Plains Facts

Abstract

During the summer of 1960, 8 burial or storage pits were uncovered at the Leary site 25RH1, Richardson County, Nebraska by a bulldozer of the county highway department. A rush archaeological salvage excavation was conducted, Remains of at least 3 individuals were recovered, Pottery resembles that excavated from the site in 1935 by the Nebraska State Historical Society and is classified as Oneota, A wine bottle of the type manufactured by the William McCully Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania between 1832 and 1890 was recovered from an undisturbed part of a storage pit. It is thought to be intrusive through rodent action.     

Copper as essential to wheat reproduction

Summary The role of Cu in promoting the reproductive phase of growth was examined using Thatcher spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plants were grown in limed Bladen soil (pH 5.3) in a controlled growth room. The plants were first harvested when five leaves had developed (day 23) and some top leaves of Cu-deficient (-Cu) plants had rolled (withertip) indicating a Cu deficiency. The leaves were shorter on Cu than Cu-sufficient (+Cu) plants, and fewer leaves developed. As they entered the reproductive growth phase, +Cu plants accumulated reducing sugars and reduced 2, 3, 5- triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) in their stems, while Cu plants had lower concentration of the reducing sugars and very little TTC was reduced indicating a reduction in energy and in reducing capacity. Thin-layer-chromatography showed that top leaves of Cu plants contained higher concentrations of aspartic acid, alanine, and serine; and less aminobutyric acid than +Cu plants. Nitrate, P, and K concentrations were higher, and Ca and Cu were lower in Cu than in +Cu plants.Contribution of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Stress Laboratory, Northeast Region, Beltsville, MD 20705 and North Central Region, Department of Agronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583 as Paper No.5187, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.Contribution of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Stress Laboratory, Northeast Region, Beltsville, MD 20705 and North Central Region, Department of Agronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583 as Paper No.5187, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Population Dynamics of Sugar Beets, Rhizoctonia solani, and Laetisaria arvalis: Responses of a Host, Plant Pathogen, and Hyperparasite to Perturbation in the Field

Rhizoctonia solani causes crown rot of sugar beets, a severe disease that has destroyed up to 60% of the plants in a test field in western Nebraska. Laetisaria arvalis, a natural hyperparasite of Rhizoctonia spp., was isolated from fields in western Nebraska. To test for the potential for biological control of R. solani, in November 1980 (following harvest) we applied various combinations of a nematicide (Telone II; Dow Chemical Co.), a nutrition source (sugar beet pulp), and an inoculum of L. arvalis in a randomized block design. Populations of R. solani, L. arvalis, and sugar beets were monitored monthly through October 1981 (just after harvest). In control and nematicide plots, the R. solani population did not change significantly through time. In plots inoculated with L. arvalis, the R. solani populations declined through March, concomitant with an increase in L. arvalis. L. arvalis then declined with a corresponding increase in the R. solani populations. Beet plant numbers declined significantly in all treatments. We suggest that reduction of the R. solani populations with the hyperparasite L. arvalis is possible but that a stable equilibrium naturally exists.     

Comparing test cultivars using reliability functions of test-check differences from on-farm trials

An approach to selection is proposed that is based on the probabilities that a test cultivar outperforms a check by more than an amount d in a future environment. The function that gives these probabilities for all possible values of d is called the reliability function. When d=0, the value of the reliability function is the probability that the test cultivar outperforms the check. The method is illustrated using data from on-farm maize (Zea mays L.) strip test trials grown cooperatively by Pioneer Hi-bred International and farmers. Results indicate that reliability functions are useful for evaluating how test cultivars perform relative to a check across a range of environments since the location, slope and shape of the reliability function may be used to describe a test cultivar's performance, similarity to the check and stability, and identify environments where the test cultivar has performance problems.Contribution from the Agric Res Div, Univ Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. Paper No. 9913.     

Juvenile rickets and hyperparathyroidism in the Arctic fox

Three of seven Arctic fox kits, Alopex lagopus, trapped on St. Paul Island, Alaska, had evidence of rickets and hyperparathyroidism. Radiographic, morphologic and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. The disease was presumed to be a juvenile-onset disease due to calcium-deficient intake following weaning. The possibility of insufficient exposure to sunlight could not be determined. No other abnormalities (e.g., genitourinary) were found. Skeletal involvement was quite varied. All growth plates exhibited columnar hyperplasia compatible with rickets, while the metaphyses showed decreased trabeculation and cortical thinning compatible with osteodystrophia fibrosa. One fox had bilateral metaphyseal fractures through this osteodystrophic bone.     

