SRS 2014S T U D E N TR E S E A R C HS Y M P O S I U M

Proudly presented by the University of Hawai‘i at ManoaCollege Tropical Agriculture and Human Resourcesand College of Engineering

April 11-12

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

Welcome to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and College of Engineering (COE) 2014 Student Research Symposium. This annual event, now in its 26th year, brings together graduate and undergraduate students to share the research they are pursuing under the supervision of faculty in CTAHR and COE. The students are able to present their findings, exchange information, and incorporate what they have learned from their peers into their own scholarly work. The scientific exploration and engineering design conducted by students in CTAHR and COE is truly multidisciplinary, and the Student Research Symposium reflects this diversity and the strong relationship between CTAHR and COE. The investigations presented here range from fundamental studies to novel applications and encompass engineering, production agriculture, environmental technologies, health and food sciences, family and consumer sciences, and natural sciences. All stages of the research and development process and multiple types of student learning experiences are represented: discovery; advanced diagnostics and laboratory testing; design, validation, and field testing; and adoption of new methods and technologies. Each project represents a unique path that contributes to CTAHR’s mission of preparing students for life in the global community through research that fosters viable communities, a diversified economy, and a healthy environment, as well as COE’s mission of providing research experiences and opportunities to students that will enhance the growth of the technological workforce and stimulate the growth of technology-based industries in Hawai‘i. The pace at which knowledge and technology are advancing in the basic and applied sciences is breathtaking. Many of the projects presented here would not have been possible at the time these students were born. CTAHR and COE are proud of our new scientists and engineers and are proud to sponsor this event. We look forward to an exciting and informative Symposium, and we encourage you to take this opportunity to interact with students, faculty, and other professionals; exchange ideas; develop new research collaborations; and rekindle old friendships. Aloha, Maria Gallo Peter Crouch

Dean and Director, CTAHR Dean, COE

1

26TH ANNUAL CTAHR and COE STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Agricultural Science Building

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

PROGRAM SCHEDULE Poster Session

Friday, April 11, 2014

Agricultural Science Building 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floor Hallways

Abstracts 1 – 81, 127-129 (Undergraduate, M.S., Ph.D.)

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Poster set-up by students 1:00 - 1:15pm Judges’ Orientation (AgSci 219) 1:15 - 3:00 pm Viewing and judging of posters by judges (without

students and symposium participants present; only judges)

3:00 - 5:30 pm Viewing of posters by public Interviewing of students by judges 5:30 - 6:30 pm Networking (refreshments will be provided in tented area

adjacent to AgSci) Note: Posters should remain on display until 3:00 pm, Friday, April 18, 2014.

If students need to remove posters before that time, please discuss your plans with the program coordinators.

2

Oral Sessions

Saturday, April 12, 2014 Agricultural Science Building

Rooms 204, 219 and 220 7:45 – 8:15 am Refreshments AgSci Bldg., 2nd Floor 8:00 – 8:10 am Judges’ Orientation Room 219 8:15 - 10:15 am Session I Undergraduate (Section 1) Room 219 Abstracts 82-90 Session II M.S. (Section 1) Room 204 Abstracts 91-99 Session III Ph.D. (Section 1) Room 220 Abstracts 109-117 10:15 - 10:30 am Break AgSci Bldg., 2nd Floor 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Session IV M.S. (Section 2) Room 204 Abstracts 100-108 Session V Ph.D. (Section 2) Room 220 Abstracts 118-126 12:30 - 1:30 pm Networking (lunch will be provided)

3

Poster Session

Friday, April 11, 2014 Agricultural Science Building 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floor Hallways

Abstracts 1 – 81, 127-129 (Undergraduate, M.S., Ph.D.)

(* designates presenter)

Abstract No.

Title, Authors Presenter’s Home Unit

1 (Poster UG)

The Effectiveness of Coelephora inaequalis as a Biological Control Agent of Aphis gossypii on Taro. Jameson Acoba* and Helen Spafford.

PEPS

2 (Poster UG)

Use of coffee residues extract for the production of an alcoholic beverage. Raquel Auwae*, Kyle Honda, Dani Ryoo, and Loren Gautz.

MBBE

3 (Poster UG)

Yeast Separation in Korean Rice Wine Using a Continuous Single-Stage Dielectrophoresis Device. Jireh Cebricos* and Soojin Jun.

HNFAS

4 (Poster UG)

Biodiesel reactor using ethyl acetate and a lipase enzyme catalyst. Catherine Go*, David Fink, Chris Garza, and Loren Gautz.

MBBE

5 (Poster UG)

Impact of wildfire on aboveground carbon storage in tropical ecosystems across a precipitation gradient in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Emily Guynn*, Creighton Litton, and Alison Ainsworth.

NREM

6 (Poster UG)

Enhancing the Rooting of Protea Cuttings During Winter Months. Douglas Hunefeld*, Kenneth Leonhardt, and Hye-Ji Kim.

TPSS

7 (Poster UG)

Comparison of phosphorus-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria among Korean Natural Farming, organic, and conventional farming methods. A. Keliikuli*, J. Ishimoto, K.-H. Wang, Y. Li, and C.N. Lee.

HNFAS

8 (Poster UG)

Cultivation of Auricularia polytricha using sustainable substrates. Donna Kuehu*, Travis Idol, and George Wong.

NREM

9 (Poster UG)

Ethnic stereotyping in Hawaii: Do people favor their own ethnicity? Tiani Lagundino*, Lena Phomsouvanh*, Margeaux Ciraolo, and Loriena Yancura.

FCS

10 (Poster UG)

Soil drenching of sunn hemp water extract and a soil wetting agent, alcohol ethoxylate, as post-plant nematode management strategies for organic crop production. Matthew Leo*, S. Ching, and K.-H. Wang.

PEPS

11 (Poster UG)

Exploring cues for phase polyphenism in the koa moth (Scotorythra paludicola). Colby Maeda* and William Haines.

PEPS

12 (Poster UG)

Soil Solarization as Weed Management Tool for Organic Farming in Oahu. Josiah Marquez* and Koon-Hui Wang.

TPSS

13 (Poster UG)

Co-product potential of biofuel residue streams generated from green processing of Napier grass. Laura S. Martinez*, Edward S. Drielak, and Samir K. Khanal.

MBBE

4

Abstract No.

Title, Authors Presenter’s Home Unit

14 (Poster UG)

Indirect Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis on ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Adam Park* and Helen Spafford.

MBBE

15 (Poster UG)

Effect of swine waste compost on soil properties in a field experiment in Pohnpei. Kylie Wong* and Jonathan Deenik.

NREM

16 (Poster UG)

Cooling system design for non-refrigerated recreational coolers. Tappy Andrews*, Karen Lee, Jasten Pascual, and Zachary Trimble.

ME

17 (Poster UG)

Analytic Solutions for Orbital Transfers via One and Two Intermediate-thrust Arcs. Fernando Aragon* and Dilmurat M. Azimov.

ME

18 (Poster UG)

UAV (Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle) for Mapping a Macadamia Farm in Kona. Tylynn Ai, Maximilien Bender*, Isaac Lum, Jordan Melcher, and Mehrdad Nejhad.

ME

19 (Poster UG)

A Study of the First Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Integrated Bridge System (IBS) in Hawaii. Jose Bumatay IV* and Phillip Ooi.

CEE

20 (Poster UG)

Design and Manufacturing of an Intake Manifold for an SAE Formula Racecar. Albert Carter*, Klayton Lou*, and Mehrdad Nejhad.

ME

21 (Poster UG)

Rapid Prototyping: Reusable Liquid Metal Circuits Using Photolithography. Matthew Inouye*, Aaron Ohta, and Wayne Shiroma.

EE

22 (Poster UG)

Mobile Platform Radar for Physiological Monitoring. Yuta Ishii*, Justin Osumi, Ashikur Rahman, Mehran Baboli, and Victor Lubecke.

EE

23 (Poster UG)

Automated Non-Invasive Characterization of Animal Activity. Jun Jiang*, Xue Li*, Mehran Baboli, and Victor Lubecke.

EE

24 (Poster UG)

Target relative guidance and real-time data user display. Jarrett S.L. Kodani* and Dilmurat M. Azimov.

ME

25 (Poster UG)

Human Optical Positioning. Jason Krook*, Jon-Ross Okuda*, Xiaomeng Gao, and Olga Boric-Lubecke.

EE

26 (Poster UG)

Occupancy Sensing. Alexander Lee*, Karissa Pang, Nicholas Andrew McCabe, Ehsan Yavari, and Olga Boric-Lubecke.

EE

27 (Poster UG)

Estimation of Pile Group Scour Using Genetic Expression -- Programming Approach: A Case Study (Ajigaura Beach in Ibaraki Prefecture on the Pacific Coast of Japan). Kelly Morrison*, Chastyne Cabanas, and Sayed M. Bateni.

ME

28 (Poster UG)

LCM Graphing Tool for rapid control software development. Nathaniel Saul* and Brian Bingham.

ME

29 (Poster UG)

Thermal design and analysis of a waterproof electronics enclosure for an autonomous surface vehicle. Yenmy Truong* and Brian Bingham.

ME

30 (Poster MS)

Effectiveness of Systemic Insecticide Delivered Through Trunk Injection to Control Lobate Lac Scale on Weeping Banyan in Hawaii. Bishnu Bhandari* and Zhiqiang Cheng.

PEPS

31 (Poster MS)

Comparative Analysis through Rapid HPLC of Post Harvest Processing and Extraction Methods for High Curcuminoid Content from Aquaponically Grown ʻŌlena. Leina‘ala Bright*, Mahrukh Khawaja, Jon-Paul Bingham, and Clyde S. Tamaru.

KCHS

32 (Poster MS)

Evaluation of Cacao Field Cages. Jeffrey Caraballo Ferrer* and H.C. 'Skip' Bittenbender.

TPSS

5

Abstract No.

Title, Authors Presenter’s Home Unit

33 (Poster MS)

Evaluating the potential of oyster mushroom compost waste for plant-parasitic nematode management. S. Ching* and K.-H. Wang.

PEPS

34 (Poster MS)

Muscle hypertrophy induced by myostatin inhibition is suppressed by rapamycin. Donghyuck Choi*, Jinzeng Yang, and Yong Soo Kim.

MBBE

35 (Poster MS)

Consumer preference and willingness to pay for shrimp in Oahu, Hawai’i. Katharine Clukey*, Danielle Fujii-Doe, Laura Mo, Victor Teng, and Catherine Chan-Halbrendt.

NREM

36 (Poster MS)

Examination of factors affecting sugar release from Napier grass during dilute acid pretreatment. Edward S. Drielak* and Samir K. Khanal.

MBBE

37 (Poster MS)

Is there a dietary component to the relationship between sleep issues and depression? Makena Dyer*, C. Alan Titchenal, and Joannie Dobbs.

HNFAS

38 (Poster MS)

The influence of post translational modifications on phyla selectivity in bioactive Conus venom peptides. Michael J. Espiritu* and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

39 (Poster MS)

Computational 3-Dimensional Modeling of Water Transport in Eucalyptus Wood. David Harris* and Scott Turn.

MBBE

40 (Poster MS)

Hybridization of papaya with wild relatives for PRSV resistance. Gregory Hoover* and Richard Manshardt.

TPSS

41 (Poster MS)

A Global Analysis of Feral and Domestic Cat Predation in Continental and Insular Environments. D.R. House*, J.E. Lindner, C.A. Lepczyk, and E. Bonnaud.

NREM

42 (Poster MS)

Preliminary field trials of zingerone, a novel phytochemical lure of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii. Jess Inskeep*, Helen Spafford, and Todd Shelly.

PEPS

43 (Poster MS)

Visitor preference for koa picture frames in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Bradley Kaufmann*, Pua’ala Pascua, Katherine Wilson, Whitney Ray, and Catherine Chan-Halbrendt.

NREM

44 (Poster MS)

Rapid HPLC analysis of Super Hot Chili aquaponically grown with pH remediation. Mahrukh Khawaja*, Clyde Tamaru, Bradley Fox, Ted Radovich, J.P. Bingham, and Harry Ako.

MBBE

45 (Poster MS)

Comparison of propagation methods for endemic Hawaiian plants using soil, hydroponic, and aquaponic production systems. Jonathan Lance* and Creighton Litton.

NREM

46 (Poster MS)

Consumer Preferences for Locally Grown Versus Imported Christmas Trees in Hawaii. L. Laramee*, L. Deem, D. House, S. Cozo, and C. Chan-Halbrendt.

NREM

47 (Poster MS)

A Proposed Adjustment to the Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Protocol. Alex Lau* and Christopher Lepczyk.

NREM

48 (Poster MS)

Magnitude and temperature sensitivity of volcanic ash derived soil carbon pools across a mean annual temperature gradient in tropical montane wet forest. Michelle K. Lazaro*, Susan E. Crow, Creighton M. Litton, and Christian P. Giardina.

NREM

49 (Poster MS)

Cumulative Human Impact Mapping for Marine Ecosystems of Hawai‘i. Joey Lecky*, Kim Selkoe, and Kirsten Oleson.

NREM

6

Abstract No.

Title, Authors Presenter’s Home Unit

50 (Poster MS)

Development and optimization of aquaponic fish and plant production capacity in an environmentally controlled facility. Marissa Lee*, Bradley Fox, Clyde S. Tamaru, and Fred Lau.

MBBE

51 (Poster MS)

Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented taro skins against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Qianting Li*, Jennifer Ishimoto, Jaemi-Lise Yoshioka, Chin Nyean Lee, and Yong Li.

HNFAS

52 (Poster MS)

Comparisons of green roofs between Honolulu, USA and Guangzhou, China. Wei Liu*, Nian Liu, Chunhua Guo, and Hye-Ji Kim.

TPSS

53 (Poster MS)

Translating Feedback to Enhance the Pacific Food Guide: The Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL) Resource for Nutrition. L. Matanane*, W. Gibson, and M.K. Fialkowski.

HNFAS

54 (Poster MS)

Does age of vermicompost matter? Use of vermicompost tea to suppress infectivity of root-knot nematodes. Shova Mishra* and K.-H. Wang.

PEPS

55 (Poster MS)

Neurofibromatosis 1 in Cardiac Fibroblasts. Richard E. Moore* and Michelle D. Tallquist.

MBBE

56 (Poster MS)

Use of microarray for the evaluation of long-haul shipping stress in beef calves. Jonathan Onaga*, Tracy L. Sy*, Tim Richards, Maarit Tiirikainen, Helen Turano, C.N. Lee, and Ashley M. Stokes.

HNFAS

57 (Poster MS)

Comparison of agricultural management scenarios for sustainable biofuel feedstock production on Maui. Whitney Ray*, Susan E. Crow, and Manyowa N. Meki.

NREM

58 (Poster MS)

An integrated plan for Hawaiian endangered mint, for the management of powdery mildew and other pathogens. Gabriel Schierman* and Janice Y. Uchida.

PEPS

59 (Poster MS)

Quality factor analysis of a chicken breast maintained at an extended supercooling state. Tim Shafel*, Soojin Jun, Jin Hong Mok, and Won Choi.

HNFAS

60 (Poster MS)

Venogeography of Conus pennaceus. Nicholas N. Sinclair* and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

61 (Poster MS)

Characterization of Milked Venom from Conus obscurus in Search for Novel Bioactive Compounds. Christopher Sugai*, Michael Espiritu, and J.P. Bingham.

MBBE

62 (Poster MS)

Evaluation of long-haul shipping stress for beef calves transported from Hawaii to the contiguous United States. Tracy L. Sy*, T. Richards, C.N. Lee, J. Onaga*, J. Coetzee, M. Stock, and A.M. Stokes.

HNFAS

63 (Poster MS)

Nutrient Profile and In Vitro Digestibility of Local and Hybrid Napiergrass Varieties Grown in Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions. U.P. Tiwari*, B. Turano, and R. Jha.

HNFAS

64 (Poster MS)

Fluorescence Analysis of Human Serum Albumin and its Mutant Isoforms glycated by Methylglyoxal. Albert To* and Chung Eun Ha.

MBBE

65 (Poster MS)

The effect of spirotetramat (Movento®) against reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis on pineapple, Ananas comosus. Philip Waisen* and Brent Sipes.

PEPS

66 (Poster MS)

Carbon capture using carbonic anhydrase-displaying Escherichia coli in biologically active foams. Stuart Watson*, Zoey Malaluan, Branden Santiano, Wei-Wen Su, and Eunsung Kan.

MBBE

7

Abstract No.

Title, Authors Presenter’s Home Unit

67 (Poster MS)

Ay caramba! Advanced chemical analysis of chili peppers and tomatoes. Jason Wen*, Archana Pant, Theodore Radovich, Koon-Hui Wang, and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

68 (Poster MS)

‘Ōhi‘a growth dynamics: secondary succession and competitive release in a lowland wet forest. Nicholas R. Wilhoite*, Creighton Litton, J.B. Friday, and Richard F. Hughes.

NREM

69 (Poster MS)

Is Body Fat Percentage Related to Protein Intake? Colin K. Wills*, C. Alan Titchenal, and Joannie Dobbs.

HNFAS

70 (Poster MS)

Contingent Valuation of Biodiversity in Primary Koa-dominated Forests in Hawai’i. Katherine Wilson*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, and J.B. Friday.

NREM

71 (Poster MS)

Investigating Consumer’s Preference and Willingness to Pay for Local Hawaiian Beef Versus Imported Beef – A Focus on Ground Beef. Justin Yeh*, Linda Duling, Korey Johnson, Stephanie O. Conner, and Catherine Chan-Halbrendt.

NREM

72 (Poster MS)

Overcoming Hurdles to Produce Stable Traceable Peptides Utilizing Cone Snail Venom. Peter Yu* and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

73 (Poster MS)

Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Banana Chip in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Xin Zhang*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, Alma Abacahin, Mary Pleasant, and Elma M. Neyra.

NREM

74 (Poster PhD)

Comparative functional identification and analysis of Carica papaya promoters in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana revealed post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Luzminda Carlos-Hilario*, Bradley Porter, Judy Zhu, and David Christopher.

MBBE

75 (Poster PhD)

Modeling coral reef ecosystem goods and services to inform management: a case study of Maui Nui. Jade M.S. Delevaux*, Kirsten L.L. Oleson, John N. Kittinger, Alan M. Friedlander, Susan Crow, Anders Knudby, Kostantinos Stamoulis, Mary K. Donovan, and Susan Yee.

NREM

76 (Poster PhD)

Valuing ecosystem services through the eyes of the beneficiaries. Gan Jin*, Ken Bagstad, and Kirsten Oleson.

NREM

77 (Poster PhD)

An Evaluation of Long-term Consistency of Satellite-measured Vegetation Greenness for Climate Change Studies. Anna Kato* and Tomoaki Miura.

NREM

78 (Poster PhD)

Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic UGTs via DNA Methylation Varies by Ethnicity. Steffen G. Oeser*, Abby C. Collier, and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

79 (Poster PhD)

Comparative analysis of farmer preferences before and after practicing conservation agriculture in Odisha, India: using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Aliza Pradhan*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, and Cynthia Lai.

NREM

80 (Poster PhD)

Evaluation of spathe pH for transformation of novel color in anthurium. Peter J. Toves*, Maureen M.M. Fitch, Xiaoling He, Richard A. Criley, Cathy R. Martin, and Teresita D. Amore.

TPSS

81 (Poster PhD)

Molecular Analysis of Marine Microbial Biofilm Communities in Waters around Oahu. Yong Hoon Yoo*, David Spafford, Anne M. Alvarez, and Celia M. Smith.

PEPS

8

Abstract

No. Title, Authors Presenter’s

Home Unit 127

(Poster UG) Nonlinear Time Series Analysis of Acoustic Systems. Brady Little*, Tyler Hee-Wai, Melisa Yashinski, Rintaro Hayashi, and John S. Allen.

EE

128 (Poster UG)

Design of a Small Watercraft Deployment and Recovery Apparatus. Heath Larner* and Brian Bingham.

ME

129 (Poster UG)

Helmholtz Resonator for Wave Energy. Helmholtz Resonator for Wave Energy. Cody Machida*, Daylan Siemann, John Nihi, Chase Rojas, John Delos Reyes, and Reza Ghorbani.

ME

9

Oral Sessions

Saturday, April 12, 2014 Agricultural Science Building

(* designates presenter)

Session I Undergraduate (Section 1)

8:15–10:15 am AgSci Bldg, Room 219

Abstract

No. Title, Authors Presenter’s

Home Unit 82

(Oral UG) Evaluation of Postharvest Life of cut Oncidium flowers. Lin Chen*, Wei Liu, Kenneth Leonhardt, and Hye-Ji Kim.

TPSS

83 (Oral UG)

Roaming Dogs and Their Effect on Community Physical and Psychological Health. Geneva Graef* and Ashley Stokes.

HNFAS

84 (Oral UG)

Transforming the “old poi” into a modern food: a shelf-stable probiotic yogurt alternative. E. Iseke*, C.N. Lee, and Yong Li.

HNFAS

85 (Oral UG)

Control of Radopholus similis in Anthurium with Spinosad, Spirotetramat, and Thiophanate-methyl. Yumi Stephens* and Brent Sipes.

PEPS

86 (Oral UG)

Effects of Fountain Grass and Ungulate Fencing on the Health and Natural Regeneration of Wiliwili Trees. Matthew A. Sylva* and Leyla V. Kaufman.

PEPS

87 (Oral UG)

Characterization of the expression patterns of three novel protein disulfide isomerases in Arabidopsis thaliana. Katharine Wong*, Christen Y.L. Yuen, Kristie O. Matsumoto, and David A. Christopher.

MBBE

88 (Oral UG)

“ChairActive”: An active computing system to help combat sedentary work environments. Scott Cumming, Christian Damo*, Kenny Luong*, Joshua Rivera*, and Aaron Ohta.

EE

89 (Oral UG)

Electromagnetic torque rods to control a small satellite for Hawaii Space Flight Lab. Devin Kamita*, Morgan Roman, and Cody Smith.

ME

90 (Oral UG)

ABSTRACT WITHDRAWN

10

Session II M.S. (Section 1)

8:15–10:15 am AgSci Bldg, Room 204

Abstract

No. Title, Authors Presenter’s

Home Unit 91

(Oral MS) a-Conotoxin Isomerism: Diversification Through Disulfide Bond Permutations. Chino Cabalteja*, Parashar Thapa, Shaun Kiyabu, Joycelyn Chun, David Sandall, Bruce Livett, and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

92 (Oral MS)

The concentration of K from invasive seaweed (Eucheuma spp.) when used as a soil amendment in two Hawaiian Soils. Jeana Cadby*, Theodore Radovich, Robert Paull, Nguyen Hue, and Amjad Ahmad.

TPSS

93 (Oral MS)

The application of biochar to soils can reduce labile carbon losses and decrease apparent temperature sensitivity. Lauren M. Deem*, Erika Mizokuchi, Susan E. Crow, and Jonathan Deenik.

NREM

94 (Oral MS)

Gamma Irradiation as a Phytosantiay Treatment for Postharvest Rots of Specialty Crops in Hawaii. Mark Dragich*, Janice Uchida, Chris Kadaoka, and Lyle Wong.

PEPS

95 (Oral MS)

Assessing migratory bird use of urban forest stopover sites. Rachel Fukumoto* and Christopher Lepczyk.

NREM

96 (Oral MS)

Increasing awareness of and education about bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, as a public health issue in Hawai’i. Elizabeth Gerardo* and Helen Spafford.

PEPS

97 (Oral MS)

SCUBA diver environmental perceptions, preferences, and willingness to contribute to conservation actions in Guam. Shanna Grafeld*, Kirsten Oleson, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, and Mariska Weijerman.

NREM

98 (Oral MS)

Using GIS to Evaluate Agricultural Land Suitability in Hawaii and the Impacts of Regional Climate Change. Jacob Gross*, Tomoaki Muira, Jonathan Deenik, John Yanagida, and Kevin Hamilton.

NREM

99 (Oral MS)

Coupling solar photocatalytic oxidation process and biological treatment for endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater and water. Jihyun R. Kim*, Michelle Chu, Allie Kim, Jon-Paul Bingham, and Eunsung Kan.

MBBE

11

Session III Ph.D. (Section 1)

8:15–10:15 am AgSci Bldg, Room 220

Abstract

No. Title, Authors Presenter’s

Home Unit 109

(Oral PhD) Evaluating the usability of the mobile telephone food record for capturing eating occasions among children ages 3-11 years in Guam. Tanisha Aflague*, Carol J. Boushey, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Ziad Ahmad, and Edward J. Delp.

HNFAS

110 (Oral PhD)

The total economic value of small-scale fisheries with a characterization of post-landing trends: An application in Madagascar with global relevance. Michele Barnes-Mauthe*, Kirsten L.L. Oleson, and Bienvenue Zafindrasilivonona.

NREM

111 (Oral PhD)

What fruits and vegetables do preschoolers eat? A project of the Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL). M Esquivel* and R Novotny.

HNFAS

112 (Oral PhD)

Discovery of Three New Species of Fusarium on Orchids in Hawaii. Shikha Srivastava* and Janice Y. Uchida.

