Digital Repository @ Iowa State University

A Design Methodology and Implementation for Corporate Network Security Visualization: A Modular-Based Approach

Andy Luse et al. — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:22:32 PDT

Research surrounding visualization for computer and network security has produced differing accepted methods for adequately developing security visualization products. The current work proposes a design methodology that melds the research of the three competing frameworks for security visualization development. In addition, a product that incorporates the proposed design methodology is developed, used, and evaluated. Findings show that users of the system believe the system has increased their effectiveness at performing network security tasks and are likely to use such a system in the future.

Method of managing cattle breeding herds

Lloyd L. Anderson — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:19:45 PDT

Cattle breeding herds are managed for accelerated time-controlled calving, using groups of cows predicted to calve within a period of 10 days, 1000 to 10,000 units of purified porcine relaxin are administered intramuscularly or intracervically. Auxiliary agents may also be administered such as methasone or dexamethasone. Within the selected group, parturition can be limited to time periods as short as 24 to 48 hours. Further, parturition can be accelerated from 2 to 10 days. These benefits are obtained without adverse side effects such as retained placenta or dystocia.

Head mounted stereotaxic apparatus

Lloyd L. Anderson — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:19:43 PDT

A head mounted stainless steel stereotaxic apparatus for precise locallization of probes/cannulas in selected regions of the mammalian brain. Novel aspects of this apparatus include versatility in placement of probe/cannula in selected sites in the brain, mobility of the animal after attachment of the apparatus to the frontal bone, and repeated use of the same instrument on different animal species.

Development and Implementation of an Integrated Science Course for Elementary Education Majors

Mickey E. Gunter et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:42:08 PDT

In an effort to improve teacher preparation, a group of faculty from four separate disciplines—chemistry, geology, biology, and physics—worked together to develop an integrated science course tailored for elementary education majors. This four-credit course offered through the university's Interdisciplinary Studies Division fulfills part of the elementary education science requirements. The participating faculty receive released time from their individual departments for their involvement in the development and implementation of the course. The course is offered during both the fall and spring semesters. Currently, the university is seeking to develop a university-wide integrated science course using the elementary education course as a model.

A culture-based entrepreneurship program: Impact on student interest in business ownership

Howard Van Auken et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:29:28 PDT

This paper reports the results of a study that examined the impact of a culture-based entrepreneurship study abroad program on interest in business ownership. Forty-three students were asked to complete a pre and post program questionnaire that asked about their understanding of a variety of program activities and to gauge their interest in starting a business. Almost no similar research has been reported in the literature. Pre- and postprogram mean rankings of the variables are reported The results indicated that post-program mean rankings tend to be higher than pre-program mean rankings. Twelve of the post-program mean values are significantly different from pre-program mean values. Logit regression analysis indicated that the culture variable was positively associated with interest in starting a business while the Spanish business and entrepreneurial skills, and program structure variables were negatively associated with business ownership. The results of this study may be of interest to educators involved in developing entrepreneurship and study abroad courses and programs. The study may be of special interest to those involved in developing integrative entrepreneurship programs.

The effect of gender on the perception/evaluation of business memoranda

Sharon K. Witty — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:17:00 PDT

When a male and female engage in conversation, do they speak differently? Does the male speak better? Do males and females write differently? Does a male write better? Linguists have been searching for the answers to these questions for several years, but in recent years the search has intensified. But what about you, the reader of this document--what do you think?

Naming in Arabic

Samir A. Hawana — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:16:58 PDT

When Benjamin L. Whorf said that speech is the best show man ever puts on, he could have modified his statement by adding that personal names are the cleverest manifestations of that show. Many of us tend to accept our names as bestowed by our parents and exert little effort, if any, to understand their significance or even their literal meaning. The writer's wife has a rather rhythmical name, Mah-a, and many friends expressed their admiration of its musical tone. When asked about the meaning of her name, Maha will always answer "it means the eyes of the wild cow." It was a surprise to her husband to find out that Maha, in Arabic, means simply "the wild cow." Such instances of misunderstanding of one's own name lead the writer to assume a widespread lack of awareness on this topic.

Postmodernism and Donald Barthelme's metafictional commentary on contemporary philosophy

Timothy Charles Lord — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:16:57 PDT

This thesis was originally intended simply to be a discussion about the philosophical implications of some of Donald Barthelme's earlier short fictions ("metafictions," if you will--a term I will define later). However, Barthelme's nebulous status somewhere within the realm of "postmodern" fiction, itself an extremely opaque and undefinable term, leads me to wonder how to go about tackling this whole enterprise. Can Barthelme's fiction be understood if it is divorced from the larger body·of postmodern fiction, if a description of the general cha~acteristics of postmodern fiction is ignored? For that matter, can postmodern fiction, with its basic antimimetic presuppositions, really be adequately ~xamined without delving into the past to modernist fiction and investigating how postmodern fiction is both a rejection and a continuation of various conventions and assumptions of modernist fiction?

Observations on the Catalogers’ Role in Descriptive Metadata Creation in Academic Libraries

Jeanne M.K. Boydston et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:15:42 PDT

This article examines the case for the participation of catalogers in the creation of descriptive metadata. Metadata creation is an extension of the catalogers’ existing skills, abilities and knowledge. As such, it should be encouraged and supported. However, issues in this process, such as cost, supply of catalogers and the need for further training will also be examined. The authors use examples from the literature and their own experiences in descriptive metadata creation. Suggestions for future research on the topic are included.

Fostering success: The socialization of entry-level librarians in ARL libraries

William K. Black et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:15:40 PDT

The degree to which new librarians are assimilated into the professional culture is critical to successfully dealing with the challenges facing academic libraries today. Clear understanding of the values of the institution and the support processes in place for professional contribution and growth enhance personal effectiveness and organizational relevance. This article reports the results of a survey of ARL directors and entry-level librarians on programs in place and methods used for integrating new librarians into the institutional and professional culture. Survey questions included a special focus on minority recruitment and retention. Responses provide a framework for current practices and expectations among ARL libraries. Comparisons are made to previous research and suggestions are provided for new directions.

In Cold Blood and The Executioner's Song: A generic reconception

Norma A. Lynch — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:22:57 PDT

In Cold Blood and The Executioner's Song invite examination in that they represent polar versions of the nonfiction novel, an intriguing genre whose boundaries have yet to be adequately defined. Previous attempts to formulate a theory of the gen~e of the nonfic.tion novel by Tom Wol~e, John Hollowell, and John Hellmann have yielded useful contributions to a theoretical conception of the genre, but they fall short because the three studies neglect critical dimensions of genre theory. Additionally, the three theoretical conceptions exhibit difficulty in accounting for the factual content of novelistic works. The following thesis is an attempt to redefine the nonfiction novel in order to arrive at a renewed conception of In Cold Blood and The Executioner's Song. The first section examines the theoretical formulations of the nonfiction novel offered by Wolfe, Hollowell, and Hellmann. A section on the genre theory of E. D. Hirsch and Mikhail Bakhtin suggests a means of arriving at a new conception of the nonfiction novel and leads to a succeeding section in which the nonfiction novel is redefined. The final section examines In Cold Blood and The Executioner's Song in light of the approach derived from Hirsch and Bakhtin.

Rhetorical analysis of Frances Burney's Evelina and select journal entries

Kerry Lynn Walter — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:22:55 PDT

The first issue discussed in Burney scholarship--and dealt with in this work--has to do with her importance as a novelist and as a diarist. Margaret Arme !body notes in her Frances Burney: The Life in the Works that Burney's fame (in the twentieth century) has been "to a large extent that not of a novelist but of a diarist" ( 1). The novels, often similar in style 'and content to the journals, have been treated as less important or less impressive than the journals. !body writes the biography partly as a way of counteracting "the popularity of the diary material" ( 2) • "A reading of her novels as if they were diaries (rather than vice versa) is fundamentally mistaken. Burney's \-..K:>rks have long suffered from a lack of literary reading. The novels simply need to be read as if they mattered, and as if they were novels" (3). Thus, a major issue in Burney scholarship appears: the exact relationship between the journals and novels and, by extension, the literary importance of each.

East of Eden: Steinbeck's proclamation of human greatness

David Stewart McCright — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:07:33 PDT

East of Eden (1952), the tenth of John Steinbeck's eleven novels, is a work that celebrates the greatness of the human soul. In particular, it celebrates the power of human beings to determine their own destiny through the heroic exercise of free will. As such, this novel represents a unique development in Steinbeck's concept of human potential, and it grants a power of action he had never before given to men and women.

Invisible Walls

Earl Lennox Keyser` Jr. — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:07:29 PDT

R-r-r-ring. Jeff reached for the phone with his right hand, pushing his black hair from his eyes with his left hand. "H-h-h-h-hello."

"Hello. This is Mr. Clayborne. May I speak to Jeff Nichols?"

"This is he."

"Fine. Uh, Dean Carver asked that I give you a call. He said that you're thinking of dropping out of school and that you gave your stuttering as the main reason for your academic failure."

Using Process in the English Classroom: A Curriculum Design Guide for Middle School Teachers

Maureen McGuire Taylor — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:07:27 PDT

When I began teaching seventh and eighth grade English, right out of my undergraduate program, I thought I didn't need extensive training in composition theories and methods to teach thirteen and fourteen year olds how to write. I thought I could just use coiDiilon sense and my own experiences to manage a writing curriculum. Two years later, I found myself in graduate school studying, of all things, rhetoric and composition theories. My experience at the middle school level taught me that it was composition instruction that my students needed most of all. And even though I had taken some college courses and workshop in-selVices on teaching writing as a process, the methods of composition instruction they presented weren't working as effectively as the presenters and instructors claimed they would.

