Lancaster Counties Research Articles

Organic petrology, palynology, and geochemistry of soils from serpentine barrens, Chester and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania: Notes on maceral development

An investigation of the soils developed on ultramafic rocks in the State Line Serpentinite Belt in southeastern Pennsylvania demonstrated that the mineral assemblages are dominated by quartz, with lesser amounts of the serpentine group minerals lizardite and antigorite, and clinochlore, among other minerals. The samples have up to 39.91% MgO, 22,500 μg/g Cr, and 3300 μg/g Ni (ash basis). The light rare earth elements have a significant correlation to MgO/(MgO + SiO2) while the distribution of Cr is random. The organic matter in the soil bears a strong similarity to lignite and subbituminous macerals. Wood-derived macerals showed variations from relatively pristine wood to degraded and attrital forms with evidence of fungal and faunal activity. Macrinite ranged from coprolitic forms to amorphous masses with little or no recognizable structure. The pollen assemblages were dominated by Pinus sp., Quercus sp., and Ribes sp. Analysis of the fungal assemblages and guild structures suggests that the Goat Hill Barrens assemblage differed from the New Texas Barrens and Nottingham Barrens assemblages and that the guild structures encountered are both similar to those encountered in peatlands while also very different, especially in the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal remains.

Needs Assessment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis Education in School Nurses.

Over the past 2 decades, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has become increasingly recognized as a common cause of gastrointestinal morbidity in children. A mainstay of treatment is food avoidance, which must be implemented in both the home and school settings for school-aged children. The aim of this study is to assess school nurses' familiarity with EoE with regard to food avoidance and treatment in the school setting. We conducted a 19-question online survey of 60 school nurses (elementary through high school) recruited from Dauphin, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties in Pennsylvania. Results indicated that 62% of respondents were familiar with EoE. However, only 22% felt comfortable distinguishing between symptoms of EoE and food-dependent anaphylaxis. Almost all respondents (97%) were interested in learning more about EoE. We report significantly increased familiarity with food-dependent anaphylaxis in comparison with EoE among school nurses. There is an interest and need for increasing education on EoE.

Current Status of the Plains Pocket Mouse (Perognathus flavescens) in Eastern Nebraska

Distribution of the plains pocket mouse (Perognathus flavescens) overlaps tallgrass prairies in northeastern parts of the species' range in the central United States. Distribution and abundance of the plains pocket mouse appears negatively impacted by agricultural practices during the last century due to the scarcity of records throughout the region. In eastern Nebraska, few plains pocket mice have been captured and no published account exists in recent decades. We investigated the current status of P. f. perniger, the eastern subspecies in Nebraska, because of a paucity of information regarding this subspecies' natural history and suspected extirpation from the state. We captured 56 P f. perniger in 13 counties in northeastern and east-central Nebraska in 2008, including 10 counties lacking prior records. We also obtained data on its presence in extreme eastern Nebraska (Douglas and Lancaster counties) via a literature review and query for specimens in museums. Some individuals without darker-colored guard hairs represented the eastern limits of the western subspecies P. f. flavescens associated with the easternmost extent of the Sandhill Region of the state or other isolated sandy habitats. Across eastern Nebraska, many sites with captures of plains pocket mice appear to represent strongholds associated with isolated areas of friable, sandy soils. To date, presence of the species has not been detected in southeastern parts of the state. Conservation of habitats with sandy soils, along with implementation or continuance of disturbance regimes (i.e., grazing), will benefit this species and a number of other sand-adapted species in eastern Nebraska.

Farm Boundaries as Agroecological Systems

South-central Pennsylvania, framed by the great folds of the Appalachians to the north and west, by the Mason-Dixon Line to the south, and by the rise of hills that bound the lower Susquehanna River to the east, was claimed by settler-farmers of western European descent during the early and mid-eighteenth century. They utilized river and stream valleys to gain access to the fertile lowlands and rich uplands of the region, following in the steps of surveyors to mark farm boundaries with timber fences cut from the cloak of forest. The social and ecological imprint of these boundary structures has endured for hundreds of years.

First Report of Quinoa Downy Mildew Caused by Peronospora variabilis in the United States.

Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is an Andean crop prized for its high nutritional value and adaptability to harsh environments. Quinoa is plagued by downy mildew caused by Peronospora variabilis Gäum (formerly Peronospora farinosa f. sp. chenopodii Byford) (1). Quinoa production has spread beyond native Andean ranges and quinoa downy mildew has been reported in India, Canada, and Denmark (1). During the summer of 2011, quinoa trials were established to determine the ability of quinoa to grow under Mid-Atlantic conditions and monitor for regional disease problems. In July, after cool, rainy conditions, downy mildew-like symptoms were observed on quinoa at research plots in Centre and Lancaster counties of Pennsylvania. Symptoms and signs consisted of irregularly shaped areas of foliar chlorosis or pink discoloration accompanied by dense, gray sporulation on both leaf surfaces. Sporangia were tan to gray-brown, semi-ovoid, often with a pedicel, mean length of 31 μm, and mean width of 23 μm. Sporangiophores branched dichotomously, and the terminal branchlets curved and tapered to a point. Orange oospores were present in field samples of leaf tissue. DNA was extracted from infected foliar tissue and sporangial suspensions. A seminested PCR protocol (2) was used to obtain partial internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of six Peronospora isolates. The sequences shared 99% maximum identity to a known P. variabilis accession (FM863721.2) in GenBank. A voucher specimen was deposited into the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI 882064). Pathogenicity of each of two strains of P. variabilis was confirmed by inoculating quinoa with sporangia (4). Sporangia were shaken from leaves in sterile distilled water and the suspension was filtered through cheesecloth. A 0.01% Tween solution was added and the suspension diluted to 103 sporangia/ml. With an atomizer, a 10-ml sporangial suspension (or sterile water for noninoculated control plants) was sprayed onto one flat of 18 2-week-old quinoa plants, and relative humidity was increased to saturation using a humidity dome for 24 h. After 1 week, chlorosis and pink discoloration were noted on leaves of inoculated quinoa, and after 18 h of subsequent increased humidity (>95% relative humidity), dense gray sporulation was observed. No symptoms were noted on noninoculated control plants. Sporangia and sporangiophores were examined morphologically and confirmed to be P. variabilis, confirming Koch's postulates. For culture maintenance, 2-week-old quinoa leaves were placed onto a sporangial suspension on top of 1% water agar and maintained in a growth chamber at 20°C with 16 h of light per day. Quinoa downy mildew is seedborne (3) and initial infections may have occurred from oospores in the pericarp, despite intensive processing of consumable quinoa seeds to remove saponins. To our knowledge, this is the first report of quinoa downy mildew in the United States and also the first report of P. variabilis in the United States.

Homeland Security in the Pennsylvania Backcountry, 1777–1778:

Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Associated Loyalists of southcentral Pennsylvania conspired either to destroy or to seize weapons from the US arsenals in Carlisle, York, and Lancaster. The names of several residents of Cumberland, York, and Lancaster Counties, some openly known to be Loyalists, others clandestinely working for the British, recur in correspondence, depositions, and other documents of the period. The purpose of this essay, however, is not to rehearse the history of those known to be working against the patriot cause. Rather, it will focus on the Reverend Mr. Daniel Batwelle, Anglican missionary for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG), who was accused and imprisoned, but never tried, for allegedly participating in one such plot. Batwelle's case reveals the strenuous efforts by radical patriots in Cumberland and York Counties to enforce ideological conformity on American citizens dwelling over Susquehanna. As spiritual leader of a religious group whose members generally advocated either reconciliation with Great Britain or resistance to the new nation born of revolution, and as one who knew several Associated Loyalists, Batwelle was identified early on as a potential enemy of the United States precisely because of his importance to the Anglican community in these two counties.

Role of Paperboard Container Manufacturing in the Economy of Lancaster & York Counties

Paperboard container manufacturing is an important part of the history and economy of Lancaster and York counties in Pennsylvania. The industry creates jobs and compensation for workers and generates tax revenues in the counties.

