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Feeding anthocyanin- and antioxidant-rich forages to sheep and dairy cows can improve performance and product quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of feeding anthocyanin-rich (Hi-A) corn cobs on the growth performance and meat quality of lambs. A total of 30 eight-month-old Rambouillet ewe lambs (body weight 30.7 ± 1.2 kg) were fed for 63 days with three diets consisting of 80% concentrate and 20% roughage: Hi-A corn cobs (Hi-A), regular corn cobs (Low-A), and bermudagrass hay (BGH). A completely randomized design trial with 10 lambs per treatment was used. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed ratio (G:F), carcass traits, meat color, fatty acid (FA) profile, volatile aroma compounds, and sensory panels. After feeding for 63 days, lambs were harvested, and the carcasses were evaluated. Boneless lamb loin chops were fabricated and submitted to FA, aroma, and sensory analysis. The corn cob diets did not affect BW, ADG, or G:F of the lambs compared to BGH diet, but DMI (P < 0.01) was decreased. The dressing percentage was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed BGH than in those fed Hi-A, while lambs fed Low-A did not differ from the other two diets. Loin chop instrumental color characteristics were not influenced by diets, except the hue angle, which was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Hi-A than Low-A, while BGH did not differ from lambs fed either cob diet. There was no significant difference in the meat fatty acid profile. Five volatile compounds were affected by diets. The 2-butanone (P = 0.07) and 2,3-butanedione (P = 0.05) were greater in chops from lambs fed BGH relative to lambs fed Hi-A and neither differed (P > 0.05) from lambs fed Low-A diet. The 2-propanone was greater (P = 0.01) in chops from lambs fed BGH than in those fed either the Low-A or Hi-A diets. Both 3-methyl-butanal and methyl benzene were lower (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) in chops from lambs fed the Hi-A diet than in those fed either the BGH or Low-A diet. Replacing 20% bermudagrass hay with corn cobs in the diets of feedlot lambs did not affect sheep growth performance, meat fatty acid profile, sensory traits, and most carcass characteristics and meat color parameters. Hi-A corn diet improved aroma in cooked boneless loin chops, but sensory traits were not affected. This study showed the Hi-A corn cobs can be safely used for roughage and feed for lambs and for improving meat aroma in cooked boneless loin chops.

Low dietary energy and decreased intake of herbage have been attributed to the reduced performance of grazing dairy cattle. We hypothesized that grasses with inherently greater energy would interact in a complementary way with condensed tannins (CT) in birdsfoot trefoil to increase herbage intake by grazing dairy heifers. Eight pasture treatments comprising high-sugar perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann), and tall fescue [Schendonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] were established in Lewiston, Utah as monocultures and binary mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; BFT). Pasture treatments were rotationally stocked by Jersey heifers for 105 d in 2017 and 2018, and herbage samples were collected pre- and postgrazing for each 7-d grazing period and analyzed for herbage mass, nutritive value, and apparent herbage intake. We observed differences among pasture treatments in herbage quantity and nutritive value, as well as differences in herbage intake by grazing Jersey heifers. On average, grass-BFT mixtures had greater herbage intake than grass monocultures, and every grass-BFT treatment individually had greater herbage intake than their respective grass monocultures. Using multivariate analyses, we determined that approximately 50% of the variation in herbage intake was due to nutritive and physical herbage characteristics, with the most explanatory being characteristics related to fiber and energy, followed by those related to the percent of BFT in the herbage. Grass monocultures exhibited a range of inherent dietary energy, but there was indication that an imbalance of energy to crude protein (e.g., protein deficient) reduced intake of grass monocultures. Moreover, there was some evidence of a complementary effect between increased dietary energy and CT; however, low CT levels made it impossible to determine the effect of CT on herbage intake per se. This study confirmed that chemical and physical characteristics inherent to different pasture species have a large effect on herbage intake by grazing cattle. Pastures planted to binary mixtures of nutritious grasses and birdsfoot trefoil increase herbage intake of temperate pastures by grazing Jersey heifers.