Distribution and prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in wild predators in Nebraska,Kansas, and Wyoming

To further determine the distribution and prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the central United States, 245 wild canids (125 red foxes, 120 coyotes) and 33 bobcats were collected from Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming and examined for this parasite. Animals examined included 11 red foxes from the western panhandle of Nebraska; 5 red foxes and 30 coyotes from southern Nebraska; 56 red foxes and 1 coyote from northeastern Nebraska; 20 red foxes, 63 coyotes, and 13 bobcats from northern Kansas; 2 red foxes, 26 coyotes, and 20 bobcats from southern Kansas; and 31 red foxes from east-central Wyoming. Of these, 27 of 72 (37.5%) red foxes from Nebraska were positive, including 2 of 11 (18.2%) from the western panhandle and 25 of 56 (44.6%) from the northeastern part of the state. Mean intensity of infection was 282 worms (range, 1-5,150). New distribution records were established for E. multilocularis in western Nebraska as well as for several northeastern counties. These findings support previous estimates that the southernmost front of the parasite's range extends along the southern border of Wyoming, eastward through central Nebraska and central Illinois into Indiana and Ohio.     

TCT联合HPV检测诊断宫颈病变的临床价值分析

目的:探讨新柏氏液基细胞学技术(TCT)联合人乳头瘤病毒(human papilloma virus,HPV)检测诊断宫颈病变的临床价值。方法:选择哈尔滨医科大学附属第一医院妇科门诊收治的6752例患者,采集其宫颈脱落细胞进行TCT检测,登记患者的年龄及宫颈外观。分别随机选取TCT阳性和阴性结果的患者144例进行HPV检测及阴道镜下活检,分析和比较TCT单独及联合HPV检测诊断宫颈病变的敏感性和特异性。结果:宫颈柱状上皮细胞的外移程度及患者的年龄与宫颈TCT结果均无显著相关性。单独TCT检测诊断宫颈病变的灵敏度为87.04%,特异性为58.55%;单独HPV检测诊断宫颈病变的灵敏度为62.96%,特异性为81.62%;而联合测诊断宫颈病变的灵敏度为100%,特异度为48.29%。结论:TCT联合HPV检测可显著降低宫颈病变的漏诊率。     

Serologic survey of selected pathogens in white-tailed and mule deer in western Nebraska

Exposure of free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in western Nebraska to selected livestock pathogens was determined by serology and attempted virus isolation. Antibodies to bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus were present in both species of deer. No serologic reactors to Brucella or Anaplasma were found. Attempts to isolate bluetongue virus were negative.     

Temporal and geospatial trends of pediatric cancer incidence in Nebraska over a 24-year period

BackgroundData from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) revealed that the incidence of pediatric cancer in Nebraska exceeded the national average during 2009–2013. Further investigation could help understand these patterns.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study investigated pediatric cancer (0–19 years old) age adjusted incidence rates (AAR) in Nebraska using the Nebraska Cancer Registry. SEER AARs were also calculated as a proxy for pediatric cancer incidence in the United States (1990–2013) and compared to the Nebraska data. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was also used to display the spatial distribution of cancer in Nebraska at the county level. Finally, location–allocation analysis (LAA) was performed to identify a site for the placement of a medical center to best accommodate rural pediatric cancer cases.ResultsThe AAR of pediatric cancers was 173.3 per 1,000,000 in Nebraska compared to 167.1 per 1,000,000 in SEER. The AAR for lymphoma was significantly higher in Nebraska (28.1 vs. 24.6 per 1,000,000; p = 0.009). For the 15–19 age group, the AAR for the 3 most common pediatric cancers were higher in Nebraska (p < 0.05). Twenty-three counties located >2 h driving distance to care facilities showed at least a 10% higher incidence than the overall state AAR. GIS mapping identified a second potential treatment site that would alleviate this geographic burden.ConclusionsRegional differences within Nebraska present a challenge for rural populations. Novel use of GIS mapping to highlight regional differences and identify solutions for access to care issues could be used by similar states.     

Observations on the cervix uteri of the squirrel monkey

The squirrel monkey uterine cervix was studied macroscopically and microscopically in intact and ovariectomized monkeys. The effect in ovariectomized monkeys of estradiol dipropionate or progesterone of both given after estrogen priming was studied by PAS staining. The lower portion of the cervix was dilated to form a vestibule into which projected fibromuscular colliculi which arose from the isthmic end of the cervix. The stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina was continuous through the external os with a similar epithelium lining the vestibule and covering the external surfaces of the colliculi. The transitional zone between the stratified epithelium and columnar cells was variable. The colliculi were covered internally with mucosal folds of columnar epithelium continuous with those of the endocervical canal. Glycogen concentration in the smooth muscle did not fluctuate markedly, irrespective of the hormones used. Glycogen granules were more numerous in the stratified squamous epithelium. Malt-diastase-resistant material appeared to be more abundant in the columnar epithelium and glandular lumina when the monkeys received both hormones than when they received solely estrogen or progesterone.     

ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY THE CECROPIA MIDGUT : II. Fine Structure of the Midgut Epithelium

A morphological basis for transcellular potassium transport in the midgut of the mature fifth instar larvae of Hyalophora cecropia has been established through studies with the light and electron microscopes. The single-layered epithelium consists of two distinct cell types, the columnar cell and the goblet cell. No regenerative cells are present. Both columnar and goblet cells rest on a well developed basement lamina. The basal portion of the columnar cell is incompletely divided into compartments by deep infoldings of the plasma membrane, whereas the apical end consists of numerous cytoplasmic projections, each of which is covered with a fine fuzzy or filamentous material. The cytoplasm of this cell contains large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, microtubules, and mitochondria. In the basal region of the cell the mitochondria are oriented parallel to the long axes of the folded plasma-lemma, but in the intermediate and apical portions they are randomly scattered within the cytoplasmic matrix. Compared to the columnar cell, the goblet cell has relatively little endoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, the plications of the plasma membrane of the goblet cell greatly exceed those of the columnar cell. One can distinguish at least four characteristic types of folding: (a) basal podocytelike extensions, (b) lateral evaginations, (c) apical microvilli, and (d) specialized cytoplasmic projections which line the goblet chamber. Apically, the projections are large and branch to form villus-like units, whereas in the major portion of the cavity each projection appears to contain an elongate mitochondrion. Junctional complexes of similar kind and position appear between neighboring columnar cells and between adjacent columnar and goblet cells as follows: a zonula adherens is found near the luminal surface and is followed by one or more zonulae occludentes. The morphological data obtained in this study and the physiological information on ion transport through the midgut epithelium have encouraged us to suggest that the goblet cell may be the principal unit of active potassium transport from the hemolymph to the lumen of the midgut. We have postulated that ion accumulation by mitochondria in close association with plicated plasma membranes may play a role in the active movement of potassium across the midgut.     

Regulatory peptides in the urinary bladder of two genera of Antarctic teleosts

Somatostatin 14, prolactin, atrial natriuretic peptide, galanin and urotensin II were found using immunohistochemistry in the urinary bladders of the Antarctic fishes Trematomus bernacchii (Nototheniidae) and Chionodraco hamatus (Channichthyidae) caught in the Ross Sea. The urinary bladders of the two species showed a different histology in the epithelial layer. In T. bernacchii the epithelium comprises a single type of columnar cells, while in C. hamatus the columnar cells are restricted to the ventral portion of the bladder, and the dorso-lateral region is lined by cuboidal cells. No difference in the intensity of the immunostaining was observed in the two cell types; the only variation was a different distribution of the immunoreactions, which were present in the whole cytoplasm in the cuboidal cells and restricted to the apical and/or basal portion of the columnar cells. Accepted: 1 November 1998     

Prevalence of agglutinating antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in adult and fetal mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Nebraska

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite of mammals and birds. Herbivores acquire postnatal infection by ingesting oocysts from contaminated food or water. Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, but little is known about the prevalence of infection in mule deer, O. hemionus. We examined sera from 89 mule deer from Nebraska for agglutinating antibodies to T. gondii using the modified direct agglutination test (MAT) with formalin-fixed tachyzoites as antigen. Thirty-one (35%) of the samples were positive at dilutions of > or = 1:25. Samples were examined from 29 fetuses from these mule deer and none were positive in the MAT. Sera from 14 white-tailed deer from Nebraska were also examined and 6 (43%) were positive for T. gondii. Samples were examined from 5 fetuses from these white-tailed deer and none was positive in the MAT. Our results in both deer species from Nebraska are similar to studies conducted in white-tailed deer from other regions of the United States. Our findings indicate that mule deer are frequently infected with T. gondii and that mule-deer meat may be a source of human infection.     

Absence of tuberculosis in free-ranging deer in Nebraska

Lymph nodes from 271 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Nebraska (USA) were examined microscopically for tuberculoid lesions. Lymph nodes lesions in at least one node were found in 12 deer. Lesions were examined with Zeihl-Neelson acid fast stains and by polymerase chain reactions using M. bovis specific probes. No evidence of tuberculosis was found. The small granulomatous lesions were likely caused by other bacteria.     

