A study of the microclimate of erosion control treatments was carried out in two habitat types in a semiarid southeastern Utah, salt desert shrub area. The soils are highly eroded Mancos shale and support a low density of salt desert shrub species which offers little protection against high intensity summer convectional rainstorms. Gully plugs and contour furrows had been installed by the Bureaus of Reclamation and Land Management to prevent runoff of soil laden water which results from these summer rainfalls. Formerly this sediment was carried to the Colorado River and deposited in Lake Powell. The purpose to the study was to measure some parameters that influenced. establishment and survival of seedlings which would stabilize the structures and increase the productivity of the area. Mature, indigenous species close to the structures had greater vigor and provided a larger, more constant seed source. This seed source was important since original seedlings of introduced grasses have failed to establish and stabilize the structures. Following favorable late winter and early spring precipitation, high numbers of seedlings emerged, but few survived into mid-summer. Those that did survive were found only at or near the high-water line of the gully plugs and in the bottom of contour furrows. To aid in the explanation of the differential seedling survival, soil surface moisture following rainstorms, physical and chemical soil characteristics, net radiation, soil surface temperature, and evaporation were investigated. Sampling of the 15-centimeter soil surface in the environs of the structures showed that two days after either heavy or light rainfalls, essentially no available water remained on the sloping ~brow positions of the structures. The bottom of the gully plugs remained flooded for several days. As a result, the seedlings were drowned. Only at the high-water line of the gully plugs and in the bottom of furrows was there enough water to support seedling growth in summer. Runoff water from summer storms carried fine material into the structures, which covered and destroyed seedlings, plus lowered infiltration and permitted much of the water to be lost through evaporation. The runoff water also carried salts brought to the surface by the desert shrubs or by the upward movement of water during evaporation from the soil surface. Sampling of soil in the environs of the structures showed.no substantial build up of salt, indicating that leaching had occurred, or still was occurring. This does not mean that a build up will not result in the future. Seasonal salt distribution showed that lowest salinity levels did not always coincide with springtime when seedlings generally emerged. Established seedlings were also exposed to a harsh environment of high soil surface temperatures (over 60 C) and high soil water evaporation rates that were detrimental to their survival. In summary, the study showed that the erosion control structures have created a microenvironment much different from the undisturbed soil, which only permits the establishment of species with much different tolerances from the indigenous species.

Three studies applicable to organic management and cultivation of birdsfoot trefoil (BFT, Lotus corniculatus L.) are presented here. The first is a histological analysis of lignification in BFT stems that supports recommendations to harvest BFT at approximately 6 weeks of regrowth, or early bloom. Lignification decreases digestibility and is correlated with high shear force required to break BFT stems. The sixth internodes from the base of 10 BFT and two alfalfa plants were sampled during 15 weeks of midsummer regrowth. The lignified xylary ring reached its maximum radial width by 7.5 weeks of regrowth, and full bloom was reached by 6.5 weeks of regrowth. The second study evaluated establishment of BFT, which competes poorly with weeds and produces low yields during establishment. At an organic, irrigated site in northern Utah the effects of autumn vs. spring seeding, seeding rates of 3, 7 20, and 34 kg pure live seed (PLS) ha-1 and use of a companion crop on 3 years of annual yields and foliar cover of mature stands were determined. First year yields increased linearly with seeding rate (P≤0.05). Use of a companion crop reduced first year yields, and did not reduce weed cover. Autumn seeding of BFT alone, following harvest of a summer crop, is recommended for irrigated production. The final study evaluated BFT establishment on five organic dairy farms in souther Idaho and northern Utah. Participating producers broadcast seeded 4-ha BFT pastures in the fall at a rate of 25 kg PLS ha-1. All farms achieved high BFT density, but only two farms had higher BFT than weed density. These two farms also had high BFT cover the spring following autumn seeding, and their pastures produced 6000 to 7600 kg of dry matter ha-1 by 20 June 2012 and supported grazing for the remainder of the summer. Establishment was enhanced by crop rotation and sprinkler irrigation.

The use of F1 hybrids for commercial production of such cross-pollinated crops as corn, sorghum, sugar beets, onions, and pearl millet suggests the feasibility of using this technique for alfalfa. Production of F1 hybrids of commercial value is dependent on the use of breeding material expressing good combining ability. In order to obtain precise estimates of combining ability for quantitative characters in alfalfa, it is necessary to produce all possible single crosses among a number of parents. The single cross seed required is difficult to obtain due to the vegetative reproduction and isolation required; and, subsequently, limited testing of this type has been conducted in alfalfa. Testing breeding material for combining ability based on seed production has been more limited than testing based on forage yield or various other measurements. In this experiment a diallel crossing system was used to test the general and specific combining ability of five alfalfa clones previously selected for good general combining ability. The report is based on first-year data of a three-year study, and the results are subject to errors which may occur due to variability inherent in the year of establishment. This is especially true for conclusions based on seed production. However, first-year data should be valid for such characteristics as flower color and seedling height. The analysis of seed production and seedling height is designed to measure the relative amount of general and specific combining ability of the cones involved. Reciprocals of the single crosses were evaluated for flower color, seedling height, and seed yield to check if reciprocal cross progeny give equal performance.