Dairy heifers developed in certified organic programs, especially those utilizing pasture-based management schemes, have lower rates of gain than heifers raised in nonorganic confinement production systems in temperate climates, such as in the Intermountain West region of the United States. This study investigates the effects that different forages in a rotational grazing system have on development of organically raised Jersey heifers. Over 3 years, 210 yearling Jersey heifers were randomly assigned to one of 9 treatments, including a conventional confinement control where animals were fed a total mixed ration or one of 8 pasture treatments: Cache Meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann), QuickDraw orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), Amazon perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), or Fawn tall fescue (Schendonorus arundinaceus [Schreb.] Dumort) and each individual grass interseeded with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L., BFT). Each treatment had 3 blocks/yr over the 3-yr period, with each block having a 0.4 ha pasture of each treatment. Every 35 d, over a 105-d period, heifers were weighed and measured for hip height, and blood samples were collected to determine serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. Fecal egg counts were also assessed. Heifer body weight (BW), blood urea nitrogen, and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations were affected by treatment when analyzed over time. Heifers on grass-BFT pastures had increased BW compared with heifers on monoculture grass pastures. Heifers receiving a total mixed ration or perennial ryegrass+BFT had increased BW gain over the 105-d period compared with heifers grazing tall fescue+BFT, orchard grass, perennial ryegrass, meadow bromegrass, or tall fescue. Individually for all grass species, heifers grazing +BFT pastures had greater ending BW and weight gain than heifers grazing the respective grass monocultures. Furthermore, weight gain for heifers on perennial ryegrass+BFT, meadow bromegrass+BFT, and orchard grass+BFT were not different from those on a total mixed ration. Heifers grazing grass-BFT pastures had increased blood urea nitrogen compared with heifers grazing monoculture grass pastures. Heifer hip height and fecal egg counts were not affected by treatment. These results show that the addition of BFT to organic pasture improves growth of grazing replacement heifers. Economic analyses also demonstrate that interseeding grass pastures with BFT results in an increased economic return compared with grazing monoculture grass pastures. Grass pastures interseeded with BFT may be a sustainable option to achieve adequate growth of Jersey heifers raised in an organic pasture scenario in a temperate climate.

Purpose To evaluate whether home hazards and lighting levels are associated with higher fall rates in adults with varying degrees of visual field (VF) damage from glaucoma. Methods Participants with diagnosed or suspected glaucoma provided three years of prospective falls data via monthly falls diaries. A post-fall telephone questionnaire determined fall locations. Seven home areas were evaluated for hazards and lighting via an in-home assessment. Multivariate models adjusting for relevant confounders, including age, sex, comorbidity, and severity of VF damage, evaluated the influence of hazards and lighting on fall rates in each home region. Results Mean baseline age for the 170 participants was 71.0 (7.6) years and 78 (46%) of participants were female. Fifty-nine participants experienced a total of 83 home falls, with the greatest number of falls occurring on the indoor stairs (n = 24, 29%) and bedroom (n = 17, 21%). Neither the number nor the percentage of hazardous items graded as hazardous was associated with the rate of falls (P > .26). Each 10-fold increase in room lighting was associated with 35% fewer falls in that home region (P = .02). The relation between lighting and the rate of falls did not differ with the degree of visual field damage (P > .3), and a lower fall rate was noted with better lighting even in participants with mild or no VF damage (rate ratio = 0.52/10-fold better lighting; P = 0.01). Conclusions Fewer home falls were found with better lighting, but not with fewer home hazards. Lighting improvements at home may reduce fall rates in older adults. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.

Cytoplasmic effects have been investigated since their discovery in 1909. However, in most studies it was not known whether the cytoplasms actually differed. Differences among the cytoplasms have been identified in soybean. This study was conducted to determine if cytoplasmic effects exist in soybean. Ten soybean lines representing five cytoplasmic groups, based on their chloroplast DNA RFLP patterns, were crossed to Harosoy 63' and 'Clark 63' to produce 40 Fi and reciprocal Fi populations. The parents, Fi's and reciprocal Fi's were evaluated for developmental stages, height, leaflet characteristics, and seed size. Ten F2 and reciprocal F2 'Harosoy 63' populations, representing the five cytoplasmic groups, were evaluated the following year. Few significant differences were observed for the agronomic traits. Ten of the thirteen significant differences observed involved developmental traits, days to R1 and R7, and height at R1 and R7. Leaflet area and leaflet mass seldom differed among reciprocal crosses. Consistent cytoplasmic effects within a chloroplast DNA RFLP group were not observed. Chloroplast Groups n and in differed the most often; whereas Chloroplast Groups I and TV seldom differed. No significant differences were observed in Chloroplast Group V. Significant nuclear X cytoplasm interactions were indicated in some crosses.

