Search

Radiation therapy departments are faced with the challenge of tracking numerous quality control tests as well as monitoring service events affecting radiation therapy treatment units. Service events, in particular, pose a challenge since the clinic must be able to provide evidence to the regulatory body that both the service work and any required follow-up tests were recorded and authorized by the appropriate staff. This article presents an integrated approach to tracking quality control tests and service event logs using QATrack+. The newly developed version of this quality assurance software integrates quality control tracking with the service event log, allowing a direct link between a service event and any initiating routine tests or follow-up tests that are performed. This improves the ability of a licensee to ensure compliance with regulations and permits a simple platform from which to access all machine equipment tests and service events. Furthermore, this improves the ability of a department to assess the service record of equipment and to identify trends in failure modes.

Thirty million hectares of maize (Zea mays L.) in the developing world are planted and harvested by hand. Indigenous planting encumbers placing two to three seeds per hill and this results in uneve...

Oriented planting of maize seed has the potential for yield gains because of optimized light interception in a structured canopy. While research into the agronomic aspects of seed oriented planting has progressed over the past few years, little work has been done with respect to a mechanization solution to seed oriented planting. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of seed oriented planting by application of the part orientation by pushing concept. Three-dimensional laser scans of 15 kernels of four hybrids with differing average seed shapes ranging from cuboid to discoidal were obtained. Computational analysis of the 3D shape data was conducted to predict the seed orientation by pushing. Analysis of the radius and pushing functions showed that each kernel shape exhibits three clearly identifiable stable angular orientations. Sixty seeds of each of the hybrids from the same population were then tested in a bench-top mechanism emulating the orientation by pushing. The stable point mean directions could be predicted to within less than 1° for 8 out of 12 stable points on the four hybrid kernel shapes and to within 5° for the remaining four. Formal comparison showed that there was no significant difference between prediction and measurement for any of the stable point mean directions. Comparison across hybrids though showed that the stable point mean direction depends on the average kernel shape, which entails that some hybrids may be more or less suitable for seed orientation by pushing.

SUMMARYSeed-oriented planting provides a manner to influence canopy structure. The purpose of this research was to improve maize light interception using seed-oriented planting to manipulate leaf azimuth across the row thereby minimizing leaf overlap. To achieve leaf azimuths oriented preferentially across the row, seeds were planted: (i) upright with caryopsis pointed down, parallel to the row (upright); and (ii) laying flat, embryo up, perpendicular to the row (flat). These treatments were compared to conventionally planted seeds with resulting random leaf azimuth distribution. Seed orientation effects were contrasted with three levels of plant population and two levels of hybrid specific canopy structures. Increased plant population resulted in greater light interception but yield tended to decrease as plant population increased. The planophile hybrid produced consistently greater yields than the erectophile hybrid. The difference between planophile and erectophile hybrids ranged from 283 to 903 kg ha−1. Overall, mean grain yield for upright and flat seed placement increased by 351 and 463 kg ha−1 compared to random seed placement. Greater cumulative intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (CIPAR) was found for oriented seeds rather than random-oriented seeds. At physiological maturity upright, flat and random-oriented seeds intercepted 555, 525 and 521 MJ m−2 of PAR, respectively. Maize yield responded positively to improved light interception and better radiation use efficiency. Under irrigated conditions, precision planting of maize increased yield by 9 to 14% compared to random-oriented seeds.

Improper management of cattle manure and poultry litter from confined animal farming are usually source of water pollution. However, appropriate application of these products on switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) field can enhance biomass yield and promote nutrient recycling. We evaluated the effects of harvest frequency and nutrient sources on yield and quality of switchgrass for biofuel feedstock. The experiment was carried out at Perkins and Lake Carl Blackwell, Oklahoma, from 2009 to 2011 using split plot design with four replications. The main plot treatments were two harvest frequencies single (June), and twice (June and November). The subplot treatments were nutrient sources: 1) cattle manure (CM), 2) poultry litter (PL), 3) urea (nitrogen at 150 kg ha −1 ), 4) combined chemical fertilizer (nitrogen-P 2 O 5 –K 2 O) with nitrogen at 150 kg ha −1 , P 2 O 5 at 40 kg ha −1 , and K 2 O at 20 kg ha −1 , 5) inter-seeded Crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L.), and 6) control. Mean biomass yield was higher (12.4 Mg ha −1 ) in 2010 than other years possibly due to optimum moisture and temperature in 2010. At Perkins in 2010, application of CM and PL increased biomass yield significantly by 30 and 23% compared with combined chemical fertilizer (12.9 Mg ha −1 ). The effect of nutrient sources on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content was not significant at both locations. Cumulative biomass from twice harvest was similar to single harvest except in 2011 due to dry weather after the first cut. The cellulose and lignin content were significantly higher for single harvest compared with twice harvest at both locations.

