UV reactor flow visualization and mixing quantification using three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence.

PubMed

Gandhi, Varun; Roberts, Philip J W; Stoesser, Thorsten; Wright, Harold; Kim, Jae-Hong

2011-07-01

Three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence (3DLIF) was applied to visualize and quantitatively analyze mixing in a lab-scale UV reactor consisting of one lamp sleeve placed perpendicular to flow. The recirculation zone and the von Karman vortex shedding that commonly occur in flows around bluff bodies were successfully visualized. Multiple flow paths were analyzed by injecting the dye at various heights with respect to the lamp sleeve. A major difference in these pathways was the amount of dye that traveled close to the sleeve, i.e., a zone of higher residence time and higher UV exposure. Paths away from the center height had higher velocities and hence minimal influence by the presence of sleeve. Approach length was also characterized in order to increase the probability of microbes entering the region around the UV lamp. The 3DLIF technique developed in this study is expected to provide new insight on UV dose delivery useful for the design and optimization of UV reactors. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fluorescence image excited by a scanning UV-LED light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Hsin-Yi; Chen, Yi-Ju; Huang, Kuo-Cheng

2013-03-01

An optical scanning system using UV-LED light to induced fluorescence technology can enhance a fluorescence image significantly in a short period. It has several advantages such as lower power consumption, no scattering effect in skins, and multilayer images can be obtained to analyze skin disease. From the experiment results, the light intensity increases with increase spot size and decrease scanning speed, but the image resolution is oppositely. Moreover, the system could be widely used in clinical diagnosis and photodynamic therapy for skin disease because even the irradiated time of fluorescence substance is short but it will provide accurately positioning of fluorescence object.

Immuno-magnetic beads-based extraction-capillary zone electrophoresis-deep UV laser-induced fluorescence analysis of erythropoietin.

PubMed

Wang, Heye; Dou, Peng; Lü, Chenchen; Liu, Zhen

2012-07-13

Erythropoietin (EPO) is an important glycoprotein hormone. Recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) is an important therapeutic drug and can be also used as doping reagent in sports. The analysis of EPO glycoforms in pharmaceutical and sports areas greatly challenges analytical scientists from several aspects, among which sensitive detection and effective and facile sample preparation are two essential issues. Herein, we investigated new possibilities for these two aspects. Deep UV laser-induced fluorescence detection (deep UV-LIF) was established to detect the intrinsic fluorescence of EPO while an immuno-magnetic beads-based extraction (IMBE) was developed to specifically extract EPO glycoforms. Combined with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), CZE-deep UV-LIF allows high resolution glycoform profiling with improved sensitivity. The detection sensitivity was improved by one order of magnitude as compared with UV absorbance detection. An additional advantage is that the original glycoform distribution can be completely preserved because no fluorescent labeling is needed. By combining IMBE with CZE-deep UV-LIF, the overall detection sensitivity was 1.5 × 10⁻⁸ mol/L, which was enhanced by two orders of magnitude relative to conventional CZE with UV absorbance detection. It is applicable to the analysis of pharmaceutical preparations of EPO, but the sensitivity is insufficient for the anti-doping analysis of EPO in blood and urine. IMBE can be straightforward and effective approach for sample preparation. However, antibodies with high specificity were the key for application to urine samples because some urinary proteins can severely interfere the immuno-extraction. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Discrimination of corn from monocotyledonous weeds with ultraviolet (UV) induced fluorescence.

PubMed

Panneton, Bernard; Guillaume, Serge; Samson, Guy; Roger, Jean-Michel

2011-01-01

In production agriculture, savings in herbicides can be achieved if weeds can be discriminated from crop, allowing the targeting of weed control to weed-infested areas only. Previous studies demonstrated the potential of ultraviolet (UV) induced fluorescence to discriminate corn from weeds and recently, robust models have been obtained for the discrimination between monocots (including corn) and dicots. Here, we developed a new approach to achieve robust discrimination of monocot weeds from corn. To this end, four corn hybrids (Elite 60T05, Monsanto DKC 26-78, Pioneer 39Y85 (RR), and Syngenta N2555 (Bt, LL)) and four monocot weeds (Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) I, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv., Panicum capillare (L.), and Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv.) were grown either in a greenhouse or in a growth cabinet and UV (327 nm) induced fluorescence spectra (400 to 755 nm) were measured under controlled or uncontrolled ambient light intensity and temperature. This resulted in three contrasting data sets suitable for testing the robustness of discrimination models. In the blue-green region (400 to 550 nm), the shape of the spectra did not contain any useful information for discrimination. Therefore, the integral of the blue-green region (415 to 455 nm) was used as a normalizing factor for the red fluorescence intensity (670 to 755 nm). The shape of the normalized red fluorescence spectra did not contribute to the discrimination and in the end, only the integral of the normalized red fluorescence intensity was left as a single discriminant variable. Applying a threshold on this variable minimizing the classification error resulted in calibration errors ranging from 14.2% to 15.8%, but this threshold varied largely between data sets. Therefore, to achieve robustness, a model calibration scheme was developed based on the collection of a calibration data set from 75 corn plants. From this set, a new threshold can be estimated as the 85% quantile on the cumulative frequency curve of the integral of the normalized red fluorescence. With this approach the classification error was nearly constant (16.0% to 18.5%), thereby indicating the potential of UV-induced fluorescence to reliably discriminate corn from monocot weeds.

Cutaneous porphyrins exhibit anti-stokes fluorescence that is detectable in sebum (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Giselle; Zeng, Haishan; Zhao, Jianhua; Wu, Zhenguo; Al Jasser, Mohammed; Lui, Harvey; Mclean, David I.

2016-02-01

Porphyrins produced by Propionibacterium acnes represent the principal fluorophore associated with acne, and appear as orange-red luminescence under the Wood's lamp. Assessment of acne based on Wood's lamp (UV) or visible light illumination is limited by photon penetration depth and has limited sensitivity for earlier stage lesions. Inducing fluorescence with near infrared (NIR) excitation may provide an alternative way to assess porphyrin-related skin disorders. We discovered that under 785 nm CW laser excitation PpIX powder exhibits fluorescence emission in the shorter wavelength range of 600-715 nm with an intensity that is linearly dependent on the excitation power. We attribute this shorter wavelength emission to anti-Stokes fluorescence. Similar anti-Stokes fluorescence was also detected focally in all skin-derived samples containing porphyrins. Regular (Stokes) fluorescence was present under UV and visible light excitation on ex vivo nasal skin and sebum from uninflamed acne, but not on nose surface smears or sebum from inflamed acne. Co-registered CW laser-excited anti-Stokes fluorescence and fs laser-excited multi-photon fluorescence images of PpIX powder showed similar features. In the skin samples because of the anti-Stokes effect, the NIR-induced fluorescence was presumably specific for porphyrins since there appeared to be no anti-Stokes emission signals from other typical skin fluorophores such as lipids, keratins and collagen. Anti-Stokes fluorescence under NIR CW excitation is more sensitive and specific for porphyrin detection than UV- or visible light-excited regular fluorescence and fs laser-excited multi-photon fluorescence. This approach also has higher image contrast compared to NIR fs laser-based multi-photon fluorescence imaging. The anti-Stokes fluorescence of porphyrins within sebum could potentially be applied to detecting and targeting acne lesions for treatment via fluorescence image guidance.

An optical marker based on the UV-induced green-to-red photoconversion of a fluorescent protein

PubMed Central

Ando, Ryoko; Hama, Hiroshi; Yamamoto-Hino, Miki; Mizuno, Hideaki; Miyawaki, Atsushi

2002-01-01

We have cloned a gene encoding a fluorescent protein from a stony coral, Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, which emits green, yellow, and red light. The protein, named Kaede, includes a tripeptide, His-Tyr-Gly, that acts as a green chromophore that can be converted to red. The red fluorescence is comparable in intensity to the green and is stable under usual aerobic conditions. We found that the green-red conversion is highly sensitive to irradiation with UV or violet light (350–400 nm), which excites the protonated form of the chromophore. The excitation lights used to elicit red and green fluorescence do not induce photoconversion. Under a conventional epifluorescence microscope, Kaede protein expressed in HeLa cells turned red in a graded fashion in response to UV illumination; maximal illumination resulted in a 2,000-fold increase in the ratio of red-to-green signal. These color-changing properties provide a simple and powerful technique for regional optical marking. A focused UV pulse creates an instantaneous plane source of red Kaede within the cytosol. The red spot spreads rapidly throughout the cytosol, indicating its free diffusibility in the compartment. The extensive diffusion allows us to delineate a single neuron in a dense culture, where processes originating from many different somata are present. Illumination of a focused UV pulse onto the soma of a Kaede-expressing neuron resulted in filling of all processes with red fluorescence, allowing visualization of contact sites between the red and green neurons of interest. PMID:12271129

Molten Globule-Like Partially Folded State of Bacillus licheniformis α-Amylase at Low pH Induced by 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol

PubMed Central

Abd Halim, Adyani Azizah; Zaroog, Mohammed Suleiman; Abdul Kadir, Habsah; Tayyab, Saad

2014-01-01

Effect of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) on acid-denatured Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase (BLA) at pH 2.0 was investigated by far-UV CD, intrinsic fluorescence, and ANS fluorescence measurements. Addition of increasing HFIP concentrations led to an increase in the mean residue ellipticity at 222 nm (MRE222 nm) up to 1.5 M HFIP concentration beyond which it sloped off. A small increase in the intrinsic fluorescence and a marked increase in the ANS fluorescence were also observed up to 0.4 M HFIP concentration, both of which decreased thereafter. Far- and near-UV CD spectra of the HFIP-induced state observed at 0.4 M HFIP showed significant retention of the secondary structures closer to native BLA but a disordered tertiary structure. Increase in the ANS fluorescence intensity was also observed with the HFIP-induced state, suggesting exposure of the hydrophobic clusters to the solvent. Furthermore, thermal denaturation of HFIP-induced state showed a non-cooperative transition. Taken together, all these results suggested that HFIP-induced state of BLA represented a molten globule-like state at pH 2.0. PMID:24977228

Transient Fluorescence Spectroscopy and laser induced fluorescence lifetimes of terbium doped dipicolinic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makoui, Anali

We have investigated the use of deep UV laser induced fluorescence for the sensitive detection and spectroscopic lifetime studies of terbium doped dipicolinic acid (DPA-Tb) and used this to study the optical characteristics of DPA which is a chemical surrounding most bacterial spores. Background absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and Excitation Emission Matrix (EEM) spectra were made of the DPA-Tb complex, using both fixed 266 nm wavelength and tunable (220 nm--280 nm) UV laser excitations. Of importance, the fluorescence lifetimes of the four main fluorescence peaks (488 nm, 543 nm, 581 nm, and 618 nm) of the DPA-Tb complex have been measured for the first time to our knowledge. The lifetimes of all the fluorescing lines have been measured as a function of DPA-Tb concentration, solvent pH, and solvent composition, including that for the weakest fluorescing line of DPA-Tb at 618 nm. In addition, a new spectroscopic lifetime measurement technique, which we call "Transient Fluorescence Spectroscopy", was developed. In this technique, a weak, quasi-CW, amplitude modulated UV laser (8.5 kHz) was used to measure the lifetimes of the fluorescence lines, and yields insight into energy transfer and excitation lifetimes within the system. This technique is especially useful when a high power laser is not either available or not suitable. In the latter case, this would be when a high power pulsed deep-UV laser could produce bleaching or destruction of the biological specimen. In addition, this technique simulated the excitation and fluorescence emission of the DPA-Tb using a 4-level energy model, and solved the dynamic transient rate equations to predict the temporal behavior of the DPA-Tb emitted fluorescence. Excellent agreement between the experiments and the simulation were found. This technique has the potential to provide a more accurate value for the fluorescence lifetime values. In addition, with the use of asymmetric excitation waveforms, the dynamic transient rate equation analysis may allow for detailed studies of selected transfer mechanisms in a wide range of other spectroscopic applications including rare-earth solid-state lasing materials and biological samples.

Non-destructive evaluation of UV pulse laser-induced damage performance of fused silica optics.

PubMed

Huang, Jin; Wang, Fengrui; Liu, Hongjie; Geng, Feng; Jiang, Xiaodong; Sun, Laixi; Ye, Xin; Li, Qingzhi; Wu, Weidong; Zheng, Wanguo; Sun, Dunlu

2017-11-24

The surface laser damage performance of fused silica optics is related to the distribution of surface defects. In this study, we used chemical etching assisted by ultrasound and magnetorheological finishing to modify defect distribution in a fused silica surface, resulting in fused silica samples with different laser damage performance. Non-destructive test methods such as UV laser-induced fluorescence imaging and photo-thermal deflection were used to characterize the surface defects that contribute to the absorption of UV laser radiation. Our results indicate that the two methods can quantitatively distinguish differences in the distribution of absorptive defects in fused silica samples subjected to different post-processing steps. The percentage of fluorescence defects and the weak absorption coefficient were strongly related to the damage threshold and damage density of fused silica optics, as confirmed by the correlation curves built from statistical analysis of experimental data. The results show that non-destructive evaluation methods such as laser-induced fluorescence and photo-thermal absorption can be effectively applied to estimate the damage performance of fused silica optics at 351 nm pulse laser radiation. This indirect evaluation method is effective for laser damage performance assessment of fused silica optics prior to utilization.

Laser induced fluorescence of biochemical for UV LIDAR application.

PubMed

Gupta, L; Sharma, R C; Razdan, A K; Maini, A K

2014-05-01

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy in the ultraviolet regime has been used for the detection of biochemical through a fiber coupled CCD detector from a distance of 2 m. The effect of concentration and laser excitation energy on the fluorescence spectra of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been investigated. The signature fluorescence peak of NADH was centred about 460 nm. At lower concentration Raman peak centred at 405 nm was also observed. The origin of this peak has been discussed. Detection limit with the proposed set up is found to be 1 ppm.

Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence in Paleontology

PubMed Central

Kaye, Thomas G.; Falk, Amanda R.; Pittman, Michael; Sereno, Paul C.; Burnham, David A.; Gong, Enpu; Xu, Xing; Wang, Yinan

2015-01-01

Fluorescence using ultraviolet (UV) light has seen increased use as a tool in paleontology over the last decade. Laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF) is a next generation technique that is emerging as a way to fluoresce paleontological specimens that remain dark under typical UV. A laser’s ability to concentrate very high flux rates both at the macroscopic and microscopic levels results in specimens fluorescing in ways a standard UV bulb cannot induce. Presented here are five paleontological case histories that illustrate the technique across a broad range of specimens and scales. Novel uses such as back-lighting opaque specimens to reveal detail and detection of specimens completely obscured by matrix are highlighted in these examples. The recent cost reductions in medium-power short wavelength lasers and use of standard photographic filters has now made this technique widely accessible to researchers. This technology has the potential to automate multiple aspects of paleontology, including preparation and sorting of microfossils. This represents a highly cost-effective way to address paleontology's preparatory bottleneck. PMID:26016843

A study on a portable fluorescence imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Han-Chao; Wu, Wen-Hong; Chang, Chun-Li; Huang, Kuo-Cheng; Chang, Chung-Hsing; Chiu, Shang-Chen

2011-09-01

The fluorescent reaction is that an organism or dye, excited by UV light (200-405 nm), emits a specific frequency of light; the light is usually a visible or near infrared light (405-900 nm). During the UV light irradiation, the photosensitive agent will be induced to start the photochemical reaction. In addition, the fluorescence image can be used for fluorescence diagnosis and then photodynamic therapy can be given to dental diseases and skin cancer, which has become a useful tool to provide scientific evidence in many biomedical researches. However, most of the methods on acquiring fluorescence biology traces are still stay in primitive stage, catching by naked eyes and researcher's subjective judgment. This article presents a portable camera to obtain the fluorescence image and to make up a deficit from observer competence and subjective judgment. Furthermore, the portable camera offers the 375nm UV-LED exciting light source for user to record fluorescence image and makes the recorded image become persuasive scientific evidence. In addition, when the raising the rate between signal and noise, the signal processing module will not only amplify the fluorescence signal up to 70 %, but also decrease the noise significantly from environmental light on bill and nude mouse testing.

Light-induced fluorescence changes in Phycomyces: evidence for blue light-receptor associated flavo-semiquinones.

PubMed

Galland, Paul; Tölle, Nadja

2003-10-01

Light-induced fluorescence changes (LIFCs) were detected in sporangiophores of the blue-light-sensitive fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus (Burgeff). The LIFCs can be utilized as a spectrophotometric assay for blue-light photoreceptors and for the in vivo characterization of their photochemical primary reactions. Blue-light irradiation of sporangiophores elicited a transient decrease and subsequent regeneration of flavin-like fluorescence emission at 525 nm. The signals recovered in darkness in about 120 min. In contrast to blue light, near-UV (370 nm) caused an increase in the fluorescence emission at 525 nm. Because the LIFCs were altered in a light-insensitive madC mutant with a defective photoreceptor, the fluorescence changes must be associated with early photochemical events of the transduction chain. Action spectra for the fluorescence changes at 525 nm showed major peaks near 470 and 600 nm. Double-pulse experiments involving two consecutive pulses of either blue and near-UV, blue and red, or near-UV and red showed that the responses depended on the sequence in which the different wavelengths were applied. The results indicate a blue-light receptor with intermediates in the near-UV, blue and red spectral regions. We explain the results in the framework of a general model, in which the three redox states of the flavin photoreceptor, the oxidized flavin (Fl), the flavo-semiquinone (FlH*), and the flavo-hydroquinone (FlH2) are each acting as chromophores with their own characteristic photochemical primary reactions. These consist of the photoreduction of the oxidized flavin generating semiquinone, the photoreduction of the semiquinone generating hydroquinone, and the photooxidation of the flavo-hydroquinone regenerating the pool of oxidized flavins. The proposed mechanism represents a photocycle in which two antagonistic photoreceptor forms, Fl and FlH2, determine the pool size of the biological effector molecule, the flavo-semiquinone. The redox changes that are associated with the photocycle are maintained by redox partners, pterins, that function in the near-UV as secondary chromophores.

Detection of biological warfare agents using ultra violet-laser induced fluorescence LIDAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Deepti; Kumar, Deepak; Maini, Anil K.; Sharma, Ramesh C.

This review has been written to highlight the threat of biological warfare agents, their types and detection. Bacterial biological agent Bacillus anthracis (bacteria causing the disease anthrax) which is most likely to be employed in biological warfare is being discussed in detail. Standoff detection of biological warfare agents in aerosol form using Ultra violet-Laser Induced Fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectroscopy method has been studied. Range-resolved detection and identification of biological aerosols by both nano-second and non-linear femto-second LIDAR is also discussed. Calculated received fluorescence signal for a cloud of typical biological agent Bacillus globigii (Simulants of B. anthracis) at a location of ˜5.0 km at different concentrations in presence of solar background radiation has been described. Overview of current research efforts in internationally available working UV-LIF LIDAR systems are also mentioned briefly.

Investigation of optical fibers for gas-phase, ultraviolet laser-induced-fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectroscopy.

PubMed

Hsu, Paul S; Kulatilaka, Waruna D; Jiang, Naibo; Gord, James R; Roy, Sukesh

2012-06-20

We investigate the feasibility of transmitting high-power, ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses through long optical fibers for laser-induced-fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and nitric oxide (NO) in reacting and non-reacting flows. The fundamental transmission characteristics of nanosecond (ns)-duration laser pulses are studied at wavelengths of 283 nm (OH excitation) and 226 nm (NO excitation) for state-of-the-art, commercial UV-grade fibers. It is verified experimentally that selected fibers are capable of transmitting sufficient UV pulse energy for single-laser-shot LIF measurements. The homogeneous output-beam profile resulting from propagation through a long multimode fiber is ideal for two-dimensional planar-LIF (PLIF) imaging. A fiber-coupled UV-LIF system employing a 6 m long launch fiber is developed for probing OH and NO. Single-laser-shot OH- and NO-PLIF images are obtained in a premixed flame and in a room-temperature NO-seeded N(2) jet, respectively. Effects on LIF excitation lineshapes resulting from delivering intense UV laser pulses through long fibers are also investigated. Proof-of-concept measurements demonstrated in the current work show significant promise for fiber-coupled UV-LIF spectroscopy in harsh diagnostic environments such as gas-turbine test beds.

Fluorimetric detection of Sn(2+) ion in aqueous medium using Salicylaldehyde based nanoparticles and application to natural samples analysis.

PubMed

Patil, Kishor S; Mahajan, Prasad G; Patil, Shivajirao R

2017-01-05

The fluorescent 2-[(E)-(2-phenylhydrazinylidene)methyl]phenol nanoparticles (PHPNPs) were prepared by a simple reprecipitation method. The prepared PHPNPs examined by Dynamic Light Scattering show narrower particle size distribution having an average particle size of 93.3nm. The Scanning Electron Microphotograph shows distinct spherical shaped morphology of nanoparticles. The blue shift in UV-absorption and fluorescence spectra of PHPNPs with respect to corresponding spectra of PHP in acetone solution indicates H- aggregates and Aggregation Induced Enhanced Emission (AIEE) for nanoparticles. The nanoparticles show selective tendency towards the recognition of Sn(2+) ions by enhancing the fluorescence intensity preference to Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), NH4(+), Ca(2+), Pb(2+), Hg(2+) and Zn(2+) ions, which actually seem to quench the fluorescence of nanoparticles. The studies on Langmuir adsorption plot, fluorescence lifetime of PHPNPs, DLS-Zeta sizer, UV-visible and fluorescence titration with and without Sn(2+) helped to propose a suitable mechanism of fluorescence enhancement of nanoparticles by Sn(2+) and their binding ability during complexation. The fluorescence enhancement effect of PHPNPs induced by Sn(2+) is further used to develop an analytical method for detection of Sn(2+) from aqueous medium in environmental samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluorimetric detection of Sn2 + ion in aqueous medium using Salicylaldehyde based nanoparticles and application to natural samples analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Kishor S.; Mahajan, Prasad G.; Patil, Shivajirao R.

2017-01-01

The fluorescent 2-[(E)-(2-phenylhydrazinylidene)methyl]phenol nanoparticles (PHPNPs) were prepared by a simple reprecipitation method. The prepared PHPNPs examined by Dynamic Light Scattering show narrower particle size distribution having an average particle size of 93.3 nm. The Scanning Electron Microphotograph shows distinct spherical shaped morphology of nanoparticles. The blue shift in UV-absorption and fluorescence spectra of PHPNPs with respect to corresponding spectra of PHP in acetone solution indicates H- aggregates and Aggregation Induced Enhanced Emission (AIEE) for nanoparticles. The nanoparticles show selective tendency towards the recognition of Sn2 + ions by enhancing the fluorescence intensity preference to Cu2 +, Fe3 +, Fe2 +, Ni2 +, NH4+, Ca2 +, Pb2 +, Hg2 + and Zn2 + ions, which actually seem to quench the fluorescence of nanoparticles. The studies on Langmuir adsorption plot, fluorescence lifetime of PHPNPs, DLS-Zeta sizer, UV-visible and fluorescence titration with and without Sn2 + helped to propose a suitable mechanism of fluorescence enhancement of nanoparticles by Sn2 + and their binding ability during complexation. The fluorescence enhancement effect of PHPNPs induced by Sn2 + is further used to develop an analytical method for detection of Sn2 + from aqueous medium in environmental samples.

Investigation of optical fibers for high-repetition-rate, ultraviolet planar laser-induced fluorescence of OH.

PubMed

Hsu, Paul S; Kulatilaka, Waruna D; Roy, Sukesh; Gord, James R

2013-05-01

We investigate the fundamental transmission characteristics of nanosecond-duration, 10 kHz repetition rate, ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses through state-of-the-art, UV-grade fused-silica fibers being used for hydroxyl radical (OH) planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) imaging. Studied in particular are laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs), nonlinear absorption, and optical transmission stability during long-term UV irradiation. Solarization (photodegradation) effects are significantly enhanced when the fiber is exposed to high-repetition-rate, 283 nm UV irradiation. For 10 kHz laser pulses, two-photon absorption is strong and LIDTs are low, as compared to those of laser pulses propagating at 10 Hz. The fiber characterization results are utilized to perform single-laser-shot, OH-PLIF imaging in pulsating turbulent flames with a laser that operates at 10 kHz. The nearly spatially uniform output beam that exits a long multimode fiber becomes ideal for PLIF measurements. The proof-of-concept measurements show significant promise for extending the application of a fiber-coupled, high-speed OH-PLIF system to harsh environments such as combustor test beds, and potential system improvements are suggested.

Visualizing and quantifying dose distribution in a UV reactor using three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence.

PubMed

Gandhi, Varun N; Roberts, Philip J W; Kim, Jae-Hong

2012-12-18

Evaluating the performance of typical water treatment UV reactors is challenging due to the complexity in assessing spatial and temporal variation of UV fluence, resulting from highly unsteady, turbulent nature of flow and variation in UV intensity. In this study, three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence (3DLIF) was applied to visualize and quantitatively analyze a lab-scale UV reactor consisting of one lamp sleeve placed perpendicular to flow. Mapping the spatial and temporal fluence delivery and MS2 inactivation revealed the highest local fluence in the wake zone due to longer residence time and higher UV exposure, while the lowest local fluence occurred in a region near the walls due to short-circuiting flow and lower UV fluence rate. Comparing the tracer based decomposition between hydrodynamics and IT revealed similar coherent structures showing the dependency of fluence delivery on the reactor flow. The location of tracer injection, varying the height and upstream distance from the lamp center, was found to significantly affect the UV fluence received by the tracer. A Lagrangian-based analysis was also employed to predict the fluence along specific paths of travel, which agreed with the experiments. The 3DLIF technique developed in this study provides new insight on dose delivery that fluctuates both spatially and temporally and is expected to aid design and optimization of UV reactors as well as validate computational fluid dynamics models that are widely used to simulate UV reactor performances.

Visual outdoor response of multiple wild bee species: highly selective stimulation of a single photoreceptor type by sunlight-induced fluorescence.

PubMed

Rao, Sujaya; Ostroverkhova, Oksana

2015-07-01

Bees have ultraviolet (UV), blue and green photoreceptor types in their compound eyes with which they locate food sources in landscapes that change continuously in cues emanating from plants and backgrounds against which they are perceived. The complexity of bee vision has been elucidated through studies examining individual species under laboratory conditions. Here, we used a bee-attractive fluorescent blue trap as a model for analyzing visual signals in operation outdoors, and across bee species. We manipulated trap color (appearance to humans under light with weak UV component) and UV-induced fluorescence emission, and aligned field capture results with bee vision models. Our studies show that the bees were attracted to traps that under solar illumination exhibited strong fluorescence emission exclusively in the blue spectral region. Through quantitative analysis, we established that strong spectral overlap of trap emittance with the photosensitivity characteristic of the blue receptor type and minimal overlap with those of the other two receptor types is the most critical property of attractive traps. A parameter has been identified which predicts the degree of attractiveness of the traps and which captures trends in the field data across wild bee species and for a diversity of backgrounds.

Bacterial Sunscreen: Layer-by-Layer Deposition of UV-Absorbing Polymers on Whole-Cell Biosensors (POSTPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-13

mycosporine - like amino acids that absorb in the UV range and can quench UV-induced intracellular free radicals.2,3 Common in both microorganisms and higher...oxygen, which will react with amino acid side chains and reduce protein stability. GFPuv is excited by long-wave UV and requires ionization for...vinyl sulfate, poly-4-styrenesulfonic acid , and humic acid ) were used to encapsulate E. coli cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) either

Detection of biological warfare agents using ultra violet-laser induced fluorescence LIDAR.

PubMed

Joshi, Deepti; Kumar, Deepak; Maini, Anil K; Sharma, Ramesh C

2013-08-01

This review has been written to highlight the threat of biological warfare agents, their types and detection. Bacterial biological agent Bacillus anthracis (bacteria causing the disease anthrax) which is most likely to be employed in biological warfare is being discussed in detail. Standoff detection of biological warfare agents in aerosol form using Ultra violet-Laser Induced Fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectroscopy method has been studied. Range-resolved detection and identification of biological aerosols by both nano-second and non-linear femto-second LIDAR is also discussed. Calculated received fluorescence signal for a cloud of typical biological agent Bacillus globigii (Simulants of B. anthracis) at a location of ~5.0 km at different concentrations in presence of solar background radiation has been described. Overview of current research efforts in internationally available working UV-LIF LIDAR systems are also mentioned briefly. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The onset of anthracene phototoxicity to Lemna gibba and the protective effects of humic acid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gensemer, R.W.; Dixon, D.G.; Greenberg, B.M.

1994-12-31

The toxicity of anthracene to the freshwater duckweed Lemna gibba is strongly photo-induced in the presence of light containing natural levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This was demonstrated using 8-day static renewal bioassays at an anthracene concentration of 2 mg-L{sup {minus}1}. Plants were incubated under simulated solar radiation (SSR) which mimics UV levels found in natural sunlight at a visible:UV-A:UV-B ratio of 100:10:1. Anthracene phototoxicity was expressed as inhibition of population growth and fluorescence induction decreases in chlorophyll content, and changes in low-temperature chlorophyll fluorescence emission scans. Furthermore, adding 6.2 mg-L-1 of an artificial humic acid ameliorated anthracene phototoxicity evenmore » though HA is also photo modified by UV light. However, anthracene inhibited photosynthesis days before the endpoint assays were performed. Therefore, the authors repeated these experiments at short time intervals following exposure to both light and chemical. Anthracene phototoxicity occurred after only 1 hour as detected by chlorophyll fluorescence induction, whereas chlorophyll contents and low-temperature fluorescence emission scans were not affected until 24--48 hours, respectively. Humic acid again ameliorated anthracene toxicity by delaying the negative physiological events by approximately 24 hours.« less

The injury and cumulative effects on human skin by UV exposure from artificial fluorescence emission.

PubMed

Tian, Yan; Liu, Wei; Niu, TianHui; Dai, CaiHong; Li, Xiaoxin; Cui, Caijuan; Zhao, Xinyan; E, Yaping; Lu, Hui

2014-01-01

The injury and cumulative effects of UV emission from fluorescence lamp were studied. UV intensity from fluorescence lamp was measured, and human skin samples (hips, 10 volunteers) were exposed to low-dose UV irradiation (three times per week for 13 consecutive weeks). Three groups were examined: control group without UV radiation; low-dose group with a cumulative dose of 50 J cm(-2) which was equivalent to irradiation of the face during indoor work for 1.5 years; and high-dose group with 1000 J cm(-2) cumulative dose equivalent to irradiation of the face during outdoor activities for 1 year. Specific indicators were measured before and after UVA irradiation. The findings showed that extending the low-dose UVA exposure decreased the skin moisture content and increased the transepidermal water loss as well as induced skin color changes (decreased L* value, increased M index). Furthermore, irradiated skin showed an increased thickness of cuticle and epidermis, skin edema, light color and unclear staining collagen fibers in the dermis, and elastic fiber fragmentation. In addition, MMP-1, p53 and SIRT1 expression was also increased. Long-term exposure of low-dose UVA radiation enhanced skin photoaging. The safety of the fluorescent lamp needs our attention. © 2014 The American Society of Photobiology.

Lysozyme Photochemistry as a Function of Temperature. The Protective Effect of Nanoparticles on Lysozyme Photostability

PubMed Central

Oliveira Silva, Catarina; Petersen, Steffen B.; Pinto Reis, Catarina; Rijo, Patrícia; Molpeceres, Jesús; Vorum, Henrik; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa

2015-01-01

The presence of aromatic residues and their close spatial proximity to disulphide bridges makes hen egg white lysozyme labile to UV excitation. UVB induced photo-oxidation of tryptophan and tyrosine residues leads to photochemical products, such as, kynurenine, N–formylkynurenine and dityrosine and to the disruption of disulphide bridges in proteins. We here report that lysozyme UV induced photochemistry is modulated by temperature, excitation power, illumination time, excitation wavelength and by the presence of plasmonic quencher surfaces, such as gold, and by the presence of natural fluorescence quenchers, such as hyaluronic acid and oleic acid. We show evidence that the photo-oxidation effects triggered by 295 nm at 20°C are reversible and non-reversible at 10°C, 25°C and 30°C. This paper provides evidence that the 295 nm damage threshold of lysozyme lies between 0.1 μW and 0.3 μW. Protein conformational changes induced by temperature and UV light have been detected upon monitoring changes in the fluorescence emission spectra of lysozyme tryptophan residues and SYPRO® Orange. Lysozyme has been conjugated onto gold nanoparticles, coated with hyaluronic acid and oleic acid (HAOA). Steady state and time resolved fluorescence studies of free and conjugated lysozyme onto HAOA gold nanoparticles reveals that the presence of the polymer decreased the rate of the observed photochemical reactions and induced a preference for short fluorescence decay lifetimes. Size and surface charge of the HAOA gold nanoparticles have been determined by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. TEM analysis of the particles confirms the presence of a gold core surrounded by a HAOA matrix. We conclude that HAOA gold nanoparticles may efficiently protect lysozyme from the photochemical effects of UVB light and this nanocarrier could be potentially applied to other proteins with clinical relevance. In addition, this study confirms that the temperature plays a critical role in the photochemical pathways a protein enters upon UV excitation. PMID:26656259

Lysozyme Photochemistry as a Function of Temperature. The Protective Effect of Nanoparticles on Lysozyme Photostability.

PubMed

Oliveira Silva, Catarina; Petersen, Steffen B; Pinto Reis, Catarina; Rijo, Patrícia; Molpeceres, Jesús; Vorum, Henrik; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa

2015-01-01

The presence of aromatic residues and their close spatial proximity to disulphide bridges makes hen egg white lysozyme labile to UV excitation. UVB induced photo-oxidation of tryptophan and tyrosine residues leads to photochemical products, such as, kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine and dityrosine and to the disruption of disulphide bridges in proteins. We here report that lysozyme UV induced photochemistry is modulated by temperature, excitation power, illumination time, excitation wavelength and by the presence of plasmonic quencher surfaces, such as gold, and by the presence of natural fluorescence quenchers, such as hyaluronic acid and oleic acid. We show evidence that the photo-oxidation effects triggered by 295 nm at 20°C are reversible and non-reversible at 10°C, 25°C and 30°C. This paper provides evidence that the 295 nm damage threshold of lysozyme lies between 0.1 μW and 0.3 μW. Protein conformational changes induced by temperature and UV light have been detected upon monitoring changes in the fluorescence emission spectra of lysozyme tryptophan residues and SYPRO® Orange. Lysozyme has been conjugated onto gold nanoparticles, coated with hyaluronic acid and oleic acid (HAOA). Steady state and time resolved fluorescence studies of free and conjugated lysozyme onto HAOA gold nanoparticles reveals that the presence of the polymer decreased the rate of the observed photochemical reactions and induced a preference for short fluorescence decay lifetimes. Size and surface charge of the HAOA gold nanoparticles have been determined by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. TEM analysis of the particles confirms the presence of a gold core surrounded by a HAOA matrix. We conclude that HAOA gold nanoparticles may efficiently protect lysozyme from the photochemical effects of UVB light and this nanocarrier could be potentially applied to other proteins with clinical relevance. In addition, this study confirms that the temperature plays a critical role in the photochemical pathways a protein enters upon UV excitation.

