Direct observation of geometric-phase interference in dynamics around a conical intersection.

Conical intersections are ubiquitous in chemistry and physics, often governing processes such as light harvesting, vision, photocatalysis and chemical reactivity. They act as funnels between electronic states of molecules, allowing rapid and efficient relaxation during chemical dynamics. In addition, when a reaction path encircles a conical intersection, the molecular wavefunction experiences a geometric phase, which can affect the outcome of the reaction through quantum-mechanical interference. Past experiments have measured indirect signatures of geometric phases in scattering patterns and spectroscopic observables, but there has been no direct observation of the underlying wavepacket interference. Here we experimentally observe geometric-phase interference in the dynamics of a wavepacket travelling around an engineered conical intersection in a programmable trapped-ion quantum simulator. To achieve this, we develop a technique to reconstruct the two-dimensional wavepacket densities of a trapped ion. Experiments agree with the theoretical model, demonstrating the ability of analogue quantum simulators-such as those realized using trapped ions-to accurately describe nuclear quantum effects.

More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Unlocking the Power of Network Structure for Understanding Organization and Function in Microbiomes.

Plant and soil microbiomes are integral to the health and productivity of plants and ecosystems, yet researchers struggle to identify microbiome characteristics important for providing beneficial outcomes. Network analysis offers a shift in analytical framework beyond "who is present" to the organization or patterns of coexistence between microbes within the microbiome. Because microbial phenotypes are often significantly impacted by coexisting populations, patterns of coexistence within microbiomes are likely to be especially important in predicting functional outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of the how and why of network analysis in microbiome research, highlighting the ways in which network analyses have provided novel insights into microbiome organization and functional capacities, the diverse network roles of different microbial populations, and the eco-evolutionary dynamics of plant and soil microbiomes.

'Marge': a European Elderberry for North American Producers.

Elderberries are being increasingly produced and consumed in North America for their edible and medicinal flowers and fruits. The American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) is native to, and most often cultivated in North America. The European elderberry (S. nigra subsp. nigra) has been developed into an economically-important horticultural crop in Europe, but most European cultivars do not perform well in the midwestern USA. The genotype S. nigra subsp. nigra 'Marge' is an open-pollinated seedling of S. nigra subsp. nigra 'Haschberg', which is one of the most popular elderberry cultivars grown in Europe. In a four-year study (one establishment year followed by 3 production years; 2008-2011) at three Missouri (USA) locations, 'Marge' significantly out-performed and out-yielded eight American elderberry genotypes within the same replicated field plots. Across 3 production years at all three sites, 'Marge' achieved budbreak later, flowered earlier, suffered less Eriophyid mite damage, was taller, produced larger berries, and yielded significantly greater amounts of fruit compared with all eight American elderberry genotypes in the study. At one site, 'Marge' produced three times the yield (1.89 kg/plant) compared with the next highest-producing American elderberry genotype (0.65 kg/plant). It is an exceptionally robust and drought-resistant elderberry. The phenotypic attributes of 'Marge' are similar to that of European elderberry except that it performs exceptionally well in the midwestern USA. DNA marker results, along with phenological and morphological characteristics, indicate that 'Marge' is a European elderberry (S. nigra subsp. nigra). As with most European genotypes, 'Marge' does not fruit on first-year wood, and will therefore require a different pruning regimen compared with American elderberry for success in North American production. We do not yet know how 'Marge' will perform outside the midwestern USA, but it is so productive, unique, and mite resistant, that it merits introduction as a cultivar.

Experimental determination of calibration settings for plastic syringes containing solutions of 90Y using commercial radionuclide calibrators.

Calibration factors for several makes (Capintec, AtomLab, and PTW) and models of commercially available re-entrant ionization chambers ("dose calibrators") were determined for solutions of 90Y using 10 ml plastic syringes that are used in the administration of the recently approved radioimmunotherapy drug Zevalin. Effects of filling volume on chamber response were studied for the anticipated prescription volume range of 3-9 ml in those syringes. A series of syringes were prepared over that range with accurately known volumes using a "standard" solution containing 90YCl3 in 1 moll(-1) HCl and approximately 50 microg of nonradioactive YCl3 per gram of solution. The respective calibration factors for the Capintec and AtomLab chambers required to give the correct activity reading were found to be "55+/-2 x 10" and 393+/-6, where the uncertainties are expanded (k = 2) uncertainties. The results indicated no significant effect of filling volume on the calibration setting to within the uncertainty on the activity measurement for all but the PTW chamber. In that case, a variation of about 5% was observed over the filling range. A direct comparison was also made between the actual 90Y Zevalin drug and the "standard" solution, with no differences in determined calibration settings observed within the uncertainties on the activity calibration.

Fibrosarcoma of the cervical spine.

The clinical and radiographic presentation of fibrosarcoma of the third cervical segment is presented. Conventional radiographic examination and advanced imaging in this case revealed destruction of the C3 vertebral body and neural arch with extension into the spinal canal and paravertebral soft tissues. Surgical pathology revealed a pre- and postoperative diagnosis of fibrosarcoma.