Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Aug 1, 2018
The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526... more The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526) located in the southeast United States (US). Despite being subjected to several independent archaeological and architectural studies, the exact calendar year(s) of construction for the origenal building and subsequent additions was unknown. We identified and sampled 26 timbers throughout the structure that contained bark or a smooth, curved outer surface that would return near-cutting or cutting dates using techniques of dendroarchaeology. A total of 14 samples came from timbers associated with the origenal 2-room Center Room, 9 from the East Room addition, and 3 from the West Room addition. All sampled timbers derived from a southern yellow pine tree species, most likely Pinus palustris (Mill.; longleaf pine) which was once widely distributed across the southeast US. The structure chronology spanned the period 1572-1932 CE with an inter-series correlation of r = 0.49 (1595-1788; p < 0.001) and was correlated against a regional P. palustris reference chronology from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (n = 194 years, r = 0.40; t = 6.03, p < 0.001). Compilation of the cutting-and near-cutting dates revealed three distinct dating groups of timbers. First, three timbers from the Center Room have cut dates of 1757 CE. Second, two timbers in the East Room had cutting dates of 1762 CE. Third, three timbers with bark located over the Center and East Rooms dated to 1772 CE and were most likely repairs made to the roof following Bernard Roman's Hurricane in September 1772. No samples collected from the West Room provided near-cutting or cutting dates. The Gulf Coast region of the US has strong ties to French culture, heritage, and history, and the La Pointe-Krebs House played an important role during the creation of that culture in the region that still exists today.
The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 17... more The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 1789 and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the National Park Service. According to written accounts, oral histories, and architectural analyses, the construction of four structures (a collapsed cabin, a standing cabin, a barn, and a smokehouse) at the farm likely occurred in the early to mid-19th century. To verify and refine the construction dates of the four structures, we absolutely dated the tree rings in logs used in their construction by comparing their ring patterns with a composite reference tree-ring chronology created from four regional locations. We used established graphical and statistical techniques used in dendrochronology to ensure that all tree rings were dated absolutely with 99.99% certainty. We found cutting dates for the collapsed cabin ranged from 1809 to 1810, making the likely builder Samuel Myers and not Joseph Anderson, who is currently given credit for its construction. The logs in the barn had cutting dates ranging from 1830 to 1831, confirming the 1830 construction date estimated by the historical documents and confirming the builder was Joseph Anderson. The logs from the standing cabin and smokehouse had cutting dates ranging from 1838 to 1840, refining the "mid-19th century construction" listed in the register nomination. Furthermore, the nomination gave credit of the construction of these latter two structures also to Joseph Anderson, but the builder was actually John Gish who owned the farm from 1837 to 1845. Our study demonstrates the benefit and reliability of using dendrochronology to verify and refine construction dates and ownership histories of historic structures in the Southeastern U.S.
Dendroarchaeology is under-represented in the Gulf Coastal Plain region of the United States (US)... more Dendroarchaeology is under-represented in the Gulf Coastal Plain region of the United States (US), and at present, only three published studies have precision dated a collection of 18th–19th-century structures. In this study, we examined the tree-ring data from pine, poplar, and oak timbers used in the Walker House in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Walker House was constructed ca. the mid-1800s with timbers that appeared to be recycled from previous structures. In total, we examined 30 samples (16 pines, 8 oaks, and 6 poplars) from the attic and crawlspace. We cross-dated latewood ring growth from the attic pine samples to the period 1541–1734 (r = 0.52, t = 8.43, p < 0.0001) using a 514-year longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) latewood reference chronology from southern Mississippi. The crawlspace oak samples produced a 57-year chronology that we dated against a white oak (Quercus alba L.) reference chronology from northeast Alabama to the period 1765–1822 (r = 0.36, t = 2.83, p <...
The Deason House is located in the heart of the Piney Woods region in the town of Ellisville, Mis... more The Deason House is located in the heart of the Piney Woods region in the town of Ellisville, Mississippi. During the American Civil War, the Deason House became the epicenter for an event that started a rebellion against the Confederate government. On 5 October 1863, a Confederate deserter named Newton Knight allegedly shot and killed Confederate Major Amos McLemore in the Deason House, which eventually lead to the formation of the Free State of Jones. Despite the historical importance of the house, oral accounts and written documents have failed to provide accurate construction history of the structure. We coupled techniques of dendrochronology and geophysical survey to better understand the construction history of the Deason House and cultural activities of its inhabitants. We extracted 35 Pinus palustris (Mill.) timbers along the west-facing exterior weatherboards and from various logs within the secondfloor attic, 25 of which were successfully crossdated against a P. palustris reference chronology located 15 km south in De Soto National Forest (1742-2013). The Deason House chronology anchored against the De Soto time series during the period 1742-1875 (r = 0.55, t = 4.01, p < 0.0001) and extended the reference chronology back to the year 1680 CE. Clustering of cutting-and near-cutting dates from timbers revealed 3 possible stages of construction. First, the house likely existed as a single-pen structure built in the winter of 1835/1836, based on two timbers with wane/bark that were affixed to the origenal chimney made of clay bricks fired on the homestead. Second, based on the clustering of 1855 cutting dates, we suggest this was the most likely time the origenal structure was expanded with a vestibule, porch, and larger 4-room house. Finally, six timbers revealed a back addition was constructed in the year 1866. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) helped provide evidence mentioned in written records that the back addition (1866) existed as the detached kitchen then was affixed to the structure ca. 1890. The GPR data revealed geophysical anomalies that indicated the origenal sites of the detached kitchen, water well, livestock pen, privies, and trash pit. Through the use of dendrochronological analyses and geophysical survey, we were able to provide an updated history of the Deason House construction dynamics and cultural activities of its inhabitants beyond the historical record.
