Wickiup Cave

Abstract

Wickiup Cave, site 24BE601, is located in the Tendoy Mountains of southwestern Montana. The site consists of a log, brush, and rock wickiup built in a huge limestone cave. The wickiupand numerous artifacts found in the cave are attributed to historic Tukudika Shoshone occupation.     

The LaMarche Game Trap: an Early Historic Game Trap in Southwestern Montana

Abstract

The LaMarche Game Trap, 24BE1011, is a stylized, high altitude game trap in the Beaverhead National Forest, southwestern Montana. The site complex includes a wooden pole corral and an extensive system of wooden fence wings. The preservation of the structure, and the age of the trees incorporated into it, indicate that the corral was built in the early 1800’s. Ethnographic evidence suggests that the trap is Shoshone in origin.     

Two new species of Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae: sect. Saccanthera) from Nevada, U.S.A.

Two Nevada species are described here for the first time: Penstemon tiehmii N. H. Holmgren, which is endemic to Mount Lewis of the Shoshone Range in Lander County; and Penstemon rhizomatosus N. H. Holmgren, which is endemic to the central Schell Creek Range in White Pine County. They both belong to section Saccanthera and are closely related to P. kingii S. Watson, a Great Basin endemic of valley sagebrush habitats. Both new species are talus plants of higher elevations and differ from P. kingii principally in their rhizomatous habit, petiolate leaves, and pubescence of shorter hairs.     

From Band To Tribe On The Plains11

Abstract

Cultural ecologists, such as Steward and Shirnkin, hold that the core features of a culture, namely socio-political systems, are closely related to subsistence activities and economic arrangements which, in turn, are influenced but not ecessarily determined by the natural habitat of the group. A study of the Plains adaptations of the Piegan, Kiowa, Comanche, Plains Cree, and Plains Shoshone throw some doubt on this the sis. The Piegan (and other Blackfoot tribes), Plains Shoshone, and Kiowa share common forms of political organization with other Plains tribes but the Comanche and Plains Cree represent atypical cases in. this regard. The first three tribes developed pan-tribal sodalities while the latter two did not do so. The presence or absence of these pan-tribal sodalities conditioned the extent to which tribal integration occurred in these groups. The subsistence activities of these tribes alone do not account for the weak or strong development of pan-tribal structures. Factors in the total environment of each tribe, or niche, account for these differences. These differences in political organization cannot be attributed solely to differences in subsistence activities nor economic arrangements as they are influenced by the specific natural habitat of each tribe.     

A Shoshonean Origin for the Plains Shield Bearing Warrior Motif

Abstract

The shield bearing warrior is a distinctive motif characteristic of the rock art of the Northwestern Plains. It also occurs commonly in the eastern Great Basin as an element of Fremont rock art. Detailed similarities between Plains and Great Basin shield figures suggest cultural relationships between the two areas. This has led some authors to propose that the motif originated in the Northwestern Plains and diffused to the Great Basin. Others argue that the motif spread from the Great Basin to the Plains. Relative dates recently obtained for shield figures at Northwestern Plains sites support the latter hypothesis. A Shoshonean origin for the Northwestern Plains shield figures is suggested by the dates, and the coincidence between the distribution of the motif, the distribution of diagnostic Shoshonean artifacts. and the ethnohistorically known range of the Plains Shoshone. It is suggested that the Shoshone borrowed the motif from the Fremont Culture during a period of interaction between the two groups.

The shield bearing warrior, a distinctive motif that depicts a pedestrian warrior whose body is represented by a large circular shield (Fig. 1), is frequently encountered in the rock art of the western United States. It is especially common at sites on the Northwestern Plains and in the eastern Great Basin (Fig. 2).     

