is greatly facilitated by the mother-child passport into which the results of all examinations, tests, and inoculations are entered. Financial inducements, together with the normal maternal desire to act in the best interests of the child, ensure virtual 100% coverage — a mother receives a monetary grant when the child is born and at regular intervals afterwards provided the passport shows that she has attended for the required ante-natal and post-natal examinations and care checks up to the third year.