First report of severe tolpyralate sensitivity in corn (Zea mays) discovers a novel genetic factor conferring crop response to a herbicide.

Background: Tolpyralate, a relatively new inhibitor of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), is registered for postemergence use in all types of corn (Zea mays L.) and has a record of excellent crop tolerance. A report of severe crop injury to sweet corn inbred (XSEN187) led to the following objectives: (i) determine whether sensitivity to tolpyralate in XSEN187 exists, and if confirmed, (ii) determine the genetic basis of tolpyralate sensitivity, and (iii) screen other corn germplasm for sensitivity to tolpyralate.

An expandable, modular de novo protein platform for precision redox engineering.

The electron-conducting circuitry of life represents an as-yet untapped resource of exquisite, nanoscale biomolecular engineering. Here, we report the characterization and structure of a de novo diheme "maquette" protein, 4D2, which we subsequently use to create an expanded, modular platform for heme protein design. A well-folded monoheme variant was created by computational redesign, which was then utilized for the experimental validation of continuum electrostatic redox potential calculations.

Making a third-trimester abortion referral: Learning from patients.

Objectives: Research on abortion referral practices has focused on referral to first-trimester abortion care. Research has not examined whether and how these recommendations apply to referrals for abortion later in pregnancy.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with thirty third-trimester abortion patients of their experiences of referral from prenatal and/or pre-third-trimester abortion care.

Deteriorating weed control and variable weather portends greater soybean yield losses in the future.

Since the 1950's much of the US soybean growing region has experienced rising temperatures, more variable rainfall, and increased carbon emissions. These trends are predicted to continue throughout the 21st century. Variable weather and weed interference influence crop performance; however, their combined effects on soybean yield are poorly understood.