Mathematics in composition: A defense of Flesch's readability formula

Nancy Ann Vieth — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:07:21 PDT

One topic kept coming up in my class work during the first year.of my graduate study: readability. Although readability can refer to how legible handwriting or typography is, this study will refer to it only as a determination of the ease of understanding or comprehension due to the style of writing (Klare 1963, 1). A readability formula, then, would be a mathematical formula used to determine if a document could be comprehended by a given audience. In a world where thousands of dollars may be lost because of the wording of one letter or memorandum, it is vitally important that both the writer and reader of that document agree on its meaning. Therefore, readability is of major importance in my area of specialization, Business and Technical Communication. Yet the question of how to achieve that agreement between writer and reader is difficult to answer.

Materials and methods for the alteration of enzyme and acetyl CoA levels in plants

Basil J. Nikolau et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:26:19 PDT

The present invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of acetyl CoA synthetase (ACS), plastidic pyruvate dehydrogenase (pPDH), ATP citrate lyase (ACL),Arabidopsis pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), and Arabidopsis aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), specifically ALDH-2 and ALDH-4. The present invention also provides a recombinant vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding one of the aforementioned enzymes, an antisense sequence thereto or a ribozyme therefor, a cell transformed with such a vector, antibodies to the enzymes, a plant cell, a plant tissue, a plant organ or a plant in which the level of an enzyme has been altered, and a method of producing such a plant cell, plant tissue, plant organ or plant. Desirably, alteration of the level of enzyme results in an alteration of the level of acetyl CoA in the plant cell, plant tissue, plant organ or plant. In addition, the present invention provides a recombinant vector comprising an antisense sequence of a nucleic acid sequence encoding pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), the E1α subunit of pPDH, the E1β subunit of pPDH, the E2 subunit of pPDH, mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (mtPDH) or aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) or a ribozyme that can cleave an RNA molecule encoding PDC, E1α pPDH, E1β pPDH, E2 pPDH, mtPDH or ALDH.

Method for the conversion of cellulose and related carbohydrate materials to low-molecular-weight compounds

Walter S. Trahanovsky et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:26:16 PDT

Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Micro-aeration of sulfide removal from biogas

Shihwu Sung et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:26:13 PDT

Elastometric device for tunable imaging

Jaeyoun Kim — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:26:11 PDT

An optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure is provided. The structure includes an elastomer membrane, a plurality of polymer fibers attached to the elastomer membrane, an array of detectors operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a first end of the plurality of polymer fibers, and a microlens array operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a second end of the plurality of polymer fibers. A method of manufacturing an optical MEMS structure is provided. The method includes forming a hollow PDMS chamber in which PDMS fibers extend from top to bottom using a lost wax molding process.

Diterpene modulator of macrophage phagosomal maturation

Reuben J. Peters et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:26:09 PDT

Novel uses for diterpene modulators of macrophage phagosomal maturation are provided. The diterpene isotuberculosinol is used as an immune modulator, assay for pharmaceutical compositions and an isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis labdane-related diterpenoid virulence factor. A method of treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infectivity is further provided.

Process for the conversion of cyclic amines into lactams

L. Keith Woo et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:26:08 PDT

Converting cyclic amines to lactams using gold supported catalysts.

All-America Selections® Vegetable Trial

Vincent Lawson — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:12:26 PDT

All-America Selections® (AAS) is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1932 by industry leaders to organize and oversee unbiased evaluations of new, soon to be released, flower and vegetable varieties. The goal of the AAS is to identify superior home garden varieties through a national network of trial grounds and promote the tested winners as AllAmerica Selections® . There are currently about 25 AAS vegetable trial sites across the country hosted by universities, seed companies, and other public institutions. The AAS requires all trial sites to have a knowledgeable judge to evaluate entrants in blind tests (seed sources are unknown to judges) on several traitsincluding earliness, yield, taste, disease resistance, and shelf life.

Cover Cropping and Strip Tillage to Improve Crop Performance and Food Safety in Muskmelon Production

Ajay Nair et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:12:13 PDT

There is a growing interest among growers to utilize production techniques that reduce soil erosion, minimize nutrient leaching, suppress weed emergence, and build soil quality and organic matter. Cover crops are now being widely used by both conventional and organic growers to accomplish these tasks and also to maintain high soil fertility. Cover crops have a profound impact on soil quality by adding to the soil organic matter pool, enhancing soil structure and fertility, improving soil water holding capacity, reducing the loss of nutrients and sediments in surface run-off, and suppressing weed populations. Additional beneﬁts from cover crops include reduction of insect and disease spread, enhanced microbiological attack of soil pathogens, increase in soil microbial biomass, and biological activity.

Effect of Biochar on Sweet Corn Production

Ajay Nair et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:12:07 PDT

Biochar is an organic amendment produced by a process called pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the burning of biomass in a limited oxygen environment. In the recent past, agricultural use of biochar has been steadily increasing and attracting research interest. Biochar has been shown to reduce leaching of critical nutrients thereby providing greater soil availability and crop uptake. Potential use of biochar in cropping systems could include nutrient recycling, soil conditioning, and longterm carbon sequestration. Biochar as a biorenewable resource has the potential to positively impact several key areas of our production systems such as soil organic matter and quality, water quality, crop growth, yield, and productivity

Field Corn Response to Sulfur Fertilization

Vincent Lawson — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:12:00 PDT

The objective of this trial was to investigate response of field corn to sulfur fertilization when grown on irrigated coarse sand soil with low organic matter.

Muskmelon Cultivar Trial

Vincent Lawson — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:53 PDT

The 2012 muskmelon trial evaluated twelve cultivars to determine their relative maturity, yield potential, and fruit characteristics when grown on black plastic mulch and fertigated with drip irrigation.

Muscatine Island Research Farm Summary

Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:46 PDT

Contents: Muscatine Island Research Farm Association; 2012 Acknowledgements; Farm and Weather Summary; Research Farm Projects

Potato Response to Boron and Sulfur Fertilization

Vincent Lawson — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:40 PDT

This project was conducted to investigate how potatoes respond to boron and sulfur fertilization when grown on two different soil types.

Scaling-up Row Covers for Management of Bacterial Wilt of Muskmelon

Zachary Torres et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:33 PDT

Row covers are an effective tool in protecting muskmelons from early season frosts, wind damage, fungal diseases, and cucumber beetles, which transmit bacterial wilt caused by Erwinia tracheiphila.

Tomato Cultivar Trial

Vincent Lawson — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:27 PDT

The 2012 tomato trial evaluated 16 fresh market cultivars for yield potential and fruit quality when grown on black plastic mulch.

Cornstalk Strip Grazing Demonstration with Beef Cows

Dennis R. Maxwell — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:20 PDT

In the fall of 2012, the ISU McNay Research Farm, Chariton, Iowa, conducted a trial on strip grazing of cornstalks to extend the normal 40–60 grazing days per cornstalk acre. The goal was to delay feeding hay as long as possible due to limited hay supplies and high costs caused by drought.

Evaluation of Foliar Fungicides and Insecticides on Soybeans in South Central Iowa

Daren S. Mueller et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:13 PDT

Iowa State University assessed foliar fungicides and insecticides on soybeans at seven ISU locations across Iowa including the Northwest Farm (Sutherland), Northern Farm (Kanawha), Northeast Farm (Nashua), Curtiss Farm (Ames), Armstrong Farm (Lewis), McNay Farm (Chariton), and Southeast Farm (Crawfordsville) (Figure 1).

Injectable Vitamin A Effects on Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in Beef Calves

Stacie A. Gould et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:04 PDT

Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is a problematic recurring disease for cow-calf producers. The IBK lesions have been associated with a 7-14 kg decrease in weaning weight compared with calves with no recognized IBK lesions. Given the impact of IBK on production, it is not unexpected that producers are interested in preventing IBK. Preventive practices recommended are often impractical and there is little evidence that vaccines are effective.

Long-term Tillage and Crop Rotation Effects on Soil Carbon and Soil Productivity

Mahdi Al-Kaisi et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:49:56 PDT

Tillage and crop rotation systems have significant long-term effects on soil quality and productivity including the soil quality components of soil carbon and soil biological, physical, and chemical properties. Additionally, both soil tillage and crop rotation have impacts on weed and soil disease control. There is need for well-defined, longterm tillage and crop rotation studies across the different soils and climate conditions in the state. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of different tillage systems and crop rotations on soil productivity

McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm Summary

Nicholas Piekema et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:49:49 PDT

Contents: Farm and Weather Summary; Research Farm Projects

Potassium FertilizerEffects on Yield of Corn and Soybean and on Potassium Uptake and Recycling to the Soil

Antonio P. Mallarino et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:49:41 PDT

Research has been conducted in Iowa to investigate potassium (K) fertilization of corn and soybean, but not at this farm. Insufficient K amounts in the soil or applied with fertilizer or manure significantly decreases crop yield end economic benefits to growers. Also, research in other locations has shown large soil-test K temporal variability within a season or from the fall to spring. Therefore, a study was initiated in 2009 to investigate these issues

Seasonal and Rotational Influences on Corn Nitrogen Requirements

John E. Sawyer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:49:35 PDT

This project was designed to study the N fertilization needs in continuous corn (CC) and corn rotated with soybean (SC) as influenced by location and climate. Multiple rates of fertilizer N were spring applied, with the intent to measure yield response to N within each rotation on a yearly basis for multiple years at multiple sites across Iowa. This will allow determination of N requirements for each rotation, differences that exist between the two rotations, responses to applied N across different soils, and climatic conditions, and evaluation of tools used to adjust N application.