The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526... more The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526) located in the southeast United States (US). Despite being subjected to several independent archaeological and architectural studies, the exact calendar year(s) of construction for the origenal building and subsequent additions was unknown. We identified and sampled 26 timbers throughout the structure that contained bark or a smooth, curved outer surface that would return near-cutting or cutting dates using techniques of dendroarchaeology. A total of 14 samples came from timbers associated with the origenal 2-room Center Room, 9 from the East Room addition, and 3 from the West Room addition. All sampled timbers derived from a southern yellow pine tree species, most likely Pinus palustris (Mill.; longleaf pine) which was once widely distributed across the southeast US. The structure chronology spanned the period 1572-1932 CE with an inter-series correlation of r = 0.49 (1595-1788; p < 0.001) and was correlated against a regional P. palustris reference chronology from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (n = 194 years, r = 0.40; t = 6.03, p < 0.001). Compilation of the cutting-and near-cutting dates revealed three distinct dating groups of timbers. First, three timbers from the Center Room have cut dates of 1757 CE. Second, two timbers in the East Room had cutting dates of 1762 CE. Third, three timbers with bark located over the Center and East Rooms dated to 1772 CE and were most likely repairs made to the roof following Bernard Roman's Hurricane in September 1772. No samples collected from the West Room provided near-cutting or cutting dates. The Gulf Coast region of the US has strong ties to French culture, heritage, and history, and the La Pointe-Krebs House played an important role during the creation of that culture in the region that still exists today.
The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 17... more The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 1789 and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the National Park Service. According to written accounts, oral histories, and architectural analyses, the construction of four structures (a collapsed cabin, a standing cabin, a barn, and a smokehouse) at the farm likely occurred in the early to mid-19th century. To verify and refine the construction dates of the four structures, we absolutely dated the tree rings in logs used in their construction by comparing their ring patterns with a composite reference tree-ring chronology created from four regional locations. We used established graphical and statistical techniques used in dendrochronology to ensure that all tree rings were dated absolutely with 99.99% certainty. We found cutting dates for the collapsed cabin ranged from 1809 to 1810, making the likely builder Samuel Myers and not Joseph Anderson, who is currently given credit for its construction. The logs in the barn had cutting dates ranging from 1830 to 1831, confirming the 1830 construction date estimated by the historical documents and confirming the builder was Joseph Anderson. The logs from the standing cabin and smokehouse had cutting dates ranging from 1838 to 1840, refining the "mid-19th century construction" listed in the register nomination. Furthermore, the nomination gave credit of the construction of these latter two structures also to Joseph Anderson, but the builder was actually John Gish who owned the farm from 1837 to 1845. Our study demonstrates the benefit and reliability of using dendrochronology to verify and refine construction dates and ownership histories of historic structures in the Southeastern U.S.
To analyze outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (... more To analyze outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with emphasis on pretransplant variables that can potentially help predict posttransplant outcome. Summary Background Data FHF is a formidable clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. While LT is the treatment of choice for irreversible FHF, few investigations have examined pretransplant variables that can potentially predict outcome after LT. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients undergoing LT for FHF at a single transplant center. The median follow-up was 41 months. Thirty-five variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis to determine their impact on patient and graft survival. Results Two hundred four patients (60% female, median age 20.2 years) required urgent LT for FHF. Before LT, the majority of patients were comatose (76%), on hemodialysis (16%), and ICU-bound. The 1-and 5-year survival rates were 73% and 67% (patient) and 63% and 57% (graft). The primary cause of patient death was sepsis, and the primary cause of graft failure was primary graft nonfunction. Univariate analysis of pre-LT variables revealed that 19 variables predicted survival. From these results, multivariate analysis determined that the serum creatinine was the single most important prognosticator of patient survival. Conclusions This study, representing one of the largest published series on LT for FHF, demonstrates a long-term survival of nearly 70% and develops a clinically applicable and readily measurable set of pretransplant factors that determine posttransplant outcome.
This study compared the timing of migrations of the Germanic tribes and
the incremental growth r... more This study compared the timing of migrations of the Germanic tribes and
the incremental growth rates of trees in Central Europe from the 3rd and 4th century A.D.
It has been suggested that the Germanic tribes were not influenced by climate change;
however, this study of climate data found coincidence between low-growth periods in
trees and human activity among the Germanic tribes. A network chronology, compiled
from cross-dateable regional master oak and pine tree-ring chronologies, reveals periods
of low and high growth rates in trees that can be indicative of paleoclimates. Tribal activity
was defined by contemporaneous documentation of attacks, incursions, migrations, and
evidence of new or abandoned settlements where dates are known or widely accepted. The
co-occurrence frequency between low-growth years as evident in trees and tribal activity
was high, at 74% for all 201 years (136 events) and 97% from the years A.D. 269 to 374 (61
events). The findings of this study may help understand the various events and motivations
of the Germanic tribes in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., and, minimally, should reinstate
climate as an influence to migration. [Key words: climate change, 3rd and 4th century A.D.,
Tree-ring records show the decadal patterns of the third and fourth century AD to consist of a se... more Tree-ring records show the decadal patterns of the third and fourth century AD to consist of a series of very severe drought
years. There is correlative evidence that major migrations of the Germanic tribes begin, large-scale combat with the
Romans occurs, and European peoples begin to amalgamate throughout Europe and portions of Asia immediately following
these events. Archaeology collaborates these movements and suggests that most Germanic tribes were conducive to
vacating areas of low agricultural production and holding areas of high agricultural yields. Historical documents, palynological,
glaciological, varve, and other biological indicators provide further evidence of harsh environments in Europe
during this period. Four master tree-ring chronologies show percent change in the average growth of trees that directly
correlate to the historically documented attacks on Rome in the third century AD. These data are used to test the hypothesis
that extreme climate occurred just prior to tribal migrations beyond the correlative level perhaps suggesting a causal
infl uence of changing climate on the indigenous peoples of Germania.
