The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administ... more The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, is undertaking the construction of Highway 101 (Pima Freeway) in north-central Maricopa County. The mainline right-of-way was obtained horn the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) in the late 1980s. Archaeological Research Sendees, Inc. (ARS) suneyed most of the mainline and identified archaeological resources (Curtis and Stone 1988; B. Stone 1996; L. Stone 1989; Stone and Stone 1990). In conjunction with the environmental impact statement, Archaeological Consulting Sendees, Ltd., (ACS) surveyed additional parcels, relocated the sites found by ARS, and conducted testing and data recovery for those sites that could not be avoided by the construction (Adams et al. 1996; DeMaagd 1996; DeMaagd and Macnider 1993). ADOT and its contractors later determined that new right-of-way and temporary construction easements (TCEs) were needed for the highway segment. Under contract to Sverdrup Civil, Inc., ACS conducted a literature review (Berg and Macnider 1999) and determined that the additional parcels— which were on Arizona state trust land administered by the ASLD— had been previously surveyed. AZ U:5:33(ASM), a large, low-density artifact scatter with Late Archaic and Hohokam components (Ellis and Smith 1999; Hackbarth 1997a, 1998; Woodall 1993) was located within the new project area. The site was determined eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) by the ASLD in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SFTPO). Portions of U:5:33 had been previously investigated (e.g., Adams et al 1996; Hackbarth 1998). Consultation by ADOT, ASLD, and SHPO determined that additional excavations should occur in the portion of U:5:33 that will be impacted by the ADOT right-of-way. Subsequently, ACS prepared a data recovery plan (Phillips et al. 1999) that focused on (1) understanding the site formation processes from a geomorphological perspective; and (2) dating the associated cultural [...]
Here we present a two-part study to assess isotope data comparability between two sample preparat... more Here we present a two-part study to assess isotope data comparability between two sample preparation laboratories, based on the concept of Real Interpretative Differences (RID). Inter-laboratory isotopic variability should be evaluated prior to compiling data from different sources. Isotopic variability can result from two main causes: sample preparation and sample analysis. We compared the carbon and nitrogen isotope delta (δ) values of 20 modern human bone collagen sample pairs—representing seven individuals from diverse backgrounds—thatwere prepared close in time at two laboratories and then analyzed at one facility. From this study, values for RID of preparation, or RIDprep, were calculated for bone collagen as 0.43‰ and 0.75‰ for δ13C values and δ15N values, respectively. These RIDprep values were tested using a set of 30 bone collagen sample pairs—representing 30 modern individuals—that were first prepared over a span of five years (2014–2019) at one laboratory; they were prepared again at the second laboratory in 2019. While the differences in isotope δ values between the paired samples in the second study were statistically significant, they did not exceed the calculated RIDprep values for either carbon (30 comparisons) or nitrogen (30 comparisons)—with the exception of one carbon difference in a single paired bone sample. The inherent error rate in combining the isotope test results was thus calculated as 1.7%. This study demonstrated that the isotope data generated from human bone collagen prepared at one laboratory can be reliably compared to data generated from samples prepared at the other laboratory.
Stable isotope ratio analysis is becoming an extremely important tool for the forensic investigat... more Stable isotope ratio analysis is becoming an extremely important tool for the forensic investigator. It can be particularly useful in missing persons investigations to help establish an unknown's identity by potentially reconstructing an individual's geolocational history, determining the number of individuals present in a case, and linking/separating remains from commingled assemblages. In this review article, we explore several main themes related to the use of stable isotopes in postconflict forensic identification. First, we describe what stable isotopes are and how global isotopic variation arises in human tissues via natural processes and cultural practices. Next, we discuss the selection of appropriate human tissue samples for examination based on testable hypotheses. We provide guidance on the options that exist for isotope sample preparation, analysis, and data handling; and finally, we examine which sample quality measures and quality assurance approaches should be...
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administ... more The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, is undertaking the construction of Highway 101 (Pima Freeway) in north-central Maricopa County. The mainline right-of-way was obtained horn the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) in the late 1980s. Archaeological Research Sendees, Inc. (ARS) suneyed most of the mainline and identified archaeological resources (Curtis and Stone 1988; B. Stone 1996; L. Stone 1989; Stone and Stone 1990). In conjunction with the environmental impact statement, Archaeological Consulting Sendees, Ltd., (ACS) surveyed additional parcels, relocated the sites found by ARS, and conducted testing and data recovery for those sites that could not be avoided by the construction (Adams et al. 1996; DeMaagd 1996; DeMaagd and Macnider 1993). ADOT and its contractors later determined that new right-of-way and temporary construction easements (TCEs) were needed for the highway segment. Under contract to Sverdrup ...