Skin tumor development after UV irradiation and photodynamic therapy is unaffected by short-term pretreatment with 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod and calcipotriol. An experimental hairless mouse study.

PubMed

Bay, Christiane; Togsverd-Bo, Katrine; Lerche, Catharina M; Haedersdal, Merete

2016-01-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) delays ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in hairless mice. Efficacy may be enhanced by combining PDT with antineoplastic or pro-differentiating agents. We investigated if pretreatment with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), imiquimod (IMIQ) or calcipotriol (CAL) before PDT further delays tumor onset. Hairless mice (n=224) were exposed 3 times weekly to 3 standard erythema doses (SED) of UV radiation. Methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT sessions were given on days 45 and 90 before SCC development. Three applications of topical 5FU, IMIQ or CAL were given before each PDT session. Fluorescence photography quantified protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) formation. PDT delayed UV-induced SCC development by 59 days (212 days UV-MAL-PDT vs. 153 days UV-control, P<0.001). Pretreatment with 5FU, IMIQ or CAL before PDT did not further delay SCC onset compared to PDT alone (207 days UV-5FU-MAL-PDT, 215 days UV-IMIQ-MAL-PDT, 206 days UV-CAL-MAL-PDT vs. 212 days UV-MAL-PDT, P=ns). PpIX fluorescence intensified by 5FU-pretreatment (median 21,392 au UV-5FU-MAL-PDT, P=0.011), decreased after IMIQ-pretreatment (12,452 au UV-IMIQ-MAL-PDT, P<0.001), and was unaffected by CAL-pretreatment (19,567 au UV-CAL-MAL-PDT, P=ns) compared to MAL alone (18,083 au UV-MAL-PDT). Short-term three-day pretreatment with 5FU, IMIQ and CAL before PDT does not further delay tumor onset in UV-exposed hairless mice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Binding of caffeine with caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid using fluorescence quenching, UV/vis and FTIR spectroscopic techniques.

PubMed

Belay, Abebe; Kim, Hyung Kook; Hwang, Yoon-Hwae

2016-03-01

The interactions of caffeine (CF) with chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeic acid (CFA) were investigated by fluorescence quenching, UV/vis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques. The results of the study indicated that the fluorescence quenching between caffeine and hydroxycinnamic acids could be rationalized in terms of static quenching or the formation of non-fluorescent CF-CFA and CF-CGA complexes. From fluorescence quenching spectral analysis, the quenching constant (KSV), quenching rate constant (kq), number of binding sites (n), thermodynamic properties and conformational changes of the interaction were determined. The quenching constants (KSV) between CF and CGA, CFA are 1.84 × 10(4) and 1.04 × 10(4) L/mol at 298 K and their binding site n is ~ 1. Thermodynamic parameters determined using the Van't Hoff equation indicated that hydrogen bonds and van der Waal's forces have a major role in the reaction of caffeine with caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. The 3D fluorescence, UV/vis and FTIR spectra also showed that the binding of CF with CFA and CGA induces conformational changes in CFA and CGA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A FLUORESCENCE BASED ASSAY FOR DNA DAMAGE INDUCED BY RADIATION, CHEMICAL MUTAGENS AND ENZYMES

EPA Science Inventory

A simple and rapid assay to detect DNA damage is reported. This novel assay is based on changes in melting/annealing behavior and facilitated using certain dyes that increase their fluorescence upon association with double stranded (ds)DNA. Damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) ra...

An aircraft compatible laser induced fluorescence system - In situ and remote measurements of trace gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, D. D.; Philen, D.

1978-01-01

The laser-induced fluorescence technique for obtaining direct measurements of atmospheric OH and other gases is described. A narrow-band UV laser is tuned to one or more of the electronic absorption bands of a specified molecule so as to cause fluorescence from a bonding excited electronic state. The monitored wavelength is longer than the laser wavelength. Equipment, specifics for OH detection, data processing, and interference are discussed, and application of the technique to the detection of NO, SO2, and CH2O is considered.

Plume Image Profiling of UV Laser Desorbed Biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merrigan, T. L.; Hunniford, C. A.; Timson, D. J.; Catney, M.; McCullough, R. W.

2008-12-01

An experimental system, based upon the techniques of UV and IR laser desorption with time of flight mass spectrometry, has been constructed to enable the production and characterization of neutral biomolecular targets. The feasibility of the laser desorption technique for the purpose of radiation interaction experiments is investigated here. Fluorescent dye tagging and laser induced fluorescence imaging has been used to help characterize the laser produced plumes of biomolecules revealing their spatial density profiles and temporal evolution. Peak target thicknesses of 2×1012 molecules cm-2 were obtained 30 μs after laser desorption.

Preparation of polymeric Janus particles by directional UV-induced reactions.

PubMed

Liu, Lianying; Ren, Mingwei; Yang, Wantai

2009-09-15

Polymeric Janus particles are obtained by UV-induced selective surface grafting polymerizations and coupling reactions, in virtue of the light-absorption of photoreactive materials such as the immobilized photoinitiator and spread photoinitiator solution on the surfaces exposed to UV light and the sheltering of densely arrayed immovable particles from light. Varying the monomers or macromolecules applied in photografting polymerization or coupling reaction, and choosing diverse polymeric particles of various size, bicolor and amphiphilic Janus particles could be successfully achieved. Observations by fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscope ,and transmission electron microscope confirmed the asymmetrical morphology of the resultant Janus particles.

Direct on-strip analysis of size- and time-resolved aerosol impactor samples using laser induced fluorescence spectra excited at 263 and 351 nm.

PubMed

Wang, Chuji; Pan, Yong-Le; James, Deryck; Wetmore, Alan E; Redding, Brandon

2014-04-11

We report a novel atmospheric aerosol characterization technique, in which dual wavelength UV laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectrometry marries an eight-stage rotating drum impactor (RDI), namely UV-LIF-RDI, to achieve size- and time-resolved analysis of aerosol particles on-strip. The UV-LIF-RDI technique measured LIF spectra via direct laser beam illumination onto the particles that were impacted on a RDI strip with a spatial resolution of 1.2mm, equivalent to an averaged time resolution in the aerosol sampling of 3.6 h. Excited by a 263 nm or 351 nm laser, more than 2000 LIF spectra within a 3-week aerosol collection time period were obtained from the eight individual RDI strips that collected particles in eight different sizes ranging from 0.09 to 10 μm in Djibouti. Based on the known fluorescence database from atmospheric aerosols in the US, the LIF spectra obtained from the Djibouti aerosol samples were found to be dominated by fluorescence clusters 2, 5, and 8 (peaked at 330, 370, and 475 nm) when excited at 263 nm and by fluorescence clusters 1, 2, 5, and 6 (peaked at 390 and 460 nm) when excited at 351 nm. Size- and time-dependent variations of the fluorescence spectra revealed some size and time evolution behavior of organic and biological aerosols from the atmosphere in Djibouti. Moreover, this analytical technique could locate the possible sources and chemical compositions contributing to these fluorescence clusters. Advantages, limitations, and future developments of this new aerosol analysis technique are also discussed. Published by Elsevier B.V.

UV induced visual cues in grasses

PubMed Central

Baby, Sabulal; Johnson, Anil John; Govindan, Balaji; Lukose, Sujith; Gopakumar, Bhaskaran; Koshy, Konnath Chacko

2013-01-01

Grasses are traditionally considered as wind pollinated, however, field observations confirmed frequent insect visits to grass flowers, suggesting insect pollination. Fruit and seed predators inflict heavy losses to cereals and millets during their growth, maturation and storage. The actual factors guiding insects and predators to grass flowers, fruits and seeds are not clear. Here, we report attractive blue fluorescence emissions on grass floral parts such as glumes, lemma, palea, lodicules, staminal filaments, pollens and fruits in ultraviolet (UV) 366 nm, whereas the stigmatic portions were not blue, but red fluorescent. We characterized the blue fluorescent constituent in grass reproductive structures as ferulic acid (FA). Fluorescence spectra of blue-emitting grass floral, seed extracts and isolated FA on excitation at 366 nm showed their emissions at 420–460 nm. We propose these FA-based blue fluorescence emissions in grass reproductive structures as visual cues that attract pollinators, predators and even pests towards them. PMID:24061408

Applicability of UV laser-induced solid-state fluorescence spectroscopy for characterization of solid dosage forms.

PubMed

Woltmann, Eva; Meyer, Hans; Weigel, Diana; Pritzke, Heinz; Posch, Tjorben N; Kler, Pablo A; Schürmann, Klaus; Roscher, Jörg; Huhn, Carolin

2014-10-01

High production output of solid pharmaceutical formulations requires fast methods to ensure their quality. Likewise, fast analytical procedures are required in forensic sciences, for example at customs, to substantiate an initial suspicion. We here present the design and the optimization of an instrumental setup for rapid and non-invasive characterization of tablets by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (with a UV-laser (λ ex = 266 nm) as excitation source) in reflection geometry. The setup was first validated with regard to repeatability, bleaching phenomena, and sensitivity. The effect on the spectra by the physical and chemical properties of the samples, e.g. their hardness, homogeneity, chemical composition, and granule grain size of the uncompressed material, using a series of tablets, manufactured in accordance with design of experiments, was investigated. Investigation of tablets with regard to homogeneity, especially, is extremely important in pharmaceutical production processes. We demonstrate that multiplicative scatter correction is an appropriate tool for data preprocessing of fluorescence spectra. Tablets with different physical and chemical characteristics can be discriminated well from their fluorescence spectra by subjecting the results to principal component analysis.

Improved sensing using simultaneous deep-UV Raman and fluorescence detection-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hug, W. F.; Bhartia, R.; Sijapati, K.; Beegle, L. W.; Reid, R. D.

2014-05-01

Photon Systems in collaboration with JPL is continuing development of a new technology robot-mounted or hand-held sensor for reagentless, short-range, standoff detection and identification of trace levels chemical, biological, and explosive (CBE) materials on surfaces. This deep ultraviolet CBE sensor is the result of Army STTR and DTRA programs. The evolving 10 to 15 lb, 20 W, sensor can discriminate CBE from background clutter materials using a fusion of deep UV excited resonance Raman (RR) and laser induced native fluorescence (LINF) emissions collected is less than 1 ms. RR is a method that provides information about molecular bonds, while LINF spectroscopy is a much more sensitive method that provides information regarding the electronic configuration of target molecules. Standoff excitation of suspicious packages, vehicles, persons, and other objects that may contain hazardous materials is accomplished using excitation in the deep UV where there are four main advantages compared to near-UV, visible or near-IR counterparts. 1) Excited between 220 and 250 nm, Raman emission occur within a fluorescence-free region of the spectrum, eliminating obscuration of weak Raman signals by fluorescence from target or surrounding materials. 2) Because Raman and fluorescence occupy separate spectral regions, detection can be done simultaneously, providing an orthogonal set of information to improve both sensitivity and lower false alarm rates. 3) Rayleigh law and resonance effects increase Raman signal strength and sensitivity of detection. 4) Penetration depth into target in the deep UV is short, providing spatial/spectral separation of a target material from its background or substrate. 5) Detection in the deep UV eliminates ambient light background and enable daylight detection.

IR-stimulated visible fluorescence in pink and brown diamond.

PubMed

Byrne, K S; Chapman, J G; Luiten, A N

2014-03-19

Irradiation of natural pink and brown diamond by middle-ultraviolet light (photon energy ϵ ≥ 4.1 eV ) is seen to induce anomalous fluorescence phenomena at N3 defect centres (structure N3-V). When diamonds primed in this fashion are subsequently exposed to infrared light (even with a delay of many hours), a transient burst of blue N3 fluorescence is observed. The dependence of this IR-triggered fluorescence on pump wavelength and intensity suggest that this fluorescence phenomena is intrinsically related to pink diamond photochromism. An energy transfer process between N3 defects and other defect species can account for both the UV-induced fluorescence intensity changes, and the apparent optical upconversion of IR light. From this standpoint, we consider the implications of this N3 fluorescence behaviour for the current understanding of pink diamond photochromism kinetics.

Apparatus to collect, classify, concentrate, and characterize gas-borne particles

DOEpatents

Rader, Daniel J.; Torczynski, John R.; Wally, Karl; Brockmann, John E.

2003-12-16

An aerosol lab-on-a-chip (ALOC) integrates one or more of a variety of particle collection, classification, concentration (enrichment), an characterization processes onto a single substrate or layered stack of such substrates. By mounting a UV laser diode laser light source on the substrate, or substrates tack, so that it is located down-stream of the sample inlet port and at right angle the sample particle stream, the UV light source can illuminate individual particles in the stream to induce a fluorescence response in those particles having a fluorescent signature such as biological particles, some of said particles. An illuminated particle having a fluorescent signal above a threshold signal would trigger a sorter module that would separate that particle from the particle stream.

Fluorescence observations of LDEF exposed materials as an indicator of induced material reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linton, Roger C.; Whitaker, Ann F.; Kamenetzky, Rachel R.

1993-01-01

Observations and measurements of induced changes in the fluorescent emission of materials exposed to the space environment on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) have revealed systematic patterns of material-dependent behavior. These results have been supplemented by inspection of similar materials exposed on previous Space Shuttle Missions and in laboratory testing. The space environmental factors affecting the fluorescence of exposed materials have been found to include (but are not necessarily limited to) solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, atomic oxygen (AO), thermal vacuum exposure, and synergistic combinations of these factors. Observed changes in material fluorescent behavior include stimulation, quenching, and spectral band shifts of emission. For example, the intrinsic yellow fluorescence of zinc oxide pigmented thermal control coatings undergoes quenching as a result of exposure, while coloration is stimulated in the fluorescent emission of several polyurethane coating materials. The changes in fluorescent behavior of these materials are shown to be a revealing indicator of induced material reactions as a result of space environmental exposure.

An extended sequence specificity for UV-induced DNA damage.

PubMed

Chung, Long H; Murray, Vincent

2018-01-01

The sequence specificity of UV-induced DNA damage was determined with a higher precision and accuracy than previously reported. UV light induces two major damage adducts: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs). Employing capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence and taking advantages of the distinct properties of the CPDs and 6-4PPs, we studied the sequence specificity of UV-induced DNA damage in a purified DNA sequence using two approaches: end-labelling and a polymerase stop/linear amplification assay. A mitochondrial DNA sequence that contained a random nucleotide composition was employed as the target DNA sequence. With previous methodology, the UV sequence specificity was determined at a dinucleotide or trinucleotide level; however, in this paper, we have extended the UV sequence specificity to a hexanucleotide level. With the end-labelling technique (for 6-4PPs), the consensus sequence was found to be 5'-GCTC*AC (where C* is the breakage site); while with the linear amplification procedure, it was 5'-TCTT*AC. With end-labelling, the dinucleotide frequency of occurrence was highest for 5'-TC*, 5'-TT* and 5'-CC*; whereas it was 5'-TT* for linear amplification. The influence of neighbouring nucleotides on the degree of UV-induced DNA damage was also examined. The core sequences consisted of pyrimidine nucleotides 5'-CTC* and 5'-CTT* while an A at position "1" and C at position "2" enhanced UV-induced DNA damage. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contribution to the spectroscopic study of cytostatics molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staicu, Angela; Pascu, Mihail-Lucian; Mogos, Ioan; Enescu, Mironel; Truica, Sorina; Voicu, Letitia; Gazdaru, Doina M.; Radu, Alina; Gazdaru, S.

2001-06-01

The effect of UV irradiation of methotrexate was investigated by steady state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Major modifications on absorption bands were detected upon irradiation fluence greater than 59J/cm2. In addition the irradiated solutions become strongly fluorescent. The detected changes are not linear with the exposure time suggesting that the photo-induced chemical processes are complex.

The acidic pH-induced structural changes in Pin1 as revealed by spectral methodologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing-Zhang; Xi, Lei; Zhu, Guo-Fei; Han, Yong-Guang; Luo, Yue; Wang, Mei; Du, Lin-Fang

2012-12-01

Pin1 is closely associated with the pathogenesis of cancers and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously, we have shown the characteristics of the thermal denaturation of Pin1. Herein, the acid-induced denaturation of Pin1 was determined by means of fluorescence emission, synchronous fluorescence, far-UV CD, ANS fluorescence and RLS spectroscopies. The fluorescence emission spectra and the synchronous fluorescence spectra suggested the partially reversible unfolding (approximately from pH 7.0 to 4.0) and refolding (approximately from pH 4.0 to 1.0) of the structures around the chromophores in Pin1, apparently with an intermediate state at about pH 4.0-4.5. The far-UV CD spectra indicated that acidic pH (below pH 4.0) induced the structural transition from α-helix and random coils to β-sheet in Pin1. The ANS fluorescence and the RLS spectra further suggested the exposure of the hydrophobic side-chains of Pin1 and the aggregation of it especially below pH 2.3, and the aggregation possibly resulted in the formation of extra intermolecular β-sheet. The present work primarily shows that acidic pH can induce kinds of irreversible structural changes in Pin1, such as the exposure of the hydrophobic side-chains, the transition from α-helix to β-sheet and the aggregation of Pin1, and also explains why Pin1 loses most of its activity below pH 5.0. The results emphasize the important role of decreased pH in the pathogenesis of some Pin1-related diseases, and support the therapeutic approach for them by targeting acidosis and modifying the intracellular pH gradients.

Measurement of pyrimidine (6-4) photoproducts in DNA by a mild acidic hydrolysis-HPLC fluorescence detection assay.

PubMed

Douki, T; Voituriez, L; Cadet, J

1995-03-01

Pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts constitute one of the major classes of DNA lesions induced by far-UV irradiation. However, their biological role remains difficult to assess partly because of the lack of a specific and sensitive assay for monitoring their formation in DNA. Here is presented a measurement method based on the release of the (6-4) base adducts from DNA followed by an HPLC separation associated with a sensitive and specific fluorescence detection. The quantitative and mechanistic aspects of the chemical hydrolysis, based on the use of hydrogen fluoride stabilized in pyridine, were investigated, using dinucleoside monophosphate (6-4) photoproducts as model compounds. The final hydrolysis products were isolated and characterized by UV, fluorescence, mass, and 1H NMR spectroscopies. Application of the assay to far-UV irradiated calf thymus DNA provided information on the sequence effect on the rate of formation of three of the four possible bipyrimidine (6-4) photoproducts.

Impact assessment of energy-efficient lighting in patients with lupus erythematosus: a pilot study.

PubMed

Fenton, L; Dawe, R; Ibbotson, S; Ferguson, J; Silburn, S; Moseley, H

2014-03-01

Patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) are often abnormally photosensitive. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure can not only induce cutaneous lesions but may also contribute to systemic flares and disease progression. Various forms of energy-efficient lighting have been shown to emit UV radiation. To determine the effects of these emissions on individuals with LE. This assessment investigated cutaneous responses to repeated exposures from three types of lighting: compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), light-emitting diode (LED) and energy-efficient halogen (EEH). The subjects were 15 patients with LE and a control group of five healthy volunteers. No cutaneous LE lesions were induced by any of the light sources. Delayed skin erythema was induced at the site of CFL irradiation in six of the 15 patients with LE and two of the five healthy subjects. Erythema was increased in severity and more persistent in patients with LE. One patient with LE produced a positive delayed erythema to the EEH. A single patient with LE produced immediate abnormal erythemal responses to the CFL, LED and EEH. Further investigation revealed that this patient also had solar urticaria. All other subjects had negative responses to LED exposure. Compact fluorescent lamps emit UV that can induce skin erythema in both individuals with LE and healthy individuals when situated in close proximity. However, this occurs to a greater extent and is more persistent in patients with LE. EEHs emit UVA that can induce erythema in patients with LE. LEDs provide a safer alternative light source without risk of UV exposure. © 2013 British Association of Dermatologists.

Esculetin and esculin (esculetin 6-O-glucoside) occur as inclusions and are differentially distributed in the vacuole of palisade cells in Fraxinus ornus leaves: a fluorescence microscopy analysis.

PubMed

Tattini, Massimiliano; Di Ferdinando, Martina; Brunetti, Cecilia; Goti, Andrea; Pollastri, Susanna; Bellasio, Chandra; Giordano, Cristiana; Fini, Alessio; Agati, Giovanni

2014-11-01

The location of individual coumarins in leaves of Fraxinus ornus acclimated at full solar irradiance was estimated using their specific UV- and fluorescence spectral features. Using a combination of UV-induced fluorescence and blue light-induced fluorescence of tissues stained with diphenylborinic acid 2-amino-ethylester, in wide field or confocal laser scanning microscopy, we were able to visualize the distribution of esculetin and esculetin 6-O-glucoside (esculin) in palisade cells. Coumarins are not uniformly distributed in the cell vacuole, but accumulate mostly in the adaxial portion of palisade cells. Our study indeed shows, for the first time, that coumarins in palisade cells accumulate as vacuolar inclusions, as previously reported in the pertinent literature only for anthocyanins. Furthermore, esculetin and esculin have a different vacuolar distribution: esculetin largely predominates in the first 15 μm from the adaxial epidermis. This leads to hypothesize for esculetin and esculin different transport mechanisms from the endoplasmic reticulum to the vacuole as well as potentially different roles in photoprotection. Our study open to new experiments aimed at exploring the mechanisms that deliver coumarins to the vacuole using different fluorescence signatures of coumarin aglycones and coumarin glycosides. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultraviolet-Visible and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Techniques Are Important Diagnostic Tools during the Progression of Atherosclerosis: Diet Zinc Supplementation Retarded or Delayed Atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Abdelhalim, Mohamed Anwar K.; Moussa, Sherif A. Abdelmottaleb; AL-Mohy, Yanallah Hussain

2013-01-01

Background. In this study, we examined whether UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques detect the progression of atherosclerosis in serum of rabbits fed on high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and HCD supplemented with zinc (HCD + Zn) compared with the control. Methods. The control rabbits group was fed on 100 g/day of normal diet. The HCD group was fed on Purina Certified Rabbit Chow supplemented with 1.0% cholesterol plus 1.0% olive oil (100 g/day) for the same period. The HCD + Zn group was fed on normal Purina Certified Rabbit Chow plus 1.0% cholesterol and 1.0% olive oil supplemented with 470 ppm Zn for the same feeding period. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and biochemistry in Rabbit's blood serum and blood hematology were measured in Rabbit's blood. Results. We found that the fluorescent peak of HCD shifted toward UV-visible wavelength compared with the control using fluorescent excitation of serum at 192 nm. In addition, they showed that supplementation of zinc (350 ppm) restored the fluorescent peak closely to the control. By using UV-visible spectroscopy approach, we found that the peak absorbance of HCD (about 280 nm) was higher than that of control and that zinc supplementation seemed to decrease the absorbance. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques can be applied as noninvasive techniques on a sample blood serum for diagnosing or detecting the progression of atherosclerosis. The Zn supplementation to rabbits fed on HCD delays or retards the progression of atherosclerosis. Inducing anemia in rabbits fed on HCD delays the progression of atherosclerosis. PMID:24350281

Blue and UV fluorescence of biological fluids and carbon nanodots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, A.; Frorip, A.; Ots-Rosenberg, M.; Sünter, A.

2013-11-01

Comparative optical study of biofluids (serum, urine, hemodialysate) and carbon nanodots (CND) aqueous solutions has been done. Biofluids were collected from chronic kidney diseases patients (CKD Pts) as well as from normal controls (NCs). Sugar derived CND and oxidized graphene solutions were prepared and used. Fluorescence and excitation spectra have mainly been measured and compared for two sets of subjects. For both family of subjects typical fluorescence with parameters λexсmax/ λemmax = 320+/-5/420+/-5 nm is observed and has many analogeous properties. New effective method of additional similarity identification with use of aluminum salts Al2 (SO4)3, Al (N03)3 and AlCl3 is proposed. Aluminum ions induce the fluorescence band at 380 nm in all substances investigated. Plenty of similar features (12) in optical properties create a united platform for further investigation of the topic - the nature of endogenous near UV and visible fluorescence in biofluids and CND.

Pre symptomatic detection of wheat leaf rust in the susceptible cv Skalmeje and the resistant cv Esket by means of UV laser-induced fluorescence.

PubMed

Bürling, K; Hunsche, M; Noga, G

2010-01-01

In modern agriculture there is a great demand for a rapid and objective screening method for stress resistance, because so far, the resistance of new cultivars is tested in time- and money consuming field experiments. Based on fluorescence ratios, and lifetime of fluorophores measured by fluorescence spectroscopy, we have postulated that an early discrimination of susceptible and resistant wheat cultivars to the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina can be accomplished. As representative for leaf rust resistant and leaf rust susceptible wheat genotypes the cultivars Esket and Skalmeje, respectively, were chosen. Plants were grown under controlled environment conditions and inoculated with the leaf rust pathogen at the second-leaf-stage by single-droplet application. Fluorescence measurements were carried out from two to four days after inoculation (dai) by using a compact fibre-optic fluorescence spectrometer with nanosecond time-resolution. Experimental results indicated that UV laser-induced spectral characteristics as well as determination of fluorescence lifetime are suited to detect leaf rust two dai. For this purpose several ratios and wavelength can be considered. In general, the tested cultivars showed distinct responses to the pathogen development. In this context the ratio F451/F687 measured three dai and mean lifetimes at 500 nm and 530 nm are suited to differentiate the resistant Esket from the susceptible Skalmeje genotypes.

Bioconvertible vitamin antioxidants improve sunscreen photoprotection against UV-induced reactive oxygen species.

PubMed

Hanson, Kerry M; Clegg, Robert M

2003-01-01

The ability of sunscreens and antioxidants to deactivate highly destructive reactive oxygen species in human skin has remained inconclusive. Two-photon fluorescence imaging microscopy was used to determine the effect of sunscreen/antioxidant combinations upon UV-induced ROS generation in ex vivo human skin. A sunscreen combination containing octylmethoxycinnamate (Parsol MCX) and avobenzone (Parsol 1789) at SPF 8 and SPF 15 was tested for its ability to prevent UV radiation from generating ROS in the viable epidermal strata of ex vivo human skin. A UV dose equivalent to two hours of North American solar UV was used to irradiate the skin. Each sunscreen reduced the amount of ROS induced in the viable strata by a value consistent with the SPF level. UV photons that were not absorbed/scattered by the sunscreen formulations generated ROS within the viable epidermal layers. The addition of the bioconvertible antioxidants vitamin E acetate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (STAY-C 50) improves photoprotection by converting to vitamins E and C, respectively, within the skin. The bioconversion forms an antioxidant reservoir that deactivates the ROS generated (within the strata granulosum, spinosum, and basale) by the UV photons that the sunscreens do not block in the stratum corneum.

Berberine cation: A fluorescent chemosensor for alkanes and other low-polarity compounds. An explanation of this phenomenon

PubMed

Cossio; Arrieta; Cebolla; Membrado; Vela; Garriga; Domingo

2000-07-27

Alkanes in the presence of berberine sulfate provide an enhancement of fluorescent signal, which depends on alkane concentration and structure, when the system is irradiated with monochromatic UV light. Computational analysis suggests that an ion-induced dipole between alkanes and berberine sulfate is responsible for this phenomenon. This interaction can properly model the experimentally obtained fluorescent response. The proposed explanation allows other interacting systems to be designed, which have been experimentally confirmed.

Diurnal changes in epidermal UV transmittance of plants in naturally high UV environments.

PubMed

Barnes, Paul W; Flint, Stephan D; Slusser, James R; Gao, Wei; Ryel, Ronald J

2008-06-01

Studies were conducted on three herbaceous plant species growing in naturally high solar UV environments in the subalpine of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA, to determine if diurnal changes in epidermal UV transmittance (T(UV)) occur in these species, and to test whether manipulation of the solar radiation regime could alter these diurnal patterns. Additional field studies were conducted at Logan, Utah, USA, to determine if solar UV was causing diurnal T(UV) changes and to evaluate the relationship between diurnal changes in T(UV) and UV-absorbing pigments. Under clear skies, T(UV), as measured with a UV-A-pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer for leaves of Verbascum thapsus and Oenothera stricta growing in native soils and Vicia faba growing in pots, was highest at predawn and sunset and lowest at midday. These patterns in T(UV) closely tracked diurnal changes in solar radiation and were the result of correlated changes in fluorescence induced by UV-A and blue radiation but not photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(m)) or initial fluorescence yield (F(o)). The magnitude of the midday reduction in T(UV) was greater for young leaves than for older leaves of Verbascum. Imposition of artificial shade eliminated the diurnal changes in T(UV) in Verbascum, but reduction in solar UV had no effect on diurnal T(UV) changes in Vicia. In Vicia, the diurnal changes in T(UV) occurred without detectable changes in the concentration of whole-leaf UV-absorbing compounds. Results suggest that plants actively control diurnal changes in UV shielding, and these changes occur in response to signals other than solar UV; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for rapid changes in T(UV) remain unclear.

Reduced activities of thiamine-dependent and cytochrome c oxidase enzymes in cerebral cortex of cattle affected by sulfur-induced polioencephalomalacia

PubMed Central

Amat, Samat; Hendrick, Steve; Moshynskyy, Igor; Simko, Elemir

2017-01-01

Sulfur-induced polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is an important disease affecting cattle in certain geographical regions. However, the pathogenesis of brain damage is not completely understood. We previously observed that excess dietary sulfur may influence thiamine status and altered thiamine metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of sulfur-induced PEM in cattle. In this study, we evaluated the activities of thiamine-dependent enzymes [α-ketogluterate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)] and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in the cerebral cortex of sulfur-induced PEM-affected cattle (n = 9) and clinically normal cattle (n = 8, each group) exposed to low or high dietary sulfur [LS = 0.30% versus HS = 0.67% sulfur on a dry matter (DM) basis]. Enzyme activities in PEM brains were measured from the brain tissue regions and examined using ultraviolent (UV) light illumination to show fluorescence or non-fluorescence regions. No gross changes under regular or UV light, or histopathological changes indicative of PEM were detected in the brains of cattle exposed to LS or HS diets. The PDH, α-KGDH, and COX activities did not differ between LS and HS brains, but all enzymes showed significantly lower (P < 0.05) activities in UV-positive region of PEM brains compared with LS and HS brains. The UV-negative regions of PEM brain had similar PDH activities to LS and HS brains, but the activities of α-KGDH and COX were significantly lower than in LS and HS brains. The results of this study suggest that reduced enzyme activities of brain PHD, α-KGDH, and COX are associated with the pathogenesis of sulfur-induced PEM. PMID:29081580

Lettuce flavonoids screening and phenotyping by chlorophyll fluorescence excitation ratio.

PubMed

Zivcak, Marek; Brückova, Klaudia; Sytar, Oksana; Brestic, Marian; Olsovska, Katarina; Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I

2017-06-01

Environmentally induced variation and the genotypic differences in flavonoid and phenolic content in lettuce can be reliably detected using the appropriate parameters derived from the records of rapid non-invasive fluorescence technique. The chlorophyll fluorescence excitation ratio method was designed as a rapid and non-invasive tool to estimate the content of UV-absorbing phenolic compounds in plants. Using this technique, we have assessed the dynamics of accumulation of flavonoids related to developmental changes and environmental effects. Moreover, we have tested appropriateness of the method to identify the genotypic differences and fluctuations in total phenolics and flavonoid content in lettuce. Six green and two red genotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in pots were exposed to two different environments for 50 days: direct sunlight (UV-exposed) and greenhouse conditions (low UV). The indices based on the measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence after red, green and UV excitation indicated increase of the content of UV-absorbing compounds and anthocyanins in the epidermis of lettuce leaves. In similar, the biochemical analyses performed at the end of the experiment confirmed significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid content in lettuce plants exposed to direct sun compared to greenhouse conditions and in red compared to green genotypes. As the correlation between the standard fluorescence indices and the biochemical records was negatively influenced by the presence of red genotypes, we proposed the use of a new parameter named Modified Flavonoid Index (MFI) taking into an account both absorbance changes due to flavonol and anthocyanin content, for which the correlation with flavonoid and phenolic content was relatively good. Thus, our results confirmed that the fluorescence excitation ratio method is useful for identifying the major differences in phenolic and flavonoid content in lettuce plants and it can be used for high-throughput pre-screening and phenotyping of leafy vegetables in research and breeding applications towards improvement of vegetable health effects.

SHERLOC on Mars 2020

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beegle, L. W.; Bhartia, R.; DeFlores, L. P.; Abbey, W.; Asher, S. A.; Burton, A. S.; Fries, M.; Conrad, P. G.; Clegg, S. M.; Wiens, R. C.; Edgett, K. S.; Ehlmann, B. L.; Nealson, K. H.; Minitti, M. E.; Popp, J.; Langenhorst, F.; Sobron, P.; Steele, A.; Williford, K. H.; Yingst, R. A.

2017-12-01

The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) investigation is part of the Mars 2020 integrated payload. SHERLOC enables non-contact, spatially resolved, and highly sensitivity detection and characterization of organics and minerals in the Martian surface and near subsurface. SHERLOC is an arm-mounted, Deep UV (DUV) resonance Raman and fluorescence spectrometer utilizing a 248.6-nm DUV laser. Deep UV induced native fluorescence is very sensitive to condensed carbon and aromatic organics, enabling detection at or below 10-6 w/w (1 ppm) at <100 µm spatial scales. SHERLOC's deep UV resonance Raman enables detection and classification of aromatic and aliphatic organics with sensitivities of 10-2 to below 10-4 w/w. In addition to organics, the deep UV Raman enables detection and classification of minerals relevant to aqueous chemistry with grain sizes below 20 µm. SHERLOC will be able to map the distribution of organic material with respect to visible features and minerals that are identifiable with the Raman spectrometer. These maps will enable analysis of the distribution of organics with minerals.

Visualizing different uranium oxidation states during the surface alteration of uraninite and uranium tetrachloride.

PubMed

Grossmann, Kay; Arnold, Thuro; Steudtner, Robin; Weiss, Stefan; Bernhard, Gert

2009-08-01

Low-temperature alteration reactions on uranium phases may lead to the mobilization of uranium and thereby poses a potential threat to humans living close to uranium-contaminated sites. In this study, the surface alteration of uraninite (UO(2)) and uranium tetrachloride (UCl(4)) in air atmosphere was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy using an excitation wavelength of 408 nm. It was found that within minutes the oxidation state on the surface of the uraninite and the uranium tetrachloride changed. During the surface alteration process U(IV) atoms on the uraninite and uranium tetrachloride surface became stepwise oxidized by a one-electron step at first to U(V) and then further to U(VI). These observed changes in the oxidation states of the uraninite surface were microscopically visualized and spectroscopically identified on the basis of their fluorescence emission signal. A fluorescence signal in the wavelength range of 415-475 nm was indicative for metastable uranium(V), and a fluorescence signal in the range of 480-560 nm was identified as uranium(VI). In addition, the oxidation process of tetravalent uranium in aqueous solution at pH 0.3 was visualized by CLSM and U(V) was fluorescence spectroscopically identified. The combination of microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy provided a very convincing visualization of the brief presence of U(V) as a metastable reaction intermediate and of the simultaneous coexistence of the three states U(IV), U(V), and U(VI). These results have a significant importance for fundamental uranium redox chemistry and should contribute to a better understanding of the geochemical behavior of uranium in nature.

