Application of star identification using pattern matching to space ground systems at GSFC

This paper reports the application of pattern recognition techniques for star identification based on those proposed by Van Bezooijen to space ground systems for near-real-time attitude determination. A prototype was developed using these algorithms, which was used to assess the suitability of these techniques for support of the X-Ray Timing Explorer (XTE), Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS), and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) missions. Experience with the prototype was used to refine specifications for the operational system. Different geometry tests appropriate to the mission requirements of XTE, SWAS, and SOHO were adopted. The applications of these techniques to upcoming mission support of XTE, SWAS, and SOHO are discussed

Timing of Side-Dress Applications of N for Corn in Conventional and No-Till Systems

In general, conventional tillage averaged nearly 40 bu/acre greater corn yield than no-till likely because of improved growth during the season. With conventional tillage, all side-dress treatments resulted in greater yield than with all N applied pre-plant. However, in lower-yielding no-till systems, the yield response to side-dress applications appeared to be greater for V10 applications compared with those at V6

Timing of Side-Dress Applications of Nitrogen for Corn in Conventional and No-Till Systems

Corn yields were affected by tillage and nitrogen (N) side-dress options in 2016. Corn yields were 12% greater with conventional tillage than with no-till. Side-dress applications of N at V10 resulted in greater corn yield than side-dress N applications at V6

Efficiency of initiating cell adhesion in hydrodynamic flow

We theoretically investigate the efficiency of initial binding between a receptor-coated sphere and a ligand-coated wall in linear shear flow. The mean first passage time for binding decreases monotonically with increasing shear rate. Above a saturation threshold of the order of a few 100 receptor patches, the binding efficiency is enhanced only weakly by increasing their number and size, but strongly by increasing their height. This explains why white blood cells in the blood flow adhere through receptor patches localized to the tips of microvilli, and why malaria-infected red blood cells form elevated receptor patches (knobs).Comment: 4 pages, Revtex, 4 Postscript figures included, to appear in PR

Wheat Production

Wheat production in southeast Kansas is often limited due to high rainfall during the harvest. In some years, this high rainfall can exacerbate disease pressure, especially fungal infections. This study presents results from a test of fungicide applications to control Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab in poor quality wheat

Corn Yield Response to Plant Populations

Corn hybrid development with a focus on drought tolerance has emerged in recent years, and producers have questions about their yield performance across a range of plant populations. A three-year study was conducted to determine the yield of corn hybrids across several plant populations. Corn hybrids responded differently across three different yield environments in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In 2013, a lower yield environment occurred. The hybrid with drought tolerance had the greatest yield of 95 bu/a at a plant population of 21,500 plants/a, whereas the non-drought tolerant hybrid’s greatest yield was 90 bu/a at a plant population of 13,500 plants/a. In 2014, the yield environment was the greatest in the three-year study. The hybrid with drought tolerance had the greatest yield of 174 bu/a at the greatest plant population of 35,500 plants/a, and the non-drought tolerant hybrid’s greatest yield was 169 bu/a at a plant population of 29,500 plant/a. In 2015, overall corn yield was moderate compared to 2013 and 2014. The hybrid with drought tolerance once again had the greatest corn yield at 135 bu/a at the 29,500 plant/a population

Identification of Yield-Limiting Factors in Southeast Kansas Cropping Systems

Crop performance and yield within production fields varies as a function of growing environment and soil properties within the field. Components contributing to yield in corn, wheat, and soybean production were examined through on-farm measurements of soil properties in southeast Kansas. Additional tests in research plots explored components contributing to yield in greater detail. Environmental variability between the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons contributed to differences in yield. Additional variability in soil parameters influenced crop performance, particularly for soils high in clay content

Corn Yield Response to Plant Populations

Corn hybrid development with a focus on drought tolerance has emerged in recent years, and producers have questions about their yield performance across a range of plant populations. A two-year study was conducted to determine the yield of corn hybrids across several plant populations. Corn hybrids responded differently in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, a lower yield environment occurred. The hybrid with drought tolerance had the greatest yield of 95 bu/a at a plant population of 21,500 plants/a, whereas the non-drought-tolerant hybrid’s greatest yield was 90 bu/a at a plant population of 13,500 plants/a. In 2014, the yield environment was significantly higher. The hybrid with drought tolerance had the greatest yield of 174 bu/a at the greatest plant population of 35,500 plants/a, and the non-drought tolerant hybrid’s greatest yield was 169 bu/a at a plant population of 29,500 plant/a

2015 Soybean Production in Southeast Kansas

Crop performance and yield varies as a function of the growing environment and soil properties within the field. Optimal soybean planting in southeast Kansas usually occurs from mid-May to mid-June for full-season or late-June to early-July for doublecropped soybean. Planting is timed to capture fall rains and cooler temperatures during critical periods of bean development and yield formation and avoid mid-summer heat and drought. Changing planting configuration (row spacing and plant population), timing of planting, and cultivar selection are methods of optimizing soybean production for different growing environments