PEPS

113 (Oral PhD)

Evaluating Hydrologic And Coastal Protection Ecosystem Services Models For Use In Hawaii. Hla Htun* and Kirsten L.L. Oleson.

NREM

114 (Oral PhD)

Thigmomorphogenesis and disease resistance in Acacia koa. Kazue Ishihara*, Brad Porter, Eric Lee, Isabel Rushanaedy, and Dulal Borthakur.

MBBE

115 (Oral PhD)

The effects of crop maturity and size reduction on the digestibility of energy crop for biomethane production. K.C. Surendra* and Samir K. Khanal.

MBBE

116 (Oral PhD)

Understanding and defining the out-of-school youth entrepreneur: A Mindanao, Philippines, case study. Cynthia Lai*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, Domenico Dentoni, and Elma M. Neyra.

NREM

117 (Oral PhD)

Computational modeling for the validation of thermal lethality and heating profile of multiphase foods in a dual cylindrical microwave and ohmic combination heater. Seung Hyun Lee*, Won Choi, and Soojin Jun.

MBBE

12

Session IV M.S. (Section 2)

10:30 am–12:30 pm AgSci Bldg, Room 204

Abstract

No. Title, Authors Presenter’s

Home Unit 100

(Oral MS) Phylogenetics and Conservation of the Hawaiian Helicinidae. Kelley Leung*, Norine W. Yeung, and Kenneth A. Hayes.

PEPS

101 (Oral MS)

Polyploid Initiation in Hawaii Tree Species. David Lingenfelser* and Ken Leonhardt.

TPSS

102 (Oral MS)

Thyroid, adrenal, and leptin activity in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in response to thyroid stimulating hormone administered in different seasons. Kendall L. Mashburn*, Douglas L. Vincent, James Carpenter, and Shannon Atkinson.

HNFAS

103 (Oral MS)

Economic valuation of characteristics of Oahu’s beaches. Marcus Peng*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, Regina Ostergaard-Klem, and Kirsten Oleson.

NREM

104 (Oral MS)

A Custom GPS Recording System for Improving Operational Performance of Aerially-Deployed Herbicide Ballistic Technology. Roberto Rodriguez III*, Daniel M. Jenkins, James J.K. Leary, and Brooke V. Mahnken.

MBBE

105 (Oral MS)

Naturally occurring host resistance to Banana bunchy top virus. Gabriel Sachter-Smith* and Richard Manshardt.

TPSS

106 (Oral MS)

Tubers can be used as alternative feedstuffs for swine feeding in Hawaii. Utsav P. Tiwari*, Amit K. Singh, Halina M. Zaleski, and Rajesh Jha.

HNFAS

107 (Oral MS)

West Nile Virus Infection and Expression of Viral Proteins Initiates Disassembly of Golgi Apparatus. Alanna Tseng*, Pakieli H. Kaufusi, and Vivek R. Nerurkar.

MBBE

108 (Oral MS)

Nano-based Multi-junction Biosensor for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens. Kara Yamada*, Won Choi, and Soojin Jun.

HNFAS

13

Session V Ph.D. (Section 2) 10:30 am–12:30 pm

AgSci Bldg, Room 220

Abstract No.

Title, Authors Presenter’s Home Unit

118 (Oral PhD)

Eating patterns in adolescent girls on Oʻahu change after one year. Michelle A. Mosley*, Rachel Novotny, and Jinan Banna.

HNFAS

119 (Oral PhD)

Rhamnolipids biosurfactant secreted by Burkholderia sp. C3 bacteria improves degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. C.A. Ortega Ramírez* and Q.X. Li.

MBBE

120 (Oral PhD)

Crop yield and return from conservation agriculture (CA) practices on maize-based farming system in mid-hills of Nepal. B Paudel*, T.J.K. Radovich, C. Chan-Halbrendt, S. Crow, B.B. Tamang, J. Halbrendt, and K. Thapa.

NREM

121 (Oral PhD)

Prevention of Foodborne Microbial Adhesion Using Different Nano-Engineered Surfaces. Natthakan Rungraeng*, Ferdi Hizal, Chang-Hwan Choi, and Soojin Jun.

MBBE

122 (Oral PhD)

Mitochondrial DNA-based Population Genetics of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae). Michael San Jose*, Luc Leblanc, and Dan Rubinoff.

PEPS

123 (Oral PhD)

Connecting ridge to reef through sediment: Modeling sediment retention ecosystem services in two Maui watersheds using InVEST and N-SPECT. Kim Falinski*, Kirsten Oleson, Aly El-Kadi, Ross Sutherland, Cynthia Stiles, and Russell Yost.

TPSS

124 (Oral PhD)

Collaborative Natural Resource Management To Minimize Protected Areas Access Violations: Ecotourism Operations In Marine Parks Of Developing Nations. Jutha Supholdhavanij* and Kirsten L.L. Oleson.

NREM

125 (Oral PhD)

Expanding the potential of peptide engineering: From Native Chemical Ligation to Cyclization. Parashar Thapa٭ and Jon-Paul Bingham.

MBBE

126 (Oral PhD)

Economics of Commercial Aquaponics in Hawaii. Kanae Tokunaga*, Clyde Tamaru, Harry Ako, and PingSun Leung.

ECON

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CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

2014 Symposium Coordinating Committee Charles Kinoshita (Overall Coordinator)

Bruce Liebert (COE Coordinator) Sylvia Trinh (Program Coordinator)

Lori Yancura (Chief Judge) Travis Idol (Co-Chief Judge)

Anne Alvarez (Co-Chief Judge) Soojin Jun (Co-Chief Judge)

Jon-Paul Bingham (Judging Coordinator) Matthew Chun-Hori (Equipment/Facilities Coordinator)

Sylvia Trinh (Registration Coordinator) Lydia Gerakas (Refreshments Coordinator)

Miles Hakoda Thomas Lim Halina Zaleski Zhiqiang Cheng

Special thanks to the Student Activity Program and Fee Board (SAPFB)

for funding part of this event.

Judges Alan Titchenal Halina Zaleski Kheng Cheah Robert E. Paull Andy Morishita Harry Ako Kirsten L.L. Oleson Ryan Gough Anne M. Alvarez Hector Valenzuela Koon-Hui Wang Ryo Kubota Anne Shovic Helen Spafford Linda J. Cox Sayed Bateni Archana Pant Hue V. Nguyen Loren Gautz Selva Lewin-Bizan Barbara DeBaryshe Hye-Ji Kim Luc Leblanc Shu Hwa Lin Benny Tetsuzan Janice Y. Uchida Margaret Ruzicka Baker Soojin Jun Bradley Porter Jensen Uyeda Mark G. Wright Spencer Malecha Brent Buckley Jinan Banna Mehrdad Nejhad Susan E. Crow Catherine Chan-Halbrendt Jinzeng Yang Miaoying Tian Teresita D. Amore Chris Lepczyk Joan Dobbs Olga Boric-Lubecke Theodore Radovich Clyde S. Tamaru John Allen Pakieli Kaufusi Thomas Wolfgruber C.Y. Hu John M. Melzer Paul Krushelnycky Tomoaki Miura Daniel Jenkins Jon Dang Phil Ooi Travis Idol David Christopher Jon-Paul Bingham PingSun Leung Victor Lubecke Dilmurat Azimov Jonathan L. Deenik Pratibha V. Nerurkar Winston Su Douglas Vincent Joseph D. DeFrank Rajesh Jha Yong Li Dulal Borthakur Ju Young Kang Reza Ghorbani Yong-Soo Kim Eun Sung Kan Juan Castillo Richard A. Criley Zac Trimble Gabriel Peckham Kent D. Kobayashi Richard M. Manshardt Zhiqiang Cheng Gernot Presting Kevin Schnider Richard Ogoshi

Room Moderators Computer Monitor Christopher Sugai Ray Zhang Drake Tokunaga Devin Takara Saoharit Nitayavardhana Michael Espiritu Vinay Menon

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ABSTRACTS (* designates presenter) (1) The Effectiveness of Coelephora inaequalis as a Biological Control Agent of Aphis gossypii on Taro. Jameson Acoba* and Helen Spafford. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Aphids are agriculturally significant pests due to their ability to devastate crops as vectors of plant diseases. Based on surveys taken of taro crops on the island of Oahu, the aphid species Aphis gossypii was found to be the most common pest on taro. The ladybird beetle Coelephora inaequalis is commonly found throughout the islands of Hawaii and experiments were conducted to test its viability as a biological control agent of A. gossypii. Three different experiments were conducted to measure feeding rate as well as the significance of the placement of A. gossypii on the plant as it relates to the feeding rate as well as other behaviors. With several aphid vectored taro diseases present on other islands in the South Pacific such as Colocasia bobone, it is important that effective methods to control aphid populations on taro are in place in the case that these diseases reach Hawaii. (2) Use of coffee residues extract for the production of an alcoholic beverage. Raquel Auwae*, Kyle Honda, Dani Ryoo, and Loren Gautz. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. The coffee industry in Hawai’i harvests 5.7 million pounds of green coffee bean, which results in roughly 11.4 million pounds of waste products (pulp and mucilage) for the 2012-2013 season. These waste products leave coffee growers with disposal problems due to its caffeine and tannin content. However, coffee pulp and mucilage are valuable for their fermentable sugars. Value-added processing have explored using these waste products in mushroom cultivation, fertilizers, composts, biogas production, and animal feed; however, only a fraction of the coffee byproducts could be used in these applications. This project seeks to explore another application of the coffee waste products through anaerobic fermentation of extracted sugars by S. cerevisiae for brewing an alcoholic beverage. An all-in-one brewing vessel was designed to extract the sugars and become a vessel for fermentation and dispense the beverage. Using agricultural byproducts and an all-in-one brewing vessel could reduce ethanol production costs.

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(3) Yeast Separation in Korean Rice Wine Using a Continuous Single-Stage Dielectrophoresis Device. Jireh Cebricos* and Soojin Jun. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a method that utilizes an electric field to induce a dipole moment in cells. By applying different fields of magnitude on each dipole, a force is established that leads the cell towards a specific field gradient allowing separation of target cells from unwanted cells or from its liquid medium. The study focused on yeast separation in Korean rice wine to improve the product's shelf life and overall quality as opposed to the presence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulting in post-fermentation activities. A DEP device was constructed using Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the foundation, and a titanium sheet and wires as the electrodes. A continuous flow was achieved using a syringe pump that ensured a steady flow rate of the sample into the device. Various voltage, frequency, and flow rate inputs were applied on the device to determine the optimum condition for yeast separation. A KOVA glasstic slide served as the counting chamber for the samples collected after one cycle. The best separation yield was found to be 35% at the 40V, 60Hz, and 10 ml/hr parameter combination in a single stage process. The simulation data suggests that a higher separation yield can be obtained with the use of a multi-stage DEP system. Moreover, the study demonstrated a promising potential for DEP to be performed in a macro-scale capacity as an alternative filtration method that can be used not only in wine but in other liquid food processes (i.e. drinking water) as well. (4) Biodiesel reactor using ethyl acetate and a lipase enzyme catalyst. Catherine Go*, David Fink, Chris Garza, and Loren Gautz. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. The energy dependent State of Hawai’i has passed two bills in 2009 to promote 70% non-petroleum energy sources by the year 2030. One of the emerging renewable energy sources is biodiesel. Biodiesel refers to the esters of fatty acids that are produced from a transesterification reaction of triglycerides and a nucleophilic oxygen. Current industrial methods employ a primary alcohol and a strong base (NaOH or KOH) that produces toxic glycerin and soap by-products. Removal of glycerin and soaps can be expensive and hazardous. Our team designed a bioreactor that converts vegetable oil into biodiesel that passes American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard with the use of a lipase enzyme as the catalyst and ethyl acetate as the substrate. We used ethyl acetate to affect the transesterification in presence of a biological catalysis rather than a strong base. The use of ethyl acetate as an alternative acyl acceptor has been shown to be effective because it does not interfere with the enzyme. Also, instead of producing the by-product glycerine from the strong base reaction, the alternative produces triacetin, a biodiesel additive which increases the quality of diesel. The extra carbon from the ethyl esters increases the cetane number, and has other desirable effects on the cloud point, flash point, and heat content of the fuel.

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(5) Impact of wildfire on aboveground carbon storage in tropical ecosystems across a precipitation gradient in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Emily Guynn*, Creighton Litton, and Alison Ainsworth. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tropical ecosystems cover a relatively small portion of the Earth’s land surface, but play a critical role in global carbon cycling. Wildfires impact terrestrial carbon storage via direct consumption, mortality, and postfire changes in species composition. Models predict an increase in wildfire frequency and intensity with climate change, making it critical to better understand the impacts of wildfire on carbon storage. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of wildfire on aboveground carbon storage in detritus and live biomass in tropical ecosystems spanning a precipitation/elevation gradient from dry grassland to wet forest. We quantified aboveground carbon storage in paired burned and unburned plots resulting from wildfires in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 2002 and 2003. Aboveground carbon storage in unburned areas increased across the elevation/precipitation gradient from 6.8 Mg C/ha in grassland to 179.5 Mg C/ha in wet forest. Overall, wildfire shifted aboveground carbon storage from live to detrital pools, as expected. Comparing burned vs. unburned plots indicates that wildfires consumed a significant portion of aboveground biomass in these systems with 35%, 61%, 30% and 34% of aboveground carbon consumed in the grassland, shrubland, mesic forest, and wet forest respectively. (6) Enhancing the Rooting of Protea Cuttings During Winter Months. Douglas Hunefeld*, Kenneth Leonhardt, and Hye-Ji Kim. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. With the novel and attraction of Protea flowers, Hawaiian or tropical landscapes would benefit from the introduction of this shrub. However, high mortality is a common problem in cutting propagation of proteas; little research has been conducted to enhance its rooting success. Our previous results indicated that rooting ability varies among variety and root zone temperature treatment alone had little enhancement effect on rooting during the summer months. Purpose of this study was to investigate effects of root zone temperature on root development in protea cuttings during winter months. Semi-hardwood cuttings of Leucospermum hybrids (74, 151, and 228) were prepared at Magoon Research Facility at UH Manoa on December 24th, 2013. Cuttings were dipped in 4000 ppm IBA rooting hormone solution, and stuck into 10cm pots filled with a 6:3:3, medium perlite: coarse perlite: vermiculite mixture. Pots were then placed onto a heating pad to provide a root zone temperature of 26°C, 28°C, or 30°C and the control was placed without a heating pad, which averaged at 21.4°C. Pots on heating pads were placed into a 5cm thick, polystyrene jig, used to contain heat and insulate pots. The cuttings received overhead mist irrigation at intervals of 6mins/5secs from 7AM to 7PM. Callus and root formation at media level appeared shortly after propagation. 151 showed better rooting potential compared to other hybrids, as it showed the most root development. After three weeks, however, observations of rotting stems were made in all treatments. More trials are suggested to find an optimal ratio of propagation media better suited for winter months or irrigation should be better adjusted to prevent from stem rotting.

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(7) Comparison of phosphorus-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria among Korean Natural Farming, organic, and conventional farming methods. A. Keliikuli*, J. Ishimoto, K.-H. Wang, Y. Li, and C.N. Lee. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Korean Natural Farming (KNF). Little is known as to how this system works. This experiment was designed to unravel the soil bacteria population associated with KNF, in comparison to conventional (CON) and organic (ORG) farming systems. There were two specific groups of bacteria studied: a) phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria and b) nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Two sets of soil samples were collected from ORG, CON, and KNF plots at the Poamoho Research station and plated on selective media for - Azospirillum (pH adjusted to 6.8), Clostridium, (pH adjusted to 5.4), and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria. Each treatment had three replicates. A combined total of 18 samples were subjected to serial dilutions (1×10-2, 1×10-3, 1×10-4) followed by individual plating onto the three selective media. Preliminary results showed that of the three systems, KNF contained less phosphorus-solubilizing bacterial colonies. No differences were observed for the nitrogen-fixing bacteria. An analysis of the micronutrient profile of plant tissue (cherry tomato) showed that in the KNF system, the plants absorbed twice as much Na (0.37%) when compared to ORG (0.18%) and CON (0.19%). Plant tissue from the KNF system had 2× more Fe compared to CON and ORG (738.8, 276.6, and 353.3 µg/g, respectively). No differences for phosphorus and nitrogen were detected in leaves. Each microbial colony is currently being isolated and subjected to polymerase chain reaction-temporal temperature gel electrophoresis (PCR-TTGE) followed by DNA analysis to identify specific strains of bacteria isolated. (8) Cultivation of Auricularia polytricha using sustainable substrates. Donna Kuehu*, Travis Idol, and George Wong. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Department of Botany. The goal of a sustainable, long-term, farm operation should be maintained such that it enhances the quality of the environment and economic viability, with the utilization of local natural resources in order to satisfy human food needs. My research attempted to develop a protocol for sustainable cultivation of the mushroom Auricularia polytricha (Basidiomycetes, Auriculariales) utilizing locally available alternative substrates. Isolation of a pure culture of A. polytricha was obtained by a spore deposit collected on a sterile V-8 agar petri plate, which was then used as inoculum for cultivation of the fungus in polyethylene grow bags. Locally available substrate consisted of mixtures of Pennisetum purpureum, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Musa spp., Coffea spp., and Leucaena leucocephala with the control substrate consisting of imported straw and sawdust. All cultivation was carried out in the same environmental conditions, under commercial black polyethylene, seventy percent, ultraviolet protection shade fabric. Fog irrigation was provided on an intermittent basis for one minute, at twelve intervals, within twenty four hours. The results were positive for growth of A. polytricha on four of the six different substrate mixtures. It was concluded that the locally available substrates of P. purpureum, Musa spp., Coffea spp., and L. leucocephala could serve as an alternative media for a sustainable fungi cultivation operation.

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(9) Ethnic stereotyping in Hawaii: Do people favor their own ethnicity? Tiani Lagundino*, Lena Phomsouvanh*, Margeaux Ciraolo, and Loriena Yancura. Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. In Hawaii, ethnic stereotyping dates back to the plantation era. However, very little research literature examines modern ethnic stereotyping in Hawaii. This study looks at the knowledge of ethnic stereotyping between Local and Non-local residents of Hawaii. It also examines the perception of social class among various ethnic groups in Hawaii. One hundred five college-aged students were surveyed and asked to list as many positive and negative stereotypes for seven different ethnic groups: Caucasian, Chinese, Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Micronesians, and Portuguese. Participants were also asked to rank these ethnic groups by social standing, from highest to lowest. Participants ranked Caucasians as the ethnic group with the highest social standing and had the lowest number of negative stereotypes. Results also showed that the number of ethnic stereotypes of three of the ethnic groups: Filipino, Micronesians, Portuguese, were significantly different between Locals and Non-locals. Locals had a greater number of stereotypes for these groups. Additionally, some ethnic groups were rated more positively than others. Filipinos were significantly more likely to be identified with positive, than negative stereotypes. Micronesians and Portuguese were more likely to be identified with negative, than positive stereotypes. These findings illustrate that ethnic stereotyping still exists in Hawaii and serves both positive and negative functions in placing individuals of various ethnicities in the social landscape. (10) Soil drenching of sunn hemp water extract and a soil wetting agent, alcohol ethoxylate, as post-plant nematode management strategies for organic crop production. Matthew Leo*, S. Ching, and K.-H. Wang. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is well-known for its allelopathic effect against root-knot (Meloidogyne sp.) and reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis). However, most research uses sunn hemp to manage plant-parasitic nematodes before crop planting. A sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) pot experiment was conducted for 4 months to examine if drenching sunn hemp (SH) water extract (20%) at 1-, 2-, and 4-week intervals could suppress reniform nematodes compared to the untreated control. Drenching SH at 1- and 2-week intervals increased root and tuber weights (P < 0.05). Both drenching treatments showed a trend but did not suppress plant-parasitic nematodes significantly. However, drenching at 2-week interval had the lowest number of reniform nematodes/g root. A second pot experiment was designed to examine if a soil wetting agent, alcohol ethoxylate (Transformer®, ORO AGRI, Fresno, CA) could repel root-knot nematodes when drenched in soil as claimed by the manufacturer. Roots were stained to determine for nematode penetration rate. Another experiment was conducted in a cucumber plot at the Poamoho Experiment Station to integrate Transformer and SH drenching. Cucumber planting rows were either drip irrigated once with Transformer, Molt-X (a.i. neem) at label rates or with water at pre-plant, followed by post-plant drenching of 20% SH water extract every 2 weeks. At one month after initiation of the experiment, numbers of root-knot nematodes in Transformer plots were lowest, and were significantly lower than Molt-X plots (P < 0.05). These studies indicated that SH drenching could reduce damage of sweet potato in soil with established reniform nematode populations. More work is needed to evaluate Transformer, but initial results indicated a population reduction of root-knot nematodes when compared to Molt-X.

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(11) Exploring cues for phase polyphenism in the koa moth (Scotorythra paludicola). Colby Maeda* and William Haines. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. It has been found that many outbreaking insect species change color at high densities, which is often linked to increased investment in their immune responses. This change in physiology is known as density dependent phase polyphenism. The endemic koa moth (Geometridae: Scotorythra paludicola) experiences occasional outbreaks, defoliating koa forests. Normally, the koa moth caterpillar is a green or dark yellow color, but in crowded situations changes to a dark brown or black color with a dark ventral stripe. The mechanism triggering this color change is unknown, so we sought to determine if the cue was physical contact or a chemical stimulus. We reared caterpillars in cups under three different conditions: solitary, crowded, and physically separated by a mesh barrier. The mesh barrier allowed exchange of volatile chemicals, if present, while preventing physical contact. After 14 days, we measured pigmentation using digital photographs and recorded the presence or absence of a ventral stripe. In the solitary (n=15), mesh (n=14), and crowded treatments (n=40), the percentage of caterpillars with a ventral stripe were 6.7%, 50%, and 82.5%, respectively. Chi-square analysis found a significant difference between solitary and mesh treatments (p= 0.009). Our results suggest the possibility of a chemical stimulus. Previously, color change in Lepidoptera was presumed to be caused by physical contact. This is the first evidence that chemical factors also play a role in Lepidopteran phase polyphenism. Currently, we are repeating the trial to confirm results. (12) Soil Solarization as Weed Management Tool for Organic Farming in Oahu. Josiah Marquez* and Koon-Hui Wang. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Weed management is a challenging task in organic crop production due to lack of effective organic herbicide. Frequent pre- and post-plant tillages for weed control in organic production are not compatible with soil conservation programs, and covering soil with weed mat is diluting the benefits of organic farming in enhancing agroecosystem biodiversity. Soil solarization has been recognized in reducing the weed seed bank and could offer an alternative to pre-emergent herbicides. A field trial was conducted at the Poamoho Experiment Station to compare weed suppressive effects of soil solarization (Sol), no-till cover cropping with sunn hemp (Cratalaria juncea) (SH), sunn hemp cover cropping followed by solarization (SolSH), vs bare ground (BG) treatment on a green onion crop. SH and BG received periodic post-plant herbicide treatments, whereas Sol and SHSol did not. Experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Time spent on weeding or herbicide application was monitored biweekly. Treatments involving Sol (Sol and SHSol) significantly reduced time spent on weed control during onion-growing period compared to BG. Soil was collected from these plots at 3 months after termination of green onion crop to assay for weed seed bank in a greenhouse. Solarization did not reduce weed seed bank 3 months after termination of the onion crop. In conclusion, weed suppression from solarization is short live, reduction of weed seed bank from solarization need to be upkeep to prevent weed seeds from flying in. Shallow heat penetration to only the top 10 cm of soil is another short come of soil solarization on Oahu. None-the-less, soil solarization provides an effective alternative to organic weed management.

