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Cellulosic ethanol commercialization promises to produce energy from agricultural biomass. Available biomass depends on plant net primary productivity (NPP) and crop type, which maintain total soil organic carbon (TOC). Effect of crop‐type, residue removal, and NPP on ethanol yield and TOC levels were assessed by means of a three‐pool C model derived from long‐term soil incubation, acid hydrolysis, and curve fitting of a nonlinear regression model. A 2‐yr field study consisting of three input regimes (Low, Medium, or High NPP), three crops [corn (Zea maysL.), wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.), and switchgrass (SG, Panicum virgatumL., cv. Blackwell)], and two harvest levels [residue removed (R) or residue not removed (NR)] was conducted near Prosser, WA, USA. After 2 yr, ethanol yield of all crops were similar under Low NPP while ethanol yield of SG under Medium and High NPP was significantly greater than that of corn or wheat under the same NPP. Switchgrass significantly contributed to active [mean residence time (MRT) < 7 d] and resistant (MRT > 500 yr) soil C pools. Other crops had net zero or significantly reduced C pools. During a transition to cellulosic energy production, SG will contribute to soil C maintenance across a range of potential net productivity.

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Takes a close-up look at the entrepreneurs who will lead Baltimore, Maryland into the 21st century. Includes Antaeus Group President Mark Barnett; Sienna Biotech Inc. vice president Judith Britz; Neuristics Corp. chief technical officer Andrew Krause.

Focuses on retail trade in Towson, Maryland. Background history; Vacancy rate; Debut of new stores; Relocations; Comments from industry executives.

Reports on the shortage of trained workers in the housing industry. Result of a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders on the declining labor shortage in the United States; Impact of the shortage on the labor productivity; Development of training programs for the skilled workers.

Features the high marks received by the City of Baltimore in Maryland among conventioneers. Convenient and attractive locations in the city; Attempts of tourism officials to keep the loyalty of conventioneers; Problems on hotel accommodations; Other factors that draw people to Baltimore. INSET: Meeting planners to check out Baltimore..

Features the Sandler Sales Institute. History of the company; Franchises; Contract training for private clients; Products offered by the company.

Reports on the creation of 401(k) retirement plans by non-profit organizations in Baltimore, Maryland following legislation allowing it effective January 1997. Includes the National Aquarium; Ability of nonprofits to offer retirement plans as a function of size.

Reports on the campaign of the General Assembly of Maryland to study the decline in the state's charitable donations. Establishment of the `Maryland Gives Task Force on Charitable Giving'; Responsibilities of the task force; Comparison between the 1993-1994 state donation's statistics.

Focuses on the real estate development projects of Rouse Co. in Columbia, Maryland. Planned community at Fairwood Turf Farm; Number of housing units to be built; Brandywine estate community.

Focuses on a classical literature courses taken by business executives in Maryland. Participants to the Executive Seminars on classical literature at St. John's College; Goal of the program; Comments from the courses' participants.

Reports on the home building industry in Maryland. Industry's performance in 1995; Comments from John Martonick, president of the Home Builders Association of Maryland; Statistics on mortgage rates; Preferences of buyers highlighted; County that holds the biggest share of the market focused.

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Reports on Maryland Port Administration's postponement of plans for a new cruise ship terminal in the Inner Harbor. Insufficiency in the number of businesses supporting the plan; Cost of the proposed terminal.

Reports on the business plans of the Baltimore, Maryland-based biotechnology firm Classen Immunotherapies Inc. Research on the development of vaccines for autoimmune diseases such as diabetes; Plan for a nationwide network of immunization clinics; Alteration of vaccination schedules to prevent cases of insulin dependent diabetes.

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Reports that F&G Re Inc., a subsidiary of USF&G, has emerged as a major player in the reinsurance industry. Revenues in 1995; Percentage of international business since 1994.

Describes the home stores built by developers like Ryland in Baltimore, Maryland. Furnishings; Mechanics for buying a house; Options offered to customers.

Reports that SkillsBank Corp., a developer of educational software, is planning to expand into the home market. Number of employees; New products the company plans to launch in 1996.

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Reports on the Maryland Health Care Access and Cost Commission's recommendation of ways for small businesses to curb rising health care costs. Functions of the commission related to the implementation of health-reform efforts for small businesses; Provisions of group health reform laws intended to lower premiums in the state.

Reports on the failure of the merger talks between Helix Health System and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions leading to Helix's possible merger with Medlantic Healthcare Group. Strategic significance of Helix and Medlantic's merger; Implications of the failed negotiations; Reasons for the failure of the merger between Helix and Johns Hopkins.

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