AgEds/Hort 465 Class: Horticulture Enterprise Management

Malcolm Robertson — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:37:11 PDT

In December 2012, the AgEds/ Hort 465 course, that is taught in all three semesters (Spring, Summer, Fall) of the school year, completed its second year at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station. The ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, AgEds/Hort 465 course, which was introduced in Spring 2011, focuses on educating and training future growers in the management and operation of diversified horticultural enterprises on an Iowa farm situation.

As a capstone course, the syllabus is designed to provide an experiential learning environment for students to foster an appreciation of the business, production, and marketing complexities of a fruit and vegetable operation. The course is structured as a business and is managed through decisions made by students in four major areas: finance, operations, production, and marketing. Most financial, production, and marketing activities are done by the students enrolled in the course.

Biochar as a Soil Amendment for Vegetable Production

Brandon H. Carpenter et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:37:06 PDT

Environmental concerns and the price of fossil fuels have encouraged research on technologies to utilize biomass in energy production. Some technologies being investigated for their potential to provide energy involve a process known as pyrolysis. One of the byproducts of pyrolysis is called biochar. Biochar has shown potential to improve plant and soil health on several unproductive soils around the world. Much of the research on the use of biochar in Iowa soils has been focused around agronomic crops with little research into how it may affect vegetable production systems.

Objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of using biochar as a soil amendment on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. Paladin) production in Iowa. The study investigated biochar’s effects on plant growth, yield, and soil nutrient retention.

Canopy Management Practices and Light Interception of Northern Grape Cultivars

Dylan P. Rolfes et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:37:01 PDT

The recent development of Vitisriparia hybrids has allowed the expansion of the wine industry into Iowa and the Upper Midwest. These cultivars are more cold hardy and vigorous than traditional V. vinifera hybrids. During maturation the fruit tend to retain high levels of acids, exhibit a rapid rise in pH, accumulate high potassium levels, and possess a different profile of malic to tartaric acid than other hybrids. Wines from these grapes often have a “grassy” or “herbaceous” flavor. These same characteristics have been associated with fruit grown in shaded canopies. This study was undertaken as part of the USDA Northern Grapes Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) project to assess the effectiveness and cost benefit of various combinations of canopy management practices on improving the fruit quality characteristics of Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette wine grapes. This report summarizes part of the first year results.

Cold Hardy Wine Grape Cultivar Trial

Paul A. Domoto et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:54 PDT

In conjunction with the Northeast Regional Research project NE 1020 “Multi-state Evaluation of Wine Grape Cultivars and Clones,” Iowa State University established a cold hardy wine grape cultivar trial in 2008 at the ISU Horticulture Research Station (HRS) and Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery (THV) near Baldwin, IA. The Iowa trial evaluates the performance of Corot noir, La Crescent, Marquette, Petit AmiTM, NY 95.0301-01, MN-1189, MN-1200, MN-1220, MN-1235, MN-1258 with Frontenac, and St. Croix serving as controls. This report summarizes the results for the 2012 growing season.

Comparison of Organic and Conventional Agriculture Systems on Crop Production

Christopher J. Pelzer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:49 PDT

The majority of organic and conventional agriculture system comparisons are long-term experiments (>10 years). Therefore, it is imperative to understand short-term impacts on soil and environmental quality during the transition period from a conventional system to a three-year, USDA-NOP certified organic system. The objectives of this project were to investigate the effects of two agricultural systems (organic and conventional) on greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2 O), soil carbon dynamics, soil quality, and crop productivity

Controlling Bacterial Wilt in Muskmelon with Perimeter Trap Cropping

Jean C. Batzer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:44 PDT

Perimeter trap cropping (PTC) involves planting one or more rows of a cucurbit crop that is highly attractive to cucumber beetles around the border of a main cucurbit cash crop that is less attractive to the beetles. Cucumber beetles attempting to migrate into the field are concentrated in the relatively more attractive border crop, where they can be controlled by insecticides.

Effect of Lettuce Seed Treatment with Seed Power® on Germination, Crop Growth, and Fungicide Interaction

Ajay Nair et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:38 PDT

Lettuce emergence rate, seedling growth, and head size has been shown to positively correlate with seed vigor. Seed treatment practices in lettuce that increase seedling shoot mass can significantly influence lettuce growth, development, and final yield. This study investigated effects of lettuce seed treatment with Seed Power® (a nutrient solution containing cobalt and other proprietary compounds; Stoller USA) on lettuce seed germination, crop growth, yield, and potential interaction of Seed Power® with commonly used conventional fungicides.

Converting a Research Green to a Bentgrass Fairway

Daniel J. Strey et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:33 PDT

The project was initiated to convert an existing research putting green to a 007 creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) fairway. The previous green was attached to an adjacent fairway, which made it difficult to perform routine maintenance practices. With the addition of the A-4 creeping bentgrass green in the fall of 2011, the square footage of greens height bentgrass would not be affected by the conversion.

Effect of Lime SulfurThinning Sprays on Return Bloom of Scab-resistant Apples

Paul A. Domoto et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:27 PDT

Growing scab-resistant apple cultivars on fully dwarfing rootstocksincreasesthe feasibility for producing organically grown apples in the Midwest. However, in an organic orchard, fruit thinning to optimize crop load must be done by hand at a very high labor expense or biennial bearing and inconsistent supply to meet consumer demandsis accepted. In 2011, a study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid lime sulfur alone and in combination with spray oil applied at various times during bloom on thinning three scabresistant apple cultivars under Iowa conditions, and was reported in the 2011 Annual Progress Reports for the ISU Horticulture Research Station (ISRF11-36). This report summaries the effect of those treatments on the return bloom in 2012.

Effect of Plastic Mulch and Trellises on Cucumber Production in High Tunnels

Ajay Nair et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:21 PDT

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are high yielding summer vegetables but are extremely frost-sensitive. Most vegetable growers in Iowa grow cucumbers and constantly explore ways to start the crop early in the spring. One method to extend the production season and start early production of cucumbers is using a high tunnel. A high tunnel helps protect plants from early season frost, warms the soil, increases ambient temperature, and enhances crop growth. High tunnel production is gaining popularity in the Midwest. Common vegetables grown in high tunnels include tomato, pepper, leafy greens, and cucumber.

Effects of Overwintering Conditions on Nesting Behavior of Painted Turtles

Timothy Mitchell et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:16 PDT

For painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) and many other reptiles, the temperature experienced by developing eggs determines whether the embryo will become a male or a female. Animals with this temperaturedependent sex determination (TSD) are vulnerable to rapid climate change, as consistent, directional changes in climate may result in detrimental population sex-ratio shifts. Yet, many animals with TSD have persisted for millions of years, through many periods of global warming and cooling. How have these animals evolved to maintain healthy sex ratios, despite this apparent vulnerability?

Effects of Temperature and Light in High Tunnel Primocane Red Raspberry Production

Leah B. Riesselman et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:10 PDT

High tunnel production of primocane red raspberries extendsthe growing season, decreases winter injury, increases cane height and growth rate, and improves overall fruit quality and yield. However, tunnels have the potential to increase light intensity levels and result in high air and soil temperatures, which are detrimental to primocane red raspberry production. Soil and air temperatures above 16°C (60.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F) and light intensity levels beyond 600 µmol·mˉ²sˉ¹ have been shown to decrease water uptake, encourage premature bud-dormancy, delay time to ripening, and reduce fruit quality and weight. The proposed study is intended to 1) assess the relationship between temperature and light intensity and their effect(s) on primocane raspberry growth and development, 2) evaluate how effective shade cloth and soil mulch are in reducing temperature and light intensity levels of high tunnel red raspberry production, and 3) provide relatively inexpensive solutions to minimize temperature and light intensity damage in protected red raspberry production during the warm summer monthsin Iowa.

Evaluation of Solitare for Postemergence Crabgrass Control

Nick E. Christians et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:04 PDT

The objective of this study was to evaluate postemergence crabgrass controls in Kentucky bluegrass turf.

Performance of Gibson Golden Delicious on Dwarfing Rootstocks

Paul A. Domoto et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:59 PDT

To evaluate the adaptability and performance of new and promising apple rootstocks in the dwarfing size-control category, a NC-140 regional rootstock trial was established in 2003 at 14 total sites in the United States (AR, CA, IA, GA, KY, ME, MI, NY, OH, PA, UT, WI), Canada (BC), and Mexico. The Iowa planting, located at the ISU Horticulture Research Station, includes 23 rootstocks with new selectionsfrom theCornell-Geneva breeding program (G., CG.),Russia (B.), Czech Republic (J-TE), Japan (JM.), and Germany (PiAu) with M.26, M.9 Pajam 2 and M.9 T337 serving as industry standards. These rootstocks are being evaluated with Gibson Golden Delicious serving as the test cultivar. This report summarizes the tree-growth and production characteristics through the 2012 growing season.

Horticulture Research Station Summary

Nicholas P. Howell — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:54 PDT

Contents: Farm Staff; Farm and Weather Summary; Research Station Projects

Imidacloprid Patch Use on Roses for Japanese Beetle Control

Taylor R. Goetzinger et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:48 PDT

The past few years have been difficult for rose growers in the Midwest due to an increase in Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) populations.Japanese beetles can cause damage to many different parts of the rose plant. Their first target is normally the rose bud, feeding on pollen. Damage appears as a small, round hole going through the side of the flower bud.Buds that are able to fully open are normally the next target. The damage to the flowers is a small hole in the flower petals. As beetle populations increase and after the first bloom of the rose is finished, they begin to attack the foliage. Typical damage to the foliage ranges from small holesin the leaf to complete destruction, resulting in an unattractive plant in the landscape. In recent years, because of the Japanese beetle problem, homeowners are eliminating roses from the landscape. An efficient way of getting rid of these pests is needed.

Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivar Study

Zachary A. Simons et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:41 PDT

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) conducts trials throughout the United States on turfgrass adaptation. This trial was established in September 2011 as a part of the NTEP program. It contains 82 Kentucky bluegrasss cultivars.

National Elm Trial

Jean C. Batzer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:33 PDT

Although many Dutch elm disease-resistant elm cultivars are available in the nursery trade, much of the public is hesitant to purchase and plant any elm tree. In order to promote interest in planting these trees, scientific data on growth, form, and pest resistance for existing Dutch elm disease resistant elm cultivars are essential.

Mosquito and Arbovirus Activity

Lyric Bartholomay et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:28 PDT

Mosquitoes are public health concerns as vectors of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) and/or as nuisances to humans, so surveillance efforts are important to determine areas and times that may pose a risk. The Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Ames, Iowa, consistently yields mosquitoes that are positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Objectives were to continue to assess human risk by monitoring both mosquitoes and sentinel chickens, which serve as vertebrate hosts for arbovirus.

On-farm Cooperator Trials: Effect of Extended-duration Row Covers on Muskmelon and Winter Squash on Bacterial Wilt and Yield

Jean C. Batzer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:21 PDT

Susceptible cucurbit crops are difficult to grow in Iowa because of bacterial wilt, caused by Erwinia tracheiphila. Striped and spotted cucumber beetles transmit bacterial wilt. Other insect pests such assquash vine borer and squash bugs may also have an economic impact on yield, particularly in squash.

Organic Practices for the Production of Muskmelon

Jean C. Batzer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:16 PDT

Cucurbit crops, especially muskmelon and cucumber, attract cucumber beetles, which vector Erwinia tracheiphila, the causal agent of bacterial wilt. High numbers of overwintering beetles, which often lead to high bacterial wilt incidence, usually occur during the first stages of plant establishment. Growers of organic muskmelon need effective ways to manage the cucumber beetle/bacterial wilt complex, particularly during the highestrisk period early in the season.

Organic Practices for the Production of Butternut Squash

Jean C. Batzer et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:11 PDT

Growers of organic squash need effective ways to manage insect and disease problems. The squash bug (Anasa tristis) sucks sap, causing leaves to wilt and turn black. The squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) can devastate winter squash plantings. Burrowing by larvae into the base of the stem causes yellowing and wilting. Organic insecticides are expensive, have limited efficacy, require many applications, and some kill beneficial as well as target insects.

Perennial Ryegrass Cultivar Study

Zachary A. Simons et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:06 PDT

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) conducts trials throughout the United States on turfgrass adaptation. This trial was established in September 2010 as a part of the NTEP program. It contains 88 perennial ryegrass cultivars.

Season Extension Strategies for Fall Lettuce Production

Ajay Nair et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:34:59 PDT

One of the biggest challenges which Midwest vegetable growers face is the unpredictable weather and narrow seasonal window for crop production. The risk of frost damage and low soil and air temperatures during the growing season are major constraints. Strategies that help extend growing seasons are thus imperative for successful production of fresh and quality produce. With growing demand for fresh and locally grown vegetables, growers could capitalize on techniques such as the use of high tunnels, low tunnels, or a combination of both to extend the growing season.

Sweet Potato Cultivar Trial

Ajay Nair et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:34:54 PDT

Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas, is a warmseason vegetable crop that is widely grown throughout the world. In the United States, commercial production is mainly in the southern states. Many parts of the plant are edible, including leaves, roots, and vines. Tender leaves are a delicacy in a number of Asian and Southeast Asian countries.

Tee Complex Construction Project

Daniel J. Strey — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:34:48 PDT

The project was initiated to construct an area that would simulate a golf course tee and green complex. Over fifteen years ago, a south-facing,sloped green was built to USGA specifications that allowed for research under these specific conditions. The trial had been terminated and left fallow for several years.

Third Year Performance of Honeycrisp on Dwarfing Rootstocks

Paul A. Domoto et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:34:43 PDT

To evaluate the adaptability and performance of new and promising apple rootstocks in the dwarfing size-control category, a NC-140 regional rootstock trial was established in 2010 at 12 sites in the United States (CO, IA, IL, IN, MA, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, UT, WI), two sites in Canada (BC, NS), and one site in Mexico (CHIH) with Honeycrisp serving as the test cultivar. The Iowa planting, located at the ISU Horticulture Research Station, includes 31 rootstocks with new selections from theCornell-Geneva breeding program (G., CG.),Russia (B.), and Germany (PiAu , Supp.), with M.26, M.9 Pajam 2 and M.9 T337 serving as industry standards. Tissue cultured propagated (TC) rootstocks of G.41, G.202, and G.935 were included for comparison with normal (N) stool bed propagated rootstocks. This report summarizes the tree-growth characteristics of the Iowa planting during the 2012 growing season.

A Warning System for Anthracnose Fruit Rot on Strawberries

Xiaoyu Zhang et al. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:34:37 PDT

Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) of strawberry is caused by three Colletotrichum spp. In the Midwest, however, only Colletotrichum acutatum is found. This fungus can attach itself to apparently healthy plants and spread throughout the field without causing symptoms on the foliage. When fruit beginsto ripen and weather conditions are rainy and warm, AFR can suddenly cause great damage to the fruit. To protect against AFR where it has appeared in the past, growers need to spray every 7 to 10 days beginning at the start of bloom until harvest.

Ag Engineering and Agronomy Farm and Central Iowa Research Farms Summary

Michael W. Fiscus et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:20:24 PDT

Ag Engineering and Agronomy Farm Farm and Weather Summary, Project List, Central Iowa Farms Farm and Weather Summary

Agronomic and Economic Performance of Three Crop Rotation Systemsin Central Iowa

Matthew Z. Liebman et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:20:17 PDT

A 22-acre field experiment was established in 2001 at the Iowa State University Marsden Farm, in Boone, Iowa to test the hypothesis that diversifying a simple corn-soybean cropping system could allow for substantial reductions in nitrogen fertilizer and herbicide use without compromising crop productivity and profitability. The site lies within a region of intensive rain-fed corn and soybean production and is surrounded by farms with high levels of productivity. Soils at the site are fertile Mollisols: Clarion loam, Nicollet loam, and Webster silty clay loam. Three rotation systems have been evaluated intensively during 2003–2012; a 2-yr corn-soybean system, a 3-yr corn-soybean-small grain + red cloversystem, and a 4-yr corn-soybean-small grain + alfalfa-alfalfa system. The 2-yr rotation is representative of cash grain farming systems in the region, whereas the 3-yr and 4- yr rotations are representative of low-externalinput (LEI) farming systems in the region that include livestock.

Agronomic, Environmental, and Economic Performance of Alternative Biomass Cropping Systems (The Landscape Biomass Project)

Lisa A. Schulte-Moore et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:20:11 PDT

The goal of the Landscape Biomass Project is to develop a portfolio of biomass cropping systems that together are productive, profitable, and mitigate the negative effects of annual crops on soil and water quality. To accomplish this goal, we have developed several alternative biomass cropping systems and compared them with a conventional continuous corn system. Alternative cropping systems were chosen because of their potential to provide superior biomass yields (triticale/sorghum); some biomass yield while mitigating some negative environmental impacts (corn-soy-triticale/soy and corn-switchgrass); or some short-term biomass yield and superior long-term yield while strongly mitigating negative environmental impacts (triticale/aspen). As crop performance is strongly tied to site factors, we are evaluating these bio-mass cropping systems across a series of landscape positions.

BioCentury Research Farm Update

Andrew A. Suby — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:20:04 PDT

The BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) again had a diversity of users in 2012. Iowa State University faculty and staff from the Departments of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE); Agronomy; Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology;Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (CCEE); and Food Science and Human Nutrition, as well as the Bioeconomy Institute (BEI), Center for Crops Utilization Research (CCUR), Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies (CSET), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences(CALS), and Extension and Outreach conducted research, teaching, and/or outreach at the BCRF. Private industry users of the BCRF included AGCO, Avello Bioenergy, Deere & Company, Direvo Industrial Biotechnology, DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol, Frontline Bioenergy, Phillips 66, and Virant, Inc. By the end of 2012, the BCRF had over 86 full- and part-time users with projects in more than 90 percent of available space.

The ISU Compost Facility after Four Years

Steve J. Jonas et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:51 PDT

The University Compost Facility has completed four full years of operation. The facility is managed by the ISU Research Farms and has a separate revolving account that receives fees and sales and pays expenses. The facility is designed to be self-supporting, i.e. not receive allocations for its operations. The facility is located at 52274 260th Street, Ames, Iowa.

Corn and Soybean Production with a Winter Rye Cover Crop

John E. Sawyer et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:44 PDT

Objective of this project wasto study corn nitrogen (N) fertilization requirement and corn/soybean yield response when grown in a rye cover cropping system. Multiple rates of N fertilizer were applied, with measurement of corn yield response to applied N and soybean yield with and without a fall-planted winter rye cover crop. The study was conducted at multiple research farms, with the intent for comparison of with and without a cover crop system across varying soil and climatic conditionsin Iowa.

