EPR in the USSR: the thorny path from birth to biological and chemical applications

In 1944, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was discovered by Evgenii Konstantinovich Zavoisky in the USSR (Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics). Since then, magnetic resonance methods have contributed invaluably to our knowledge in many areas of Life Sciences and Chemistry, and particularly in the area of photosynthesis research. However, the road of the magnetic resonance methods, as well as its acceptance in Life Sciences and Chemistry, was not smooth and prompt in the (former) USSR. We discuss the role played by many including Jakov K. Syrkin, Nikolai N. Semenov, Vladislav V. Voevodsky, Lev A. Blumenfeld, Peter L. Kapitza, and Alexander I. Shalnikov during the early stages of biological and chemical EPR spectroscopy in the USSR.

Contribution of Harold M. Swartz to In Vivo EPR and EPR Dosimetry

In 2015, we are celebrating half a century of research in the application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) as a biodosimetry tool to evaluate the dose received by irradiated people. During the EPR Biodose 2015 meeting, a special session was organized to acknowledge the pioneering contribution of Harold M. (Hal) Swartz in the field. The article summarizes his main contribution in physiology and medicine. Four emerging themes have been pursued continuously along his career since its beginning: (1) radiation biology; (2) oxygen and oxidation; (3) measuring physiology in vivo; and (4) application of these measurements in clinical medicine. The common feature among all these different subjects has been the use of magnetic resonance techniques, especially EPR. In this article, you will find an impressionist portrait of Hal Swartz with the description of the 'making of' this pioneer, a time-line perspective on his career with the creation of three National Institutes of Health-funded EPR centers, a topic-oriented perspective on his career with a description of his major contributions to Science, his role as a mentor and his influence on his academic children, his active role as founder of scientific societies and organizer of scientific meetings, and the well-deserved international recognition received so far.

Thirty years of microbial P450 monooxygenase research: Peroxo-heme intermediates—The central bus station in heme oxygenase catalysis

Oxygen has always been recognized as an essential element of many life forms, initially through its role as a terminal electron acceptor for the energy-generating pathways of oxidative phosphorylation. In 1955, Hayaishi et al. [Mechanism of the pyrocatechase reaction, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 77 (1955) 5450-5451] presented the most important discovery that changed this simplistic view of how Nature uses atmospheric dioxygen. His discovery, the naming and mechanistic understanding of the first "oxygenase" enzyme, has provided a wonderful opportunity and scientific impetus for four decades of researchers. This volume provides an opportunity to recognize the breakthroughs of the "Hayaishi School." Notable have been the prolific contributions of Professor Ishimura et al. [Oxygen and life. Oxygenases, Oxidases and Lipid Mediators, International Congress Series, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2002], a first-generation Hayaishi product, to characterization of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases.

An appreciation of William H. Orme-Johnson III

This short memoir of personal and professional interactions with Bill Orme-Johnson covers a period of more than 35 years. Included are reflections on the early history of copper oxidases, iron-sulfur proteins and nitrogenase.

From dating to biophysics--20 years of progress in applied ESR spectroscopy

ESR spectroscopy represents a tool for quantitative radiation analysis that was developed somehow simultaneously for dating purposes in Japan and in Germany for high-level standardization, in the mid-seventies. Meanwhile, ESR dosimetry has reached an established metrology level. Present research fields of ESR dosimetry consider post-accident dose reconstruction in the environment, and biophysical dosimetry using human tissues. The latter promises a re-definition of radiation risk for chronicle exposure to be derived from individuals of the early nuclear facilities in Russia, and hopefully United States in the future. An attempt is made to sketch development and potential future of the ESR technique.