A dual-flow, continuous-culture system was used to assess the effects of energy supplementation with 4 pasture forages on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics. Twelve dietary treatments were tested in a split-plot design: energy supplementation (no concentrate, 30% ground corn, or 30% dried distilled grains with solubles) as a whole plot and pasture forages [tall fescue (TF) without N fertilizer, TF with N fertilizer (TF+NF), TF-alfalfa mixture, and TF-birdsfoot trefoil mixture (TF+BFT)] as a subplot. Three replicated runs lasted 9 d each, with 7 d for adaptation period and 2 d for data collection. The greatest total VFA and propionate concentrations (P

The Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Regulation (40 CFR 170) was established in 1992. In 2015, revisions to the regulation were signed and finalized to increase protections from pesticide exposure for the nation‘s two million farm workers and their families. The EPA indicated that the revisions will be implemented in phases to allow for the necessary changes to training and compliance assistance materials for effective implementation. A recommendation from the EPA‘s outreach and implementation strategy is to utilize prior outreach and existing stakeholder relationships in tailoring efforts to educate agricultural workers about the health-related dangers of working with and around pesticides, and how the revised regulation can bring about needed protections. A comparative summary of the revised WPS regulations is provided in this paper with a specific focus on compliance by agricultural producers. Survey data from 508 of the more than 1,500 licensed pesticide applicators who are involved in Utah agricultural crop production are summarized and presented. This paper assesses the problematic components of compliance with the new WPS requirements and presents training recommendations for agricultural safety and health professionals.

Assistive technologies are available to accommodate farmers and ranchers who become chronically ill or injured so that they can continue to farm. Utah‘s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is the largest provider of assistive technology in the state. Providing assistance in the acquisition of assistive technology and training is an important component of the VR program; however, counselors often have limited expertise in addressing the assistive technology needs unique to people in agriculture. In addition, the nature of farming, and the farmers themselves, often results in confusion regarding eligibility for VR services. Utah VR‘s 2013 Annual Report of successful closures indicates that only 79 individuals were successfully rehabilitated in farm/fishing/forestry occupations. When estimates of Utah farmers with disabling conditions are considered, VR assisted less than one half of one percent (

To characterize fall-related hazards in the homes of persons with suspected or diagnosed glaucoma, and to determine whether those with worse visual field (VF) damage have fewer home hazards.Cross-sectional study using baseline (2013-2015) data from the ongoing Falls in Glaucoma Study (FIGS).One-hundred seventy-four of 245 (71.0%) FIGS participants agreeing to the home assessment.Participants' homes were assessed using the Home Environment Assessment for the Visually Impaired (HEAVI). A single evaluator assessed up to 127 potential hazards in 8 home regions. In the clinic, binocular contrast sensitivity (CS) and better-eye visual acuity (VA) were evaluated, and 24-2 VFs were obtained to calculate average integrated VF (IVF) sensitivity.Total number of home hazards.No significant visual or demographic differences were noted between participants who did and did not complete the home assessment (P0.09 for all measures). Mean age among those completing the home assessment (n = 174) was 71.1 years, and IVF sensitivity ranged from 5.6 to 33.4 dB (mean = 27.2 dB, standard deviation [SD] = 4.0 dB). The mean number of items graded per home was 85.2 (SD = 13.2), and an average of 32.7 (38.3%) were identified as hazards. IVF sensitivity, CS, and VA were not associated with total home hazards or the number of hazards in any given room (P0.06 for all visual measures and rooms). The bathroom contained the greatest number of hazards (mean = 7.9; 54.2% of graded items classified as hazardous), and the most common hazards identified in at least 1 room were ambient lighting300 lux and exposed light bulbs. Only 27.9% of graded rooms had adequate lighting. IVF sensitivity, CS, and VA were not associated with home lighting levels (P0.18 for all), but brighter room lighting was noted in the homes of participants with higher median income (P0.001).Multiple home fall hazards were identified in the study population, and hazard numbers were not lower for persons with worse VF damage, suggesting that individuals with more advanced glaucoma do not adapt their homes for safety. Further work should investigate whether addressing home hazards is an effective intervention for preventing falls in this high-risk group.

