Genetic diversity in eight populations of Sphagnum capillfolium from different Bulgarian mountains was investigated by means of isozyme electrophoresis. High levels of allelic diversity were found (H-s = 0.119), comparable to earlier estimates for northern European populations (H-s = 0.116). Strong differentiation among populations and a low number of widespread genotypes suggest a high degree of

Allergic contact dermatitis to rubber is caused by residues of chemicals used in manufacturing a rubber product. Several different additives are used to achieve a final product of the desired characteristics. Accelerators such as thiurams, dithiocarbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazoles are often among the additives responsible for allergic reactions recognized by dermatologists. The chemistry of the

Two experiments examined the realism in the confidence of 8-9-year-olds,12-13-year-olds and adults in their free recall and answers to focused questions after viewing a short videoclip. A different videoclip was shown in each experiment and the focused questions differed in difficulty. In both experiments the youngest age group, in contrast to the two other age groups, showed no overconfidence in

Effectors of the innate immune system, the anti-bacterial peptides, have pivotal roles in preventing infection at epithelial surfaces. Here we show that proteinases of the significant human pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Streptococcus pyogenes, degrade the antibacterial peptide LL-37. Analysis by mass spectrometry of fragments generated by P. aerugin

The first identification of a sex pheromone of a pine sawfly (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae) dates back almost thirty years. Since then, female-produced pheromones of over twenty diprionid species have been investigated by solvent extraction followed by separation and identification. However, no study has shown what the females actually release. Collection of airborne compounds using absorbtion on char

Mutations in type 3 repeats of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) cause two skeletal dysplasias, pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED). We expressed recombinant wild-type COMP that showed structural and functional properties identical to COMP isolated from cartilage. A fragment encompassing the eight type 3 repeats binds 14 calcium ions with moderate affinity

Of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, those with pulseless electrical activity ( PEA) have the worst outcome. Especially in these patients effective chest compressions according to the guidelines may be the key strategy to improve survival. Recently, a novel automatic mechanical chest compression device (LUCAS-CPR) has been shown to ensure effective continuous compressions without interrupt

Aims: The airways of patients with asthma are characterized by chronic inflammatory changes comprising mainly T-cells and eosinophils, and airway remodelling with goblet cell metaplasia and submucosal gland hyperplasia. Mucus hypersecretion is often a marked feature, particularly in status asthmaticus. The matrix of airway sputum consists of high molecular glycoproteins and mucins. In this study,

Bridge-splitting of trans-[PtCl2(eta(2)-CH2=CH2)](2), 1, by L in dichloromethane yields trans-[PtCl2(eta(2)-CH2=CH2)(L)] (L = THF, 2, or MeCN, 3) with bridge-splitting equilibrium constants of 0.0289 +/- 0.0007 and 3601 +/- 215 mol(-1) dm(3), respectively, as determined by UV/Vis measurements. The reaction of 3 in MeCN with Cl- is essentially quantitative. The crystal structure of trans-[PtCl2(eta

c-jun activation has been implicated not only in neuronal apoptosis, but also in survival and regeneration. This Janus facet of c-Jun activation could be related to neuronal cell type or to the developmental stage of the neuron. We investigated c-Jun activation in E18 sensory neurons. Cultures of rat dorsal root ganglia neurons were maintained with or without the addition of nerve growth factor or

Abstract Divergent natural selection is often thought to be the principal factor driving phenotypic differentiation between populations. We studied two ecotypes of the aquatic isopod Asellus aquaticus which have diverged in parallel in several Swedish lakes. In these lakes, isopods from reed belts along the shores colonized new stonewort stands in the centre of the lakes and rapid phenotypic chang

Flow maldistribution in plate heat exchangers causes deterioration of both thermal and hydraulic performance. The situation becomes more complicated for two-phase flows during condensation where uneven distribution of the liquid to the channels reduces heat transfer due to high liquid flooding. The present study evaluates the thermal performance of falling film plate condensers with flow maldistri

We have investigated the influence of cold acclimation on the mechanical strength of carrot (Daucus carota L.) taproots. Changes in the mechanical strength were monitored when cold acclimation was induced in carrot plants cultivated in a growth chamber under strict climate control and in taproots harvested from field cultivation, where the plants had been exposed to the natural variations in clima