Evaluation of Application Timings of Warrant Herbicide for Soybean Phytotoxicity

Michael D. Owen et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:39 PDT

Warrant herbicide is an encapsulated formulation of acetochlor herbicide and labeled for postemergence use in soybean. This study was designed to evaluate crop safety from various Warrant treatments and application timings including early preplant, preemergence, and postemergence. Early preplant and preemergence applications of Warrant are currently not labeled for use in soybean.

Evaluation of Foliar Fungicides and Insecticides on Soybeansin CentralIowa

Daren S. Mueller et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:34 PDT

Glyphosate, Manganese, and Zinc Soybean Trial

Mark A. Licht et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:26 PDT

Often there is yellowing of soybeans following glyphosate applications that have been attributed by some as manganese or zinc deficiency. There have been varied reports of impacts of this ‘yellow flash’ on soybean yields. Thistrial was conducted to investigate such claims.

Multi-pass Corn Stover Harvest Analysis and Storage Trials

Matthew J. Darr — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:21 PDT

In cooperation with DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol, the research team has conducted a large scale, multi-pass corn stover harvest on ISU Research Farms and the ISU Ag 450 Farm. Research conducted through the 2012 harvest was concentrated around modifications for the improvement ofshredder performance in throughput and stover quality. The modifications were relayed to the commercial harvest crews who modified their machines to improve stover quality and harvest rate efficiency.

No-tillage, Strip-tillage, and Chisel Plow Tillage Trial

Mark A. Licht et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:15 PDT

Farmers in central and north central Iowa are often criticized for low adoption of no-tillage systems. No-tillage is often faulted with cooler, wetter soils and subsequently reduced yields. An alternative to conventional tillage and no-tillage systems is strip-tillage where the benefits of both are combined

Oakridge Research and Education Prairie

Brent D. Mortensen et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:06 PDT

Reconstructed tallgrass prairies (prairies that have been replanted) in Iowa and elsewhere in the Great Plains often lose many of the planted species over time, leading to lower diversity compared with prairie remnants. Establishment and maintenance of diversity in these reconstructions may be heavily influenced by herbivores. Herbivores such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), rabbits, and voles (Microtus spp.) may increase prairie diversity by eating competitively dominant plants, or decrease diversity by eating rare species. In addition to consuming adult plants, herbivores may further affect plant diversity by consuming seeds and seedlings and/or dispersing seeds to new locations.

Performance of Experimental Biomass Sorghum Hybrids from the ISU Breeding Program

Maria G. Salas Fernandez — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:00 PDT

This research project is part of the sorghum breeding program at ISU, which has the ultimate goal of evaluating the potential of ISU inbred lines as parents of lignocellulosic hybrids. The objectives of this research project were:

To determine the biomass yield of experimental hybrids, and its performance relative to commercial materials
To determine the effect of lodging and planting density on final biomass yield
To determine the level of association between plant height and lodging

Potassium Effects on Yield of Corn and Soybean and on Potassium Uptake and Recycling to the Soil

Antonio P. Mallarino et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:18:51 PDT

Considerable research has been conducted in central Iowa to study potassium (K) fertilization rates and placement methods on corn and soybean grain yield, K uptake, and soil-test K values. However, no research has investigated K recycling to the soil by maturing plants and crop residue until the next crop is planted. The amount and the timing of the K recycled to the soil should have a significant impact on soil-test K values, and should explain a great deal of usually very high soil-test K temporal variability. Therefore, plots of several field K trials in central Iowa were used to investigate these issues.

Split Nitrogen Application Trial

Mark A. Licht et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:18:44 PDT

Farmers understand it is best to apply nitrogen to the crop at or right before rapid growth occurs. However, 100 percent in-season nitrogen applications are faulted because of potential for unfavorable weather conditions delaying applications and subsequent crop nitrogen deficiency occurring. This trial looks at how split nitrogen applications can be used to address environmental risks of pre-plant nitrogen application as well as unfavorable application conditions in-season.

Within Field Spread of Goss’s Wilt

Alison E. Robertson et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:18:39 PDT

Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight, caused by Clavibacter michiganensissubsp. nebraskensis(Cmn) has re-emerged as an important disease of corn in Iowa. This disease was first reported in Nebraska in 1969 and in Iowa in the early 1970s. The disease has been managed very effectively with the release of Cmn-tolerant hybrids in the 1980s. In 2008, Goss’s was reported in eight counties in Iowa. It had been over 25 years since the disease had been reported. In 2011, the disease was present in every county in Iowa apart from the most southern two tiers of counties. There are limited data regarding the cornGoss’s pathosystem. The objective of this trial was to monitor the spread of Goss’s within a field from a point source of inoculum.

Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon Research Farms Summary

Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farms et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:40:25 PDT

Farm and Weather Summary; Research Farm Reports; Acknowledgements; Information on Experiments in Previous Annual Progress Reports

Comparison of Organic and Conventional Crops at the Neely-Kinyon Long-term Agroecological Research Site

Kathleen Delate et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:40:17 PDT

The Neely-Kinyon Long-term Agroecological Research (LTAR)site was established in 1998 to study the long-term effects of organic production in Iowa. Treatments at the LTAR site, replicated four times in a completely randomized design, include the following rotations: conventional Corn-Soybean (C-S), organic Corn-Soybean-Oats/Alfalfa (C-SO/A), organic Corn-Soybean-Oats/AlfalfaAlfalfa (C-S-O/A-A) and Corn-SoybeanCorn-Oats/Alfalfa (C-SB-C-O/A).

Elite Soybean Test—South

Kevin O. Scholbrock — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:40:01 PDT

The purpose of this test was to evaluate the experimental elite soybean lines adapted to southern Iowa. The 2012 Elite Test included commodity–yellow hilum, high protein–large seed, lipoxygenase free, and for comparison of agronomic traits, commercially grown varieties released by Iowa State University. These varieties are used in the production of soy foods.

Corn and Soybean Production with a Winter Rye Cover Crop

John E. Sawyer et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:55 PDT

The objective of this project wasto study corn nitrogen (N) fertilization requirement and corn/soybean yield response when grown in a rye cover cropping system. Multiple rates of N fertilizer were applied, with measurement of corn yield response to applied N and soybean yield with and without a fall-planted winter rye cover crop. The study was conducted at multiple research farms, with the intent for comparison of with and without a cover crop system across varying soil and climatic conditionsin Iowa.

Effectiveness of Foliar Fungicides by Timing on Hybrid Corn

Alison E. Robertson et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:49 PDT

Fungicide use on hybrid corn has increased considerably in the past several growing seasons, primarily due to reports of increased yields, even in the absence of disease and higher corn prices. A number of fungicides are registered for use on corn. The objectives of this project were to 1) assess the effect of timing of application of fungicides on standability, 2) evaluate the yield response of hybrid corn to foliar fungicide application, and 3) to discern differences, if any, between fungicide products.

Effect of Plastic Mulch Color on Tomato Production in High Tunnels

Ajay Nair et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:42 PDT

High tunnel production is increasing in Iowa as they provide protection from wind and frost and help extend the growing season. Although production aspects inside high tunnels are similar to field production, high tunnel environment is challenging especially when it comes to temperature management. During summer, temperatures rise fairly quickly in high tunnels and can detrimentally affect crop growth and development. It is not uncommon to see temperatures above 100o F inside high tunnels.

The Effects of Bedding Pack Clean-out in Hoop Barns for Feedlot Cattle

Mark S. Honeyman et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:36 PDT

Bedded hoop barns have become popular for feeding beef cattle. The cattle are kept in the hoop barn, which is bedded to form a manure pack. ISU work has shown that the cattle perform well. However, producers question how to manage the pack and when to clean out.

The objective of this study was to compare three clean-out strategies (none, once, and twice) for beef cattle fed in hoop barns.

Evaluation of Foliar Fungicides and Insecticides on Soybeansin SouthwestIowa

Daren S. Mueller et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:29 PDT

Grass-finished Beef Pilot Project: Cattle Performance

Peter J. Lammers et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:23 PDT

Consumer interest in the potential benefits of grass-finished beef is high, but adoption of this approach to cattle feeding has been limited in Iowa. Although some producers successfully meet this niche market demand, consistently producing a high-value carcass from forage-fed cattle is challenging. Intramuscular fat or marbling is a major factor in quality grading of beef. Marbling is heavily influenced by cattle genetics and energy concentration of the diet. Finishing cattle on grain is a proven approach to consistently produce a high-value carcass for the commodity beef market. Researchers at Iowa State University have pioneered the use of ultrasound measurements to select Angus cattle with high-marbling potential. Forage quality can be manipulated through pasture management, ultimately influencing cattle growth and performance. It is hypothesized that grass-finished cattle will consistently produce high value carcasses if excellent pasture management is combined with combining high-marbling genetics.

Long-term Tillage and Crop Rotation Effects on Soil Carbon and Soil Productivity

Mahdi Al-Kaisi et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:13 PDT

Tillage systems and crop rotation affect soil productivity and quality in the long-term by affecting the soil quality components of soil carbon and soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. Tillage and crop rotations contribute to weed and soil disease control. There is a need for well-defined long-term tillage and crop rotation studies across the different soils types and climate conditions in the state. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of different tillage systems and crop rotations on soil quality and productivity.

Mulch and Row Cover affect Lettuce Production in High Tunnels

Ajay Nair et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:07 PDT

With growing demand for fresh and locally grown vegetables, growers are capitalizing on techniques such as the use of high tunnelsfor season extension. After a long duration crop such as tomato, planting a quick turnaround crop in high tunnels is a viable option to continue production and increase profitability. High tunnels are an excellent resource for early spring and late fall production of leafy vegetables such as lettuce.