Manure management and increased soil phosphorus levels are issues faced by many dairy farmers. A method to reduce the phosphorus content of dairy lagoon effluent is needed to allow continued effluent application for nitrogen and irrigation water without exceeding the phosphorus needs of the crop. This study examined the feasibility of using electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag to remove dissolved reactive phosphorus from dairy lagoon effluent. Treatment columns filled with EAF steel slag had dairy lagoon effluent added with a 12 h retention time batch flow over a course of 106 days. Samples were collected weekly and analyzed for dissolved reactive phosphorus and pH. Differences between the influent and effluent for each treatment column were determined. Four treatments were compared: warm temperatures, cold temperatures, high organic content, and a gravel control. Significant differences were observed among treatments. Cold temperature resulted in the greatest phosphorus removal efficiency, followed by high organic content, warm temperature, and the gravel control. Among the EAF steel slag treatments, the average overall phosphorus removal efficiency for the 106-day study ranged from 63% to 71%.

Geographic disbursement, unsecured environments, and the concentration and commingling of agricultural products make agriculture a vulnerable target for a terrorist attack. To counter an act of agroterrorism, efforts are needed at the organism level, the farm level, the agricultural sector level, and the national level. Producers and the measures they take are essential in countering an attack at the farm level. However, producers may question the need for security measures, especially if they feel that their farm or ranch is an unlikely target. The attitudes and perceptions of Utah agricultural producers towards agroterrorism were examined in a mixed methods study using a QUAN-QUAL model. Twenty-five producers were purposefully selected to provide a cross-section of Utah agriculture. All participants filled out a questionnaire followed by a face-to-face interview in which they were asked to rate their level of concern about an act of agroterrorism at the farm, state, and national level. They were also asked about any security measures that they had taken and why, the identification of highly transmissible diseases, and their willingness to implement security measures. Producers were most concerned about an act of agroterrorism at the national level and least concerned about an act of agroterrorism occurring on their farm or ranch. Although many of the producers had implemented some security measures within the last year, most actions were in response to vandalism. More efforts are needed to educate Utah producers regarding highly transmissible diseases and their symptoms.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act provides enforcement of the required and recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) listed on pesticide labeling for eye and face protection. Eye protection must meet or exceed standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The differences between older pesticide label eye protection requirements and modern ANSI standards for eye and face protection are often different. Eye or face injuries may occur because pesticide applicators are wearing inappropriate equipment, if the equipment is being worn improperly, and/or when the equipment does not fit properly. It is not unusual to have different personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements on a pesticide label depending on the formulation toxicity, activity being performed, and/or handling/application equipment being used. It is important that pesticide handlers use the correct PPE. This paper focuses on the important aspects to consider when selecting and using eye and face protection for pesticide handling. Based on information collected from 1981 certified pesticide applicators over a three-year period it is very important that protective eyewear be comfortable so that it can be worn for extended periods of time. These applicators also indicated that one of the most important requirements for the wearing of eye protection is that the equipment be readily available and in good working condition.

The Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) degree program demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating project-based learning across core courses of the major. Faculty collaboratively integrated PBL activities within six core agricultural systems courses to enhance student laboratory experiences throughout the program. Collaborative efforts between instructors of core course sought to scaffold instruction to assist students in making meaningful connections in order to promote a systems approach to problem solving. The objective of this approach was to facilitate student-driven learning activities and the application of critical thinking in realistic situations. Students select projects that are personally meaningful as they relate to accomplishing course learning objectives. Instructional strategies included demonstrations with models, utilization of student-feedback rubrics, skill acquisition activities, and dialogue to develop students’ metacognition. Students solve problems through investigation by organizing their research and applying acquired knowledge to complete a project. Students reported the results of projects to demonstrate conceptual understanding of key objectives within courses. This paper highlights approaches used within the AST program.

