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Ferrochelatase catalyzes the terminal step in the heme biosynthetic pathway, i.e., the incorporation of Fe(II) into protoporphyrin IX. Various biochemical and biophysical methods have been used to probe the enzyme for metal binding residues and the location of the active site. However, the location of the metal binding site and the path of the metal into the porphyrin are still disputed. Using sit

In this paper we use coding theory to give simple explanations of some recent results on universal hashing. We first apply our approach to give a precise and elegant analysis of the Wegman-Carter construction for authentication codes. Using Reed-Solomon codes and the well known concept of concatenated codes we can then give some new constructions, which require much less key size than previously k

Eight variable regions (microsatellites, insertion/deletion and duplication regions) from the plastid DNA genome were analyzed for 91 populations belonging to Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. traunsteineri and closely related taxa. A total of 36 composite plastid haplotypes were found. The two dominating haplotypes had a clear geographic distribution suggesting at least two separate immigration routes in

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is a dominant cause of mortality in the intensive care unit. Experimentally, a condition similar to the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome can be induced by the intraperitoneal injection of sterile zymosan. In the present study we investigate potential alterations in multiple organ functions, endothelial permeability, and antiproteinases after intraperitoneal i

We estimated the biomass and growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) mycelium in sand dunes using signature fatty acids. Mesh bags and tubes, containing initially mycelium-free sand, were buried in the field near the roots of the dune grass Ammophila arenaria L. AM fungal mycelia were detected at a distance of about 8.5 cm from the roots after 68 days of growth by use of neutral lipid fatty acid (NL

Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are self-renewing cells capable of differentiating into the different retinal cell types including photoreceptors, and they have shown promise as a source of replacement cells in experimental models of retinal degeneration. We hypothesized that a biodegradable polymer scaffold could deliver these cells to the subretinal space in a more organized manner than bolus in

schaemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the colon is an inflammatory condition that leads to tissue injury where reactive oxygen species play a central role. Rose hip is rich in biologically active polyphenols with antioxidative properties, which may be important in prevention of lipid peroxidation. L. plantarum DSM 9843 possesses enzymatic activity towards polyphenols. The objective of this study was to de

This investigation determined the effects of fermented oat-based products containing both native and microbial beta-glucans on plasma lipids and on fecal total bacterial count and Bifidobacterium ssp. The study was randomized, double blind with 3 parallel groups. Sixty-two free-living volunteers with moderately increased plasma cholesterol levels were recruited. In the final analysis, 56 subjects

Capsazepine as well as its derivatives and analogues are general inhibitors of constriction of human small airways. From a systematic variation of the capsazepine structure, divided into four regions, SARs were established. This paper concerns the chlorination of the A-ring as well as the replacement of the catechol with bioisosteric groups. It is revealed that chlorination of the A-ring has a pro

Three species of Candelariella in western North America, characterized by biatorine apothecia, are treated. Two new species are described, C. biatorina and C. lichenicola. Candelariella biatorina is a corticolous species growing in montane conifer forests in western North America. Candelariella lichenicola, described from northwestern Mexico, is a lichenicolous fungus that lacks an independent tha

Wind power projects frequently face public opposition during the siting process. A deeper understanding of social factors has therefore been called for. Based on psychological theories, the present research was initiated in order to study the relative importance of individual aspects related to visual perception and attitudinal factors in public intention to oppose local wind turbines. In an empir

Associations between occupational factors and characteristics of the social network in people with persistent mental illness were investigated. Participant groups (N = 103) representing three types of daily occupations working or studying, visiting community-based activity centers, and having no regular daily occupation-were selected for the study. Participants were assessed regarding social inter

PURPOSE. To study the possible involvement of the rod (SLC24A1) and cone (SLC24A2) Na-Ca+K exchanger (NCKX) genes in retinal diseases. METHODS. DNA was collected from unrelated patients with retinal disease, mainly from North America. A human genomic library was screened with the cone NCKX cDNA, and hybridizing clones were sequenced to determine the genomic organization of the SLC24A2 gene. The si

For a cathode duct of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell, a three-dimensional analysis method is further developed to include two-phase, multicomponent gas and heat transport processes. A set of momentum, heat transport, and gas species equations is solved for the whole duct by coupled source terms and variable thermophysical properties. The effects of the electrochemical reactions on the heat g