Performance of Experimental Biomass Sorghum Hybrids from the ISU Breeding Program

Maria G. Salas Fernandez — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:00 PDT

To determine the biomass yield of experimental hybrids, and its performance relative to commercial materials
To determine the effect of lodging and planting density on final biomass yield
To determine the level of association between plant height and lodging

Potassium Uptake and Recycling to the Soil in Corn and Soybean

Antonio P. Mallarino et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:38:54 PDT

Research has been conducted at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm, Lewis, Iowa, to study potassium (K) fertilization rates and placement methods on corn and soybean grain yield, K uptake, and soil-test K values. However, no research has investigated K recycling to the soil by maturing plants and crop residue until the next crop is planted. The amount and the timing of the K recycled to the soil should have a significant impact on soiltest K values, and should explain a great deal of usually very high soil-test K temporal variability. Therefore, plots of several field K trials at this farm were used to investigate these issues.

Seasonal and Rotational Influences on Corn Nitrogen Requirements

Bernard J. Havlovic et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:38:47 PDT

This project was designed to study the N fertilization needs in continuous corn (CC) and corn rotated with soybean (SC) as influenced by location and climate. Multiple rates of fertilizer N were spring applied, with the intent to measure yield response to N within each rotation on a yearly basis for multiple years at multiple sites across Iowa. This will allow the determination of N requirements for each rotation, differences that exist between the two rotations, responses to applied N across different soils and climatic conditions, and evaluation of tools used to adjust N application.

Weed Management Programs in No-tillage Soybean

Michael D. Owen et al. — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:38:39 PDT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate various herbicides and application timings in no-tillage soybean for crop injury and weed control.

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 26, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:18:10 PDT

Contents: Last But Not Least; Let's Give Them Something to Talk About; Beyond the Classroom: Hands-on experience and so much more; ISU Veterinarian Leads Extension Expertise in Afghanistan & Pakistan

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 25, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:18:08 PDT

Contents: Straight into the Lion's Den; Distinguished Alumni Honored; Construction News; One Health Lecture Series Established

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 25, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:18:06 PDT

Contents: A passion for nematodes is catalyst for researcher's focus on neglected tropical diseases; “¡Sí, hablo Español!” New Course Translates to Better Service; Construction Update; Ready, Set, Action!

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 24, No. 3)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:18:02 PDT

Contents: On the road again: ISU expands veterinary field services; Future Army veterinarians forego fatigues for lab coats and stethoscopes... for now; Communications in the exam room; Construction update; Naming Opportunities; Bringing home the bacon; 2010 Stange Award Recipients

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 24, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:59 PDT

Contents: The Road Less Traveled; Stealth Invader; Alumnus Endows Dean's Chair; Phase II Construction Update; Naming Opportunities; Girl Scouts Donate Pet Beds; 2010 Graduation

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 24, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:57 PDT

Contents: ISU Number One High Impact Research Institution; Beyond Bricks and Mortar; Phase II Begins; 2009 Stange Award Recipients

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 23, No. 3)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:54 PDT

Contents: Q&A with Dr. Rod Bagley; Pasture to Plate; Collaboration leads to new generation of swine research facility

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 23, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:53 PDT

Contents: Built to Last: The evolution of a century-old veterinary hospital; Cat Scans: A look at nuclear scintigraphy; Leadership in Action: Making an impact in the laboratory; Accidental Rescuers

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 23, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:51 PDT

Contents: An Era Ends; Dedication of Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center; 2008 Stange Awards

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 22, No. 3)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:49 PDT

Contents: CVM Q & A; When Mother Nature Strikes; The Road Less Traveled; Racing Against Time; A Sneak Preview

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 22, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:46 PDT

Contents: Q&A with Dr. Eldon Uhlenhopp; Helping Cows One Foot at a Time; Swimming with the Sharks

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 22, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:44 PDT

Contents: Making a Difference; Q & A with Dr. Anumantha Kanthasamy; Beyond Veterinary Medicine; Animal Learning Center; Entrepreneurism Prepares Students for Success

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 21, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:42 PDT

Contents: $1 Million Challenge Grant; An MRI of Their Own; Q & A with Dr. Lisa Nolan; Cotton Ropes, Pork Chops, and Gators ... Oh my!; Build It and They Will Come

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 21, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:38 PDT

Contents: Exporting Expertise; Q&A with the VTH Director; Designing for Patients and People; Online System Streamlines Admissions Process; Learning in Byte-sized Increments

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 20, No. 3)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:36 PDT

Contents: Distinguished Alumni Honored; College Breaks Ground for VTH Construction; Wanted: Food Animal Veterinarians

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 20, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:34 PDT

Contents: A Bright Future is Forecase: Equine care at VTH; Interview with a Surgeon: Q & A with Dr. Brent Reimer

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 20, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:32 PDT

Contents: Pessimists Need Not Apply: A closer look at one of the most unique veterinary specialties; Student Clubs: They're more than just good fun, Hail to the Chief! Four ISU alumni in national leadership positions

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 19, No. 3)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:30 PDT

Contents: Distinguished Alumni Recognized; Veterinary Teaching Hospital Expands Emergency Care Service; Veterinary Community Comes to the Aid of Katrina's Victims; Learning without Boundaries

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 19, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:27 PDT

Contents: Alumni and Friends Gather to Celebrate College's Past and Future; Veterinarians and Students Team Up with the Community to Rescue Horses

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 19, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:25 PDT

Contents: Veterinary Medicine: A Family Affair; Wizardry vs. Paralyzing Indecision; Q & A with Dr. Walter Hyde

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 18, No. 3)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:24 PDT

Contents: Veterinary Teaching Hospital Treats K-9 Officer who saves life of Des Moines Police Officer; 2004 Distinguished Alumni

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 18, No. 2)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:21 PDT

Contents: No Business Like Shoe Business; Q & A with Dr. Locke Karriker; We've Come a Long Way Baby!

Gentle Doctor (Vol. 18, No. 1)

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:17:18 PDT

Contents: We've Come a Long Way Baby!; College gains support for modernization plan

The Biological Functions of Glutathione Revisited in Arabidopsis Transgenic Plants with Altered Glutathione Levels

Chengbin Xiang et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:27:57 PDT

A functional analysis of the role of glutathione in protecting plants from environmental stress was undertaken by studying Arabidopsis that had been genetically modified to have altered glutathione levels. The steady-state glutathione concentration in Arabidopsis plants was modified by expressing the cDNA for γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase (GSH1) in both the sense and antisense orientation. The resulting plants had glutathione levels that ranged between 3% and 200% of the level in wild-type plants. Arabidopsis plants with low glutathione levels were hypersensitive to Cd due to the limited capacity of these plants to make phytochelatins. Plants with the lowest levels of reduced glutathione (10% of wild type) were sensitive to as little as 5 μM Cd, whereas those with 50% wild-type levels required higher Cd concentrations to inhibit growth. Elevating glutathione levels did not increase metal resistance. It is interesting that the plants with low glutathione levels were also less able to accumulate anthocyanins supporting a role for glutathione S-transferases for anthocyanin formation or for the vacuolar localization and therefore accumulation of these compounds. Plants with less than 5% of wild-type glutathione levels were smaller and more sensitive to environmental stress but otherwise grew normally.

The Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase and Acetyl-Coenzyme A Synthetase in Fatty Acid Synthesis in Developing Arabidopsis Seeds

Jinshan Ke et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:27:55 PDT

Acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) formed within the plastid is the precursor for the biosynthesis of fatty acids and, through them, a range of important biomolecules. The source of acetyl-CoA in the plastid is not known, but two enzymes are thought to be involved: acetyl-CoA synthetase and plastidic pyruvate dehydrogenase. To determine the importance of these two enzymes in synthesizing acetyl-CoA during lipid accumulation in developing Arabidopsis seeds, we isolated cDNA clones for acetyl-CoA synthetase and for the ptE1α- and ptE1β-subunits of plastidic pyruvate dehydrogenase. To our knowledge, this is the first reported acetyl-CoA synthetase sequence from a plant source. The Arabidopsis acetyl-CoA synthetase preprotein has a calculated mass of 76,678 D, an apparent plastid targeting sequence, and the mature protein is a monomer of 70 to 72 kD. During silique development, the spatial and temporal patterns of the ptE1β mRNA level are very similar to those of the mRNAs for the plastidic heteromeric acetyl-CoA carboxylase subunits. The pattern of ptE1β mRNA accumulation strongly correlates with the formation of lipid within the developing embryo. In contrast, the level of mRNA for acetyl-CoA synthetase does not correlate in time and space with lipid accumulation. The highest level of accumulation of the mRNA for acetyl-CoA synthetase during silique development is within the funiculus. These mRNA data suggest a predominant role for plastidic pyruvate dehydrogenase in acetyl-CoA formation during lipid synthesis in seeds.