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(13) Co-product potential of biofuel residue streams generated from green processing of Napier grass. Laura S. Martinez*, Edward S. Drielak, and Samir K. Khanal. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. In recent years, the production of biofuels has become increasingly advanced and technologically feasible, however, it continues to struggle to compete with cheaper and more mature petroleum based technologies. Additional revenue from co-products, generated concurrently with biofuels, can increase the competitiveness and appeal of renewable fuels produced by biorefining facilities. Biofuels derived from moisture-rich energy crops like Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in particular, demonstrates significant potential in co-product generation due to its ability to undergo green processing and chemical pretreatment. Through green processing, raw feedstock is screw-pressed, resulting in a solid and liquid fraction. The Napier grass (NG) juice is collected and is known to be rich in protein and other nutrients. The solid fibers are subjected to chemical pretreatment to produce an acid hydrolysate (AH), containing a sugar mixture. The NG juice and AH are two major byproducts from the biomass–to–biofuels process. An edible, protein-rich fungus, Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus, has a high market value and the ability to grow on NG juice and AH. In this study, three agitation rates of 130, 150 and 170 RPMs and five different media concentrations of: 100% AH; 100% NG juice; 75% NG juice:25% AH; 25% NG juice:75% AH; and 50% NG juice:50% AH were examined. Results suggested that the fungus produced the most biomass in the 100% NG juice and 75% NG juice: 25% AH mixture, with negligible growth in the other mixtures. The optimization of R. oligosporus co-production will be a key aspect to increase the economic feasibility of biofuel production and biorefining facilities in the near future. (14) Indirect Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis on ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Adam Park* and Helen Spafford. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Delta endotoxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis are used as insecticides (BT sprays) in conventional and organic agriculture for the management of lepidopteran, coleopteran and some dipteran pests. These endotoxins must be ingested by a chewing insect in order to become active. Insects such as aphids that have sucking mouthparts fail to intake the insecticide and are not affected. However, in the process of application, aphids may be covered with the spray. Beneficial insects such as lady beetles (that have chewing mouth parts) may then then feed on these pests and thus become exposed to the delta endotoxins and experience negative effects. The effect of sprayed aphids on the longevity of two species of lady beetles, Coccinellaseptempunctata and C. inequalis, was evaluated. Aphids were exposed to BT spray or distilled water and their longevity was measured. Aphid longevity was unaffected by the BT spray. In a separate experiment, adult lady beetles were fed aphids that were either sprayed with a commercially available BT spray or with distilled water. Longevity and other behaviors of the beetles were observed during this experiment. The number of aphids consumed by adult beetles appears to be reduced if those aphids were sprayed with BT. Beetles fed with BT sprayed aphids also behaved differently than those fed with water sprayed aphids. These findings suggest that BT sprays may reduce activity of adult lady beetles in the field and the effectiveness of biological control.

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(15) Effect of swine waste compost on soil properties in a field experiment in Pohnpei. Kylie Wong* and Jonathan Deenik. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. A field study investigating the effect of compost use to improve piggery waste management and sustainable local food systems was conducted in 2012 in Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia). The results of the study indicated that the use of the compost as a soil amendment will result in a crop yield increase with increasing rates of compost application. Understanding the effects of swine compost on soil properties is complimentary to the effects on crop yield in determination of viability of compost use for crop production in Pohnpei. To further support the use of swine manure compost as a soil amendment for crop production, field soil samples from pre-planting and post-harvesting were collected to determine total carbon, plant available water, exchangeable cations, and extractable phosphorous. Preliminary results of soil analyses indicate beneficial effects on soil nutrient status and soil organic matter. (16) Cooling system design for non-refrigerated recreational coolers. Tappy Andrews*, Karen Lee, Jasten Pascual, and Zachary Trimble. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Convenience - a word to describe making something easier to do is a driving motivating force for many of the products we have today. Cell phones, tablets, air conditioning, Snuggies- the list can go on and on. Taking into account that important parameter, this research presents the design of an easy to use cooling device that incorporates the use of green energy and that can be installed and used in existing non-refrigerated coolers typically used on fishing boats and in other outdoor recreational activities. Analytically, approximately 300 W of thermal energy are transferred into a standard insulated cooler of approximately 20 cubic feet, by the sun. Estimating that an additional 200 W of thermal energy can be added due to a large fish put into the cooler and the periodic opening and closing of the cooler, the system is designed with a total cooling capacity of 500 W. Based on initial design testing and calculations however, we discovered that to be financially viable and practical to users a generic cool solution is not viable, i.e. the system must be targeted to a specific size of cooler.

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(17) Analytic Solutions for Orbital Transfers via One and Two Intermediate-thrust Arcs. Fernando Aragon* and Dilmurat M. Azimov. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Coplanar orbital transfer trajectories with variable limited mass-flow rate and constant specific impulse in a Newtonian gravitational field are considered. The system of equations is solved by integration of the canonical system to get an analytical solution for all dynamic, kinematic and control parameters of the trajectory. These solutions are then used to form continuity conditions to construct the transfer trajectories creating a family of extremals consisting of null-thrust and intermediate-thrust arcs. Illustrative examples are shown for orbital transfers around Earth and the characteristics of the resulting trajectories are analyzed. The primary benefits of these analytical solutions include the ease and immediacy to compute trajectories, which is critical in guidance of autonomous vehicles. They could also be implemented in mission design to compute the initial values of Lagrange multipliers, to conduct a quick survey of design parameters as a way to compare numerically optimized results or simply as a starting point in the trajectory optimization process. (18) UAV (Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle) for Mapping a Macadamia Farm in Kona. Tylynn Ai, Maximilien Bender*, Isaac Lum, Jordan Melcher, and Mehrdad Nejhad. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering.

The goals of this project is to design a UAV that is propelled by electric power (batteries, motor, and propellers) made of light weight composite-foam sandwich material for structural efficiency and designed aerodynamically for flight efficiency. Solid modeling, finite element analysis, composites manufacturing, electrical and electronic components with autonomous capabilities are employed to design, analyze, manufacture, and test the UAV for an efficient mapping of a large high acre macadamia farm in Kona, Hawaii, using an on-board camera. The area to be monitored is divided in smaller patches with a mobile ground station to sweep the entire area one patch at a time. The UAV has a wing span of about 2 meters with a total weight of 3.5 Kgs. It also has a launcher.

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(19) A Study of the First Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Integrated Bridge System (IBS) in Hawaii. Jose Bumatay IV* and Phillip Ooi. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. In lieu of conventional concrete retaining walls, Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) is increasingly being used as bridge abutments to support single span bridges instead of conventional concrete abutment walls. GRS is defined as closely-spaced (≤ 0.3 m) alternating layers of geosynthetic reinforcement and compacted soil. GRS abutments are very flexible and behave in a ductile fashion making the bridge resistant to catastrophic collapse, even during a seismic event. Also, because concrete is not needed to build abutment walls, this results in faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly construction in comparison to conventional bridges. One potential downside of this type of bridge is that it is an integral bridge with no expansion joints. Thus, it is subjected to thermal expansion and contraction. Cyclic loading can potentially cause settlement of the GRS-supported bridge footings. In this study, the behavior of the first GRS-supported bridge in Hawaii was observed. The goals of this project are to (1) periodically survey the Kauaula Stream Bridge, Maui for settlement at the supports and (2) visually observe and document photographically any separation in the joint at the end of the bridge with the approach slab. If the settlement of this bridge plateaus with time, then this technology is worthy of future consideration because of its economy and low carbon footprint. If the settlement continues to increase excessively, then further studies are needed to device ways of minimizing these settlements. Regardless of the outcome, the study and growth of this technology is worthwhile. (20) Design and Manufacturing of an Intake Manifold for an SAE Formula Racecar. Albert Carter*, Klayton Lou*, and Mehrdad Nejhad. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs such as Solidworks is employed to design a new intake manifold for an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Formula Racecar. The goal of this research project is to develop an intake manifold for an existing engine to improve its performance. Aluminum is employed as the material of choice and a special inert gas welding technique is used to fabricate the design manifold. SAE Formula is an international competition where students design, analyze, fabricate and race Formula style vehicles. Students must present design reviews, cost reports and ultimately race their vehicle against other Universities from around the world. The competition is designed to reflect an actual engineering project and as a result various constraints are implemented. One important constraint is a restrictor plate 20mm in diameter inserted just in front of the throttle body inlet. The restrictor effectively reduces overall engine output by 20 to 30%. To counteract the restrictor losses the intake manifold is designed to maximize available airflow. After design, fabrication, and assembly a dyno-meter is used to validate performance gains.

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(21) Rapid Prototyping: Reusable Liquid Metal Circuits Using Photolithography. Matthew Inouye*, Aaron Ohta, and Wayne Shiroma. Department of Electrical Engineering. Objective: The objective of this project is to develop and test techniques to produce electronic circuits that are able to be quickly constructed and have the ability to be broken down into its constituent parts for reuse. This will be achieved through the use of ultraviolet (UV) curable resins and liquid metal to form conductive traces. Methods: A photo-mask containing a silhouette of an electronic circuit is placed on top of a substrate tray filled with a liquid UV curable resin planted with circuit elements. UV light illumination through the photo-mask hardens the exposed resin. Upon curing, the undeveloped regions beneath the traces printed on the photo-mask are evacuated, leaving behind channels. These channels are filled with a liquid metal to create conductive traces connecting the embedded circuit elements to form an electric circuit. Results: An optimal resin featuring low viscosity and fast curing times was selected and used to create a rudimentary electronic circuit. Conclusion: This project has demonstrated the ability to form electric circuits using photolithographic techniques. Continuing research is being performed to minimize channel cross sections and widths to reduce material requirements, and to reduce trace size in order to accommodate complex circuits. Impact and Significance: This project provides circuit designers with a method to prototype electronic circuits with rapid turnaround times. A minimal amount of equipment with little to no moving parts are required and the use of non-toxic materials provide a safer alternative to other methods. In addition, the embedded circuit elements and the substrate can be recovered for reuse leading to reduced electronic waste. (22) Mobile Platform Radar for Physiological Monitoring. Yuta Ishii*, Justin Osumi, Ashikur Rahman, Mehran Baboli, and Victor Lubecke. Department of Electrical Engineering. The objective of this research project is to test the hypothesis that an airborne mobile radar system can measure life signs for a terrestrial subject. The research methods include the design and construction of compact mobile Doppler radar system which is used to measure the motion of a phantom mover simulating respiration motion for a human subject. The radar system includes an accelerometer for reference measurement of motion for the mobile platform, and a wireless communications link for sending data to a remote monitoring station. To verify operation, a quad-copter aerial drone is used as the mobile platform, with the nadir facing radar system attached beneath. The system can be made to hover over the test phantom to measure its motion in the 1 Hz, 1cm range. The data can be inspected for presence of motion corresponding to that known for the phantom. Motion compensation signal processing methods can potentially be applied to the radar data to eliminate the component due to platform motion and preserve only the motion measurement of the moving terrestrial phantom. The impact includes the development of a mobile radar platform suitable for many life monitoring applications, suitable for use in research for applications including animal tracking and battlefield triage.

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(23) Automated Non-Invasive Characterization of Animal Activity. Jun Jiang*, Xue Li*, Mehran Baboli, and Victor Lubecke. Department of Electrical Engineering. The objective of this research project is to test the hypothesis that a radar system can provide an automated non-invasive quantitative measure of animal activity, which is suitable for characterizing health and metabolism. Such characterizations usually involve detailed tedious and time consuming observations conducted by a human researcher, or sophisticated laboratory-based CO2 production measurements. The research methods used included the design and construction of a radar transceiver system with computer based signal processing and analysis, the collection of experimental data on mechanical targets and captive animals, and the assessment of efficacy for scientific assessment of health and metabolism. Single-axis motion was successfully differentiated by radar measurement for a mechanical mover corresponding to activity levels of “stationary,” “fidgeting,” and “locomotion.” The impact of this work may include the development of a new tool for zoologists that can automatically assess an animal’s health and energy usage in long duration minimally attended experiments. (24) Target relative guidance and real-time data user display. Jarrett S.L. Kodani* and Dilmurat M. Azimov. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Autonomous controlled vehicular motion is a primary objective for military, transportation, and space industries. Development of a graphical user display for mission-critical parameters, as well as a predictive trajectory algorithm, is of utmost importance. The purpose of this project is to develop an end-user display for landing control guidance and real-time trajectory solutions for upcoming robotic space exploration missions. Current developments in this research include a real-time user display of accurate mission data and target relative guidance solutions for the 1969 NASA Apollo 11 lunar landing. The real-time user display reveals fundamental mission parameters, such as position and thrust, and allows the user to customize the time parameter of the mission. The target relative guidance solution is able to adjust to user-defined parameters and is synthesized prior to the real-time mission display. Further research includes direct adaptation to the 2012 NASA Curiosity Rover for Mars Science Laboratory atmospheric planetary landing, as a means of reducing the landing envelope.

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(25) Human Optical Positioning. Jason Krook*, Jon-Ross Okuda*, Xiaomeng Gao, and Olga Boric-Lubecke. Department of Electrical Engineering. Over the past twenty five years efforts have been made to develop techniques to assess respiratory motion and muscle function. It is anticipated that through these efforts further enhancement in respiratory rehabilitation, diagnosis, and medicine will be made. One of the leading techniques being used today when assessing respiratory motion is optical respiration tracking. Optical respiration tracking is excellent for studying distortions in the chest wall. The distortions found in chest wall movements are used to investigate potential respiratory problems. One the methods used in optical respiration tracking is the operation of Advanced Real-time Tracking infrared motion tracking camera systems. This system was utilized to determine amplitude of motion for the chest wall during normal breathing, chest wall movement profile estimations and reconstructions, and motion artifact cancellation for human testing under IRB approved protocol. We were able to use six markers in real-time tracking and construct 3D profile of chest movement. We were also able to measure the distance and angle for maximum displacement of chest wall distortion during respirations to within micrometer precision. Optical respiratory tracking is essential for the advancement of new procedures for studying human respiration and other health related matters because of its non-contact, non-invasive capabilities. (26) Occupancy Sensing. Alexander Lee*, Karissa Pang, Nicholas Andrew McCabe, Ehsan Yavari, and Olga Boric-Lubecke. Department of Electrical Engineering. The research objective is to detect true human presence in a given space. We carried out experiments with conventional occupancy sensors including passive infrared (PIR) and ultrasonic sensors, and novel Doppler radar occupancy sensors for a robust and efficient detection of occupants. Results showed that PIR and ultrasonic sensors both have limitations with sensing through materials, and for different directions of movement. At a distance of 2 meters from the sensing apparatus, major and fine motion tests were completed. The major motion test consisted of waving arms laterally, and pushing arms toward the sensor. The test subject wore multiple layers of clothing to test sensing capability through different materials. Fine motion tests included writing while sitting in a chair at a distance of 2 meters. Sensing movement behind barriers was also tested using a glass barrier. Mechanical motion was tested at a distance of 1 meter, with precise linear stage and a fan simulating periodic movement at different angles. We discovered the limits of PIR and ultrasonic sensors by testing with various materials and ranges of motion. PIR sensors responded well to parallel motion waving and could detect some minor motion greater than a foot in range. Ultrasonic sensors were particularly sensitive to perpendicular motion and lost sensitivity to parallel motion when the subject wore multiple layers of clothing. PIR detection of subjects wearing layers of clothing was suboptimal. Doppler radar was shown to have superior performance. Doppler radar could be used with PIR to create a hybrid occupancy sensor that uses infrared to detect primary entry and Doppler radar to monitor fine motion.

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(27) Estimation of Pile Group Scour Using Genetic Expression -- Programming Approach: A Case Study (Ajigaura Beach in Ibaraki Prefecture on the Pacific Coast of Japan). Kelly Morrison*, Chastyne Cabanas, and Sayed M. Bateni. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. A reliable estimation of scour depth around piles is vital for ocean and coastal engineers involved in the design of marine structures. Conventional regression-based approaches are often unable to provide sufficiently accurate results due to the complexity of the problem. In this study, an innovative attempt was made to estimate scour depth for a group of piles supporting a 200 m long research pier (constructed at Ajigaura Beach in Ibaraki Prefecture on the Pacific coast of Japan) by developing a genetic expression programming (GEP) model. GEP can provide an explicit expression between inputs (wave height, wave period, water depth, sediment size, etc.) and outputs (scour depth and width) without assuming a priori specific form of function. Two combinations of input date were used in this study to estimate scour depth. The first input combination includes dimensional parameters such as wave height, wave period, and water depth, while the second combination involves nondimensional numbers such as the sediment number, the Keulegan-Carpenter number, the Sheilds number, and the Reynolds number. The analyses showed that the first combination of input data (dimensional form) gives better results. A sensitivity analysis was performed to disclose the effect of each input parameter on the scour depth. The sensitivity analysis showed that the scour depth was mainly controlled by the Keulegan-Carpenter number. Also, we found that wave height has a stronger impact on scour depth than wave period and water depth. (28) LCM Graphing Tool for rapid control software development. Nathaniel Saul* and Brian Bingham. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Lightweight Communications and Marshalling (LCM) is a library used for message passing between robot components. The LCM Graphing Tool (LGT) developed by this project aids in testing and debugging of robotic control software by providing direct visual feedback on the robot state. This tool uses LCM's publish/subscribe design to record all messages present on the network and uses Python’s type introspection capabilities to decode each message using minimal a priori information. The user then has the option to view the network data textually or, in real-time, generate plots displaying the network history. There were previously two main methods to test and debug LCM based software, each with their own short-coming. The LCM-spy textually displays the most recent messages in real-time. This allows users to view the network data as tests are running but is limited in how it displays data. Users can also run the LCM-logger during a test to record the network traffic. Scripts can then generate plots and compute statistics about the test. This approach is informative, but is cumbersome as users must design their own processing scripts. The tool developed in this project combines the capabilities of these two tools into one intuitive interface. The LGT can display the message data textually and lets the user plot past data and compute statistics all in real-time. The LGT provides various real-time plotting abilities and can be used across various projects with minimal configuration adjustments. A beta version of the LGT has been released publicly under an open-source license. Feedback from the initial release has been collected from test groups at University of Hawaii and Stevens Institute of Technology. The tool is under active development and will continue to be developed by the LCM user community.

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(29) Thermal design and analysis of a waterproof electronics enclosure for an autonomous surface vehicle. Yenmy Truong* and Brian Bingham. Department of Mechanical Engineering. The Unmanned Port Security Vessel (UPSV) is an autonomous surface vehicle that is designed for port evaluation following unforeseen circumstances. A common concern for such marine robots is the integrity of the waterproof enclosure to contain essential electronics. These electronics produce a significant amount of heat. When the vehicle is stationary, the vessel is especially susceptible to heat accumulation; still air reduces the amount of heat transferred away from the container. Thermal analysis was performed on two designs with differing material and surface area to predict the response in various environmental settings based on heat transfer methods. In parallel, an experimental evaluation was done to constrain the model and identify key parameters in the analytical model. Current temperature data shows that the electronics are in a safe operating zone as the maximum temperature reading has not exceeded component specifications. Based on the model predictions and experimental evaluations, an improved design will be fabricated to improve the temperature management of the electronics enclosure. This second generation will then be evaluated to compare with the current system. (30) Effectiveness of Systemic Insecticide Delivered Through Trunk Injection to Control Lobate Lac Scale on Weeping Banyan in Hawaii. Bishnu Bhandari* and Zhiqiang Cheng. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. The lobate lac scale Paratachardina pseudolobata (Kerriidae, Coccoidea, Sternorrhyncha, Hemiptera), a recent insect invader in Hawaii, infests young branches of woody plants, produces honey dew leading to encrustation of stem with thick layer of sooty mold, giving unhealthy appearance, defoliation of leaves and eventually death of stems. This insect has infested 21 different native and non-native plant species on Oahu, and affected plant species are increasing. Tree injection of systemic insecticides is one of the effective methods to protect landscape trees. It takes short time, can be applied to trees in the public places, and the chemical is not exposed to environment. Efficacy and longevity of systemic insecticide imidacloprid, delivered through trunk injection, on controlling lobate lac scale on weeping banyan (Ficus benjamina) are being evaluated. Ten trees on UH Manoa campus were used, with 5 replications for the treatment (imidacloprid injection) and the control, respectively. Five relatively new branches (~45 cm length) from each tree were collected prior to treatment (December 2013) and monthly afterwards. The infestation level (1-5, 1= no infestation, 5= highly severe infestation) was measured. Our results so far showed that in both month 1 and month 2 after treatment, treated trees had significantly lower infestation level compared to untreated trees (P<0.05). In order to evaluate longer-term effect, monthly evaluations will be performed up to 6 months, and additional evaluation will be conducted 1 year after treatment.

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(31) Comparative Analysis through Rapid HPLC of Post Harvest Processing and Extraction Methods for High Curcuminoid Content from Aquaponically Grown ʻŌlena. Leina‘ala Bright*, Mahrukh Khawaja, Jon-Paul Bingham, and Clyde S. Tamaru. Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. One of the research goals concerning Ka Waihona o Ka Lā‘au Lapa‘au’s study of Hawaiian medicinal plants involves optimizing processing and extraction methods. The ‘ōlena or turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) of the Zingiberaceae family is a Polynesian introduction used by Native Hawaiians and other indigenous peoples for medicine, spiritual protection, cleansing and strengthening, dietary supplementation and as a natural dye. This polyphenolic compound has been reported to possess anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. This work compares the post harvest processing methods of aquaponic grown ʻōlena prepared fresh, freeze dried, oven dried at 100°F, boiled, and boiled oven dried at 100°F. The extraction method involves grinding with a mortal and pestle with sand and without. Total curcuminoid (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin and curcumin) content in the extract was evaluated through rapid High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Optimal processing and extraction method appears to be using fresh, freeze dried ʻōlena while grinding with sand. As a lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian herbal medicine) practitioner it is imperative I move forward with our ʻike kūpuna (the knowledge of our ancestor’s), as I build upon their knowledge with newly acquired knowledge. My path is to integrate in a holistic manner the past with the present, believing my work is stronger in its unity. (32) Evaluation of Cacao Field Cages. Jeffrey Caraballo Ferrer* and H.C. 'Skip' Bittenbender. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the use of field cages to be used in newly planted cacao plantations in the State of Hawaii. Three cacao cage film types where evaluated: 50% shade cloth, white greenhouse plastic and clear plastic painted white with latex paint. Also, two cage heights, 36 and 48 inches, were compared. In addition, two more treatments were included: black permeable ground cover and no ground cover. There were no significant effects of the cage film type and cage height on plant height, basal diameter or leaf number. But there was a significant effect of the mulch treatments. In summary, only the use of ground cover had a significant effect by increasing the height of cacao trees. Consequently, farmers can benefit from using ground cover in their newly planted cacao plantations.

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(33) Evaluating the potential of oyster mushroom compost waste for plant-parasitic nematode management. S. Ching* and K.-H. Wang. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) has been known to be allelopathic to some nematodes. Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of oyster compost as soil amendment and water extract to suppress root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Experiment I examined mushroom compost using coffee grounds as substrate amended into soil at 1, 0.5 and 0.25% (w/w). Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seedlings were planted and grown in these soils in a greenhouse for 2.5 months. No amendment and 1% coffee ground were included as controls. Mushroom compost amendment did not suppress M. incognita in Experiment I. Experiment II examined mortality of M. incognita in mushroom compost water extract (MCWE) at 0, 25, 33, and 50% of mushroom compost in water (w/w) concentrations in petri dishes. Water extracts at 50, 33 and 25% paralyzed 55%, 47%, and 37% of M. incognita incubated, respectively as compared to 11% in the control (P < 0.05). However, most nematodes revived after washing in water, indicating a nematostatic effect. Experiment III compared suppression of nematodes in mushroom compost amended in organic growing media at 0, 33 and 50% (w/w) rates in 100-cm3 Cone-tainers inoculated with M. incognita. Nematodes were extracted from media at 1, 4, 7, and 30 days after inoculation. Soil amended with ≥ 33% mushroom compost suppressed nematodes after 7 days of incubation. In conclusion, MCWE has the potential to paralyze plant-parasitic nematodes, and amending mushroom compost in organic media could allow oyster mushroom to establish and suppress M. incognita within 7 days. Thus, oyster mushroom compost provides an alternative of pre- and post-plant nematode management strategy especially for organic farming. (34) Muscle hypertrophy induced by myostatin inhibition is suppressed by rapamycin. Donghyuck Choi*, Jinzeng Yang, and Yong Soo Kim. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Recent studies have shown that myostatin (MSTN), a skeletal muscle specific negative growth factor, may regulate skeletal muscle mass through the anabolic mTOR pathway. The mTOR pathway is known to be blocked by rapamycin (RAP), thus a study was designed to examine the effect of RAP administration on muscle growth in MSTN-propeptide transgenic mice, a hypermuscular phenotype by MSTN inhibition. 5 week old male heterozygous MSTN-propeptide transgenic mice and wild type littermates were administered with 0 or 3 mg/kg body weight of RAP intraperitoneally every other day for 4 weeks. At the end of RAP treatment, animals were sacrificed, and gastrocnemius, plantaris, and soleus muscles were dissected, weighed, and snap-frozen for later analysis. Body weight gain of transgenic mice was greater (P<0.01) than that of wild type mice. RAP suppressed (P<0.05) body weight gain about 40% in both genotypes. RAP also suppressed (P<0.05) muscle growth in both genotypes, but the extent of suppression was greater in transgenic mice than in wild type mice. Real time PCR analysis showed that Akt, the upstream regulator of the mTOR pathway was upregulated by genotype and down regulated by RAP, while both p70S6 kinase and 4E-BP1, downstream regulator of the mTOR pathway were down regulated by RAP in skeletal muscle. In the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) family members, Mrf4 was down regulated by RAP, but MyoD and myogenin were not affected. This result support that regulation of muscle growth by MSTN is related with mTOR pathway.