The integration of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology into forensic casework has been... more The integration of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology into forensic casework has been of particular benefit to the identification of unknown military service members. However, highly degraded or chemically treated skeletal remains often fail to provide usable DNA profiles, even with sensitive mitochondrial (mt) DNA capture and MPS methods. In parallel, the ancient DNA field has developed workflows specifically for degraded DNA, resulting in the successful recovery of nuclear DNA and mtDNA from skeletal remains as well as sediment over 100,000 years old. In this study we use a set of disinterred skeletal remains from the Korean War and World War II to test if ancient DNA extraction and library preparation methods improve forensic DNA profiling. We identified an ancient DNA extraction protocol that resulted in the recovery of significantly more human mtDNA fragments than protocols previously used in casework. In addition, utilizing single-stranded rather than double-strand...
New Perspectives in Forensic Human Skeletal Identification, 2018
Abstract Increasingly over the last 30 years, anthropologists have been studying human skeletal v... more Abstract Increasingly over the last 30 years, anthropologists have been studying human skeletal variation using more complex data gathering tools and systems. Traditionally, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) has been the hallmark statistical tool for classifying this variation into extant and extinct human populations. Criticisms of LDA in anthropology typically focus on the violation of multiple assumptions of the statistical approach. In this chapter, we explore using mixture discriminant analysis as an alternative to this traditional method, as it violates fewer assumptions and produces better classification rates. We utilize a new analytical program, (hu)MANid, to evaluate both statistical approaches for classifying the human mandible. (hu)MANid is a free, downloadable graphic user interface now available to all practitioners. We believe that it is time to embrace alternative approaches to statistical evaluation of human variation, and this chapter offers one such alternative.
The Scientific Analysis Directorate of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense POW/MIA... more The Scientific Analysis Directorate of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is a unique entity within the U.S. Government. This agency currently houses the world's largest, accredited skeletal identification laboratory in the world, in terms of the size of the scientific staff, global mission, and number of annual identifications. Traditional forensic anthropology is used for the formation of a biological profile (biological sex, stature, population affinity/ancestry, and age) as well as trauma and pathologies that may be compared with historical records and personnel files. Since World War II, various scientists associated with DoD have conducted base‐line research in support of the identification of U.S. war dead, including, but not limited to, histology, the use of chest radiography and clavicle comparison, and statistical models to deal with commingling issues. The primary goal of the identification process of the Scientific Ana...
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administ... more The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, is undertaking the construction of Highway 101 (Pima Freeway) in north-central Maricopa County. The mainline right-of-way was obtained horn the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) in the late 1980s. Archaeological Research Sendees, Inc. (ARS) suneyed most of the mainline and identified archaeological resources (Curtis and Stone 1988; B. Stone 1996; L. Stone 1989; Stone and Stone 1990). In conjunction with the environmental impact statement, Archaeological Consulting Sendees, Ltd., (ACS) surveyed additional parcels, relocated the sites found by ARS, and conducted testing and data recovery for those sites that could not be avoided by the construction (Adams et al. 1996; DeMaagd 1996; DeMaagd and Macnider 1993). ADOT and its contractors later determined that new right-of-way and temporary construction easements (TCEs) were needed for the highway segment. Under contract to Sverdrup Civil, Inc., ACS conducted a literature review (Berg and Macnider 1999) and determined that the additional parcels— which were on Arizona state trust land administered by the ASLD— had been previously surveyed. AZ U:5:33(ASM), a large, low-density artifact scatter with Late Archaic and Hohokam components (Ellis and Smith 1999; Hackbarth 1997a, 1998; Woodall 1993) was located within the new project area. The site was determined eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) by the ASLD in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SFTPO). Portions of U:5:33 had been previously investigated (e.g., Adams et al 1996; Hackbarth 1998). Consultation by ADOT, ASLD, and SHPO determined that additional excavations should occur in the portion of U:5:33 that will be impacted by the ADOT right-of-way. Subsequently, ACS prepared a data recovery plan (Phillips et al. 1999) that focused on (1) understanding the site formation processes from a geomorphological perspective; and (2) dating the associated cultural [...]
