Revealing structural involvement of chromophores in algal light harvesting complexes using symmetry-adapted perturbation theory.

The attribution of quantum beats observed in the time-resolved spectroscopy of photosynthetic light-harvesting antennae to nontrivial quantum coherences has sparked a flurry of research activity beginning a decade ago. Even though investigations into the functional aspects of photosynthetic light-harvesting were supported by X-ray crystal structures, the non-covalent interactions between pigments and their local protein environment that drive such function has yet to be comprehensively explored. Using symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT), we have comprehensively determined the magnitude and compositions of these non-covalent interactions involving light-harvesting chromophores in two quintessential photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes - peridinin chlorophyll-a protein (PCP) from dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae and phycocyanin 645 (PC645) from cryptophyte Chroomonas mesostigmatica.

Life history lability underlies rapid climate niche evolution in the angiosperm clade Montiaceae.

Despite the recent focus on phylogenetic niche conservatism in macroevolutionary studies, many clades have diversified widely along multiple niche dimensions. The factors underlying lineage-specific niche lability are still not well understood. We examined morphological and climate niche evolution in Montiaceae (Caryophyllales), an ecologically variable plant lineage distributed primarily along the mountain chains of the western Americas.

Population assessment of the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus (Crocodilia: Crocodylidae) on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

The American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, is widely distributed in the American neotropics. It is endangered throughout most of its range and is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Natural Fauna and Flora (IUCN) and on Appendix I of the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Despite this listing, there are few published reports on population status throughout most of its range.

Computer competencies in a BSN program.

Beginning nurses need informatics skills to work efficiently in an environment that increasingly relies on information technology to promote patient safety. In addition, a federal order mandates that all Americans have an electronic medical record by 2014. Nursing programs must integrate informatics content into their curricula to prepare nurses to use information technology.