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(35) Consumer preference and willingness to pay for shrimp in Oahu, Hawai’i. Katharine Clukey*, Danielle Fujii-Doe, Laura Mo, Victor Teng, and Catherine Chan-Halbrendt. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Knowledge of consumer preference for how and where shrimps are supplied and willingness to pay is important for Hawai’i producers and suppliers as well as the sustainability and health of our oceans. Conjoint Choice Experiment was used to find out consumer preferences for shrimp product attributes. Extensive literature review determined five most important shrimp purchasing product attributes and their levels: price ($10, $13 and $16/lb); size (35, 45 and 55 shrimps/lb); product origin (Hawai’i, US Mainland, Central America and Southeast Asia); freshness (fresh or frozen); and harvest method (wild caught or farm-raised). Respondents were randomly chosen from around Oahu, near local supermarkets, fish markets, and shrimp farms in February and March 2014. 200 respondents completed the surveys. Data were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis. The best results showed three distinct classes of consumers. Class 1 (46%), the largest class preferred Hawai’i produced, fresh, farm raised, large size at competitive price. Class 2 (26%) preferred Hawai’i and Mainland shrimp, farm-raised, large size at competitive price. Class 3 (27%) preferred Hawai’i, frozen, wild caught and small size. In terms of the most important attribute by class (1, 2 and 3 respectively), they are price, product origin and harvest method. In general, the results showed most consumers prefer shrimps from Hawai’i, farm raised and at competitive price. There were however 27% of the respondents preferred frozen and wild caught. Knowing this information is extremely helpful to suppliers of shrimps. Other results from the survey showed a significantly high number of respondents favored sustainable fishing practices i.e. grown from Hawai’i and farm raised vs. wild caught. Also, survey results showed that sustainability of our oceans is a concern to most consumers of shrimp in Oahu. (36) Examination of factors affecting sugar release from Napier grass during dilute acid pretreatment. Edward S. Drielak* and Samir K. Khanal. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. The pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is a critical upstream unit operation required to facilitate the release and bioconversion of structural sugars (cellulose and hemicellulose) from energy feedstocks into biofuels. Dilute acid pretreatments, in particular, have been shown to be an effective strategy for many herbaceous crops, however, relatively little is known about the conditions (i.e. acid concentration, time and temperature) which affect the efficiency of the process, or how these conditions behave synergistically during pretreatments. In this study, Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid using a three factor, two level experimental design. The effects of acid concentration (2.5% and 5% w/w), reaction time (45 and 60 minutes) and temperature (120°C and 130°C) were examined on the basis of structural sugar released. Hemicellulose was solubilized during pretreatment, and the cellulose in the remaining solid fiber was subsequently saccharified by commercial enzymes (cellulases) (72 hours at 50°C) to recover monomeric glucose in solution. The resulting sugars from pretreatment and saccharification were quantified by spectrophotometry as well as by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Statistical analyses of the results suggested that acid concentrations and temperature were both significant in promoting structural sugar release. In addition, acid-temperature interactions were determined to be synergistic in comparison to other interactions. Understanding the effects that pretreatment conditions have on structural sugar release is essential for determining the techno-economic feasibility of biomass-to-biofuel industries.

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(37) Is there a dietary component to the relationship between sleep issues and depression? Makena Dyer*, C. Alan Titchenal, and Joannie Dobbs. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Sleep difficulty and depression are two widespread health concerns with substantial costs to our society, both in terms of lost productivity and increased medical spending for treatment. This research evaluates the connection between sleep trouble and depression severity. Participant data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 databases. Depression severity was measured by the total score using the nine depression questions from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Sleep difficulty was assessed through how often the participants indicated they had trouble falling asleep (TFA). Dietary information was self-reported via an extensive questionnaire and facilitated diet recall. These data were analyzed using JMP Pro 10 and SAS 9.2 statistical software. Depression and TFA were significantly correlated for both males (n=5037, r=0.3832, p<0.0001) and females (n=4858, r=0.3760, p<0.0001). “Poor appetite or overeating” also was correlated highly with both depression and TFA for both genders (p<0.0001). As would be expected, caffeine consumption was correlated with TFA for both genders (male=p<0.0001 and female=p<0.002), but actually had a higher correlation with depression for both genders (p<0.0001). Dietary protein, expressed as g/kg body weight and dietary iron were inversely related to both depression and TFA for males and females, however only female responses met significance for both variables at p<0.05. These preliminary findings suggest that depression and TFA are related and can both be influenced by diet making this field an exciting area for research. (38) The influence of post translational modifications on phyla selectivity in bioactive Conus venom peptides. Michael J. Espiritu* and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Cone shell venoms are widely studied due to their potential to enhance the field of biopharmaceuticals as well as their potential to become novel pesticides. Conus textile and Conus magus are known for possessing two separate types of feeding habits, one piscivorous or fish eating, and the other molluscivorous or mollusk eating. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of post translational modifications on the bioactivity and phyla selectivity of molluscivore and piscovore derived toxins as potential pesticides and therapeutics. For determination of how each isolated peptide’s post translational modifications (PTMs) effect bioactivity and selectivity, synthetic variants containing less or no modifications are being compared to each native state. The focus of this study in particular is the comparison of synthetic toxins modified from Tx2081and M2450 and the determination of their PTM’s contribution to selectivity and potency. Preliminary studies on both toxin types have shown either a gain or loss of activity based on the addition or deletion of PTMs. Synthesis was performed using solid phase peptide synthesis, purification was completed through semi-preparative reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography and target material confirmation was obtained through electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. This work in part is funded by USDA NIFA (# 2011-37610-31182).

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(39) Computational 3-Dimensional Modeling of Water Transport in Eucalyptus Wood. David Harris* and Scott Turn. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute. Eucalyptus has a high growth rate and material density which makes it an attractive source for alternative fuel in Hawaii. Eucalyptus wood is already being converted into chips and burned to generate electricity for a small number of farming operations in Hawaii and California. The main challenge, however, is that before any wood can be converted to fuel it has to be almost completely dry. Since the woody biomass is to be converted to energy, economic efficiency mandates using as little man-made energy as possible in the drying process. This makes open air drying an ideal option rather than constructing a greenhouse-like drying structure or using a powered kiln. The goal of this project is to create and verify an accurate computer model of heat and water transfer through eucalyptus logs in order to predict how long it will take to dry in various climates. The model will be created using the finite element method and be based on standard energy and mass conservation equations in cylindrical coordinates. Hawaii has 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, making it an ideal location to verify model results (Hawaii Forest and Trails, 2010). Logs will be placed in various locations in Hawaii, and moisture content can be measured by calculating differences in weight. The model results should inform decisions related to drying strategies, e.g. transport of wet logs to a drier location or to let them air dry in the location in which they are harvested. If accurate, this model should also provide data necessary to assess the feasibility of air drying. (40) Hybridization of papaya with wild relatives for PRSV resistance. Gregory Hoover* and Richard Manshardt. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is capable of causing devastating yield losses to papaya, a major fruit crop in Hawai’i. The Hawaiian papaya industry was threatened by PRSV in the early 1990’s, but the virus-resistant cultivars Rainbow and SunUp were developed through genetic engineering and commercialized in 1998 to protect the industry. While effective in controlling PRSV, the transgenic varieties suffer one notable market disadvantage: consumer preference for non-transgenic crops. Our breeding objective is to develop non-transgenic papayas with virus resistance derived by hybridization from virus-resistant wild relatives. Since papaya is the sole species in the genus Carica, all hybrids with wild relatives are at the inter-generic level, and previous attempts have failed due to profound reproductive sterility in the F1 hybrids. In this project, we are attempting to overcome the sterility barrier by doubling the F1 hybrid genomes by treatment with the chemical mutagens colchicine or oryzalin to create fertile allotetraploids. Work completed thus far has included the establishment of a collection of related species for cross-pollination: seven members of the genus Vasconcellea, two Vasconcellea inter-specific hybrids, as well as Horovitzia cnidoscoloides. The inter-specific F1 hybrid V. quercifolia x V. parvifolia is dioecious, but sterile, averaging 20% stainable pollen using acetocarmine. Seeds of papaya and V. parviflora were treated with 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% colchicine to create autotetraploids for crossing.

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(41) A Global Analysis of Feral and Domestic Cat Predation in Continental and Insular Environments. D.R. House*, J.E. Lindner, C.A. Lepczyk, and E. Bonnaud. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Unité Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris-Sud. Cats are considered one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and are of particular concern because they have been directly linked to species population’s declines and extinctions across the globe. Given the widespread introduction of cats our objectives were to quantify the: 1) prey diet of domestic cats throughout the world; 2) component of the diet that comes from threatened and endangered species; and, 3) predation by domestic vs. feral cats in both insular and continental systems. We identified 236 studies that contained data on cat prey items. Globally, cats depredated a total of 1012 unique species, of which 674 (67%) were continental and 418 (41%) were insular. Birds comprised the majority of prey (495), followed by mammals (211), herpetofauna (199), and insects (89). Feral cats preyed upon greater than 3.5 times more species than domestic cats globally. Of the species depredated, 125 or more than 12% were listed as near threatened or greater on the IUCN Red List. The majority of studies were from developed nations and the Pacific Ocean. Species accumulation curves suggest that our current cat prey species estimate may be conservative and many more prey items are yet to be discovered. Our findings considerably increase the previous estimates of species depredated by cats around the world and further highlight the degree to which cats are generalist predators and impact a large variety of the globe’s ecosystems. (42) Preliminary field trials of zingerone, a novel phytochemical lure of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii. Jess Inskeep*, Helen Spafford, and Todd Shelly. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Male fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are known to seek out and consume phytochemicals, produced in the flowers of many angiosperms, which substantially enhance their mating attractiveness to females. To utilize this natural phenomenon as a control technique, an attractive phytochemical and insecticide are employed together in a lure trap. Males are drawn to the lure where they consume the phytochemical and insecticide mixture, causing death. In Hawaii, four fruit fly species have invaded and colonized the state, causing severe economic impacts: the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), melon fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae), Malaysian fruit fly (Bactrocera latifrons), and Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata). It has been previously believed that each of these species exhibits strong attraction to only one phytochemical, with B. dorsalis, B. cucurbitae and C. capitata exhibiting attraction to methyl eugenol, raspberry ketone and trimedlure, respectively. Conversely, no effective lure has been discovered for B. latifrons. One novel lure is zingerone (4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone), a naturally occurring phytochemical derived from ginger (Zingiber spp.) and present in the flowers of some orchids (Bulbophyllum spp.). It attracts various species of fruit flies, including, for the first time, species responsive to either methyl eugenol or cue-lure. We have tested the effects of zingerone as an attractant lure of the four pestiferous flies in Hawaii. We examine the potential of zingerone in the control and monitoring of these flies.

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(43) Visitor preference for koa picture frames in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Bradley Kaufmann*, Pua’ala Pascua, Katherine Wilson, Whitney Ray, and Catherine Chan-Halbrendt. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Acacia koa (koa) has historically been a dominant canopy tree species throughout Hawai’i. Natural and anthropogenic impacts have resulted in decreased distribution and abundance of koa due to logging, grazing, competition with invasive plants, low regeneration, and fire. Koa is ecologically, culturally, and economically important, thus proper koa forest management is much-needed. The objective of our study was to determine consumer preference and willingness to pay for different attributes of a koa picture frames such as price, color, grain pattern, and sustainability certification. These attributes indirectly show preferences for different harvesting regimes and wood quality to inform koa silviculture. A conjoint choice analysis was conducted by surveying 240 non-resident individuals in Honolulu, Hawai’i. The results from this survey show that there are three distinct consumer groups sized 79, 65, and 96 people respectively that prefer different attributes in koa picture frames. The most important attribute for group 1 was price with 86% of respondents choosing a lower price. Group 2 chose darker, curly patterned, cheaper picture frames and the majority of group 3 chose sustainably certificated, cheaper picture frames. Across all three groups identified, consumers’ preference was significantly driven by lower prices and sustainable forestry certification (p <0.01). These results indicate economic opportunities for suppliers that can provide sustainably grown koa at competitive market prices. While competitive prices and sustainably grown resources are not typically synonymous, this study further highlights the opportunities and advantages of outreach education on sustainable forestry practices in the Honolulu koa picture frame markets. (44) Rapid HPLC analysis of Super Hot Chili aquaponically grown with pH remediation. Mahrukh Khawaja*, Clyde Tamaru, Bradley Fox, Ted Radovich, J.P. Bingham, and Harry Ako. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. The effective use of land for maximal food production is a forever-increasing worry to islands in the south pacific, which have experienced rapid population growth. To address this we examine linked Fish and vegetable production using a recirculating water system. This system is designed to achieve a high degree of efficiency of water use for food production without soil. Twenty-four systems were used, in which each system contained 1.5kg tilapia species (Oreochromis aureus and Oreochromis hornorum) were grown in 400 Liter freshwater tanks associated with two 25L biofilters (cinder). Aquaponically grown Hawaiian chili and Super chili peppers were cultivated separately. The purpose of this investigation was to: 1) remediate pH for ammonia biofiltration and pepper yield in recirculating aquaponic system, 2) compare buffering capacity of bases and buffers, and 3) quantify and compare capsaicin concentration between chili varieties using RP-HPLC analysis. This work helps address the need for combined approaches to complex agricultural research questions and food sustainability. This work in part was funded by Horimasa Project and NIFA.

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(45) Comparison of propagation methods for endemic Hawaiian plants using soil, hydroponic, and aquaponic production systems. Jonathan Lance* and Creighton Litton. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. The propagation of native Hawaiian plants for ecological restoration typically involves soil-based propagation techniques and overhead irrigation. A possible alternative to this is the use of hydroponic or aquaponic propagation systems, which employ different growth media, irrigation, and fertilization techniques and may offer higher growth rates, reduced propagation cycle length, lower water consumption, and more effective pest and disease management than soil-based systems. Aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), height (Ht.), basal diameter (BD), and total leaf area (LA) were compared for two endemic Hawaiian plant species (Clermontia kakeana and Touchardia latifolia) over a two-month period in four propagation systems: soil [control], non-circulating hydroponics (N.C.H), constant-flow hydroponics (C.H), and constant-flow aquaponics (C.A.). Two fertilizer concentrations were tested for the hydroponic treatments (25% and 50% prefixes). C. kakeana showed no significant differences among treatments. T. latifolia showed mixed results, with 50% C.H. yielding significantly greater AGB and LA than 25% C.H. and greater Ht. and BD than 50% N.C.H., and the soil and 25% N.C.H. systems yielding significantly greater BGB than 25% C.H. As an alternative to soil-based propagation, these soil-less systems hold potential to improve outplanting efforts by increasing outplant survival or reducing required propagation time, costs, and maintenance. (46) Consumer Preferences for Locally Grown Versus Imported Christmas Trees in Hawaii. L. Laramee*, L. Deem, D. House, S. Cozo, and C. Chan-Halbrendt. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Importing Christmas trees to Hawaii can transfer harmful invasive species despite regulations. Currently, Hawaii has a small local Christmas tree market that aids in preventing new invasive species from entering the state. Locally grown trees offer economic opportunities in the agricultural and retail industries. However, imported Christmas trees tend to be less expensive, more fragrant, and offer a wider selection than local trees. To determine consumer preference for Christmas trees, 200 state residents were surveyed using the Conjoint Choice Experiment method. This study was conducted in order to inform Christmas tree producers in Hawaii what tree attributes are most important to local consumers. Attributes were: tree sources (local vs. imported), willingness to pay (33, 49, and 66 dollars/meter), and preferences for fragrant vs. non-fragrant trees. Locally sourced trees were preferred by 81.3% of respondents. These respondents were more likely to buy trees at competitive prices. Fragrance was a significant attribute to 40.5% of respondents, while a lack of fragrance was significantly important to 14.3% of respondents. Within all of these respondents, there were five distinct latent classes that valued different attributes differently. Overall however the most important attributes to consumers were lower prices and locally grown trees. This study shows there is a viable market for locally grown Christmas trees which has the potential to bolster the economy and decrease the likelihood of new invasive species being brought into Hawaii’s already strained ecosystems.

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(47) A Proposed Adjustment to the Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Protocol. Alex Lau* and Christopher Lepczyk. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Invasive plant species can have significant negative impacts to native ecosystems, the economy, and human health. Because the suite of invasive plants includes species that are intentionally introduced, a screening tool to identify which species are likely, or unlikely, to become invasive is highly desirable. The Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HP-WRA) is a tool which attempts to predict the outcome of weed behavior of a given plant species following its introduction. This tool has been tested for accuracy and was found to correctly identify 95% of pest species. However, this test of efficacy for the tool was necessarily done on a subset of plants which were both planted with high propagule pressure and introduced with sufficient residence time. Because these two conditions need to be met to calibrate the system, there is uncertainty in predictions for species which do not meet those conditions, those that have not been introduced with high propagule pressure somewhere outside of their native range. To address this gap requires an adjustment in the HP-WRA protocol, which is presented here. The adjustment has been developed in cooperation with stakeholders. It would change designations for species meeting criteria of low propagule pressure and residence time to reflect the uncertainty inherent in their weed risk. It also addresses the increased risk of low propagule pressure species which are significantly naturalized, despite lesser planting intensity. (48) Magnitude and temperature sensitivity of volcanic ash derived soil carbon pools across a mean annual temperature gradient in tropical montane wet forest. Michelle K. Lazaro*, Susan E. Crow, Creighton M. Litton, and Christian P. Giardina. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, USDA Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. Soils represent the largest terrestrial sink of carbon (C), and small changes in storage could offset or feedback anthropogenic emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere. Volcanic ash derived soils have a large capacity to adsorb organic C due to very high surface area. However, little is known about how C turnover and formation in these soils will respond to climate change, particularly over scales of decades to centuries. To isolate the effects of mean annual temperature (MAT) on soil C storage, samples were collected along a 5.2°C MAT gradient and physically separated using sequential density fractionation and incubated at a range of temperatures. Based on previous work, we hypothesized that at higher temperatures, we would find a smaller contribution of readily degradable C due to rapid decomposition. Further, soils at high temperatures would be relatively resistant to accelerated decomposition under warmer conditions. Conversely, we hypothesized that the amount of soil C within unprotected, easily decayed C fractions would decrease with increasing MAT and that this sensitivity to temperature would also decrease with MAT. We found, consistent with our hypotheses, that there was no relationship between MAT and soil C pool size, distribution among C pools of varying mean residence times, or temperature sensitivity of these C pools. These findings, in combination with prior work, demonstrate the importance of mineralogy in controlling soil C storage and response to environmental drivers, and provide a stronger understanding of how volcanic ash derived soils will respond to warming temperatures.

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(49) Cumulative Human Impact Mapping for Marine Ecosystems of Hawai‘i. Joey Lecky*, Kim Selkoe, and Kirsten Oleson. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, UC Santa Barbara. Understanding the spatial distribution, intensity, overlap, and cumulative influence of human activities, both on land and at sea, is essential for effective management of ocean resources. A project proposal will be presented which aims to provide such information to resource managers in Hawai‘i by following and expanding upon established methodology for mapping cumulative impacts on ocean ecosystems. Currently, a database of all available spatial data related to human impacts on the marine environment in Hawai‘i is being built. Additionally, the project will undertake a process to determine the relative significance of each human activity to ecosystem function. Next, this information will be used to conduct an analysis resulting in continuous maps of the level of cumulative impact sustained across the marine environment of the populated Hawaiian Islands. Previous applications of similar analysis, in other regions, has helped marine managers identify priority areas for protection, surveillance, threat mitigation, ocean zoning, and monitoring for climate change effects. (50) Development and optimization of aquaponic fish and plant production capacity in an environmentally controlled facility. Marissa Lee*, Bradley Fox, Clyde S. Tamaru, and Fred Lau. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Horimasa Co., Ltd. Due to rapidly evolving food safety regulations, pest management concerns, and challenges related to productivity, research in aquaponics (combination of aquaculture and hydroponics) has moved towards environmentally controlled facilities. Utilizing the Horimasa Vegi Laboratory II located at Mari’s Garden in Mililani, multiple variables influencing fish and plant crop yield and quality were tested and analyzed simultaneously. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of different light intensities (Flat panel, 6-light bulb, and 4 light bulb LED) and solid support media (Black cinder and expanded clay balls) on the production capacity of different plant and fish crops. Four plant crops that were used in this experiment were Asian greens, mesculin mix, Red Oakleaf lettuce, and Manoa lettuce. Water quality and dissolved nutrients in system water were measured every other day. Once plants reached harvest size, their weight and dry weight were measured. Plant tissue samples and water samples were sent to University of Hawaii Manoa’s Agriculture Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis as well. Preliminary results showed that plant crops grown under flat panel LED had the highest wet weight biomass, while six-bulb and four-bulb LED light bulbs followed with the second and third highest wet weight biomass respectively. Plants also attained a higher biomass while growing in the black cinder solid support media as compared to plants grown in the expanded clay ball solid support media. The results of this study will provide information useful to improving the development of efficient and economically viable aquaponic system for Hawaii and the world.

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(51) Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented taro skins against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Qianting Li*, Jennifer Ishimoto, Jaemi-Lise Yoshioka, Chin Nyean Lee, and Yong Li. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been found to be dominant within different poi brands in previous studies. Piglets recover from gastrointestinal illness when fed cooked taro skins, a by-product of poi production. Therefore, it was hypothesized that LAB may also be present in the taro skins and responsible for the piglets’ recovery. This study aimed to identify the dominant bacterial species present in fermented taro skins and determine their antimicrobial potential against diarrhea-causing bacteria. Three samples of cooked taro skins were obtained from a local poi manufacturer and incubated at room temperature. Aerobic plate count and LAB count of the sample were determined at 0, 24, and 34 h. Selected bacterial isolates were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Culture supernatants of representative LAB isolates were evaluated on their bactericidal properties against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. During fermentation, the LAB count of cooked taro skins increased from 3.0 logCFU/g to 8.7 logCFU/g in 34 h. All samples showed a dominance of LAB in the microbial populations. LAB constituted 91% of 37 sequenced isolates. Leuconostoc mesenteroides was the dominant LAB species (75%), with Lactococcus and Weissella species also present. These LAB species showed different antimicrobial activity against tested diarrhea-causing bacteria. S. Typhimurium died in culture supernatant of Leuconostoc mesenteroides within 1 h; L. monocytogenes died in culture supernatant of Weissella soli within 6 h. This study confirms the presence of beneficial LAB in fermented taro skins. The LAB species could potentially be utilized as probiotics in animal production. (52) Comparisons of green roofs between Honolulu, USA and Guangzhou, China. Wei Liu*, Nian Liu, Chunhua Guo, and Hye-Ji Kim. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China. A field investigation was undertaken to compare four aspects of green roofs between Honolulu and Guangzhou, China, in different types of green roofs including those found in public, commercial, and residential buildings. The current building costs, technologies employed, and aesthetic design concepts were important factors used to distinguish the green roofs of the two cities. Shannon-Wiener and Shannon Evenness indices were used to compare species diversity of plant communities present in these green roofs. According to our data analysis, green roofs in Honolulu used more plants taller than 4 meters than green roofs in Guangzhou. High-rise buildings in Guangzhou used more drought-enduring ground cover plants compared to Honolulu, while species diversity was highly maintained in Honolulu. A list of plants used in green roofs was compiled for the entire study area. Taking advantage of the latest technologies in green roofing may help promote its practices and further develop a potential market in both cities.

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(53) Translating Feedback to Enhance the Pacific Food Guide: The Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL) Resource for Nutrition. L. Matanane*, W. Gibson, and M.K. Fialkowski. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. OBJECTIVES: To translate feedback from a Pacific Stakeholder Network (PSN) that would enhance the Pacific Food Guide, a resource for students enrolled in an introductory nutrition course, that presents the traditional foods and cultural food practices of the Pacific Islands (PI). METHODS: An initial version of the Guide was formatted into a Portable Document File (pdf) to simulate an online book. The pdf file was distributed via email to a PSN (n=131), along with an online survey, to gather feedback and evaluate contents of the Guide. All feedback were collected and summarized to determine appropriate revisions for the Guide. RESULTS: The number of responses (n=31) was 24% of emails and surveys sent. 92% of survey responses rated good or better experiences using the Guide. 86% of responses agreed (good, very well, or excellent) that the Guide is accomplishing its stated objectives. Qualitative results identified areas for improvement, such as incorporating more cultural context and specific details on the foods in certain islands, as well as suggestions for further technical development of the Guide. CONCLUSIONS: Reaching out to the PSN proved to be a valuable approach to gather constructive feedback on developing a Guide that is comprehensive yet resonates culturally. IMPACT AND SIGNIFICANCE: Weaving the concepts of nutrition with the traditional foods and cultural food practices of the PI may contribute to enhanced access to culturally appropriate nutrition information for students of the PI. (54) Does age of vermicompost matter? Use of vermicompost tea to suppress infectivity of root-knot nematodes. Shova Mishra* and K.-H. Wang. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Effects of soil amendment with vermicompost or drenching vermicompost tea to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes are so far controversial. Previous studies demonstrated that compost tea prepared from cured or aged vermicompost allow more nutrients to be available for plant uptake. It is hypothesized that compost tea prepared from the fresh vermicompost would suppress plant-parasitic nematode infection better than that prepared from the cured vermicompost. A greenhouse soil tube experiment was conducted to compare root penetration rate of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) into zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) seedlings. Seedlings were drenched with vermicompost tea prepared from 1) fresh vermicompost (FVC), 2) 5-month cured vermicompost (CVC), or 3) water control (C) prior to inoculation of nematodes. Experiment was arranged in complete randomized design with 3 replications. Zucchini roots were stained with Acid Fuchsin to examine penetration rate of the root-knot nematodes. No root-knot nematode penetrated zucchini roots drenched with FVC tea, minimal penetrated those with CVC tea, compared to 13 penetrated those in the control. This result provided preliminary evidence for nematode suppressive effect of FVC tea treatment. Further research will be conducted to explore the curing age effect of vermicompost on inducing host plant resistance against pests. This project is partially supported by Western IPM grant (2013-34103-21345).

