Phylogeographic patterning of mtDNA in the widely distributed harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) suggests dramatic cycles of range contraction and expansion during the mid- to late Pleistocene

We examined sequence variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp, n = 73) and control region (842-851 bp, n = 74) in the Eurasian harvest mouse (Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771)), with samples drawn from across its range, from Western Europe to Japan. Phylogeographic analyses revealed region-specific haplotype groupings combined with overall low levels of inter-regional genetic divergence. Despite the enormous intervening distance, European and East Asian samples showed a net nucleotide divergence of only 0.36%. Based on an evolutionary rate for the cytochrome b gene of 2.4%(.)(site(.)lineage(.)million years)(-1), the initial divergence time of these populations is estimated at around 80 000 years before present. Our findings are consistent with available fossil evidence that has recorded repeated cycles of extinction and recolonization of Europe by M. minutus through the Quaternary. The molecular data further suggest that recolonization occurred from refugia in the Central to East Asian region. Japanese haplotypes of M. minutus, with the exception of those from Tsushima Is., show limited nucleotide diversity (0.15%) compared with those found on the adjacent Korean Peninsula. This finding suggests recent colonization of the Japanese Archipelago, probably around the last glacial period, followed by rapid population growth.

Barrier for the reaction X20+ + X20+ -> X402+ in alkali-metal clusters related to electron density at the bond midpoint of the supermolecule (X20+)2

Using the extended Thomas-Fermi version of density-functional theory (DFT), calculations are presented for the barrier for the reaction Na20++Na20+¿Na402+. The deviation from the simple Coulomb barrier is shown to be proportional to the electron density at the bond midpoint of the supermolecule (Na20+)2. An extension of conventional quantum-chemical studies of homonuclear diatomic molecular ions is then effected to apply to the supermolecular ions of the alkali metals. This then allows the Na results to be utilized to make semiquantitative predictions of position and height of the maximum of the fusion barrier for other alkali clusters. These predictions are confirmed by means of similar DFT calculations for the K clusters.

Audit report on the Student Health Facility Revenue Bond Funds of Iowa State University of Science and Technology for the year ended June 30, 2011

Audit report on the Student Health Facility Revenue Bond Funds of Iowa State University of Science and Technology for the year ended June 30, 2011

Bond Development in Concrete Overlays, August 1995

Data collection to determine the rate of bond strength development between concrete overlays and existing pavements and the evaluation of nondestructive testing methods for determining concrete strength were the objectives of this study. Maturity meters and pulse velocity meters were employed to determine the rate of flexural strength gain and determine the time for opening of newly constructed pavements to traffic. Maturity measurements appear to provide a less destructive method of testing. Pulse velocity measurements do require care in the preparation of the test wells and operator care in testing. Both devices functioned well under adverse weather and construction conditions and can reduce construction traffic delay decisions. Deflection testing and strain gaging indicate differences in the reaction of the overlay and existing pavement under grouting versus nongrouted sections. Grouting did enhance the rate of bond development with Type I11 cement out performing the Type I1 grout section. Type I11 and Type I1 cement grouts enhanced resistance to cracking in uniformly supported pavements where joints are prepared prior to overlays achieving target flexural strengths. Torsional and direct shear testing provide additional ways of measuring bond development at different cure times. Detailed data analysis will be utilized by TRANSTEC, Inc. to develop a bonded overlay construction guidelines report.

Audit report of the accompanying Schedule of Debt Service and Coverage for Iowa State University of Science and Technology as of February 10, 2012 for the Athletic Facilities Revenue Bond Funds

Audit report of the accompanying Schedule of Debt Service and Coverage for Iowa State University of Science and Technology as of February 10, 2012 for the Athletic Facilities Revenue Bond Funds

Dry matter and macronutrient accumulation in fruits of Conilon coffee with different ripening cycles

The period between anthesis and fruit ripening varies according to the Conilon coffee (Coffea canephora) genotype. Therefore, the time of the nutritional requirements for fruit formation may differ, depending on the formation phase and the genotype, and may directly affect split application of fertilizer. The aim of this study was to quantify the accumulation of dry matter and N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S at several stages in the fruit of the Conilon coffee genotype with different ripening cycles, which may suggest the need for split application of fertilizer in coffee. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Nova Venecia, Espírito Santo, Brazil, throughout the reproductive cycle. The treatments were composed of four coffee genotypes with different ripening cycles. A completely randomised experimental design was used. with five replicates. Plagiotropic branches were harvested from flowering to fruit ripening at 28-day intervals to determine the dry matter of the fruits and the concentration and accumulation of the nutrients they contained. The behavior of dry matter and macronutrient accumulation during the study period was similar and increasing, but it differed among genotypes sampled in the same season. Early genotypes exhibited a higher speed of dry matter and nutrient accumulation. Split application of fertilizer should differ among coffee genotypes with different ripening cycles (early, intermediate, late and very late).