The first report of polymorphisms and genetic characteristics of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in horses

ABSTRACT

Prion diseases have a wide host range, but prion-infected cases have never been reported in horses. Genetic polymorphisms that can directly impact the structural stability of horse prion protein have not been investigated thus far. In addition, we noticed that previous studies focusing on horse-specific amino acids and secondary structure predictions of prion protein were performed for limited parts of the protein. In this study, we found genetic polymorphisms in the horse prion protein gene (PRNP) in 201 Thoroughbred horses. The identified polymorphism was assessed to determine whether this polymorphism impedes stability of protein using PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN and PANTHER. In addition, we evaluated horse-specific amino acids in horse and mouse prion proteins using same methods. We found only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the horse prion protein, and three annotation tools predicted that the SNP is benign. In addition, horse-specific amino acids showed different effects on horse and mouse prion proteins, respectively.

Abbreviations: PRNP: prion protein gene; SNP: single nucleotide polymorphism; CJD: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; CWD: chronic wasting disease; TME: transmissible mink encephalopathy; FSE: feline spongiform encephalopathy; MD: molecular dynamics; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GPI: glycosylphosphatidylinositol; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance; ORF: open reading frame; GWAS: genome-wide association study; NAPA: non-adaptive prion amplification; HMM: hidden Markov model; NCBI: National Center for Biotechnology Information     

Horse reactions to human attitudes and behavior

Abstract

To assess the effects of human confidence levels on horse behavior, 40 veterinary students led the same mare around a fixed course. Multivariate analysis of human attitudes and behavior and horse behavior showed that a positive attitude towards horses related to infrequent ear movement in that horse (accounting for 46% of variance); positive attitude, together with low lead tension, related to a horse's forward ear position (47%); loose lead tension related to both a horse's low resistance (66%) and low head position (11%). Human attitudes towards at least one horse is shown to be associated with changes in human behavior, which leads to altered behavior in that horse.     

Notes On the Crow-Hidatsa Schism

Abstract

Three lines of evidence bearing on the Crow-Hidatsa separation provide different dates for that separation, but dates which are consistent with the following generalizations: (1) The Crow began to diverge linguistically from the various Hidatsa groups no less than five centuries ago, and perhaps even earlier. (2) The Crow movement onto the Northwestern Plains was accomplished gradually, perhaps by band-by-band movement, rather than as one precipitous migration away from the Hidatsa. (3) Archaeological evidence from sites of the Mandan/Hidatsa continuum in the Missouri Valley suggest that the Hagen site, at least, probably dates at about A.D. 1675 – although alternative explanations for related sites suggest that the Crow moved into the Northwestern Plains several centuries earlier. (4) Ethnohistorical data suggest that the Crow separation dates from the mid-1700s. Rather than dating the initial separation of the two groups, the ethnohistorical data probably reflect the final severing of ties with the Hidatsa – a separation made final by the adoption of the horse.     

EPR Studies of Recombinant Horse L-Chain Apoferritin and its Mutant (E 53,56,57,60 Q) with Haemin

Structural similarities between ferritins and bacterioferritins have been extensively demonstrated. However, there is an essential difference between these two types of ferritins: whereas bacterioferritins bind haem, in-vivo, as Fe(II)-protoporphyrin IX (this haem is located in a hydrophobic pocket along the 2-fold symmetry axes and is liganded by two axial Met 52 residues), eukaryotic ferritins are non-haem iron proteins. However, in in-vivo studies, a cofactor has been isolated from horse spleen apoferritin similar to protoporphyrin IX; in in-vitro experiments, it has been shown that horse spleen apoferritin is able to interact with haemin (Fe(III)-protoporphyrin IX). Studies of haemin incorporation into horse spleen apoferritin have been carried out, which show that the metal free porphyrin is found in a pocket similar to that which binds haem in bacterioferritins (Précigoux et al. 1994 Acta Cryst D50, 739–743). A mechanism of demetallation of haemin by L-chain apoferritins was subsequently proposed (Crichton et al. 1997 Biochem 36, 15049–15054) which involved four Glu residues (E 53,56,57,60) situated at the entrance of the hydrophobic pocket and appeared to be favoured by acidic conditions. To verify this mechanism, these four Glu have been mutated to Gln in recombinant horse L-chain apoferritin. We report here the EPR spectra of recombinant horse L-chain apoferritin and its mutant with haemin in basic and acidic conditions. These studies confirm the ability of recombinant L-chain apoferritin and its mutant to incorporate and demetallate the haemin in acidic and basic conditions.     