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(55) Neurofibromatosis 1 in Cardiac Fibroblasts. Richard E. Moore* and Michelle D. Tallquist. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Center for Cardiovascular Research. Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), caused by a germline mutation in the Ras-GAP Neurofibromin 1 (Neurofibromatosis 1, Nf1), is associated with a range of symptoms including plexiform neurofibromas and cardiovascular defects. Research often concentrates on the neuronal component of tumors, but recent evidence suggests that stromal cells in the microenvironment promote tumor progression and maintenance. Secondly, in vivo studies involving cardiac Nf1 deficiency largely underappreciate the fibroblast population. Here, we propose that fibroblasts play a significant role in these conditions of NF1 patients. Utilizing primary Nf1 deficient fibroblasts, we elucidate ligands upstream of Nf1 signaling as well as altered secretion of angiogenic and inflammatory factors. Finally, our in vivo murine model with Nf1 deficient fibroblasts demonstrates exacerbated fibrosis in response to cardiac pressure overload. Taken together, our data support the role of fibroblasts in tumor promotion and cardiovascular dysfunction in NF1 patients. (56) Use of microarray for the evaluation of long-haul shipping stress in beef calves. Jonathan Onaga*, Tracy L. Sy*, Tim Richards, Maarit Tiirikainen, Helen Turano, C.N. Lee, and Ashley M. Stokes. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, Hawaii Cattleman’s Council, University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of long-haul shipping on gene expression of leukocytes from weaned calves using a bovine-specific microarray before and after transport. Two shipments of weaned, Angus and Charolaise, female calves (n=48) were transported to Washington or California. Each shipment, the calves were divided and placed into two separate, bi-level, four-compartment, custom shipping containers. Blood was collected prior to shipping (P), upon arrival to the receiving yard (A), and 6-days post-arrival (PA). Leukocytes were isolated, total RNA extracted, quantified, and analyzed for quality. An Affymetrix 26,773 WT bovine-specific array was utilized using manufacturer’s protocols. Using a conservative fold-change of 2 and a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 as significant, 3 genes were significantly different across the study. FOS was decreased 3.05-fold P to A, but then increased back 2.92-fold A to PA. EGR-1 was decreased 4.03-fold P to A, then increased back 4.78-fold A to PA. A to PA, haptoglobin decreased 2.27-fold with a p-value of 0.047. Further analysis of the data using Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA) software grouped related genes into networks known to be biologically significant. The results of this analysis showed inflammatory response, immune cell trafficking, cellular movement, and hematological system development/function as the top networks associated with the gene expression seen over the duration of the study. Considering the sensitivity and specificity of the microarray, these changes are very minor physiologically and reflect minimal impact of shipping on these study animals. The findings of this study support our previous work that the currently utilized shipping protocol to transport calves from Hawaii to the Mainland US does not cause large changes in gene expression due to shipping stress.

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(57) Comparison of agricultural management scenarios for sustainable biofuel feedstock production on Maui. Whitney Ray*, Susan E. Crow, and Manyowa N. Meki. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

As demand for energy increases to support global needs, development of renewable sources becomes more vital. However, the efficiency and viability of production remains uncertain. Crop choice, agricultural practice, and water usage interact to determine the best management option for sustainable biofuel feedstock production. Although some conservation measures may decrease yields, improvement in water use efficiency, soil carbon storage and a reduction in greenhouse gas flux, may counteract the decrease in biomass within an environmental sustainability framework. Here, two biofuel feedstock crops, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), were analyzed to compare four simulated outcomes with respect to irrigation level (100% and 50%) and agricultural practice (conventional and ratoon). The ALMANAC crop simulation model, previously calibrated and validated for tropical grass production systems on Maui, was employed. Initial 12-year simulation results showed nearly 12% more soil organic carbon under ratooned sugarcane versus Napier grass (at 50% deficit irrigation). At the same time, yields decreased on average from 61.2 Mg/ha to 54.2 Mg/ha for sugarcane between 100% and 50% irrigation levels respectively, and from 32.3 Mg/ha to 22.2 Mg/ha for Napier grass respectively. Modeled outcomes will be coupled to an economic model to determine the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of the production systems. Thus creating economic incentives for biofuel production, to alter current management practices and create sustainable growth. (58) An integrated plan for Hawaiian endangered mint, for the management of powdery mildew and other pathogens. Gabriel Schierman* and Janice Y. Uchida. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. The Oahu Army Natural Resources Project (OANRP) can successfully germinate and grow seedlings of endangered native mints in the greenhouse. However, when transplanted into the field, the seedlings become overwhelmed with powdery mildew and other pathogens. Unfortunately, there are few fungicides which are approved for use in natural forested areas. Furthermore, we do not want to introduce such compounds into relatively intact natural areas. From this study we will compile a list of known pathogens on mints in the Hawaiian Islands. Identify the species found on the endangered mints that are propagated by OANRP. Study the susceptibility of these mints to these fungi untreated while grown in the greenhouse. The information generated in this study will help provide an integrated pest management protocol if appropriate and possible under current regulations.

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(59) Quality factor analysis of a chicken breast maintained at an extended supercooling state. Tim Shafel*, Soojin Jun, Jin Hong Mok, and Won Choi. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Freezing is one of the most popular preservation techniques for a variety of foods because of its ability to inhibit spoilage agents while maintaining the majority of the fresh food product’s organoleptic qualities. Although due to ice crystal formation and growth during storage at sub-zero temperatures, quality deviations from fresh products are inevitable. Therefore the control of ice crystal formation, or growth, in foods stored at below freezing temperatures is paramount to minimize or eliminate such deviations. In this study, a combination of pulsed electric field (PEF) and oscillating magnetic field (OMF) was used to achieve an extension of the supercooled state in a chicken breast stored at a freezer temperature of -7°C (± 1). The combined use of PEF and OMF maintains the vibrational motion of water molecules thus affectively inhibiting sudden ice nucleation. Microbial, chemical, and physical tests were applied to assess quality aspects of the supercooled samples. Microbial analysis of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was carried out on each sample at times of 0, 4, 8, and 12 hours during the supercooling process using procedures by AOAC. A decrease in aerobic mesophilic bacteria cell count was observed throughout the supercooling process. The microstructure (Scanning electron microscopy), drip loss, texture, and enzymatic reaction (FFA and TBARS) for the supercooled samples were evaluated as compared with control samples. Flash freezing of samples was not observed when removed from supercooling apparatus. The PEF and OMF supercooling was found to maintain the fresh chicken breast qualities, thus suggesting this preservation technique may be utilized to preserve the organoleptic qualities found in fresh meats. (60) Venogeography of Conus pennaceus. Nicholas N. Sinclair* and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Cone snails (genus Conus) possess unique venom, in which hundreds of different peptides merge into a single envenomation event. Yet little is known about the potential biochemical changes that can occur in their venom. Recent studies have shown that venom composition can be manipulated through diet (Andrews 2014, most recently among others). The potential for manipulating venom peptides could be expanded through study of environmental effects. Yet this is hard to do without an identical snail species located in a geographically distant location. Fortunately, Conus pennaceus is found in very few places around the world, including Hawai’i, and west of the Bay of Bengal (India). Using the venom that is milked from the Conus pennaceus hawaiseius, and comparing similar High Pressure/Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) data from geographically distant locations, we could determine if there is a significant difference in venom composition. This modification through environmental conditions could potentially increase the estimated number of potential drug lead and pesticide candidates possible within Conus. We hope to detail that there is a significant difference in the venom profile of these geographically distant species in order to show that there can be modifications in the venom of cone snails’ though environmental manipulation. The USDA in part funded this work.

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(61) Characterization of Milked Venom from Conus obscurus in Search for Novel Bioactive Compounds. Christopher Sugai*, Michael Espiritu, and J.P. Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Members of the genus Conus express diverse peptide profiles in excreted venoms used to incapacitate prey. Venom constituents are extremely selective in the physiological channels and receptors they act upon, attracting pharmaceutical companies and academic scientists alike in pursuit of new drugs, physiological probes, or chimeric peptide experimentation. Conus obscurus venom has not been thoroughly studied due to the rarity, size of the snail, and difficulty in captivation. Prior studies have only characterized two peptides from milked venom, which have been observed to possess biological activity in fetal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs), and much lower activity in adult nAchRs. The purpose of this study is to characterize peptides observed from milked venom and mine for possible new and novel candidates for further pharmacological, agricultural, and academic studies. Data collected includes de novo sequences generated from Peaks6 and nanoLC-MaXis MS/MS, MALDI mass spectra of venom constituents, and HPLC chromatographs. A protocol for amino acid analysis was also prepared using the reagent NBD-F in tandem with an HPLC rigged for fluorescent detection. (62) Evaluation of long-haul shipping stress for beef calves transported from Hawaii to the contiguous United States. Tracy L. Sy*, T. Richards, C.N. Lee, J. Onaga*, J. Coetzee, M. Stock, and A.M. Stokes. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, Hawaii Cattleman’s Council, Iowa State University, Iowa. Hawaii ranchers shipped wean calves to the mainland for grow-out and finishing. This study examined: a) physiological parameters of long-haul shipping on weaned calves and b) the animals’ ability to adapt to the stress of shipment. Two shipments of weaned, Angus and Charolaise, female calves (n=24) were transported to Washington or California. For each shipment, the calves were divided and placed into two separate, bi-level, four-compartment, custom cowtainers. Vaginal temperatures (vT, °C) were taken every minute. Blood samples were collected prior to shipment (P), upon arrival (A), and 6 days post-arrival (PA). Blood parameters for physiological and immunological status of the animals were: substance-P (SP), hematocrit % (H), bands (B), and white blood cell (WBC) numbers and differentials. Increased vT above normal values were correlated with stressful events such as loading and unloading from cowtainers. While SP values showed a significant increase from P to A (p<0.001) and decrease A to PA (p<0.001), these values were 10x lower than what was reported in literature. The SP values from P to PA (p=0.46) was not different. WBC showed no differences for P to A, A to PA, and P to PA. The study showed some physiological changes occurred with shipping, however, animals quickly returned to a homeostatic physiological and immunological state.

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(63) Nutrient Profile and In Vitro Digestibility of Local and Hybrid Napiergrass Varieties Grown in Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions. U.P. Tiwari*, B. Turano, and R. Jha. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Drought stress limit the productivity of Napiergrass having high nutritive value. Drought tolerant pearl millet×napiergrass hybrid (PMN) varieties were developed but its nutritional content and digestibility is unknown which limits its use in animal feeding. Four napiergrass varieties (Bana grass, Mott, MB4, and N51) and four PMN (PMN2, PMN3, 5344, 4604) were grown with or without irrigation in a strip plot design. The forages were harvested on day 110 of installation, which were chopped, dried, ground to pass through 1mm screen and analyzed for nutritional content and in vitro digestibility parameters using near infrared spectroscopy. Dry matter (DM) of PMN2 (95.7%) was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.05) than 5344 (93.8), with significant effect (P ˂ 0.05) of irrigation. Ash was lowest (P ˂ 0.05) in PMN2 (8.9%) and highest in 5344 (14.6). Lignin was highest (P ˂ 0.05) in 4604 (8.2%) and lowest in 5344 (5.2). Starch was highest (P ˂ 0.05) in irrigated MB4 (2.7%) than both irrigated and non-irrigated 4604 (0.76 and 0.70, respectively). Non fiber carbohydrate content was highest (P ˂ 0.05) in PMN2 (12.8%) than MB4 (8.7%). In vitro true digestibility was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.05) in 5344 and Bana grass (70.0 and 68.0% of DM, respectively) than PMN3 (54.5). Rate of digestion was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.05) in 5344 (4.85%/h) than PMN2 (2.65). Neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of 5344 and Bana grass (56.7 and 53.2 % of NDF respectively) was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.05) than PMN2 (38.0). In conclusion, among 4 PMN varieties developed, PMN2 has higher nutritional value and digestibility hence, is the preferred grass. Key words: Animal Nutrition, Hybrid Napier grass, In vitro digestibility (64) Fluorescence Analysis of Human Serum Albumin and its Mutant Isoforms glycated by Methylglyoxal. Albert To* and Chung Eun Ha. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Native Hawaiian Health. Human serum albumin (HSA) is an important transporter of non-esterfied free fatty acids, certain cellular metabolites, and negatively-charged drugs in the circulatory system. As a principle plasma protein, HSA is a prime target for glycation, the addition of a reducing or dicarbonyl sugar to the primary or secondary amine group of basic amino acids to form fluorescent adducts collectively called Advanced Gycation End-products (AGEs). Methylglyoxal, a byproduct of glycolysis, is a potent glycating agent that reacts specifically with arginine residues. It has been suggested that two arginines important for electrostatic interactions with ligands, R218 and R410, are potential sites for glycation. To investigate their modification, mutant isoforms, R218E and R410A, were synthesized and analyzed by fluorescent spectroscopy to observe their role in tryptophan quenching and AGEs-specific fluorescence. Two additional isoforms, R222E and W214L/R222E, were also synthesized to investigate R222 modification due to its proximity to both tryptophan and to the solvent. Preliminary results found no correlation between site-specific arginine residues and their observed fluorescence. It also appears that the quenching of tryptophan seen in glycated HSA is most likely due to an overlap between the tryptophan emission (max at 343 nm when excited at 295nm) and the absorption (max at 347 nm when read at 410nm) of total AGEs, rather than through the modification of site-specific arginines.

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(65) The effect of spirotetramat (Movento®) against reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis on pineapple, Ananas comosus. Philip Waisen* and Brent Sipes. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis is an economically important plant-parasitic nematode of pineapple. This root parasite can inflict pineapple marketable yield by 26.8- 50 %. Lack of host resistance in pineapple raises a need for the nematode management. Spirotetramat is a group 23 pesticide, a lipid biosynthesis inhibitor with an ambimobile translocation that reduces the fecundity and fertility of sucking insects. The objective of this study was to determine if spirotetramat is active against reniform nematode. Greenhouse bioassays were conducted at the Magoon Research facility. Pineapple crowns were planted in 20-cm diameter pots filled with steam-sterilized soil and sand in 1:1 ratio. The experimental units were arranged in completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The plants were nurtured with normal agronomic practices for 4 months. Approximately 3,000 nematode eggs were inoculated to the 4-month-old plants. Different levels of spirotetramat were applied 1 month after inoculation. Plants were harvested 6 months later for shoot and root weights, and sampled 250 cm3 soil. The raw data were normalized by log10 and subject to analysis of variance. The average number of nematode vermiforms recovered from soil were reduced by 64 %, 60 % and 57.7 % at 88, 100 and 175 g a.i/ha spirotetramat rates respectively while reducing the average dry root weights by 14.4 %, 1.7 % and 7.5 % at 88, 100 and 175 g a.i/ha rates respectively compared to the water treatment control. The average shoot weight was increased by 1.4 % at 88 g a.i/ha rate whereas weights at 100 and 175 g a.i/ha rates were reduced by 3.5 % and 1.0 % respectively compared to the water control treatment. The 88 g a.i/ha rate had reduced the vermiform nematode number while promoting the plant growth. A field study is needed to compliment these findings. (66) Carbon capture using carbonic anhydrase-displaying Escherichia coli in biologically active foams. Stuart Watson*, Zoey Malaluan, Branden Santiano, Wei-Wen Su, and Eunsung Kan. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. A foam bioreactor has been developed to employ suspended recombinant bacteria that produce and display the carbonic anhydrase enzyme for carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS). Preliminary reactions to establish proof of concept showed high initial elimination and removal efficiency that point to further optimization directions. When combined with conventional amine solutions, the cell membrane-displayed carbonic anhydrase becomes a viable option to refresh the solutions without the need for additional energy input as is the case for current amine CCS technology. High removal was maintained with elimination at 2,700 gCO2/m3h in the presence of n-methyldiethanolamine. Initial product removal tests also demonstrated potential for modification to a continuous system which would convert the captured carbon dioxide to value added calcium carbonate or even higher hydrocarbons. This method then has the potential to liberate the energy consumed by power plants in their conventional CCS cleaning processes for other uses, or even prevent the fossil fuels currently burned for that energy from being consumed entirely.

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(67) Ay caramba! Advanced chemical analysis of chili peppers and tomatoes. Jason Wen*, Archana Pant, Theodore Radovich, Koon-Hui Wang, and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. To perform rapid and efficient chemical analysis of large sample sets of chili pepper and tomato samples, novel methods were developed for the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification of nutritional values. For chili peppers, necessary standards were established to enable precise and rapid quantification of Vitamin C and Capsaicin within 15 Capsicum variants. For tomatoes, standards were also established for the rapid quantification of Vitamin C and Lycopene levels within tomatoes grown locally using three different methods. HPLC analysis methods were developed using advance Phenomenex C18 Kinetic Column Chemistry, incorporating the use of fully automated and precise Waters 2695 integrated HPLC systems interfaced with 996 Photodiode Array Detectors. These activities have cut typical solvent running costs and increased processing abilities – we are presently developing the same technology for carbohydrate analysis to be used in this project. These novel techniques will continue to provide rapid and cost effect means for the analysis of nutritional values of food sources. The State Department of Agriculture, Hawaii, in part funded this work. (68) ‘Ōhi‘a growth dynamics: secondary succession and competitive release in a lowland wet forest. Nicholas R. Wilhoite*, Creighton Litton, J.B. Friday, and Richard F. Hughes. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. The Kī ‘ula section of Wao kele o Puna forest reserve was once covered in old growth ‘Ōhi‘a stands before being clear-cut and chipped for energy in 1984. The Kī ‘ula forest monitoring project aims to monitor, document, and assist in the recovery of the native forestlands of Kī ‘ula following the past clear-cut event, and subsequent invasions by the non-native tree Falcataria moluccana (albizia). This study aims to expand the current understanding of ‘Ōhi‘a growth characteristics in lowland wet forests under secondary growth conditions by comparing the rate of ‘Ōhi‘a growth between native dominated stands and albizia dominated stands following herbicidal treatment of the albizia. The study established a set of 7 experimental sites within Albizia dominated stands, and 5 experimental sites within native dominated stands. Nutrient dynamics within the soil were measured across sites with respect to relative nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) availability. ‘Ōhi‘a growth rates were measured on a subset of trees within each site using spring-loaded dendrometer bands. The herbicidal control of albizia within the sites was conducted in February 2013 and the ‘Ōhi‘a growth increment measurements began in June 2013. Data presented is for the 7-month period of June 2013 through January 2014. It is hypothesized that albizia invaded sites will show a highly altered nutrient status, with higher concentrations of soil available N and P. It is also hypothesized that higher growth rates for ‘Ōhi‘a will be found within these albizia invaded sites following herbicidal treatment.

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(69) Is Body Fat Percentage Related to Protein Intake? Colin K. Wills*, C. Alan Titchenal, and Joannie Dobbs. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Overweight and obesity are major health concerns in today’s society. Both conditions increase healthcare costs and decrease an individual’s quality of life. Weight loss research indicates that a protein intake of 1.2-1.6 g per kg bodyweight (g Pro/kg BW) is beneficial for weight loss. This protein level is 50 to 100% greater than the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein established in 2005. The present study explored whether body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (% BF) are related to self-reported macronutrient intake. Anthropometric and dietary data were obtained from 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for females 18 to 50 years of age (N=2581). Data were analyzed using JMP Pro 10 and SAS 9.2 statistical discovery tools. Multivariate correlation analysis showed that BMI and % BF are both inversely correlated with dietary protein - g/kg BW (r = -0.4320, p<0.0001, r = -0.3013, p<0.0001). Conversely, BMI and % BF are positively correlated with estimated carbohydrate intake (45% of calculated sedentary energy requirement) (r = 0.8787, p<0.0001, r = 0.5488, p<0.0001). There was no significant correlation with fat intake. These results support the importance of a liberal protein intake and a moderate carbohydrate intake for the achievement or maintenance of a healthy body weight. (70) Contingent Valuation of Biodiversity in Primary Koa-dominated Forests in Hawai’i. Katherine Wilson*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, and J.B. Friday. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Biodiversity is valued by people globally but since there is no market for this good to assign a monetary value, its value is discounted in policy development and decision making. Koa (Acacia koa) forests are endemic to Hawai’i and provide habitat for native birds and other endemic plant species. Koa is also a very important commercial tree in Hawai’i because its wood is highly sought after for making furniture and other timber products. This study is specifically looking at biodiversity in terms of species richness of endangered plant species and will estimate the value of biodiversity of a koa forest in Hawai’i by using the contingent valuation method. Contingent valuation obtains a monetary value for non-market and non-use goods by asking people their willingness-to-pay for that good. 200 residents of Hawai’i will be surveyed in May 2014 to obtain a value for the biodiversity koa forests provide. The results from the survey will be averaged and summed to obtain an estimate for how much biodiversity in koa forests is worth in Hawai’i. The results from this study will fill a data gap in ecosystem service values of Hawaiian forests and provide baseline data for other researchers globally. Furthermore, this value can be included in cost benefit studies on preserving Koa forests versus timber harvesting. This estimate can also be included in policy and impact analyses and prevent biodiversity from being discounted in policies and land use decisions.

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(71) Investigating Consumer’s Preference and Willingness to Pay for Local Hawaiian Beef Versus Imported Beef – A Focus on Ground Beef. Justin Yeh*, Linda Duling, Korey Johnson, Stephanie O. Conner, and Catherine Chan-Halbrendt. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Human’s dependence on fossil fuel has created many of the environmental problems in the world today. In reducing our dependence for fossil fuel consumption in Hawaii, it is important to look at ways to not only reduce the importation of goods, but to also increase self-sufficiency within the state. This study was carried out to identify whether the local consumers preferred buying locally raised beef compared to imported beef taking into account different attributes; origin, production method, fat content, origin and price. A structured questionnaire was designed and four surveyors randomly approached and interviewed 200 ground beef consumers within the Honolulu area. The responses from the surveys was analysed using conjoint choice analysis. The results show that there were four main groups of people, each preferring a particular attribute. Price was the main influential factor in their decision to purchase ground beef. The first class consisting of 21% of the overall respondents preferred lean meat [90:10]. The second class (17.1%) preferred the lowest price ($5.99 per pound)/(13.48$/kg) as their deciding attribute. The origin of the beef (local) was the main attribute looked at by the third class of respondents (30.4%) and the final class (31.5%) of respondents identified production method (grass-fed) as their main attribute. All classes of respondents preferred to buy locally produced grass-fed ground beef. From these results, it can be recommended that supermarkets in Hawaii should purchase beef from the local farmers using the grass-fed production method. The local cattle farmers should look at ways to make their beef prices more competitive. (72) Overcoming Hurdles to Produce Stable Traceable Peptides Utilizing Cone Snail Venom. Peter Yu* and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. There are today no reliable, or efficient, ways to produce traceable/visually detectable peptides – a clear limitation for bioengineers and medical researchers. Issues to overcome in producing traceable peptides are: 1) in-situ peptide degradation and: 2) loss of peptide bioactivity. The goal of this research is to find a solution to both issues by hence synthesize a peptide with in-situ traceable properties. Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) – a methodology utilized to produce peptides (<50 amino acids) – is used to synthesize the model peptide Tx2005; a non-PTM peptide found in the venom of the cone snail species, Conus textile. All modifications are introduced to Tx2005 in order to assess changes in bioactivity. The first modification is an addition of a 7-amino acid linker to the N-terminus of Tx2005. The linker introduces a binding site for potential illuminating fluorophore moieties; yet cause little effect in regards to bioactivity. An optimized process of Native Chemical Ligation (NCL) will be used to mitigate in-situ degradation. NCL ligates both ends of the peptide, producing a continuous cyclized configuration. Cyclized peptides are known for their resistant properties; they do not degrade in the digestive tract and hence are very stable. The experiment is today at an early phase – Tx2005 and the linker variant have successfully been produced. The contingency is from here to synthesize the third cyclized variant of Tx2005 and to introduce fluorophores. Fluorophore additions will follow azide chemistry for its easy-access and interchangeable properties. From there, bioactivity assessments and fluorescent abilities are to be determined. This work in part is funded by USDA NIFA (# 2011-37610-31182).

