Clarifying prehistoric parasitism from a complementary morphological and molecular approach

This paper reports an approach to the identification of prehistoric parasitic infection, which integrates traditional morphological methods with molecular methods. The approach includes the strengths of each method while mitigating the limitations. Demonstrating the efficacy of this approach, we provide a case study from a 1400 year old desiccated fecal sample from La Cueva de los Muertos Chiquitos, archaeological site, near Rio Zape, Durango, Mexico. Traditionally prepared microscope slides were processed via microscopy and tentative ascarids were identified. Information regarding the parasites' developmental stage was recorded. DNA was then extracted directly from the slide material. From this DNA extract, a small segment of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene variant that is specific to Ascaris, and its phylogenetically close relatives, was targeted for PCR amplification and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence best matched a member of physalopterids, rather than ascarids, with a single exception of a match to Contracaecum spiculigerum. Subsequent extractions, amplifications and sequencing of the original rehydrated coprolite material confirmed these results. The C. spiculigerum sequence represented a phylogenetic anomaly and subsequent analysis determined the sequence was an error in the BLAST database, likely attributable to misidentification of juvenile specimens prior to sequencing and submission. Physaloptera are a difficult genus to identify morphologically and can carry major health burdens. They may be underreported in humans, in part, because of morphological similarities to the more common human parasites belonging to ascarids. We conclude that integrating traditional morphological methods with molecular methods can help resolve this issue, in both contemporary and prehistoric populations.     

Quotidian and Transgressive Practices in Nazi Forced Labor Camps: The Role of Objects

We argue that archaeological investigations of Nazi-period Lager should include two elements. The first is excavation. Research confined to non-invasive methods documenting visible remains, archival research, and oral history leads to small gains in existing knowledge. Archaeology’s full potential is realized when excavations are conducted allowing reconstruction of actual practices. Secondly, it is essential to evaluate spatially and quantitatively even the most inconspicuous objects. They are a fundamental means to understand conditions of suffering as well as transgressive actions by camp inhabitants. Excavations of a forced labor camp of Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH at Tempelhof airfield in Berlin serves as a case study.     

Archaeology and English as an Imperial lingua franca

My brief comment argues that English as a lingua franca of archaeological discourse produces sharp inequalities not only between those who are linguistically unable versus those who are able to participate, even participants are forced into a pattern of valuations in which the Anglo-American preference for theory over other archaeological concerns reigns supreme. The result is a forced co-optation into the ideologically dominant system for any non-western archaeologist who wants her voice to be heard.     

Imperial Inspections: Archaeology,War and Violence

The political-ethical complexities of archaeological work have led to this publication of a theme issue that attempts to critically consider our privileged positions as scholars, but also the limitations of our work in the context of violent conflicts. At the same time these papers show how practical remedial initiatives sought for distressing situations in which archaeologists may find themselves can often only intensify the problems.     

Geobasisdaten für die Planung?

Die Nutzer von Geobasisdaten der Vermessungs- und Katasterverwaltungen finden heute vor allem in ATKIS (Amtliches Topographisch-Kartographisches Informationssystem) und in der ALK (automatisiert geführte Liegenschaftskarte; hier noch eingeschr?nkt) fl?chendeckende und für eine Fachdatenintegration geeignete Geodatenbest?nde vor. Gleichwohl wird von Nutzerseite h?ufig ein differenziertes und in Teilen kritisches Bild gezeichnet. Die Kritik richtet sich v.a. auf die Probleme, die ATKIS-Anwender mit dem Nutzerkomfort, dem komplexen Datenmodell, unrichtigen Fl?chennutzungsangaben, inkompatiblen Objektdefinitionen, den Preisen sowie mangelnder Aktualit?t und Vollst?ndigkeit haben. Dennoch gibt es für viele Zwecke auch in der Planung langfristig keine echte Alternative zu den Geobasisdaten.