Ruminants prefer hay cut in the afternoon to hay cut in the morning, presumably because hay cut in the afternoon contains higher concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates than hay cut in the morning. We determined if adding sugars (glucose and sucrose) to ground hay would account for differences in preference and affect intake of hay. Alfalfa hay cut either in the afternoon (PM) or the following morning (AM) was used in the trials. Glucose and sucrose were added to AM hay (AMS) to make its sugar content similar to PM hay. During the first trial, lambs received a choice of either: (1) AM and PM hay; (2) AMS and PM hay; or (3) AMS and AM hay. Lambs preferred PM to AMS or AM hay. We also studied how increasing the concentration of added sugars affected preference for hay. Lambs received a choice of AM hay and AM hay with either 1, 2, 3, or 4% added sugar. On the first day of the trial, lambs ate similar amounts of each hay type, regardless of the amount of sugar added. By the end of the trial, lambs preferred hay with 2, 3, or 4% added sugar compared with AM hay without added sugar. During the intake trial, lambs ate similar amounts of AM, AM hay with added starch and sugar (AMSS), and PM hay. After the intake trial, a final preference trial determined that prolonged exposure to AMSS hay increased preference for AMSS hay compared with AM hay. Our results indicate that preference for PM hay is likely related to increased levels of sugars, such as glucose and sucrose, and that lambs learn about the post-ingestive benefits of exogenous sugars added to hay.

PURPOSE To determine the importance that US glaucoma specialists place on attributes of eye drops for lowering intraocular pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional survey by conducting a telephone interview with 113 members of the American Glaucoma Society. We administered a willingness-to-pay (WTP) instrument asking glaucoma specialists how much they would pay to obtain particular characteristics in an eye drop. Demographic data were correlated with the WTP responses. We compared the glaucoma specialists' responses to those previously obtained from patients. The main outcome measure was willingness-to-pay more (in US dollars). RESULTS Almost all respondents were willing to pay extra to reduce the frequency of administration of eye drops from 3 times a day to once a day, and to avoid blurred vision, drowsiness, or inhibition of sexual performance. Only 54 (48%) were willing to pay more to avoid iris darkening. The mean amount that respondents were willing to pay (relative to US 50 dollars) differed significantly across eye drop characteristics (P < 0.001). The mean amount that the respondents were willing to pay was highest for avoidance of inhibition of sexual performance (US 105 dollars), blurred vision (US 92 dollars), and drowsiness (US 92 dollars). When compared with glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients, more ophthalmologists were likely to pay extra for desirable eye drop attributes. However, the magnitude of the extra amount was similar between ophthalmologists and patients. CONCLUSIONS Glaucoma specialists place differing value on various eye drop characteristics. Although the proportion of glaucoma specialists willing to pay more is generally greater than the proportion of patients, the preferences of glaucoma specialists and patients are alike.

PURPOSE: To determine how glaucoma patients with various degrees of vision loss rate their vision, and to determine if the Esterman binocular visual field test and other visual function tests correlate with those ratings. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-seven glaucoma patients evaluated their vision using 2 utility tests, the linear rating scale and the time trade-off test, and 2 quality-of-life instruments, the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Their results were compared to clinical tests of their vision and to persons with normal vision (n = 12) and blind persons (n = 12). RESULTS: On a scale of 0 (blind) to 100 (ideal), subjects with normal vision rated their vision higher (90 +/- 8.0) than did glaucoma subjects and suspects (75.7 +/- 17.6) and "blind" subjects (15.6 +/- 15.3), P = .001. Mean scores for the Esterman test were 89.7 +/- 13.4 for the glaucoma group. The Esterman test correlated moderately with the overall VFQ score (partial correlation coefficient [PCC] = 0.32, P = .001), but only weakly with the linear rating scale (PCC = 0.17, P = .02) and the time trade-off test (PCC = -0.16, P = .06). Correlation between the linear rating scale and the overall VFQ score was good (PCC = 0.56, P = .0001) and was moderate with several domains of the SF-36 (e.g., social function PCC = 0.32, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Utility values that glaucoma patients assign to their vision do not correlate well with Esterman test results. A challenge for the future will be designing clinical tests that better correlate with patient perceptions.

Purpose To assess the accuracy of Travatan Dosing Aid recordings. Design Prospective evaluation of drop-recording accuracy. Methods Physicians and patients used the Dosing Aid, and logs of usage were compared to the data obtained from the Dosing Aid. Results Five physicians and 20 patients participated. Devices used by physicians recorded all drops dispensed. Extra readings were recorded when physicians carried the devices during the day. For patients, 93% of all drops were recorded, with 18 of 20 subjects having over 85% of the drops recorded. Seventy percent of patients would continue using the device. Conclusions The Dosing Aid accurately recorded most eyedrops administered by patients and physicians. Given recent documentation of widespread undercompliance with medical therapy, the Dosing Aid could be a useful addition to clinical practice and research.

