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As agriculture becomes an increasingly data-driven sector, it is important to understand the technology use and barriers by the service providers who work closely with producers. This is especially important as these individuals can serve as drivers for technology adoption by farmers and ranchers. Although many surveys have looked at technology adoption by producers, little data on agricultural industry service providers exists. Surveys of Extension Professionals (EP) in Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and several categories of Agricultural Service Providers (ASP) in Wisconsin were administered in 2018 to determine satisfaction with internet service and to learn more about information and technology usage and potential barriers to its adoption within the industry. In addition, follow-up informational telephone interviews were conducted with 13 Wisconsin EP. A paper survey was administered to ASP, which had a response rate of 35% (N=462). A similar online survey was administered to EP having an estimated 23% response rate (N=223). The frequency of transmission of data, information, and recommendations was high but specialized for both groups with more frequent use in crop production versus livestock (including dairy). The most commonly-cited barriers associated with the adoption of digital technologies by ASP were related to attracting and hiring well-qualified IT employees, training for both employees and clients, and data security. While data security was a commonly cited barrier, 16% of ASP worked for companies that did not have written policies on data privacy. ASP and EP consider their clients to be adept at using text messages, images, maps, and smartphones. They do not consider their clients to be skilled in their use of digitally accessed and used financial statements, spreadsheets, or laboratory analysis reports. Additional training should be better focused on these areas for ASP and EP which would allow them to be more effective in educating producers and to better realize the value associated with more thoughtful and widespread digital technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five-sixths nephrectomized rats were used in the evaluation of the effects of potassium depletion on bicarbonate reabsorption in the distal tubules left behind. The regulatory mechanism involved is also examined with the use of proton secretion inhibitors. Results reveal that potassium depletion causes a significant elevation of bicarbonate absorption among partially nephrectomized rats through the stimulation of the hydrogen-ATPase activity.

The transport mechanisms that mediate the ability of angiotensin II (ANG II) to increase bicarbonate reabsorption was analyzed in the late distal tubules (DT) of rats that were exposed to five-sixths nephrectomy (Nx). Western and immunocytochemical analysis in Nx rats indicated the presence of enhanced H+-adenosine triphosphatase expression in the renal cortical tissue. Nx rats also exhibited normal plasma bicarbonate concentrations and ANG II-dependent bicarbonate reabsorption was inhibited by losartan.

The production of monoclonal antibodies to isolated cell wall fragments of Gliocladium roseum, a potential biological control fungus of sap-staining fungi, was described. Two monoclonals, designated 6A5 and 3F12, were characterized and their specificity was assessed by ELISA, immunogold silver staining light microscopy, immunogold electron microscopy and immunoblotting. Since the antibodies also detected specific fungi in wood, they will be of value in analyzing wood colonization byG. roseum.

Levine, David Z., Michelle Iacovitti, Brian Luck, Maxwell T. Hincke, Kevin D. Burns, and James N. Fryer. Surviving rat distal tubule bicarbonate reabsorption: effects of chronic [AT.sub.1] blockade. Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 278: F476-F483, 2000.--To determine the in vivo effects of chronic ANG II type 1 ([AT.sub.1])-receptor blockade by losartan (Los) on enhanced unidirectional bicarbonate reabsorption ([MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII]) of surviving distal tubules, nephrectomized rats drank either water or a solution of Los, 7 days before microperfusion. [MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] was suppressed by 50% after Los without further reduction by 5 nM concanamycin A (Conc), suggesting that Los suppresses all Conc-sensitive [H.sup.+]-ATPase pumping. Indeed, ultrastructural analysis of A-type intercalated cells revealed a 50% reduction of [H.sup.+]-ATPase immunogold labeling of the apical plasma membrane, whereas Western blotting showed that [H.sup.+]-ATPase protein levels were also reduced by one-half by Los treatment. To identify other transporters sustaining [MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII], we perfused three inhibitors simultaneously [5-(N,N,-dimethyl) amiloride hydrochloride, Conc, Schering 28080] with or without prior Los treatment: [MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] was unchanged despite marked reduction of water reabsorption. We conclude enhanced distal tubule [MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] of surviving nephrons is largely mediated by [AT.sub.1] receptor-dependent synthesis and insertion of apical [H.sup.+]-ATPase pumps in A-type intercalated cells. kidney failure; receptors; losartan; proton-transporting adenosine 5'-triphosphate synthase; concanamycin A

Distal tubules (DT) from sham or five-sixths nephrectomized (Nx) rats were perfused in vivo to evaluate the hypothesis that, after Nx, endogenous angiotensin II (ANG II) modulates DT in vivo bicarbonate reabsorption (JtCO2 ) via H+-adenosinetriphosphatase (H+-ATPase) and Na+/H+ exchange. In Nx rats JtCO2 was increased (65 ± 7 vs. - 24 ± 21 pmol·min-1·mm-1, P < 0.01). Both luminal and intravenous AT1-receptor blockade by losartan reduced Nx DT JtCO2 (41 ± 6 and 34 ± 4 pmol·min-1·mm-1, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas neither 10-9 M nor 10-11 M ANG II luminal perfusion increased JtCO2, suggesting preexisting high endogenous ANG II levels. The Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitors 5-(iV-ethyl-iV-isopropyl)- amiloride and 5-(A/yV-dimethyl)-amiloride were without effect. Luminal perfusion of 5 nM concanamycin A, a V-type H+-ATPase inhibitor, reduced Nx DT JtCO2 (45 ± 8 pmol · min-1 · mm-1, P < 0.05). In Nx A-type intercalated cells, we demonstrated cellular hypertrophy, elaboration of apical microplicae, and enhanced expression/apical polarization of H+-ATPase. Thus ANG II is an important determinant in sustaining brisk DT JtCO2 following Nx and is associated with enhanced expression ancf A-type intercalated cell apical polarization of H+-ATPase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]