The positive aspects of correct negative reinforcement

Abstract

In the scheme of contemporary animal training, horse training is virtually unique because it relies on negative reinforcement (NR) rather than positive reinforcement (PR). Furthermore, horse trainers are largely unaware that they are using NR in training. Instead, they believe in the benevolent nature of the horse and see their task in training as one of improving the balance and gymnastic ability of the horse—outcomes that emerge when the rider is similarly properly balanced. Under these conditions, it is claimed the willing horse will perform its required maneuvers. These beliefs may be associated with several welfare issues and indicate areas requiring future research: 1. The absence of release of pressure, the release of pressure at the wrong times, the use of opposing pressures simultaneously and the absence of shaping procedures are central to the development of acute and chronic stress responses in horses.

2. Resultant conflict behaviors contribute to equine wastage statistics and include behaviors that are dangerous to horses and humans.

3. There is a need for research into the mechanics of NR because it is poorly researched compared to PR.

4. When NR responses are installed correctly, only mild pressures need to be used, and results are obtained in few trials.

5. Many qualified animal trainers misunderstand NR and confuse it with punishment. They believe that PR has positive welfare implications and thus NR being “negative,” has negative welfare implications. So there is a need for horse trainers to understand learning theory and the principles that surround NR.

6. Horse trainers are isolated from advances in animal training. Therefore they increasingly seek knowledge and solutions from the growing number of “horse whisperers” and unqualified “horse psychologists.” This is potentially detrimental for the welfare of the horse and the need is urgent for universities throughout the world to become the knowledge bases for equitation science.

     

A Mathematical Theory of Horse Adoption on The North American Plains

Abstract

The horse complex and its subsequent influence on Plains culture is a major topic of Plains anthropology. Treatment of the topic has involved three trains of thoughts: 1) the process (form and rate) of horse adoption, 2) the spatial diffusion of the horse northward, and 3) the influence of the horse on Plains culture. This paper contributes to the study of the horse complex by focusing primarily on the adoption aspect of the problem and, secondarily, on the social implications for the plains area of the temporal regularity evident. The paper outlines a new theoretical explanation of the actual process of horse adoption-an S-curve hypothesis suggesting that adoption initially accelerated rapidly and then declined more slowly as all Plains tribes ultimately adopted the horse. We verify this hypothesis with documented empirical evidence on the adoption process derived from Ewers (1955). The empirical evidence and S-curve interpretation suggest: 1) two distinct groups of Plains tribes existed on the Plains, a southern and northern, separated by two webs of communication, 2) that this communication was frequent, and 3) that the two systems were well developed before the arrival of the horse.     

Vertical Ascending Electrophoresis of Cells with a Minimal Stabilizing Medium

Abstract

Vertical fractionation of a mixture of fixed horse and human red blood cells layered over a stabilizing support medium was done to give a valid comparison with proposed space experiments. In particular, the effects of sample thickness and concentration on zone migration rate were investigated. Electrophoretic mobilities of horse and human cells calculated from zone migration rates were compatible with those obtained by micro electrophoresis. Complete cell separation was observed when low power and effective cooling were employed.     

The Fish Creek,Owl Canyon and Grinnvoll Rock Shelter Pictograph Sites in Montana

Abstract

Pictograph panels in central Montana reported containing masked anthropomorphic figures with symbolic arms and geometric chest designs; shield-bearing-anthropomorphic figures in panel with horse, Distribution of characteristics set forth, Possibly artists identified, Conclude that shield-bearing-anthropomorphic motif survived introduction of horses on Plains.     