Here we present a two-part study to assess isotope data comparability between two sample preparat... more Here we present a two-part study to assess isotope data comparability between two sample preparation laboratories, based on the concept of Real Interpretative Differences (RID). Inter-laboratory isotopic variability should be evaluated prior to compiling data from different sources. Isotopic variability can result from two main causes: sample preparation and sample analysis. We compared the carbon and nitrogen isotope delta (δ) values of 20 modern human bone collagen sample pairs—representing seven individuals from diverse backgrounds—thatwere prepared close in time at two laboratories and then analyzed at one facility. From this study, values for RID of preparation, or RIDprep, were calculated for bone collagen as 0.43‰ and 0.75‰ for δ13C values and δ15N values, respectively. These RIDprep values were tested using a set of 30 bone collagen sample pairs—representing 30 modern individuals—that were first prepared over a span of five years (2014–2019) at one laboratory; they were prepared again at the second laboratory in 2019. While the differences in isotope δ values between the paired samples in the second study were statistically significant, they did not exceed the calculated RIDprep values for either carbon (30 comparisons) or nitrogen (30 comparisons)—with the exception of one carbon difference in a single paired bone sample. The inherent error rate in combining the isotope test results was thus calculated as 1.7%. This study demonstrated that the isotope data generated from human bone collagen prepared at one laboratory can be reliably compared to data generated from samples prepared at the other laboratory.
Stable isotope ratio analysis is becoming an extremely important tool for the forensic investigat... more Stable isotope ratio analysis is becoming an extremely important tool for the forensic investigator. It can be particularly useful in missing persons investigations to help establish an unknown's identity by potentially reconstructing an individual's geolocational history, determining the number of individuals present in a case, and linking/separating remains from commingled assemblages. In this review article, we explore several main themes related to the use of stable isotopes in postconflict forensic identification. First, we describe what stable isotopes are and how global isotopic variation arises in human tissues via natural processes and cultural practices. Next, we discuss the selection of appropriate human tissue samples for examination based on testable hypotheses. We provide guidance on the options that exist for isotope sample preparation, analysis, and data handling; and finally, we examine which sample quality measures and quality assurance approaches should be...
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administ... more The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, is undertaking the construction of Highway 101 (Pima Freeway) in north-central Maricopa County. The mainline right-of-way was obtained horn the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) in the late 1980s. Archaeological Research Sendees, Inc. (ARS) suneyed most of the mainline and identified archaeological resources (Curtis and Stone 1988; B. Stone 1996; L. Stone 1989; Stone and Stone 1990). In conjunction with the environmental impact statement, Archaeological Consulting Sendees, Ltd., (ACS) surveyed additional parcels, relocated the sites found by ARS, and conducted testing and data recovery for those sites that could not be avoided by the construction (Adams et al. 1996; DeMaagd 1996; DeMaagd and Macnider 1993). ADOT and its contractors later determined that new right-of-way and temporary construction easements (TCEs) were needed for the highway segment. Under contract to Sverdrup ...
The integration of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology into forensic casework has been... more The integration of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology into forensic casework has been of particular benefit to the identification of unknown military service members. However, highly degraded or chemically treated skeletal remains often fail to provide usable DNA profiles, even with sensitive mitochondrial (mt) DNA capture and MPS methods. In parallel, the ancient DNA field has developed workflows specifically for degraded DNA, resulting in the successful recovery of nuclear DNA and mtDNA from skeletal remains as well as sediment over 100,000 years old. In this study we use a set of disinterred skeletal remains from the Korean War and World War II to test if ancient DNA extraction and library preparation methods improve forensic DNA profiling. We identified an ancient DNA extraction protocol that resulted in the recovery of significantly more human mtDNA fragments than protocols previously used in casework. In addition, utilizing single-stranded rather than double-strand...
New Perspectives in Forensic Human Skeletal Identification, 2018
Abstract Increasingly over the last 30 years, anthropologists have been studying human skeletal v... more Abstract Increasingly over the last 30 years, anthropologists have been studying human skeletal variation using more complex data gathering tools and systems. Traditionally, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) has been the hallmark statistical tool for classifying this variation into extant and extinct human populations. Criticisms of LDA in anthropology typically focus on the violation of multiple assumptions of the statistical approach. In this chapter, we explore using mixture discriminant analysis as an alternative to this traditional method, as it violates fewer assumptions and produces better classification rates. We utilize a new analytical program, (hu)MANid, to evaluate both statistical approaches for classifying the human mandible. (hu)MANid is a free, downloadable graphic user interface now available to all practitioners. We believe that it is time to embrace alternative approaches to statistical evaluation of human variation, and this chapter offers one such alternative.
The Scientific Analysis Directorate of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense POW/MIA... more The Scientific Analysis Directorate of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is a unique entity within the U.S. Government. This agency currently houses the world's largest, accredited skeletal identification laboratory in the world, in terms of the size of the scientific staff, global mission, and number of annual identifications. Traditional forensic anthropology is used for the formation of a biological profile (biological sex, stature, population affinity/ancestry, and age) as well as trauma and pathologies that may be compared with historical records and personnel files. Since World War II, various scientists associated with DoD have conducted base‐line research in support of the identification of U.S. war dead, including, but not limited to, histology, the use of chest radiography and clavicle comparison, and statistical models to deal with commingling issues. The primary goal of the identification process of the Scientific Ana...
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Papers by Gregory Berg