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(73) Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Banana Chip in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Xin Zhang*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, Alma Abacahin, Mary Pleasant, and Elma M. Neyra. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Southern Christian College. Mindinao, Philippines’ rate of unemployment is high and the out-of-school youth (OSY) comprises a significant share of the unemployment particularly in the rural agricultural areas. Adding value to agricultural products can create jobs and enhance farmer’s income. This study was inspired by the project of UPLOAD JOBS, which is funded by USAID. One team of five OSYs, who participated in the entrepreneurship training of UPLOAD JOBS, proposed banana chip as a potential product with high demand in urban areas. In order to ensure successful product development, knowledge of consumer preferences is necessary. This study used Conjoint Choice Analysis to determine consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for banana chips product attributes. Using Latent Class Analysis, results showed four different classes of consumers. The results illustrate that respondents in Class 1 (47.42%) are young and prefers sesame & sweet flavor, oval shape, and lower price. Class 2 (21.30%) consists of more females, prefers sweet flavor and oval shape. Class 3 (17.9%) consisted of more single respondents prefers cheese flavor and circle shape, and Class 4 (13.38%) consists of generally older respondents prefers natural flavor and oval shape. With the estimated parameters and importance of attributes, this study calculates that the consumers in Class 1 are willing to pay about 1.04 PHP and 0.95 PHP more for sesame and sweet flavor, and 1.14 PHP more for oval shape. The consumers in Class 3 are willing to pay 9.71 PHP and 12.80 PHP to switch from natural flavor to cheese flavor and from sesame flavor to cheese flavor, respectively. These findings can guide the producers to produce banana chips with the most desirable attributes at the most competitive price. It can also improve the producer’s income and the region’s agricultural economic development. (74) Comparative functional identification and analysis of Carica papaya promoters in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana revealed post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Luzminda Carlos-Hilario*, Bradley Porter, Judy Zhu, and David Christopher. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Promoters are essential genetic switches that activate and repress gene expression and are useful tools in genetic engineering. Identifying and analyzing gene promoters are important prerequisites before using them in downstream biotechnology applications for crop improvement. In the tropical tree papaya, analyzing tissue-specific promoters is hindered by slow growth and long regeneration times in tissue culture. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to lessen the time to identify and characterize promoters from papaya by using the fast-growing model system of Arabidopsis thaliana (var. Columbia). Four putative promoter regions and their 5’ UTRs were obtained from the genes Cp9 (peroxidase), Cp29 (beta-1,3-glucanase), Cp35 (ferulate-5-hydroxylase), and Cp45 (hypersensitive-induced response). Sequence analysis predicted numerous cis-acting regulatory motifs in the putative promoters, which were fused to the green fluorescent protein gene (eGFP) in the pCAMBIA1302 vector and were engineered into Arabidopsis. Several independent homozygous T3 transgenic lines were analyzed at various developmental stages. Differences in tissue-regulation of the promoters were observed by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Real-Time PCR (qPCR), 5’ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5’RACE), immunoblot analysis of GFP protein, and visual detection of GFP fluorescence. Cp9 and Cp35 initiated transcription at identical sites in Arabidopsis and papaya, and Cp45 initiated transcription two nucleotides downstream in Arabidposis vs. papaya. The Cp29 and Cp45 promoters showed strong basal expression in Arabidopsis. In some tissues, non-correlation between eGFP mRNA and protein levels indicated that post-transcriptional regulation also impacted protein levels.

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(75) Modeling coral reef ecosystem goods and services to inform management: a case study of Maui Nui. Jade M.S. Delevaux*, Kirsten L.L. Oleson, John N. Kittinger, Alan M. Friedlander, Susan Crow, Anders Knudby, Kostantinos Stamoulis, Mary K. Donovan, and Susan Yee. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Conservation International, Hawai‘i Fish Trust, Department of Biology, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, U.S. EPA Gulf Ecology Division. Coral reefs provide diverse ecosystem goods and services critical to human wellbeing. In Hawaii, reefs are threatened by human activities and climate change. Observed declines in reef state jeopardize the delivery of these goods and services. To support innovative policy-making, we are constructing an ecological-economic model linking reef state to ecosystem services supply. We are applying predictive spatial modeling techniques to characterize the current ecological state of coral reefs and populate a spatially dynamic ecological coral reef model (CORSET). Then, we will link CORSET to a set of production functions to map and quantify the potential supply of key coral reef services given the reef health state. We expect this approach will allow us to identify specific coral reef ecological attributes potentially responsible for the supply of key services (e.g., for nearshore fisheries). Further, results will provide management targets expressed in ecological terms while being grounded in the local socio-economic context. The model will have the capability to evaluate impacts of alternative land and coastal management options on reef services. This scenario-based approach will allow managers to work with communities to determine site-specific management actions aimed at improving ecosystem service flows. This approach can promote adaptive management by accounting for critical linkages and feedbacks connecting people and reefs. (76) Valuing ecosystem services through the eyes of the beneficiaries. Gan Jin*, Ken Bagstad, and Kirsten Oleson. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, U.S. Geological Survey. Coral reefs provide numerous ecosystem goods and services that benefit society and which society values, including food, shoreline protection, and opportunities for recreation or cultural practices. This research assesses ecosystem goods and services provided by coral reefs by specifically focusing on fisheries, coastal protection, recreation, tourism, and cultural practices. We identify distinct user groups, map the service flow paths, quantify the service flow, and capture specific user group preferences by applying novel valuation methods. We also quantify and distinguish between theoretical service provisioning capacity and actual service flow.The platform we employ is Artificial Intelligence for Ecosystem Services (ARIES), which draws on Bayesian belief models of provisioning and usage of the targeted ecosystem services. When appropriate, we monetize the benefits using locally appropriate economic valuation techniques. Managers can use our results to identify high value sources of ecosystem services, trace the flow of services, examine equity implications of management decisions, assess the portion of total services being used, or estimate the economic benefit of management actions. This presentation will describe the valuation approach and present preliminary diagrams of service sources, flows, and beneficiaries for West Maui. We will also discuss appropriate non-market valuation studies planned.

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(77) An Evaluation of Long-term Consistency of Satellite-measured Vegetation Greenness for Climate Change Studies. Anna Kato* and Tomoaki Miura. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Vegetation greenness time series data acquired from polar-orbiting satellite sensors such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) is essential to advance our understanding of ecosystem responses to changing climate in regional to global scales. While a number of studies examined the quality and consistency of satellite greenness measures, their analyses were often limited in spatial and/or temporal extents. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the ability of MODIS vegetation greenness measure to capture inter-annual variability of vegetation growth by comparing their time series data with those obtained at a network of ground observation station distributed across a range of biomes in North America. The inter-annual change in vegetation seasonal developments captured in MODIS and ground time series data were compared well. In particular, MODIS captured year-to-year changes reasonably in the timing of the start and end of growing season for cropland, deciduous broadleaf forest, dry grassland, and woody savanna sites. The results of this study indicated the potential of MODIS vegetation greenness time series data to detect “climate signals” in larger scale. (78) Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic UGTs via DNA Methylation Varies by Ethnicity. Steffen G. Oeser*, Abby C. Collier, and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are an important family of drug, chemical, and hormone metabolizing enzymes that are dynamically responsive to genetic and environmental influences. The primary site of activity for these enzymes in the human body is the liver. Little is known about how UGTs may be impacted by obesity, but we have previously shown that activity and the liver’s capacity to clear compounds by UGT are impaired in adults with increasing obesity. Herein we examine whether epigenetic modifications regulated reduced glucuronidation in obesity. Results indicate that while methylation is not directly modified by obesity, it is modified according to ethnicity. These results elucidate a new potential regulatory mechanism for UGTs that may explain variability in chemical detoxification and drug metabolism between different ethnicities in a mixed population.

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(79) Comparative analysis of farmer preferences before and after practicing conservation agriculture in Odisha, India: using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Aliza Pradhan*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, and Cynthia Lai. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Long term adoption of a technology depends on farmer’s willingness to try it for them. A positive change in their understanding can occur only when they themselves practice and realize the net benefit. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a method used in this study to find out farmer’s preference of a new technology and why. The study site is in Kendujhar, India where three tribal village farmers were asked regarding their preferences for conservation agriculture (CA) practices versus current practice. The CA introduced to a maize-based system followed by mustard, is minimum tillage intercropping with legumes. Farmer preferences data were collected in March 2010, after they were presented with the costs and benefits of CA and again, after they practiced CA on their farms in June 2013. This study focuses on the comparison of farmer preferences before adopting conservation agriculture and after its two years of field trials. Results reveal that farmers prefer the best CA practice presented to them which is minimum tillage-intercrop with cowpea with soil quality as the most important reason while it was conventional tillage-intercrop with yield as the primary reason before they experimented with CA. Farmers who experience the benefits of CA can assist in communicating to other farmers for rapid scale-up. (80) Evaluation of spathe pH for transformation of novel color in anthurium. Peter J. Toves*, Maureen M.M. Fitch, Xiaoling He, Richard A. Criley, Cathy R. Martin, and Teresita D. Amore. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, John Innes Center, Norwich, UK.

Anthuriums rank among the highest in economic value for cut flowers in the Hawaiian floriculture industry. The major colors include red, orange, pink, white, and green. Efforts to expand the color palate of anthuriums will help to keep the industry competitive in the global market. Genetic engineering of anthuriums to express anthocyanins in the delphinidin pathway is of interest to create novel, blue colored spathes. A vacuolar pH greater than 5.0 is one of the requirements for the production of blue flowers. Fifty seven anthurium hybrids were evaluated for spathe pH and color to determine potential candidates for transformation. Variation in pH of varieties within each color category was observed, with green having a pH range of 5.96 to 6.25, purple 5.21 to 6.19, coral 5.20 to 6.05, white 5.53 to 6.04, pink 5.39 to 6.04, and red 5.20 to 5.66. Anthurium hybrids with higher pH values in each of the color categories are potential candidates for color engineering of blue spathes.

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(81) Molecular Analysis of Marine Microbial Biofilm Communities in Waters around Oahu. Yong Hoon Yoo*, David Spafford, Anne M. Alvarez, and Celia M. Smith. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Department of Botany. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) and subsequent DNA sequencing analysis were used to examine marine biofilm communities from three sites on O‘ahu, which have elevated nutrients (Ala Wai Canal) and/or invasive alien algae (Waikiki Natatorium and Paiko reef mudflat). A control site without elevated nutrients or invasive algae was also studied (sandy substrate within Hawaii Kai seagrass bed). The results showed that 57 different fragments via analysis of patterns of 16S rDNA that were detected from the four sites. The compositions of microbial communities from the impacted Paiko site were clearly distinguished from the control site with only 12.8% similarity. In contrast, microbial communities from Waikiki and Ala Wai Canal sites were distinguished from the control site with 31.9% similarity. The results strongly indicate microbial communities are distinct among the study sites. Further DNA sequence analysis based on the excised DGGE bands yielded 8 distinct DGGE fragments that were identified. Results of DNA sequence analysis identified Shewanella denitrificans OS217 at the Control site, Vibrio vulnificus CMCP6 from the Ala Wai Canal, and Pseudomonas mendocina ymp from the Waikiki Natatorium region. These results indicate that the microbial community can have pathologens; this finding may have serious public health and ecological implications. (82) Evaluation of Postharvest Life of cut Oncidium flowers. Lin Chen*, Wei Liu, Kenneth Leonhardt, and Hye-Ji Kim. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China. Oncidium intergenerics are popular potted flowering plants for showy flowers and diverse color variations. Despite the huge availability of intergenetic hybrids, only a few varieties of Oncidiums have been used as cut flowers. This study was conducted to investigate postharvest life of four Oncidium cultivars: Wilsonara Pacific Passage ‘Peach Cobbler’, Wilsonara Red Stars ‘Rooster’, Miltonidium Goliath’s Spire ‘Mauna Loa’, and Wilsonara Pacific Passage ‘Handsome’. Propagules of Oncidium varieties were obtained from a commercial orchid nursery, planted in a 4 inch pot, and were placed in a shade house at Magoon Research and Instruction Facility. Flower spikes were harvested at marketing stage, and vase life was determined at a simulated consumer environment (SCE). The changes in fresh weight and water uptake were also recorded every other day. Vase life of Oncidium cultivars ranged from 11 days to 15 days, but there was no significant difference among the cultivar. Fresh weight of all the cultivars decreased rapidly within a couple of days at SCE and decreased gradually over time. Rapid loss of initial fresh weight was associated with higher water uptake, followed by steady water uptake with gradual decrease in fresh weight. Our results suggested that initial water uptake and weight loss pattern may play a determining role in postharvest life of Oncidium cut flowers. More observations should be made to clarify the interactions among these factors.

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(83) Roaming Dogs and Their Effect on Community Physical and Psychological Health. Geneva Graef* and Ashley Stokes. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. In 2010 a study in American Samoa by Don Vargo, Ph.D., revealed through surveys of American Samoan adolescents and hospital records attacks by roaming dogs posed serious physical and psychological barriers to the community. A similar study conducted by “Dwyer, JP, and TS Douglas” (2007) in South Africa showed a significant percentage of reported injuries from dog bites were in children. The study noted though dog attack injuries are preventable they are appallingly common. Based on the aforementioned studies conducted in American Samoa and South Africa, a connection has been made between dogs, decreased physical activity, and obesity. By addressing these issues head on, Palau (another island country near Pohnpei) assembled Palau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a group of dedicated individuals working to protect the people and the animals. This project was meant to start similar projects in Pohnpei, Micronesia by assembling meetings and using surveys to assess general attitude and possible solutions to the roaming dog problem. Political leaders and chiefs attended these summit meets and the surveys were administered pre- and post-meeting to determine effectiveness of the gathering and identify potential issues that may have been missed previously. The inaccessibility of hospital records regarding dog-bite cases made the surveys an important component of the study. Attendance of political leaders and chiefs brought attention to the importance of the topic. The meetings assessed the main physical and psychological concerns of the roaming dogs, identified solutions, and outlined goals to be pursued in the future. (84) Transforming the “old poi” into a modern food: a shelf-stable probiotic yogurt alternative. E. Iseke*, C.N. Lee, and Yong Li. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Increasing demand for healthy foods provides an opportunity for research and development of probiotic poi yogurts. Poi is naturally easy to digest, gluten and lactose free. This food contains many indigenous bacteria that are very active in fermentation causing it to sour within hours. Poi undergoes a high extent of retrogradation over time, especially under refrigeration, causing it to solidify into a rubbery texture. The objectives of this project were to: a) achieve a viscosity in poi that is similar to yogurts in the market place at 4ºC, b) eliminate indigenous bacteria present in poi, and c) change the poi environment to ensure a good growth medium for desired lactic acid bacteria, more specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Various dilutions were prepared using different concentrations of poi to water; the viscosity of diluted poi was measured with a viscometer over two weeks of refrigeration. The most promising dilution seemed to be the 1 part poi to 1.5 parts water, which yielded a viscosity of 16,000cP after 2 weeks. This is very similar to that of yogurt (~14,000cP). Pressure cooking at 121˚C for 5 minutes completely eliminated the indigenous bacteria with little alteration to the quality attributes of the poi. The LGG number in the cooked poi increased from 6.0 logCFU/ml to 8.3 logCFU/ml in 36 h. Current efforts are centered on pH and viscosity measurements and LGG quantification of the poi yogurt during refrigeration. Marketability via sensory evaluation and packaging vectors will be explored. The impact of this study would transform the old poi into a shelf-stable probiotic food.

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(85) Control of Radopholus similis in Anthurium with Spinosad, Spirotetramat, and Thiophanate-methyl. Yumi Stephens* and Brent Sipes. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Radopholus similis, the burrowing nematode, is an endoparasitic migratory nematode that has a host range of over 350 plant species. R. similis is economically important in Hawaii as the cause of anthurium decline. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the efficacy of spinosad, spirotetramat, and thiophanate-methyl for the control of burrowing nematodes in anthurium. Anthurium plants were weighed, transplanted into 15-cm-diameter clay pots filled with cinders and inoculated with 3000 R. similis. Six months later, treatments of 0.02 ml spinosad/50 ml water, 0.04 ml spirotetramat/50 ml water, 0.02 ml thiophanate-methyl/50 ml water, or water were applied to the leaves of the plants. Two months later, leaf number and leaf area of the youngest mature leaf were recorded. The average number of leaves on uninoculated plants treated with spinosad, spirotetramat, thiophanate-methyl, or water was 9, 10, 9, and 10, respectively. The average number of leaves on inoculated plants treated with spinosad, spirotetramat, thiophanate-metyl, or water was 11, 9, 11, and 9, respectively. The average leaf area for uninoculated plants treated with spinosad, spirotetramat, thiophanate-methyl, or water was 90.6, 101.2, 96.9, and 77.5 cm!, respectively. The average leaf area for the inoculated plants treated with spinosad, spirotetramat, thiophanate-methyl, or water was 91.7, 84.5, 76.2, and 92.5 cm!, respectively. Anthurium treated with spinosad, thiophanate-methyl, spirotetramat, or water increased in weight 16.6, 16, 17.3, and 14.4 fold whereas those inoculated increased 16.4, 14, 14, and 15-fold, respectively. Spinosad consistently demonstrates control of nematode damage in anthurium, and maybe a treatment option for commercial growers. (86) Effects of Fountain Grass and Ungulate Fencing on the Health and Natural Regeneration of Wiliwili Trees. Matthew A. Sylva* and Leyla V. Kaufman. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Invasive species are a serious issue across the world because of the economic and environmental costs involved in managing them. Weeds, as many invasive plant species are known, strain native or crop species by effectively outcompeting them for soil nutrients, water, and other resources. Weeds pose a serious threat to the health of ecosystems as compounding detrimental factors; adding to the strain caused by invasive animals, habitat loss/alteration, and natural phenomena such as drought and fire. Biological control of insects and habitat protection are often used to address these issues. How can the safe removal of weeds affect the health and natural regeneration rate of plant species in an area already employing biological controls and habitat protection? This work is a case study of the effect that the removal of invasive weed species can have on the health and natural regeneration rate of Wiliwili trees (Erythrina sandwicensis) with a focus on the invasive fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides). The experiment also tested the difference between trees protected by fencing and those exposed in the wild. Data was collected from the population at Waikoloa, HI on Hawai‘i Island. Data was collected regularly from June 2013 through March 2014 at 4-5 week intervals. Effects of weed removal and ungulate fencing were determined by measuring the growth rate of branches, flower count, gall formations & seed set. Regeneration rates were taken by counting seedlings. Data trends support differences between treatment types.

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(87) Characterization of the expression patterns of three novel protein disulfide isomerases in Arabidopsis thaliana. Katharine Wong*, Christen Y.L. Yuen, Kristie O. Matsumoto, and David A. Christopher. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. For proteins to properly carry out their functions, they must be folded correctly. Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) assist protein folding by catalyzing the formation and/or rearrangement of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues in newly-synthesized polypeptides. The goal of the project is to characterize the expression patterns of three PDI genes in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. The Arabidopsis PDI family consists of 13 members, the majority of which are found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), possess two catalytic domains, but lack transmembrane domains. In contrast, AtPDI7, AtPDI12 and AtPDI13 are unusual PDIs because they are primarily located at the Golgi apparatus, and possess two transmembrane domains and only one catalytic domain. Using the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter system, these three PDI genes were determined to have distinct tissue-regulated expression patterns. The AtPDI7 promoter was primarily active in developing tissues, while the AtPDI12 promoter was active in pollen, stipules, developing seeds, and the vasculature of roots and leaves. The AtPDI13 promoter activity was restricted to pollen and stipules. Interestingly, the AtPDI12 promoter was also inducible at the root tip by the plant hormone, auxin. The variable GUS staining patterns imply that there may be partial functional divergence between AtPDI7, AtPDI12, and AtPDI13. Further characterization of the tissue-specific expression of these PDIs would contribute in the understanding of how the different members of the PDI family each contribute to the process of protein folding in organisms. (88) “ChairActive”: An active computing system to help combat sedentary work environments. Scott Cumming, Christian Damo*, Kenny Luong*, Joshua Rivera*, and Aaron Ohta. Department of Electrical Engineering. Objective: The project objective is to design and build a system, spanning both hardware and software, which encourages office employees to be more active during working hours as well as educate them about proper ergonomics and lifestyle choices. Methods: An array of pressure and proximity sensors are embedded into a chair cover. Along with a clip-on device with an accelerometer, the system can monitor movements of an employee when the system’s software prompts him/her to perform an exercise. At particular times throughout the day, the system will “block” the user from using the computer. During this time, the user is encouraged to complete a particular exercise regimen. Progress is monitored through the chair and clip-on sensors until certain criteria are met. Once this is accomplished, the software will then “unblock” the computer, allowing the user to resume work. Various metrics are saved on a cloud server for further analysis, as well as allowing the user to track their individual progress and compare their progress against other users. Conclusions: In conclusion, a prototype has been made by implementing various subsystems in order to successfully create a system that monitors and encourages employees to lead a more active work lifestyle. Impact and Significance: This project can: 1) allow large corporations that utilize this system with their work force to potentially save money in healthcare fees, 2) endow researchers and scientists a useful tool in studying the behavior of the users to find new ways to combat “sedentary work lifestyles”, and 3) educate the end user on the importance of proper exercise and ergonomics to attain a healthier life.

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(89) Electromagnetic torque rods to control a small satellite for Hawaii Space Flight Lab. Devin Kamita*, Morgan Roman, and Cody Smith. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Satellites are an essential part of modern society. From global communications to advanced research and everything in between satellites have a huge impact on how we live today. However, a satellite would be useless if it could not be properly oriented while it is in orbit and that can be difficult to do in the frictionless environment of space. There are several known ways of controlling a satellites orientation while it is in orbit: thrusters, reaction wheels, and torque rods. Torque rods are an excellent choice for an attitude control system for a small satellite. When switched on, torque rods create a magnetic field that aligns itself with earth’s magnetic field allowing for the predictable orientation of a satellite based on the position of the torque rod in the satellite. The high cost of commercially available torque rods hinder the ability of small organizations, like Hawaii Space Flight Lab (HSFL), to manufacture satellites. This research presents the design and manufacture of a torque rod(s) that meets HSFL’s specific satellite attitude control requirements at a lower cost than commercially available products. Cheaper satellite components will enable smaller organizations (namely educational organizations) to build, and subsequently perform research with, their own satellites. With an increased number of satellites being built the possibility for innovative ideas also increases, which could lead to major scientific and engineering breakthroughs. (90) ABSTRACT WITHDRAWN

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(91) a-Conotoxin Isomerism: Diversification Through Disulfide Bond Permutations. Chino Cabalteja*, Parashar Thapa, Shaun Kiyabu, Joycelyn Chun, David Sandall, Bruce Livett, and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Biochemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. α-Conotoxins are effective inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) implicated in pain perception, making them ideal resources for pharmaceutical leads. Their characteristic bioactivity is contingent distinct tertiary structures that are stabilized by two disulfide bonds. Permutations of these cysteine connections result in peptide isomers with differing degrees of bioactivity. This study investigates the synthetic conotoxin Vi1.1 derived from the native post-translationally modified α-conotoxin ViI from the vermivorous cone snail Conus virgo. Vi1.1 was assembled by fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl solid phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc-SPPS) and randomly oxidized for assessment of isomer formation. Additional Fmoc-SPPS was undertaken for two variants of Vi1.1, Vi1.1-A and Vi1.1-B representing the ribbon and globular isomers correspondingly. Coelution of the three peptides by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) suggests that the major products formed by random oxidation of Vi1.1 are the globular and ribbon isomers. The ribbon represents a variant not found in nature. When subjected to a bovine chromaffin cell assay, Vi1.1-A showed a degree of nAChR inhibition, demonstrating biological activity in a non-native α-conotoxin form. Given that most conotoxin bioengineering have only dealt with native globular forms, this finding effectively increases the amount of conotoxin scaffolds that can be utilized for the bioengineering of pharmaceutical agents. This work was sponsored by SEED Graduate Professional Access Program through grant# (MCB-0958107/David Christopher, PhD) NSF. (92) The concentration of K from invasive seaweed (Eucheuma spp.) when used as a soil amendment in two Hawaiian Soils. Jeana Cadby*, Theodore Radovich, Robert Paull, Nguyen Hue, and Amjad Ahmad. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Some invasive seaweed species, identified through on-going efforts to clean up Hawaii’s shores, show potential for use as a locally available organic soil amendment (18% K). Incorporated soil applications of K in the form of dehydrated invasive seaweed may provide benefits for improving crop yield, quality, and post harvest characteristics, as well as mitigate the disposal of an invasive byproduct. In order to assess K release for plant uptake, twelve leachate columns were constructed to monitor the release of K from Eucheuma spp. applied at 4 different rates. Invasive seaweed collected locally with an underwater vacuum and dried at 65°C for 5 days (to reduce seaweed viability and minimize risks of spreading on new shores) were applied to an Oxisol at rates of 0, 60, 120, and 180 lbs/acre K. Deionized water was added at pour volume and leachate was collected at regular intervals for one month. A Cardy meter was used to measure K concentration in the subsamples. The resulting K analysis indicated a steady decline of K availability in all treatments, with the highest and lowest availability the treatments with rates of 180 lbs/acre K and 0 lbs/acre K, respectively. These results indicate that applications of K in the form of invasive algae E. spp are available for plant uptake over time, though at decreasing availability, therefore can be utilized in the field as a viable source of potassium when amending inadequate soils.