SUMMARYHand-planted plots of across-row-oriented corn seeds (Zeamays L.) produce highly structured leaf canopies and have shown significant yield advantage over randomly planted plots in prior studies. For further investigation of the phenomenon by simulation, the objective of this study was to develop a probabilistic model for the correlation between seed orientation and initial plant orientation. In greenhouse trials, the azimuthal orientation of kernels of four different hybrids was recorded at planting. At collar setting of the seed leaf, the orientation of the seed leaf was determined and the angular data subjected to the analytical methods of circular statistics. The results indicate that the correlation between seed azimuth and seed leaf azimuth can be described by a von Mises distribution. The probabilistic seed to seed leaf azimuth model described herein may be implemented in simulation models to investigate the effect of canopy architecture, canopy closure and light interception efficiency of corn under conditions of seed oriented planting.

We develop a sensing system to measure corn population and within-row spacing using the LiDAR technology.We develop an algorithm to calculate corn plant population and within-row spacing from the laser point cloud data.Total errors on plant counting were less than 6% in no-weed fields.The RMSE of within-row spacing measurements were less than 1.9cm in no weed field. The variability of corn plant location and within-row spacing has been demonstrated to have a significant correlation with grain and biomass yield. They are included in many yield prediction models which are used to guide mid-season variable-rate fertilizer applications. A prototype sensing system was developed to automatically measure corn plant location and spacing on-the-go based on ground LiDAR technology. The system travelled along crop rows with a ground LiDAR sensor scanning at the bottom section of each corn plant. The possibility of corn stalk identification was increased because each stalk appeared in multiple scans from various view angles of the sensor. The first version of the prototyping system was developed earlier and resulted in a relatively low detecting accuracy. In this paper, an improved version of the prototyping system was presented with substantial additional field evaluation results. The system was improved in terms of the data acquisition platform and the data processing algorithms, specifically, the scan registration and stalk recognition procedures to reduce the misidentification errors. Additional field evaluation was conducted on 200 plants at their V8 growth stage. A total plant counting error of 5.5% and a 1.9cm of root-mean-squared error (RMSE) in spacing measurement were achieved between the sensor measurements and the manually measured ground truth data. The new data processing algorithm was also tested on the data collected with the first version system. The false positive plant counting error was reduced from 24.0% with the first version system to 14.0% with the improved algorithms.

The relationship between yield potential and N response in long-term cereal production is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between yield potential (yield level) and N responsiveness in long-term winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) field experiments in Stillwater, OK (53 yr), Altus, OK (two trials, 45 yr each), Arlington, WI (49 yr), Shelton, NE (11 yr), Nashua, IA (32 yr), and Kanawha, IA (26 yr). Nitrogen responsiveness or the response index (RI) was determined by dividing the actual grain yield from high N rate plots by the yield from either the 0-N fertilizer check (RI 0-N) or medium N rate plots (RI mid-N). Linear relationships between maximum yield, RI 0-N, RI mid-N, and year were thus examined. For the seven long-term trials comprising 261 yr of site data, yield and N responsiveness were not related whether or not a medium N rate or the check plot (0-N) was used to determine RI. Because yield level and N responsiveness are independent, and both impact N demand, using both should assist in formulating more accurate fertilizer N recommendations.