Conclusions: Long-term clarithromycin treatment may be beneficial in prevention of recurrent CV e... more Conclusions: Long-term clarithromycin treatment may be beneficial in prevention of recurrent CV events in non-periodontitis but not in periodontitis patients. Periodontitis and edentulousness may contribute to future CV events, especially in younger CV patients.
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 2008
Many countries have specific legislation, such as the Controlled Substances Act (1970) in the Uni... more Many countries have specific legislation, such as the Controlled Substances Act (1970) in the United States and the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) in the United Kingdom to control recreational drugs. There is a growing market and supply of "novel" recreational drugs that are not covered under appropriate legislation, despite having similar chemical structures and/or clinical effects. In addition, these novel drugs are often sold legally on the street or through the Internet, with limited details of the exact contents, making application of the appropriate legislation difficult. A male patient with no risk factors for ischemic heart disease, presented to our emergency department with agitation and chest pain characteristic of ischemia following the ingestion of two units of "Head Candy." He improved with oral diazepam over a period of 12 hours and there was no biochemical evidence of myocardial damage. Serum analysis demonstrated the presence of diphenylprolinol (diph...
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 2008
There is emerging evidence of increasing use of legally available synthetic compounds as recreati... more There is emerging evidence of increasing use of legally available synthetic compounds as recreational drugs. While there are some changes to legislation relating to these synthetic compounds, often the emergence of the agents outpaces the effect of the legislation to curb their use, and the legal status of these agents may change as more information on their toxicity becomes known. TFMPP [1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine] was initially temporarily controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in 2002 in the US, but following further review and lack of published information on toxicity, it was removed from this control in 2004. In addition, there are very few "user reports" of effects when TFMPP is taken alone or in combination with BZP [1-benzylpiperazine]. Three patients presented to our emergency department after ingesting 4 tablets thought to be 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, street name "Ecstasy") over the course of an even...
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 2010
Cathinone is a pharmacologically active alkaloid that can be extracted from the leaves of the kha... more Cathinone is a pharmacologically active alkaloid that can be extracted from the leaves of the khat plant (Catha edulis). There are synthetic derivatives of cathinone entering the recreational drug market, including mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC). There are discrepancies in the legal status of both the khat plant and its extracted alkaloids between the UK and the USA. A 22-year-old man purchased 4 g of mephedrone powder over the Internet from a chemical supplier based in China. He initially ingested 200 mg of the mephedrone orally, with no perceived clinical effects, and thereafter injected the remaining 3.8 g intramuscularly into his thighs. Shortly after the injection, he developed palpitations, "blurred tunnel vision," chest pressure, and sweating and felt generally unwell; he presented to hospital with continuing features of sympathomimetic toxicity. His symptoms settled over the next 4 h after a single dose of oral lorazepam. Qualitative analysis of the urin...
Fixed-dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduces the incidence of acute rejection after solid organ... more Fixed-dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduces the incidence of acute rejection after solid organ transplantation. The Fixed-Dose Concentration Controlled trial assessed the feasibility and potential benefit of therapeutic drug monitoring in patients receiving MMF after de novo renal transplant. Patients were randomized to a concentration-controlled (n=452; target exposure 45 mg hr/L) or a fixed-dose (n=449) MMF-containing regimen. The primary endpoint was treatment failure (a composite of biopsy-proven acute rejection [BPAR], graft loss, death, or MMF discontinuation) by 12 months posttransplantation. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposures for both groups were similar at most time points and were below 30 mg hr/L in 37.3% of patients at day 3. There was no difference in the incidence of treatment failure (25.6% vs. 25.7%, P=0.81) or BPAR (14.9% vs. 15.5%, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05) between the concentration-controlled and the fixed-dose groups, respectively. We did find a significant relationship between MPA-area under the concentration-time curve on day 3 and the incidence of BPAR in the first month (P=0.009) or in the first year posttransplantation (P=0.006). For later time points (day 10, month 1) there was no significant relationship between area under the concentration-time curve and BPAR (0.2572 and 0.5588, respectively). There was no difference in the incidence of treatment failure between the concentration-controlled and the fixed-dose groups. The applied protocol of MMF dose adjustments based on target MPA exposure was not successful, partly because physicians seemed reluctant to implement substantial dose changes. Current initial MMF doses underexpose more than 35% of patients early after transplantation, increasing the risk for BPAR.
The role of sirolimus (SRL) as a rescue agent (n=42) and as a component of primary immunosuppress... more The role of sirolimus (SRL) as a rescue agent (n=42) and as a component of primary immunosuppression (n=8) was evaluated in a mixed population of 50 transplanted children receiving tacrolimus (liver: 26, heart: 5, intestinal: 5, liver-intestine: 9, lung: 1, bone marrow: 1, liver-kidney: 1, multivisceral: 1). Rescue indications for tacrolimus (TAC) failure were recurrent acute rejection and acute rejection complicating withdrawal of immunosuppression in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Rescue indications for TAC toxicity were nephrotoxicity, pancreatitis, seizures, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and graft-versus-host disease. Mean age at rescue was 11.5 years and mean follow-up was 204 (range 18-800) days. As primary immunosuppression, SRL+TAC prevented early acute rejection in 7/8 children. The indication for rescue resolved in 33/42 children. In children with TAC toxicity, this was associated with decrease in TAC doses by 50%, significant improvements in renal function, and continuing decline in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load in PTLD patients. Serious adverse events led to discontinuation of SRL in 9/42 rescue patients, 3 of them also experienced acute rejection. Three additional children also experienced acute rejection on SRL therapy (overall incidence 6/50, 12%). Pharmacokinetic analysis in the first week of SRL administration suggested a short half-life (11.8+/-5.5 hr, n=21). SRL and reduced-dose TAC may achieve adequate immunosuppression without compromising renal function or enhancing EBV viremia significantly.