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(93) The application of biochar to soils can reduce labile carbon losses and decrease apparent temperature sensitivity. Lauren M. Deem*, Erika Mizokuchi, Susan E. Crow, and Jonathan Deenik. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Global Environmental Science, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Soil amendment with biochar can decrease greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate carbon (C) sequestration in agricultural areas while maintaining or improving crop yields. Biochar is organic matter combusted under low oxygen conditions. Incorporating it into soils promotes soil C sequestration by adding a C-rich, but recalcitrant, amendment. In addition, but less understood, the amount of C respired from soils may also decrease, furthering the value of biochar as a mitigation of greenhouse gas flux. A six-week greenhouse experiment with sweet corn was implemented using four different treatments in an Oxisol soil: soil alone, woodchip based biochar, organic fertilizer (OF), and biochar with OF. Soil samples were collected prior to planting and post harvest, incubated at 16°C, 21°C, and 26°C, and gas sampled for carbon dioxide (CO2) over 49 days to assess labile C and apparent temperature sensitivity. At ambient 21°C, the application of biochar to either the control soil or the control with OF on average resulted in a 76.5% decrease in labile C emissions. Biochar decreased temperature sensitivity in the control soils by 64.0% while it decreased temperature sensitivity of soils amended with OF by 96.2%. Biochar application is one promising solution to both decreasing labile C losses in soils as well as fortifying soils against increasing C losses due to increasing global temperatures. (94) Gamma Irradiation as a Phytosantiay Treatment for Postharvest Rots of Specialty Crops in Hawaii. Mark Dragich*, Janice Uchida, Chris Kadaoka, and Lyle Wong. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Pa’ina Hawaii LLC. Several fungi and oomycetes cause post-harvest rots of specialty crops in Hawaii. The economic importance of two crops, basil and papaya, has made them the foci for these tests. Several plant pathogens causing postharvest rots of papaya fruits have been identified: Phytopthora palmivora, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Phoma species; and three pathogens of basil: a Stemphylium species, an Alterneria species, and Peronospora belbahrii. All of the fungi and oomycetes cause tremendous losses of basil with rots developing in boxes while in transit. We aimed to establish the eradication rate for these organisms by gamma irradiation and to determine if this is a feasible phytosanitary treatment for infected crops. In preliminary studies, Phytopthora palmivora can be completely eradicated at the maximum legal dose 1 kgry. This was established by exposing sporangia and mycelium to gamma irradiation for approx. 30 minutes to reach 1kgry of absorbed dose. This is excellent, since papaya fruit have been reported to be able to tolerate 6-7 kgry. All of the other organisms tested for were treated at 4 kgry and were able to survive. The next steps of this research are to establish treatment doses which basil can tolerate, and to determine if any of the rot causing organisms on basil can be eliminated at higher doses.

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(95) Assessing migratory bird use of urban forest stopover sites. Rachel Fukumoto* and Christopher Lepczyk. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Migratory birds use stopover habitats to replenish depleted energy stores, and are necessary in successful and well-timed migrations. However, stopover habitats are not well understood, particularly in urban areas. As a result, the Milwaukee BIOME Project (Biodiversity Monitoring and Education) was established to monitor migratory bird use of stopover habitat, in an urban matrix. Specifically, the objectives of the Milwaukee BIOME Project are to: 1) review habitat use and quality in urban forests of differing management approaches, and 2) assess habitat use by migratory bird species. A total of eight parks that vary in distance from Lake Michigan and in management were investigated during spring and fall migration from 2007 to 2011. Over these five years, we conducted point counts of birds and vegetation sampling in each park. Data were evaluated using parametric statistics in JMP software. The results of the analysis showed differentiation of species richness and species abundance across the different parks. The findings in our results will assist in future research projects in the greater Milwaukee area, and will provide information about the potential significance that urban parks have as stopover habitat for migratory birds. (96) Increasing awareness of and education about bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, as a public health issue in Hawai’i. Elizabeth Gerardo* and Helen Spafford. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are a severe public health issue, impacting those affected financially, physically and emotionally. Methods to eradicate an existing bed bug infestation are difficult and costly. The recent large-scale dispersal of bed bugs has received considerable attention, prompting numerous sources to report on the upward trend and its consequences. Humans, many unknowingly, represent a major contributor to the resurgence in bed bug infestations due to our faster and more frequent worldwide mobility, especially in tourism. This study sought to provide evidence of the lack of knowledge and ability to identify bed bugs in Hawaii. Efforts were also focused on raising the self-efficacy among the adult population in Hawaii on the topic of bed bugs. The need for education was determined by conducting an identification survey to the general adult population in Hawaii. Educational seminars were given promoting awareness of bed bug reemergence and how to reduce their spread. A hands-on exercise was provided to engage members in the form of experiential learning, a method proven effective in adult education. Accurate identification of an adult bed bug in a vial was only 30%, justifying the need for education. 66% of respondents reported an increase in their ability to identify and 76% increased in knowledge of bed bugs after attending the educational seminar, while the searching participants exhibited an increase in searching time. Providing education is a cost-effective primary prevention measure to help combat the spread of bed bugs by educating the “unknowing” population that contributes toward their dispersal.

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(97) SCUBA diver environmental perceptions, preferences, and willingness to contribute to conservation actions in Guam. Shanna Grafeld*, Kirsten Oleson, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, and Mariska Weijerman. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystem Division. The market value of reef fish can be easily observed, however nonmarket uses such as viewing by recreational SCUBA divers are more difficult to quantify and include in management decisions. We surveyed 220 SCUBA divers in Guam in August 2013 (26% local divers, 74% tourist divers) to determine diver environmental perceptions, coral reef ecological preferences, and willingness to contribute financially to conservation efforts. Our results find that divers can be split into two groups based on environmental preferences, with 58% holding stronger environmental preferences and 42% exhibiting weaker environmental preferences. Divers are most strongly split on their willingness to see sharks. We also find that divers are willing to contribute a mean of $10 (+/- $5) to runoff reduction projects in Guam. This quantification of economic benefits of improved reef conditions can provide leverage for conservation actions, and indicates that SCUBA divers may be willing partners for conservation initiatives in Guam. (98) Using GIS to Evaluate Agricultural Land Suitability in Hawaii and the Impacts of Regional Climate Change. Jacob Gross*, Tomoaki Muira, Jonathan Deenik, John Yanagida, and Kevin Hamilton. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, International Pacific Research Center. A major component of sustainable resource management involves working within the limitations of a given ecosystem. Spatially matching crop requirements with the limiting factors of the natural environment can provide important base-line maps with which to evaluate location suitability. Crops well-suited to their growing location will require less agricultural inputs and modifications to the environment than those less suited. Spatially evaluating crop suitability is particularly relevant in Hawai’i where large differences in environmental factors occur over relatively short distances. Crop suitability maps for both current and future climate conditions illustrate how growing conditions are predicted to change and provide site-specific data for resource management planning. Environmental datasets (e.g. soil properties, rainfall, temperature) for the Island of Hawai’i were compared to the ecological requirements of selected crops using a geographic information system (GIS). Fuzzy sets were utilized to numerically rate the level of compatibility between the environmental data and the crop requirements for a given site. Future environmental conditions were projected using a downscaled regional climate change model for the Hawaiian Islands. Preliminary results suggest a slight decline in future coffee crop suitability at locations where coffee is currently grown while other agricultural areas resulted in increased coffee suitability.

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(99) Coupling solar photocatalytic oxidation process and biological treatment for endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater and water. Jihyun R. Kim*, Michelle Chu, Allie Kim, Jon-Paul Bingham, and Eunsung Kan. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Combination of solar light-driven photocatalytic pretreatment with subsequent biodegradation demonstrates high potential for treating wastewater containing endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs are either naturally occurring or synthetic substance that interfere with endocrine systems resulting in unnatural responses. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are used widely for the removal of organic pollutants including EDCs not treated by conventional techniques owing to their high chemical stability and/or low biodegradability. Although AOPs for complete mineralization is usually costly, its combination with biological treatment can reduce operating costs and achieve complete mineralization of organic pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA), a representative endocrine disruptor, was carried out in aqueous suspension using carbon supported TiO2 catalyst under solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic pre-treatment led to partial oxidation of biologically persistent part of BPA to produce biodegradable products. Subsequently, the oxidative products of BPA were completely degraded by bacteria isolated from different soils on Manoa campus. The solar photocatalytic degradation of BPA showed the high removal of BPA (i.e., 80-100%) and its oxidative products (i.e., 40-80%) while the following biodegradation resulted in complete degradation of BPA and its products. On the basis of these results, combination of solar photocatalytic pre-treatment followed by biodegradation could be a sustainable technology for the remediation of biorecalcitrant and emerging contaminants-containing wastewater. (100) Phylogenetics and Conservation of the Hawaiian Helicinidae. Kelley Leung*, Norine W. Yeung, and Kenneth A. Hayes. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Department of Biology, Howard University. Nearly all of Hawaii’s 750+ recognized species of land snails are endemic, but invasive species and habitat loss have contributed to the extinction of up to 90% of these taxa. Planning effective conservation management for the remaining taxa requires knowledge of their systematics and conservation status. The Helicinidae, are a highly threatened, evolutionarily ancient and globally distributed family among the 10 land snail families represented in Hawaii. Hawaiian helicinids have not been monographed in over eighty years and the status of the 14 recognized species in two genera (Pleuropoma, Orobophana) have not been evaluated since. To address this gap in knowledge of the Hawaiian taxa we surveyed 510 sites on 6 of the main Hawaiian Islands, recording helicinids from 7 populations. Using mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (28S) DNA sequences from 73 specimens we reconstructed the phylogeny for extant taxa, recovering 5 monophyletic lineages. Hawaiian helicinids were originally found throughout the main islands, yet we recovered only 5 species from only 2 islands, Oahu and Kauai, indicating a severe range reduction. Our results also recovered evidence of cryptic species, indicating that diversity loss is greater than initially estimated. Phylogenetic analyses reveal Oahu lineages basal to those on Kauai, illustrating a lack of adherence to the progression rule where basal lineages are on older islands. These data indicate a need for taxonomic revision and additional surveys. They will also provide an updated framework for understanding Hawaiian Helicinidae biodiversity and developing conservation strategies.

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(101) Polyploid Initiation in Hawaii Tree Species. David Lingenfelser* and Ken Leonhardt. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. In Hawaii, many plant species commonly used by landscapers yield abundant large fruits that can injure people/property, attract rats and other pests, create an unsightly appearance and potentially become invasive. Sterile forms of these landscaping plants would eliminate their high-maintenance and invasive characteristics. Polyploid forms of plants, particularly triploids, are often sterile. Autotetraploids also frequently display some degree of sterility. In addition, polyploids typically exhibit unique physical characteristics such as thicker leaves, larger organs, and higher levels of chemical compounds. A project was initiated to create tetraploid forms of eight commonly utilized species of trees: Thespesia populnea, Calophyllum inophyllum, Clusia rosea, Schefflera actinophylla, Heritiera littoralis, Jatropha curcas, Plumeria Stenopetala, and Erythrina sandwicensis. Various concentrations of the dinitroaniline herbicide, Oryzalin (ranging from 0.01% to 0.5%) were applied to seedling meristems in vivo. Following a period of vegetative growth, the seedlings were tested for higher ploidy levels. Multiple autotetraploids and mixoploids have been identified using guard cell measurements and flow cytometry. (102) Thyroid, adrenal, and leptin activity in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in response to thyroid stimulating hormone administered in different seasons. Kendall L. Mashburn*, Douglas L. Vincent, James Carpenter, and Shannon Atkinson. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. To assess seasonal influences on thyroid function in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus; SSL), three adult, reproductively intact SSLs (1 male, 2 female) were physiologically challenged using thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in each of two seasons, summer and winter. A sham challenge was also conducted as a reference for thyroid activity. Serial blood samples over the course of both challenges were assayed for four forms of thyroid hormone: total and free triiodothyronine (TT3 and FT3); total and free thyroxine (TT4 and FT4), as well as for cortisol and leptin. All animals exhibited enhanced thyroid activity post-TSH administration with no clear seasonal or gender differences. Mean concentration changes indicated that, while thyroid activity in response to TSH for all four thyroid hormones in summer was significant, only concentration changes in FT3 in winter did not significantly differ from the sham challenge. Mean cortisol and leptin responses differed significantly by season (P=0.001; P=.002, respectively). Percent change from time 0 at peak (206.16% ± 112.73 %; 135 minutes post-TSH) were significantly different only in winter for cortisol (P= 0.039). In summer, cortisol decreased below baseline, reaching a mean nadir at 105 minutes (range -32.0% to - 65.0%; mean -38.3 ± 3.78% ). Summer cortisol exhibited a low degree of individual variability in comparison to winter. Similarly, leptin in summer also exhibited an overall negative trend and reached nadir at 120 minutes (-10.24 ± 9.4%) while winter concentrations maintained a positive trend with a peak at 135 minutes post-TSH (33.49 ± 15.47%). This suggests that TSH may serve a permissive role in cortisol and perhaps leptin activity during the winter. Conversely, TSH may serve a negative feedback role in the summer in SSLs, reducing potential negative actions of cortisol on reproduction, metabolism and lipolytic functions of leptin. FT3 is considered the most biologically active form of thyroid hormone in mammals. The lack of FT3 response in the winter may represent an attempt to conserve resources during winter months.

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(103) Economic valuation of characteristics of Oahu’s beaches. Marcus Peng*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, Regina Ostergaard-Klem, and Kirsten Oleson. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Global Leadership and Sustainable Development, Hawaii Pacific University. This study estimates the economic value of Oahu’s beaches and coastal areas for recreational use. We quantify the willingness to pay of recreationalists using non-market valuation methods collected through surveys. The survey will make use of three non-market valuation methods: contingent valuation, choice experiment, and travel cost. They evaluate willingness to pay for individual beach traits such as water quality, clarity, fish, and coral reef cover. Results will be compared and contrasted between methodologies for validation. End product informs policy by putting a price on natural resources that have a zero price in conventional marketed transactions. (104) A Custom GPS Recording System for Improving Operational Performance of Aerially-Deployed Herbicide Ballistic Technology. Roberto Rodriguez III*, Daniel M. Jenkins, James J.K. Leary, and Brooke V. Mahnken. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) is an electro-pneumatic delivery system designed for administering 17.3 mm herbicide-filled projectiles (e.g. paintballs) to visually-acquired weed targets. Currently, HBT is being deployed from a Hughes 500D helicopter platform in aerial surveillance operations to eliminate satellite populations of an invasive weed (Miconia calvescens) in remote watershed areas of East Maui (Hawaii, USA). Coordination and analysis of control operations require that the site of each HBT application be recorded with a handheld GPS data logger. This independent step, though critically important, adds significant time to the target acquisition process where flight time is extremely limited. Furthermore, herbicide use rates are calculated post-operation by rudimentary mean estimation of bulk projectile consumption relative to the number of recorded targets. In an effort to improve operations, we have integrated GPS and other sensors directly into the electro-pneumatic device for instantaneously recording time, origin, and trajectory of each projectile discharged. These data are transmitted wirelessly to a custom android application that displays target information in real-time both textually and on a map. The application also records data into a comma delimited file so that it can easily be recalled for map display, or exported to other software such as for conducting additional GIS analysis. These improved features make data collection a seamless part of the operation, facilitate logistics of applying airborne HBT, and improve our interpretations of operational HBT performance with more statistically robust measures of herbicide use rate and time-on-target. To view HBT in action please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=988i6SQKSzY.

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(105) Naturally occurring host resistance to Banana bunchy top virus. Gabriel Sachter-Smith* and Richard Manshardt. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is the most serious disease of banana in Hawaii today. It is vectored by the banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa, and both of Hawaii’s main commercial banana cultivars, the Cavendish clone ‘Williams’ and the Pome clone ‘Dwarf Brazilian’, are susceptible. Our objectives are to screen a diverse collection of banana germplasm in the field to determine whether commercially acceptable levels of tolerance (ability to produce a profitable crop in spite of susceptibility to BBTV) can be identified, as well as in the greenhouse to determine whether true resistant genotypes exist. A collection of 43 genotypes was assembled, including clones that are representative of the major genomic groups of edible, as well as related wild species. Six replicates of each clone were planted at the Waimanalo Experiment Station in March 2012. The planting has been exposed to natural populations of virus-vectoring aphids since it was established, as well as viruliferous aphids that were intentionally introduced into the field during establishment. As of March 2014, 11 clones show no BBTV symptoms on any of the plants, 17 clones have a BBTV symptom incidence of 50% or greater, and the rest show less than 50% symptom incidence. Clones which show no or low symptom incidence will be re-inoculated under greenhouse conditions. (106) Tubers can be used as alternative feedstuffs for swine feeding in Hawaii. Utsav P. Tiwari*, Amit K. Singh, Halina M. Zaleski, and Rajesh Jha. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. No local grain-based diet is produced in Hawaii. About 7100 tons of compound feed are imported annually. To assure the sustainability of swine production in Hawaii, where traditional feed ingredients cannot be grown economically, alternative feeding systems have to be studied and developed. Tubers are rich in starch and have potential as an alternative energy source. However, limited information on their nutritional value and digestibility limits their use in routine swine feeding. Five tuber samples grown in Hawaii [sweet potato-2, purple sweet potato (PSP) and Okinawan sweet potato (OSP), Dioscorea alata yam (Yam), Taro and Cassava] were analyzed for their nutrient profile. In vitro digestibility was determined using a 3-step enzymatic assay, which mimics the digestion in the total gastrointestinal tract of swine. On DM basis, gross energy ranged from 3332 (Taro) to 4272 (Yam) kcal/kg, sweet potatoes and cassava PSP- 4137, OSP- 4157, and Cassava- 4196). CP ranged from 3.4% (Cassava) to 13.6 (Taro), ether extract from 2.8% (PSP) to 14.5 (Cassava), ADF from 5.7% (PSP) to 10.4 (Taro), NDF from 8.0% (PSP) to 11.5 (taro), ash from 2.0% (PSP) to 3.8 (Taro). In vitro DM digestibility of PSP (87.4%), OSP (87.1%) and Cassava (82.3%) was significantly higher (P˂0.05) than Yam (30.0%), while that of Taro was in between (66.0%). In conclusion, both sweet potato and cassava are rich in energy content with high digestibility and can be used as an alternative source of energy in swine diets, but protein needs to be supplemented, as these tubers are low in protein. Keywords: In vitro digestibility, tubers, swine

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(107) West Nile Virus Infection and Expression of Viral Proteins Initiates Disassembly of Golgi Apparatus. Alanna Tseng*, Pakieli H. Kaufusi, and Vivek R. Nerurkar. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Tropical Medicine. Background: Cells infected with positive RNA viruses disrupt the Golgi apparatus, leading to inhibition of protein secretion. Neither the fate of the Golgi complex nor the inhibition of protein secretion during West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been determined. Materials and Methods: We examined the redistribution of two markers: ER Golgi intermediate compartment-53 (ERGIC), a lectin-type membrane protein that continuously recycles between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ERGIC and the cis-Golgi, and trans-Golgi network-46 (TGN46), a glycoprotein localized primarily in the trans-Golgi network, during WNV infection at 24 hr. Results: Ultrastructural and fluorescence analyses revealed fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus and swollen ER leading to the uncharacteristic distribution of both small and large vesicles throughout the cell during infection. Transient expression of the viral protein NS1, a glycoprotein that is secreted into the extracellular space, in HEK293 cells also causes the fragmentation of the Golgi complex by a process preceding the accumulation of the NS1 protein in the Golgi apparatus. Expression of the viral protein NS4B, a membrane associated protein, initiates swelling of the ER that leads to accumulation of fragmented ER-derived structures at the ultrastructural level. Conclusions: The swelling of the ER and the Golgi disassembly defined by ERGIC53 and TGN46 markers, argues that ER-to-Golgi traffic is blocked either at the step of vesicle formation or budding from the ER. Understanding the mechanisms by which viral proteins subvert cellular membrane systems will provide insight into immune evasion by the virus and will also be crucial for the anti-viral drug design for the treatment of WNV infection. (108) Nano-based Multi-junction Biosensor for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens. Kara Yamada*, Won Choi, and Soojin Jun. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Rapid and reliable detection tools capable of multi-analyte screening are urgently needed to improve food safety. Nano biosensor technology, in particular, single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based sensors, is a promising detection alternative due to SWCNTs’ bio and size compatibility, structural flexibility, and electrical conductivity. In this study, a multi-junction sensor modified with SWCNTs and antibodies was fabricated to detect Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli K-12 as model target microorganisms. Gold-tungsten wires (50 µm Ø) coated with polyethylenimine and SWCNTs were orthogonally aligned to form a 2x2 junction sensing array. Each of the four junctions was functionalized with streptavidin and biotinylated analyte-specific antibodies to allow for enhanced specificity. Changes in electrical current (∆I) after bioaffinity reactions between bacterial cells and antibodies were monitored at each junction to evaluate the sensor’s multiplexing performance. Two junctions were tested with E. coli K-12 and the remaining two with S. aureus. Microscopic images were taken to validate the detection of targeted bacterial cells. Regression analysis of current measurements in response to bacterial detection at individual junctions demonstrated a linear relationship between ∆I and the logarithmic E. coli and S. aureus concentrations in range of 102-105 CFU/ml. ∆I increased as cell concentrations increased, due to an enlarged sensing surface area and deformation of SWCNTs occurring as a result of increased bacterial loading on the bio-nano modified junction surface. Therefore, the integration of SWCNTs into a sensing device has potential to amplify electrochemical reactivity of target biomolecules. The SWCNT-based multi-junction sensor shows promise as an early-warning multiplexed detection device for food and agricultural industries.

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(109) Evaluating the usability of the mobile telephone food record for capturing eating occasions among children ages 3-11 years in Guam. Tanisha Aflague*, Carol J. Boushey, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Ziad Ahmad, and Edward J. Delp. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University. Goal: To determine if children ages 3-10 y could successfully use the mobile telephone food record (mpFR). Objectives: Evaluate 3 defined skill sets for using the mpFR: 1) capture an image of an eating occasion that includes all foods & beverages and the fiducial marker (FM), 2) report willingness to cooperate, and 3) demonstrate responsibility for the device. Methods: Children were recruited from summer camps in Guam. Researchers provided instructions and guidance on managing the mpFR. Children used the mpFR and a FM to capture before & after (B&A) images of at least 1 eating occasion while at camp. After returning the mpFR, children provided feedback. Results: Children (n=63) were recruited from 2 camps. Due to technical errors, images from 5 children were lost; 54 of the 58 were able to take at least 1 pair of B&A images. Majority of children (38/54, 70%) demonstrated the first defined skill set at one eating occasion. Despite the missing images, 61 of the 63 children provided feedback. 55 of 61 respondents (90%) found the mpFR easy to use & the FM easy to carry around and wanted to use the mpFR again. All children (63/63) returned the mpFR undamaged. Conclusion: Given instructions, children 3-10y old can use the mpFR to record their dietary intake. Impact & significance: This is the first study to evaluate the abilities of young children to capture a usable image of an eating occasion. Use of a mobile device may eliminate the bias of surrogate reporting (e.g., parent or caregiver) of children’s food and beverage intake throughout the day. (110) The total economic value of small-scale fisheries with a characterization of post-landing trends: An application in Madagascar with global relevance. Michele Barnes-Mauthe*, Kirsten L.L. Oleson, and Bienvenue Zafindrasilivonona. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. In this study we characterize the post-landing trends of small-scale fisheries resources and estimate their total economic value in a remote rural region in Madagascar. Specifically, we use fisher survey data to construct annual landings of all target species groups and characterize gear and habitat use, post-landing trends, total fishing revenue, total market value, costs and net income, profitability, employment and dependence on small-scale fisheries. Our results show that the small-scale fisheries sector employs 87% of the adult population, generates an average of 82% of all household income, and provides the sole protein source in 99% of all household meals with protein. In 2010 an estimated 5,524 tonnes of fish and invertebrates were extracted annually by small-scale fishers in the region, primarily from coral reef ecosystems, of which 83% was sold commercially, generating fishing revenues of nearly $6.0 million (PPP, 2010). When accounting for the portion of the total catch that was shared and consumed locally, total annual landings had an estimated value of $6.9 million (PPP, 2010). Our results demonstrate the importance of small-scale fisheries for food security, livelihoods, and wealth generation for coastal populations, and highlight the need for long-term management strategies that aim to enhance their ecological and economic sustainability.