‘CL151’ a Clearfield long-grain rice cultivar, was released in 2008, based upon excellent agronomic characteristics, including excellent yield and moderately resistant rating for lodging. Further experience has indicated it’s susceptibility to lodging. Lodging can reduce harvest efficiency, yield, and cause grain quality loss. The purpose of this research was to evaluate multiple management practices such as nitrogen rates and timings, seeding rate, trinexapac-ethyl application, potassium, and fungicide application to mitigate lodging for CL151. The results of this research indicate that N rate and application timing largely influence lodging incidence and grain yield. Fungicide application decreased, but did not eliminate lodging, while potassium application did not impact lodging or grain yield. Seeding rate also has a significant impact on grain yield and lodging incidence. Trinexapac-ethyl also decreased lodging incidence, but negatively impacted grain yield which was most evident when applied at 48 g ha-1 and applied at PD +14d growth stage.

Within Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas, rice acreage is rotated with soybean due to both crops’ adaptability to the clay soils of the midsouthern USA. Two row patterns, two maturity groups, and six seeding rates were examined at Stoneville, MS, in 2009-2010, with respect to soybean growth and yield produced on silt loam soil. Optimal yield for MG IV was 333,000 seed ha-1 (297,000 plants ha-1). Twin-row soybean increased seed yield 7 to 10% more than single-row due to greater LAI, NDVI, and node and pod production. Rice field experiments quantified N loss via ammonia volatilization and determined grain yield for various N sources and preflood application timing. Cumulative ammonia volatilization loss on Tunica clay was minimal (10% of applied N). Grain yields were 6% less when fertilizer was applied 10 days before flood (dbf) as compared to 1 dbf; N sources are available to minimize ammonia volatilization loss.

神経変性疾患で蓄積する異常タンパク質の1つであるα-synは、PD、DLBおよびMSAの脳内に主に蓄積する。DLBやMSAの患者脳から解析可能な量のα-syn凝集体の増幅に成功した。増幅前後の凝集体のプロテイナーゼKコアのMS分析結果から、増幅による変化はないもののマウスとヒトのα-syn凝集体で切断パターンが異なることがわかった。これらの結果から、この方法が神経変性疾患の異常タンパク質研究の発展に貢献できることを示唆した。 / Pathological proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases are misfolded, aggregating to form amyloid fibrils. One of the pathological proteins, α-syn, accumulates in the brains of PD, DLB and MSA. We first performed amplification of α-syn aggregates. We successfully amplified enough α-syn aggregates derived from α-syncleinopathies. We found that the MS analysis results of proteinase K-resistant cores of the aggregates before and after the amplification differ between mouse and human α-syn aggregates. The results suggest that structural properties of amplified α-syn fibrils are preserved and these methods can be applicable in the study of pathological proteins of the neurodegenerative disorders. / 博士(理学) / Doctor of Philosophy in Science / 同志社大学 / Doshisha University