Role of General Medical & Surgical Hospitals in the Economy of Dauphin, Lancaster & Lebanon Counties

Role of General Medical & Surgical Hospitals in the Economy of Dauphin, Lancaster & Lebanon Counties

Role of General Medical & Surgical Hospitals in the Economy of Dauphin, Lancaster & Lebanon Counties

General medical and surgical hospitals are an important part of the history and economy of Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon counties in Pennsylvania. The industry creates jobs and compensation for workers and generates tax revenues in the counties.

Life‐style orientation of rural US and Canadian consumers

PurposeIn view of the existing void in the current international and cross‐national/cultural marketing literature, the purpose of this paper is to look into the similarities and differences of life‐style orientations prevalent among US and Canadian consumers. The AIO (Activities, Interest, and Opinions) and VALS (Values, Attitudes, and Life‐Styles) statements adapted from the current cross‐cultural marketing literature were utilized to determine different US and Canadian consumer market segments. The research tools and techniques used in this study help retail businesses as well as manufacturing companies of the two countries to develop and execute more effective target marketing strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study were collected through self‐administered questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered in two different locations. First, in Brandon, Canada and second, in the rural part of south central Pennsylvania (York and Lancaster counties). Both regions are similar to each other, each having a flourishing agricultural industry and a significant number of companies in the service and manufacturing industries. The data were collected through a drop‐off and pick‐up method among a sample of 300 Canadian married or common‐law families and 400 in the USA.FindingsThe study results show that there are, indeed, differences among the consumers’ life‐styles in the two countries which were similar in demographics and as such may have been previously treated the same way by marketers, but in reality have very different lifestyles. Based on the survey findings, managerial and/or public policy implications are offered for orderly marketing decision‐making purposes.Research limitations/implicationsA study of total urban consumers may produce different life‐style profiles than the ones presented here. This study only examined North American consumer life‐styles within the framework of product group (form). Additional studies may look at consumer life‐styles by use of product brands and even product options.Originality/valueThis empirical research study presents cross‐cultural comparisons of life‐styles, value orientations of consumers in the purchase of a variety of goods and services in the similar environments of North America, namely rural areas of the USA and Canada.

CONCENTRATION OF 137Cs IN SOIL ACROSS NEBRASKA

Atmospheric nuclear weapons testing from 1945 through 1980 produced radioactive fallout that was transported by stratospheric winds and deposited unevenly around the world. The accident at Chernobyl in 1986 also contributed to the fallout in some locations. The (137)Cs activity concentration from fallout has been measured as a function of depth in soil samples from five different locations across Nebraska. Soil samples 2-cm thick down to a depth of 30 cm were collected in Brown, Dawes, Lancaster, Red Willow, and Thurston Counties. Samples taken from each of the sites were dried, sieved, and counted using an HPGe gamma spectroscopy system to measure the activity concentration of (137)Cs at each depth in the soil. Activity concentrations as high as 216 Bq kg(-1) were measured in the samples. Dry soil bulk densities were calculated for each site based on soil type and used to calculate the area density of deposition. Area deposition densities up to 13,100 Bq m(-2) were measured, consistent with published estimates.

Role of Dairy Production in the Economy of Huntingdon, Lancaster, & Mifflin Counties

The dairy production industry is an important part of the history and economy of Huntingdon, Lancaster, and Mifflin counties in Pennsylvania. The industry creates jobs and compensation for workers throughout these counties and influences tax revenues in the counties.

Parasitism Rates in European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Larvae Collected from Six Maize Hybrids

The parasitoid complex and level of parasitism of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), larvae in six maize, Zea mays L., hybrids was determined in Nebraska during 1995 and 1996. Three parasitoids, Eriborus terebrans (Gravenhorst), Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich, and Lixophaga sp., were reared from field-collected European corn borer larvae. Larvae collected from Hoegemeyer 2626 exhibited the highest percentage parasitism for the 1995 first generation in Lancaster (37.2%) and Dixon (28.6%) counties. No significant differences were identified for the 1995 second generation at both sites because of reduced sample size and high larval mortality caused by naturally-occurring entomopathogens. During 1996, there were several significant differences in percentage parasitism of larvae collected from the hybrids. Larvae collected from Northrup King N7070 exhibited the highest first-generation parasitism (23.8%), while larvae collected from Hoegemeyer 1125W exhibited the highest second-generation parasitism (46.0%) in Dixon Co. In Lancaster Co., parasitism of first-generation larvae collected from Hoegemeyer 1125W (10.3%) was only significantly greater than parasitism of larvae collected from Hoegemeyer 2626 (1.1%). Results indicate that European corn borer larval parasitism is significantly affected by the maize hybrid planted in the field; however, differences may vary among years and generations as environmental factors affect the maize phenology.