Exploring Synchronicity in the Heart Rates of Familiar and Unfamiliar Pairs of Horses and Humans Undertaking an In-Hand Task

ABSTRACT

Physiological responses that occur in horses and humans during their interactions, on the ground and during ridden work, have been investigated in a number of studies with some conflicting results. These suggest that in some situations emotional state may be transferred from humans to horses and that there is the potential for the heart rates of horse–human pairs to become synchronized during ridden work. Here we explore the effect of familiarity on the physiological responses of horse–human pairs completing a task in-hand, using heart rate as an indicator for emotional state. We investigated differences in heart rate response between familiar and unfamiliar pairings and the possibility of heart rate synchronization within each pair. Complete sets of horse and human heart rate data were available for 17 horses. We found a significant order affect, with higher horse heart rates seen the first time around the course regardless of whether a familiar or unfamiliar handler was leading (Wilcoxon test: Z=–2.67, p<0.05). However, despite this, the horses’ mean heart rates for each course were significantly higher with the unfamiliar handler than with the familiar handler (Wilcoxon test: Z=–4.46, p<0.001). In contrast, human heart rates were higher when paired with a familiar horse compared with an unfamiliar horse (Mann-Whitney U test: Z=–5.08, p<0.001). Significant correlations between horse and human heart rates were seen in three familiar pairings and two unfamiliar pairings. Our findings indicate that the relationship between horse and human heart rates during interactions is not straightforward or consistent between horses and humans, and is likely to depend on a number of factors such as experience of the test situation. Although the lower heart rates seen in horses being led by their familiar handler suggest that they are more relaxed with someone they know, this could not be said for the human partner.     

A new species of Dyoros (Brachiopoda; Chonetoidea) from Nevada (United States) and stratigraphic implications for the Pennsylvanian and Permian Antler Overlap assemblage

Newly discovered fossil localities in coarse-grained deposits of the Pennsylvanian and Permian Antler overlap assemblage in the southern Shoshone Range, north-central Nevada have yielded a low-diversity assemblage consisting chiefly of a new species of chonetoidean brachiopod: Dyoros (Lissosia) nevadaensis nov. sp. The subgenus Dyoros (Lissosia), is known from Leonardian and lower Guadalupian strata in North America, mainly in Texas.The coarse-grained lithology of the host strata, their unconformable relation on deformed lower Paleozoic rocks, and the Leonardian and(or) lower Guadalupian age indicated by Dyoros (Lissosia) provide evidence that host strata are younger than strata of the Antler overlap assemblage in nearby areas of the southern Shoshone Range and suggest that an unconformity of local extent may be present within the overlap assemblage. The fossil age ranges and lithologic data suggest that the host strata may be correlative with the Guadalupian Edna Mountain Formation, an unconformity-bounded unit that forms the upper part of the Antler sequence in the Battle Mountain area to the north. This correlation suggests that the unconformity beneath these strata may have regional extent in north-central Nevada. The origin of the inferred regional unconformity is unknown and may have resulted from relative changes of sea level or regional extensional or contractional tectonism in the area of the former Antler highlands, which forms the substrate for the Antler overlap assemblage.     

The Shoshonean Migration Problem

Abstract

The Shoshone were resident in northwestern Wyoming at the time of historic contact, the early mneteenth century. Two hypptheses to explain their presence and time depth there have been proposed. The migration hypothesis brings them from the southern Sierra Nevadas across the Great Basin beginning no earlier than A.D. 1000. The in situ hypothesis argues for a residency of 5000 to 7000 year. The hypotheses are tested by drawing predictions from them. Using ceramics, rock art, strat1graph1c sequences, and adaptive data the in situ hypothesis may be falsified. The migration hypothesis then best explains the archaeological evidence. It is thus suggested that Shoshonean speakers did not reach southern Wyoming until the fifteenth century A.D. at the earliest. It is also suggested that the higher mountainous areas of Jackson Hole and Yellowstone Park were not occupied by the Shoshonean speakers until after they were driven from the northwestern Plains around A.D. 1800. Finally, it 1s proposed, but not tested, that Athapaskan speakers may have occupied the region of western Wyoming from the Altithermal until the time of the Shoshonean and Crow migrations of the fifteenth century. At this time Apacheans were displaced southward and eastward.     

