Raymond C. Heimbuch

An Analysis of the Social Behavior of Three Groups of Propithecus verreauxi

An 18-month study of the social organization and ecology of Propithecus verreauxi was carried out in Madagascar between May 1970 and September 1971. Two groups were studied in the mixed deciduous and evergreen forests of the Ankarafantsika in the northwest of Madagascar and two in the Didierea forest which covers large tracts in the south. The two study areas and the ecology of groups of P. verreauxi occupying them have been described by Richard (1973, 1974a, and in press).

Familial patterns and possible modes of inheritance of primary affective disorders

A logistic model was used to analyze the pattern of affected relatives of probands with primary affective disorders (PAD). The sample consisted of 242 patients, diagnosed as either unipolar (UP, 107) or bipolar (BP, 135) and 430 control nonpsychiatric inpatients and all first degree relatives of both groups. Age correction was applied to both groups. The analysis showed a significant baseline increase in frequency of PAD among relatives of PAD probands with siblings more likely to be affected than parents. The difference in frequency of PAD according to sex of relative almost reached significance. Specific diagnosis (UP or BP) of proband did not significantly affect the probability of relatives becoming ill. Genetic models incorporating sex-specific thresholds were able to explain the data satisfactorily as resulting from either Single-Major-Locus inheritance or Multifactorial-Polygenic inheritance.

A Measure of Basicranial Flexion in Pan paniscus, the Pygmy Chimpanzee

The cranial base is located at one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Developmentally, it can affect or be affected by the brain and its associated vasculature from above; the vertebral column caudally; the dentognathic apparatus anteriorly; and the upper respiratory tract from below. The contributing influences of these differing regions have made the cranial base a prime site of investigation for those examining the evolution or development of cranial morphology. In particular, the various angles of exocranial and endocranial flexion of the base have been used frequently both as a means of monitoring functional development in primates as well as a vehicle for assessing patterns in primate and hominid evolution [see reviews by Schulter (1976) and Sirianni and Swindler (1979)].

Handedness and stuttering: A dead horse?

Abstract A handedness questionnaire was administered to 446 stutterers and a control group. No significant male/female or stutterer/control effects were found, although both males and stutterers tended to be less right handed. The slight sex effect in handedness is consistent with previously reported studies and with cerebral structural and functional asymmetries.