Tall fescue grasslands are the dominant form of grasslands in the North American transition zone, however, warm-season forages provide necessary forage for livestock in the summer. Pollinators require steady forage availability in the same fashion as cattle. Native warm-season grasses (NWSG) and wildflowers (WF) could be incorporated into tall fescue (TF) grasslands to improve pollinator resources within agricultural landscapes without sacrificing livestock production. This balance of ecosystem services can be considered bee-friendly beef. Previous establishment experiments suggests that bee-friendly beef is a possibility, although establishment and persistence of NWSG-WF stands warrants additional research. Three small plot experiments were conducted to evaluate different planting methods designed to optimize establishment of NWSG-WF stands. Additionally, a grazing study examined whether NWSG-WF pasture enhancement could improve animal performance in TF grazing systems. The small plot experiments experienced extreme weed competition in the establishment year, although plots with higher NWSG content had fewer weeds over time. Floral production was comparable across treatment, which suggests lower WF seeding rates can generate comparable pollinator resources. Major findings from these experiments suggested that spatial or temporal separation of NWSGWF was unnecessary to generate successful establishment, varying the ratio of NWSG-WF in seed mixtures produced similar establishment outcomes, and that adding companion crops to NWSG-WF mixtures did not improve establishment success appreciably. In the grazing experiment, animal performance was improved in the biodiverse grazing systems when heifers 3 had access to the NWSG. Biodiverse and shaded grazing systems modified animal behavior and reduced body temperature relative to control grazing systems, although only biodiverse grazing systems improved animal performance. Native WF species failed to establish within the biodiverse grazing system, but white clover provided all subsequent floral production. Establishing WF in pastures is challenging and warrants additional study on more effective weed control strategies and systems to ensure establishment success. Selecting WF for agronomic performance or breeding such plant material will be necessary to improve emergence and establishment dynamics. Ideally trait data can identify the optimal WF species for specific grazing systems. Biodiverse NWSG-WF can be highly effective at improving summer weight gain in beef cattle. Future studies should focus on finding a more optimal balance of NWSG, WF, and TF that can benefit beef cattle production, pollinator services, and ecosystem services regarding soil and water quality, as well as pasture resiliency to dynamic conditions. / Doctor of Philosophy / Tall fescue grasslands are the dominant form of grasslands in the North American transition zone, however, warm-season forages provide necessary forage for livestock in the summer. Pollinators require steady forage availability in the same fashion as cattle. Native warm-season grasses (NWSG) and wildflowers (WF) could be incorporated into tall fescue (TF) grasslands to improve pollinator resources within agricultural landscapes without sacrificing livestock production. This balance of ecosystem services can be considered bee-friendly beef. Previous establishment experiments suggests that bee-friendly beef is a possibility, although establishment and persistence of NWSG-WF stands warrants additional research. Three small plot experiments were conducted to evaluate different planting methods designed to optimize establishment of NWSG-WF stands. Additionally, a grazing study examined whether NWSG-WF pasture enhancement could improve animal performance in TF grazing systems. The small plot experiments experienced extreme weed competition in the establishment year, although plots with higher NWSG content had fewer weeds over time. Floral production was comparable across treatment, which suggests lower WF seeding rates can generate comparable pollinator resources. Major findings from these experiments suggested that spatial or temporal separation of NWSGWF was unnecessary to generate successful establishment, varying the ratio of NWSG-WF in seed mixtures produced similar establishment outcomes, and that adding companion crops to NWSG-WF mixtures did not improve establishment success appreciably. In the grazing experiment, animal performance was improved in the biodiverse grazing systems when heifers 3 had access to the NWSG. Biodiverse and shaded grazing systems modified animal behavior and reduced body temperature relative to control grazing systems, although only biodiverse grazing systems improved animal performance. Native WF species failed to establish within the biodiverse grazing system, but white clover provided all subsequent floral production. Establishing WF in pastures is challenging and warrants additional study on more effective weed control strategies and systems to ensure establishment success. Selecting WF for agronomic performance or breeding such plant material will be necessary to improve emergence and establishment dynamics. Ideally trait data can identify the optimal WF species for specific grazing systems. Biodiverse NWSG-WF can be highly effective at improving summer weight gain in beef cattle. Future studies should focus on finding a more optimal balance of NWSG, WF, and TF that can benefit beef cattle production, pollinator services, and ecosystem services regarding soil and water quality, as well as pasture resiliency to dynamic conditions.

No description available.

Работа посвящена моделированию устройства затравки для машины непрерывного литья заготовки(МНЛЗ) ЭСПЦ ПАО "ММК" в программном пакете Matlab. В первом разделе: описаны основные виды разливки стали, выполнен обзор конструкции аналогичных МНЛЗ по литературным материалам, что позволило рассмотреть конструктивные особенности аналогичных машин, технических характеристик и принципов действия МНЛЗ. А так же была рассмотрена работа кристаллизатора МНЛЗ, конструкция устройства затравки в ЭСПЦ ПАО «ММК». Во втором разделе: описана общие особенности гидроприводов, далее описан гидропривод устройства затравки, рассчитан и выбран гидроцилиндр(ГЦ), рассчитаны основные расходы жидкости в ГЦ, проверена устойчивость ГЦ во время работы, расчёт произведён в системе компьютерной алгебры Matcad, выбрана рабочая жидкость, а так же её альтернатива. Раздел три посвящен: построению кинематики и постановке кинематических связей механизма затравки в Matlab, построению 3d моделей основных частей устройства, настройке рабочих блоков, а так же настройке работы тянущей клети. Раздел четыре посвящен: построению гидропривода механизма затравки в Matlab, построению рабочих блоков и их настройка, настройке работы распределителя гидропривода, переводу сигнала гидравлики в возвратно- поступательную работу кинематики. Пятый раздел подводит итоги работы: проверка результатов и их анализ, а так же предложения по дальнейшей модернизации системы. / This work is devoted to simulation of the dummy bar for the continuous casting machine of the electric furnace shop of Public Joint Stock Company " Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works" in the "Matlab" environment. In the first section: the main types of steel casting are described, a review of the design of similar CCM’s according to literary materials is carried out, which allowed us to consider the design features of similar machines, technical characteristics and principles of operation of CCM. The work of the CCM crystallizer, the design of the dummy bar in the electric furnace shop of MMK PJSC was considered as well. In the second section: the general features of hydraulic drives are described, the hydraulic drive of the dummy bar is further described, the hydraulic cylinder (HC) is calculated and selected, the main fluid flow rates in HC are calculated, the stability of HC during operation is checked, the calculation is made in the Mathcad computer algebra system, the working fluid is selected, as well as its alternative. Section three is devoted to: building kinematics and setting kinematic connections of the dummy bar in Matlab, building 3d models of the main parts of the device, setting up working blocks, as well as setting up the operation of the withdrawal-roll set. Section four is devoted to: the construction of the hydraulic drive of the dummy bar in Matlab, the construction of working blocks and their adjustment, the adjustment of the hydraulic drive distributor, the translation of the hydraulics signal into the reciprocating operation of kinematics. The fifth section summarizes the results of the work: verification of the results and their analysis, as well as proposals for further modernization of the system.