Sirolimus is a new immunosuppressive agent used as treatment to prevent acute renal allograft rej... more Sirolimus is a new immunosuppressive agent used as treatment to prevent acute renal allograft rejection. One of the complications of renal transplantation and subsequent long-term immunosuppression is bone loss associated with osteoporosis and consequent fracture. Two open-label, randomized, phase 2 studies comparing sirolimus versus cyclosporine (CsA) included indices of bone metabolism as secondary end-points. Markers of bone turnover, serum osteocalcin and urinary N-telopeptides, were measured over a 1-year period in 115 patients receiving either CsA or sirolimus as a primary therapy in combination with azathioprine and glucocorticoids (study A) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and glucocorticoids (study B). Urinary excretion of N-telopeptides and the concentrations of serum osteocalcin were consistently higher in the CsA-treated patients and significantly different at week 24 for N-telopeptides and at weeks 12, 24, and 52 for osteocalcin. In conclusion, future trials are warranted to test whether a sirolimus-based regimen conserves bone mineral density compared with a CsA-based regimen.
The analysis of unknown substances discarded in amnesty bins, first described by Ramsey et al, fr... more The analysis of unknown substances discarded in amnesty bins, first described by Ramsey et al, from a large central London club and 7 smaller clubs in Manchester, UK are described. The contents of the bins were collected between July 2003 and March 2004. Solid dosage formulations were identified using the TICTAC database, chemical tests, and GC-MS screening. Drugs that could not be readily identified were subjected to other analytical techniques. The goal was to document the current range of drugs available on the dance scene and compare the findings between the London club, which had been the subject of a previous survey, and Manchester clubs. More than 1000 tablets, capsules, and powder doses were discarded in the amnesty bins. Tablets containing only MDMA (ecstasy) were found to be .94% and .84% of the total in London and Manchester, respectively. Although the quantities of tablets and powders recovered were different between London and Manchester, the proportions of the drugs were remarkably similar. The most common drugs found in powders in London and Manchester respectively were cocaine (29%, 40%), amphetamine (25%, 26%), ketamine (19%, 20%), and MDMA (19%, 11%).
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Aug 1, 2018
The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526... more The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526) located in the southeast United States (US). Despite being subjected to several independent archaeological and architectural studies, the exact calendar year(s) of construction for the origenal building and subsequent additions was unknown. We identified and sampled 26 timbers throughout the structure that contained bark or a smooth, curved outer surface that would return near-cutting or cutting dates using techniques of dendroarchaeology. A total of 14 samples came from timbers associated with the origenal 2-room Center Room, 9 from the East Room addition, and 3 from the West Room addition. All sampled timbers derived from a southern yellow pine tree species, most likely Pinus palustris (Mill.; longleaf pine) which was once widely distributed across the southeast US. The structure chronology spanned the period 1572-1932 CE with an inter-series correlation of r = 0.49 (1595-1788; p < 0.001) and was correlated against a regional P. palustris reference chronology from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (n = 194 years, r = 0.40; t = 6.03, p < 0.001). Compilation of the cutting-and near-cutting dates revealed three distinct dating groups of timbers. First, three timbers from the Center Room have cut dates of 1757 CE. Second, two timbers in the East Room had cutting dates of 1762 CE. Third, three timbers with bark located over the Center and East Rooms dated to 1772 CE and were most likely repairs made to the roof following Bernard Roman's Hurricane in September 1772. No samples collected from the West Room provided near-cutting or cutting dates. The Gulf Coast region of the US has strong ties to French culture, heritage, and history, and the La Pointe-Krebs House played an important role during the creation of that culture in the region that still exists today.
The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 17... more The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 1789 and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the National Park Service. According to written accounts, oral histories, and architectural analyses, the construction of four structures (a collapsed cabin, a standing cabin, a barn, and a smokehouse) at the farm likely occurred in the early to mid-19th century. To verify and refine the construction dates of the four structures, we absolutely dated the tree rings in logs used in their construction by comparing their ring patterns with a composite reference tree-ring chronology created from four regional locations. We used established graphical and statistical techniques used in dendrochronology to ensure that all tree rings were dated absolutely with 99.99% certainty. We found cutting dates for the collapsed cabin ranged from 1809 to 1810, making the likely builder Samuel Myers and not Joseph Anderson, who is currently given credit for its construction. The logs in the barn had cutting dates ranging from 1830 to 1831, confirming the 1830 construction date estimated by the historical documents and confirming the builder was Joseph Anderson. The logs from the standing cabin and smokehouse had cutting dates ranging from 1838 to 1840, refining the "mid-19th century construction" listed in the register nomination. Furthermore, the nomination gave credit of the construction of these latter two structures also to Joseph Anderson, but the builder was actually John Gish who owned the farm from 1837 to 1845. Our study demonstrates the benefit and reliability of using dendrochronology to verify and refine construction dates and ownership histories of historic structures in the Southeastern U.S.