Particle-fluorescence spectrometer for real-time single-particle measurements of atmospheric organic carbon and biological aerosol.

PubMed

Pan, Yong-Le; Pinnick, Ronald G; Hill, Steven C; Chang, Richard K

2009-01-15

A particle-fluorescence spectrometer (PFS) for real-time measurements of single-particle UV-laser-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) excited with a pulsed (263-nm) laser is reported. The dispersed UV-LIF spectra are measured by a 32-anode PMT detector with spectral coverage from 280-600 nm. The PFS represents a significant improvement over our previous apparatus [Pinnick et al., Atmos. Environ. 2004, 38, 1657] and can (1) measure fluorescence spectra of bacterial particles having light-scattering sizes as small as 1 microm (previously limited to about 3 microm) and so can measure particles with size in the range of 1-10 microm, (2) measure each particle's elastic scattering which can be used to estimate particle size (not available previously), (3) measure single-particle fluorescence spectra with a laser and detector that can record spectra as fast as 90,000/s, although the highest rates we have found experimentally in atmospheric measurements is only several hundred per second (previously limited by detectors to only 25/s), and (4) provide a time stamp for a data block of spectra with time resolution from 10 ms to 10 min. In addition, the PFS has been modified to be more robust, transportable, and smaller. The use of an aerodynamic-focusing sheath inlet nozzle assembly has improved the sample rate. The PFS has been employed to measure UV-LIF spectra from individual atmospheric particles during October-December 2006 and January-May 2008 in New Haven, CT, and during January-May 2007 in Las Cruces, NM.

Observation of aggregation triggered by Resonance Energy Transfer (RET) induced intermolecular pairing force.

PubMed

Pan, Xiaoyong; Wang, Weizhi; Ke, Lin; Zhang, Nan

2017-07-20

In this report, we showed the existence of RET induced intermolecular pairing force by comparing their fluorescence behaviors under room illumination vs standing in dark area for either PFluAnt solution or PFluAnt&PFOBT mixture. Their prominent emission attenuation under room illumination brought out the critical role of photo, i.e. RET induced intermolecular pairing force in induction of polymer aggregation. Constant UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra in terms of both peak shapes and maximum wavelengths implied no chemical decomposition was involved. Recoverable fluorescence intensity, fluorescence lifetime as well as NMR spectra further exclude photo induced decomposition. The controllable on/off state of RET induced intermolecular pairing force was verified by the masking effect of outside PFluAnt solution which function as filter to block the excitation of inside PFluAnt and thus off the RET induced intermolecular pairing force. Theoretical calculation suggest that magnitude of RET induced intermolecular pairing force is on the same scale as that of van der Waals interaction. Although the absolute magnitude of RET induced intermolecular pairing force was not tunable, its effect can be magnified by intentionally turn it "on", which was achieved by irradiance with 5 W desk lamp in this report.

A Class I UV-Blocking (senofilcon A) Soft Contact Lens Prevents UVA-induced Yellow Fluorescence and NADH loss in the Rabbit Lens Nucleus in vivo

PubMed Central

Giblin, Frank J.; Lin, Li-Ren; Simpanya, Mukoma F.; Leverenz, Victor R.; Fick, Catherine E.

2012-01-01

It is known that fluorescence, much of it caused by UVA light excitation, increases in the aging human lens, resulting in loss of sharp vision. This study used an in vivo animal model to investigate UVA-excited fluorescence in the rabbit lens, which contains a high level of the UVA chromophore NADH, existing both free and bound to λ-crystallin. Also, the ability of a Class I (senofilcon A) soft contact lens to protect against UVA-induced effects on the rabbit lens was tested. Rabbit eyes were irradiated with UVA light in vivo (100 mW/cm2 on the cornea) for 1 hour using monochromatic 365 nm light. Irradiation was conducted in the presence of either a senofilcon A contact lens, a minimally UV-absorbing lotrafilcon A contact lens, or no contact lens at all. Eyes irradiated without a contact lens showed blue 365 nm-excited fluorescence initially, but this changed to intense yellow fluorescence after 1 hour. Isolated, previously irradiated lenses exhibited yellow fluorescence originating from the lens nucleus when viewed under 365 nm light, but showed normal blue fluorescence arising from the cortex. Previously irradiated lenses also exhibited a faint yellow color when observed under visible light. The senofilcon A contact lens protected completely against the UVA-induced effects on fluorescence and lens yellowing, whereas the lotrafilcon A lens showed no protection. The UVA-exposure also produced a 53% loss of total NADH (free plus bound) in the lens nucleus, with only a 13% drop in the anterior cortex. NADH loss in the nucleus was completely prevented with use of a senofilcon A contact lens, but no significant protection was observed with a lotrafilcon A lens. Overall, the senofilcon A lens provided an average of 67% protection against UVA-induced loss of four pyridine nucleotides in four different regions of the lens. HPLC analysis with fluorescence detection indicated a nearly six-fold increase in 365 nm-excited yellow fluorescence arising from lens nuclear λ-crystallin after the in vivo UVA exposure. It is concluded that UVA-induced loss of free NADH (which fluoresces blue) may have allowed the natural yellow fluorescence of λ-crystallin and other proteins in the lens nucleus to become visible. Increased fluorescence exhibited by UVA-exposed λ-crystallin may have been the result of a UVA-induced change in the conformation of the protein occurring during the initial UVA-exposure in vivo. The results demonstrate the greater susceptibility of the lens nucleus to UVA-induced stress, and may relate to the formation of human nuclear cataract. The senofilcon A contact lens was shown to be beneficial in protecting the rabbit lens against effects of UVA light, including changes in fluorescence, increased yellowing and loss of pyridine nucleotides. PMID:22766154

A Class I UV-blocking (senofilcon A) soft contact lens prevents UVA-induced yellow fluorescence and NADH loss in the rabbit lens nucleus in vivo.

PubMed

Giblin, Frank J; Lin, Li-Ren; Simpanya, Mukoma F; Leverenz, Victor R; Fick, Catherine E

2012-09-01

It is known that fluorescence, much of it caused by UVA light excitation, increases in the aging human lens, resulting in loss of sharp vision. This study used an in vivo animal model to investigate UVA-excited fluorescence in the rabbit lens, which contains a high level of the UVA chromophore NADH, existing both free and bound to λ-crystallin. Also, the ability of a Class I (senofilcon A) soft contact lens to protect against UVA-induced effects on the rabbit lens was tested. Rabbit eyes were irradiated with UVA light in vivo (100 mW/cm(2) on the cornea) for 1 h using monochromatic 365 nm light. Irradiation was conducted in the presence of either a senofilcon A contact lens, a minimally UV-absorbing lotrafilcon A contact lens, or no contact lens at all. Eyes irradiated without a contact lens showed blue 365 nm-excited fluorescence initially, but this changed to intense yellow fluorescence after 1 h. Isolated, previously irradiated lenses exhibited yellow fluorescence originating from the lens nucleus when viewed under 365 nm light, but showed normal blue fluorescence arising from the cortex. Previously irradiated lenses also exhibited a faint yellow color when observed under visible light. The senofilcon A contact lens protected completely against the UVA-induced effects on fluorescence and lens yellowing, whereas the lotrafilcon A lens showed no protection. The UVA-exposure also produced a 53% loss of total NADH (free plus bound) in the lens nucleus, with only a 13% drop in the anterior cortex. NADH loss in the nucleus was completely prevented with use of a senofilcon A contact lens, but no significant protection was observed with a lotrafilcon A lens. Overall, the senofilcon A lens provided an average of 67% protection against UVA-induced loss of four pyridine nucleotides in four different regions of the lens. HPLC analysis with fluorescence detection indicated a nearly six-fold increase in 365 nm-excited yellow fluorescence arising from lens nuclear λ-crystallin after the in vivo UVA exposure. It is concluded that UVA-induced loss of free NADH (which fluoresces blue) may have allowed the natural yellow fluorescence of λ-crystallin and other proteins in the lens nucleus to become visible. Increased fluorescence exhibited by UVA-exposed λ-crystallin may have been the result of a UVA-induced change in the conformation of the protein occurring during the initial UVA-exposure in vivo. The results demonstrate the greater susceptibility of the lens nucleus to UVA-induced stress, and may relate to the formation of human nuclear cataract. The senofilcon A contact lens was shown to be beneficial in protecting the rabbit lens against effects of UVA light, including changes in fluorescence, increased yellowing and loss of pyridine nucleotides. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of ultraviolet-A reflectance and ultraviolet-A induced fluorescence in the appearance of budgerigar plumage: insights from spectrofluorometry and reflectance spectrophotometry.

PubMed Central

Pearn, Sophie M; Bennett, Andrew T D; Cuthill, Innes C

2003-01-01

Fluorescence has so far been found in 52 parrot species when illuminated with ultraviolet-A (UVA) 'black' lamps, and two attempts have been made to determine whether such fluorescence plays any role in sexual signalling. However, the contribution of the reflectance versus fluorescence to the total radiance from feathers, even in the most studied species to date (budgerigars), is unclear. Nor has the plumage of this study species been systematically assessed to determine the distribution of fluorescent patches. We therefore used spectrofluorometry to determine which areas of budgerigars fluoresce and the excitation and emission spectra involved; this is the first time that such a technique has been applied to avian plumage. We found that both the yellow crown and (normally hidden) white downy chest feathers exhibit strong UVA-induced fluorescence, with peak emissions at 527 nm and 436 nm, respectively. Conversely, the bright-green chest and dark-blue tail feathers do not fluoresce. When comparing reflectance spectra (400-700 nm) from the yellow crown using illuminants with a proportion of UVA comparable to daylight, and illuminants with all UVA removed, no measurable difference resulting from fluorescence was found. This suggests that under normal daylight the contribution of fluorescence to radiance is probably trivial. Furthermore, these spectra revealed that males had fluorescent crowns with substantially higher reflectance than those of females, in both the UV waveband and at longer wavelengths. Reflectance spectrophotometry was also performed on a number of live wild-type male budgerigars to investigate the chromatic contrast between the different plumage areas. This showed that many plumage regions are highly UV-reflective. Overall our results suggest that rapid surveys using UVA black lamps may overestimate the contribution of fluorescence to plumage coloration, and that any signalling role of fluorescence emissions, at least from the yellow crown of budgerigars, may not be as important as previously thought. PMID:12737665

Fluorescence quantum yield of carbon dioxide for quantitative UV laser-induced fluorescence in high-pressure flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, T.; Bessler, W. G.; Yoo, J.; Schulz, C.; Jeffries, J. B.; Hanson, R. K.

2008-11-01

The fluorescence quantum yield for ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence of CO2 is determined for selected excitation wavelengths in the range 215-250 nm. Wavelength-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of CO2, NO, and O2 are measured in the burned gases of a laminar CH4/air flame ( φ=0.9 and 1.1) at 20 bar with additional NO seeded into the flow. The fluorescence spectra are fit to determine the relative contribution of the three species to infer an estimate of fluorescence quantum yield for CO2 that ranges from 2-8×10-6 depending on temperature and excitation wavelength with an estimated uncertainty of ±0.5×10-6. The CO2 fluorescence signal increases linearly with gas pressure for flames with constant CO2 mole fraction for the 10 to 60 bar range, indicating that collisional quenching is not an important contributor to the CO2 fluorescence quantum yield. Spectral simulation calculations are used to choose two wavelengths for excitation of CO2, 239.34 and 242.14 nm, which minimize interference from LIF of NO and O2. Quantitative LIF images of CO2 are demonstrated using these two excitation wavelengths and the measured fluorescence quantum yield.

PARAFAC Modeling of Irradiation- and Oxidation-Induced Changes in Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter Extracted from Poultry Litter.

PubMed

Mangalgiri, Kiranmayi P; Timko, Stephen A; Gonsior, Michael; Blaney, Lee

2017-07-18

Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) applied to fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEMs) allows quantitative assessment of the composition of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, we fit a four-component EEM-PARAFAC model to characterize DOM extracted from poultry litter. The data set included fluorescence EEMs from 291 untreated, irradiated (253.7 nm, 310-410 nm), and oxidized (UV-H 2 O 2 , ozone) poultry litter extracts. The four components were identified as microbial humic-, terrestrial humic-, tyrosine-, and tryptophan-like fluorescent signatures. The Tucker's congruence coefficients for components from the global (i.e., aggregated sample set) model and local (i.e., single poultry litter source) models were greater than 0.99, suggesting that the global EEM-PARAFAC model may be suitable to study poultry litter DOM from individual sources. In general, the transformation trends of the four fluorescence components were comparable for all poultry litter sources tested. For irradiation at 253.7 nm, ozonation, and UV-H 2 O 2 advanced oxidation, transformation of the humic-like components was slower than that of the tryptophan-like component. The opposite trend was observed for irradiation at 310-410 nm, due to differences in UV absorbance properties of components. Compared to the other EEM-PARAFAC components, the tyrosine-like component was fairly recalcitrant in irradiation and oxidation processes. This novel application of EEM-PARAFAC modeling provides insight into the composition and fate of agricultural DOM in natural and engineered systems.

Biocompatible and Biomimetic Self-Assembly of Functional Nanostructures

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-28

evaporation induced self-assembly of aqueous silica precursors with a biologically compatible surfactant, glycerol monooleate ( GMO ) via dip-coating...film is first deposited, it has a relatively low contact angle with water and remains in a semi-solid state. Upon exposure to UV/ozone, the GMO begins...Figure 8. A) Water contact angle of a GMO -templated silica film as a function of UV light and ozone exposure time, B) Localization of fluorescently

Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Translocates from the Cytosol to Mitochondria during UV-Induced Apoptosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenzhen; Wu, Shengnan; Feng, Jie

2011-01-01

Mitochondria are dynamic structures that frequently divide and fuse with one another to form interconnecting network. This network disintegrates into punctiform organelles during apoptosis. However, the mechanisms involved in these processes are still not well characterized. In this study, we investigate the role of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a large GTPase that mediates outer mitochondrial membrane fission, in mitochondrial dynamics in response to UV irradiation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (ASTC-α-1) and HeLa cells. Using time-lapse fluorescent imaging, we find that Drp1 primarily distributes in cytosol under physiological conditions. After UV treatment, Drp1 translocates from cytosol to mitochondria, indicating the enhancement of Drp1 mitochondrial accumulation. Our results suggest that Drp1 is involved in the regulation of transition from an interconnecting network to a punctiform mitochondrial phenotype during UV-induced apoptosis.

Improved discrimination between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants for weed control based on the blue-green region of ultraviolet-induced fluorescence spectra.

PubMed

Panneton, Bernard; Guillaume, Serge; Roger, Jean-Michel; Samson, Guy

2010-01-01

Precision weeding by spot spraying in real time requires sensors to discriminate between weeds and crop without contact. Among the optical based solutions, the ultraviolet (UV) induced fluorescence of the plants appears as a promising alternative. In a first paper, the feasibility of discriminating between corn hybrids, monocotyledonous, and dicotyledonous weeds was demonstrated on the basis of the complete spectra. Some considerations about the different sources of fluorescence oriented the focus to the blue-green fluorescence (BGF) part, ignoring the chlorophyll fluorescence that is inherently more variable in time. This paper investigates the potential of performing weed/crop discrimination on the basis of several large spectral bands in the BGF area. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed on a set of 1908 spectra of corn and weed plants over 3 years and various growing conditions. The discrimination between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants based on the blue-green fluorescence yielded robust models (classification error between 1.3 and 4.6% for between-year validation). On the basis of the analysis of the PLS-DA model, two large bands were chosen in the blue-green fluorescence zone (400-425 nm and 425-490 nm). A linear discriminant analysis based on the signal from these two bands also provided very robust inter-year results (classification error from 1.5% to 5.2%). The same selection process was applied to discriminate between monocotyledonous weeds and maize but yielded no robust models (up to 50% inter-year error). Further work will be required to solve this problem and provide a complete UV fluorescence based sensor for weed-maize discrimination.

The imprints of the high light and UV-B stresses in Oryza sativa L. 'Kanchana' seedlings are differentially modulated.

PubMed

Faseela, Parammal; Puthur, Jos T

2018-01-01

High light and ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) are generally considered to have negative impact on photosynthesis and plant growth. The present study evaluates the tolerance potential of three cultivars of Oryza sativa L. (Kanchana, Mattatriveni and Harsha) seedlings towards high light and UV-B stress on the basis of photosynthetic pigment degradation, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and rate of lipid peroxidation, expressed by malondialdehyde content. Surprisingly, it was revealed that Kanchana was the most sensitive cultivar towards high light and at the same time it was the most tolerant cultivar towards UV-B stress. This contrasting feature of Kanchana towards high light and UV-B tolerance was further studied by analyzing photosystem (PS) I and II activity, mitochondrial activity, chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Due to the occurrence of more PS I and PSII damages, the inhibition of photochemical efficiency and emission of dissipated energy as heat or fluorescence per PSII reaction center was higher upon high light exposure than UV-B treatments in rice seedlings of Kanchana. The mitochondrial activity was also found to be drastically altered upon high light as compared to UV-B treatments. The UV-B induced accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants (proline, total phenolics, sugar and ascorbate) and enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase) in rice seedlings than those subjected to high light exposure afforded more efficient protection against UV-B radiation in rice seedlings. Our results proved that high tolerance of Kanchana towards UV-B than high light treatments, correlated linearly with the protected photosynthetic and mitochondrial machinery which was provided by upregulation of antioxidants particularly by total phenolics, ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase in rice seedlings. Data presented in this study conclusively proved that rice cultivar Kanchana respond to different environmental signals independently and tolerance mechanisms to individual stress factors was also varied. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical modifications accompanying UV laser induced surface structures on poly(ethylene terephthalate) and their effect on adhesion of mesenchymal cells.

PubMed

Rebollar, Esther; Pérez, Susana; Hernández, Margarita; Domingo, Concepción; Martín, Margarita; Ezquerra, Tiberio A; García-Ruiz, Josefa P; Castillejo, Marta

2014-09-07

This work reports on the formation of different types of structures on the surface of polymer films upon UV laser irradiation. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was irradiated with nanosecond UV pulses at 193 and 266 nm. The polarization of the laser beam and the irradiation angle of incidence were varied, giving rise to laser induced surface structures with different shapes and periodicities. The irradiated surfaces were topographically characterized by atomic force microscopy and the chemical modifications induced by laser irradiation were inspected via micro-Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies. Contact angle measurements were performed with different liquids, and the results evaluated in terms of surface free energy components. Finally, in order to test the influence of surface properties for a potential application, the modified surfaces were used for mesenchymal stem cell culture assays and the effect of nanostructure and surface chemistry on cell adhesion was evaluated.

Developing LED UV fluorescence sensors for online monitoring DOM and predicting DBPs formation potential during water treatment.

PubMed

Li, Wen-Tao; Jin, Jing; Li, Qiang; Wu, Chen-Fei; Lu, Hai; Zhou, Qing; Li, Ai-Min

2016-04-15

Online monitoring dissolved organic matter (DOM) is urgent for water treatment management. In this study, high performance size exclusion chromatography with multi-UV absorbance and multi-emission fluorescence scans were applied to spectrally characterize samples from 16 drinking water sources across Yangzi River and Huai River Watersheds. The UV absorbance indices at 254 nm and 280 nm referred to the same DOM components and concentration, and the 280 nm UV light could excite both protein-like and humic-like fluorescence. Hence a novel UV fluorescence sensor was developed out using only one UV280 light-emitting diode (LED) as light source. For all samples, enhanced coagulation was mainly effective for large molecular weight biopolymers; while anion exchange further substantially removed humic substances. During chlorination tests, UVA280 and UVA254 showed similar correlations with yields of disinfection byproducts (DBPs); the humic-like fluorescence obtained from LED sensors correlated well with both trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids yields, while the correlation between protein-like fluorescence and trihalomethanes was relatively poor. Anion exchange exhibited more reduction of DBPs yields as well as UV absorbance and fluorescence signals than enhanced coagulation. The results suggest that the LED UV fluorescence sensors are very promising for online monitoring DOM and predicting DBPs formation potential during water treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cell damage caused by ultraviolet B radiation in the desert cyanobacterium Phormidium tenue and its recovery process.

PubMed

Wang, Gaohong; Deng, Songqiang; Liu, Jiafeng; Ye, Chaoran; Zhou, Xiangjun; Chen, Lanzhou

2017-10-01

Phormidium tenue, a cyanobacterium that grows in the topsoil of biological soil crusts (BSCs), has the highest recovery rate among desert crust cyanobacteria after exposure to ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation. However, the mechanism underlying its recovery process is unclear. To address this issue, we measured chlorophyll a fluorescence, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and repair of DNA breakage in P. tenue following exposure to UV-B. We found that UV-B radiation at all doses tested reduced photosynthesis and induced cell damage in P. tenue. However, P. tenue responded to UV-B radiation by rapidly reducing photosynthetic activity, which protects the cell by leaking less ROS. Antioxidant enzymes, DNA damage repair systems, and UV absorbing pigments were then induced to mitigate the damage caused by UV-B radiation. The addition of exogenous antioxidant chemicals ascorbate and N-acetylcysteine also mitigated the harmful effects caused by UV-B radiation and enhanced the recovery process. These chemicals could aid in the resistance of P. tenue to the exposure of intense UV-B radiation in desertified areas when inoculated onto the sand surface to form artificial algal crusts. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) Fluorophore Exhibits a Highly Ratiometric Fluorescent Response to Zn2+ in vitro and in Human Liver Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Mehdi, Hassan; Gong, Weitao; Guo, Huimin; Watkinson, Michael; Ma, Hua; Wajahat, Ali; Ning, Guiling

2017-09-21

Two novel organic fluorophores, containing bis-naphthylamide and quinoline motifs, have been designed and synthesized. One of the fluorophores contains an isobutylene unit and exhibits a significant aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and a remarkable highly selective ratiometric fluorescence response towards Zn 2+ in solution as well as in human liver cancer cells. The AIE behavior of this fluorophore was fully verified by fluorescence and UV/Vis spectroscopy, quantum yield calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed an intricate crystal packing system. Conversely, a fluorophore that lacks the isobutylene moiety did not exhibit any significant fluorescent properties as a result of its more flexible molecular structure that presumably allows free intramolecular rotational processes to occur. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interactions of benzotriazole UV stabilizers with human serum albumin: Atomic insights revealed by biosensors, spectroscopies and molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Zhuang, Shulin; Wang, Haifei; Ding, Keke; Wang, Jiaying; Pan, Liumeng; Lu, Yanli; Liu, Qingjun; Zhang, Chunlong

2016-02-01

Benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BZTs) belong to one prominent group of ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers and are widely used in various plastics materials. Their large production volumes, frequent detections in the environment and potential toxicities have raised increasing public concern. BZTs can be transported in vivo by transport proteins in plasma and the binding association to transport proteins may serve as a significant parameter to evaluate the bioaccumulative potential. We utilized a novel HSA biosensor, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy to detect the dynamic interactions of six BZTs (UV-326, UV-327, UV-328, UV-329, UV-P, and BZT) with human serum albumin (HSA), and characterized the corresponding structure-activity relationships (SAR) by molecular dynamics simulations. All test BZTs potently bind at Sudlow site I of HSA with a binding constant of 10(4) L/mol at 298 K. Minor changes in the moieties of BZTs affect their interactions with HSA and differently induce conformations of HSA. Their binding reduced electrochemical impedance spectra and α-helix content of HSA, caused slight red-shifted emission, and changed fluorescence lifetime components of HSA in a concentration-dependent mode. UV-327 and UV-329 form hydrogen bonds with HSA, while UV-329, UV-P and BZT bind HSA with more favorable electrostatic interactions. Our in vitro and in silico study offered a significant framework toward the understanding of risk assessment of BZTs and provides guide for future design of environmental benign BZTs-related materials. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of UV-curable liquid for in-liquid fluorescence alignment in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochiai, Kento; Kikuchi, Eri; Ishito, Yota; Kumagai, Mari; Nakamura, Takahiro; Nakagawa, Masaru

2018-06-01

We studied a fluorescent UV-curable resin suitable for fluorescence alignment in UV nanoimprinting. The addition of a cationic fluorescent dye caused radical photopolymerization of a UV-curable resin by exposure to visible excitation light for fluorescence microscope observation. The microscope observation of a resin film prepared by pressing resin droplets on a silica substrate with a fluorinated silica superstrate revealed that the cationic dye molecules were preferably adsorbed onto the silica surface. It was indicated that the dye molecules concentrated on the silica surface may cause the photocuring. A nonionic fluorescent dye was selected owing to its low polar symmetrical structure and its solubility parameter close to monomers. The fluorescent UV-curable resin with the nonionic dye showed uncured stability to exposure to visible excitation light for 30 min with a light intensity of 8.5 mW cm‑2 detected at 530 nm.

Pulsed lasers versus continuous light sources in capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence detection studies: Photodegradation pathways and models.

PubMed

Boutonnet, Audrey; Morin, Arnaud; Petit, Pierre; Vicendo, Patricia; Poinsot, Véréna; Couderc, François

2016-03-17

Pulsed lasers are widely used in capillary electrophoresis (CE) studies to provide laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. Unfortunately pulsed lasers do not give linear calibration curves over a wide range of concentrations. While this does not prevent their use in CE/LIF studies, the non-linear behavior must be understood. Using 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) (10-5000 nM), Tamra (10-5000 nM) and tryptophan (1-200 μM) as dyes, we observe that continuous lasers and LEDs result in linear calibration curves, while pulsed lasers give polynomial ones. The effect is seen with both visible light (530 nm) and with UV light (355 nm, 266 nm). In this work we point out the formation of byproducts induced by pulsed laser upon irradiation of 7-HC. Their separation by CE using two Zeta LIF detectors clearly shows that this process is related to the first laser detection. All of these photodegradation products can be identified by an ESI-/MS investigation and correspond to at least two 7HC dimers. By using the photodegradation model proposed by Heywood and Farnsworth (2010) and by taking into account the 7-HC results and the fact that in our system we do not have a constant concentration of fluorophore, it is possible to propose a new photochemical model of fluorescence in LIF detection. The model, like the experiment, shows that it is difficult to obtain linear quantitation curves with pulsed lasers while UV-LEDs used in continuous mode have this advantage. They are a good alternative to UV pulsed lasers. An application involving the separation and linear quantification of oligosaccharides labeled with 2-aminobezoic acid is presented using HILIC and LED (365 nm) induced fluorescence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of image analysis to estimate anthocyanin and UV-excited fluorescent phenolic compound levels in strawberry fruit

PubMed Central

Yoshioka, Yosuke; Nakayama, Masayoshi; Noguchi, Yuji; Horie, Hideki

2013-01-01

Strawberry is rich in anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red color, and contains several colorless phenolic compounds. Among the colorless phenolic compounds, some, such as hydroxycinammic acid derivatives, emit blue-green fluorescence when excited with ultraviolet (UV) light. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of image analyses for estimating the levels of anthocyanins and UV-excited fluorescent phenolic compounds in fruit. The fruit skin and cut surface of 12 cultivars were photographed under visible and UV light conditions; colors were evaluated based on the color components of images. The levels of anthocyanins and UV-excited fluorescent compounds in each fruit were also evaluated by spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, respectively and relationships between these levels and the image data were investigated. Red depth of the fruits differed greatly among the cultivars and anthocyanin content was well estimated based on the color values of the cut surface images. Strong UV-excited fluorescence was observed on the cut surfaces of several cultivars, and the grayscale values of the UV-excited fluorescence images were markedly correlated with the levels of those fluorescent compounds as evaluated by HPLC analysis. These results indicate that image analyses can select promising genotypes rich in anthocyanins and fluorescent phenolic compounds. PMID:23853516

UV Raman scattering measurements in a Mach 2 H2-air flame for assessment of CFD models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, T. S.; Wehrmeyer, J. A.; Pitz, R. W.; Jarrett, O., Jr.; Northam, G. B.

1991-01-01

An UV narrowband tunable excimer laser is used for spontaneous Raman scattering measurements in hydrogen diffusion flames. The UV Raman system is characterized by a repetition rate of about 100 Hz, a temporal resolution of about 20 ns, and a spatial resolution of about 0.4 mm. It is concluded that a single KrF excimer laser based on spontaneous Raman scattering in conjunction with laser-induced predissociative fluorescence is capable of measuring instantaneously and simultaneously major species (H2, O2, N2, H2O), minor species (OH), and temperature.

Novel selective and sensitive optical chemosensor based on phenylfluorone derivative for detection of Ge(IV) ion in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Keawwangchai, Somchai; Morakot, Nongnit; Keawwangchai, Tasawan

2018-09-05

A water soluble chemosensor for Ge 4+ ion based on fluorone derivative containing 3,4-bis(2-(diethylamino)-2-oxoethoxy)phenyl (R8) has been synthesized. The binding abilities between R8 and 10 equiv. of Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Fe 2+ , Cu 2+ , Cd 2+ , Hg 2+ , Pb 2+ , Al 3+ , Cr 3+ , Fe 3+ and Ge 4+ ions in 1% v/v EtOH-water (tris-buffer pH 7.0) were studied using UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry. When observed by naked-eyes, the color of R8 changed from yellow-orange to pink and the fluorescent color changed from green to non-fluorescence when complexed with Ge 4+ ion. The spectral analysis showed that UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission intensity of R8 decreased dramatically when Ge 4+ ion was added comparing with other ions. To explain this behavior, the quantum calculation was performed using the hybrid density functional at B3LYP /LanL2DZ level of theory. The calculated orbital energies indicated that the decreasing of UV-vis absorption and the quenching of fluorescence were due to the complexation induced metal to ligand charge transfer. The association constants (K a ) of R8-Ge 4+ complexes calculated from Benesi-Hildebrand equation was 6.21 × 10 5  M -1 . The UV-vis detection limit for Ge 4+ was 4.40 × 10 -7  M which was three orders of magnitude lower than those of Al 3+ , Cd 2+ , Cu 2+ and Na + ion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

All Fiber-Coupled OH Planar Laser-Induced-Fluorescence (OH-PLIF)-Based Two-Dimensional Thermometry.

PubMed

Hsu, Paul S; Jiang, Naibo; Patnaik, Anil K; Katta, Vish; Roy, Sukesh; Gord, James R

2018-04-01

Two-color, planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF)-based two-dimensional (2D) thermometry techniques for reacting flows, which are typically developed in the laboratory conditions, face a stiff challenge in their practical implementation in harsh environments such as combustion rigs. In addition to limited optical access, the critical experimental conditions (i.e., uncontrolled humidity, vibration, and large thermal gradients) often restrict sensitive laser system operation and cause difficulties maintaining beam-overlap. Thus, an all fiber-coupled, two-color OH-PLIF system has been developed, employing two long optical fibers allowing isolation of the laser and signal-collection systems. Two OH-excitation laser beams (∼283 nm and ∼286 nm) are delivered through a common 6 m long, 400 µm core, deep ultraviolet (UV)-enhanced multimode fiber. The fluorescence signal (∼310 nm) is collected by a 3 m long, UV-grade imaging fiber. Proof-of-principle temperature measurements are demonstrated in atmospheric pressure, near adiabatic, CH 4 /O 2 /N 2 jet flames. The effects of the excitation pulse interval on fiber transmission are investigated. The proof-of-principle measurements show significant promise for thermometry in harsh environments such as gas turbine engine tests.

Acid-induced changes in DOC quality in an experimental whole-lake manipulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Donahue, W.F.; Schindler, D.W.; Page, S.J.

1998-10-01

Fluorescence analyses of archived water samples were used to typify dissolved organic carbon (DOC) quality in experimentally acidified lakes and reference lakes at the Experimental Lakes Area, in northwestern Ontario. Carbon-specific DOC fluorescence (CSF) during peak acidification was 40--50% of that for a high-DOC reference lake and similar to a low-DOC reference lake. Reference lakes showed similar but smaller decreases in CSF during several years of prolonged drought in the late 1980s. During the 1990s, recovery from acidification resulted in increased CSF, whereas reference lakes remained unchanged during the same time period. In addition to causing decreased [DOC], acidification causesmore » changes in fluorescence-peak geometry that indicate a switch in DOC quality from allochthonous to autochthonous-like during acidification. The acid-induced change in DOC quality was likely due to increased chemical oxidation or precipitation of the UV-absorbent aromatic portions of allochthonous DOC molecules, leaving more UV-transparent aliphatic chains. The change in the nature of DOC following acidification and drought may have an important role in physical, biological, and chemical processes within these lakes. With recovery from acidification, DOC quality has also recovered.« less

Improved native UV laser induced fluorescence detection for single cell analysis in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Hellmich, Wibke; Greif, Dominik; Pelargus, Christoph; Anselmetti, Dario; Ros, Alexandra

2006-10-20

Single cell analytics is a key method in the framework of proteom research allowing analyses, which are not subjected to ensemble-averaging, cell-cycle or heterogeneous cell-population effects. Our previous studies on single cell analysis in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic devices with native label-free laser induced fluorescence detection [W. Hellmich, C. Pelargus, K. Leffhalm, A. Ros, D. Anselmetti, Electrophoresis 26 (2005) 3689] were extended in order to improve separation efficiency and detection sensitivity. Here, we particularly focus on the influence of poly(oxyethylene) based coatings on the separation performance. In addition, the influence on background fluorescence is studied by the variation of the incident laser power as well as the adaptation of the confocal volume to the microfluidic channel dimensions. Last but not least, the use of carbon black particles further enhanced the detection limit to 25 nM, thereby reaching the relevant concentration ranges necessary for the label-free detection of low abundant proteins in single cells. On the basis of these results, we demonstrate the first electropherogram from an individual Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell with native label-free UV-LIF detection in a microfluidic chip.