Micronutrient Accumulation in Conilon Coffee Berries with Different Maturation Cycles

ABSTRACT The number of days between anthesis and maturation of conilon coffee berries varies according to the genotype. Thus, it is believed that periods of greater nutrient demand for fruit formation also vary according to the genotype, directly influencing fertilizer management. The goal of this study was to establish accumulation curves for the micronutrients boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in conilon coffee trees with different maturation cycles. The experiment was conducted in Nova Venécia, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, during the reproductive cycle of the 2010/2011 crop year. Four coffee genotypes with different maturation cycles (early, intermediate, late, and super-late) were studied. A completely randomized experimental design was used with five replications. The treatments correspond to the accumulation of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the berries every 28 days in the period from flowering to harvest. The early, intermediate, and late genotypes accumulated Fe, Cu, and Mn in a similar manner, with sigmoid curves, whereas the super-late genotype accumulated these nutrients exponentially. Zn was accumulated by all four genotypes following a sigmoid curve. The early, intermediate, and late genotypes accumulated B linearly, whereas the super-late genotype accumulated B following a sigmoid curve. The maturation cycle of the genotype must be taken into account to apply the correct rate of micronutrient fertilization in coffee plantations.

Resonating-valence-bond theory for the square-planar lattice

The short-range resonating-valence-bond (RVB) wave function with nearest-neighbor (NN) spin pairings only is investigated as a possible description for the Heisenberg model on a square-planar lattice. A type of long-range order associated to this RVB Ansatz is identified along with some qualitative consequences involving lattice distortions, excitations, and their coupling.

Valence-bond treatment of distortions in polyacene polymers

Distortions of polyacene polymers are studied within a many-body valence-bond framework using a powerful transfer-matrix technique for the valence-bond (or Heisenberg) model of the system. The computations suggest that the ground-state geometry is either totally symmetric or possibly exhibits a slight (A2 or B2 symmetry) bond-alternation distortion. The lowest-energy (nonsymmetric, in-plane) distortions are the A2 and B2 modes, which, within our approximations, are degenerate.

Evaluation of Bond Retainage in Portland Cement Concrete Overlays Using Infrared Thermography and Ground Penetrating Radar, HR-537, Final Report, 1989

When concrete deterioration begins to occur in highway pavement, repairs become necessary to assure the rider safety, extend its useful life and restore its riding qualities. One rehabilitation technique used to restore the pavement to acceptable highway standards is to apply a thin portland cement concrete (PCC) overlay to the existing pavement. First, any necessary repairs are made to the existing pavement, the surface is then prepared, and the PCC overlay is applied. Brice Petrides-Donohue, Inc. (Donohue) was retained by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) to evaluate the present condition with respect to debonding of the PCC overlay at fifteen sites on Interstate 80 and State Highway 141 throughout the State of Iowa. This was accomplished by conducting an infrared thermographic and ground penetrating radar survey of these sites which were selected by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The fifteen selected sites were all two lanes wide and one-tenth of a mile long, for a total of three lane miles or 190,080 square feet. The selected sites are as follows: On Interstate 80 Eastbound, from milepost 35.25 to 35.35, milepost 36.00 to 36.10, milepost 37.00 to 37.10, milepost 38.00 to 38.10 and milepost 39.00 to 39.10, on State Highway 141 from milepost 134.00 to 134.10, milepost 134.90 to milepost 135.00, milepost 135.90 to 136.00, milepost 137.00 to 137.10 and milepost 138.00 to 138.10, and on Interstate 80 Westbound from milepost 184.00 to 184.10, milepost 185.00 to 185.10, milepost 186.00 to 186.10, milepost 187.00 to 187.10, and from milepost 188.00 to 188.10.