Origin of the Peyote Religion in The United States

Abstract

Peyotism in the United States was dependent upon the Peyote cactus, Lophophora williamsii, which has a very limited distribution along the lower Rio Grande River, centered around Laredo, Texas. The Lipan Apache Indians in the vicinity of Laredo,,1760to 1850’s, learned of the properties of Peyote and the ritual for its use from Coahuiltecan-speaking Carrizo and Tonkawa and in turn taught Peyotism to the Comanche and Kiowa.     

The Identity of La Salle’S Pana Slave

Abstract

In June 1682 Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was presented with a “Pana” boy by the Illinois Michigamea Indians. The boy told La Salle of his history as a captive in four Indian tribes. He described Indian village locations and listed the tribes which had “many” horses. The significance of the information for which he was the source depends on the tribal identity of the captive. It has been suggested in anthropological literature that “Pana” indicated “Pawnee,” Ponca, Arikara, Wichita, even Apache. After examination of evidence-linguistic, cultural, historical - it seems most likely he was a Southern Pawnee, a Wichita. If this was so, then his information substantiates the theory of Kroeber, Brant and others that some Kiowa Apaches were still living in the southern Plains in the late 17th century.     

Plains Apache Archaeology: A Review

Abstract

A review of the literature on the Dismal River Aspect in the light of recent additional work at Plains Apache sites has led to more specific suggestions as to probable sources of various Dismal River traits. Most of the traits that appear to have been borrowed from sedentary neighbors seem to have an eastern Plains origin. Many trade items from the Southwest may have been secured from or through the Jicarilla Apaches. Frequency of some triJ, its at Dismal River sites form a gradient from north to south. Many problems remain unsolved.     

A Human Skeleton from an Apache Baking Pit

Abstract

A human skeleton found in an Apache baking pit in Scott County, Kansas, is that of a 22 or 23 year old male, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall. It is probable that he was a Cuartelejo Apache of ca. 1700.     

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.     

On "Indian Justice"

Abstract

In 1908 a Mescalero Apache who had killed a white man was tracked down and killed by an all-Mescalero posse. The crime of the fugitive and the behavior of his pursuers do not reflect some crossculturally inexplicable, specificaliy “Indian justice”, as various published comments have suggested. The Indian justice involved has to do with the precautions taken by the Indian leaders to discourage the development of an intra-community feud on the basis of the execution.     

Rethinking the Dismal River Aspect and the plains Athapaskans,A.D. 1692-1768

Abstract

Shortly before A.D. 1650, two major and separate cultural traditions of Plains Apache of mixed horticultural-hunting economies evolved in the central High Plains, both with different origins. The “northern” aspect is identical with the Nebraska Sand Hills Athapaskans, or the “Dismal River proper,” and the result of immigration by people of the Fremont culture. The “Southern Aspect of Plains Apache Tradition,” extending from south of the Platte to the middle Pecos, developed as a response to changes stimulated and introduced by Pueblo farming in western Kansas, the core area of this aspect, after 1639. The history of both traditions and their transformations are described from 1692 to 1768. Archaeological sites in the central High Plains of the first half of this period reflect but an episode in the continuing culture of Plains Athapaskans of both traditions. Archaeological and historical information is used to elucidate the dynamics characteristic of the time and the area. The prehistory and history of a given area is viewed as a changing functional entity over time.     

Behavioral Responses of a Small Native Fish to Multiple Introduced Predators

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and crayfish, Orconectes virilis, have been introduced for the last century into North American streams inhabited by native fishes. We sought to determine the behavioral response of a federally threatened cyprinid, Little Colorado spinedace, Lepidomeda vittata, in the concurrent presence of multiple nonnative predators (rainbow trout and crayfish), as well as the response to the presence of a combination of native (Apache trout, Oncorhynchus apache) and nonnative (crayfish) predators. We held spinedace in artificial streams and exposed them to four treatments: (1) control, (2) crayfish added, (3) trout added, and (4) both crayfish and trout added. Only a single spinedace was consumed over the course of the experiments; it was captured and preyed upon by a crayfish. When both crayfish and Apache trout were present, spinedace response was similar to what it was when only Apache trout were present (decreased movement in and out of refuge), suggesting that crayfish and Apache trout did not mutually influence spinedace behavior. However, when both rainbow trout and crayfish were present, spinedace not only decreased movements in and out of refuge, but also decreased activity rates. We suggest that crayfish and rainbow trout mutually influence spinedace behavior and recommend control or elimination of crayfish and rainbow trout from spinedace critical habitat or potential reintroduction sites. In addition, potential reintroduction sites for Apache trout should be evaluated based on presence of crayfish and spinedace to avoid potential multiple predator interactions and negative effects on spinedace.     