5-ALA induced fluorescent image analysis of actinic keratosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Yong-Jin; Bae, Youngwoo; Choi, Eung-Ho; Jung, Byungjo

2010-02-01

In this study, we quantitatively analyzed 5-ALA induced fluorescent images of actinic keratosis using digital fluorescent color and hyperspectral imaging modalities. UV-A was utilized to induce fluorescent images and actinic keratosis (AK) lesions were demarcated from surrounding the normal region with different methods. Eight subjects with AK lesion were participated in this study. In the hyperspectral imaging modality, spectral analysis method was utilized for hyperspectral cube image and AK lesions were demarcated from the normal region. Before image acquisition, we designated biopsy position for histopathology of AK lesion and surrounding normal region. Erythema index (E.I.) values on both regions were calculated from the spectral cube data. Image analysis of subjects resulted in two different groups: the first group with the higher fluorescence signal and E.I. on AK lesion than the normal region; the second group with lower fluorescence signal and without big difference in E.I. between two regions. In fluorescent color image analysis of facial AK, E.I. images were calculated on both normal and AK lesions and compared with the results of hyperspectral imaging modality. The results might indicate that the different intensity of fluorescence and E.I. among the subjects with AK might be interpreted as different phases of morphological and metabolic changes of AK lesions.

A look into the invisible: ultraviolet-B sensitivity in an insect (Caliothrips phaseoli) revealed through a behavioural action spectrum

PubMed Central

Mazza, Carlos A.; Izaguirre, Miriam M.; Curiale, Javier; Ballaré, Carlos L.

2010-01-01

Caliothrips phaseoli, a phytophagous insect, detects and responds to solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B; λ ≤ 315 nm) under field conditions. A highly specific mechanism must be present in the thrips visual system in order to detect this narrow band of solar radiation, which is at least 30 times less abundant than the UV-A (315–400 nm), to which many insects are sensitive. We constructed an action spectrum of thrips responses to light by studying their behavioural reactions to monochromatic irradiation under confinement conditions. Thrips were maximally sensitive to wavelengths between 290 and 330 nm; human-visible wavelengths (λ ≥ 400 nm) failed to elicit any response. All but six ommatidia of the thrips compound eye were highly fluorescent when exposed to UV-A of wavelengths longer than 330 nm. We hypothesized that the fluorescent compound acts as an internal filter, preventing radiation with λ > 330 nm from reaching the photoreceptor cells. Calculations based on the putative filter transmittance and a visual pigment template of λmax = 360 nm produced a sensitivity spectrum that was strikingly similar to the action spectrum of UV-induced behavioural response. These results suggest that specific UV-B vision in thrips is achieved by a standard UV-A photoreceptor and a sharp cut-off internal filter that blocks longer UV wavelengths in the majority of the ommatidia. PMID:19846453

Status of miniature integrated UV resonance fluorescence and Raman sensors for detection and identification of biochemical warfare agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hug, William F.; Bhartia, Rohit; Taspin, Alexandre; Lane, Arthur; Conrad, Pamela; Sijapati, Kripa; Reid, Ray D.

2005-11-01

Laser induced native fluorescence (LINF) is the most sensitive method of detection of biological material including microorganisms, virus', and cellular residues. LINF is also a sensitive method of detection for many non-biological materials as well. The specificity with which these materials can be classified depends on the excitation wavelength and the number and location of observation wavelengths. Higher levels of specificity can be obtained using Raman spectroscopy but a much lower levels of sensitivity. Raman spectroscopy has traditionally been employed in the IR to avoid fluorescence. Fluorescence rarely occurs at wavelength below about 270nm. Therefore, when excitation occurs at a wavelength below 250nm, no fluorescence background occurs within the Raman fingerprint region for biological materials. When excitation occurs within electronic resonance bands of the biological target materials, Raman signal enhancement over one million typically occurs. Raman sensitivity within several hundred times fluorescence are possible in the deep UV where most biological materials have strong absorption. Since the Raman and fluorescence emissions occur at different wavelength, both spectra can be observed simultaneously, thereby providing a sensor with unique sensitivity and specificity capability. We will present data on our integrated, deep ultraviolet, LINF/Raman instruments that are being developed for several applications including life detection on Mars as well as biochemical warfare agents on Earth. We will demonstrate the ability to discriminate organic materials based on LINF alone. Together with UV resonance Raman, higher levels of specificity will be demonstrated. In addition, these instruments are being developed as on-line chemical sensors for industrial and municipal waste streams and product quality applications.

Remote Detection of Biological Particles and Chemical Plumes Using UV Fluorescence Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiee, J. J.; Hof, D. E.; Karl, R. R.; Martinez, R. J.; Quick, C. R.; Cooper, D. I.; Eichinger, W. E.; Holtkamp, D. B.

1992-01-01

A lidar system based on ultraviolet (UV) laser induced fluorescence (LIF) was developed for the remote detection of atmospherically dispersed biological particles and chemical vapors. This UV fluorescence lidar has many potential applications for monitoring environmental pollution, industrial waste emission, agricultural insect control, illicit chemical processing, and military defense operations. The general goal of this work is to investigate the research issues associated with the long range detection and identification of chemicals, e.g. aromatic solvents and chemical precursors, and biological materials, e.g. bacillus thuringiensis (BT) and bacillus globiggi (BG). In the detection of biological particulates, we are particularly interested in extending the detection range of an existing solar-blind 248-nm lidar system. We are investigating the use of longer excitation laser wavelengths (i.e. lambda greater than 280-nm to have more favorable atmospheric light transmission characteristics) for improving detection range to better than 10 km. In the detection of chemical plumes, our main research objectives are to determine how accurately and sensitively a chemical plume can be located at range, and how well spectrally the chemical species can be measured to allow their identification.

Cyclosporin A inhibits UV-radiation-induced membrane damage but is unable to inhibit carboxyatractyloside-induced permeability transition.

PubMed

García, Noemí; Zazueta, Cecilia; El-Hafidi, Mohammed; Pavón, Natalia; Martínez-Abundis, Eduardo; Hernández-Esquivel, Luz; Chávez, Edmundo

2009-11-01

This work was undertaken to gain further information on the chemical characteristics of the membrane entity involved in the formation of the nonspecific pore. Mitochondria were subjected to oxidative stress by exposure to UV radiation. The results indicate that ultraviolet C radiation induces structural modifications in the adenine nucleotide translocase that lead to membrane permeability transition. Membrane leakage was assessed by measuring mitochondrial Ca2+ transport, the transmembrane electric gradient, and mitochondrial swelling. UV-irradiated mitochondria were unable to retain matrix Ca2+ or to maintain a high level of membrane potential when Ca2+ was added; furthermore, UV-irradiated mitochondria underwent large amplitude swelling. Release of cytochrome c and formation of malondialdehyde, owing to lipid peroxidation, were also seen. Structural modifications of the translocase were revealed by an increase in the binding of the fluorescent probe eosin-5-maleimide to thiol residues of the ADP/ATP carrier. These modifications, taken together with findings indicating that cyclosporin resulted unable to inhibit carboxyatractyloside-induced permeability transition, prompted us to conclude that the translocase could constitute the nonspecific pore or at least be an important modulator of it.

Investigation on the photophysical properties of ESPT inspired salicylaldehyde-based sensor for fluoride sensing.

PubMed

Liu, Kai; Zhao, Xiaojun; Liu, Qingxiang; Huo, Jianzhong; Wang, Xing; Wu, Yanping

2015-04-05

A simple, highly selective and sensitive chemosensor (E)-2-((quinolin-8-ylimino) methyl) phenol (QP) has been developed for the fluoride, as demonstrated by the photophysical properties obtained by UV-vis and fluorescent methods. Excited-state inter/intramolecular proton transfer (ESPT) was suggested to be responsible for the fluoride-induced 'turn on' fluorescence and the blue shift of 25 nm in the emission spectrum. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro photostability and photoprotection studies of a novel 'multi-active' UV-absorber.

PubMed

Venditti, E; Spadoni, T; Tiano, L; Astolfi, P; Greci, L; Littarru, G P; Damiani, E

2008-08-01

This paper reports on the synthesis and properties of a new UV-absorber (OC-NO) based on the most popular UV filter worldwide, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) in which the methoxy group has been replaced with a pyrrolidine nitroxide bearing antioxidant activity. This sunscreen active has therefore both UV-absorbing and antioxidant properties which could ideally address both the UV-B and UV-A skin photo-damage. For broad-spectrum coverage, the combinations of OC-NO with two commonly used UV-A absorbers (BMDBM and DHHB) were also studied. The results obtained reveal that OC-NO: (a) is as photostable as OMC after UV-A exposure; (b) acts as free radical scavenger as demonstrated by EPR and chemical studies; (c) reduces UV-A and UV-A+BMDBM induced lipid peroxidation in liposomes and cells, measured as reduced TBARS levels and increased C11-BODIPY red fluorescence, respectively; (d) has comparable antioxidant activity to that of vitamin E and BHT commonly used in skin care formulations; (e) is non-cytotoxic to human skin fibroblasts as assessed with the MTT assay when exposed to increasing doses of UV-A; and (f) OC-NO+DHHB is a promising, photostable broad spectrum UV-filter combination that concomitantly reduces UV-induced free radical damage. These results suggest that nitroxide/antioxidant-based UV-absorbers may pave the way for the utilization of 'multi-active' ingredients in sunscreens thereby reducing the number of ingredients in these formulations.

Effects of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation on the Potential Efficiency of Photosystem II in Leaves of Tropical Plants1

PubMed Central

Krause, G. Heinrich; Schmude, Claudia; Garden, Hermann; Koroleva, Olga Y.; Winter, Klaus

1999-01-01

The effects of solar ultraviolet (UV)-B and UV-A radiation on the potential efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) in leaves of tropical plants were investigated in Panama (9°N). Shade-grown tree seedlings or detached sun leaves from the outer crown of mature trees were exposed for short periods (up to 75 min) to direct sunlight filtered through plastic or glass filters that absorbed either UV-B or UV-A+B radiation, or transmitted the complete solar spectrum. Persistent changes in potential PSII efficiency were monitored by means of the dark-adapted ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence. In leaves of shade-grown tree seedlings, exposure to the complete solar spectrum resulted in a strong decrease in potential PSII efficiency, probably involving protein damage. A substantially smaller decline in the dark-adapted ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence was observed when UV-B irradiation was excluded. The loss in PSII efficiency was further reduced by excluding both UV-B and UV-A light. The photoinactivation of PSII was reversible under shade conditions, but restoration of nearly full activity required at least 10 d. Repeated exposure to direct sunlight induced an increase in the pool size of xanthophyll cycle pigments and in the content of UV-absorbing vacuolar compounds. In sun leaves of mature trees, which contained high levels of UV-absorbing compounds, effects of UV-B on PSII efficiency were observed in several cases and varied with developmental age and acclimation state of the leaves. The results show that natural UV-B and UV-A radiation in the tropics may significantly contribute to photoinhibition of PSII during sun exposure in situ, particularly in shade leaves exposed to full sunlight. PMID:10594122

Detection of melanomas by digital imaging of spectrally resolved UV light-induced autofluorescence of human skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chwirot, B. W.; Chwirot, S.; Jedrzejczyk, W.; Redzinski, J.; Raczynska, A. M.; Telega, K.

2001-07-01

We studied spectral and spatial distributions of the intensity of the ultraviolet light-excited fluorescence of human skin. Our studied performed in situ in 162 patients with malignant and non-malignant skin lesions resulted in a new method of detecting melanomas in situ using digital imaging of the spectrally resolved fluorescence. With our diagnostic algorithm we could successfully detect 88.5% of the cases of melanoma in the group of patients subject to examinations with the fluorescence method. A patent application for the method has been submitted to the Patent Office in Warsaw.

Plant abiotic stress diagnostic by laser induced chlorophyll fluorescence spectral analysis of in vivo leaf tissue of biofuel species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouveia-Neto, Artur S.; Silva, Elias A., Jr.; Costa, Ernande B.; Bueno, Luciano A.; Silva, Luciana M. H.; Granja, Manuela M. C.; Medeiros, Maria J. L.; Câmara, Terezinha J. R.; Willadino, Lilia G.

2010-02-01

Laser induced fluorescence is exploited to evaluate the effect of abiotic stresses upon the evolution and characteristics of in vivo chlorophyll emission spectra of leaves tissues of brazilian biofuel plants species(Saccharum officinarum and Jatropha curcas). The chlorophyll fluorescence spectra of 20 min predarkened intact leaves were studied employing several excitation wavelengths in the UV-VIS spectral region. Red(Fr) and far-red (FFr) chlorophyll fluorescence emission signals around 685 nm and 735 nm, respectively, were analyzed as a function of the stress intensity and the time of illumination(Kautsky effect). The Chl fluorescence ratio Fr/FFr which is a valuable nondestructive indicator of the chlorophyll content of leaves was investigated during a period of time of 30 days. The dependence of the Chl fluorescence ratio Fr/FFr upon the intensity of the abiotic stress(salinity) was examined. The results indicated that the salinity plays a major hole in the chlorophyll concentration of leaves in both plants spieces, with a significant reduction in the chlorophyll content for NaCl concentrations in the 25 - 200 mM range. The laser induced chlorophyll fluorescence analysis allowed detection of damage caused by salinity in the early stages of the plants growing process, and can be used as an early-warning indicator of salinity stress

DETECTION OF DNA DAMAGE USING MELTING ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

EPA Science Inventory

A rapid and simple fluorescence screening assay for UV radiation-, chemical-, and enzyme-induced DNA damage is reported. This assay is based on a melting/annealing analysis technique and has been used with both calf thymus DNA and plasmid DNA (puc 19 plasmid from E. coli). DN...

UV and fluorescence spectral changes induced by neodymium binding of N,N'-ethylenebis[2-(o-hydroxyphenolic)glycine] and N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N' diacetic acid.

PubMed

Wang, Zhijun; Yang, Binsheng

2006-11-01

In 0.01 M 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (Hepes), pH 7.4 and room temperature, the binding of neodymium to N,N'-ethylenebis[2-(o-hydroxyphenolic)glycine] (EHPG), or N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N' diacetic acid (HBED) had been studied from 210 to 330 nm by means of difference UV spectra. Two peaks at 240 and 292 nm appear in difference UV spectra after neodymium binding to EHPG or HBED. The 1:1 stable complex can be confirmed from spectral titration curves. The molar extinction coefficient of Nd-EHPG and Nd-HBED complexes are Deltaepsilon(Nd-EHPG)=(12.93+/-0.21) x 10(3)cm(-1)M(-1), Deltaepsilon(Nd-HBED)=(14.45+/-0.51) x 10(5)cm(-1)M(-1) at 240 nm, respectively. Using EDTA as a competitor, the conditional equilibrium constants of the complexes are logK(Nd-EHPG)=11.89+/-0.09 and logK(Nd-HBED)=12.19+/-0.15, respectively. At the same conditions, fluorescence measurements show that neodymium binding to EHPG leads to a quenching of the fluorescence of EHPG at near 310 nm. However, there is no obvious fluorescence change of HBED at 318 nm with the binding of neodymium to HBED.

Observations of fluorescent aerosol-cloud interactions in the free troposphere at the Sphinx high Alpine research station, Jungfraujoch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, I.; Lloyd, G.; Bower, K. N.; Connolly, P. J.; Flynn, M. J.; Kaye, P. H.; Choularton, T. W.; Gallagher, M. W.

2015-09-01

The fluorescent nature of aerosol at a high Alpine site was studied using a wide-band integrated bioaerosol (WIBS-4) single particle multi-channel ultra violet-light induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectrometer. This was supported by comprehensive cloud microphysics and meteorological measurements with the aims of cataloguing concentrations of bio-fluorescent aerosols at this high altitude site and also investigating possible influences of UV-fluorescent particle types on cloud-aerosol processes. Analysis of background free tropospheric air masses, using a total aerosol inlet, showed there to be a minor but statistically insignificant increase in the fluorescent aerosol fraction during in-cloud cases compared to out of cloud cases. The size dependence of the fluorescent aerosol fraction showed the larger aerosol to be more likely to be fluorescent with 80 % of 10 μm particles being fluorescent. Whilst the fluorescent particles were in the minority (NFl/NAll = 0.27±0.19), a new hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis approach, Crawford et al. (2015) revealed the majority of the fluorescent aerosol were likely to be representative of fluorescent mineral dust. A minor episodic contribution from a cluster likely to be representative of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) was also observed with a wintertime baseline concentration of 0.1±0.4 L-1. Given the low concentration of this cluster and the typically low ice active fraction of studied PBAP (e.g. pseudomonas syringae) we suggest that the contribution to the observed ice crystal concentration at this location is not significant during the wintertime.

Velocity measurement in rocket exhaust and general aerodynamic flows by photolysis of H2O and laser induced fluorescence of OH

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boedeker, Laurence R.

1992-01-01

A 'tagging' approach in which the photolysis of H2O by an excimer laser creates a zone of enhanced OH concentration, while a second, pulsed-UV laser detects tagged-zone convection via time-delayed excitation of OH fluorescence, depends on the photodissociation process and the kinetics of OH decay (relative to velocity). For application to the fuel-rich, high supersonic Mach number exhaust flow of the SSME, the detection of OH is being accomplished with either a pulsed narrowband UV dye laser or a tunable XeCl excimer laser for excitation of an OH 0-0 band transition, while the two-photon photolysis of H2O is conducted by focusing an injection-locked KrF excimer laser into the flow.

UV-Fluorescent Sensing for Primary Selection of Metal-rich Seafloor Massive Sulfide Ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, T.; Nakatani, T.; Nakatani, N.; Arai, R.

2012-12-01

Seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) in the western Pacific have received much attention as resources for Au, Ag, Cu, Zn, and Pb. Because of the higher metal contents, the venture commercial mining project may start in 2013 in the East Manus Basin, Papua New Guinea. One of important problems to be solved is reducing the waste rock disposal costs for the economy. The best location for the reducing is on seafloor just after the excavation of SMS ores. The authors select UV-fluorescent sensing for primary selection of the ores, because no additional environmental impact is created with the application of the method. First of all, the effectiveness of the UV-fluorescent sensing by a combination system with a UV-light and a camera (See attached figure) in deep water condition is clarified. Then many UV-fluorescent data of SMS ore, SMS accompanied rock, and seafloor rock samples are collected. In the analyses phase, the ore and rock samples are classified into some groups by applying the cluster analysis to the metal contents at first. Then, using the UV fluorescent color brightness and contrasts of the ore and rock samples, the discriminant analysis based on Mahalanobis distance is applied. The higher possibility to identify the SMS ores containing valuable metals from camera image is suggested from the analyses. When additional UV-fluorescent and chemical assay data are obtained, the renewal of discriminant analysis is necessary. Therefore, the results and conclusions described in this study are tentative ones.; UV-fluorescent sensing

Roles of dynamin-related protein 1 in the regulation of mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in response to UV stimuli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenzhen; Feng, Jie; Wu, Shengnan

2011-03-01

Mitochondria are dynamic structures that frequently divide and fuse with one another to form interconnecting network. This network disintegrates into punctiform organelles during apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether this event has a significant impact on the rate of cell death or only accompanies apoptosis as an epiphenomenon. In this study, we investigate the role of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a large GTPase that mediates outer mitochondrial membrane fission, in mitochondrial morphology and apoptosis in response to UV irradiation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (ASTC-a-1) and HeLa cells. Using time-lapse fluorescent imaging, we find that Drp1 primarily distributes in cytosol under physiological conditions. After UV treatment, Drp1 translocates from cytosol to mitochondria, indicating the enhancement of Drp1 mitochondrial accumulation. Down-regulation of Drp1 by shRNA inhibits UV-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that Drp1 is involved in the regulation of transition from a reticulo-tubular to a punctiform mitochondrial phenotype and mitochondrial fission plays an important role in UV-induced apoptosis.

Photosynthetic benefits of ultraviolet-A to Pimelea ligustrina, a woody shrub of sub-alpine Australia.

PubMed

Turnbull, Tarryn L; Barlow, Alexandra M; Adams, Mark A

2013-10-01

The definition of photosynthetically active radiation (Q) as the visible waveband (λ 400-700 nm) is a core assumption of much of modern plant biology and global models of carbon and water fluxes. On the other hand, much research has focused on potential mutation and damage to leaves caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation (280-400 nm), and anatomical and physiological adaptations that help avoid such damage. Even so, plant responses to UV-A are poorly described and, until now, photosynthetic utilization of UV-A has not been elucidated under full light conditions in the field. We found that the UV-A content of sunlight increased photosynthetic rates in situ by 12% in Pimelea ligustrina Labill., a common and indigenous woody shrub of alpine ecosystems of the Southern Hemisphere. Compared to companion shrubs, UV-A-induced photosynthesis in P. ligustrina resulted from reduced physical and chemical capacities to screen UV-A at the leaf surface (illustrated by a lack of cuticle and reduced phenol index) and the resulting ability of UV-A to excite chlorophyll (Chl) a directly, and via energy provided by the carotenoid lutein. A screening of 55 additional sub-alpine species showed that 47% of the plant taxa also display Chl a fluorescence under UV-A. If Chl a fluorescence indicates potential for photosynthetic gain, continued exclusion of UV-A from definitions of Q in this ecosystem could result in underestimates of measured and modeled rates of photosynthesis and miscalculation of potential for carbon sequestration. We suggest that carbon gain for alpine environs across the globe could be similarly underestimated given that UV-A radiation increases with altitude and that the frequently dominant herb and grass life-forms often transmit UV-A through the epidermis.

JPL Fourier transform ultraviolet spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cageao, R. P.; Friedl, R. R.; Sander, Stanley P.; Yung, Y. L.

1994-01-01

The Fourier Transform Ultraviolet Spectrometer (FTUVS) is a new high resolution interferometric spectrometer for multiple-species detection in the UV, visible and near-IR. As an OH sensor, measurements can be carried out by remote sensing (limb emission and column absorption), or in-situ sensing (long-path absorption or laser-induced fluorescence). As a high resolution detector in a high repetition rate (greater than 10 kHz) LIF system, OH fluorescence can be discriminated against non-resonant background emission and laser scatter, permitting (0, 0) excitation.

Different susceptibility of cells of porcine skin and internal organs to ultraviolet A-induced breaking of nuclear DNA.

PubMed

Brozyna, Anna; Chwirot, Barbara W

2005-01-01

There is a continuously growing interest in medical applications of ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and long-wavelength UV-B) especially for laser surgery, phototherapy and photodiagnostics of human internal organs. UV-B and UV-A radiation is potentially mutagenic, however, there has been very little information published to date concerning the significance of possible deleterious action of such photons on cells of internal tissues. The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivities of skin cells to those of internal organs upon exposure to UV-A. To assess this sensitivity we have determined the UV-A dose-dependent frequency of nuclear DNA breaks detected with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) technique. The materials for the study were macroscopic samples of porcine skin, colon and esophagus. The UV-A dose ranged from 0.1 to 1000 mJ/cm2, which is similar to doses received by cells in regions examined with laser-induced fluorescence or by cells surrounding areas subject to a laser ablation. To reduce the influence of DNA repair processes the tissue samples were kept at a low temperature during the irradiation and were deep frozen immediately after completing the irradiation procedure. The cells of the internal organs are much more susceptible to UV-A-induced breaking of DNA than the skin cells. The percentage fractions and the spatial distributions of the damaged cells and the characteristics of the UV-A dose dependence seem to vary by type of internal organ.

Ultraviolet signals in birds are special.

PubMed

Hausmann, Franziska; Arnold, Kathryn E; Marshall, N Justin; Owens, Ian P F

2003-01-07

Recent behavioural experiments have shown that birds use ultraviolet (UV)-reflective and fluorescent plumage as cues in mate choice. It remains controversial, however, whether such UV signals play a special role in sexual communication, or whether they are part of general plumage coloration. We use a comparative approach to test for a general association between sexual signalling and either UV-reflective or fluorescent plumage. Among the species surveyed, 72% have UV colours and there is a significant positive association between UV reflectance and courtship displays. Among parrots (Psittaciformes), 68% of surveyed species have fluorescent plumage, and again there is a strong positive association between courtship displays and fluorescence. These associations are not artefacts of the plumage used in courtship displays, being generally more 'colourful' because there is no association between display and colours lacking UV reflectance or fluorescence. Equally, these associations are not phylogenetic artefacts because all results remain unchanged when families or genera, rather than species, are used as independent data points. We also find that, in parrots, fluorescent plumage is usually found adjacent to UV-reflective plumage. Using a simple visual model to examine one parrot, the budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus, we show that the juxtaposition of UV-reflective and fluorescent plumage leads to a 25-fold increase in chromatic contrast to the budgerigar's visual system. Taken together, these results suggest that signals based on UV contrast are of special importance in the context of active sexual displays. We review briefly six hypotheses on why this may be the case: suitability for short-range signalling; high contrast with backgrounds; invisibility to predators; exploitation of pre-existing sensory biases; advertisement of feather structure; and amplification of behavioural signals.

Ultraviolet signals in birds are special.

PubMed Central

Hausmann, Franziska; Arnold, Kathryn E; Marshall, N Justin; Owens, Ian P F

2003-01-01

Recent behavioural experiments have shown that birds use ultraviolet (UV)-reflective and fluorescent plumage as cues in mate choice. It remains controversial, however, whether such UV signals play a special role in sexual communication, or whether they are part of general plumage coloration. We use a comparative approach to test for a general association between sexual signalling and either UV-reflective or fluorescent plumage. Among the species surveyed, 72% have UV colours and there is a significant positive association between UV reflectance and courtship displays. Among parrots (Psittaciformes), 68% of surveyed species have fluorescent plumage, and again there is a strong positive association between courtship displays and fluorescence. These associations are not artefacts of the plumage used in courtship displays, being generally more 'colourful' because there is no association between display and colours lacking UV reflectance or fluorescence. Equally, these associations are not phylogenetic artefacts because all results remain unchanged when families or genera, rather than species, are used as independent data points. We also find that, in parrots, fluorescent plumage is usually found adjacent to UV-reflective plumage. Using a simple visual model to examine one parrot, the budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus, we show that the juxtaposition of UV-reflective and fluorescent plumage leads to a 25-fold increase in chromatic contrast to the budgerigar's visual system. Taken together, these results suggest that signals based on UV contrast are of special importance in the context of active sexual displays. We review briefly six hypotheses on why this may be the case: suitability for short-range signalling; high contrast with backgrounds; invisibility to predators; exploitation of pre-existing sensory biases; advertisement of feather structure; and amplification of behavioural signals. PMID:12590772

[Effect of quantum dots CdSe/ZnS's concentration on its fluorescence].

PubMed

Jin, Min; Huang, Yu-hua; Luo, Ji-xiang

2015-02-01

The authors measured the absorption and the fluorescence spectra of the quantum dots CdSe/ZnS with 4 nm in size at different concentration with the use of the UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectrometer. The effect of quantum dots CdSe/ZnS's concentration on its fluorescence was especially studied and its physical mechanism was analyzed. It was observed that the optimal concentration of the quantum dots CdSe/ZnS for fluorescence is 2 micromole x L(-1). When the quantum dot's concentration is over 2 micromol x L(-1), the fluorescence is decreased with the increase in the concentration. While the quantum dot's concentration is less than 2 micromol x L(-1), the fluorescence is decreased with the decrease in the concentration. There are two main reasons: (1) fluorescence quenching and 2) the competition between absorption and fluorescence. When the quantum dot's concentration is over 2 micromol x L(-1), the distance between quantum dots is so close that the fluorescence quenching is induced. The closer the distance between quantum dots is, the more serious the fluorescence quenching is induced. Also, in this case, the absorption is so large that some of the quantum dots can not be excited because the incident light can not pass through the whole sample. As a result, the fluorescence is decreased with the increase in the quantum dot's concentration. As the quantum dot's concentration is below 2 micromol x L(-1), the distance between quantum dots is far enough that no more fluorescence quenching is induced. In this case, the fluorescence is determined by the particle number per unit volume. More particle number per unit volume produces more fluorescence. Therefore, the fluorescence is decreased with the decrease in the quantum dot's concentration.

Response of Two Legumes to Two Ultraviolet-B Radiation Regimes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levy, Daniel L.; Skiles, J. W.

2000-01-01

Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer has been directly linked to increased levels of UV radiation at the earth's surface. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responses of soybean (Glycine max) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) to increased UV-B radiation (280-320 nm). Soybean and alfalfa were grown successively in a growth chamber that provided UV-B intensities 45% above nominal summer field levels. Mylar-D (UVB opaque) and mono-acetate (UV-B transparent) films were used to establish the two UV-B treatments. Soybean grown under increased UV showed 21% smaller internodal lengths and higher concentrations of UV-B absorbing pigments (i.e. flavonoids) compared to plants grown under no UV. Significant results for alfalfa included 22% greater leaf flavonoid concentration under increased UV, 14% greater leaf chlorophyll concentration under no UV, and 32% greater above-ground biomass with no UV. These leguminous species possess mechanisms that protect against UV-B damage as indicated by increases in foliar concentrations of UV-B absorbing compounds. Alfalfa appears to be more sensitive to UV-B damage than soybean. Remote sensing of chlorophyll fluorescence may offer a means of monitoring UV-induced plant stress and damage.

Facile preparation of fluorescent layered double hydroxide polymeric composites through the photo-induced surface-initiated controlled living polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Junyu; Liu, Meiying; Huang, Qiang; Jiang, Ruming; Huang, Hongye; Deng, Fengjie; Wen, Yuanqing; Tian, Jianwen; Zhang, Xiaoyong; Wei, Yen

2018-05-01

(Zn/Al) layered double hydroxide (LDH) based fluorescence probes have been facilely fabricated via photo-induced surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, which demonstrated green fluorescence, good biocompatibility and excellent dispersion performance in aqueous solution. The as prepared (Zn/Al)LDH polymeric composites were modified with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), acrylic acid (AA) and diacroloyl-fluorescein (Ac-Fl). Among them, the comonomers MPC and AA were used to endow their water dispersibility, biocompatibility and potential drug carriers, while the Ac-Fl was served both as the fluorescence signal and photocatalyst for RAFT polymerization. A series of characterization methods, including 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to conform the successful of surface modification of LDH through photo-induced surface-initiated RAFT polymerization. Besides, UV-vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra were adopted to evaluate the optical characteristics of as prepared (Zn/Al)LDH-co-Poly(MPC-AA-Fl) composites, which exhibited high intense green fluorescence. Furthermore, the endocytosis behavior indicates that (Zn/Al)LDH-co-Poly(MPC-AA-Fl) composites could be potentially used in cell imaging and even drug delivery application for their excellent biocompatibility and all advantages described above.

A fluorescence study of the molecular interactions of harmane with the nucleobases, their nucleosides and mononucleotides.

PubMed

Balón, M; Muñoz, M A; Carmona, C; Guardado, P; Galán, M

1999-07-19

Fluorescence binding studies of harmane to the elemental components of the nucleic acids were undertaken to investigate the origin of the interaction between the drug and DNA. Most of the tested substrates have been found to induce hypochromism in the absorption spectrum of harmane and to quench its fluorescence. The quenching process induced by the nucleobases and their nucleosides is mainly due to the formation of ground state 1:1 complexes. However, in the case of the mononucleotides a dynamic quenching component is also observed. This quenching component is likely due to the excited state interaction of harmane with the phosphate group of the nucleotides. UV-vis spectral changes and quenching measurements have been used to quantify the ground state association constants of the complexes and the quenching rate constants.

Real-time detection of airborne fluorescent bioparticles in Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, Ian; Gallagher, Martin W.; Bower, Keith N.; Choularton, Thomas W.; Flynn, Michael J.; Ruske, Simon; Listowski, Constantino; Brough, Neil; Lachlan-Cope, Thomas; Fleming, Zoë L.; Foot, Virginia E.; Stanley, Warren R.

2017-12-01

We demonstrate, for the first time, continuous real-time observations of airborne bio-fluorescent aerosols recorded at the British Antarctic Survey's Halley VI Research Station, located on the Brunt Ice Shelf close to the Weddell Sea coast (lat 75°34'59'' S, long 26°10'0'' W) during Antarctic summer, 2015. As part of the NERC MAC (Microphysics of Antarctic Clouds) aircraft aerosol cloud interaction project, observations with a real-time ultraviolet-light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectrometer were conducted to quantify airborne biological containing particle concentrations along with dust particles as a function of wind speed and direction over a 3-week period. Significant, intermittent enhancements of both non- and bio-fluorescent particles were observed to varying degrees in very specific wind directions and during strong wind events. Analysis of the particle UV-induced emission spectra, particle sizes and shapes recorded during these events suggest the majority of particles were likely a subset of dust with weak fluorescence emission responses. A minor fraction, however, were likely primary biological particles that were very strongly fluorescent, with a subset identified as likely being pollen based on comparison with laboratory data obtained using the same instrument. A strong correlation of bio-fluorescent particles with wind speed was observed in some, but not all, periods. Interestingly, the fraction of fluorescent particles to total particle concentration also increased significantly with wind speed during these events. The enhancement in concentrations of these particles could be interpreted as due to resuspension from the local ice surface but more likely due to emissions from distal sources within Antarctica as well as intercontinental transport. Likely distal sources identified by back trajectory analyses and dispersion modelling were the coastal ice margin zones in Halley Bay consisting of bird colonies with likely associated high bacterial activity together with contributions from exposed ice margin bacterial colonies but also long-range transport from the southern coasts of Argentina and Chile. Dispersion modelling also demonstrated emissions from shipping lanes, and therefore marine anthropogenic sources cannot be ruled out. Average total concentrations of total fluorescent aerosols were found to be 1.9 ± 2.6 L-1 over a 3-week period crossing over from November into December, but peak concentrations during intermittent enhancement events could be up to several tens per litre. While this short pilot study is not intended to be generally representative of Antarctic aerosol, it demonstrates the usefulness of the UV-LIF measurement technique for quantification of airborne bioaerosol concentrations and to understand their dispersion. The potential importance for microbial colonisation of Antarctica is highlighted.

Synthesis and characterization of photoswitchable fluorescent silica nanoparticles.

PubMed

Fölling, Jonas; Polyakova, Svetlana; Belov, Vladimir; van Blaaderen, Alfons; Bossi, Mariano L; Hell, Stefan W

2008-01-01

We have designed and synthesized a new functional (amino reactive) highly efficient fluorescent molecular switch (FMS) with a photochromic diarylethene and a rhodamine fluorescent dye. The reactive group in this FMS -N-hydroxysuccinimide ester- allows selective labeling of amino containing molecules or other materials. In ethanolic solutions, the compound displays a large fluorescent quantum yield of 52 % and a large fluorescence modulation ratio (94 %) between two states that may be interconverted with red and near-UV light. Silica nanoparticles incorporating the new FMS were prepared and characterized, and their spectroscopic and switching properties were also studied. The dye retained its properties after the incorporation into the silica, thereby allowing light-induced reversible high modulation of the fluorescence signal of a single particle for up to 60 cycles, before undergoing irreversible photobleaching. Some applications of these particles in fluorescence microscopy are also demonstrated. In particular, subdiffraction images of nanoparticles were obtained, in the focal plane of a confocal microscope.

Experimental ultraviolet photocarcinogenesis: wavelength interactions and time-dose relationships.