An Alternative Hypothesis For The Origin of the Name Blackfoot

Abstract

Recent ethnographic work with Cree informants supports the hypothesis that the original Cree. term for “Blackfoot” Indians referred to animal (perhaps horse’s) hooves rather than to artificially blackened feet or moccasins.     

An Overview of Ten Italian Horse Breeds through Mitochondrial DNA

BackgroundThe climatic and cultural diversity of the Italian Peninsula triggered, over time, the development of a great variety of horse breeds, whose origin and history are still unclear. To clarify this issue, analyses on phenotypic traits and genealogical data were recently coupled with molecular screening.MethodologyTo provide a comprehensive overview of the horse genetic variability in Italy, we produced and phylogenetically analyzed 407 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-region sequences from ten of the most important Italian riding horse and pony breeds: Bardigiano, Esperia, Giara, Lipizzan, Maremmano, Monterufolino, Murgese, Sarcidano, Sardinian Anglo-Arab, and Tolfetano. A collection of 36 Arabian horses was also evaluated to assess the genetic consequences of their common use for the improvement of some local breeds.ConclusionsIn Italian horses, all previously described domestic mtDNA haplogroups were detected as well as a high haplotype diversity. These findings indicate that the ancestral local mares harbored an extensive genetic diversity. Moreover, the limited haplotype sharing (11%) with the Arabian horse reveals that its impact on the autochthonous mitochondrial gene pools during the final establishment of pure breeds was marginal, if any. The only significant signs of genetic structure and differentiation were detected in the geographically most isolated contexts (i.e. Monterufolino and Sardinian breeds). Such a geographic effect was also confirmed in a wider breed setting, where the Italian pool stands in an intermediate position together with most of the other Mediterranean stocks. However, some notable exceptions and peculiar genetic proximities lend genetic support to historical theories about the origin of specific Italian breeds.     

马源马链球菌兽疫亚种3株新疆分离株基因型的鉴定及MLST分析

【背景】马链球菌兽疫亚种(Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus,SeZ)是引起马腺疫的主要病原,还可引起猪链球菌病,加强该菌的地方株分子流行病学监测对有效防控相关疫病十分必要。【目的】对新疆地区2个马场SeZ分离株进行鉴定和药敏特性分析,并分析3株新疆分离株的分子流行与菌株的遗传进化特征。【方法】对分离纯化的3株病原菌(ZHZ113、ZHZ211和ZHZ523)进行染色观察、生化及药敏特性检测,对16S rRNA和SeM基因进行遗传进化分析,以链球菌7个管家基因arcC、nrdE、proS、spi、tdk、tpi和yqiL为目的基因对3株分离菌进行多位点序列分型(Multilocus Sequence Typing,MLST)研究。【结果】3株SeZ的药敏结果显示这3株分离菌对不同抗生素的耐药程度不同,但均对头孢西丁、庆大霉素、链霉素、红霉素、左氧氟沙星、环丙沙星、土霉素等11种药物敏感。16SrRNA基因序列分析显示这3株分离菌均属于Ⅱ群(兽疫链球菌)。3株菌的MLST分型结果分别为ST39、ST419、ST421型,其中ST419和ST42...     

The factor structure of horse personality

Abstract

Two hundred and ten owners or carers completed a specially modified version of the NEO-Personality Inventory-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-PI-FFI, a well established personality questionnaire for humans) for their chosen horse. Three and five-factor Principal Components Analysis (PCA) solutions are reported and compared with published studies on the factor structure of human personality. Participants were asked how confident they were in using each of the different Big Five scales in describing their horse: neuroticism and extraversion were rated with most confidence and openness to experience with least confidence. Taking both our own factors above and the NEO scales, some comparisons between the working roles of the horse were significant; for example, horses used for teaching were less extraverted than show jumpers. Sophistication of working role also related to personality; for example, international horses were less extraverted than novices. We conclude that the study provides some evidence for cross-species similarity in the structure of personality.