Reproductive biology of Echinopsis terscheckii (Cactaceae): the role of nocturnal and diurnal pollinators

The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive biology of Echinopsis terscheckii, a species endemic to northwest Argentina that has nocturnal flowers. We expected that this species had a generalised pollination system, with moths and diurnal visitors as the primary pollinators. To test this, we studied the floral biology, breeding system and floral visitors of this species and the effectiveness of nocturnal and diurnal visitors. Floral biology was defined based on floral morphology, floral cycle and nectar production of the flowers. The breeding system and relative contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to fruit and seed set were analysed through field experiments. E.?terscheckii flowers opened at sunset and closed the following day. The peak of nectar production occurred at midnight. Flowers were determined to be self-incompatible. Moths, bees and birds were identified as floral visitors. Moths were the most frequent visitors at night, whereas bees were the most frequent visitors during the day. Fruit production by diurnal pollinators was less than that by nocturnal pollinators; among all floral visitors, moths were the most effective pollinators. We have demonstrated for the first time that moths are the primary pollinators of columnar cacti of the genus Echinopsis. Our results suggest that moths might be important pollinators of columnar cactus species with nocturnal flowers in the extra-tropical deserts of South America.     

Ultrastructural changes in the abdominal midgut of the mosquito, Culiseta melanura, during the gonotrophic cycle

Abdominal midguts of the mosquito, Culiseta melanura, were examined by light and electron microscopy 1 hr-14 days days after blood feeding. Epithelial cells were drastically altered from columnar to squamous in form after engorgement, and returned to columnar by day 4 after feeding. Accumulation of mitochondria along brush borders of digestive cells, followed by the appearance of large secondary lysosomes, accompanied blood digestion. Evidence was obtained that myelin-like material in the lysosomes, probably the result of mitochondrial autolysis, is extruded into the lumen. Digestive cells resumed their pre-blood meal appearance by 10-14 days post-engorgement. Regenerative cells were scattered throughout the basal portion of the epithelium, along with endocrine cells. Other midgut cells containing large, microvilli-lined apical cavities were identified in most specimens. No evidence of division or differentiation was obtained for any cell types.     

The inhibition of seedling growth by crop residues in soil inoculated withPenicillium urticae Bainer

Summary Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects of crop residues, without and withPenicillium urticae Bainer inoculation, on growth of wheat seedlings in soil. Fifty grams of Sharpsburg silty clay loam soil, containing 1% by weight of incorporated alfalfa, sorghum and corn stover residue, were placed in petri dishes, autoclaved, wetted to 40% moisture, and incubated at 24°C. for periods of 2, 3, and 4 weeks. One-half of the petri dishes were inoculated withP. urticae. Germination and seedling-shoot measurements were taken after 7 days of growth.The results of this study showed that (1) inoculation of soil generally reduced seedling height regardless of the residue treatment; (2) inoculation of soil containing corn and sorghum residues resulted in greater tissue production but reduced height of seedlings as compared to non-inoculated soils; and (3) in the absence of residues, the inoculated control soils were a better growth medium for wheat seedlings than were the non-inoculated control soils. In addition, alfalfa residues, especially in the presence ofP. urticae, were strongly inhibitory to the wheat seedlings, causing curling and reduced wheat-seedling root growth.Joint contribution from University of Nebraska and Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, Lincoln, Nebraska, cooperating. Published with the approval of the Director as Paper No. 1242, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Intermediate epithelium lining the mouse auditory tube

In the newborn mouse, the auditory tube is lined throughout the pharyngeal orifice to the tympanic orifice with ciliated columnar epithelium. In the adult mouse, the tube is divided into membranous and cartilaginous parts. The membranous part is covered by the ciliated columnar epithelium, while the cartilaginous part by varying types of epithelium ranging from ciliated columnar to stratified squamous type. It is suggested that the varying types of epithelium correspond to the 'intermediate epithelium', and that ciliated columnar epithelium transforms in part to stratified squamous epithelium by passing through the intermediate epithelium.     

Platte Valley Yellows,a chlorotic condition of soybeans: Symptoms and preliminary chemical analyses

Summary A chlorotic condition of soybeans in the river valleys of eastern Nebraska was studied. The pattern of chlorosis, presence of petiolar necrosis, reductions in rhizobial and mycorrhizal infection, and plant and soil chemical analyses suggest that the condition is more complex than normal iron deficiency chlorosis or other mineral deficiencies or toxicities. Nodulation is almost totally inhibited in affected plants. Mycorrhizal fungi, while able to infect early in the season, do not persist on affected plants. Breakdown of endodermis was observed in the roots of affected plants. The factors contributing to this condition have not yet been determined. Published with the approval of the director as Paper No. 5672, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.