Metabolic Bypass of the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle during Lipid Mobilization in Germinating Oilseeds: Regulation of NAD+-Dependent Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Versus Fumarase

Kimberly L. Falk et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:27:53 PDT

Biosynthesis of sucrose from triacylglycerol requires the bypass of the CO₂-evolving reactions of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The regulation of the TCA cycle bypass during lipid mobilization was examined. Lipid mobilization inBrassica napus was initiated shortly after imbibition of the seed and proceeded until 2 d postimbibition, as measured by in vivo [1-¹⁴C]acetate feeding to whole seedlings. The activity of NAD⁺-isocitrate dehydrogenase (a decarboxylative enzyme) was not detected until 2 d postimbibition. RNA-blot analysis ofB. napusseedlings demonstrated that the mRNA for NAD⁺-isocitrate dehydrogenase was present in dry seeds and that its level increased through the 4 d of the experiment. This suggested that NAD⁺-isocitrate dehydrogenase activity was regulated by posttranscriptional mechanisms during early seedling development but was controlled by mRNA level after the 2nd or 3rd d. The activity of fumarase (a component of the nonbypassed section of the TCA cycle) was low but detectable in B. napus seedlings at 12 h postimbibition, coincident with germination, and increased for the next 4 d. RNA-blot analysis suggested that fumarase activity was regulated primarily by the level of its mRNA during germination and early seedling development. It is concluded that posttranscriptional regulation of NAD⁺-isocitrate dehydrogenase activity is one mechanism of restricting carbon flux through the decarboxylative section of the TCA cycle during lipid mobilization in germinating oilseeds.

Characterization of Two cDNAs Encoding Mitochondrial Lipoamide Dehydrogenase from Arabidopsis

Isabelle Lutziger et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:10:55 PDT

In contrast to peas (Pisum sativum), where mitochondrial lipoamide dehydrogenase is encoded by a single gene and shared between the α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes and the Gly decarboxylase complex, Arabidopsis has two genes encoding for two mitochondrial lipoamide dehydrogenases. Northern-blot analysis revealed different levels of RNA expression for the two genes in different organs; mtLPD1 had higher RNA levels in green leaves compared with the much lower level in roots. The mRNA formtLPD2 shows the inverse pattern. The other organs examined showed nearly equal RNA expressions for both genes. Analysis of etiolated seedlings transferred to light showed a strong induction of RNA expression for mtLPD1 but only a moderate induction of mtLPD2. Based on the organ and light-dependent expression patterns, we hypothesize thatmtLPD1encodes the protein most often associated with the Gly decarboxylase complex, and mtLPD2 encodes the protein incorporated into α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes. Due to the high level of sequence conservation between the two mtLPDs, we assume that the proteins, once in the mitochondrial matrix, are interchangeable among the different multienzyme complexes. If present at high levels, one mtLPD might substitute for the other. Supporting this hypothesis are results obtained with a T-DNA knockout mutant,mtlpd2, which shows no apparent phenotypic change under laboratory growth conditions. This indicates that mtLPD1 can substitute for mtLPD2 and associate with all these multienzyme complexes.

Models for Predicting the Risk of Naturalization of NonNative Woody Plants in Iowa

Mark P. Widrlechner et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:33:01 PDT

Nursery and landscape professionals have introduced many useful non-native woody plants for managed landscapes, but the potential exists for new introductions to escape from cultivation and become pests. The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive strategy to assess the risk of naturalization of non-native woody plants in Iowa. We examined life-history traits and native distributions of 100 woody plant species, including 28 species known to naturalize in Iowa and 72 other species not known to naturalize in the state. We tested three approaches to predict naturalization of woody plants in Iowa: (1) direct application of a previously developed decision tree designed to predict naturalization on a continental scale within North America; (2) application of the continental model modified to include traits important on a regional scale, and (3) development of a new regional model that included a geographic-risk component along with life-history traits. Our modifications to the continental model and the new regional model all were more powerful than the unmodified, continental model, as measured by their ability to classify species (classification rate) based on risk of naturalization, without reducing accuracy, as measured by the frequency of misclassification (error rate). Classification rates ranged from 65% for the unmodified continental model to 90% for the modified continental model. Error rates varied from 6% for the new regional model to 20% for the unmodified continental model, including horticulturally limiting error rates of 4 to 17%, respectively

Iowa, U.S., communities benefit from a tree-planting program: characteristics of recently planted trees

Janette R. Thompson et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:32:59 PDT

Since 1990, externally funded tree-planting activities have taken place in more than 350 Iowa, U.S., communities. The species diversity, survival, size, growth, carbon uptake, carbon storage, and pollution removal of 932 trees planted in 2 1 commu- nities of different sizes and in different parts of Iowa were assessed by repeated measurements over a 4-year period. The sample included 40 tam and was dominated by crabapples (Malw spp.) and green ash (Fraxinw pennsylvanica Marsh.). Species diversity was described using the reciprocal of Simpson's index for the overall population (10.92), by community size, and by location in the state. No differences in species diversity were detected according to community size or location in the state. Overall survival rate for the trees was 91%; no significant differences in survival rate related to community size or location were detected. Estimated carbon stored by all trees was 2,252 kg (4,954 lb), and carbon uptake was estimated to be 568 kg yr¹ (1,250 lb). Total pollution removal by all trees was estimated at 2 kg yr¹ (4.4 lb)

Promoting the Heisman Trophy: Coorientation as it applies to promoting Heisman Trophy candidates

Stephen Paul Warnke — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:25:00 PDT

The Heisman Trophy is college football's most coveted individual award. While it is given to an individual player, the benefits from winning the Heisman can be felt throughout the program of the player's school. As a result, colleges and universities will look to promote a player for the award. Some schools, relying on their traditions or media exposure, will not promote their candidate, while other schools with less name recognition and exposure will conduct an extensive campaign. My thesis is a study of how selected colleges and universities promote their candidates for college football's Heisman Trophy.

Ways of traveling

Jamie L. Steckelberg — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:24:52 PDT

I know it wasn't feathers / on my friend David's arms, / but the sleeves of his kimono / spread white and indigo, / fanned down to the floor / boa-like, drafted up / towards his face / until all I saw / were feathers, / reaching out and wrapping / around and around the / face of my father, / my brother, / and my absent and imagined lover.

Yuk-lan: A translation and commentary on a Chinese story of the Cultural Revolution period

Wai Ling Lam — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:24:51 PDT

One of the major functions of literature is to reveal the social and historical situation of the times. It is, however, dangerous to look at a certain type of literature and then generalize that the aspects presented there totally and truly reflect the situation of the time. The works of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald are good examples. Though Hemingway and Fitzgerald are contemporaries, their works represent two different life styles of the people who had lived through the First World War. While both of them are excellent writers, neither of their works should be read as a complete representation of the life of the Americans after the First World War. It is only by reading both their works and works by their contemporaries, such as Faulkner, that one can start to develop a "general" picture of'the time.

In the case of modern Chinese literature, while the Peking Press and the Foreign Languages Press of the Chinese government have published literature in both Chinese and translations which reveals the promising side of the new society, literature which voices the disillusionment of the young people is relatively rare.

Vegetative buffers for fan emissions from poultry farms: 2. ammonia, dust and foliar nitrogen

A. Adrizal et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 PDT

This study evaluated the potential of trees planted around commercial poultry farms to trap ammonia (NH₃) and dust or particulate matter (PM). Norway spruce, Spike hybrid poplar, hybrid willow, and Streamco purpleosier willow were planted on five commercial farms from 2003 to 2004. Plant foliage was sampled in front of the exhaust fans and at a control distance away from the fans on one turkey, two laying hen, and two broiler chicken farms between June and July 2006. Samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and PM content. In addition, NH₃concentrations were measured downwind of the exhaust fans among the trees and at a control distance using NH₃ passive dosi–tubes. Foliage samples were taken and analyzed separately based on plant species. The two layer farms had both spruce and poplar plantings whereas the two broiler farms had hybrid willow and Streamco willow plantings which allowed sampling and species comparisons with the effect of plant location (control vs. fan). The results showed that NH₃ concentration h^{− 1} was reduced by distance from housing fans (P ≤ 0.0001), especially between 0 m (12.01 ppm), 11.4 m (2.59 ppm), 15 m (2.03 ppm), and 30 m (0.31 ppm). Foliar N of plants near the fans was greater than those sampled away from the fans for poplar (3.87 vs. 2.56%; P ≤ 0.0005) and hybrid willow (3.41 vs. 3.02%; P ≤ 0.05). The trends for foliar N in spruce (1.91 vs. 1.77%; P = 0.26) and Streamco willow (3.85 vs. 3.33; P = 0.07) were not significant. Pooling results of the four plant species indicated greater N concentration from foliage sampled near the fans than of that away from the fans (3.27 vs. 2.67%; P ≤ 0.0001). Foliar DM concentration was not affected by plant location, and when pooled the foliar DM of the four plant species near the fans was 51.3% in comparison with 48.5% at a control distance. There was a significant effect of plant location on foliar N and DM on the two layer farms with greater N and DM adjacent to fans than at a control distance (2.95 vs. 2.15% N and 45.4 vs. 38.2% DM, respectively). There were also significant plant species effects on foliar N and DM with poplar retaining greater N (3.22 vs. 1.88%) and DM (43.7 vs. 39.9%) than spruce. The interaction of location by species (P ≤ 0.005) indicated that poplar was more responsive in terms of foliar N, but less responsive for DM than spruce. The effect of location and species on foliar N and DM were not clear among the two willow species on the broiler farms. Plant location had no effect on plant foliar PM weight, but plant species significantly influenced the ability of the plant foliage to trap PM with spruce and hybrid willow showing greater potential than poplar and Streamco willow for PM_2.5(0.0054, 0.0054, 0.0005, and 0.0016 mg cm^{− 2}; P ≤ 0.05) and total PM (0.0309, 0.0102, 0.0038, and 0.0046 mg cm^{− 2}, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). Spruce trapped more dust compared to the other three species (hybrid willow, poplar, and Streamco willow) for PM₁₀ (0.0248 vs. 0.0036 mg cm^{− 2}; P ≤ 0.0001) and PM_{> 10} (0.0033 vs. 0.0003 mg cm^{− 2}; P = 0.052). This study indicates that poplar, hybrid willow, and Streamco willow are appropriate species to absorb poultry house aerial NH₃–N, whereas spruce and hybrid willow are effective traps for dust and its associated odors.