PubMed

Forbes, P D; Davies, R E; Urbach, F

1978-12-01

Tumors were induced in the skin of SKH hairless mice by exposure to fluorescent FS sun lamps or to a long-arc xenon solar simulator. Tumores developed about equally well with varying amounts of UV-A radiation (lambda greater than 320 nm) given simultaneously. In contrast, incremental changes in the UV-B region (lambda less than 320 nm) led to substantial increases in carcinogenic effectiveness. A tumor-"initiating" dose of UV-B (4-10 wk of daily FS lamp exposures) was rendered less effective by subsequent exposures of the mice to UV-A (6 hr/day, F-40 T12BL lamps). The mechanism for this effect is not known. Most tumors induced by a short course (10 wk) of FS lamp exposure grew slowly or regressed, whereas mice exposed for a longer period (30 wk) developed more tumors, and many of those that appeared early grew aggressively. Effects of daily dose fractionation were less clear, and the subject requires further study. These and other variables are being tested in a program designed to yield useful information on the effects of changing spectrum, dose, and dose delivery rates on sunlight-induced cancer.

Development of a TiO2/SiO2 waveguide-mode chip for an ultraviolet near-field fluorescence sensor.

PubMed

Kuroda, Chiaki; Nakai, Midori; Fujimaki, Makoto; Ohki, Yoshimichi

2018-03-19

Aimed at detecting fluorescent-labeled biological substances sensitively, a sensor that utilizes near-field light has attracted much attention. According to our calculations, a planar structure composed of two dielectric layers can enhance the electric field of UV near-field light effectively by inducing waveguide-mode (WM) resonance. The fluorescence intensity obtainable by a WM chip with an optimized structure is 5.5 times that obtainable by an optimized surface plasmon resonance chip. We confirmed the above by making a WM chip consisting of TiO 2 and SiO 2 layers on a silica glass substrate and by measuring the fluorescence intensity of a solution of quantum dots dropped on the chip.

Multimodal digital color imaging system for facial skin lesion analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Youngwoo; Lee, Youn-Heum; Jung, Byungjo

2008-02-01

In dermatology, various digital imaging modalities have been used as an important tool to quantitatively evaluate the treatment effect of skin lesions. Cross-polarization color image was used to evaluate skin chromophores (melanin and hemoglobin) information and parallel-polarization image to evaluate skin texture information. In addition, UV-A induced fluorescent image has been widely used to evaluate various skin conditions such as sebum, keratosis, sun damages, and vitiligo. In order to maximize the evaluation efficacy of various skin lesions, it is necessary to integrate various imaging modalities into an imaging system. In this study, we propose a multimodal digital color imaging system, which provides four different digital color images of standard color image, parallel and cross-polarization color image, and UV-A induced fluorescent color image. Herein, we describe the imaging system and present the examples of image analysis. By analyzing the color information and morphological features of facial skin lesions, we are able to comparably and simultaneously evaluate various skin lesions. In conclusion, we are sure that the multimodal color imaging system can be utilized as an important assistant tool in dermatology.

Interaction of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes with bovine serum albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lili; Lin, Rui; He, Hua; Jiang, Li; Gao, Mengmeng

2013-03-01

Carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (c-SWNTs) were synthesized prosperously in order to improve dispersion of raw carbon nanotubes. Then, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as the template protein to study the biocompatibility of c-SWNTs by UV-Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic methods at the molecular level. Results from fluorescence spectrum showed obvious decreases in fluorescence intensity of BSA induced by c-SWNTs, indicating the occurrence of interaction between BSA and c-SWNTs. Static quenching effect of c-SWNTs was verified by linear Stern-Volmer plots and KSV values. Thermodynamic parameters at different temperatures demonstrated that the interaction between c-SWNTs and BSA was mainly favored by hydrophobic force. In addition, Na+ interfered with the quenching effect of c-SWNTs, which revealed that electrostatic force played a role in binding roles of BSA to c-SWNTs simultaneously. The results of UV and synchronous fluorescence spectrum validated that hydrophobicity of amino acid residues expressly increased with the addition of c-SWNTs. The content of α-helix structure in BSA decreased by 14.06% with c-SWNTs viewed from CD spectrum. Effect of SWNTs on the conformation of BSA could be controlled by the surface chemistry of SWNTs.

Nondestructive application of laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds in strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa).

PubMed

Wulf, J S; Rühmann, S; Rego, I; Puhl, I; Treutter, D; Zude, M

2008-05-14

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) was nondestructively applied on strawberries (EX = 337 nm, EM = 400-820 nm) to test the feasibility of quantitatively determining native phenolic compounds in strawberries. Eighteen phenolic compounds were identified in fruit skin by UV and MS spectroscopy and quantitatively determined by use of rp-HPLC for separation and diode-array or chemical reaction detection. Partial least-squares calibration models were built for single phenolic compounds by means of nondestructively recorded fluorescence spectra in the blue-green wavelength range using different data preprocessing methods. The direct orthogonal signal correction resulted in r (2) = 0.99 and rmsep < 8% for p-coumaroyl-glucose, and r (2) = 0.99 and rmsep < 24% for cinnamoyl-glucose. In comparison, the correction of the fluorescence spectral data with simultaneously recorded reflectance spectra did not further improve the calibration models. Results show the potential of LIFS for a rapid and nondestructive assessment of contents of p-coumaroyl-glucose and cinnamoyl-glucose in strawberry fruits.

Multi-technique characterisation of commercial alizarin-based lakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pronti, Lucilla; Mazzitelli, Jean-Baptiste; Bracciale, Maria Paola; Massini Rosati, Lorenzo; Vieillescazes, Cathy; Santarelli, Maria Laura; Felici, Anna Candida

2018-07-01

The characterization of ancient and modern alizarin-based lakes is a largely studied topic in the literature. Analytical data on contemporary alizarin-based lakes, however, are still poor, though of primary importance, since these lakes might be indeed present in contemporary and fake paintings as well as in retouchings. In this work we systematically investigate the chemical composition and the optical features of fifteen alizarin-based lakes, by a multi-analytical technique approach combining spectroscopic methods (i.e. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, EDXRF; Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR; X-ray Powder Diffraction, XRD; UV induced fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopies) and chromatography (i.e. High-performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Photodiode Array Detector, HPLC-PDA). Most of the samples contain typical compounds from the natural roots of madder, as occurring in ancient and modern lakes, but in two samples (23600-Kremer-Pigmente and alizarin crimson-Zecchi) any anthraquinonic structures were identified, thus leading to hypothesize the presence of synthetic dyes. The detection of lucidin primeveroside and ruberythrique acid in some lakes suggest the use of Rubia tinctorum. One sample (23610-Kremer-Pigmente) presents alizarin as the sole compound, thereby revealing to be a synthetic dye. Moreover, gibbsite, alunite and kaolinite were found to be used as substrates and/or mordants. Visible absorption spectra of the anthraquinonic lakes show two main absorption bands at about 494-511 nm and 537-564 nm, along with a shoulder at about 473-479 nm in presence of high amounts of purpurin. Finally, from the results obtained by UV induced fluorescence spectroscopy it is possible to figure out that, although it is commonly assumed that the madder lake presents an orange-pink fluorescence, the inorganic compounds, added to the recipe, could induce a quenching phenomenon or an inhibition of the fluorescence, as occurring in some commercial alizarin-based lakes.

Design and daytime performance of laser-induced fluorescence spectrum lidar for simultaneous detection of multiple components, dissolved organic matter, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll in river water.

PubMed

Saito, Yasunori; Kakuda, Kei; Yokoyama, Mizuho; Kubota, Tomoki; Tomida, Takayuki; Park, Ho-Dong

2016-08-20

In this work, we developed mobile laser-induced fluorescence spectrum (LIFS) lidar based on preliminary experiments on the excitation emission matrix of a water sample and a method for reducing solar background light using the synchronous detection technique. The combination of a UV short-pulse laser (355 nm, 6 ns) for fluorescence excitation with a 10-100 ns short-time synchronous detection using a gated image-intensified multi-channel CCD of the fluorescence made the LIFS lidar operation possible even in daytime. The LIFS lidar with this construction demonstrated the potential of natural river/lake water quality monitoring at the Tenryu River/Lake Suwa. Three main components in the fluorescence data of the water, dissolved organic matter, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll, were extracted by spectral analysis using the standard spectral functions of these components. Their concentrations were estimated by adapting experimentally calibrated data. Results of long-term field observations using our LIFS lidar from 2010 to 2012 show the necessity of simultaneous multi-component detection to understand the natural water environment.

Time-resolved experiments in the frequency domain using synchrotron radiation (invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Stasio, Gelsomina; Giusti, A. M.; Parasassi, T.; Ravagnan, G.; Sapora, O.

1992-01-01

PLASTIQUE is the only synchrotron radiation beam line in the world that performs time-resolved fluorescence experiments in frequency domain. These experiments are extremely valuable sources of information on the structure and the dynamics of molecules. This technique measures fluorescence lifetimes with picosecond resolution in the near UV spectral range. Such accurate measurements are rendered possible by taking phase and modulation data, and by the advantages of the cross-correlation technique. A successful experiment demonstrated the radiation damage induced by low doses of radiation on rabbit blood cell membranes.

Protein coated gold nanoparticles as template for the directed synthesis of highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lingyan; Han, Fei

2018-04-01

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was selected as template for the synthesis of AuNPs@gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) core/shell nanoparticles, in which BSA not only acted as dual functions agent for both anchoring and reducing Au3+ ions, but also was employed as a bridge between the AuNPs and AuNCs. Optical properties of AuNPs@AuNCs core/shell nanoparticles were studied using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The prepared AuNPs@AuNCs core/shell nanoparticles exhibited sphere size uniformity with improved monodispersity, excellent fluorescence and fluorescent stability. Compared with AuNCs, AuNPs@AuNCs core/shell nanoparticles possessed large size and strong fluorescence intensity due to the effect of AuNPs as core. Moreover, the mechanism of the AuNPs induced fluorescence changes of the core/shell nanoparticles was first explored.

In situ measurement of VUV/UV radiation from low-pressure microwave-produced plasma in Ar/O2 gas mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iglesias, E. J.; Mitschker, F.; Fiebrandt, M.; Bibinov, N.; Awakowicz, P.

2017-08-01

Ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectral irradiance is determined in low-pressure microwave-produced plasma, which is regularly used for polymer surface treatment. The re-emitted fluorescence in the UV/VIS spectral range from a sodium salicylate layer is measured. This fluorescence is related to VUV/UV radiation in different spectral bands based on cut-off filters. The background produced by direct emitted radiation in the fluorescence spectral region is quantified using a specific background filter, thus enabling the use of the whole fluorescence spectral range. A novel procedure is applied to determine the absolute value of the VUV/UV irradiance on a substrate. For that, an independent measurement of the absolute spectral emissivity of the plasma in the UV is performed. The measured irradiances on a substrate from a 25 Pa Ar/O2-produced plasma are in the range of 1015-1016 (photon~ s-1 cm-2). These values include the contribution from impurities present in the discharge.

High contrast two-photon imaging of fingermarks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoltzfus, Caleb R.; Rebane, Aleksander

2016-04-01

Optically-acquired fingermarks are widely used as evidence across law enforcement agencies as well as in the courts of law. A common technique for visualizing latent fingermarks on nonporous surfaces consists of cyanoacrylate fuming of the fingerprint material, followed by impregnation with a fluorescent dye, which under ultra violet (UV) illumination makes the fingermarks visible and thus accessible for digital recording. However, there exist critical circumstances, when the image quality is compromised due to high background scattering, high auto-fluorescence of the substrate material, or other detrimental photo-physical and photo-chemical effects such as light-induced damage to the sample. Here we present a novel near-infrared (NIR), two-photon induced fluorescence imaging modality, which significantly enhances the quality of the fingermark images, especially when obtained from highly reflective and/or scattering surfaces, while at the same time reducing photo-damage to sensitive forensic samples.

Exploring the DNA damaging potential of chitosan and citrate-reduced gold nanoparticles: Physicochemical approach.

PubMed

Sonia; Komal; Kukreti, Shrikant; Kaushik, Mahima

2018-04-24

Nanomaterials offer a wide range of biomedical applications including gene/drug delivery, biosensing and bioimaging. The cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of nanoparticles need to be thoroughly investigated before their biomedical usage. This study aims to investigate and compare the nanotoxicology of chitosan (CH-Au-Np) and citrate (CI-Au-Np) reduced gold nanoparticles via exploring their interaction with Calf thymus DNA (Ct-DNA) utilizing various physicochemical techniques. Structural characterization of these Nps was done using UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Analysis of UV-Visible absorbance spectra indicates that interaction of CH-Au-Np with Ct-DNA causes destabilization of DNA by inducing significant structural and conformational changes in Ct-DNA in a concentration dependent manner, whereas there was negligible interaction between CI-Au-Np and Ct-DNA. These observations were further supported by the results of agarose gel mobility, UV-thermal melting, Circular Dichroism (CD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and TEM studies. Fluorescence spectral studies using acridine orange (AO) as a fluorescence probe and analysis of thermodynamic parameters reveal that the interactions between Ct-DNA and CH-Au-Np were mainly governed by Van der Waal interactions and Hydrogen bonding. An insightful understanding of genotoxicity induced by CH-Au-Np can be advantageous, as it may provide valuable anticancer approach for cytotoxic drug designing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An investigation into the role of macromolecules of different polarity as passivating agent on the physical, chemical and structural properties of fluorescent carbon nanodots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alas, Melis Ozge; Genc, Rukan

2017-05-01

In this study, comparative evaluation of fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-Dots) prepared using carob molasses was reported by screening various biocompatible macromolecules as passivating agent (PA). Incorporation of PAs with different molecular weight, polarity, and chemical structure was examined, and compared with the polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mn = 10 kN) passivated and pristine C-Dots. Not only the fluorescence properties but also many other features including size, crystal structure, colloidal conductivity, resistance to photobleaching, quantum yield, and UV-modulated surface interaction of them with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as ROS production were investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) capacity of C-Dots was found to be associated with the number of surface alkyl groups and polymeric hydrogen bounding present on the C-Dot surface (increased number is associated with decreased PL) while surface conductivity of C-Dots in water was proportional to the PL intensity. More importantly, C-Dots with relatively poorer fluorescent were investigated in various organic solvents (hexane, methanol, acetone, ethanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), and DMSO). As happens with the fluorescent dyes, their PL intensities were significantly enhanced (even for pristine C-Dots) depending on the solvent characteristics. All of the C-Dots synthesized were further evaluated by means of UV-induced generation of ROS and inhibition of ROS by using H2O2 as model. In contrary to other carbonaceous nanomaterials, they did not show any ROS generation, on the contrary, they showed ROS scavenging activity that can be modulated by UV-irradiation ( λ exc = 365 nm). PEG and alginate passivated C-Dots inhibited H2O2 activity at LC50 values below 10 mg/mL.

Design and implementation of a dual-wavelength intrinsic fluorescence camera system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega-Martinez, Antonio; Musacchia, Joseph J.; Gutierrez-Herrera, Enoch; Wang, Ying; Franco, Walfre

2017-03-01

Intrinsic UV fluorescence imaging is a technique that permits the observation of spatial differences in emitted fluorescence. It relies on the fluorescence produced by the innate fluorophores in the sample, and thus can be used for marker-less in-vivo assessment of tissue. It has been studied as a tool for the study of the skin, specifically for the classification of lesions, the delimitation of lesion borders and the study of wound healing, among others. In its most basic setup, a sample is excited with a narrow-band UV light source and the resulting fluorescence is imaged with a UV sensitive camera filtered to the emission wavelength of interest. By carefully selecting the excitation/emission pair, we can observe changes in fluorescence associated with physiological processes. One of the main drawbacks of this simple setup is the inability to observe more than a single excitation/emission pair at the same time, as some phenomena are better studied when two or more different pairs are studied simultaneously. In this work, we describe the design and the hardware and software implementation of a dual wavelength portable UV fluorescence imaging system. Its main components are an UV camera, a dual wavelength UV LED illuminator (295 and 345 nm) and two different emission filters (345 and 390 nm) that can be swapped by a mechanical filter wheel. The system is operated using a laptop computer and custom software that performs basic pre-processing to improve the image. The system was designed to allow us to image fluorescent peaks of tryptophan and collagen cross links in order to study wound healing progression.

Deep-UV Based Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter for Spectral Sensing Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prasad, Narasimha S.

2006-01-01

In this paper, recent progress made in the development of quartz and KDP crystal based acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF) are presented. These AOTFs are developed for operation over deep-UV to near-UV wavelengths of 190 nm to 400 nm. Preliminary output performance measurements of quartz AOTF and design specifications of KDP AOTF are presented. At 355 nm, the quartz AOTF device offered approx.15% diffraction efficiency with a passband full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) of less than 0.0625 nm. Further characterization of quartz AOTF devices at deep-UV wavelengths is progressing. The hermetic packaging of KDP AOTF is nearing completion. The solid-state optical sources being used for excitation include nonlinear optics based high-energy tunable UV transmitters that operate around 320 nm and 308 nm wavelengths, and a tunable deep-UV laser operating over 193 nm to 210 nm. These AOTF devices have been developed as turn-key devices for primarily for space-based chemical and biological sensing applications using laser induced Fluorescence and resonance Raman techniques.

Photophysical Diversity of Water-Soluble Fluorescent Conjugated Polymers Induced by Surfactant Stabilizers for Rapid and Highly Selective Determination of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Traces.

PubMed

Alizadeh, Naader; Akbarinejad, Alireza; Ghoorchian, Arash

2016-09-21

The increasing application of fluorescence spectroscopy in development of reliable sensing platforms has triggered a lot of research interest for the synthesis of advanced fluorescent materials. Herein, we report a simple, low-cost strategy for the synthesis of a series of water-soluble conjugated polymer nanoparticles with diverse emission range using cationic (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB), anionic (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, SDBS), and nonionic (TX114) surfactants as the stabilizing agents. The role of surfactant type on the photophisical and sensing properties of resultant polymers has been investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), FT-IR, UV-vis, fluorescence, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectroscopies. The results show that the surface polarity, size, and spectroscopic and sensing properties of conjugated polymers could be well controlled by the proper selection of the stabilizer type. The fluorescent conjugated polymers exhibited fluorescence quenching toward nitroaromatic compounds. Further studies on the fluorescence properties of conjugated polymers revealed that the emission of the SDBS stabilized polymer, N-methylpolypyrrole-SDBS (NMPPY-SDBS), is strongly quenched by 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene molecule with a large Stern -Volmer constant of 59 526 M(-1) and an excellent detection limit of 100 nM. UV-vis and cyclic voltammetry measurements unveiled that fluorescence quenching occurs through a charge transfer mechanism between electron rich NMPPY-SDBS and electron deficient 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene molecules. Finally, the as-prepared conjugated polymer and approach were successfully applied to the determination of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in real water samples.

Utilization of Photochemically Induced Fluorescence Detection for HPLC Determination of Genotoxic Impurities in the Vortioxetine Manufacturing Process.

PubMed

Douša, Michal; Doubský, Jan; Srbek, Jan

2016-07-01

An analytical reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the detection and quantitative determination of two genotoxic impurities at ppm level present in the vortioxetine manufacturing process is described. Applying the concept of threshold of toxicological concern, a limit of 75 ppm each for both genotoxic impurities was calculated based on the maximum daily dose of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The novel reversed-phase HPLC method with photochemically induced fluorescence detection was developed on XSELECT Charged Surface Hybrid Phenyl-Hexyl column using the mobile phase consisted a mixture of 10 mM ammonium formate pH 3.0 and acetonitrile. The elution was performed using an isocratic composition of 48:52 (v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The photochemically induced fluorescence detection is based on the use of UV irradiation at 254 nm through measuring the fluorescence intensity at 300 nm and an excitation wavelength of 272 nm to produce fluorescent derivatives of both genotoxic impurities. The online photochemical conversion and detection is easily accomplished for two expected genotoxic impurities and provides a sufficiently low limit detection and quantification for the target analysis. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Light-Induced Fluorescence Modulation of Quantum Dot-Crystal Violet Conjugates: Stochastic Off-On-Off Cycles for Multicolor Patterning and Super-Resolution.

PubMed

Jung, Sungwook; Park, Joonhyuck; Bang, Jiwon; Kim, Jae-Yeol; Kim, Cheolhee; Jeon, Yongmoon; Lee, Seung Hwan; Jin, Ho; Choi, Sukyung; Kim, Bomi; Lee, Woo Jin; Pack, Chan-Gi; Lee, Jong-Bong; Lee, Nam Ki; Kim, Sungjee

2017-06-07

Photoswitching or modulation of quantum dots (QDs) can be promising for many fields that include display, memory, and super-resolution imaging. However, such modulations have mostly relied on photomodulations of conjugated molecules in QD vicinity, which typically require high power of high energy photons at UV. We report a visible light-induced facile modulation route for QD-dye conjugates. QD crystal violets conjugates (QD-CVs) were prepared and the crystal violet (CV) molecules on QD quenched the fluorescence efficiently. The fluorescence of QD-CVs showed a single cycle of emission burst as they go through three stages of (i) initially quenched "off" to (ii) photoactivated "on" as the result of chemical change of CVs induced by photoelectrons from QD and (iii) back to photodarkened "off" by radical-associated reactions. Multicolor on-demand photopatterning was demonstrated using QD-CV solid films. QD-CVs were introduced into cells, and excitation with visible light yielded photomodulation from "off" to "on" and "off" by nearly ten fold. Individual photoluminescence dynamics of QD-CVs was investigated using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and single QD emission analysis, which revealed temporally stochastic photoactivations and photodarkenings. Exploiting the stochastic fluorescence burst of QD-CVs, simultaneous multicolor super-resolution localizations were demonstrated.

Recent developments in optical detection methods for microchip separations.

PubMed

Götz, Sebastian; Karst, Uwe

2007-01-01

This paper summarizes the features and performances of optical detection systems currently applied in order to monitor separations on microchip devices. Fluorescence detection, which delivers very high sensitivity and selectivity, is still the most widely applied method of detection. Instruments utilizing laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and lamp-based fluorescence along with recent applications of light-emitting diodes (LED) as excitation sources are also covered in this paper. Since chemiluminescence detection can be achieved using extremely simple devices which no longer require light sources and optical components for focusing and collimation, interesting approaches based on this technique are presented, too. Although UV/vis absorbance is a detection method that is commonly used in standard desktop electrophoresis and liquid chromatography instruments, it has not yet reached the same level of popularity for microchip applications. Current applications of UV/vis absorbance detection to microchip separations and innovative approaches that increase sensitivity are described. This article, which contains 85 references, focuses on developments and applications published within the last three years, points out exciting new approaches, and provides future perspectives on this field.

Fluorescence and UV-vis Spectroscopy of Synovial Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinti, Marie J.; Stojilovic, Nenad; Kovacik, Mark W.

2009-10-01

Total joint arthroplasty involves replacing the worn cartilaginous surfaces of the joint with man-made materials that are designed to be biocompatible and to withstand mechanical stresses. Commonly these bearing materials consist of metallic alloys (TiAlV or CoCrMo) and UHMWPE. Following joint arthroplasty, the normal generation of micro-metallic wear debris particles that dislodge from the prosthesis has been shown to cause inflammatory aseptic osteolysis (bone loss) that ultimately results in the failure of the implant. Here we report our results on the novel use of Fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy to investigate the metallic content of synovial fluid specimens taken from postoperative total knee arthroplasties. Preliminary finding showed presence of alumina and chromium is some specimens. The ability to detect and monitor the wear rate of these implants could have far reaching implications in the prevention of metallic wear-debris induced osteolysis and impending implant failure.

Effects of a high-pressure treatment on the wheat alpha-amylase inhibitor and its relationship to elimination of allergenicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, S.; Takanohashi, K.; Hara, T.; Odani, S.; Suzuki, A.; Nishiumi, T.

2010-03-01

In this study, the effects of high-pressure treatment on structure and allergeincity of alpha amylase inhibitor (a-AI) were investigated. The pressure-induced structural changes of α-AI were estimated by fluorescence spectra and by fourth derivative UV-spectroscopy for probed tyrosine residues and by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The changes in the tertiary structure detected by fluorescence spectra and by fourth derivative UV-spectroscopy under high pressure were indicated at over 300 MPa. Measurements of CD spectroscopy suggested that the effects of a high-pressure treatment on changes in the secondary structure of α-AI were little. From our results, pressure-induced changes of the α-AI structure were not apparent. On the other hands, the IgE-specific binding activities of pressurized α-AI to sera from allergic patients against wheat, which is estimated by observations of dot-blotting, were decreased by high-pressure treatment. It is known that the pressure-induced elimination of allergenicity is related to the tertiary structural changes of allergen molecules. This study are suspected that the epitopes of α-AI do not contain tyrosine residues, and thus the decrease of IgE-specific binding activities is probably caused by the tertiary structural changes of these parts of α-AI.

Material and Optical Properties of Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots Fabricated from Lemon Juice via Hydrothermal Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Meiqin; Zhang, Jin; Wang, Hai; Kong, Yanrong; Xiao, Yiming; Xu, Wen

2018-06-01

The water-soluble fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are synthesized by utilizing lemon juice as carbon resource via a simple hydrothermal reaction. The obtained CQDs are with an average size of 3.1 nm. They reveal uniform morphology and well-crystalline and can generate bright blue-green light emission under UV or blue light irradiation. We find that the fluorescence from these CQDs is mainly induced by the presence of oxygen-containing groups on the surface and edge of the CQDs. Moreover, we demonstrate that the as-prepared CQDs can be applied to imaging plant cells. This study is related to the fabrication, investigation, and application of newly developed carbon nanostructures.

Plasmonic enhancement of ultraviolet fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Xiaojin

Plasmonics relates to the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and conduction electrons at metallic interfaces or in metallic nanostructures. Surface plasmons are collective electron oscillations at a metal surface, which can be manipulated by shape, texture and material composition. Plasmonic applications cover a broad spectrum from visible to near infrared, including biosensing, nanolithography, spectroscopy, optoelectronics, photovoltaics and so on. However, there remains a gap in this activity in the ultraviolet (UV, < 400 nm), where significant opportunity exists for both fundamental and application research. Motivating factors in the study of UV Plasmonics are the direct access to biomolecular resonances and native fluorescence, resonant Raman scattering interactions, and the potential for exerting control over photochemical reactions. This dissertation aims to fill in the gap of Plasmonics in the UV with efforts of design, fabrication and characterization of aluminium (Al) and magnesium (Mg) nanostructures for the application of label-free bimolecular detection via native UV fluorescence. The first contribution of this dissertation addresses the design of Al nanostructures in the context of UV fluorescence enhancement. A design method that combines analytical analysis with numerical simulation has been developed. Performance of three canonical plasmonic structures---the dipole antenna, bullseye nanoaperture and nanoaperture array---has been compared. The optimal geometrical parameters have been determined. A novel design of a compound bullseye structure has been proposed and numerically analyzed for the purpose of compensating for the large Stokes shift typical of UV fluorescence. Second, UV lifetime modification of diffusing molecules by Al nanoapertures has been experimentally demonstrated for the first time. Lifetime reductions of ~3.5x have been observed for the high quantum yield (QY) laser dye p-terphenyl in a 60 nm diameter aperture with 50 nm undercut. Furthermore, quantum-yield-dependence of lifetime reduction has been experimentally demonstrated for the first time. Lifetime reduction as a function of aperture size and native quantum yield has been accurately predicted by simulation. Simulation further predicts greater net fluorescence enhancement for tryptophan compared to p-terphenyl. In order to increase fluorescence enhancement, the "poor" molecules and structures with proper undercuts are required. Third, UV lifetime modification by Mg nanoapertures has been experimentally demonstrated for the fisrt time. Lifetime reductions of ~13x have been observed for the laser dye p-terphenyl with high QY in a 50 nm diameter aperture with 125 nm undercut. In addition, extraordinary optical transmission of Mg nanohole arrays in the UV has been measured for the first time. By using Al as a reference, the feasibility of applying Mg in the UV plasmonic applications has been evaluated both numerically and experimentally. Finally, this work has established a methodology for the study of plasmonic enhancement of UV fluorescence, including design method, thin-film characterization, nanofabrication with focus ion beam milling, and fluorescence measurement. It has paved the way for more extensive research on UV fluorescence enhancement.

Carbon dioxide UV laser-induced fluorescence in high-pressure flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bessler, W. G.; Schulz, C.; Lee, T.; Jeffries, J. B.; Hanson, R. K.

2003-07-01

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of carbon dioxide is investigated with excitation between 215 and 255 nm with spectrally resolved detection in 5-40 bar premixed CH 4/O 2/Ar and CH 4/air flat-flames at fuel/air ratios between 0.8 and 1.9. The LIF signal consists of a broad (200-450 nm) continuum with a faint superimposed structure, and this signal is absent in similar H 2/O 2/Ar flames. There is strong evidence this signal arises from CO 2, as the signal variations with excitation wavelength, equivalence ratio and flame temperature all correlate with CO 2 absorption cross-sections. The signal is linear with pressure and laser fluence within the investigated ranges.

Alteration of fluorescent protein spectroscopic properties upon cryoprotection.

PubMed

von Stetten, David; Batot, Gaëlle O; Noirclerc-Savoye, Marjolaine; Royant, Antoine

2012-11-01

Cryoprotection of a protein crystal by addition of small-molecule compounds may sometimes affect the structure of its active site. The spectroscopic and structural effects of the two cryoprotectants glycerol and ethylene glycol on the cyan fluorescent protein Cerulean were investigated. While glycerol had almost no noticeable effect, ethylene glycol was shown to induce a systematic red shift of the UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra. Additionally, ethylene glycol molecules were shown to enter the core of the protein, with one of them binding in close vicinity to the chromophore, which provides a sound explanation for the observed spectroscopic changes. These results highlight the need to systematically record spectroscopic data on crystals of light-absorbing proteins and reinforce the notion that fluorescent proteins must not been seen as rigid structures.

Plume characteristics and dynamics of UV and IR laser-desorbed oligonucleotides.

PubMed

Merrigan, Tony L; Timson, David J; Hunniford, C Adam; Catney, Martin; McCullough, Robert W

2012-05-01

Laser desorption of dye-tagged oligonucleotides was studied using laser-induced fluorescence imaging. Desorption with ultra violet (UV) and infra-red (IR) lasers resulted in forward directed plumes of molecules. In the case of UV desorption, the initial shot desorbed approximately seven-fold more material than subsequent shots. In contrast, the initial shot in IR desorption resulted in the ejection of less material compared to subsequent shots and these plumes had a component directed along the path of the laser. Thermal equilibrium of the molecules in the plume was achieved after approximately 25 μs with a spread in molecular temperature which was described by a modified Maxwell-Boltzmann equation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Systematic characterization and fluorescence threshold strategies for the wideband integrated bioaerosol sensor (WIBS) using size-resolved biological and interfering particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, Nicole J.; Krentz, Christine E.; Könemann, Tobias; Han, Taewon T.; Mainelis, Gediminas; Pöhlker, Christopher; Huffman, J. Alex

2017-11-01

Atmospheric particles of biological origin, also referred to as bioaerosols or primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP), are important to various human health and environmental systems. There has been a recent steep increase in the frequency of published studies utilizing commercial instrumentation based on ultraviolet laser/light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF), such as the WIBS (wideband integrated bioaerosol sensor) or UV-APS (ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer), for bioaerosol detection both outdoors and in the built environment. Significant work over several decades supported the development of the general technologies, but efforts to systematically characterize the operation of new commercial sensors have remained lacking. Specifically, there have been gaps in the understanding of how different classes of biological and non-biological particles can influence the detection ability of LIF instrumentation. Here we present a systematic characterization of the WIBS-4A instrument using 69 types of aerosol materials, including a representative list of pollen, fungal spores, and bacteria as well as the most important groups of non-biological materials reported to exhibit interfering fluorescent properties. Broad separation can be seen between the biological and non-biological particles directly using the five WIBS output parameters and by taking advantage of the particle classification analysis introduced by Perring et al. (2015). We highlight the importance that particle size plays on observed fluorescence properties and thus in the Perring-style particle classification. We also discuss several particle analysis strategies, including the commonly used fluorescence threshold defined as the mean instrument background (forced trigger; FT) plus 3 standard deviations (σ) of the measurement. Changing the particle fluorescence threshold was shown to have a significant impact on fluorescence fraction and particle type classification. We conclude that raising the fluorescence threshold from FT + 3σ to FT + 9σ does little to reduce the relative fraction of biological material considered fluorescent but can significantly reduce the interference from mineral dust and other non-biological aerosols. We discuss examples of highly fluorescent interfering particles, such as brown carbon, diesel soot, and cotton fibers, and how these may impact WIBS analysis and data interpretation in various indoor and outdoor environments. The performance of the particle asymmetry factor (AF) reported by the instrument was assessed across particle types as a function of particle size, and comments on the reliability of this parameter are given. A comprehensive online supplement is provided, which includes size distributions broken down by fluorescent particle type for all 69 aerosol materials and comparing threshold strategies. Lastly, the study was designed to propose analysis strategies that may be useful to the broader community of UV-LIF instrumentation users in order to promote deeper discussions about how best to continue improving UV-LIF instrumentation and results.

Flow cytometric detection of micronuclei by combined staining of DNA and membranes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wessels, J.M.; Nuesse, M.

1995-03-01

A new staining method is presented for flow cytometric measurement of micronuclei (MN) in cell cultures and human lymphocytes using membrane-specific fluorescent dyes in addition to DNA staining. Several combinations of fluorescent membrane and DNA dyes were studied for a better discrimination of MN from debris in a suspension of nuclei and micronuclei. For staining of membranes, the lipophilic dyes 2-hydroxyethyl-7,12,17-tris(methoxyethyl)porphycene (HEPn) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) were used in combination with ethidium bromide (EB), proflavine (PF), and Hoechst 33258 (HO). Due to their spectral properties, HO or EB combined with HEPn were not as suitable for the discrimination of MN frommore » debris as was HEPn in combination with PF. With HEPn in combination with PF, however, additional noise was found at low fluorescence intensities, probably due to free fluorescent dye molecules in the solution. The optimal simultaneous staining of membranes and DNA was obtained using a combination of DPH and EB. The induction of MN in Chinese hamster and mouse NIH-3T3 cells by UV-B illumination was studied with this new staining technique. UV-B illumination (280-360 nm) induced MN in both cell lines. Chinese hamster cells were found to be more sensitive to these wavelengths. Illumination with wavelengths above 360 nm did not induce MN in either cell line. The results obtained from human lymphocytes using the combination of EB or DPH were comparable to the results obtained with the combination of EB and HO. 23 refs., 7 figs.« less

Deep ultraviolet semiconductor light sources for sensing and security

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shatalov, Max; Bilenko, Yuri; Yang, Jinwei; Gaska, Remis

2009-09-01

III-Nitride based deep ultraviolet (DUV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) rapidly penetrate into sensing market owing to several advantages over traditional UV sources (i.e. mercury, xenon and deuterium lamps). Small size, a wide choice of peak emission wavelengths, lower power consumption and reduced cost offer flexibility to system integrators. Short emission wavelength offer advantages for gas detection and optical sensing systems based on UV induced fluorescence. Large modulation bandwidth for these devices makes them attractive for frequency-domain spectroscopy. We will review present status of DUV LED technology and discuss recent advances in short wavelength emitters and high power LED lamps.