America’s technology-infused society is cluttered with torrents of information and often scarcity of facts. Many people never bother to check where information is coming from, whether the sources have been documented and if the presentation is fair, balanced and worthy of our democratic nation. Hundreds of experienced journalists have left or been forced out of newsrooms due to financial pressures in the industry and monumental changes in technology. These experienced journalists have been dedicated to serving as the eyes and ears of citizens who do not have time to attend hours of meetings, question those in authority, analyze details from multiple sources and request documents through the freedom of information process. Journalism is the ‘fourth estate,’ charged with maintaining a watchdog presence over the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. As newspapers, radio and television lean toward entertainment and sports programming, a vital stream of diverse voices comes through folk music. Long a channel for commentary on war, peace, work and social issues, folk music is a valuable, and increasingly critical, element for preserving a healthy democracy.

Cytoplasmic inheritance studies concerning agronomic characters and seed quality traits have often produced contradictory results. The use of parental lines with similar cytoplasms may explain the seeming discrepancies, since differences among the cytoplasms were not identified in previous studies. Differences among cytoplasms have been identified in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] by means of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) terns. This study was conducted to determine if cytoplasmic effects exist in soybean. Ten soybean lines representing five cpDNA cytoplasmic groups were crossed to ‘Harosoy 63’ and ‘Clark 63’ to produce 40 F₁ and reciprocal F₁ populations. Ten Harosoy 63 F₁ and reciprocal F₁ populations were advanced to the F₂ generation for evaluation in the following year. The parents, crosses, and reciprocal crosses were evaluated for the following agronomic characters: developmental stages, height, leaflet characteristics, and seed size. The population means and variances of each reciprocal cross were examined. Reciprocal cross means were significantly different for agronomic characters in only 8% of the crosses. Reciprocal crosses rarely differed with respect to the variances. Protein, oil, fatty acid, and amino acid composition were examined in composite samples of seed for each line. Significant differences were observed for only a few reciprocal crosses. Protein and oil concentration each differed in only one reciprocal cross. Oleate and linoleate concentration differed the most often, accounting for eight of the 10 significant reciprocal cross differences observed for fatty acid types in the F₁ and F₂ generations. Reciprocal cross differences involving the aliphatic amino acids were observed in four of the five cytoplasmic groups, but were not consistent with the cpDNA RFLP. groupings. Consistent cytoplasmic effects, based on cpDNA RFLP groupings, were not observed for any of the traits examined. The significant differences that were observed may have been due to nuclear × cytoplasmic interactions, short-lived maternal effects, or Type I error. Journal Paper no. 15914 of the Iowa Agric. and Home Econ. Exp. Stn. Project 2764. Research partly supported by the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board.

Gas emissions from animal feeding operations (AFOs) degrade air quality and are threats to public health. Animal manure is a significant emission source, which is highly dependent on temperature and moisture content varying both spatially and temporally. We present design and operational features of an automated multiplexing system for chamber-based monitoring of greenhouse and regulated gas emissions from animal manure sources using a Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyzer. The multiplexing system allows users to automate the chamber network, controlling the movement of chambers and accurately managing chamber air flow distribution. Chambers positioning was achieved with two 12-volt actuators with limit switches at the end of each cycle. Low-power latching solenoid valves were programmed to distribute air streams in concert with chamber placement. The sampled air stream was ultimately analyzed using an FTIR spectroscopy analyzer, which is capable of monitoring 15 pre-programmed gases simultaneously. System design, control circuit and system operating algorithms as well as data collection management are presented in this paper. The multiplexing system is anticipated to increase data collection efficiency and decrease the uncertainly associated with spatial variations in gas emission measurements from manure sources.

Manure management and increased soil phosphorus levels are issues faced by many dairy farmers. A method to reduce the phosphorus content of dairy lagoon effluent is needed to allow continued effluent application for nitrogen and irrigation water without exceeding the phosphorus needs of the crop. This study examined the feasibility of using electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag to remove phosphorus from dairy lagoon effluent. Treatment columns filled with EAF steel slag had dairy lagoon effluent added with a 12-hour retention time batch flow over a course of 106 days. Samples were collected weekly and analyzed for dissolved reactive phosphorus and pH. Differences between the influent and effluent for each treatment column were determined. Four treatments were compared: warm temperatures, cold temperatures, high organic content, and a gravel control. Significant differences were observed among treatments. Cold temperature resulted in the greatest phosphorus removal efficiency, followed by high organic content, warm temperature, and the gravel control. Among the EAF steel slag treatments, the average overall phosphorus removal efficiency for the 106-day study ranged from 63% -71%.