Participation and Conflict: Lessons Learned From Community Forestry

Janette R. Thompson et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:44:58 PDT

Today, natural resource user groups are more diverse, with differing attitudes and behaviors. Successful resource management addressing diverse users' needs and preferences will require broadening participation in decisionmaking. We describe three components essential for participatory management: broadening constituencies involved in decisionmaking, cultivating better dialogue, and using conflict resolution techniques. Although there are disadvantages, participatory approaches ultimately reduce conflict, reduce costs, yield robust solutions, and lead to constituent support. We include a case study illustrating participation in a land-use planning context. Resource management professionals are likely to be involved in increased public participation and potential conflict, and professionals implementing participatory processes can be most successful with prior knowledge of effective ways to broaden participation as well as to resolve conflict.

Assessing Stakeholder Perspectives on Invasive Plants to Inform Risk Analysis

Emily J. Kapler et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:42:37 PDT

Conservation and land management decisions often are based primarily on natural science, but could be more successful if human influences were effectively integrated into decision making. This is especially true for efforts to manage invasive plants, whose arrival is usually the product of deliberate human introduction. Risk-assessment models that predict the probability that a nonnative plant will naturalize or invade are useful tools for managing invasive plants. However, decisions based on such models could affect stakeholders differently. Careful assessment of risk-analysis methodologies should consider the importance of stakeholder participation. We surveyed the perceptions of four stakeholder groups (conservation professionals, master gardeners, professional horticulturists, and woodland landowners) in Iowa about invasive plants, general management approaches, and risk-assessment models. We also examined whether or not a stakeholder's nature relatedness plays a role in shaping his or her responses. Stakeholder perceptions varied less than expected across all four groups. Eighty-seven percent of respondents agreed invasive plants are a problem, and 88.4% agreed that we have a responsibility to manage them to protect natural areas. Support for the use of risk-assessment models also was high, with 78.7% of respondents agreeing that their use has potential to prevent plant invasions. Nature relatedness scores for all groups were correlated with respondent perspectives on invasive plants. Respondents believed biologically significant error rates (errors that might introduce a new invasive plant) should not exceed 5 to 10%. Respondents were more tolerant of horticulturally limiting errors (errors that restrict sale/use of a plant that would not have become invasive), reporting rates of 10 to 20% as acceptable. Researchers developing risk-assessment models might wish to aim for error rates within these bounds. General agreement among these stakeholder groups suggests potential support for future risk-management efforts related to invasive plants.

Management Implications: Many conservation professionals and land managers have spent countless hours containing or eradicating invasive plants encroaching on natural areas. Given the costs and effort associated with their control, prohibiting the introduction of new nonnative plants that are likely to become invasive would be very beneficial. Risk-assessment models are statistical tools that can be used to screen new plant introductions for invasiveness, but implementing these models comes with challenges. Because most new plant introductions are deliberately initiated by humans, stakeholders' needs must be taken into consideration if these pre-emptive management efforts are to be successful. We identified and surveyed four stakeholder groups (conservation professionals, master gardeners, professional horticulturists, and woodland landowners) in Iowa, who are important voices in decision-making for invasive plants, about their perspectives on general management approaches, and risk-assessment models. We also examined whether or not nature relatedness (a person's sense of connection to the natural world) plays a role in shaping these perspectives. We found these stakeholder groups had relatively minor differences of opinion. Stakeholders agreed that invasive plants were a problem that we have a responsibility to manage, and were open to the idea of passing state laws or mandates to achieve that goal. This was true even of professional horticulturists and master gardeners, who would potentially incur more costs than benefits from such regulations. Stakeholders also displayed consistently high levels of nature relatedness, and concern these groups have about invasive plants might be influenced by their identification with nature. Overall, our findings suggest that risk analysis to limit introduction of potentially invasive plants is likely to be acceptable in Iowa. When selecting a risk-assessment model to adopt, stakeholders believe choosing models with a low chance of introducing potentially invasive plants is more important than choosing models with a low chance of prohibiting a plant unlikely to become invasive. Current risk-assessment models, which emphasize prevention of invasive plant introduction at the expense of preventing introduction of benign plants, appear to be aligned with stakeholder preferences.

Performance of Five Models to Predict the Naturalization of Non-Native Woody Plants in lowa

Emily J. Kapler et al. — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:42:35 PDT

Use of risk-assessment models that can predict the naturalization and invasion of non-native woody plants is a potentially beneficial approach for protecting human and natural environments. This study validates the power and accuracy offour risk-assessment models previously tested in Iowa, and examines the performance of a new random forest modeling approach. The random forest model was fitted with the same data used to develop the four earlier risk-assessment models. The validation of all five models was based on a new set of 11 naturalizing and 18 non-naturalizing species in Iowa. The fitted random forest model had a high classification rate (92.0%), no biologically significant errors (accepting a plant that has a high risk of naturalizing), and few horticulturally limiting errors (rejecting a plant that has a low risk of naturalizing) (8.7%). Classification rates for validation of all five models ranged from 62.1 to 93.1%. Horticulturally limiting errors for the four models previously developed for Iowa ranged from 11.1 to 38.5%, and biologically significant errors from 4.2 to 18.5%. Because of the small sample size, few classification and error rate results were significantly different from the original tests of the models. Overall, the random forest model shows promise for powerful and accurate risk-assessment, but mixed results for the other models suggest a need for further refinement.

Bread for the moon

Jennie Elizabeth VerSteeg — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:25 PDT

A thunderstorm is trundling in along the interstate. / The sky is the color of pondwater, filled / with clouds, pink with dust, / sliding, colliding, gathering / in rows like abacus beads. / The air is full of seasalt, and sweatsalt, / and lightning riding dry. / Crackling leaves as big as my fist skate along my path. / They fall like sparrows, and the wind / walks down my spine, pushing / me home, and to you.

A study of aspects of Gwyn Thomas's humor

Pearl Zinober — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:23 PDT

From the Welsh mountains, with their coal, chapels, and choruses, came Gwyn Thomas. He was born in 1913 in Porth, deep in the Rhondda Valley of South Wales, and was reared there in the harsh years of the strikes of the twenties and the Great Depression of the thirties. This environment, which shaped his thinking through the long, calamitous years, is reflected in Thomas's own view of his writing.

The supernatural in popular gothic romance

Pamela Partch Mehl — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:22 PDT

Over the last two centuries, the gothic romance has proven to be one of the most enduring of fictional formulas because it combines specific cultural perceptions with the more universal story of romance, thus allowing for large numbers of books to be produced which repeat the same basic elements. The gothic romance, as a fictional formula, also provides a means for making inferences about the cultural perceptions of a large group of people and for identifying differences in these perceptions from one cultural period to another. In discussing the changes or variations in one of the formula's elements—the supernatural --this study indicates that there has occurred a movement inward away from external supernatural terrors toward those terrors which originate in the mind.

Othello and the question of race: a review of two decades of criticism

Azmil M. Zabidi — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:21 PDT

The horror of the other: Stanley Cavell and the genre of skepticism

Timothy Jay Walker — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:20 PDT

This essay is about two things. On the one hand, it is about film genre, and on the other it is about philosophical skepticism. For the most part, it is about the work Stanley Cavell has done in film genre, but it is also about his work in philosophy, chiefly his concern with the skeptical problematic. In his book Pursuits of Happiness, he outlines a genre he has discovered, which he calls the comedy of remarriage, which include the films Bringing Up Baby (1938), The Lady Eve (1941), It Happened One Night (1934), The Philadelphia Story (1940), Adam's Rib (1949), The Awful Truth (1937), and His Girl Friday (1940), and he involves himself with discussions of the nature of genre, the nature of film, the nature of human relationships, and the nature of philosophy once these have all come together. It is my desire in this essay to work with these concerns, but it is also my desire to follow my own Whim with regard to them.

The passing of the mythicized frontier father figure and its effect on the son in Larry McMurtry's Horseman, Pass By

Julie Marie Walbridge — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:18 PDT

For this thesis the term "frontier" means more than the definition of having no more than two non-Indian settlers per square mile (Turner 3). The values and attitudes accompanying the physical frontier are more pertinent to this study of Larry McMurtry's Horseman, Pass By. However, to recognize McMurtry's use of conventional perceptions of the frontier's influence in this novel, we must first trace the development of these associations.

Externalism and rhetorical communication: Creating a model for audience analysis

William Schott Thune — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:17 PDT

While browsing through my e-mail recently, I came across a message from a young woman seeking advice on how to complete her application to graduate school. She had no trouble with her transcripts, her GREs, or her letters of recommendation, but she found herself at a loss as to how to best compose her statement of purpose. At this point in her message, she wrote:

But the real question is the statement of purpose. I feel that though I am an excellent writer and (in my opinion) a clear thinker, I don't really know what they want.

Can anyone comment on approaches to take in writing the statement? Perhaps someone who has successfully written a statement of purpose can give me some hints.

Although she understood that she faced a rhetorical problem, she had no idea how to begin creating a solution with potential for success.

I believe her dilemma underscores a problem we continue to encounter in teaching undergraduate composition. Even when we train our students to write and to think clearly, and even when we teach our students the need to attend to matters of audience, we do not prepare them for the kinds of rhetorical problems they will encounter in the real world. In short, although we teach our students questions they should ask in audience analysis, we fail to provide them with an adequate method for finding the answers to those questions.