Birds Associated with Grapes In Erie County, Pennsylvania

Observations were made of birds in wine grape vineyards near North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, from early September to October in 1973 and 1974. Birds were trapped with fine-mesh nylon netting. Crop and gizzard contents of selected specimens were examined. Although 17 bird species were trapped in the vineyards, only 5 had grapes in their crops or gizzards: American Robin (<i>Turdis migratorius</i>), Cedar Waxwing (<i>Bombycilla dedrorum</i>), Common Starling (<i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>), Gray Catbird (<i>Dumetella carolinensis</i>), and Swainson9s Thrush (<i>Catharus ustulata</i>). One specimen of Common Cardinal (<i>Richmondena cardinalis</i>), not dissected, was found to have anal feathers stained purple, indicating grape feeding. Two specimens of Song Sparrow (<i>Melospize melodia</i>) had grape seeds in their crops or gizzards but no evidence of grape berry skins. Other birds trapped in the vineyards were Brown-Headed Cowbird (<i>Malothrus ater</i>), Common Grackle (<i>Quiscalus quiscula</i>), Scarlet Tanager (<i>Piranga olivacea</i>), Dark-Eyed Junco (<i>Junco hyemalis</i>), sparrows (<i>Spizella passerina, Zonotrichia albicollis</i>, and <i>Passerculus sandwichensis</i>), House Sparrow (<i>Passer domesticus</i>), and warblers (<i>Wilsonia pusilla and Dendroica coronata</i>). Other birds observed in the vineyards, but not trapped, were the common Flicker (<i>Colaptes auratus</i>) and Brown Thrasher (<i>Toxostoma rufum</i>). Bird depredation in Pennsylvania vineyards parallels that of wine grape production in the state. Crop losses from birds have occurred in many vineyards in Pennsylvania where grapes are grown commercially, primarily in Adams, Bucks, Erie, Franklin, and Lancaster counties. Bird depredation occurs from mid-August to early October, depending on the wine grape cultivar and degree of ripeness. Nearly all grape cultivars are attacked to some extent. Damage from birds has been greatest, however, on the cvs. Aurora, Cascade, Chancellor, DeChaunac, Leon Millot, and Marechal Foch. Purposes of this study were to identify bird species commonly found in selected vineyards in Erie County in 1973 and 1974, to examine crop and gizzard contents of selected specimens to determine which species were actually eating grapes, and to compile an initial documented list of birds that damage grapes in Pennsylvania.