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(111) What fruits and vegetables do preschoolers eat? A project of the Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL). M Esquivel* and R Novotny. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Federal food programs have implemented new policy to increase fruit (F) and vegetable (V) consumption in children; however, increased food waste has been observed. This study aims to describe children who consume most or none of the F and V offered at Head Start (HS) lunch and identify F and V most likely to be consumed. Child F and V intake was assessed at one lunch occasion using the observed plate waste method (n=306). Type of F or V provided and proportion remaining on plate (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% or 0%) was recorded. Children were classified as high (0 or 25% F, n=142 or V, n=53 left) or low (100% F, n=113 or V, n=191 left). Observations were used to identify F and V commonly consumed. High F and V intake was observed in 46% and 21% and low in 36% and 66% of children, respectively. No differences were found by age group, sex or ethnicity. Canned peaches, melon, banana, vegetables mixed with main entrees, corn, and mixed broccoli-carrots were most commonly consumed. Canned pears, apples, baked beans, frozen mixed vegetables, coleslaw and tossed salad were least commonly consumed. Less developed small muscle control in preschoolers may prevent them from consuming some F and V. Creative strategies to incorporate vegetables into entrees and to process fruits with minimal added sugar are needed to enhance preschool child F and V consumption and nutrient intake. Findings offer some approaches to increase F and V consumption and decrease food waste in HS. Funding: Grant # 2011-68001-30335 United States Department of Agriculture. (112) Discovery of Three New Species of Fusarium on Orchids in Hawaii. Shikha Srivastava* and Janice Y. Uchida. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Orchids are one of the most important agricultural commodities in the state of Hawaii. A considerable loss of crop occurs due to disease caused by various pathogens including fungi. In general pathogens belonging to genus Fusarium are most common cause of fungal diseases in plants. There is a lack of information about the identification of orchid associated Fusarium that prevents creating of efficient management practices. This study reports the isolation, characterization and identification of six new pathogenic Fusarium species on four common orchid genera of commercial importance. 610 fungal isolates were obtained from 60 plant samples of different varieties of 9 genera and hybrids of orchids showing disease symptoms, collected from different nurseries on Oahu and the Island of Hawaii. Fusarium was found in 78% of isolates and was present in all plant samples. Eleven species of Fusarium associated with orchids were identified by using morphological and molecular characteristics. Pathogenicity assays on different orchids showed six species (F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. poae, F. begoniae and F. circinatum) were pathogenic on Dendrobium and Cymbidium while F. oxysporum was also pathogenic on Miltonia and Cattleya varieties. Three species, F. poae, F. begoniae, and F. circinatum were found for the first time in Hawaii. This study presents identification of Fusarium spp associated with orchids which will aid in development of efficient management options based on Fusarium morphologies and sensitivity to different fungicides.

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(113) Evaluating Hydrologic And Coastal Protection Ecosystem Services Models For Use In Hawaii. Hla Htun* and Kirsten L.L. Oleson. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Management of land, water, and coastal resources has implications for ecosystem services across the land- and seascape. However, it remains difficult to predict how management efforts can maintain and enhance ecosystem goods and services. In west Maui, decision makers are faced with a changing landscape and global climate change that threatens a NOAA priority status coral reef. Changes in the native forest, presence of feral pigs, abandonment of agricultural land, insufficient wastewater management, and removal of natural habitats for coastal development contribute to changes in the ability of the land to retain water, sediment and nutrients, as well as to resist storm-induced erosion and inundation. The West Maui Ridge-to-Reef initiative is actively seeking ways to prioritize management of these land-based stressors. Ecosystem service modeling can enable managers to explore the impacts and trade-offs inherent to managing small yet diverse watersheds. In order to directly link management responses/actions to changes in hydrologic ecosystem services and nearshore reef systems, a modeling framework needs to accurately capture the processes relevant to the hydrologic and coastal systems, and provide managers with spatial and temporal information related to ecosystem services. Here, we assess existing hydrological (both surface and groundwater) and coastal vulnerability model capabilities by comparing and evaluating using specific Hawaii ecosystem services dependent criteria (complexity, ease of use, data availability and required output availability, etc.). Finally, a generalized decision framework would also be developed. (114) Thigmomorphogenesis and disease resistance in Acacia koa. Kazue Ishihara*, Brad Porter, Eric Lee, Isabel Rushanaedy, and Dulal Borthakur. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Acacia koa (koa) is a leguminous timber tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Koa forests have been suffering from wilt and dieback. To protect them, it is crucial to understand how disease resistance is conferred in koa. The objectives of this project were to investigate changes in morphology and gene expression induced by mechanical stimuli (MS) in koa. Based on published reports on thigmomorphogenesis, we hypothesized that some of the touch-induced genes are involved in disease resistance in koa. Koa seedlings were gently bent in four cardinal directions daily for six months, after which morphological alternations were quantified. To identify touch-inducible genes, microarray analysis was designed for the comparison of gene expression in untouched and touched koa seedlings. The results were confirmed using qRT-PCR. Touched plants had significantly increased stem diameter, number of the xylem cells, and anthocyanin content and decreased stem length and leaf size. Microarray data showed that the expression of 63 genes was elevated more than twofold by touch. The most up-regulated genes included disease resistance proteins, ethylene-responsive protein, abscisic acid 8’-hydroxylase, kinases, and several transcription factors and kinases. These results indicate complex kinase signaling and involvement of the stress-related phytohormones ethylene, abscisic acid, and possibly jasmonate in thigmomorphogenesis, suggesting that the touched plants could be more disease resistant. The current work aims to confirm the involvement of the phytohormones and if the touched koa seedlings are more resistant to the wilt-causing fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This project contributes toward identifying biomarkers for selecting disease resistant koa. This research is supported by the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Program.

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(115) The effects of crop maturity and size reduction on the digestibility of energy crop for biomethane production. K.C. Surendra* and Samir K. Khanal. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has attracted much interest as an efficient means of producing biomethane from lignocellulosic crops. The complexity of plant compositions, which vary by crop type and maturity, inhibits the digestibility of biomass and negatively impacts biomethane yields. Harvesting energy crops of appropriate maturity and disrupting the biomass structure through upstream processing (i.e. pretreatments) is one approach to enhance the AD of potential feedstocks. In this study, the size reduction of Pennisetum purpureum (banagrass) was examined. Banagrass at 2, 4, 6, and 8 months old was harvested and passed through a cutting mill for initial size reduction. The samples were then processed by a smaller mill with varying screen sizes of 6mm, 10mm and 20mm. AD of the extruded fibers was conducted in 2-L serum bottles under mesophilic conditions (37±1°C) for 42 days. Biogas production and methane were quantified by a mili-gas counter and micro-gas chromatograph, respectively. For all age groups, biomass passed through a 6mm sieve resulted in higher biogas yields (428.68±4.26, 387.57±3.25, 273.64±3.39, and 198.57±1.70 ml biogas/g volatile solids (VS)) compared to biomass passed through 10mm (398.39±3.44, 337.43±5.00, 223.87±4.13, and 178.15±1.23 ml biogas/g VS) and 20mm sieves (375.25±6.07, 305.02±3.34, 217.33±1.55, and 170.82±1.43 ml biogas/g VS) for 2, 4, 6, and 8 month old biomass, respectively. Similarly, biomass harvested at a younger age resulted in higher biogas yield compared to older ages. Improvements to the AD of lignocellulosic feedstocks can be achieved by harvesting biomass at younger ages and implementing effective upstream size-reduction technologies. (116) Understanding and defining the out-of-school youth entrepreneur: A Mindanao, Philippines, case study. Cynthia Lai*, Catherine Chan-Halbrendt, Domenico Dentoni, and Elma M. Neyra. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Community Education, Research and Extension Administration, Southern Christian College. Since the Millennium Declaration in 2000, entrepreneurship has been seen as a new avenue to build and empower local economies and communities in developing countries, respectively. Therefore, it is imperative that we better understand the influences of individual entrepreneurial potential. However, there is limited knowledge in this field, particularly for vulnerable populations such as unemployed and out-of-school youth. This study aims to conceptualize and understand entrepreneurial potential at the individual and out-of-school youth level (18-24 years) in Mindanao, Philippines, via the University Partnership Linking OSY (Out-of-School Youth) to Agri-Entrepreneurship and Development to promote Job Opportunities and Business Scale-up (UPLOAD JOBS) for Mindanao project (funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Higher Education and Development). Methodology includes performing multivariate analyses based on accumulated survey data investigating OSY entrepreneurial potential as it relates to various individual, social and economic indicators. To be specific, pre-selected individual entrepreneurial characteristics of internal locus of control, need for achievement, innovativeness, and risk taking propensity, and other standard socio-demographic (gender, religion, entrepreneurial background) and human capital indicators. Results will provide a better understanding of the individual out-of-school youth entrepreneur in order to develop and provide sustainable solutions to empower these budding individuals, enhance their livelihood and support rural development.

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(117) Computational modeling for the validation of thermal lethality and heating profile of multiphase foods in a dual cylindrical microwave and ohmic combination heater. Seung Hyun Lee*, Won Choi, and Soojin Jun. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Numerical modeling for thermal behavior and particle movement of solid-liquid food mixtures could be a challenge because coupling of heat transfer and explicit updates of computational meshes for moving particles and carrier medium is difficult. This study was intended (1) to develop a numerical model for flow, movement of particulates, and temperature distributions in continuous flow multiphase foods when microwave and ohmic combination heating was applied and (2) to evaluate the lethal effectiveness of the combination heating. Carrots as solid particles were cut into ball shaped pieces with different sizes (1.3 and 1.8 cm Φ) and then immersed in bacterial suspension (E. coli K12 at 108 CFU/ml). When the exit temperature of solid particle reached 90°C in 48 sec, the particles and carrier medium were collected for lethality testing of the combination heater. For numerical modeling, two-dimensional moving mesh method integrated with Langrangian-Eulerian formation and thermal energy was exploited to predict flow and thermal distribution profiles of multiphase foods. Given the expanded capability for sterilization processes, the combination heating is expected to inactivate E. coli K12 in particles with improved lethal activities (Fo = 2.8 min) than commercially recommended F value for particulate foods (Fo = 4~5 min). The simulated flow patterns and thermal profiles of multiphase foods showed the clear heating mechanism and the movement of particulates under the combination heating. The experimental data was in a good agreement with the simulated heating profile and thermal lethality of particulates with maximum prediction errors of 8 % and 10 %. (118) Eating patterns in adolescent girls on Oʻahu change after one year. Michelle A. Mosley*, Rachel Novotny, and Jinan Banna. Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Nearly a third of adolescents in Hawaiʻi report being overweight or obese; however, there are few reports on habitual eating patterns in this population. This study sought to determine eating patterns of female adolescents in Hawaiʻi and assess changes in eating patterns over time. Subjects (n = 148) were Mixed Race, Asian, and White participants in the Female Adolescent Maturation study conducted in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi in the first two survey years (2000-2001 [Time 1, age (mean±SE) 11.1±0.1y] and 2002-2003 [Time 2, age 13.1±0.1y]). Dietary intake data were collected using 3-day records, foods were categorized into 30 groups designated by the USDA, and mean intake was used to complete the analysis. Eating patterns were estimated using factor analysis, with correlation cutoff r > 0.20 for food group factor loading. At Time 1, two eating patterns emerged. The Westernized pattern was characterized by whole grains, potatoes, dairy, nuts, discretionary fat, and added sugar, while the Healthy pattern was characterized by fruits, vegetables, and poultry. At Time 2, three eating patterns emerged. The Local Fast Food pattern was characterized by refined grains, meat, poultry, discretionary fat, and added sugar; the Healthy pattern was characterized by whole grains, tomato and tomato products, and cheese; and the Asian-style pattern was characterized by a variety of vegetables, egg, and soy products. Results indicate changes in dietary patterns over the one-year period, reflecting greater diversity in choices. As adolescence is a critical period for dietary change, more frequent assessment of diet in adolescents in Hawaiʻi may serve as an essential monitoring tool for obesity prevention.

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(119) Rhamnolipids biosurfactant secreted by Burkholderia sp. C3 bacteria improves degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. C.A. Ortega Ramírez* and Q.X. Li. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries earned about $982 billion in net oil export in 2012. However, the petroleum industry has a big impact in the environment. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemicals from petroleum oils and incomplete combustion. PAHs are ubiquitous, persistent, and genotoxic environmental contaminants. In O'ahu, there are two priority sites contaminated with PAHs. Burkholderia sp. C3 isolated from Hilo can degrade PAHs. In this study, we analyzed the bacterial growth and biodegradation ability of C3 using glycerol and glucose as carbon source. In the presence of glycerol, biodegradation was 50% enhanced. We hypothesized that this improvement was due to the secretion of rhamnolipids. Rhamnolipids are a type of biosurfactants produced by bacteria. They have a wide range of commercial applications. They are non-toxic and biodegradable unlike synthetic surfactants. We identified rhlB gene, involved in the biosynthesis of rhamnolipids, by designing primers based on rhlB conserved regions of related species. UniProt database search revealed a 69% of aminoacid identity with rhlB gene from Burkholderia glumae. We then used inverse polymerase chain reaction (iPCR) to obtain the complete cluster of rhl genes. Secretion of rhamnolipids was observed by a blue halo formation on test agar plates and by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. We concluded that the secretion of rhamnolipids by C3 increases biodegradation of PAHs. The main producers of rhamnolipids are human pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Burkholderia sp. C3 is a non-pathogen strain, representing a safe and economical alternative for rhamnolipids production. (120) Crop yield and return from conservation agriculture (CA) practices on maize-based farming system in mid-hills of Nepal. B Paudel*, T.J.K. Radovich, C. Chan-Halbrendt, S. Crow, B.B. Tamang, J. Halbrendt, and K. Thapa. Department of Natural Resources and Environment Management, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development, Nepal. Upholding three conservation practices (i.e. minimizing tillage, maintaining soil cover and optimizing crop rotation), conservation agriculture (CA) has resulted higher profit and better soil health in various farming systems. However, CA was never evaluated thoroughly in the condition of smallholder farmers in hill farming system of Nepal. Therefore, on-farm trials were established from 2011-2013 in three villages in the mid-hills of Nepal resided by poor and marginalized Chepang farmers. Three CA options combining varying tillage practices (full vs. strip) and intercropping system plus traditional system were evaluated in on-farm plots. The findings showed that 1) tillage did not have significant effect on yields of maize, millet and legumes; 2) intercropping of millet and legume had significantly higher land equivalency ratio (LER) (1.21 to 1.27) than sole cropping, but LER of intercropping under strip tillage (1.06-1.11) was not different than sole cropping; 3) although maize followed by legume with full tillage practice produced highest revenue ($1,131-1,425 ha-1 year-1), maize followed by millet+legume with strip tillage practice ($949-1268 ha-1 year-1) also generated higher revenue than that of traditional practices ($936-1000 ha-1 year-1). Assuming that CA holds long-term benefits, reduce soil degradation, and improve ecosystem, it was concluded that it can be a potential instrument for sustainable agriculture development of Nepal.

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(121) Prevention of Foodborne Microbial Adhesion Using Different Nano-Engineered Surfaces. Natthakan Rungraeng*, Ferdi Hizal, Chang-Hwan Choi, and Soojin Jun. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are biofilm-forming pathogens in food processing environments. Several hundred of illnesses due to S. aureus and E. coli outbreaks have been annually reported. Controlling the interactions between bacterial cell surface and substrate including hydrophobicity, porosity, roughness, and hydrodynamic force have proven to be effective methods to significantly reduce the amounts of adhering bacterial cells on the solid substrate. Therefore, the objective of this research was aimed to minimize bacterial cell adhesions using nano-porous (NPO) and nano-pillared (NPL) anodic aluminum oxide (alumina) surfaces. Both as prepared NPO and NPL aluminas were hydrophilic with the water contact angles (WCAs) of 10-25 and <5°, respectively. Hydrophobicity of both surfaces was dramatically pronounced after spin-coating with Teflon; as a result, WCAs of coated NPO and NPL were 115 and 160°, respectively. The anti-adhesion performances of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces were tested using S. aureus and E. coli K-12 bacterial solutions (108 CFU/ml) under both stagnant and dynamic (3.33 mL/s) environments for an hour. The hydrophobic NPO and NPL showed the most pronounced effect in prevention of both bacterial adhesions in all flow conditions. The anti-adhesion effect of the hydrophobic NPL attributed to the air layer entrapped on the hydrophobic surface due to the roughness-induced superhydrophobicity as well as the pillared contact areas limiting bacterial accessibility. The maximum anti-bacterial adhesion effects were found when the superhydrophobic NPL surface was used and the surface showed 3.0 (E. coli) and 3.4 (S. aureus) log-reductions of adhered cells higher than that of control surface (flat alumina). (122) Mitochondrial DNA-based Population Genetics of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae). Michael San Jose*, Luc Leblanc, and Dan Rubinoff. Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Fruit flies in the genus Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most economically damaging crop pests in the world. One group in particular, Bactrocera dorsalis complex, is especially damaging. Five pest species (B. dorsalis, B. carambolae, B. invadens, B. papayae and B. philippinensis) within this group are morphologically similar and attack 300 different tropical fruits and vegetables. These pests have invaded many countries throughout the world and cause harm to agriculture not only through direct crop damage but also trade restrictions. It is therefore of great importance that reliable identification tools be available for growers and inspectors to maximize control efforts. Recent studies suggest that these species may not be distinct due to high morphological and genetic similarity. We conducted a preliminary population genetic analysis by sequencing the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I from individuals of all species across their native (Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand) and invasive (Burkina Faso, California, Hawaii, Kenya and Tanzania) ranges. We examined haplotype diversity and population structure among and within introduced and native populations to determine a possible origin of invasion. We also tested species boundaries by comparing intra- and interspecific genetic diversity and structure. Results concur with previous studies and suggest that these species may not be distinct but represent a single widespread economically damaging species.

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(123) Connecting ridge to reef through sediment: Modeling sediment retention ecosystem services in two Maui watersheds using InVEST and N-SPECT. Kim Falinski*, Kirsten Oleson, Aly El-Kadi, Ross Sutherland, Cynthia Stiles, and Russell Yost. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Department of Geology and Geophysics, Department of Geography, Natural Resource Conservation Service. In West Maui, Wahikuli and Honokowai are watersheds in transition. Many hectares of former sugarcane and pineapple land is currently fallow, and previous management practices for irrigation and erosion control have not been maintained. The forest ecosystem of the West Maui Mountain conservation land is also under pressure from introduced invasive species, illegal dirt bike activities and increased feral pig activity. The activities in the watershed directly impact the coastal ecosystem, where water quality correlates to the health of the coral reef and a positive aesthetic experience for recreational users. Watershed managers in the West Maui Ridge to Reef consortium are currently considering different options for land use and development, yet with limited physical data available to make decisions, planners struggle to incorporate sediment retention as an ecosystem service. I plan to compare two different models, InVEST and N-SPECT, for their use as decision support tools. While InVEST only considers annual sediment retention, N-SPECT can model storm runoff events. We will perform a sensitivity analysis on the parameters. The density of the stream network is expected to be a significant factor in the results of the InVEST model, indicating that hydrologic connectivity is important and should be investigated further. Steep terrain and intermittent storm events that categorize the region suggest that either model, based on sheet erosion as empirically modeled using the USLE equation, might be only part of a framework that also includes sediment contributions from gullies and landslides. (124) Collaborative Natural Resource Management To Minimize Protected Areas Access Violations: Ecotourism Operations In Marine Parks Of Developing Nations. Jutha Supholdhavanij* and Kirsten L.L. Oleson. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Local communities near protected areas often disregard access rules imposed by central authorities because they perceive little benefit from the parks. Increasingly, natural resource management authorities recognize the need to involve communities in setting rules that are fair and effective, and in developing alternative livelihoods programs to offset any local losses. A successful collaborative process requires sharing knowledge and acknowledging local knowledge systems. In many cases, this knowledge sharing fails for various reasons, causing conflict and, ultimately, the park and/or alternative livelihoods program to fail. This research aims to understand (i) how the degree of community collaboration depends on a shared understanding of the social-ecological system, and (ii) how this collaboration contributes to an effective park and/or alternative livelihoods program. I will compare a number of cases of marine parks (MPAs) with ecotourism operations in developing nations. In many MPAS, ecotourism has been developed as a program to ensure local communities benefit from parks. Using ethnographic methods, including literature reviews, direct observations, and interviews, I will assess the extent of shared knowledge, degrees of collaboration, and “success” of ecotourism operations. My research will help resolve protected areas access violations by providing insight on processes for community engagement for ecotourism development.

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(125) Expanding the potential of peptide engineering: From Native Chemical Ligation to Cyclization. Parashar Thapa٭ and Jon-Paul Bingham. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. One of the major problems associated with SPPS is that yields are inversely proportional to the length of the synthetic peptide. This research aims at solving this problem by using a novel thiol-ester ligation technique that will enable us to ligate two separate peptide fragments via a native-like peptide bond to form one single continuous linear peptide. Current techniques use Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) to create the thiol-ester at the C-terminus of the N-terminus peptide fragment which can ultimately be used for native chemical ligation. The use of HF is not recommended due to its highly hazardous and toxic nature. Furthermore, since HF requires special apparatus and hood space its application is limited only to a few privileged laboratories. Our research aims at replacing HF with Trifluoromethyl sulfonic acid (TFMSA) without compromising with the yield of the reaction. Not only does native chemical ligation aid in the synthesis of difficult or long sequences the same functionality can be used to synthesize cyclic compounds. Cyclotides are peptides in which the amino and carboxy terminus are linked in a covalent peptide bond. This unique property provides cyclotides the ability to better resist peptidase. In addition to stability cyclization also aids cyclotides to passively diffuse across membranes. Our research aims to study the stability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chemically synthesized cyclic peptide Tx 2005. Tx 2005 is the non post translationaly modified variant of α-conotoxin TxIC and shows different receptor selectivity. (126) Economics of Commercial Aquaponics in Hawaii. Kanae Tokunaga*, Clyde Tamaru, Harry Ako, and PingSun Leung. Department of Economics, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. In Hawaii, where significant portion of local demand for vegetables and fish are met by imports, there is a growing interest in aquaponics as a sustainable food production technology to increase local supply. Yet, there is no economic evaluation of commercial scale aquaponics in Hawaii. This study conducts economic analysis of commercial aquaponics to evaluate economic feasibility of the industry in Hawaii. Our analysis is based on the economic and operational data collected from operating commercial aquaponic farms in Hawaii. We find that commercial scale aquaponics is commercially feasible with 7.36% the modified internal rate of return. Decision reversal analysis indicates that revenue cannot fall more than 11% and operational cost cannot increase more than 15% from the baseline for commercial aquaponics to be a worthwhile investment. We find that vegetable production is the main driver, and hence, economic outcome of the farm is very sensitive to the vegetable sales. With the increased vegetable price with organic certification, MIRR can increase by 5%. This study is one of the firsts in the world to evaluate economics of commercial scale aquaponics. Our results indicate that aquaponics is commercially feasible and has a great potential to supply locally produced vegetables and fish to the local market.

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(127) Nonlinear Time Series Analysis of Acoustic Systems. Brady Little*, Tyler Hee-Wai, Melisa Yashinski, Rintaro Hayashi, and John S. Allen. Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sequences of measurements or observations are often made in time to study physical and biological processes. A goal of time series modeling is to understand the observed features and the underlying generating dynamics or processes. This is often complicated by unpredictable or irregular characteristics of the time series. Linear time series analysis methods have limitations with respect to short, nonlinear and noisy time series typically found in many field acoustic observations and records. In this study, we use nonlinear time series methods including recurrence plots and empirical mode decomposition to investigate these respective characteristics of sources of biological and physical ambient noise in shallow water environments in Oahu. The self-similarity and fluctuations of snapping shrimp noise is explored with a detrended fluctuation analysis. The acoustic signatures of ships and boats are investigated with pseudo-phase plane analysis and higher order spectral methods. Detection of targets in cluttered harbor environments is examined in terms complementary acoustical and aerial video methods. (128) Design of a Small Watercraft Deployment and Recovery Apparatus. Heath Larner* and Brian Bingham. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Objectives: The Field Robotics Laboratory (FRL) at UH Manoa wants a means to more conveniently transport, deploy, and recover their Unmanned Port Security Vessel (UPSV). Specific objectives and constraints include being easily assembled and disassembled, modularity for adaptation to deployment conditions, structurally sound, safe to use, inexpensive, and light weight. Methods: Small group discussions and hand sketches are employed in the conceptual stage to generate possible courses of design to pursue. Solidworks sketches are drawn up to check kinematics and to embody conceptual schemes. A mockup was constructed as proof of concept and to simulate the dynamics of a deployment scenario. Results: We have successfully met the objectives of modular, easily assembled, safe, and structurally sound, but have met neither the weight nor budget constraints. A material selection review is ongoing. Conclusions: Hawaii’s isolation provides a unique environment for design. Limited resource and high cost of shipping demand a material-selection-centered approach. Impact and Significance: Our apparatus will allow FRL to easily deploy its UPSV in diverse conditions, helping fulfill its mission statement.

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(129) Helmholtz Resonator for Wave Energy. Cody Machida*, Daylan Siemann, John Nihi, Chase Rojas, John Delos Reyes, and Reza Ghorbani. Department of Mechanical Engineering. A Helmholtz resonator is a structure that utilizes this type of energy by mimicking the effects of a coastal blowhole. The waves collecting inside the device inhibit resonance causing them to oscillate with greater amplitudes. An advantage of this device is to maximize the energy efficiency of smaller periods of waves. A Helmholtz resonator is designed and the structure is built and will be tested at Makai Pier research lab. Based on theory and the given equation, the amplitude of the waves inside the structure should be substantially greater than the waves outside, thus allowing for a greater energy output.