Inactivated Tianjin strain, a novel genotype of Sendai virus, induces apoptosis in HeLa, NCI-H446 and Hep3B cells.

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Han, Han; Wang, Bin; Shi, Liying

2016-07-01

The Sendai virus strain Tianjin is a novel genotype of the Sendai virus. In previous studies, ultraviolet-inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin (UV-Tianjin) demonstrated antitumor effects on human breast cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antitumor effects of UV-Tianjin on the human cervical carcinoma HeLa, human small cell lung cancer NCI-H446 and human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep 3B cell lines, and the possible underlying mechanisms of these antitumor effects. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay revealed that UV-Tianjin treatment inhibited the proliferation of HeLa, NCI-H446 and Hep 3B cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Hoechst and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining indicated that UV-Tianjin induced dose-dependent apoptosis in all three cell lines with the most significant effect observed in the HeLa cell line. In the HeLa cell line, UV-Tianjin-induced apoptosis was further confirmed by the disruption of the mitochondria membrane potential and the activation of caspases, as demonstrated by fluorescent cationic dye and colorimetric assays, respectively. In addition, western blot analysis revealed that UV-Tianjin treatment resulted in significant upregulation of cytochrome c , apoptosis protease activating factor-1, Fas, Fas ligand and Fas-associated protein with death domain, and activated caspase-9, -8 and -3 in HeLa cells. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that UV-Tianjin exhibits anticancer activity in HeLa, NCI-H446 and Hep 3B cell lines via the induction of apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that in the HeLa cell line, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways may be involved in UV-Tianjin-induced apoptosis.

Statistical image segmentation for the detection of skin lesion borders in UV fluorescence excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega-Martinez, Antonio; Padilla-Martinez, Juan Pablo; Franco, Walfre

2016-04-01

The skin contains several fluorescent molecules or fluorophores that serve as markers of structure, function and composition. UV fluorescence excitation photography is a simple and effective way to image specific intrinsic fluorophores, such as the one ascribed to tryptophan which emits at a wavelength of 345 nm upon excitation at 295 nm, and is a marker of cellular proliferation. Earlier, we built a clinical UV photography system to image cellular proliferation. In some samples, the naturally low intensity of the fluorescence can make it difficult to separate the fluorescence of cells in higher proliferation states from background fluorescence and other imaging artifacts -- like electronic noise. In this work, we describe a statistical image segmentation method to separate the fluorescence of interest. Statistical image segmentation is based on image averaging, background subtraction and pixel statistics. This method allows to better quantify the intensity and surface distributions of fluorescence, which in turn simplify the detection of borders. Using this method we delineated the borders of highly-proliferative skin conditions and diseases, in particular, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriatic lesions and basal cell carcinoma. Segmented images clearly define lesion borders. UV fluorescence excitation photography along with statistical image segmentation may serve as a quick and simple diagnostic tool for clinicians.

Elucidating the interaction of clofazimine with bovine liver catalase; a comprehensive spectroscopic and molecular docking approach.

PubMed

Zaman, Masihuz; Nusrat, Saima; Zakariya, Syed Mohammad; Khan, Mohsin Vahid; Ajmal, Mohammad Rehan; Khan, Rizwan Hasan

2017-08-01

Nowadays, understanding of interface between protein and drugs has become an active research area of interest. These types of interactions provide structural guidelines in drug design with greater clinical efficacy. Thus, structural changes in catalase induced by clofazimine were monitored by various biophysical techniques including UV-visible spectrometer, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and dynamic light scattering techniques. Increase in absorption spectra (UV-visible spectrum) confers the complex formation between drug and protein. Fluorescence quenching with a binding constants of 2.47 × 10 4  M -1 revealed that clofazimine binds with protein. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the distance (r) between the protein (donor) and drug (acceptor) was found to be 2.89 nm. Negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) revealed that binding process is spontaneous. In addition, an increase in α-helicity was observed by far-UV circular dichroism spectra by adding clofazimine to protein. Dynamic light scattering results indicate that topology of bovine liver catalase was slightly altered in the presence of clofazimine. Hydrophobic interactions are the main forces between clofazimine and catalase interaction as depicted by molecular docking studies. Apart from hydrophobic interactions, some hydrogen bonding was also observed during docking method. The results obtained from the present study may establish abundant in optimizing the properties of ligand-protein mixtures relevant for numerous formulations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Probing the interaction of anticancer drug temsirolimus with human serum albumin: molecular docking and spectroscopic insight.

PubMed

Shamsi, Anas; Ahmed, Azaj; Bano, Bilqees

2018-05-01

The binding interaction between temsirolimus, an important antirenal cancer drug, and HSA, an important carrier protein was scrutinized making use of UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. Hyper chromaticity observed in UV spectroscopy in the presence of temsirolimus as compared to free HSA suggests the formation of complex between HSA and temsirolimus. Fluorescence quenching experiments clearly showed quenching in the fluorescence of HSA in the presence of temsirolimus confirming the complex formation and also confirmed that static mode of interaction is operative for this binding process. Binding constant values obtained through UV and fluorescence spectroscopy reveal strong interaction; temsirolimus binds to HSA at 298 K with a binding constant of 2.9 × 10 4  M -1 implying the strength of interaction. The negative Gibbs free energy obtained through Isothermal titration calorimetry as well as quenching experiments suggests that binding process is spontaneous. Molecular docking further provides an insight of various residues that are involved in this binding process; showing the binding energy to be -12.9 kcal/mol. CD spectroscopy was retorted to analyze changes in secondary structure of HSA; increased intensity in presence of temsirolimus showing changes in secondary structure of HSA induced by temsirolimus. This study is of importance as it provides an insight into the binding mechanism of an important antirenal cancer drug with an important carrier protein. Once temsirolimus binds to HSA, it changes conformation of HSA which in turn can alter the functionality of this important carrier protein and this altered functionality of HSA can be highlighted in variety of diseases.

Light transmission and ultraviolet protection of contact lenses under artificial illumination.

PubMed

Artigas, José M; Navea, Amparo; García-Domene, M Carmen; Gené, Andrés; Artigas, Cristina

2016-04-01

To determine the spectral transmission of contact lenses (CLs), with and without an ultraviolet (UV) filter to evaluate their capacity for protection under UV radiation from artificial illumination (incandescent, fluorescent, xenon (Xe) lamps, or white LEDs (light-emitting diode)). The transmission curves of nine soft CLs were obtained by using a PerkinElmer Lambda 35 UV-vis spectrophotometer. A CIE standard was used for the emission spectra of incandescent and fluorescent lamps, and Xe lamps and white LEDs were measured by using an International Light Technologies ILT-950 spectroradiometer. Five of the nine soft CLs analysed state that they incorporate UV filters, but the other four do not specify anything in this regard. The spectral transmission of all the CLs studied is excellent in the visible region. The CLs with UV filters filter out this radiation more or less effectively. Xe lamps emit a part in the UV region. Incandescent, fluorescent and white LEDs do not emit at all in the UV. Incorporating UV filters is important when the illumination is from a Xe lamp since this light source emits in the UV region. This, however, does not occur with incandescent and fluorescent lamps or white LEDs. The CLs that do incorporate UV filters meet all the standard requirements that the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has for UV-blocking CLs Class II (OcularScience, CooperVision and Neolens), and AcuvueMoist and HydronActifresh400 even comply with the stricter Class I. The CLs without UV filters let UVA, UVB and even some UVC through. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Novel use of UV broad-band excitation and stretched exponential function in the analysis of fluorescent dissolved organic matter: study of interaction between protein and humic-like components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panigrahi, Suraj Kumar; Mishra, Ashok Kumar

2017-09-01

A combination of broad-band UV radiation (UV A and UV B; 250-400 nm) and a stretched exponential function (StrEF) has been utilised in efforts towards convenient and sensitive detection of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM). This approach enables accessing the gross fluorescence spectral signature of both protein-like and humic-like components in a single measurement. Commercial FDOM components are excited with the broad-band UV excitation; the variation of spectral profile as a function of varying component ratio is analysed. The underlying fluorescence dynamics and non-linear quenching of amino acid moieties are studied with the StrEF (exp(-V[Q] β )). The complex quenching pattern reflects the inner filter effect (IFE) as well as inter-component interactions. The inter-component interactions are essentially captured through the ‘sphere of action’ and ‘dark complex’ models. The broad-band UV excitation ascertains increased excitation energy, resulting in increased population density in the excited state and thereby resulting in enhanced sensitivity.

Changes in fluorescence spectra of bioaerosols exposed to ozone in a laboratory reaction chamber to simulate atmospheric aging.

PubMed

Santarpia, Joshua L; Pan, Yong-Le; Hill, Steven C; Baker, Neal; Cottrell, Brian; McKee, Laura; Ratnesar-Shumate, Shanna; Pinnick, Ronald G

2012-12-31

A laboratory system for exposing aerosol particles to ozone and rapidly measuring the subsequent changes in their single-particle fluorescence is reported. The system consists of a rotating drum chamber and a single-particle fluorescence spectrometer (SPFS) utilizing excitation at 263 nm. Measurements made with this system show preliminary results on the ultra-violet laser-induced-fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectra of single aerosolized particles of Yersinia rohdei, and of MS2 (bacteriophage) exposed to ozone. When bioparticles are exposed in the chamber the fluorescence emission peak around 330 nm: i) decreases in intensity relative to that of the 400-550 nm band; and ii) shifts slightly toward shorter-wavelengths (consistent with further drying of the particles). In these experiments, changes were observed at exposures below the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits for ozone.

Eye Disease Resulting From Increased Use of Fluorescent Lighting as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy

PubMed Central

Walls, Kelvin L.; Benke, Geza

2011-01-01

Increased use of fluorescent lighting as a climate change mitigation strategy may increase eye disease. The safe range of light to avoid exposing the eye to potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation is 2000 to 3500K and greater than 500 nanometers. Some fluorescent lights fall outside this safe range. Fluorescent lighting may increase UV-related eye diseases by up to 12% and, according to our calculations, may cause an additional 3000 cases of cataracts and 7500 cases of pterygia annually in Australia. Greater control of UV exposure from fluorescent lights is required. This may be of particular concern for aging populations in developed countries and countries in northern latitudes where there is a greater dependence on artificial lighting. PMID:22021286

The effect of UV-B radiation on photosynthesis and respiration of phytoplankton, benthic macroalgae and seagrasses.

PubMed

Larkum, A W; Wood, W F

1993-04-01

Several species of marine benthic algae, four species of phytoplankton and two species of seagrass have been subjected to ultraviolet B irradiation for varying lengths of time and the effects on respiration, photosynthesis and fluorescence rise kinetics studied. No effect on respiration was found. Photosynthesis was inhibited to a variable degree in all groups of plants after irradiation over periods of up to 1 h and variable fluorescence was also inhibited in a similar way. The most sensitive plants were phytoplankton and deep-water benthic algae. Intertidal benthic algae were the least sensitive to UV-B irradiation and this may be related to adaptation, through the accumulation of UV-B screening compounds, to high light/high UV-B levels. Inhibition of variable fluorescence (Fv) of the fluorescence rise curve was a fast and sensitive indicator of UV-B damage. Two plants studied, a brown alga and a seagrass, showed very poor recovery of Fv over a period of 32 h.

Quantification of Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora var. robusta concentration in blends by means of synchronous fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopies.

PubMed

Dankowska, A; Domagała, A; Kowalewski, W

2017-09-01

The potential of fluorescence, UV-Vis spectroscopies as well as the low- and mid-level data fusion of both spectroscopies for the quantification of concentrations of roasted Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora var. robusta in coffee blends was investigated. Principal component analysis was used to reduce data multidimensionality. To calculate the level of undeclared addition, multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) models were used with lowest root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 3.6% and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) of 7.9%. LDA analysis was applied to fluorescence intensities and UV spectra of Coffea arabica, canephora samples, and their mixtures in order to examine classification ability. The best performance of PCA-LDA analysis was observed for data fusion of UV and fluorescence intensity measurements at wavelength interval of 60nm. LDA showed that data fusion can achieve over 96% of correct classifications (sensitivity) in the test set and 100% of correct classifications in the training set, with low-level data fusion. The corresponding results for individual spectroscopies ranged from 90% (UV-Vis spectroscopy) to 77% (synchronous fluorescence) in the test set, and from 93% to 97% in the training set. The results demonstrate that fluorescence, UV, and visible spectroscopies complement each other, giving a complementary effect for the quantification of roasted Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora var. robusta concentration in blends. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Understanding the Physical and Molecular Basis of Stability of Arabidopsis DNA Pol λ under UV-B and High NaCl Stress.

PubMed

Roy, Sujit; Banerjee, Victor; Das, Kali Pada

2015-01-01

Here, we have investigated the physical and molecular basis of stability of Arabidopsis DNA Pol λ, the sole X family DNA polymerase member in plant genome, under UV-B and salinity stress in connection with the function of the N-terminal BRCT (breast cancer-associated C terminus) domain and Ser-Pro rich region in the regulation of the overall structure of this protein. Tryptophan fluorescence studies, fluorescence quenching and Bis-ANS binding experiments using purified recombinant full length Pol λ and its N-terminal deletion forms have revealed UV-B induced conformational change in BRCT domain deficient Pol λ. On the other hand, the highly conserved C-terminal catalytic core PolX domain maintained its tertiary folds under similar condition. Circular dichroism (CD) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral studies have indicated appreciable change in the secondary structural elements in UV-B exposed BRCT domain deficient Pol λ. Increased thermodynamic stability of the C-terminal catalytic core domain suggested destabilizing effect of the N-terminal Ser-Pro rich region on the protein structure. Urea-induced equilibrium unfolding studies have revealed increased stability of Pol λ and its N-terminal deletion mutants at high NaCl concentration. In vivo aggregation studies using transient expression systems in Arabidopsis and tobacco indicated possible aggregation of Pol λ lacking the BRCT domain. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed interaction of Pol λ with the eukaryotic molecular chaperone HSP90, suggesting the possibility of regulation of Pol λ stability by HSP90 in plant cell. Overall, our results have provided one of the first comprehensive information on the biophysical characteristics of Pol λ and indicated the importance of both BRCT and Ser-Pro rich modules in regulating the stability of this protein under genotoxic stress in plants.

[Study of the Detecting System of CH4 and SO2 Based on Spectral Absorption Method and UV Fluorescence Method].

PubMed

Wang, Shu-tao; Wang, Zhi-fang; Liu, Ming-hua; Wei, Meng; Chen, Dong-ying; Wang, Xing-long

2016-01-01

According to the spectral absorption characteristics of polluting gases and fluorescence characteristics, a time-division multiplexing detection system is designed. Through this system we can detect Methane (CH4) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) by using spectral absorption method and the SO2 can be detected by using UV fluorescence method. The system consists of four parts: a combination of a light source which could be switched, the common optical path, the air chamber and the signal processing section. The spectral absorption characteristics and fluorescence characteristics are measured first. Then the experiment of detecting CH4 and SO2 through spectral absorption method and the experiment of detecting SO2 through UV fluorescence method are conducted, respectively. Through measuring characteristics of spectral absorption and fluorescence, we get excitation wavelengths of SO2 and CH4 measured by spectral absorption method at the absorption peak are 280 nm and 1.64 μm, respectively, and the optimal excitation wavelength of SO2 measured by UV fluorescence method is 220 nm. we acquire the linear relation between the concentration of CH4 and relative intensity and the linear relation between the concentration of SO2 and output voltage after conducting the experiment of spectral absorption method, and the linearity are 98.7%, 99.2% respectively. Through the experiment of UV fluorescence method we acquire that the relation between the concentration of SO2 and the voltage is linear, and the linearity is 99.5%. Research shows that the system is able to be applied to detect the polluted gas by absorption spectrum method and UV fluorescence method. Combing these two measurement methods decreases the costing and the volume, and this system can also be used to measure the other gases. Such system has a certain value of application.

Correlation fluorescence method of amine detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myslitsky, Valentin F.; Tkachuk, Svetlana S.; Rudeichuk, Volodimir M.; Strinadko, Miroslav T.; Slyotov, Mikhail M.; Strinadko, Marina M.

1997-12-01

The amines fluorescence spectra stimulated by UV laser radiation are investigated in this paper. The fluorescence is stimulated by the coherent laser beam with the wavelength 0.337 micrometers . At the sufficient energy of laser stimulation the narrow peaks of the fluorescence spectra are detected besides the wide maximum. The relationship between the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of amines solutions are investigated. The fluorescence intensity temporal dependence on wavelength 0.363 micrometers of the norepinephrine solution preliminarily radiated by UV laser with wavelength 0.337 micrometers was found. The computer stimulated and experimental investigations of adrenaline and norepinephrine mixtures fluorescence spectra were done. The correlation fluorescent method of amines detection is proposed.

A 2-lambda laser-induced flurorescence field instrument for ground-based and airborne measurements of atmospheric OH

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodgers, M. O.; Bradshaw, J. D.; Sandholm, S. T.; Kesheng, S.; Davis, D. D.

1985-01-01

A number of techniques have been proposed for detecting atmospheric OH radicals. Of these, the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique has been used by the largest number of investigators. One of the problems arising in connection with the implementation of this technique is related to the perturbing effect of the UV (lambda approximately 282 nm) laser beam used for OH monitoring, while another problem relates to signal extraction. Several new LIF approaches have been or are currently under development with the objective to bring both problems under control. The present paper deals with the experimental features of one of these new approaches. The considered approach is referred to as 2-lambda laser-induced fluorescence (2-lambda LIF). It is shown that the 2-lambda LIF system provides significant advantages over earlier 1-lambda LIF OH measurement instruments operating at ambient pressure.

Parallel microscope-based fluorescence, absorbance and time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection for high performance liquid chromatography and determination of glucosamine in urine.

PubMed

Xiong, Bo; Wang, Ling-Ling; Li, Qiong; Nie, Yu-Ting; Cheng, Shuang-Shuang; Zhang, Hui; Sun, Ren-Qiang; Wang, Yu-Jiao; Zhou, Hong-Bin

2015-11-01

A parallel microscope-based laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), ultraviolet-visible absorbance (UV) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) detection for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was achieved and used to determine glucosamine in urines. First, a reliable and convenient LIF detection was developed based on an inverted microscope and corresponding modulations. Parallel HPLC-LIF/UV/TOF-MS detection was developed by the combination of preceding Microscope-based LIF detection and HPLC coupled with UV and TOF-MS. The proposed setup, due to its parallel scheme, was free of the influence from photo bleaching in LIF detection. Rhodamine B, glutamic acid and glucosamine have been determined to evaluate its performance. Moreover, the proposed strategy was used to determine the glucosamine in urines, and subsequent results suggested that glucosamine, which was widely used in the prevention of the bone arthritis, was metabolized to urines within 4h. Furthermore, its concentration in urines decreased to 5.4mM at 12h. Efficient glucosamine detection was achieved based on a sensitive quantification (LIF), a universal detection (UV) and structural characterizations (TOF-MS). This application indicated that the proposed strategy was sensitive, universal and versatile, and it was capable of improved analysis, especially for analytes with low concentrations in complex samples, compared with conventional HPLC-UV/TOF-MS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interaction of sodium benzoate with trypsin by spectroscopic techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Yue; Lin, Jing; Liu, Rutao

2011-12-01

The toxicity of sodium benzoate to trypsin was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy under mimic physiological conditions. Sodium benzoate could unfold trypsin by decreasing the β-sheet structure, which leads to more exposure of internal amino acid groups and the obvious intrinsic fluorescence quenching with the rising concentration of sodium benzoate. The results of spectroscopic measurements indicated that sodium benzoate changed the internal microenvironment of trypsin and induced the alteration of the whole molecule, which were performed toxic effects on the organism. Trypsin and sodium benzoate interacted with each other to produce a substance by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bond, the model of which was shown by AutoDock software.

Spectroscopic identification of rare earth elements in phosphate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devangad, Praveen; Tamboli, Maktum; Muhammed Shameem, K. M.; Nayak, Rajesh; Patil, Ajeetkumar; Unnikrishnan, V. K.; Santhosh, C.; Kumar, G. A.

2018-01-01

In this work, rare earth-doped phosphate glasses were synthesized and characterized using three different spectroscopic techniques. The absorption spectra of the prepared praseodymium (Pr) and samarium (Sm) doped glasses, recorded by a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer, show the characteristic absorption bands of these elements. To confirm this inference, laser-induced fluorescence spectra of Pr and Sm were obtained at a laser excitation of 442 nm. Their emission bands are reported here. The elemental analysis of these samples was carried out using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system. Characteristic emission lines of Pr and Sm have been identified and reported by the recorded LIBS spectra of glass samples. Results prove that using these three complimentary spectroscopic techniques (absorption, fluorescence and LIBS), we can meaningfully characterize rare earth-doped glass samples.

Detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the oxidant-sensing probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rastogi, Rajesh P.; Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005; Singh, Shailendra P.

2010-07-02

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under simulated solar radiation (UV-B: 0.30 Wm{sup -2}, UV-A: 25.70 Wm{sup -2} and PAR: 118.06 Wm{sup -2}) was studied in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937 using the oxidant-sensing fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). DCFH-DA is a nonpolar dye, converted into the polar derivative DCFH by cellular esterases that are nonfluorescent but switched to highly fluorescent DCF when oxidized by intracellular ROS and other peroxides. The images obtained from the fluorescence microscope after 12 h of irradiation showed green fluorescence from cells covered with 295, 320 or 395 nm cut-off filters, indicating themore » generation of ROS in all treatments. However, the green/red fluorescence ratio obtained from fluorescence microscopic analysis showed the highest generation of ROS after UV-B radiation in comparison to PAR or UV-A radiation. Production of ROS was also measured by a spectrofluorophotometer and results obtained supported the results of fluorescence microscopy. Low levels of ROS were detected at the start (0 h) of the experiment showing that they are generated even during normal metabolism. This study also showed that UV-B radiation causes the fragmentation of the cyanobacterial filaments which could be due to the observed oxidative stress. This is the first report for the detection of intracellular ROS in a cyanobacterium by fluorescence microscopy using DCFH-DA and thereby suggesting the applicability of this method in the study of in vivo generation of ROS.« less

Evaluation of natural organic matter changes from Lake Hohloh by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy during TiO(2)/UV process.

PubMed

Valencia, Sergio; Marín, Juan M; Restrepo, Gloria; Frimmel, Fritz H

2014-03-15

This study shows the changes of natural organic matter (NOM) from Lake Hohloh, (Black Forest, Germany) during heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO2 (TiO2/UV). The effect of pH on the adsorption of NOM onto TiO2 in the dark and TiO2/UV degradation of NOM was followed using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence. At pH values between 4 and 9, the NOM was adsorbed onto TiO2 in the dark with a greater decrease in the fluorescence intensity and in the spectral shapes, especially under acidic pH conditions. However, at pH = 10 there was not adsorption on NOM which led to a negligible changes the fluorescence intensity. A significant high linear correlation was observed between the DOC adsorption onto TiO2 and the maximum fluorescence intensity. Additionally, the NOM adsorption onto TiO2 and its TiO2/UV degradation shifted the fluorescence maxima toward shorter wavelengths in the EEM contour plots, with a decrease in aromaticity. These changes were accompanied by a substantial decrease in the organically bound halogens adsorbable on activated carbon (AOXFP) and the trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP). Thus, the decrease in maximum fluorescence intensity can be used as an indicator of AOXFP and TTHMFP removal efficiency. Therefore, fluorescence spectroscopy is a robust analytical technique for evaluate TiO2/UV removal of NOM. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A study of the interaction between malachite green and lysozyme by steady-state fluorescence.

PubMed

Ding, Fei; Liu, Wei; Liu, Feng; Li, Zhi-Yuan; Sun, Ying

2009-09-01

The interaction of a N-methylated diaminotriphenylmethane dye, malachite green, with lysozyme was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopic techniques under physiological conditions. The binding parameters have been evaluated by fluorescence quenching methods. The results revealed that malachite green caused the fluorescence quenching of lysozyme through a static quenching procedure. The thermodynamic parameters like DeltaH and DeltaS were calculated to be -15.33 kJ mol(-1) and 19.47 J mol(-1) K(-1) according to van't Hoff equation, respectively, which proves main interaction between malachite green and lysozyme is hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bond contact. The distance r between donor (lysozyme) and acceptor (malachite green) was obtained to be 3.82 nm according to Frster's theory. The results of synchronous fluorescence, UV/vis and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra showed that binding of malachite green with lysozyme can induce conformational changes in lysozyme. In addition, the effects of common ions on the constants of lysozyme-malachite green complex were also discussed.

Chemometric classification of Chinese lager beers according to manufacturer based on data fusion of fluorescence, UV and visible spectroscopies.

PubMed

Tan, Jin; Li, Rong; Jiang, Zi-Tao

2015-10-01

We report an application of data fusion for chemometric classification of 135 canned samples of Chinese lager beers by manufacturer based on the combination of fluorescence, UV and visible spectroscopies. Right-angle synchronous fluorescence spectra (SFS) at three wavelength difference Δλ=30, 60 and 80 nm and visible spectra in the range 380-700 nm of undiluted beers were recorded. UV spectra in the range 240-400 nm of diluted beers were measured. A classification model was built using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA with cross-validation showed that the data fusion could achieve 78.5-86.7% correct classification (sensitivity), while those rates using individual spectroscopies ranged from 42.2% to 70.4%. The results demonstrated that the fluorescence, UV and visible spectroscopies complemented each other, yielding higher synergic effect. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

UV red fluorescence of Eubacterium lentum.

PubMed Central

Mosca, A; Strong, C A; Finegold, S M

1993-01-01

Twenty-nine clinical isolates of Eubacterium lentum and two type species were evaluated for the ability to fluoresce under UV light. Twenty-one of the 29 isolates and both of the reference strains showed orange-to-red fluorescence. This fluorescence did not require blood or hemin in the culture media and did not fade upon air exposure. The fluorescent pigment, after extraction by 1 N NaOH, showed peak excitation at a wavelength of around 400 nm. The capacity of E. lentum to produce fluorescence may be a useful and time-sparing laboratory aid for its identification. PMID:8463378

UV Raman spectroscopy of H2-air flames excited with a narrowband KrF laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shirley, John A.

1990-01-01

Raman spectra of H2 and H2O in flames excited by a narrowband KrF excimer laser are reported. Observations are made over a porous-plug, flat-flame burner reacting H2 in air, fuel-rich with nitrogen dilution to control the temperature, and with an H2 diffusion flame. Measurements made from UV Raman spectra show good agreement with measurements made by other means, both for gas temperature and relative major species concentrations. Laser-induced fluorescence interferences arising from OH and O2 are observed in emission near the Raman spectra. These interferences do not preclude Raman measurements, however.

Laser probes of the potential energy landscapes and conformational isomerization dynamics of flexible biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dian, Brian; Clarkson, Jasper; Zwier, Timothy

2003-03-01

Using a combination of 2-color resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI), laser-induced fluorescence excitation (LIF), resonant ion-dip infrared spectroscopy (RIDIRS), fluorescence-dip infrared spectroscopy (FDIRS), and UV-UV hole-burning spectroscopy, the conformational preferences of a series of flexible biomolecules, including melatonin, N-acetyl-tryptophan methyl amide (NATMA), and their close analogs, have been determined in a molecular beam. These molecules are sufficiently complex to have hundreds of conformational minima, yet small enough that their potential energy landscapes can be explored in some detail. Once the conformational preferences of the molecules are established, these molecules are then studied using infrared-ultraviolet hole-filling and IR-induced population transfer spectroscopy. These methods utilize selective infrared excitation of single conformations of the molecule in the early portions of a gas-phase expansion, followed by collisional re-cooling of the excited population into its conformational minima for subsequent conformation-specific detection. Efficient isomerization is induced by the infrared excitation that redistributes population between the same conformations that have population in the absence of infrared excitation. Examples will be given in which the quantum yields for transfer of the population into the various conformational minima depend both on which conformation is excited and on which hydride stretch vibration is excited within a given conformation; that is, they are both conformation-selective and mode-selective.

Neuroendocrine Tumor-Targeted Upconversion Nanoparticle-Based Micelles for Simultaneous NIR-Controlled Combination Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy, and Fluorescence Imaging.

PubMed

Chen, Guojun; Jaskula-Sztul, Renata; Esquibel, Corinne R; Lou, Irene; Zheng, Qifeng; Dammalapati, Ajitha; Harrison, April; Eliceiri, Kevin W; Tang, Weiping; Chen, Herbert; Gong, Shaoqin

2017-02-23

Although neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are slow growing, they are frequently metastatic at the time of discovery and no longer amenable to curative surgery, emphasizing the need for the development of other treatments. In this study, multifunctional upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based theranostic micelles are developed for NET-targeted and near-infrared (NIR)-controlled combination chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT), and bioimaging. The theranostic micelle is formed by individual UCNP functionalized with light-sensitive amphiphilic block copolymers poly(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl methacrylate)-polyethylene glycol (PNBMA-PEG) and Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizers. A hydrophobic anticancer drug, AB3, is loaded into the micelles. The NIR-activated UCNPs emit multiple luminescence bands, including UV, 540 nm, and 650 nm. The UV peaks overlap with the absorption peak of photocleavable hydrophobic PNBMA segments, triggering a rapid drug release due to the NIR-induced hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic transition of the micelle core and thus enabling NIR-controlled chemotherapy. RB molecules are activated via luminescence resonance energy transfer to generate 1 O 2 for NIR-induced PDT. Meanwhile, the 650 nm emission allows for efficient fluorescence imaging. KE108, a true pansomatostatin nonapeptide, as an NET-targeting ligand, drastically increases the tumoral uptake of the micelles. Intravenously injected AB3-loaded UCNP-based micelles conjugated with RB and KE108-enabling NET-targeted combination chemotherapy and PDT-induce the best antitumor efficacy.

Analysis of synthetic derivatives of peptide hormones by capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic chromatography with ultraviolet-absorption and laser-induced fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Solínová, Veronika; Kasicka, Václav; Koval, Dusan; Barth, Tomislav; Ciencialová, Alice; Záková, Lenka

2004-08-25

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) were used for the analysis of new synthetic derivatives of hypophysis neurohormones--vasopressin and oxytocin, and pancreatic hormone--human insulin (HI) and its octapeptide fragment, derivatized by fluorescent probe, 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazol (NBD). The suitable composition of background electrolytes (BGEs) was selected on the basis of calculated pH dependence of effective charge of analyzed peptides. Basic ionogenic peptides were analyzed by CZE in the acidic BGE composed of 100 mM H3PO4, 50 mM Tris, pH 2.25. The ionogenic peptides with fluorescent label, NBD, were analyzed in 0.5 M acetic acid, pH 2.5. The best MEKC separation of non-ionogenic peptides was achieved in alkaline BGE, 20 mM Tris, 5 mM H3PO4, with micellar pseudophase formed by 50 mM sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), pH 8.8. Selected characteristics (noise, detectability of substance, sensitivity of detector) of the UV-absorption detectors (single wavelength detector, multiple-wavelength photodiode array detector (PDA), both of them operating at constant wavelength 206 nm) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detector (excitation/emission wavelength 488/520 nm) were determined. The detectability of peptides in the single wavelength detector was 1.3-6.0 micromol dm(-3) and in the PDA detector 1.6-3.1 micromol dm(-3). The LIF detection was more sensitive, the applied concentration of NBD derivative of insulin fragment in CZE analysis with LIF detection was three orders lower than in CZE with UV-absorption detector, and the detectability of this peptide was improved to 15.8 nmol dm(-3).

Equilibrium unfolding of A. niger RNase: pH dependence of chemical and thermal denaturation.

PubMed

Kumar, Gundampati Ravi; Sharma, Anurag; Kumari, Moni; Jagannadham, Medicherla V; Debnath, Mira

2011-08-01

Equilibrium unfolding of A. niger RNase with chemical denaturants, for example GuHCl and urea, and thermal unfolding have been studied as a function of pH using fluorescence, far-UV, near-UV, and absorbance spectroscopy. Because of their ability to affect electrostatic interactions, pH and chemical denaturants have a marked effect on the stability, structure, and function of many globular proteins. ANS binding studies have been conducted to enable understanding of the folding mechanism of the protein in the presence of the denaturants. Spectroscopic studies by absorbance, fluorescence, and circular dichroism and use of K2D software revealed that the enzyme has α + β type secondary structure with approximately 29% α-helix, 24% β-sheet, and 47% random coil. Under neutral conditions the enzyme is stable in urea whereas GuHCl-induced equilibrium unfolding was cooperative. A. niger RNase has little ANS binding even under neutral conditions. Multiple intermediates were populated during the pH-induced unfolding of A. niger RNase. Urea and temperature-induced unfolding of A. niger RNase into the molten globule-like state is non-cooperative, in contrast to the cooperativity seen with the native protein, suggesting the presence of two parts/domains, in the molecular structure of A. niger RNase, with different stability that unfolds in steps. Interestingly, the GuHCl-induced unfolding of the A state (molten globule state) of A. niger RNase is unique, because a low concentration of denaturant not only induces structural change but also facilitates transition from one molten globule like state (A(MG1)) into another (I(MG2)).

The small contribution of molecular Bremsstrahlung radiation to the air-fluorescence yield of cosmic ray shower particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Samarai, Imen; Deligny, Olivier; Rosado, Jaime

2016-10-01

A small contribution of molecular Bremsstrahlung radiation to the air-fluorescence yield in the UV range is estimated based on an approach previously developed in the framework of the radio-detection of showers in the gigahertz frequency range. First, this approach is shown to provide an estimate of the main contribution of the fluorescence yield due to the de-excitation of the C 3Πu electronic level of nitrogen molecules to the B 3Πg one amounting to Y[ 337 ] =(6.05 ± 1.50) MeV-1 at 800 hPa pressure and 293 K temperature conditions, which compares well to previous dedicated works and to experimental results. Then, under the same pressure and temperature conditions, the fluorescence yield induced by molecular Bremsstrahlung radiation is found to be Y[330-400]MBR = 0.10 MeV-1 in the wavelength range of interest for the air-fluorescence detectors used to detect extensive air showers induced in the atmosphere by ultra-high energy cosmic rays. This means that out of ≃175 photons with wavelength between 330 and 400 nm detected by fluorescence detectors, one of them has been produced by molecular Bremsstrahlung radiation. Although small, this contribution is not negligible in regards to the total budget of systematic uncertainties when considering the absolute energy scale of fluorescence detectors.

Fluorescence spectroscopy in the visible range for the assessment of UVB radiation effects in hairless mice skin.