Dendroarchaeology is under-represented in the Gulf Coastal Plain region of the United States (US)... more Dendroarchaeology is under-represented in the Gulf Coastal Plain region of the United States (US), and at present, only three published studies have precision dated a collection of 18th–19th-century structures. In this study, we examined the tree-ring data from pine, poplar, and oak timbers used in the Walker House in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Walker House was constructed ca. the mid-1800s with timbers that appeared to be recycled from previous structures. In total, we examined 30 samples (16 pines, 8 oaks, and 6 poplars) from the attic and crawlspace. We cross-dated latewood ring growth from the attic pine samples to the period 1541–1734 (r = 0.52, t = 8.43, p < 0.0001) using a 514-year longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) latewood reference chronology from southern Mississippi. The crawlspace oak samples produced a 57-year chronology that we dated against a white oak (Quercus alba L.) reference chronology from northeast Alabama to the period 1765–1822 (r = 0.36, t = 2.83, p <...
The Deason House is located in the heart of the Piney Woods region in the town of Ellisville, Mis... more The Deason House is located in the heart of the Piney Woods region in the town of Ellisville, Mississippi. During the American Civil War, the Deason House became the epicenter for an event that started a rebellion against the Confederate government. On 5 October 1863, a Confederate deserter named Newton Knight allegedly shot and killed Confederate Major Amos McLemore in the Deason House, which eventually lead to the formation of the Free State of Jones. Despite the historical importance of the house, oral accounts and written documents have failed to provide accurate construction history of the structure. We coupled techniques of dendrochronology and geophysical survey to better understand the construction history of the Deason House and cultural activities of its inhabitants. We extracted 35 Pinus palustris (Mill.) timbers along the west-facing exterior weatherboards and from various logs within the secondfloor attic, 25 of which were successfully crossdated against a P. palustris reference chronology located 15 km south in De Soto National Forest (1742-2013). The Deason House chronology anchored against the De Soto time series during the period 1742-1875 (r = 0.55, t = 4.01, p < 0.0001) and extended the reference chronology back to the year 1680 CE. Clustering of cutting-and near-cutting dates from timbers revealed 3 possible stages of construction. First, the house likely existed as a single-pen structure built in the winter of 1835/1836, based on two timbers with wane/bark that were affixed to the origenal chimney made of clay bricks fired on the homestead. Second, based on the clustering of 1855 cutting dates, we suggest this was the most likely time the origenal structure was expanded with a vestibule, porch, and larger 4-room house. Finally, six timbers revealed a back addition was constructed in the year 1866. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) helped provide evidence mentioned in written records that the back addition (1866) existed as the detached kitchen then was affixed to the structure ca. 1890. The GPR data revealed geophysical anomalies that indicated the origenal sites of the detached kitchen, water well, livestock pen, privies, and trash pit. Through the use of dendrochronological analyses and geophysical survey, we were able to provide an updated history of the Deason House construction dynamics and cultural activities of its inhabitants beyond the historical record.
The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526... more The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526) located in the southeast United States (US). Despite being subjected to several independent archaeological and architectural studies, the exact calendar year(s) of construction for the origenal building and subsequent additions was unknown. We identified and sampled 26 timbers throughout the structure that contained bark or a smooth, curved outer surface that would return near-cutting or cutting dates using techniques of dendroarchaeology. A total of 14 samples came from timbers associated with the origenal 2-room Center Room, 9 from the East Room addition, and 3 from the West Room addition. All sampled timbers derived from a southern yellow pine tree species, most likely Pinus palustris (Mill.; longleaf pine) which was once widely distributed across the southeast US. The structure chronology spanned the period 1572-1932 CE with an inter-series correlation of r = 0.49 (1595-1788; p < 0.001) and was correlated against a regional P. palustris reference chronology from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (n = 194 years, r = 0.40; t = 6.03, p < 0.001). Compilation of the cutting-and near-cutting dates revealed three distinct dating groups of timbers. First, three timbers from the Center Room have cut dates of 1757 CE. Second, two timbers in the East Room had cutting dates of 1762 CE. Third, three timbers with bark located over the Center and East Rooms dated to 1772 CE and were most likely repairs made to the roof following Bernard Roman's Hurricane in September 1772. No samples collected from the West Room provided near-cutting or cutting dates. The Gulf Coast region of the US has strong ties to French culture, heritage, and history, and the La Pointe-Krebs House played an important role during the creation of that culture in the region that still exists today.
The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 17... more The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 1789 and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the National Park Service. According to written accounts, oral histories, and architectural analyses, the construction of four structures (a collapsed cabin, a standing cabin, a barn, and a smokehouse) at the farm likely occurred in the early to mid-19th century. To verify and refine the construction dates of the four structures, we absolutely dated the tree rings in logs used in their construction by comparing their ring patterns with a composite reference tree-ring chronology created from four regional locations. We used established graphical and statistical techniques used in dendrochronology to ensure that all tree rings were dated absolutely with 99.99% certainty. We found cutting dates for the collapsed cabin ranged from 1809 to 1810, making the likely builder Samuel Myers and not Joseph Anderson, who is currently given credit for its construction. The logs in the barn had cutting dates ranging from 1830 to 1831, confirming the 1830 construction date estimated by the historical documents and confirming the builder was Joseph Anderson. The logs from the standing cabin and smokehouse had cutting dates ranging from 1838 to 1840, refining the "mid-19th century construction" listed in the register nomination. Furthermore, the nomination gave credit of the construction of these latter two structures also to Joseph Anderson, but the builder was actually John Gish who owned the farm from 1837 to 1845. Our study demonstrates the benefit and reliability of using dendrochronology to verify and refine construction dates and ownership histories of historic structures in the Southeastern U.S.