Purpose To determine the agreement among glaucoma specialists in assessing progressive disc changes from photographs in a cohort of patients with glaucomatous visual field loss. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Three glaucoma specialists, masked to chronological sequence, examined pairs of optic disc stereophotographs to determine whether the appearance of the optic disc had changed. Eyes for which the observers disagreed were adjudicated to reach a consensus about which discs had changed over time. Results Sequential stereophotographs, separated in time by a median of 26 months (range, five to 50), from 164 eyes of 111 patients were analyzed. Among the three observers, the number of interpretable discs judged to have changed was 11 of 155 (7%) for Observer 1, 17 of 155 (11%) for Observer 2, and 44 of 155 (28%) for Observer 3 (κ = 0.20). Sixty-six eyes (43%) required adjudication. After adjudication, the consensus was that 10 discs had changed, six eyes in which the disc was worse in the later photograph and four eyes in which the disc was judged to appear more glaucomatous in the earlier photograph. Conclusion Interobserver agreement among glaucoma specialists in judging progressive optic disc change from stereophotographs was slight to fair. After masked adjudication, in 40% of the cases in which the optic disc appeared to have progressed in glaucoma severity, the photograph of the "worse" optic disc was in fact taken at the start of the study. Caution must be exercised when using disc change on photographs as the "gold standard" for diagnosing open-angle glaucoma or determining its progression.

Traversing livestock gates is an issue that has long perplexed farmers and ranchers. Even a well hung gate can become a frustrating barrier to mobility and productivity on the farm. These mobility concerns are further amplified among farmers with disabling conditions that may partially or completely inhibit their ability to operate gates, thus becoming a serious impediment to employment. The need exists for a simple, low-cost, and durable gate operating system that can be retrofitted to existing gates in areas of the farm without access to electricity. Three different prototypes were tested on the farm for durability and functionality. As a result of field testing, a vehicle-actuated automatic gate operating system has been developed that is: operated without exiting the vehicle, built with common tools and locally available materials, retrofitted to an existing gate, and affordable.

Purpose To estimate the frequency of documentation of glaucoma medications by primary care physicians. Design Cross-sectional, observational study. Methods The general medical records of 100 patients of one glaucoma specialist were reviewed. We recorded whether the mention of eyedrops appeared in the medical record. Results The median number of glaucoma medications used was 2.5 (range 1 to 5). Fifty-five (55%, 95% confidence interval: 45%–65%) of the medical records of the primary physicians mentioned eyedrops. α-Agonists were statistically less frequently documented (13%) in the general medical record than β-adrenergic blockers (47%) and prostaglandins (44%). Conclusion Almost half of the charts of these primary physicians had no documentation of any eyedrop use by their patients with glaucoma. An important step in reducing drug-induced side effects and interactions with other medications would be better recognition by primary physicians of the ophthalmic drugs used by their patients.

Objective To determine the importance that patients place on the characteristics of topical therapy for lowering intraocular pressure. Methods We administered a willingness-to-pay instrument to 230 patients from 4 glaucoma subspecialty practices, asking them how much they would be willing to pay to obtain particular characteristics in an eye drop. Data about the subjects' demographics, economic status, attitudes toward eye drops and systemic medications, and symptoms from eye drops were correlated with their willingness to pay using 2-part models. Results Of our subjects, 169 (77%) were using eye drops to lower their intraocular pressure. Fatigue, blurred vision, and tearing were the most commonly reported symptoms. Eye drop medications most valued by the subjects did not produce blurring, drowsiness, or inhibition of sexual performance; 85% were willing to pay more for an eye drop that did not cause blurring, and on average they were willing to pay 40% more. Higher educational levels and income were generally associated with a willingness to pay more for eye drops with desirable attributes. Main Outcome Measure Willingness to pay more (in dollars). Conclusions Patient preferences for eye drop characteristics can be assessed using a willingness-to-pay instrument. Patients place differing value on various eye drop characteristics. A better understanding of patient preference could lead to better compliance.

