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Globally, gains in sweet corn [Zea mays L.var. rugosa (or saccharata)] are a fraction of the yield advances made in field corn (Zea mays L.) in the last half-century. Grain yield improvement of field corn is associated with increased tolerance to higher plant densities (i.e., crowding stress). Processing sweet corn hybrids that tolerate crowding stress have been identified; however, such hybrids appear to be under-planted in the processing sweet corn. Using crowding stress tolerant (CST) hybrids, the objectives of this study were to: (1) identify optimum plant densities for a range of growing conditions; (2) quantify gaps in production between current and optimum plant densities; and (3) enumerate changes in yield and ear traits when shifting from current to optimum plant densities. Using a CST shrunken-2 (sh2) processing sweet corn hybrid, on-farm plant density trials were conducted in thirty fields across the states of Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, from 2013 to 2017 in order to capture a wide variety of growing conditions. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify the optimum plant density corresponding to maximum ear mass (Mt ha-1), case production (cases ha-1), and profitability to the processor ($ ha-1). Kernel moisture, indicative of plant development, was unaffected by plant density. Ear traits, such as ear number and ear mass per plant, average ear length, and filled ear length declined linearly with increasing plant density. Nonetheless, there was a large economic benefit to the grower and processor by shifting to higher plant densities in most environments. This research shows that increasing plant densities of CST hybrids from current (58,475 plants ha-1) to optimum (73,075 plants ha-1) could improve processing sweet corn green ear yield and processor profitability on average of 1.13 Mt ha-1 and $525 ha-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1-D full-life-cycle, Individual-based model (IBM), two-way coupled with a hydrodynamic/biogeochemical model, is demonstrated for anchovy and sardine in the N. Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). The model is stage-specific and includes a ‘Wisconsin’ type bioenergetics, a diel vertical migration and a population dynamics module, with the incorporation of known differences in biological attributes between the anchovy and sardine stocks. A new energy allocation/egg production algorithm was developed, allowing for breeding pattern to move along the capital-income breeding continuum. Fish growth was calibrated against available size-at-age data by tuning food consumption (the half saturation coefficients) using a genetic algorithm. After a ten-years spin up, the model reproduced well the magnitude of population biomasses and spawning periods of the two species in the N. Aegean Sea. Surprisingly, model simulations revealed that anchovy depends primarily on stored energy for egg production (mostly capital breeder) whereas sardine depends heavily on direct food intake (income breeder). This is related to the peculiar phenology of plankton production in the area, with mesozooplankton concentration exhibiting a sharp decrease from early summer to autumn and a subsequent increase from winter to early summer. Monthly changes in somatic condition of fish collected on board the commercial purse seine fleet followed closely the simulated mesozooplankton concentration. Finally, model simulations showed that, when both the anchovy and sardine stocks are overexploited, the mesozooplankton concentration increases, which may open up ecological space for competing species. The importance of protecting the recruit spawners was highlighted with model simulations testing the effect of changing the timing of the existing 2.5-months closed period. Optimum timing for fishery closure is different for anchovy and sardine because of their opposite spawning and recruitment periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physics program at Lawrence University has introduced sophisticated computational techniques throughout its curriculum. Distinguishing features of the Lawrence approach include a focus on flexible, general purpose computational packages; application to theory and experiment; extensive use for preparing reports; and distribution throughout the curriculum. Most importantly, computation is introduced early enough so that students subsequently use computers independently on their own initiative. A required sophomore course in computational mechanics provides a uniform orientation to symbolic and numerical tools, and an elective junior/senior course in computational physics is offered. Students' use of computational resources in independent studies and summer research experiences and positive comments from recent graduates provide evidence of the success and value of these curricular inclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the study concerning the implementation of student-developed and student-led laboratory curriculum at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Richland Center and UW-Rock County. The study was participated by students from both UW campuses in the second semester. The students were divided into groups according to their field of interest and were asked to chose their topic for laboratory experiment. It was shown that students performed the experiments assigned to them on the scheduled date where they provide the necessary reagents and materials needed by the participating groups. It was found that the process of student curriculum enhances their understanding on chemistry laboratory activities as well as helps develop cooperation within the group.

The article focuses on the 2005 Synchrotron Radiation Center Users' Meeting which was held on October 14 and 15, 2005, at the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC) in Stoughton, Wisconsin. The presentations of the conference included topics like Condensed Matter and Surface Science, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Life Sciences, and Chemistry and Nanoscience. Joe Bisognano, Executive Director of SRC, gave his opening remarks on the current state of the SRC. Bisognano emphasized on the upgradation and maintenance of the SRC instrumentation, engineering and optics groups. A presentation by Tomasz of the Los Alamos National Laboratory was also significant. Durakiewicz commented on the physics of electrons in uranium compounds.

The article reports that Today's Science for Tomorrow's Scientists (TSTS) tutorial introduces the scientific research on designing peptides with defined folding properties from Samuel Gellman's group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An overview of the importance of the research is provided. It also presents the topics that will be covered in correspondence to the grade level, middle school and high school students. It offers that the tutorial allows middle and high school teachers to introduce bioorganic chemistry research while aligning with National Science Education Standards in physical sciences.