A Gigantic Shark from the Lower Cretaceous Duck Creek Formation of Texas

Three large lamniform shark vertebrae are described from the Lower Cretaceous of Texas. We interpret these fossils as belonging to a single individual with a calculated total body length of 6.3 m. This large individual compares favorably to another shark specimen from the roughly contemporaneous Kiowa Shale of Kansas. Neither specimen was recovered with associated teeth, making confident identification of the species impossible. However, both formations share a similar shark fauna, with Leptostyrax macrorhiza being the largest of the common lamniform sharks. Regardless of its actual identification, this new specimen provides further evidence that large-bodied lamniform sharks had evolved prior to the Late Cretaceous.     

Silverleaf nightshade,Solarium elaeagnifolium,origin, distribution,and relation to man

Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) is a perennial weed that has become increasingly troublesome over the past several decades. Extensive use of soil-applied herbicides, accompanied by a reduction in annual weed competition and reduced tillage, have contributed to its spread and establishment as a serious pest. Crop plants are affected directly via competition and allelopathy or indirectly as the nightshade plants serve as hosts for destructive phytophagous insects or fungal pathogens. Probably native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico,S. elaeagnifolium is now found in many semiarid regions of the world. Plants were used by the Pima, Kiowa and Navajo Indians in the preparation of food and in the tanning of leather. Containing the toxic glycoalkaloids solanine and solasonine, plants can cause livestock poisonings. The fruits, however, are a source of solasodine, which is used in the commercial manufacture of steroidal hormones.     

Using matrix summation method for three dimensional dose calculation in brachytherapy

AimThe purpose of this study is to calculate radiation dose around a brachytherapy source in a water phantom for different seed locations or rotation the sources by the matrix summation method.BackgroundMonte Carlo based codes like MCNP are widely used for performing radiation transport calculations and dose evaluation in brachytherapy. But for complicated situations, like using more than one source, moving or rotating the source, the routine Monte Carlo method for dose calculation needs a long time running.Materials and methodsThe MCNPX code has been used to calculate radiation dose around a ¹⁹²Ir brachytherapy source and saved in a 3D matrix. Then, we used this matrix to evaluate the absorbed dose in any point due to some sources or a source which shifted or rotated in some places by the matrix summation method.ResultsThree dimensional (3D) dose results and isodose curves were presented for ¹⁹²Ir source in a water cube phantom shifted for 10 steps and rotated for 45 and 90° based on the matrix summation method. Also, we applied this method for some arrays of sources.ConclusionThe matrix summation method can be used for 3D dose calculations for any brachytherapy source which has moved or rotated. This simple method is very fast compared to routine Monte Carlo based methods. In addition, it can be applied for dose optimization study.     

Absorption,distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of oral selenium from organic and inorganic sources: A review

BackgroundSelenium is a trace element traditionally ingested either in its organic form via food or in its inorganic form through nutritional supplements, while selenium formulated as nanoparticles is a putative long-acting alternative. To understand the physiology and toxicology of the different selenium formulations, it is important to determine how their selenium content is absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted; therefore, we reviewed their biokinetics following oral exposure.MethodsWe retrieved and reviewed the literature on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of oral exposure to different forms of selenium.ResultsSelenium in both the organic form (containing carbon to selenium chemical bonds) and the inorganic form is absorbed into the blood in humans. The mean normal blood level of many studies was 139 μg/L. There are indications that selenium from organic sources is more bioavailable than selenium from inorganic sources. Selenium is distributed throughout the body, including in breast milk. The elimination of selenium mainly involves the faecal and urinary pathways, whereas breath, saliva and hair are minor contributors. Urinary metabolites include trimethylselenium ions, selenosugars and Se-methylselenoneine.ConclusionSelenium is absorbed to a high extent, and selenium from organic sources is more bioavailable than from inorganic sources. Selenium, as expected as an essential trace element, is distributed throughout the body. Selenium is extensively metabolised, and various excretion metabolites have been identified in both urine and breath, while some selenium is also excreted via faeces.     