SUMMARYMaize (Zea mays) seed orientation at planting can influence emerging leaf angle. If leaf angle were consistent among plants without leaf overlap, large numbers of these bilaterally symmetrical plants could be arranged to optimize light interception and possibly increase grain yields or maintain grain yield with a lower population. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of seed orientation in soil on the angle of maize leaves relative to the planted row and on emergence rate. Seeds were planted 2.5 cm deep in diverse combinations of flat, cotyledon down, cotyledon up, on their side, radicle up and radicle down. Each seed orientation was repeated 10 times. Data on days to emergence and leaf angle were collected. In three experiments, maize seeds planted flat with the cotyledon up resulted in homogenous and faster emergence, and maize leaves aligned perpendicular to the direction of the maize row. Similar results were achieved with maize seeds planted parallel to the row with the radicle down. Random placement of maize seeds resulted in random orientation of maize leaves and lower emergence rates. The effects of controlled leaf geometry could facilitate planting higher populations with the potential for increasing grain yield and/or allow the maintenance of grain yields while reducing seed rates.

Midseason fertilizer N recommendations in corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are not consistent from one region to the next. Preplant soil testing, yield goals, economic optimums, chlorophyll meters, and optical sensor-based yield prediction models are limited regionally. The objective of this paper is to introduce an applied approach for applying preplant N fertilizer in automated gradients used for determining midseason N rates based on plant response. This approach assumes that midseason biomass estimated using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) sensor readings is directly related to corn and wheat grain yield, and that delaying applied N until midseason (eight-leaf stage in corn and Feekes 5 in winter wheat) can result in near-maximum yields. The ramped calibration strip (RCS) applicator applies 16 different incremental N rates (3-to 6-m intervals), over 45 to 90 m (number of rates, intervals, and distances can be adjusted depending on the crop). Because the RCS is superimposed on the farmer practice, producers can examine plant responsiveness over the range of rates to determine the optimum topdress N rate. The point where midseason growth differences no longer exist is the topdress N rate. Recording distance is required as you walk the RCS since distance is associated with an incremental N rate. Where adequate but not excessive preplant N is available, the ramp interpolated rate provides an applied method to determine how much midseason N should be applied to achieve the maximum yields based on growth response evidenced within the RCS.

Field-average based recommendations have been a common practice for nitrogen (N) rate recommendations. The problem is that, even when the same amount of N fertilizer is applied at the recommended rate, yields differ from year to year, the result being poor use efficiency. Reduced fertilizer use efficiency can result in unnecessary costs to producers, especially with a likely price of US$ 1·10 per kilogram of N fertilizer anticipated within the next few years, largely due to rising oil and natural gas prices. It has been estimated that by the year 2025 the consumption of N fertilizer will increase by 60–90%, with two-thirds of this being applied in the developing world. In light of this, methods that increase N use efficiency and profitability of farms, while reducing environmental impact, are no longer simply commendable but required in developing countries. The present review assesses the temporal variability in winter wheat with respect to N nutrition and presents improved methods, including the calibration stamp (CS), N-rich strips (NRS) and ramped calibration strips (RCS) to overcome this variability. These methods can be used either as visual tools or along with NDVI handheld sensors for accuracy. Unlike the CS and NRS, the RCS method is designed to include more pre-plant N rates in strips to improve top-dress N estimation. Hypotheses as backgrounds to these methods have been developed and tested in the USA and Mexico. However, the simplicity of these technologies suggests that many farmers in both developed and developing countries can readily apply them.

Vacuum seed metering systems are one of the most common methods for singulating corn seed. Much of the attention related to improving down-the-row seed spacing has been directed at improving metering systems. A 4-row John Deere 7300 row crop planter was used to test three planter metering systems (standard corn, ProMAX 40, and Precision Planting’s eSet). Tests were conducted at three locations in Oklahoma representing three different growing environments and thus seeding rates in 2011 and one location with two environments in 2012. Four travel speeds (4.8, 8, 11.3, and 14.5 km h-1) were randomized with each seed meter plot. After emergence, plant spacing was measured in 6.1 m within the center two rows of each plot. There was no distinct advantage for planting below 8.0 km h-1 for any meter. For planting at the two highest travel speeds, meter selection will have an impact on overall plant spacing, as indicated in the mean and standard deviation of plant spacing.