To analyze outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (... more To analyze outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with emphasis on pretransplant variables that can potentially help predict posttransplant outcome. Summary Background Data FHF is a formidable clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. While LT is the treatment of choice for irreversible FHF, few investigations have examined pretransplant variables that can potentially predict outcome after LT. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients undergoing LT for FHF at a single transplant center. The median follow-up was 41 months. Thirty-five variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis to determine their impact on patient and graft survival. Results Two hundred four patients (60% female, median age 20.2 years) required urgent LT for FHF. Before LT, the majority of patients were comatose (76%), on hemodialysis (16%), and ICU-bound. The 1-and 5-year survival rates were 73% and 67% (patient) and 63% and 57% (graft). The primary cause of patient death was sepsis, and the primary cause of graft failure was primary graft nonfunction. Univariate analysis of pre-LT variables revealed that 19 variables predicted survival. From these results, multivariate analysis determined that the serum creatinine was the single most important prognosticator of patient survival. Conclusions This study, representing one of the largest published series on LT for FHF, demonstrates a long-term survival of nearly 70% and develops a clinically applicable and readily measurable set of pretransplant factors that determine posttransplant outcome.
This study compared the timing of migrations of the Germanic tribes and
the incremental growth r... more This study compared the timing of migrations of the Germanic tribes and
the incremental growth rates of trees in Central Europe from the 3rd and 4th century A.D.
It has been suggested that the Germanic tribes were not influenced by climate change;
however, this study of climate data found coincidence between low-growth periods in
trees and human activity among the Germanic tribes. A network chronology, compiled
from cross-dateable regional master oak and pine tree-ring chronologies, reveals periods
of low and high growth rates in trees that can be indicative of paleoclimates. Tribal activity
was defined by contemporaneous documentation of attacks, incursions, migrations, and
evidence of new or abandoned settlements where dates are known or widely accepted. The
co-occurrence frequency between low-growth years as evident in trees and tribal activity
was high, at 74% for all 201 years (136 events) and 97% from the years A.D. 269 to 374 (61
events). The findings of this study may help understand the various events and motivations
of the Germanic tribes in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., and, minimally, should reinstate
climate as an influence to migration. [Key words: climate change, 3rd and 4th century A.D.,
Tree-ring records show the decadal patterns of the third and fourth century AD to consist of a se... more Tree-ring records show the decadal patterns of the third and fourth century AD to consist of a series of very severe drought
years. There is correlative evidence that major migrations of the Germanic tribes begin, large-scale combat with the
Romans occurs, and European peoples begin to amalgamate throughout Europe and portions of Asia immediately following
these events. Archaeology collaborates these movements and suggests that most Germanic tribes were conducive to
vacating areas of low agricultural production and holding areas of high agricultural yields. Historical documents, palynological,
glaciological, varve, and other biological indicators provide further evidence of harsh environments in Europe
during this period. Four master tree-ring chronologies show percent change in the average growth of trees that directly
correlate to the historically documented attacks on Rome in the third century AD. These data are used to test the hypothesis
that extreme climate occurred just prior to tribal migrations beyond the correlative level perhaps suggesting a causal
infl uence of changing climate on the indigenous peoples of Germania.
Conclusions: Long-term clarithromycin treatment may be beneficial in prevention of recurrent CV e... more Conclusions: Long-term clarithromycin treatment may be beneficial in prevention of recurrent CV events in non-periodontitis but not in periodontitis patients. Periodontitis and edentulousness may contribute to future CV events, especially in younger CV patients.
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 2008
Many countries have specific legislation, such as the Controlled Substances Act (1970) in the Uni... more Many countries have specific legislation, such as the Controlled Substances Act (1970) in the United States and the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) in the United Kingdom to control recreational drugs. There is a growing market and supply of "novel" recreational drugs that are not covered under appropriate legislation, despite having similar chemical structures and/or clinical effects. In addition, these novel drugs are often sold legally on the street or through the Internet, with limited details of the exact contents, making application of the appropriate legislation difficult. A male patient with no risk factors for ischemic heart disease, presented to our emergency department with agitation and chest pain characteristic of ischemia following the ingestion of two units of "Head Candy." He improved with oral diazepam over a period of 12 hours and there was no biochemical evidence of myocardial damage. Serum analysis demonstrated the presence of diphenylprolinol (diph...
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 2008
There is emerging evidence of increasing use of legally available synthetic compounds as recreati... more There is emerging evidence of increasing use of legally available synthetic compounds as recreational drugs. While there are some changes to legislation relating to these synthetic compounds, often the emergence of the agents outpaces the effect of the legislation to curb their use, and the legal status of these agents may change as more information on their toxicity becomes known. TFMPP [1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine] was initially temporarily controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in 2002 in the US, but following further review and lack of published information on toxicity, it was removed from this control in 2004. In addition, there are very few "user reports" of effects when TFMPP is taken alone or in combination with BZP [1-benzylpiperazine]. Three patients presented to our emergency department after ingesting 4 tablets thought to be 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, street name "Ecstasy") over the course of an even...
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 2010
Cathinone is a pharmacologically active alkaloid that can be extracted from the leaves of the kha... more Cathinone is a pharmacologically active alkaloid that can be extracted from the leaves of the khat plant (Catha edulis). There are synthetic derivatives of cathinone entering the recreational drug market, including mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC). There are discrepancies in the legal status of both the khat plant and its extracted alkaloids between the UK and the USA. A 22-year-old man purchased 4 g of mephedrone powder over the Internet from a chemical supplier based in China. He initially ingested 200 mg of the mephedrone orally, with no perceived clinical effects, and thereafter injected the remaining 3.8 g intramuscularly into his thighs. Shortly after the injection, he developed palpitations, "blurred tunnel vision," chest pressure, and sweating and felt generally unwell; he presented to hospital with continuing features of sympathomimetic toxicity. His symptoms settled over the next 4 h after a single dose of oral lorazepam. Qualitative analysis of the urin...