PubMed

de Paula Campos, Carolina; de Paula D'Almeida, Camila; Nogueira, Marcelo Saito; Moriyama, Lilian Tan; Pratavieira, Sebastião; Kurachi, Cristina

2017-12-01

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation may induce skin alterations as observed in photoaging. Some recognized modifications are epidermal hyperplasia, amorphous deposition of degraded elastic fibers and reduction in the number of collagen fibers. They alter the tissue biochemical properties that can be interrogated by steady state fluorescence spectroscopy (SSFS). In this study, we monitored the changes in endogenous fluorescence emission from hairless mice skin during a protocol of photoaging using UVB irradiation. To perform the fluorescence spectroscopy, it was used a violet laser (408nm) to induce the native fluorescence that is emitted in the visible range. Under 408nm excitation, the emission spectrum showed bands with peaks centered around 510, 633 and 668nm for irradiated and control groups. A relative increase of the fluorescence at 633nm emission on the flank was observed with time when compared to the ventral skin at the same animal and the non-irradiated control group. We correlated the emission at 633nm with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), and our hypothesis is that the PpIX metabolism in the photoaged and aged skin are different. PpIX fluorescence intensity in the photoaged skin is higher and more heterogeneous than in the aged skin. Notwithstanding, more spectroscopic and biochemistry studies investigating the 510 and 633nm emission are needed to confirm this hypothesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of acrylamide in potato chips using a fluorescent sensing method based on acrylamide polymerization-induced distance increase between quantum dots.

PubMed

Hu, Qinqin; Xu, Xiahong; Li, Zhanming; Zhang, Ying; Wang, Jianping; Fu, Yingchun; Li, Yanbin

2014-04-15

Acrylamide is a neurotoxin and potential carcinogen, but is found in various thermally processed foods such as potato chips, biscuits, and coffee. Simple and sensitive methods for on-line detection of acrylamide are needed to ensure food safety. In this paper, a novel fluorescent sensing method based on acrylamide polymerization-induced distance increase between quantum dots (QDs) was proposed for detecting acrylamide in potato chips. The functional QDs were prepared by their binding with N-acryloxysuccinimide (NAS), which was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FR-IR) spectra. The carbon-carbon double bonds of NAS modified QDs polymerized with assistance of photo initiator under UV irradiation, leading to QDs getting closer along with fluorescence intensity decreasing. Acrylamide in the sample participated in the polymerization and induced an increase of fluorescence intensity. This method possessed a linear range from 3.5×10(-5) to 3.5 g L(-1) (r(2)=0.94) and a limit of detection of 3.5×10(-5) g L(-1). Although the sensitivity and specificity cannot be compared with standard LC-MS/MS analysis, this new method requires much less time and cost, which is promising for on-line rapid detection of acrylamide in food processing. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Insight into the interaction of antitubercular and anticancer compound clofazimine with human serum albumin: spectroscopy and molecular modelling.

PubMed

Ajmal, Mohammad Rehan; Zaidi, Nida; Alam, Parvez; Nusrat, Saima; Siddiqi, Mohd Khursheed; Badr, Gamal; Mahmoud, Mohamed H; Khan, Rizwan Hasan

2017-01-01

The binding of clofazimine to human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by applying optical spectroscopy and molecular docking methods. Fluorescence quenching data revealed that clofazimine binds to protein with binding constant in the order of 10 4  M -1 , and with the increase in temperature, Stern-Volmer quenching constants gradually decreased indicating quenching mode to be static. The UV-visible spectra showed increase in absorbance upon interaction of HSA with clofazimine which further reveals formation of the drug-albumin complex. Thermodynamic parameters obtained from fluorescence data indicate that the process is exothermic and spontaneous. Forster distance (R o ) obtained from fluorescence resonance energy transfer is found to be 2.05 nm. Clofazimine impelled rise in α-helical structure in HSA as observed from far-UV CD spectra while there are minor alterations in tertiary structure of the protein. Clofazimine interacts strongly with HSA inducing secondary structure in the protein and slight alterations in protein topology as suggested by dynamic light scattering results. Moreover, docking results indicate that clofazimine binds to hydrophobic pocket near to the drug site II in HSA.

Technical Testing of Deep-UV Solid-State Sources for Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements in the Frequency Domain

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

fluxes at wavelengths short enough for excitation of fluorescence in basic biological fluorophores and bacterial agents. In particular, deep- UV LEDs ...can be used for excitation of aromatic amino acids, whereas near- UV LEDs are suitable for excitation of autofluorescent coenzymes. The SUVOS AlGaN... LEDs as well as commercial InGaN near- UV LEDs were tested for spectral purity and the possibility of high-frequency modulation up to 200 MHz and

Red fluorescence increases with depth in reef fishes, supporting a visual function, not UV protection

PubMed Central

Meadows, Melissa G.; Anthes, Nils; Dangelmayer, Sandra; Alwany, Magdy A.; Gerlach, Tobias; Schulte, Gregor; Sprenger, Dennis; Theobald, Jennifer; Michiels, Nico K.

2014-01-01

Why do some marine fishes exhibit striking patterns of natural red fluorescence? In this study, we contrast two non-exclusive hypotheses: (i) that UV absorption by fluorescent pigments offers significant photoprotection in shallow water, where UV irradiance is strongest; and (ii) that red fluorescence enhances visual contrast at depths below −10 m, where most light in the ‘red’ 600–700 nm range has been absorbed. Whereas the photoprotection hypothesis predicts fluorescence to be stronger near the surface and weaker in deeper water, the visual contrast hypothesis predicts the opposite. We used fluorometry to measure red fluorescence brightness in vivo in individuals belonging to eight common small reef fish species with conspicuously red fluorescent eyes. Fluorescence was significantly brighter in specimens from the −20 m sites than in those from −5 m sites in six out of eight species. No difference was found in the remaining two. Our results support the visual contrast hypothesis. We discuss the possible roles fluorescence may play in fish visual ecology and highlight the possibility that fluorescent light emission from the eyes in particular may be used to detect cryptic prey. PMID:25030989

Fluorescent minerals - A potential source of UV protection and visible light for the growth of green algae and cyanobacteria in extreme cosmic environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omairi, Tareq; Wainwright, Milton

2015-07-01

We propose that green algae (Chlorella variabilis and Dunaliella tertiolecta) and cyanobacteria (Synechococcus elongatus and Nostoc commune) can grow inside fluorescent rock minerals which convert damaging UV light to visible light, thereby allowing these organisms to survive and thrive in UV-rich environments without (or with limited) visible light, which would otherwise be inimical to them. The four microorganisms were incubated inside fluorescent rocks composed of fluorite, calcite and pyrite. The resultant growth was then measured following exposure to UV radiation, with the use of optical density and measurement of chlorophyll concentration. Results show that the microorganisms were shielded from harmful UV in these semi-transparent rocks, while at the same time benefiting from the fact that the minerals converted UV to visible light; this have been shown by a statistically significant increase in their growth, which although lower than when the cells were incubated in sunlight, was significantly higher than in controls incubated in the dark.

Ozone-induced changes in natural organic matter (NOM) structure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Westerhoff, P.; Debroux, J.; Aiken, G.; Amy, G.

1999-01-01

Hydrophobic organic acids (combined humic and fulvic acids), obtained from an Antarctic Lake with predominantly microbially derived organic carbon sources and two US fiver systems with terrestrial organic carbon sources, were ozonated. Several analyses, including 13C-NMR, UV absorbance, fluorescence, hydrophobic/transphilic classification, and potentiometric titrations, were performed before and after ozonation. Ozonation reduced aromatic carbon content, selectively reducing phenolic carbon content. Ozonation of the samples resulted in increased aliphatic, carboxyl, plus acetal and ketal anomeric carbon content and shifted towards less hydrophobic compounds.Hydrophobic organic acids (combined humic and fulvic acids), obtained from an Antarctic Lake with predominantly microbially derived organic carbon sources and two US river systems with terrestrial organic carbon sources, were ozonated. Several analyses, including 13C-NMR, UV absorbance, fluorescence, hydrophobic/transphilic classification, and potentiometric titrations, were performed before and after ozonation. Ozonation reduced aromatic carbon content, selectively reducing phenolic carbon content. Ozonation of the samples resulted in increased aliphatic, carboxyl, plus acetal and ketal anomeric carbon content and shifted towards less hydrophobic compounds.

High photoreactivity in a non-fluorescent photocleavable ligands on gold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, Hans D.; Daengngam, Chalongrat; Stoianov, Stefan V.; Thorpe, Steven B.; Guo, Xi; Santos, Webster L.; Morris, John R.

2014-03-01

We report on the photo-patterning of a gold surface functionalized with a self-assembled monolayer of an o-nitrobenzyl-based photocleavable ligand bound to the gold surface with a thiol anchor. We find that the dose of UV light required to induce the photoreaction on gold is very similar to the dose in an alcohol solution, even though many optical phenomena are strongly suppressed on metal surfaces. We attribute this finding to a combination of the large skin depth in gold at UV wavelengths, the high speed of the photoreaction, and the spatially indirect nature of the lowest excited singlet. Any photoreactive compound where the quantum efficiency of fluorescence is sufficiently low, preferably no larger than about 10-5 in the case of gold surfaces, will show a similarly high photoreactivity in metal-surface monolayers. The implications of this result for optically driven self-assembly in plasmonic systems will be discussed. This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (DMR-106753).

Photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation - Fluorescence and phosphorescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viehmann, W.; Eubanks, A. G.; Pieper, G. F.; Bredekamp, J. H.

1975-01-01

The fluorescence and phosphorescence of photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation have been investigated using a Sr-90/Y-90 beta emitter as the electron source. Spectral emission curves of UV-grade, optical-grade, and electron-irradiated samples of MgF2 and LiF, and of CaF2, BaF2, sapphire, fused silica, and UV-transmitting glasses were obtained over the 200-650-nm spectral range. Fluorescence yields were determined on these materials utilizing photomultiplier tubes with cesium telluride, bialkali, and trialkali (S-20) photocathodes, respectively. Optical-grade MgF2 and LiF, as well as electron-irradiated UV-grade samples of these two materials, show enhanced fluorescence due to color-center formation and associated emission bands in the blue and red wavelength regions. Large variations in fluorescence intensities were found in UV-grade sapphire samples of different origins, particularly in the red end of the spectrum, presumably due to various amounts of chromium-ion content. Phosphorescence decay with time is best described by a sum of exponential terms, with time constants ranging from a few minutes to several days.

AtPDCD5 Plays a Role in Programmed Cell Death after UV-B Exposure in Arabidopsis1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Falcone Ferreyra, María Lorena; D’Andrea, Lucio; AbdElgawad, Hamada

2016-01-01

DNA damage responses have evolved to sense and react to DNA damage; the induction of DNA repair mechanisms can lead to genomic restoration or, if the damaged DNA cannot be adequately repaired, to the execution of a cell death program. In this work, we investigated the role of an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protein, AtPDCD5, which is highly similar to the human PDCD5 protein; it is induced by ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation and participates in programmed cell death in the UV-B DNA damage response. Transgenic plants expressing AtPDCD5 fused to GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN indicate that AtPDCD5 is localized both in the nucleus and the cytosol. By use of pdcd5 mutants, we here demonstrate that these plants have an altered antioxidant metabolism and accumulate higher levels of DNA damage after UV-B exposure, similar to levels in ham1ham2 RNA interference transgenic lines with decreased expression of acetyltransferases from the MYST family. By coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays, we provide evidence that AtPDCD5 interacts with HAM proteins, suggesting that both proteins participate in the same pathway of DNA damage responses. Plants overexpressing AtPDCD5 show less DNA damage but more cell death in root tips upon UV-B exposure. Finally, we here show that AtPDCD5 also participates in age-induced programmed cell death. Together, the data presented here demonstrate that AtPDCD5 plays an important role during DNA damage responses induced by UV-B radiation in Arabidopsis and also participates in programmed cell death programs. PMID:26884483

Interaction of sodium benzoate with trypsin by spectroscopic techniques.

PubMed

Mu, Yue; Lin, Jing; Liu, Rutao

2011-12-01

The toxicity of sodium benzoate to trypsin was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy under mimic physiological conditions. Sodium benzoate could unfold trypsin by decreasing the β-sheet structure, which leads to more exposure of internal amino acid groups and the obvious intrinsic fluorescence quenching with the rising concentration of sodium benzoate. The results of spectroscopic measurements indicated that sodium benzoate changed the internal microenvironment of trypsin and induced the alteration of the whole molecule, which were performed toxic effects on the organism. Trypsin and sodium benzoate interacted with each other to produce a substance by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bond, the model of which was shown by AutoDock software. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Qualitative changes of riverine dissolved organic matter at low salinities due to flocculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmala, Eero; Bowers, David G.; Autio, Riitta; Kaartokallio, Hermanni; Thomas, David N.

2014-10-01

The flocculation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) was studied along transects through three boreal estuaries. Besides the bulk concentration parameters, a suite of DOM quality parameters were investigated, including colored DOM (CDOM), fluorescent DOM, and the molecular weight of DOM as well as associated dissolved iron concentrations. We observed significant deviations from conservative mixing at low salinities (<2) in the estuarine samples of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV absorption (a(CDOM254)), and humic-like fluorescence. The maximum deviation from conservative mixing for DOC concentration was -16%, at salinities between 1 and 2. An associated laboratory experiment was conducted where an artificial salinity gradient between 0 and 6 was created. The experiment confirmed the findings from the estuarine transects, since part of the DOC and dissolved iron pools were transformed to particulate fraction (>0.2 µm) and thereby removing them from the dissolved phase. We also measured flocculation of CDOM, especially in the UV region of the absorption spectrum. Protein-like fluorescence of DOM decreased, while humic-like fluorescence increased because of salt-induced flocculation. Additionally, there was a decrease in molecular weight of DOM. Consequently, the quantity and quality of the remaining DOM pool was significantly changed after influenced to flocculation. Based on these results, we constructed a mechanistic, two-component flocculation model. Our findings underline the importance of the coastal filter, where riverine organic matter is flocculated and exported to the sediments.

Characterization of E coli biofim formations on baby spinach leaf surfaces using hyperspectral fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyunjeong; Baek, Insuck; Oh, Mirae; Kim, Sungyoun; Lee, Hoonsoo; Kim, Moon S.

2017-05-01

Bacterial biofilm formed by pathogens on fresh produce surfaces is a food safety concern because the complex extracellular matrix in the biofilm structure reduces the reduction and removal efficacies of washing and sanitizing processes such as chemical or irradiation treatments. Therefore, a rapid and nondestructive method to identify pathogenic biofilm on produce surfaces is needed to ensure safe consumption of fresh, raw produce. This research aimed to evaluate the feasibility of hyperspectral fluorescence imaging for detecting Escherichia.coli (ATCC 25922) biofilms on baby spinach leaf surfaces. Samples of baby spinach leaves were immersed and inoculated with five different levels (from 2.6x104 to 2.6x108 CFU/mL) of E.coli and stored at 4°C for 24 h and 48 h to induce biofilm formation. Following the two treatment days, individual leaves were gently washed to remove excess liquid inoculums from the leaf surfaces and imaged with a hyperspectral fluorescence imaging system equipped with UV-A (365 nm) and violet (405 nm) excitation sources to evaluate a spectral-image-based method for biofilm detection. The imaging results with the UV-A excitation showed that leaves even at early stages of biofilm formations could be differentiated from the control leaf surfaces. This preliminary investigation demonstrated the potential of fluorescence imaging techniques for detection of biofilms on leafy green surfaces.

UV-fluorescence spectroscopic technique in the diagnosis of breast, ovarian, uterus, and cervix cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Bidyut B.; Glassman, Wenling S.; Alfano, Robert R.; Cleary, Joseph; Prudente, R.; Celmer, Edward J.; Lubicz, Stephanie

1991-06-01

Malignant breast tumors can be separated from benign and normal tissues using uv-fluorescence spectroscopic technique. Using the same method one can also distinguish cancerous tissues from noncancerous ones in case of cervix, uterus and ovary.

Studies on activated cytostatic fluorouracil as photosensitizer: to use in eye tumor treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascu, Mihail-Lucian; Carstocea, Benone D.; Brezeanu, Mihail; Voicu, Letitia; Staicu, Angela; Gazdaru, Doina M.; Pascu, Ruxandra A.

2004-09-01

Hydroxypyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) belongs to the cytostatics group known as antimetabolites. The effect of UV irradiation on 5-FU was investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The study of the photosensitizer properties of 5-FU was made since their effects could be enhanced by exposure to UV radiation at different doses. Solutions 2.5x10-4M in natural saline water (0.8% NaCl), irradiated with optical beams emitted by N2 laser and UV Hg classic lamp, were used. The 5-FU was chosen due to its strong absorption along a large spectral range which makes possible the fluorescence excitation in UV. The absorption spectra exhibit bands between 250 - 450 nm. The emission fluorescence was measured in the 400-550 nm spectral range, with λex=320 and 350 nm for samples irradiated with Hg lamp and with λex=360 nm for samples irradiated with N2 laser. The excitation fluorescence was measured in the spectral range 200-400 nm, with λem=440 nm for samples irradiated with N2 laser. The spectra reveal a fluorescence enhancement with the exposure time, with a maximum at 3 min due to the transformation of 5-FU molecule into a fluorescent tautomeric form. The destruction more rapid than usual of the neovascularisation was observed for conjunctive of rabbit eyes, when they are impregnated with 5-FU solution and exposed to incoherent UV and visible light.

Large Fluorescence Response by Alcohol from a Bis(benzoxazole)-Zinc(II) Complex: The Role of Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer

PubMed Central

Wang, Junfeng; Chu, Qinghui; Liu, Xiumin; Wesdemiotis, Chrys

2013-01-01

The formation of a bis(HBO) anion is known to turn-on the fluorescence to give red emission, via controlling the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The poor stability of the formed anion, however, hampered its application. The anion stability is found to be greatly improved by attaching the anion to Zn2+ cation (i.e. forming zinc complex), whose emission is at λem ≈ 550 and 760 nm. Interestingly, addition of methanol to the zinc complex induces a remarkable red fluorescence (λem ≈ 630 nm, ϕfl ≈ 0.8). With the aid of spectroscopic studies (1H NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence, and mass spectra), the structures of the zinc complexes are characterized. The emission species is identified as a dimer-like structure. The study thus reveals an effective fluorescence switching mechanism that could further advance the application of ESIPT-based sensors. PMID:23514312

Intensity and pressure dependence of resonance fluorescence of OH induced by a tunable UV laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Killinger, D. K.; Wang, C. C.; Hanabusa, M.

1976-01-01

The intensity and pressure dependence of the fluorescence spectrum of OH in the presence of N2 and H2O molecules was studied. Saturation of the absorption transition was observed at low pressures, and the corresponding fluorescence signal was found to vary as the square root of the exciting intensity. This observed dependence agreed with the predicted dependence which took into account the presence of laser modes in the spectrum of the exciting radiation. With full laser power incident, a saturation parameter as high as 3 x 10 to the 5th was observed. The fluorescence spectrum was found to peak at 3145 and at 3090 A, with the relative peak intensities dependent upon gas pressures and upon the particular rotational electronic transition used for excitation. It is concluded that vibrational relaxation of the electronically excited OH due to water vapor in the system plays a dominant role in determining the observed fluorescence spectrum.

Influence of moisturizer and relative humidity on human emissions of fluorescent biological aerosol particles.

PubMed

Zhou, J; Fang, W; Cao, Q; Yang, L; Chang, V W-C; Nazaroff, W W

2017-05-01

Utilizing the ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) measurement technique as embodied in the Waveband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS-4A), we evaluated the fluorescent particle emissions associated with human shedding while walking in a chamber. The mean emission rates of supermicron (1-10 μm) fluorescent particles were in the range 6.8-7.5 million particles per person-h (~0.3 mg per person-h) across three participants, for conditions when the relative humidity was 60%-70% and no moisturizer was applied after showering. The fluorescent particles displayed a lognormal distribution with the geometric mean diameter in the range 2.5-4 μm and exhibited asymmetry factors that increased with particle size. Use of moisturizer was associated with changes in number and mass emission rates, size distribution, and particle shape. Emission rates were lower when the relative humidity was reduced, but these differences were not statistically significant. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Atomic force imaging microscopy investigation of the interaction of ultraviolet radiation with collagen thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stylianou, A.; Yova, D.; Alexandratou, E.; Petri, A.

2013-02-01

Collagen is the major fibrous protein in the extracellular matrix and consists a significant component of skin, bone, cartilage and tendon. Due to its unique properties, it has been widely used as scaffold or culture substrate for tissue regeneration or/and cell-substrate interaction studies. The ultraviolet light-collagen interaction investigations are crucial for the improvement of many applications such as that of the UV irradiation in the field of biomaterials, as sterilizing and photo-cross-linking method. The aim of this paper was to investigate the mechanisms of UV-collagen interactions by developing a collagen-based, well characterized, surface with controlled topography of collagen thin films in the nanoscale range. The methodology was to quantify the collagen surface modification induced on ultraviolet radiation and correlate it with changes induced in cells. Surface nanoscale characterization was performed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) which is a powerful tool and offers quantitative and qualitative information with a non-destructive manner. In order to investigate cells behavior, the irradiated films were used for in vitro cultivation of human skin fibroblasts and the cells morphology, migration and alignment were assessed with fluorescence microscopy imaging and image processing methods. The clarification of the effects of UV light on collagen thin films and the way of cells behavior to the different modifications that UV induced to the collagen-based surfaces will contribute to the better understanding of cell-matrix interactions in the nanoscale and will assist the appropriate use of UV light for developing biomaterials.

Nontoxic fluorescent carbon nanodot serving as a light conversion material in plant for UV light utilization.

PubMed

Sai, Liman; Liu, Siqi; Qian, Xuexue; Yu, Yahui; Xu, Xiaofeng

2018-05-21

In this study, water-soluble fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were directly injected into the leaf of nicotiana tabacum. With the help of UV-to-blue light conversion nanomaterial, the photosynthetic rate of the leaf was improved 18% upon additional 6 W UV irradiation. The photostability and toxicity of different kinds of CNDs were discussed. The results showed that CNDs functionalized with NH 2 -groups on their surfaces could maintain good fluorescence in plant leaf, and CNDs with complex surface groups tended to have high toxicity to the plant. The NH 2 -functionalized CNDs with non-toxicity and good photostability were used as in vivo light conversion material for direct utilization of UV light in the solar energy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Entire Photodamaged Chloroplasts Are Transported to the Central Vacuole by Autophagy[OPEN

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Turnover of dysfunctional organelles is vital to maintain homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. As photosynthetic organelles, plant chloroplasts can suffer sunlight-induced damage. However, the process for turnover of entire damaged chloroplasts remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that autophagy is responsible for the elimination of sunlight-damaged, collapsed chloroplasts in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that vacuolar transport of entire chloroplasts, termed chlorophagy, was induced by UV-B damage to the chloroplast apparatus. This transport did not occur in autophagy-defective atg mutants, which exhibited UV-B-sensitive phenotypes and accumulated collapsed chloroplasts. Use of a fluorescent protein marker of the autophagosomal membrane allowed us to image autophagosome-mediated transport of entire chloroplasts to the central vacuole. In contrast to sugar starvation, which preferentially induced distinct type of chloroplast-targeted autophagy that transports a part of stroma via the Rubisco-containing body (RCB) pathway, photooxidative damage induced chlorophagy without prior activation of RCB production. We further showed that chlorophagy is induced by chloroplast damage caused by either artificial visible light or natural sunlight. Thus, this report establishes that an autophagic process eliminates entire chloroplasts in response to light-induced damage. PMID:28123106

Solvatochromism and preferential solvation of 1,4-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-9,10-anthraquinone by UV-vis absorption and laser-induced fluorescence measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasirekha, V.; Vanelle, P.; Terme, T.; Ramakrishnan, V.

2008-12-01

Solvation characteristics of 1,4-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-9,10-anthraquinone ( 1) in pure and binary solvent mixtures have been studied by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence techniques. The binary solvent mixtures used as CCl 4 (tetrachloromethane)-DMF ( N, N-dimethylformamide), AN (acetonitrile)-DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), CHCl 3 (chloroform)-DMSO, CHCl 3-MeOH (methanol), and MeOH-DMSO. The longest wavelength band of 1 has been studied in pure solvents as well as in binary solvent mixtures as a function of the bulk mole fraction. The Vis absorption band maxima show an unusual blue shift with increasing solvent polarity. The emission maxima of 1 show changes with varying the pure solvents and the composition in the case of binary solvent mixtures. Non-ideal solvation characteristics are observed in all binary solvent mixtures. It has been observed that the quantity [ ν-(Xν+Xν)] serves as a measure of the extent of preferential solvation, where ν˜ and X are the position of band maximum in wavenumbers (cm -1) and the bulk mole fraction values, respectively. The preferential solvation parameters local mole fraction ( X2L), solvation index ( δs2), and exchange constant ( k12) are evaluated.

Endogenous fluorescence emission of the ovary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utzinger, Urs; Kirkpatrick, Nathaniel D.; Drezek, Rebekah A.; Brewer, Molly A.

2005-03-01

Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among the gynecologic cancers. Early detection would significantly improve survival and quality of life of women at increased risk to develop ovarian cancer. We have constructed a device to investigate endogenous signals of the ovarian tissue surface in the UV C to visible range and describe our initial investigation of the use of optical spectroscopy to characterize the condition of the ovary. We have acquired data from more than 33 patients. A table top spectroscopy system was used to collect endogenous fluorescence with a fiberoptic probe that is compatible with endoscopic techniques. Samples were broken into five groups: Normal-Low Risk (for developing ovarian cancer) Normal-High Risk, Benign, and Cancer. Rigorous statistical analysis was applied to the data using variance tests for direct intensity versus diagnostic group comparisons and principal component analysis (PCA) to study the variance of the whole data set. We conclude that the diagnostically most useful excitation wavelengths are located in the UV. Furthermore, our results indicate that UV B and C are most useful. A safety analysis indicates that UV-C imaging can be conducted at exposure levels below safety thresholds. We found that fluorescence excited in the UV-C and UV-B range increases from benign to normal to cancerous tissues. This is in contrast to the emission created with UV-A excitation which decreased in the same order. We hypothesize that an increase of protein production and a decrease of fluorescence contributions of the extracellular matrix could explain this behavior. Variance analysis also identified fluctuation of fluorescence at 320/380 which is associated with collagen cross link residues. Small differences were observed between the group at high risk and normal risk for ovarian cancer. High risk samples deviated towards the cancer group and low risk samples towards benign group.

Nonlethal screening of bat-wing skin with the use of ultraviolet fluorescence to detect lesions indicative of white-nose syndrome.

PubMed

Turner, Gregory G; Meteyer, Carol Uphoff; Barton, Hazel; Gumbs, John F; Reeder, DeeAnn M; Overton, Barrie; Bandouchova, Hana; Bartonička, Tomáš; Martínková, Natália; Pikula, Jiri; Zukal, Jan; Blehert, David S

2014-07-01

Definitive diagnosis of the bat disease white-nose syndrome (WNS) requires histologic analysis to identify the cutaneous erosions caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus [formerly Geomyces] destructans (Pd). Gross visual inspection does not distinguish bats with or without WNS, and no nonlethal, on-site, preliminary screening methods are available for WNS in bats. We demonstrate that long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light (wavelength 366-385 nm) elicits a distinct orange-yellow fluorescence in bat-wing membranes (skin) that corresponds directly with the fungal cupping erosions in histologic sections of skin that are the current gold standard for diagnosis of WNS. Between March 2009 and April 2012, wing membranes from 168 North American bat carcasses submitted to the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center were examined with the use of both UV light and histology. Comparison of these techniques showed that 98.8% of the bats with foci of orange-yellow wing fluorescence (n=80) were WNS-positive based on histologic diagnosis; bat wings that did not fluoresce under UV light (n=88) were all histologically negative for WNS lesions. Punch biopsy samples as small as 3 mm taken from areas of wing with UV fluorescence were effective for identifying lesions diagnostic for WNS by histopathology. In a nonlethal biopsy-based study of 62 bats sampled (4-mm diameter) in hibernacula of the Czech Republic during 2012, 95.5% of fluorescent (n=22) and 100% of nonfluorescent (n=40) wing samples were confirmed by histopathology to be WNS positive and negative, respectively. This evidence supports use of long-wave UV light as a nonlethal and field-applicable method to screen bats for lesions indicative of WNS. Further, UV fluorescence can be used to guide targeted, nonlethal biopsy sampling for follow-up molecular testing, fungal culture analysis, and histologic confirmation of WNS.

Nonlethal screening of bat-wing skin with the use of ultraviolet fluorescence to detect lesions indicative of white-nose syndrome

USGS Publications Warehouse

Turner, Gregory G.; Meteyer, Carol U.; Barton, Hazel; Gumbs, John F.; Reeder, DeeAnn M.; Overton, Barrie; Bandouchova, Hana; Bartonička, Tomáš; Martínková, Natália; Pikula, Jiri; Zukal, Jan; Blehert, David S.

2014-01-01

Definitive diagnosis of the bat disease white-nose syndrome (WNS) requires histologic analysis to identify the cutaneous erosions caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus [formerly Geomyces] destructans (Pd). Gross visual inspection does not distinguish bats with or without WNS, and no nonlethal, on-site, preliminary screening methods are available for WNS in bats. We demonstrate that long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light (wavelength 368–385 nm) elicits a distinct orange–yellow fluorescence in bat-wing membranes (skin) that corresponds directly with the fungal cupping erosions in histologic sections of skin that are the current gold standard for diagnosis of WNS. Between March 2009 and April 2012, wing membranes from 168 North American bat carcasses submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center were examined with the use of both UV light and histology. Comparison of these techniques showed that 98.8% of the bats with foci of orange–yellow wing fluorescence (n = 80) were WNS-positive based on histologic diagnosis; bat wings that did not fluoresce under UV light (n = 88) were all histologically negative for WNS lesions. Punch biopsy samples as small as 3 mm taken from areas of wing with UV fluorescence were effective for identifying lesions diagnostic for WNS by histopathology. In a nonlethal biopsy-based study of 62 bats sampled (4-mm diameter) in hibernacula of the Czech Republic during 2012, 95.5% of fluorescent (n = 22) and 100% of nonfluorescent (n = 40) wing samples were confirmed by histopathology to be WNS positive and negative, respectively. This evidence supports use of long-wave UV light as a nonlethal and field-applicable method to screen bats for lesions indicative of WNS. Further, UV fluorescence can be used to guide targeted, nonlethal biopsy sampling for follow-up molecular testing, fungal culture analysis, and histologic confirmation of WNS.

Effects of iron on optical properties of dissolved organic matter.

PubMed

Poulin, Brett A; Ryan, Joseph N; Aiken, George R

2014-09-02

Iron is a source of interference in the spectroscopic analysis of dissolved organic matter (DOM); however, its effects on commonly employed ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis) light adsorption and fluorescence measurements are poorly defined. Here, we describe the effects of iron(II) and iron(III) on the UV-vis absorption and fluorescence of solutions containing two DOM fractions and two surface water samples. In each case, regardless of DOM composition, UV-vis absorption increased linearly with increasing iron(III). Correction factors were derived using iron(III) absorption coefficients determined at wavelengths commonly used to characterize DOM. Iron(III) addition increased specific UV absorbances (SUVA) and decreased the absorption ratios (E2:E3) and spectral slope ratios (SR) of DOM samples. Both iron(II) and iron(III) quenched DOM fluorescence at pH 6.7. The degree and region of fluorescence quenching varied with the iron:DOC concentration ratio, DOM composition, and pH. Regions of the fluorescence spectra associated with greater DOM conjugation were more susceptible to iron quenching, and DOM fluorescence indices were sensitive to the presence of both forms of iron. Analyses of the excitation-emission matrices using a 7- and 13-component parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model showed low PARAFAC sensitivity to iron addition.

Investigation of holmium-doped zirconium oxide ceramic phosphor as an ultraviolet wavelength-discriminating laser beam viewer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamanoi, Kohei; Hori, Tatsuhiro; Minami, Yuki; Empizo, Melvin John F.; Luong, Mui Viet; Shiro, Atsushi; Watanabe, Jun; Iwano, Keisuke; Iwasa, Yuki; Cadatal-Raduban, Marilou; Gabayno, Jacque Lynn; Shimizu, Toshihiko; Sarukura, Nobuhiko; Norimatsu, Takayoshi

2018-01-01

We report the fluorescence spectra of ZrO2 and trivalent Ho-doped ZrO2 ceramics under ultraviolet (UV) excitation at 213, 266, and 355 nm wavelengths. The Ho3+-doped ZrO2 ceramics exhibited varying fluorescence color tones depending on the excitation wavelength used. The different color tones match the fluorescence spectrum characteristics at each excitation wavelength. Our results demonstrate that Ho3+-doped ZrO2 ceramics can discriminate between UV light, specifically the third, fourth, and fifth harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser. It can potentially be used for developing UV laser beam viewers to aid laser alignment.

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and DNA-binding studies of transition metal hydrazone complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanchanadevi, S.; Parveen, S.; Mahalingam, V.

2018-04-01

Three new complexes containing salicylaldazine (HL) ligand were synthesised by reacting suitable precursor complex [MCl2(PPh3)2] with the ligand (where M = Cu(II) or Ni(II) or Co(II)). The new complexes were characterised by various spectral studies such as IR, UV-Vis,1H NMR,EPR,fluorescence and elemental analyses. The binding modes of the complexes with HS-DNA have been studied by UV-Vis absorption titration. Binding of the complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein has been investigated using UV-visible, fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic methods. Redox behaviour of the complexes has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry.

In vivo real-time recording of UV-induced changes in the autofluorescence of a melanin-containing fungus using a micro-spectrofluorimeter and a low-cost webcam.

PubMed

Raimondi, V; Agati, G; Cecchi, G; Gomoiu, I; Lognoli, D; Palombi, L

2009-12-07

An optical epifluorescence microscope, coupled to a CCD camera, a standard webcam and a microspectrofluorimeter, are used to record in vivo real-time changes in the autofluorescence of spores and hyphae in Aspergillus niger, a fungus containing melanin, while exposed to UV irradiation. The results point out major changes in both signal intensity and the spectral shape of the autofluorescence signal after only few minutes of exposure, and can contribute to the interpretation of data obtained with other fluorescence techniques, including those, such as GPF labeling, in which endogenous fluorophores constitute a major disturbance.

UV-A Irradiation Activates Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense and Induces p53/Caspase3-Dependent Apoptosis in Corneal Endothelial Cells.