Birds Associated with Grapes In Erie County, Pennsylvania

Observations were made of birds in wine grape vineyards near North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, from early September to October in 1973 and 1974. Birds were trapped with fine-mesh nylon netting. Crop and gizzard contents of selected specimens were examined. Although 17 bird species were trapped in the vineyards, only 5 had grapes in their crops or gizzards: American Robin (<i>Turdis migratorius</i>), Cedar Waxwing (<i>Bombycilla dedrorum</i>), Common Starling (<i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>), Gray Catbird (<i>Dumetella carolinensis</i>), and Swainson9s Thrush (<i>Catharus ustulata</i>). One specimen of Common Cardinal (<i>Richmondena cardinalis</i>), not dissected, was found to have anal feathers stained purple, indicating grape feeding. Two specimens of Song Sparrow (<i>Melospize melodia</i>) had grape seeds in their crops or gizzards but no evidence of grape berry skins. Other birds trapped in the vineyards were Brown-Headed Cowbird (<i>Malothrus ater</i>), Common Grackle (<i>Quiscalus quiscula</i>), Scarlet Tanager (<i>Piranga olivacea</i>), Dark-Eyed Junco (<i>Junco hyemalis</i>), sparrows (<i>Spizella passerina, Zonotrichia albicollis</i>, and <i>Passerculus sandwichensis</i>), House Sparrow (<i>Passer domesticus</i>), and warblers (<i>Wilsonia pusilla and Dendroica coronata</i>). Other birds observed in the vineyards, but not trapped, were the common Flicker (<i>Colaptes auratus</i>) and Brown Thrasher (<i>Toxostoma rufum</i>). Bird depredation in Pennsylvania vineyards parallels that of wine grape production in the state. Crop losses from birds have occurred in many vineyards in Pennsylvania where grapes are grown commercially, primarily in Adams, Bucks, Erie, Franklin, and Lancaster counties. Bird depredation occurs from mid-August to early October, depending on the wine grape cultivar and degree of ripeness. Nearly all grape cultivars are attacked to some extent. Damage from birds has been greatest, however, on the cvs. Aurora, Cascade, Chancellor, DeChaunac, Leon Millot, and Marechal Foch. Purposes of this study were to identify bird species commonly found in selected vineyards in Erie County in 1973 and 1974, to examine crop and gizzard contents of selected specimens to determine which species were actually eating grapes, and to compile an initial documented list of birds that damage grapes in Pennsylvania.

Philonthus theveneti:1 Life History and Predatory Habits Against Stable Flies, House Flies,2 and Face Flies2 Under Laboratory Conditions3

In a feedlot in Lancaster County, NB, in 1968, the authors observed adults of Philonthus theveneti Horn feeding on dipteran eggs in breeding areas of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), and the house fly, Musca domestica L. Subsequent surveys of several feedlots in Lancaster and Saunders Counties determined that the beetles were present in all fly-breeding areas within the feedlots.

Patterns of Slaveholding in Colonial Pennsylvania: Chester and Lancaster Counties 1729-1758

Patterns of Slaveholding in Colonial Pennsylvania: Chester and Lancaster Counties 1729-1758

Service by Substitute in the Militia of Northampton and Lancaster Counties (Pennsylvania) During the War of the Revolution

Service by Substitute in the Militia of Northampton and Lancaster Counties (Pennsylvania) During the War of the Revolution

Pennsylvania German; Its Relation to Other German Dialects

T HE majority of the early German settlers in Pennsylvania came from the Palatinate. The rest of them came chiefly from Switzerland, Wiirttemberg, Hesse, Alsace, Saxony, and Silesia.2 It is, of course, to be assumed that these German immigrants spoke the German dialects peculiar to the sections from which they came. However, in the course of a few generations there developed from these several German dialects a new German dialect, in which, as I have shown elsewhere,3 these several dialects were blended, but in which the speech of the Palatinate, especially that of the eastern half of the Palatinate, predominated. This new dialect, called 'Pennsylvania Dutch' or 'Pennsylvania German,' has a number of Alemannic characteristics, but most of these are also in the dialects of the Southeastern Palatinate. In the Pennsylvania German territory settled largely by the Swiss, i.e. in Lancaster, York, and other southern counties, we find a few significant Alemannic peculiarities which are not found in other Pennsylvania German territories, yet, on the whole, the dialectical variations in the dialect as spoken in the various sections of Pennsylvania are very slight. The resemblance of Pennsylvania German to the dialects of the eastern Palatinate was remarked by Cyrus H. Eshlemann in his article entitled 'The Origin of the Pennsylvania German Dialect,' published in the 'Pennsylfawnisch Deitsch Eck' of The Allentown Morning Call, November

The Geology of South Mountain at the Junction of Berks, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania

Previous articleNext article FreeThe Geology of South Mountain at the Junction of Berks, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties, PennsylvaniaH. N. EatonH. N. Eaton Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The Journal of Geology Volume 20, Number 4May - Jun., 1912 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/621971 Views: 202Total views on this site Citations: 1Citations are reported from Crossref PDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:A. K. Lobeck THE SUPERB POSITION OF NEW YORK CITY AS A CENTER FOR PHYSIOGRAPHIC STUDY, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 28, no.11 (Dec 1918): 1–50.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1918.tb55349.x