Application of NMR based metabolomics for mapping metabolite variation in European wheat

In this study, we report on the use of NMR-based metabolomics to access variation in low molecular weight polar metabolites between the European wheat cultivars Apache, Charger, Claire and Orvantis. Previous unassigned resonances in the published NMR spectra of wheat extracts were identified using ¹³C NMR and two dimensional proton-carbon NMR. These included a peak for trans-aconitate (δ3.43) and resonances corresponding to fructose in the crowded carbohydrate region of the spectra. Large metabolite differences were observed between two different growth stages, namely the coleoptile and two week old leaf tissue extracts which were consistent across cultivars. Two week old leaf tissue extracts had higher abundances of glutamine, glutamate, sucrose and trans-aconitate and less glucose and fructose than were observed in the coleoptile extracts. Across both growth stages the cultivars Apache and Charger showed the greatest differences in metabolite profiles. Charger had higher abundances of betaine, the single most influential metabolite in the principal component analysis, in addition to fructose and sucrose. However, Charger had lower levels of aspartate, choline and glucose than Apache. These findings demonstrate the potential for a biochemical mapping approach using NMR, across European wheat germplasm, for metabolites of known importance to functional characteristics.     

Application of Monte Carlo calculations for validation of a treatment planning system in high dose rate brachytherapy

AimThe accuracy of treatment planning systems is of vital importance in treatment outcomes in brachytherapy. In the current study the accuracy of dose calculations of a high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatment planning system (TPS) was validated using the Monte Carlo method.Materials and methodsThree ⁶⁰Co sources of the GZP6 afterloading brachytherapy system were modelled using MCNP4C Monte Carlo (MC) code. The dose distribution around all the sources was calculated by MC and a dedicated treatment planning system. The results of both methods were compared.ResultsThere was good agreement (<2%) between TPS and MC calculated dose distributions except at a point near the sources (<1 cm) and beyond the tip of the sources.ConclusionsOur study confirmed the accuracy of TPS calculated dose distributions for clinical use in HDR brachytherapy.     

Spatial correlations of Diceroprocta apache and its host plants: evidence for a negative impact from Tamarix invasion

Abstract 1. The hypothesis that the habitat‐scale spatial distribution of the Apache cicada Diceroprocta apache Davis is unaffected by the presence of the invasive exotic saltcedar Tamarix ramosissima was tested using data from 205 1‐m² quadrats placed within the flood‐plain of the Bill Williams River, Arizona, U.S.A. Spatial dependencies within and between cicada density and habitat variables were estimated using Moran's I and its bivariate analogue to discern patterns and associations at spatial scales from 1 to 30 m. 2. Apache cicadas were spatially aggregated in high‐density clusters averaging 3 m in diameter. A positive association between cicada density, estimated by exuvial density, and the per cent canopy cover of a native tree, Goodding's willow Salix gooddingii, was detected in a non‐spatial correlation analysis. No non‐spatial association between cicada density and saltcedar canopy cover was detected. 3. Tests for spatial cross‐correlation using the bivariate I_YZ indicated the presence of a broad‐scale negative association between cicada density and saltcedar canopy cover. This result suggests that large continuous stands of saltcedar are associated with reduced cicada density. In contrast, positive associations detected at spatial scales larger than individual quadrats suggested a spill‐over of high cicada density from areas featuring Goodding's willow canopy into surrounding saltcedar monoculture. 4. Taken together and considered in light of the Apache cicada's polyphagous habits, the observed spatial patterns suggest that broad‐scale factors such as canopy heterogeneity affect cicada habitat use more than host plant selection. This has implications for management of lower Colorado River riparian woodlands to promote cicada presence and density through maintenance or creation of stands of native trees as well as manipulation of the characteristically dense and homogeneous saltcedar canopies.     

阿拉伯海假交替单胞菌N1230-9两个甲基受体趋化蛋白的功能鉴定

【目的】作为海洋中的特有及优势种群,假交替单胞菌(Pseudoalteromonas)普遍拥有多个甲基受体趋化蛋白(methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, MCP),探究这些趋化受体的功能。【方法】以太平洋表层海水来源的一株阿拉伯海假交替单胞菌(Pseudoalteromonas arabiensis) N1230-9为研究对象,利用软琼脂平板法测试该菌株对23种碳源的趋化能力,继而利用同源重组策略构建2个含sCache结构域MCP编码基因(woc28264和woc27036)缺失突变体,并分析突变体对10种碳源的趋化能力。【结果】菌株N1230-9对海藻糖、麦芽糖、蔗糖、N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖、l-苹果酸、乙酸钠、丙酸钠、丙酮酸钠、柠檬酸和琥珀酸10种碳源具有趋化能力。WOC28264是l-苹果酸和蔗糖的特异性趋化受体,WOC27036则是柠檬酸和琥珀酸的特异性趋化受体。此外,WOC28264和WOC27036还均是N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖和海藻糖的趋化受体。【结论】WOC28264和WOC27036存在重叠的碳源效应物。