Evaluation of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for predicting stover quality trait in semi-exotic populations of maize

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis was investigated as a means of predicting quality parameters in semi-exotic maize stover. These parameters included crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Samples of semi-exotic maize stover were collected during three growing seasons (1989, 1990, 1991) from three locations in Catalonia, Spain. Calibration equations were obtained by multiple linear regression of conventional laboratory values on NIRS data from 84 samples and verified with 20 additional samples. Separate NIRS calibration were developed also within year (1989 and 1990, respectively). A Bran + Luebbe InfraAnalyzer model 450 was used for the study. In the multi-year calibration the coefficients of squared multiple correlation (R²) ranged from 0–81 for IVDMD to 0–92 for CP and the standard errors of calibration (SEC) ranged from 0–35 for CP to 1–46 for IVDMD. The study showed that NIRS analysis can be used to evaluate the quality of semi-exotic maize in breeding programmes.     

Tribromopyrrole,brominated acids,and other disinfection byproducts produced by disinfection of drinking water rich in bromide

Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), we investigated the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) from high bromide waters (2 mg/L) treated with chlorine or chlorine dioxide used in combination with chlorine and chloramines. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of DBPs formed by chlorine dioxide under high bromide conditions. Drinking water from full-scale treatment plants in Israel was studied, along with source water (Sea of Galilee) treated under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. Select DBPs (trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, aldehydes, chlorite, chlorate, and bromate) were quantified. Many of the DBPs identified have not been previously reported, and several of the identifications were confirmed through the analysis of authentic standards. Elevated bromide levels in the source water caused a significant shift in speciation to bromine-containing DBPs; bromoform and dibromoacetic acid were the dominant DBPs observed, with very few chlorine-containing compounds found. Iodo-trihalomethanes were also identified, as well as a number of new brominated carboxylic acids and 2,3,5-tribromopyrrole, which represents the first time a halogenated pyrrole has been reported as a DBP. Most of the bromine-containing DBPs were formed during pre-chlorination at the initial reservoir, and were not formed by chlorine dioxide itself. An exception wasthe iodo-THMs, which appeared to be formed by a combination of chlorine dioxide with chloramines or chlorine (either added deliberately or as an impurity in the chlorine dioxide). A separate laboratory study was also conducted to quantitatively determine the contribution of fulvic acids and humic acids (from isolated natural organic matter in the Sea of Galilee) as precursor material to several of the DBPs identified. Results showed that fulvic acid plays a greater role in the formation of THMs, haloacetic acids, and aldehydes, but 2,3,5-tribromopyrrole was produced primarily from humic acid. Because this was the first time a halopyrrole has been identified as a DBP, 2,3,5-tribromopyrrole was tested for mammalian cell cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. In comparison to other DBPs, 2,3,5-tribromopyrrole was 8x, 4.5x, and 16x more cytotoxic than dibromoacetic acid, 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2-[5H]-furanone [MX], and potassium bromate, respectively. 2,3,5-Tribromopyrrole also induced acute genomic damage, with a genotoxic potency (299 microM) similar to that of MX.     

Preventing drug use in adolescents through media interventions.

The communications media, and the broadcast media in particular, have been disseminating an increasing volume of antidrug messages over the past several years. Many American business leaders believe that the media can help to reduce drug use, and they have supported a nationwide effort to highlight the dangers of illicit drug use on the airwaves and in newspapers and magazines. This article considers the efficacy of media-based efforts to prevent adolescent drug use. Selected theories and research are reviewed, and suggestions are made for integrating social and behavioral theory and research into media prevention strategies. The authors conclude that scientists and interventionists could do much to improve on current research and development in this prevention arena, within the limits of what is possible to achieve through mass communications as presently constituted in the United States. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A DELAY-LINE CANCELLATION METHOD FOR CLUTTER ATTENUATION AND ELIMINATION OF BLIND SPEED

In this paper, a conceptual schematic for the search radar has been presented which offers clutter cancellation as well as blind speed elimination. It is assumed that the radar is performing conical scan in both azimuth and elevation. For such cases, strong clutter signals are likely to be intercepted from off-boresight angles. A pulse-to-pulse comparison method is presented where the radar transmits and receives SUM beam during the first pulse and DIFFERENCE beam in the second pulse. The detected voltages for the echoes received during the pulse intervals are subtracted from each other and the negative voltage at the output of subtractor is discarded. This result in a narrow beam pointed in the direction of angle of arrival. This method, in receive only mode, can also be used for calibration of large phased arrays.     

BIOLOGICAL EXTRACTION OF METALS: THE RATE-CONTROLLING STEP

Although an enormous amount of work has been done in the area of biohydrometalJurgy, the influence of the inert solid matrix on metal extraction, and consequently the rate-controlling mechanism have not been fully understood. Actually, most studies have mainly focused on the bioextraction of metals from high-grade mineral concentrates. Such an approach is important in elucidating the diffusion and reaction phenomena that are taking place on the surface of the mineral. In reality, however, the mineral is embedded within an inert solid matrix which will have significant effects on diffusion and chemical reaction rate processes. In this work, a detailed experimental kinetic study was conducted to incorporate this factor in an attempt to quantify the rate-controlling mechanism involved. The biological dissolution of pyrite in the presence of acidophilic Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was investigated in a batch experiments on three distinct mine waste rocks. The experiments were conducted on two particle sizes and at three operating temperatures. Based on particle size and activation energies results, it was found that intraparticle mass transfer resistances were solely the rate-controlling mechanism for this process This new finding is different from that reported by other investigators who underestimated the importance of intraparticle mass transfer resistances. Also, because similar processes are ubiquitous in nature, this work should have broad applications.