This study evaluated the acceptability of a mechanical client lift based on the design employed for helicopter rescue lifts. Twenty-three nursing personnel completed questionnaires which explored their preferences, intentions to use the lift, perceptions of helpfulness, and exertion. Sixteen clients in a long term care setting consented to participate. One hundred manual lifts and 100 belt lifts were observed for comparative time and staff measures. The findings suggest that: 1) nursing staff will prefer the belt lift device for changing incontinent briefs; 2) nursing staff will prefer the belt lift device for toileting; 3) nursing staff will prefer the belt lift device to the currently used lift (in cases where either lift is appropriate) for bed/chair transfer; and, 5) the time required to utilize the belt lift as compared to manual lifting methods will not increase significantly.

To investigate synaptic mechanisms in taste buds and collect information about synaptic transmission in these sensory organs, we have examined taste buds of the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus for the presence of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Immunocytochemical staining at the light microscopic level revealed the presence of serotonin-like and cholecystokinin-like (CCK) immunoreactivity in basal cells in the taste bud. Nerve fibers innervating taste buds were immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal peptide-like (VIP), substance P-like, and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like (CGRP) or compounds closely related to these substances. Immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the taste cells and nerve fibers was absent. These data suggest that serotonin, CCK, VIP, substance P, and CGRP are involved in synaptic transmission or neuromodulation in the peripheral organs of taste. No evidence was found for cholinergic or adrenergic mechanisms on the basis of the absence of immunocytochemical staining for key enzymes involved in these two transmitter systems.

Objective. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibition (TKI) is a promising treatment in upper aerodigestive malignancies. EGFR inhibitors might be more effective in patients whose tumors harbor specific EGFR mutations. The presence of specific EFGR mutations is predictive of over a 75% response rate to TKI therapies as compared to 10% in wild type cases of non-small cell lung cancer. Our objective was to examine whether these mutations might occur in upper aerodigestive cancers.Design. DNA was extracted from 20 head and neck squamous cell tumors and 4 squamous cell carcinoma cell lines and sequenced the receptor using published primer pairs. We then compared the results against published mutations.Results. No exon 19 or 21 mutations were found in any of the 20 tumors and 0 of 4 cell lines. Based on the tumor data we would predict that no greater than 8% of head and neck tumors (CI 97.5%) would be likely to harbor either of these mutations.Conclusions. Our findings are comparable to results recently published of Korean, Austrian, and Spanish patient populations and we conclude that exon 19 and 21 EGFR mutations are not more common in head and neck cancer than in nonsmall-cell carcinoma.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides health care value to an aging veteran population in the midst of rising health care costs and the necessity to demonstrate improvements in the quality of care. The Malcolm Baldrige framework offers a comprehensive assessment of the organization's management system, performance improvements, and the promise to enhance health outcomes, including quality and patient satisfaction. This article will describe the development, current status, and future plans within VHA for the Malcolm Baldrige Award for Healthcare.

Turfgrass managers in the transition zone are interested in converting swards of cool-season grasses to cold-hardy seeded bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in an effort to reduce water and fungicide inputs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for establishing ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass in a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) sward by using a strip-seeding technique, and then to build a machine that would facilitate the process. Four, 2-inch-wide tilled rows, 1 inch deep and 15 inches apart, were created in 6 × 6-ft plots and seeded by hand with ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass at 104 lb/acre pure live seed in July 2002. In one set of strip-seeded plots, a 7-cm-wide overspray of glyphosate (≈0.5 inch on either side of the row) was applied over tilled rows after seeding to suppress perennial ryegrass further. Plots established by the strip-seeding technique exhibited 71% bermudagrass coverage after two growing seasons, and 87% coverage when rows received a glyphosate overspray. Broadcasting ‘Riviera’ seed into perennial ryegrass plots resulted in 60% bermudagrass coverage at the end of the second season of establishment. A strip seeder was constructed and used to seed ‘Riviera’ into existing perennial ryegrass turf in late July 2004 using the aforementioned row configurations and a glyphosate overspray. Coverage evaluated the following spring, before green-up, was 10.3% compared with 0% coverage where ‘Riviera’ was broadcast seeded. At the seeding rates evaluated, 79% less ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass seed was required when using the strip-seeding method, and golfers would consider the surface more amenable to play during the establishment period compared with broadcasting glyphosate and seed. A patent is pending on the strip-seeding equipment and establishment process.