To determine which measures of the binocular visual field correlate best with the patient's assessment of vision.Esterman binocular visual field testing and four other binocular visual field tests (designated peripheral 20 dB [p20], peripheral 22 dB [p22], central 24 dB [c24] and central 26 dB [c26]) were performed in 101 patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma. Scores from these five tests, as well as binocular visual field scores calculated from monocular testing (best-location summation and probability summation), were correlated with performance on the National Eye Institute's Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ)-25 and Short-Form (SF)-36 quality of life instruments, as well as with the linear rating scale utility test.The mean percentage of correct responses was 87%, 69%, 59%, 78%, and 71% for the Esterman, p20, p22, c24, and c26 tests, respectively. The distribution of scores was much broader for the p20 and p22 tests than for the Esterman test. The mean decibels for the binocular visual fields calculated from the monocular visual fields were 21.5 +/- 7.7 dB for the best-location algorithm and 25.1 +/- 6.7 dB for the probability-summation algorithm. The binocular visual field score calculated with the best-location algorithm correlated better with the overall, general vision, distance activities, and peripheral vision domains of theVFQ-25 (partial correlation coefficients of 0.48, 0.48, 0.49, and 0.51, respectively) than did the probability-summation algorithm and all five binocular visual field tests. The best-location algorithm also had the strongest correlation with the linear rating scale utility test (partial correlation coefficient, 0.40).In this sample of clinic-based patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma, a global score derived from a combination of two monocular fields correlated better with patient assessment of vision than did the Esterman and four novel binocular visual field tests.

Background To (1) develop and refine the Home Environment Assessment for the Visually Impaired (HEAVI), and (2) determine the interrater reliability of this instrument, which was designed to quantify the number of fall-related hazards in the homes of individuals with visual impairment. Methods Twenty homes of community-dwelling adults were included in this study. Each home was graded by an occupational therapist (OT) and two non-expert (NE) graders. Seventy-three HEAVI items were evaluated in eight rooms, for a total of 185 potential hazards per home (some items were assessed in multiple rooms). Pairwise and three-way agreement between graders was evaluated at the item, room, and home level using Krippendorff’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Additionally, the most hazardous home locations and items were determined by comparing the mean and standard deviation of the number of hazards by room and grader. Results Of the 73 items, 45 (62%) demonstrated at least moderate agreement overall and for each OT/NE pair (Krippendorff’s alpha >0.4), and remained in the final instrument (a total of 119 potential hazards per home as some items were assessed in multiple rooms). Of these 119 potential hazards, an average of 35.7, 33.2, and 33.3 hazards per home were identified by the OT and NE graders, respectively. Moderate to almost perfect agreement on the number of hazards per home and number of hazards per room, except the dining room, was found (ICCs of 0.58 to 0.93). Bathroom items were most often classified as hazards (>40% of items for all graders). The item classes most commonly graded as hazardous were handrails and lighting (>30% of items). Conclusion Our results indicate that NE graders can accurately administer the HEAVI tool to identify fall-related hazards. Items in the bathroom and those related to handrails and lighting were most often identified as hazards, making these areas and items important targets for interventions when addressing falls.

Reliable and accurate monitoring systems for greenhouse gas emissions from animal feeding operations (AFOs) are crucial for establishment and enforcement of gas emission mitigation strategies. An automated multiplexing system for chamber-based monitoring of greenhouse and regulated gas emissions from manure sources was developed to examine spatial and temporal variability of emissions associated with manure management practices. The measurement system uses a Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyzer for determination of up to 15 pre-programmed gas fluxes. Multiple chambers provide estimates of variance for emissions from different management practices. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the described system for monitoring gas emissions from AFOs. Evaluation of system performance was based on laboratory experiments using methane gas (CH 4 ) to assess the accuracy of the chamber-based measurement system. We developed a method to generate constant emission of methane gas using a gradient-based technique for the reference gas flux. Three different emission rates were simulated. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA, was performed to determine the significance of gas flux estimates using the chamber-based estimate. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The ANOVA tests indicated no statistically significant differences among estimated fluxes from each of the 12 evaluated chambers, with resulting p-values of 0.54, 0.58, and 0.80 for measurements of three different emission rates. In addition, the multi-chamber system measurements referenced to the gas fluxes estimated with the gradient-based method showed excellent accuracy with measurement biases less than 1%.