Cover crops are often planted during the fallow periods of cash crop harvests to cover the soil and reduce erosion but also to provide other ecosystem benefits including capturing residual nutrients and thus, reducing environmental losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in agroecosystems. Among these cover crops, winter rye (Secale cereale) is popular due to its winter hardiness and relatively cheap seed costs. However, growers in the Midwest, USA are reluctant to use winter rye prior to corn (Zea mays L.) due to the potential yield penalty in corn. This thesis introduces two strategies that could minimize winter rye’s effect on corn while providing nutrient loss reduction benefits are precision planting and reducing the seeding rate of winter rye ahead of corn. One study evaluates whether precision planting (planting winter rye strategically to avoid intersecting zones with corn) of winter rye at low seeding rate (37.5 kg ha-1) could produce similar cover crop biomass and quality to normal planted winter rye (50 kg ha-1) and if precision planting can improve performance and N requirement of corn (Chapter 1). The study was conducted in central Indiana during 2020-2021 (CIN21), and southern Illinois during 2021-2022 (SIL22), and 2022-2023 (SIL23) growing seasons. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with split plot arrangement. Main plots were three cover crops (a no-cover crop control (NoCC), conventional planted winter rye (CR), and precision planted winter rye (PR). Subplots were six rates of N fertilizer that ranged from 0-280 kg ha-1 for the CIN21 and 0-359 kg ha-1 for SIL22 and SIL23. Our results indicated that shifting from normal planting to precision planting resulted in similar cover crop biomass production with limited effect on winter rye quality [N concentration, Carbon (C):N ratio] and N and C accumulation. In CIN21, the no-cover crop control had higher yield and lower N requirements which was consistent with those of SIL22. The economic optimum rate of N (EORN) was below the typical recommended range for central Indiana and was above the recommended range for southern Illinois. Precision planting resulted in a slight increase in corn yield and N requirement, but overall was more profitable than normal planting due to a reduction in the number of seeds required and higher corn to fertilizer prices. Therefore, we recommend that (i) decision support tools for N management in corn should be revised for addition of cover crops in the Midwest, and (ii) precision planting should be implemented instead of normal planting for greater economic benefit. Future research should evaluate ecosystem services of precision vs. normal planting of winter rye over time. The other study evaluates whether planting method of winter rye (precision vs. conventional) at medium and low seeding rates of winter rye influence cover crop biomass production, N and C concentrations and accumulations, and corn performance (Chapter 2). A trial was conducted in 7 site-yrs in Indiana and Illinois during 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 growing seasons. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Cover crops [conventional planting (CR) and precision planting (PR)] were factorially arranged with two seeding rates (18.75 vs. 37.5 kg ha-1) for PR and (25 vs. 50 kg ha-1) for CR. Two extra treatments were included as control which were no-cover crop with zero-N and a 224 kg N ha-1 addition to corn. Cover crop biomass, C, N, their uptake, and C:N ratio were evaluated along with corn plant population, and corn grain yield. Our results indicated that winter rye had similar aboveground biomass, N uptake, and C accumulation regardless of planting method and seeding rate suggesting a precision planting at low seeding rate is most economical for cover crop establishment. Corn plant population was only affected by winter rye in one site-yr (CIL23) in which precision planting did not help with minimizing the negative effect of winter rye on corn population. In this study, lack of N fertilization did not decrease corn population but significantly reduced corn grain yield in all site-yrs. Corn grain yield was similar among cover crop treatments (with exception of no cover crop no N) but in one of the site-yrs, precision planting at 18.75 kg ha-1 resulted in greater corn yield than the no-cover crop with 224 N ha-1. We concluded that growers that plant winter rye prior to corn could use precision planting at a seeding rate of 18.75 kg ha-1 to take up residual soil N with limited interference with corn production at a reduced cost compared to conventional winter rye management.