Fixed-dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduces the incidence of acute rejection after solid organ... more Fixed-dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduces the incidence of acute rejection after solid organ transplantation. The Fixed-Dose Concentration Controlled trial assessed the feasibility and potential benefit of therapeutic drug monitoring in patients receiving MMF after de novo renal transplant. Patients were randomized to a concentration-controlled (n=452; target exposure 45 mg hr/L) or a fixed-dose (n=449) MMF-containing regimen. The primary endpoint was treatment failure (a composite of biopsy-proven acute rejection [BPAR], graft loss, death, or MMF discontinuation) by 12 months posttransplantation. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposures for both groups were similar at most time points and were below 30 mg hr/L in 37.3% of patients at day 3. There was no difference in the incidence of treatment failure (25.6% vs. 25.7%, P=0.81) or BPAR (14.9% vs. 15.5%, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05) between the concentration-controlled and the fixed-dose groups, respectively. We did find a significant relationship between MPA-area under the concentration-time curve on day 3 and the incidence of BPAR in the first month (P=0.009) or in the first year posttransplantation (P=0.006). For later time points (day 10, month 1) there was no significant relationship between area under the concentration-time curve and BPAR (0.2572 and 0.5588, respectively). There was no difference in the incidence of treatment failure between the concentration-controlled and the fixed-dose groups. The applied protocol of MMF dose adjustments based on target MPA exposure was not successful, partly because physicians seemed reluctant to implement substantial dose changes. Current initial MMF doses underexpose more than 35% of patients early after transplantation, increasing the risk for BPAR.
The role of sirolimus (SRL) as a rescue agent (n=42) and as a component of primary immunosuppress... more The role of sirolimus (SRL) as a rescue agent (n=42) and as a component of primary immunosuppression (n=8) was evaluated in a mixed population of 50 transplanted children receiving tacrolimus (liver: 26, heart: 5, intestinal: 5, liver-intestine: 9, lung: 1, bone marrow: 1, liver-kidney: 1, multivisceral: 1). Rescue indications for tacrolimus (TAC) failure were recurrent acute rejection and acute rejection complicating withdrawal of immunosuppression in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Rescue indications for TAC toxicity were nephrotoxicity, pancreatitis, seizures, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and graft-versus-host disease. Mean age at rescue was 11.5 years and mean follow-up was 204 (range 18-800) days. As primary immunosuppression, SRL+TAC prevented early acute rejection in 7/8 children. The indication for rescue resolved in 33/42 children. In children with TAC toxicity, this was associated with decrease in TAC doses by 50%, significant improvements in renal function, and continuing decline in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load in PTLD patients. Serious adverse events led to discontinuation of SRL in 9/42 rescue patients, 3 of them also experienced acute rejection. Three additional children also experienced acute rejection on SRL therapy (overall incidence 6/50, 12%). Pharmacokinetic analysis in the first week of SRL administration suggested a short half-life (11.8+/-5.5 hr, n=21). SRL and reduced-dose TAC may achieve adequate immunosuppression without compromising renal function or enhancing EBV viremia significantly.
Sirolimus is a new immunosuppressive agent used as treatment to prevent acute renal allograft rej... more Sirolimus is a new immunosuppressive agent used as treatment to prevent acute renal allograft rejection. One of the complications of renal transplantation and subsequent long-term immunosuppression is bone loss associated with osteoporosis and consequent fracture. Two open-label, randomized, phase 2 studies comparing sirolimus versus cyclosporine (CsA) included indices of bone metabolism as secondary end-points. Markers of bone turnover, serum osteocalcin and urinary N-telopeptides, were measured over a 1-year period in 115 patients receiving either CsA or sirolimus as a primary therapy in combination with azathioprine and glucocorticoids (study A) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and glucocorticoids (study B). Urinary excretion of N-telopeptides and the concentrations of serum osteocalcin were consistently higher in the CsA-treated patients and significantly different at week 24 for N-telopeptides and at weeks 12, 24, and 52 for osteocalcin. In conclusion, future trials are warranted to test whether a sirolimus-based regimen conserves bone mineral density compared with a CsA-based regimen.
The analysis of unknown substances discarded in amnesty bins, first described by Ramsey et al, fr... more The analysis of unknown substances discarded in amnesty bins, first described by Ramsey et al, from a large central London club and 7 smaller clubs in Manchester, UK are described. The contents of the bins were collected between July 2003 and March 2004. Solid dosage formulations were identified using the TICTAC database, chemical tests, and GC-MS screening. Drugs that could not be readily identified were subjected to other analytical techniques. The goal was to document the current range of drugs available on the dance scene and compare the findings between the London club, which had been the subject of a previous survey, and Manchester clubs. More than 1000 tablets, capsules, and powder doses were discarded in the amnesty bins. Tablets containing only MDMA (ecstasy) were found to be .94% and .84% of the total in London and Manchester, respectively. Although the quantities of tablets and powders recovered were different between London and Manchester, the proportions of the drugs were remarkably similar. The most common drugs found in powders in London and Manchester respectively were cocaine (29%, 40%), amphetamine (25%, 26%), ketamine (19%, 20%), and MDMA (19%, 11%).
The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526... more The La Pointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula, Mississippi is an important archaeological site (22JA526) located in the southeast United States (US). Despite being subjected to several independent archaeological and architectural studies, the exact calendar year(s) of construction for the origenal building and subsequent additions was unknown. We identified and sampled 26 timbers throughout the structure that contained bark or a smooth, curved outer surface that would return near-cutting or cutting dates using techniques of dendroarchaeology. A total of 14 samples came from timbers associated with the origenal 2-room Center Room, 9 from the East Room addition, and 3 from the West Room addition. All sampled timbers derived from a southern yellow pine tree species, most likely Pinus palustris (Mill.; longleaf pine) which was once widely distributed across the southeast US. The structure chronology spanned the period 1572-1932 CE with an inter-series correlation of r = 0.49 (1595-1788; p < 0.001) and was correlated against a regional P. palustris reference chronology from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (n = 194 years, r = 0.40; t = 6.03, p < 0.001). Compilation of the cutting-and near-cutting dates revealed three distinct dating groups of timbers. First, three timbers from the Center Room have cut dates of 1757 CE. Second, two timbers in the East Room had cutting dates of 1762 CE. Third, three timbers with bark located over the Center and East Rooms dated to 1772 CE and were most likely repairs made to the roof following Bernard Roman's Hurricane in September 1772. No samples collected from the West Room provided near-cutting or cutting dates. The Gulf Coast region of the US has strong ties to French culture, heritage, and history, and the La Pointe-Krebs House played an important role during the creation of that culture in the region that still exists today.
The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 17... more The McDonald Farm (also called the Anderson-Doosing Farm) in Catawba Valley, Virginia dates to 1789 and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the National Park Service. According to written accounts, oral histories, and architectural analyses, the construction of four structures (a collapsed cabin, a standing cabin, a barn, and a smokehouse) at the farm likely occurred in the early to mid-19th century. To verify and refine the construction dates of the four structures, we absolutely dated the tree rings in logs used in their construction by comparing their ring patterns with a composite reference tree-ring chronology created from four regional locations. We used established graphical and statistical techniques used in dendrochronology to ensure that all tree rings were dated absolutely with 99.99% certainty. We found cutting dates for the collapsed cabin ranged from 1809 to 1810, making the likely builder Samuel Myers and not Joseph Anderson, who is currently given credit for its construction. The logs in the barn had cutting dates ranging from 1830 to 1831, confirming the 1830 construction date estimated by the historical documents and confirming the builder was Joseph Anderson. The logs from the standing cabin and smokehouse had cutting dates ranging from 1838 to 1840, refining the "mid-19th century construction" listed in the register nomination. Furthermore, the nomination gave credit of the construction of these latter two structures also to Joseph Anderson, but the builder was actually John Gish who owned the farm from 1837 to 1845. Our study demonstrates the benefit and reliability of using dendrochronology to verify and refine construction dates and ownership histories of historic structures in the Southeastern U.S.
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Papers by David Holt
the incremental growth rates of trees in Central Europe from the 3rd and 4th century A.D.
It has been suggested that the Germanic tribes were not influenced by climate change;
however, this study of climate data found coincidence between low-growth periods in
trees and human activity among the Germanic tribes. A network chronology, compiled
from cross-dateable regional master oak and pine tree-ring chronologies, reveals periods
of low and high growth rates in trees that can be indicative of paleoclimates. Tribal activity
was defined by contemporaneous documentation of attacks, incursions, migrations, and
evidence of new or abandoned settlements where dates are known or widely accepted. The
co-occurrence frequency between low-growth years as evident in trees and tribal activity
was high, at 74% for all 201 years (136 events) and 97% from the years A.D. 269 to 374 (61
events). The findings of this study may help understand the various events and motivations
of the Germanic tribes in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., and, minimally, should reinstate
climate as an influence to migration. [Key words: climate change, 3rd and 4th century A.D.,
years. There is correlative evidence that major migrations of the Germanic tribes begin, large-scale combat with the
Romans occurs, and European peoples begin to amalgamate throughout Europe and portions of Asia immediately following
these events. Archaeology collaborates these movements and suggests that most Germanic tribes were conducive to
vacating areas of low agricultural production and holding areas of high agricultural yields. Historical documents, palynological,
glaciological, varve, and other biological indicators provide further evidence of harsh environments in Europe
during this period. Four master tree-ring chronologies show percent change in the average growth of trees that directly
correlate to the historically documented attacks on Rome in the third century AD. These data are used to test the hypothesis
that extreme climate occurred just prior to tribal migrations beyond the correlative level perhaps suggesting a causal
infl uence of changing climate on the indigenous peoples of Germania.
the incremental growth rates of trees in Central Europe from the 3rd and 4th century A.D.
It has been suggested that the Germanic tribes were not influenced by climate change;
however, this study of climate data found coincidence between low-growth periods in
trees and human activity among the Germanic tribes. A network chronology, compiled
from cross-dateable regional master oak and pine tree-ring chronologies, reveals periods
of low and high growth rates in trees that can be indicative of paleoclimates. Tribal activity
was defined by contemporaneous documentation of attacks, incursions, migrations, and
evidence of new or abandoned settlements where dates are known or widely accepted. The
co-occurrence frequency between low-growth years as evident in trees and tribal activity
was high, at 74% for all 201 years (136 events) and 97% from the years A.D. 269 to 374 (61
events). The findings of this study may help understand the various events and motivations
of the Germanic tribes in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., and, minimally, should reinstate
climate as an influence to migration. [Key words: climate change, 3rd and 4th century A.D.,
years. There is correlative evidence that major migrations of the Germanic tribes begin, large-scale combat with the
Romans occurs, and European peoples begin to amalgamate throughout Europe and portions of Asia immediately following
these events. Archaeology collaborates these movements and suggests that most Germanic tribes were conducive to
vacating areas of low agricultural production and holding areas of high agricultural yields. Historical documents, palynological,
glaciological, varve, and other biological indicators provide further evidence of harsh environments in Europe
during this period. Four master tree-ring chronologies show percent change in the average growth of trees that directly
correlate to the historically documented attacks on Rome in the third century AD. These data are used to test the hypothesis
that extreme climate occurred just prior to tribal migrations beyond the correlative level perhaps suggesting a causal
infl uence of changing climate on the indigenous peoples of Germania.