PubMed

Liu, Cailing; Vojnovic, Dijana; Kochevar, Irene E; Jurkunas, Ula V

2016-04-01

To examine whether Nrf2-regulated antioxidant defense and p53 are activated in human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) by environmental levels of ultraviolet A (UV-A), a known stimulator of oxidative stress. Immortalized human CEnCs (HCEnCi) were exposed to UV-A fluences of 2.5, 5, 10, or 25 J/cm2, then allowed to recover for 3 to 24 hours. Control HCEnCi did not receive UV-A. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H2DCFDA. Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, p53, and caspase3 were detected by immunnoblotting or real-time PCR. Activated caspase3 was measured by immunoblotting and a fluorescence assay. Exposure of HCEnCi to 5, 10, and 25 J/cm2 UV-A increased ROS levels compared with controls. Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 mRNA increased 1.7- to 3.2-fold at 3 and 6 hours after irradiation with 2.5 and 5 J/cm2 UV-A. At 6 hours post irradiation, UV-A (5 J/cm2) enhanced nuclear Nrf2 translocation. At 24 hours post treatment, UV-A (5, 10, and 25 J/cm2) produced a 1.8- to 2.8-fold increase in phospho-p53 and a 2.6- to 6.0-fold increase in activated caspase3 compared with controls, resulting in 20% to 42% cell death. Lower fluences of UV-A induce Nrf2-regulated antioxidant defense and higher fluences activate p53 and caspase3, indicating that even near-environmental levels of UV-A may affect normal CEnCs. This data suggest that UV-A may especially damage cells deficient in antioxidant defense, and thus may be involved in the etiology of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

UV-A Irradiation Activates Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense and Induces p53/Caspase3-Dependent Apoptosis in Corneal Endothelial Cells

PubMed Central

Liu, Cailing; Vojnovic, Dijana; Kochevar, Irene E.; Jurkunas, Ula V.

2016-01-01

Purpose To examine whether Nrf2-regulated antioxidant defense and p53 are activated in human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) by environmental levels of ultraviolet A (UV-A), a known stimulator of oxidative stress. Methods Immortalized human CEnCs (HCEnCi) were exposed to UV-A fluences of 2.5, 5, 10, or 25 J/cm2, then allowed to recover for 3 to 24 hours. Control HCEnCi did not receive UV-A. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H2DCFDA. Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, p53, and caspase3 were detected by immunnoblotting or real-time PCR. Activated caspase3 was measured by immunoblotting and a fluorescence assay. Results Exposure of HCEnCi to 5, 10, and 25 J/cm2 UV-A increased ROS levels compared with controls. Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 mRNA increased 1.7- to 3.2-fold at 3 and 6 hours after irradiation with 2.5 and 5 J/cm2 UV-A. At 6 hours post irradiation, UV-A (5 J/cm2) enhanced nuclear Nrf2 translocation. At 24 hours post treatment, UV-A (5, 10, and 25 J/cm2) produced a 1.8- to 2.8-fold increase in phospho-p53 and a 2.6- to 6.0-fold increase in activated caspase3 compared with controls, resulting in 20% to 42% cell death. Conclusions Lower fluences of UV-A induce Nrf2-regulated antioxidant defense and higher fluences activate p53 and caspase3, indicating that even near-environmental levels of UV-A may affect normal CEnCs. This data suggest that UV-A may especially damage cells deficient in antioxidant defense, and thus may be involved in the etiology of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). PMID:27127932

Fluorescent minerals--A potential source of UV protection and visible light for the growth of green algae and cyanobacteria in extreme cosmic environments.

PubMed

Omairi, Tareq; Wainwright, Milton

2015-07-01

We propose that green algae (Chlorella variabilis and Dunaliella tertiolecta) and cyanobacteria (Synechococcus elongatus and Nostoc commune) can grow inside fluorescent rock minerals which convert damaging UV light to visible light, thereby allowing these organisms to survive and thrive in UV-rich environments without (or with limited) visible light, which would otherwise be inimical to them. The four microorganisms were incubated inside fluorescent rocks composed of fluorite, calcite and pyrite. The resultant growth was then measured following exposure to UV radiation, with the use of optical density and measurement of chlorophyll concentration. Results show that the microorganisms were shielded from harmful UV in these semi-transparent rocks, while at the same time benefiting from the fact that the minerals converted UV to visible light; this have been shown by a statistically significant increase in their growth, which although lower than when the cells were incubated in sunlight, was significantly higher than in controls incubated in the dark. Copyright © 2015 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Teaching laser-induced fluorescence of plant leaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenk, Sándor; Gádoros, Patrik; Kocsányi, László; Barócsi, Attila

2016-11-01

Plants convert carbon dioxide into sugars using the energy of sunlight. Absorbed light unused for conversion is dissipated primarily as heat with a small fraction re-emitted as fluorescence at longer wavelengths. One can use the latter to estimate photosynthetic activity. The illumination of intact leaves with strong light after keeping them in dark for tens of minutes results in a rapid increase followed by a slow decay of fluorescence emission from the fluorophore chlorophyll-a, called the Kautsky effect. This paper describes a laboratory practice that introduces students of physics or engineering into this research field. It begins with the spectral measurement of the fluorescence emitted by a plant leaf upon UV excitation. Then it focuses on the red and far-red components of the fluorescence emission spectrum characteristic to the chlorophyll-a molecule and presents an inexpensive demonstration of the Kautsky effect. As researchers use more complex measurement techniques and tools, the practice ends up with the demonstration of an intelligent fluorosensor, a compact tool developed for plant physiological research and horticulture applications together with a brief interpretation of some important fluorescence parameters.

Observations of fluorescent and biological aerosol at a high-altitude site in Central France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabey, A. M.; Vaitilingom, M.; Freney, E.; Boulon, J.; Sellegri, K.; Gallagher, M. W.; Crawford, I. P.; Robinson, N. H.; Stanley, W. R.; Kaye, P. H.

2013-01-01

Total bacteria, fungal spore and yeast counts were compared with UV Light-Induced Fluorescence (UV-LIF) measurements of ambient aerosol at the summit of the Puy de Dôme (pdD) mountain in Central France (1465 m a.s.l), which represents a background elevated site. Bacteria, fungal spores and yeast were enumerated by epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) and found to number 2.2 to 23 L-1 and 0.8 to 2 L-1, respectively. Bacteria counts on two successive nights were an order of magnitude larger than in the intervening day. A Wide Issue Bioaerosol Spectrometer, version 3 (WIBS-3) was used to perform UV-LIF measurements on ambient aerosol sized 0.8 to 20 μm. Mean total number concentration was 270 L-1 (σ = 66 L-1) found predominantly in a size mode at 2 μm for most of the campaign. Total concentration (fluorescent + non-fluorescent aerosol) peaked at 500 L-1 with a size mode at 1 μm because of a change in air mass origin lasting around 48 h. The WIBS-3 features two excitation and fluorescence detection wavelengths corresponding to different biological molecules. The mean fluorescent particle concentration after short-wave (280 nm; Tryptophan) excitation was 12 L-1 (σ = 6 L-1), and did not vary much through the campaign. In contrast the mean concentration of particles fluorescent after long-wave (370 nm; NADH) excitation was 95 L-1 (σ = 25 L-1), and a nightly rise and subsequent fall of up to 100 L-1 formed a strong diurnal cycle in the latter. The fluorescent populations exhibited size modes at 3 μm and 2 to 3 μm, respectively. A hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis algorithm was applied to the data and used to extract different particle factors. A cluster concentration time series representative of bacteria was identified. This was found to exhibit a diurnal cycle with a maximum peak appearing during the day. Analysis of organic mass spectra recorded using an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS; Aerodyne Inc.) suggests that aerosol reaching the site at night was more aged than that during the day, indicative of sampling the residual layer at night. Supplementary meteorological data and previous work also show that pdD lies in the residual layer/free troposphere at night, and this is thought to cause the observed diurnal cycles in organic-type and fluorescent aerosol particles. Based on the observed disparity between bacteria and fluorescent particle concentrations, fluorescent non-PBA is likely to be important in the WIBS-3 data and the surprisingly high fluorescent concentration in the residual layer/free troposphere raises questions about a ubiquitous background in continental air during the summer.

UV-induced photochemical heterogeneity of dissolved and attached organic matter associated with cyanobacterial blooms in a eutrophic freshwater lake.

PubMed

Xu, Huacheng; Jiang, Helong

2013-11-01

Cyanobacterial blooms represent a significant ecological and human health problem worldwide. In aquatic environments, cyanobacterial blooms are actually surrounded by dissolved organic matter (DOM) and attached organic matter (AOM) that bind with algal cells. In this study, DOM and AOM fractionated from blooming cyanobacteria in a eutrophic freshwater lake (Lake Taihu, China) were irradiated with a polychromatic UV lamp, and the photochemical heterogeneity was investigated using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM)-parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis and synchronous fluorescence (SF)-two dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS). It was shown that a 6-day UV irradiation caused more pronounced mineralization for DOM than AOM (59.7% vs. 41.9%). The EEM-PARAFAC analysis identified one tyrosine-, one humic-, and two tryptophan-like components in both DOM and AOM, and high component photodegradation rates were observed for DOM versus AOM (k > 0.554 vs. <0.519). Moreover, SF-2DCOS found that the photodegradation of organic matters followed the sequence of tyrosine-like > humic-like > tryptophan-like substances. Humic-like substances promoted the indirect photochemical reactions, and were responsible for the higher photochemical rate for DOM. The lower photodegradation of AOM benefited the integrality of cells in cyanobacterial blooms against the negative impact of UV irradiation. Therefore, the photochemical behavior of organic matter was related to the adaptation of enhanced-duration cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic environments. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuroendocrine Tumor-Targeted Upconversion Nanoparticle-Based Micelles for Simultaneous NIR-Controlled Combination Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy, and Fluorescence Imaging

PubMed Central

Chen, Guojun; Jaskula-Sztul, Renata; Esquibel, Corinne R.; Lou, Irene; Zheng, Qifeng; Dammalapati, Ajitha; Harrison, April; Eliceiri, Kevin W.; Tang, Weiping

2017-01-01

Although neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are slow growing, they are frequently metastatic at the time of discovery and no longer amenable to curative surgery, emphasizing the need for the development of other treatments. In this study, multifunctional upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based theranostic micelles are developed for NET-targeted and near-infrared (NIR)-controlled combination chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT), and bioimaging. The theranostic micelle is formed by individual UCNP functionalized with light-sensitive amphiphilic block copolymers poly(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl methacrylate)-polyethylene glycol (PNBMA-PEG) and Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizers. A hydrophobic anticancer drug, AB3, is loaded into the micelles. The NIR-activated UCNPs emit multiple luminescence bands, including UV, 540 nm, and 650 nm. The UV peaks overlap with the absorption peak of photocleavable hydrophobic PNBMA segments, triggering a rapid drug release due to the NIR-induced hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic transition of the micelle core and thus enabling NIR-controlled chemotherapy. RB molecules are activated via luminescence resonance energy transfer to generate 1O2 for NIR-induced PDT. Meanwhile, the 650 nm emission allows for efficient fluorescence imaging. KE108, a true pansomatostatin nonapeptide, as an NET-targeting ligand, drastically increases the tumoral uptake of the micelles. Intravenously injected AB3-loaded UCNP-based micelles conjugated with RB and KE108—enabling NET-targeted combination chemotherapy and PDT—induce the best antitumor efficacy. PMID:28989337

Vacuum-UV fluorescence spectroscopy of PF3 in the range 9-20 eV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biehl, H.; Boyle, K. J.; Seccombe, D. P.; Tuckett, R. P.; Baumgärtel, H.; Jochims, H. W.

1998-01-01

The vacuum-UV and visible spectroscopy of PF3 using fluorescence excitation and dispersed emission techniques is reported. The fluorescence excitation spectrum has been recorded following photoexcitation with monochromatized synchrotron radiation from the Daresbury, UK source in the energy range 9-20 eV with an average resolution of ˜0.015 eV. Transitions to the three lowest-energy bands in the Rydberg spectra show resolved vibrational structure, they are assigned to transitions to the (8a1)-1 4p, 5p, and 6p Rydberg states of PF3, and fluorescence is due to valence transitions in the PF2 radical. From a Franck-Condon analysis of the vibrational structure, it is shown that the FPF bond angle in PF3 increases by ˜14±1° upon photoexcitation. The use of optical filters shows that at least three excited electronic states of PF2 are responsible for the induced emission. Dispersed emission spectra in the UV/visible region have been recorded with an optical resolution of 8 nm at the BESSY 1, Germany synchrotron source at the energies of all the peaks in the excitation spectrum. Four different decay channels are observed: (a) PF2 Ã 2A1-X˜2B1 fluorescence in the wide range 320-550 nm for photon energies around 9.8 eV, (b) PF2 ÖX˜, and B˜ 2B2-X˜ 2B1 fluorescence at ˜300 nm for photon energies around 11.0 eV, (c) PF2 C˜ 2A1-X˜ 2B1 and Ẽ 2B1 (2Π)-Ã 2A1 fluorescence at ˜222 and 325 nm, respectively, for photon energies around 14.4 eV, and (d) PF A 3Π-X 3Σ- fluorescence between 300-380 nm for photon energies around 16.1 eV. These assignments are confirmed by action spectra in which the excitation energy of the vacuum-UV radiation is scanned with detection of the fluorescence at a fixed, dispersive wavelength. Using the single-bunch mode of the BESSY 1 source, we have attempted to measure the lifetimes of the emitting states, but the timing profile of the source imposes an upper limit on lifetimes that can be measured of ˜500 ns. We have therefore only been able to measure values for the bent C˜ 2A1 and linear Ẽ 2B1 (2Π) states of PF2 of 14.7 and 7.9 ns, respectively; the lifetimes of the other emitters are too long to measure by this method. Our assignments in PF2 are heavily dependent on recent ab initio calculations on the geometries and energies of the valence electronic states of this species. Our knowledge on the electronic spectroscopy of this free radical is reviewed.

Towards label-free evaluation of oxidative stress in human skin exposed to sun filters (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osseiran, Sam; Wang, Hequn; Suita, Yusuke; Roider, Elisabeth; Fisher, David E.; Evans, Conor L.

2016-02-01

Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, is the most common form of cancer in North America. Paradoxically, skin cancer incidence is steadily on the rise even despite the growing use of sunscreens over the past decades. One potential explanation for this discrepancy involves the sun filters in sunscreen, which are responsible for blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is proposed that these agents may produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the site of application, thereby generating oxidative stress in skin that gives rise to genetic mutations, which may explain the rising incidence of skin cancer. To test this hypothesis, ex vivo human skin was treated with five common chemical sun filters (avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and oxybenzone) as well as two physical sun filters (zinc oxide compounds), both with and without UV irradiation. To non-invasively evaluate oxidative stress, two-photon excitation fluorescence (2PEF) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of the skin samples were used to monitor levels of NADH and FAD, two key cofactors in cellular redox metabolism. The relative redox state of the skin was assessed based on the fluorescence intensities and lifetimes of these endogenous cofactors. While the sun filters were indeed shown to have a protective effect from UV radiation, it was observed that they also generate oxidative stress in skin, even in the absence of UV light. These results suggest that sun filter induced ROS production requires more careful study, especially in how these reactive species impact the rise of skin cancer.

The role of ultraviolet-adaptation of a marine diatom in photoenhanced toxicity of acridine.

PubMed

Wiegman, Saskia; Barranguet, Christiane; Spijkerman, Elly; Kraak, Michiel Harm Steven; Admiraal, Wim

2003-03-01

Cultures of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum were grown under laboratory light with a different fraction of ultraviolet radiation (UV) to study the potential role of photoadaptation in determining the sensitivity to photoenhanced toxicity of acridine. In short-term experiments, a higher acridine concentration was needed to inhibit the photosynthetic electron flux, monitored with chlorophyll a fluorescence, in algae exposed to fluorescent light (low UV) than to mercury light (high UV), consistent with the expected role of UV. The two types of light in long-term exposures led to changes in the pigment composition and photosystem I (PS I) to photosystem II (PS II) stoichiometry to optimize the utilization of fluorescent and mercury light. Despite the adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to a small fraction of UV, long-term exposure to mercury light did show a constant sensitivity of the photosynthetic efficiency of P. tricornutum to the phototoxic acridine. It is concluded that the prime receptor of photoenhanced toxicity may be unrelated to the photosynthetic machinery.

Analysis of DNA repair and protection in the Tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus and Hypsibius dujardini after exposure to UVC radiation.

PubMed

Horikawa, Daiki D; Cumbers, John; Sakakibara, Iori; Rogoff, Dana; Leuko, Stefan; Harnoto, Raechel; Arakawa, Kazuharu; Katayama, Toshiaki; Kunieda, Takekazu; Toyoda, Atsushi; Fujiyama, Asao; Rothschild, Lynn J

2013-01-01

Tardigrades inhabiting terrestrial environments exhibit extraordinary resistance to ionizing radiation and UV radiation although little is known about the mechanisms underlying the resistance. We found that the terrestrial tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus is able to tolerate massive doses of UVC irradiation by both being protected from forming UVC-induced thymine dimers in DNA in a desiccated, anhydrobiotic state as well as repairing the dimers that do form in the hydrated animals. In R. varieornatus accumulation of thymine dimers in DNA induced by irradiation with 2.5 kJ/m(2) of UVC radiation disappeared 18 h after the exposure when the animals were exposed to fluorescent light but not in the dark. Much higher UV radiation tolerance was observed in desiccated anhydrobiotic R. varieornatus compared to hydrated specimens of this species. On the other hand, the freshwater tardigrade species Hypsibius dujardini that was used as control, showed much weaker tolerance to UVC radiation than R. varieornatus, and it did not contain a putative phrA gene sequence. The anhydrobiotes of R. varieornatus accumulated much less UVC-induced thymine dimers in DNA than hydrated one. It suggests that anhydrobiosis efficiently avoids DNA damage accumulation in R. varieornatus and confers better UV radiation tolerance on this species. Thus we propose that UV radiation tolerance in tardigrades is due to the both high capacities of DNA damage repair and DNA protection, a two-pronged survival strategy.

Analysis of DNA Repair and Protection in the Tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus and Hypsibius dujardini after Exposure to UVC Radiation

PubMed Central

Horikawa, Daiki D.; Cumbers, John; Sakakibara, Iori; Rogoff, Dana; Leuko, Stefan; Harnoto, Raechel; Arakawa, Kazuharu; Katayama, Toshiaki; Kunieda, Takekazu; Toyoda, Atsushi; Fujiyama, Asao; Rothschild, Lynn J.

2013-01-01

Tardigrades inhabiting terrestrial environments exhibit extraordinary resistance to ionizing radiation and UV radiation although little is known about the mechanisms underlying the resistance. We found that the terrestrial tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus is able to tolerate massive doses of UVC irradiation by both being protected from forming UVC-induced thymine dimers in DNA in a desiccated, anhydrobiotic state as well as repairing the dimers that do form in the hydrated animals. In R. varieornatus accumulation of thymine dimers in DNA induced by irradiation with 2.5 kJ/m2 of UVC radiation disappeared 18 h after the exposure when the animals were exposed to fluorescent light but not in the dark. Much higher UV radiation tolerance was observed in desiccated anhydrobiotic R. varieornatus compared to hydrated specimens of this species. On the other hand, the freshwater tardigrade species Hypsibius dujardini that was used as control, showed much weaker tolerance to UVC radiation than R. varieornatus, and it did not contain a putative phrA gene sequence. The anhydrobiotes of R. varieornatus accumulated much less UVC-induced thymine dimers in DNA than hydrated one. It suggests that anhydrobiosis efficiently avoids DNA damage accumulation in R. varieornatus and confers better UV radiation tolerance on this species. Thus we propose that UV radiation tolerance in tardigrades is due to the both high capacities of DNA damage repair and DNA protection, a two-pronged survival strategy. PMID:23762256

Characterization of domain-specific interaction of synthesized dye with serum proteins by spectroscopic and docking approaches along with determination of in vitro cytotoxicity and antiviral activity.

PubMed

Rudra, Suparna; Dasmandal, Somnath; Patra, Chiranjit; Patel, Biman Kumar; Paul, Suvendu; Mahapatra, Ambikesh

2017-11-20

The interaction between a synthesized dye with proteins, bovine, and human serum albumin (BSA, HSA, respectively) under physiological conditions has been characterized in detail, by means of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, UV-vis absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. An extensive time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic characterization of the quenching process has been undertaken in conjugation with temperature-dependent fluorescence quenching studies to divulge the actual quenching mechanism. From the thermodynamic observations, it is clear that the binding process is a spontaneous molecular interaction, in which van der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions play the major roles. The UV-vis absorption and CD results confirm that the dye can induce conformational and micro-environmental changes of both the proteins. In addition, the dye binding provokes the functionality of the native proteins in terms of esterase-like activity. The average binding distance (r) between proteins and dye has been calculated using FRET. Cytotoxicity and antiviral effects of the dye have been found using Vero cell and HSV-1F virus by performing MTT assay. The AutoDock-based docking simulation reveals the probable binding location of dye within the sub-domain IIA of HSA and IB of BSA.

Human hemoglobin structural and functional alterations and heme degradation upon interaction with benzene: A spectroscopic study.

PubMed

Hosseinzadeh, Reza; Moosavi-Movahedi, Ali Akbar

2016-03-15

Here, the effect of benzene on hemoglobin structure, stability and heme prosthetic group integrity was studied by different methods. These included UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, normal and synchronous fluorescence techniques, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Our results indicated that benzene has high hemolytic potential even at low concentrations. The UV-vis spectroscopic results demonstrated that benzene altered both the globin chain and the heme prosthetic group of hemoglobin increasing met- and deoxy-Hb, while decreasing oxy-Hb. However, with increasing benzene the concentration of all species decreased due to heme destruction. The spectrophotometric results show that benzene has a high potential for penetrating the hydrophobic pocket of hemoglobin. These results were consistent with the molecular docking simulation results of benzene-hHb. Aggregation and thermal denaturation studies show that the increased benzene concentration induced hemoglobin aggregation with a decrease in stability, which is consistent with the DSC results. Conventional fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the heme degradation species were produced in the presence of benzene. The results of constant wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (CWSFS) indicated that at least five heme-degraded species were produced. Together, our results indicated that benzene has adverse effects on hemoglobin structure and function, and heme degradation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complete fluorescent fingerprints of extremophilic and photosynthetic microbes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dartnell, Lewis R.; Storrie-Lombardi, Michael C.; Ward, John M.

2010-10-01

The work reported here represents a study into the total fluorescence exhibited by a broad selection of model, extremophilic and photosynthetic bacterial strains, over a great range of excitation and emission wavelengths from ultraviolet (UV) through visible to near infrared. The aim is to identify distinctive fluorescent features that may serve as detectable biosignatures of remnant microbial life on the Martian surface. A lab-bench fluorescence spectrometer was used to generate an excitation-emission matrix (EEM) for the unpigmented Escherichia coli, radiation-resistant Deinococcus radiodurans, Antarctic Dry Valley isolates Brevundimonas sp. MV.7 and Rhodococcus sp. MV.10, and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Detailed EEMs, representing the fluorescence signature of each organism, are presented, and the most significant features suitable for biosignature surveys are identified, including small-molecule cellular metabolites, light-harvesting photosynthetic pigments and extracellular UV-screening compounds. E. coli exhibits the most intense emission from tryptophan, presumably due to the absence of UV-screening pigments that would shield the organism from short-wavelength light-exciting intracellular fluorescence. The efficacy of commonly available laser diodes for exciting cellular fluorescence is treated, along with the most appropriate filter wavelengths for imaging systems. The best combination of available laser diodes and PanCam filters aboard the ExoMars probe is proposed. The possibility of detecting fluorescence excited by solar UV radiation in freshly exposed surface samples by imaging when both sunlit and shadowed, perhaps by the body of the rover itself, is discussed. We also study how these biological fluorophore molecules may be degraded, and thus the potential biosignatures erased, by the high flux of far-ultraviolet light on Mars.

Novel Galvanic Corrosion Inhibitors: Synthesis, Characterization, Fabrication and Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-30

have attempted to develop methods based on chemical structural modification to prevent galvanically-induced composite corrosion. [9, 10-12] These...of the two metallopolymers 11 and 12 show characteristic MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) absorption band of tris(bipyridyl)Ru(II) unit at k...showed absorption band at 450 nm and emission band at 325 nm of tris(bipyridyl)Ru(II) units in its respective UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. Very

Study on excitation and fluorescence spectrums of Japanese citruses to construct machine vision systems for acquiring fluorescent images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momin, Md. Abdul; Kondo, Naoshi; Kuramoto, Makoto; Ogawa, Yuichi; Shigi, Tomoo

2011-06-01

Research was conducted to acquire knowledge of the ultraviolet and visible spectrums from 300 -800 nm of some common varieties of Japanese citrus, to investigate the best wave-lengths for fluorescence excitation and the resulting fluorescence wave-lengths and to provide a scientific background for the best quality fluorescent imaging technique for detecting surface defects of citrus. A Hitachi U-4000 PC-based microprocessor controlled spectrophotometer was used to measure the absorption spectrum and a Hitachi F-4500 spectrophotometer was used for the fluorescence and excitation spectrums. We analyzed the spectrums and the selected varieties of citrus were categorized into four groups of known fluorescence level, namely strong, medium, weak and no fluorescence.The level of fluorescence of each variety was also examined by using machine vision system. We found that around 340-380 nm LEDs or UV lamps are appropriate as lighting devices for acquiring the best quality fluorescent image of the citrus varieties to examine their fluorescence intensity. Therefore an image acquisition device was constructed with three different lighting panels with UV LED at peak 365 nm, Blacklight blue lamps (BLB) peak at 350 nm and UV-B lamps at peak 306 nm. The results from fluorescent images also revealed that the findings of the measured spectrums worked properly and can be used for practical applications such as for detecting rotten, injured or damaged parts of a wide variety of citrus.

Understanding the Biological Basis of Autofluorescence Imaging for Oral Cancer Detection: High-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy in Viable Tissue

PubMed Central

Pavlova, Ina; Williams, Michelle; El-Naggar, Adel; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Gillenwater, Ann

2009-01-01

Purpose Autofluorescence imaging is increasingly used to noninvasively identify neoplastic oral cavity lesions. Improving the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques requires a better understanding of the biological basis for optical changes associated with neoplastic transformation in oral tissue. Experimental Design A total of 49 oral biopsies were considered in this study. The autofluorescence patterns of viable normal, benign, and neoplastic oral tissue were imaged using high-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy. Results The autofluorescence properties of oral tissue vary significantly based on anatomic site and pathologic diagnosis. In normal oral tissue, most of the epithelial autofluorescence originates from the cytoplasm of cells in the basal and intermediate regions, whereas structural fibers are responsible for most of the stromal fluorescence. A strongly fluorescent superficial layer was observed in tissues from the palate and the gingiva, which contrasts with the weakly fluorescent superficial layer found in other oral sites. Upon UV excitation, benign inflammation shows decreased epithelial fluorescence, whereas dysplasia displays increased epithelial fluorescence compared with normal oral tissue. Stromal fluorescence in both benign inflammation and dysplasia drops significantly at UV and 488 nm excitation. Conclusion Imaging oral lesions with optical devices/probes that sample mostly stromal fluorescence may result in a similar loss of fluorescence intensity and may fail to distinguish benign from precancerous lesions. Improved diagnostic accuracy may be achieved by designing optical probes/devices that distinguish epithelial fluorescence from stromal fluorescence and by using excitation wavelengths in the UV range. PMID:18413830

Detection of tropospheric OH and HO2 by laser-induced fluorescence at low pressure using the 308nm excitation of OH

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofzumahaus, Andreas; Holland, Frank

1994-01-01

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy is a highly sensitive method for the direct in situ measurement of hydroxyl concentrations in the atmosphere. Its sensitivity and selectivity relies on the intense discrete UV-absorption lines of OH which are strongest around 282nm and 308nm. We have developed a LIF-instrument based on the low-pressure experiment (FAGE). However, we use 308nm instead of 282nm as excitation wavelength for OH, a concept that is also pursued by other groups. One advantage of the longer excitation wavelength is the higher detection sensitivity due to the about 6 times larger effective OH-fluorescence cross-section. Moreover, the O3/H2O-interference (OH self-generation by the laser) is about a factor of 200 smaller at 308nm than at 282nm. This keeps the interference level well below the projected detection limit of 10(exp 5) OH/cm(exp 3). Atmospheric HO2-radicals are detected by chemical conversion of HO2 into OH with NO.

Quantification of alginate by aggregation induced by calcium ions and fluorescent polycations.

PubMed

Zheng, Hewen; Korendovych, Ivan V; Luk, Yan-Yeung

2016-01-01

For quantification of polysaccharides, including heparins and alginates, the commonly used carbazole assay involves hydrolysis of the polysaccharide to form a mixture of UV-active dye conjugate products. Here, we describe two efficient detection and quantification methods that make use of the negative charges of the alginate polymer and do not involve degradation of the targeted polysaccharide. The first method utilizes calcium ions to induce formation of hydrogel-like aggregates with alginate polymer; the aggregates can be quantified readily by staining with a crystal violet dye. This method does not require purification of alginate from the culture medium and can measure the large amount of alginate that is produced by a mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture. The second method employs polycations tethering a fluorescent dye to form suspension aggregates with the alginate polyanion. Encasing the fluorescent dye in the aggregates provides an increased scattering intensity with a sensitivity comparable to that of the conventional carbazole assay. Both approaches provide efficient methods for monitoring alginate production by mucoid P. aeruginosa. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of azoxystrobin residues in grapes, musts and wines with a multicommuted flow-through optosensor implemented with photochemically induced fluorescence.

PubMed

Flores, Javier López; Díaz, Antonio Molina; Fernández de Córdova, María L

2007-02-28

In this paper, the conversion of azoxystrobin in a strongly fluorescent degradation product by UV irradiation with quantitative purposes and its fluorimetric determination are reported for the first time. A multicommuted flow injection-solid phase spectroscopy (FI-SPS) system combined with photochemically-induced fluorescence (PIF) is developed for the determination of azoxystrobin in grapes, must and wine. Grape samples were homogenized and extracted with methanol and further cleaned-up by solid-phase extraction on C(18) silica gel. Wine samples were solid-phase extracted on C(18) sorbent using dichloromethane as eluent. Recoveries of azoxystrobin from spiked grapes (0.5-2.0 mg Kg(-1)), must (0.5-2.0 microg mL(-1)) and wine (0.5-2.0 microg mL(-1)) were 84.0-87.6%, 95.5-105.9% and 88.5-111.2%, respectively. The quantification limit for grapes was 0.021 mg Kg(-1), being within European Union regulations, and 18 microg L(-1) and 8 microg L(-1) for must and wine, respectively.

Understanding the Physical and Molecular Basis of Stability of Arabidopsis DNA Pol λ under UV-B and High NaCl Stress

PubMed Central

Das, Kali Pada

2015-01-01

Here, we have investigated the physical and molecular basis of stability of Arabidopsis DNA Pol λ, the sole X family DNA polymerase member in plant genome, under UV-B and salinity stress in connection with the function of the N-terminal BRCT (breast cancer-associated C terminus) domain and Ser-Pro rich region in the regulation of the overall structure of this protein. Tryptophan fluorescence studies, fluorescence quenching and Bis-ANS binding experiments using purified recombinant full length Pol λ and its N-terminal deletion forms have revealed UV-B induced conformational change in BRCT domain deficient Pol λ. On the other hand, the highly conserved C-terminal catalytic core PolX domain maintained its tertiary folds under similar condition. Circular dichroism (CD) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral studies have indicated appreciable change in the secondary structural elements in UV-B exposed BRCT domain deficient Pol λ. Increased thermodynamic stability of the C-terminal catalytic core domain suggested destabilizing effect of the N-terminal Ser-Pro rich region on the protein structure. Urea-induced equilibrium unfolding studies have revealed increased stability of Pol λ and its N-terminal deletion mutants at high NaCl concentration. In vivo aggregation studies using transient expression systems in Arabidopsis and tobacco indicated possible aggregation of Pol λ lacking the BRCT domain. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed interaction of Pol λ with the eukaryotic molecular chaperone HSP90, suggesting the possibility of regulation of Pol λ stability by HSP90 in plant cell. Overall, our results have provided one of the first comprehensive information on the biophysical characteristics of Pol λ and indicated the importance of both BRCT and Ser-Pro rich modules in regulating the stability of this protein under genotoxic stress in plants. PMID:26230318

Enchanced methods of hydrophilized CdSe quantum dots synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potapkin, D. V.; Zharkova, I. S.; Goryacheva, I. Y.

2015-03-01

Quantum dots are bright and stable fluorescence signal sources, but for most of applications they need an additional hydrophilization step. Unfortunately, most of existing approaches lead to QD's fluorescence quenching, so there is a need for additional enhancing of hydrophilized QD's brightness like UV irradiation, which can be used both on water insoluble QD's with oleic acid ligands (in toluene) and on hydrophilized QD's covered with UV-stable polymer (in aqueous solution). For synthesis of bright water-soluble fluorescent labels CdSe/CdS/ZnS colloidal quantum dots were covered with PAMAM dendrimer and irradiated with UV lamp in quartz cuvettes for 3 hours at the room temperature and then compared with control sample.

Laser-induced fusion of human embryonic stem cells with optical tweezers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen Shuxun; Wang Xiaolin; Sun Dong

2013-07-15

We report a study on the laser-induced fusion of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) at the single-cell level. Cells were manipulated by optical tweezers and fused under irradiation with pulsed UV laser at 355 nm. Successful fusion was indicated by green fluorescence protein transfer. The influence of laser pulse energy on the fusion efficiency was investigated. The fused products were viable as gauged by live cell staining. Successful fusion of hESCs with somatic cells was also demonstrated. The reported fusion outcome may facilitate studies of cell differentiation, maturation, and reprogramming.

The influence of indoxyl sulfate and ammonium on the autofluorescence of human urine.

PubMed

Perinchery, Sandeep Menon; Kuzhiumparambil, Unnikrishnan; Vemulpad, Subramanyam; Goldys, Ewa M

2010-01-15

Despite biological variability the spectral characteristics of undiluted human urine show relatively low autofluorescence at short UV (250-300nm) excitation. However with dilution the fluorescence intensity remarkably increases. This paper examines the mechanisms behind this effect, by using excitation-emission matrices. Corrections for the inner filter effect were made for improved understanding of the spectral patterns. We focused on three major fluorophores (tryptophan, indoxyl sulfate and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetate) that are excited at these wavelengths, and whose content in urine is strongly linked with various health conditions. Their fluorescence was studied both individually and in combinations. We also examined the effect of ammonium on the fluorescence of these major fluorophores individually and in combinations. Through these studies we have identified the leading effects that reduce the UV fluorescence, namely higher concentration of indoxyl sulfate producing the inner filter effect and concentration quenching and quenching of fluorophores by ammonium. This result will assist in broader utilisation of UV fluorescence in medical diagnostics.

Monitoring Insulin Aggregation via Capillary Electrophoresis

PubMed Central

Pryor, Elizabeth; Kotarek, Joseph A.; Moss, Melissa A.; Hestekin, Christa N.

2011-01-01

Early stages of insulin aggregation, which involve the transient formation of oligomeric aggregates, are an important aspect in the progression of Type II diabetes and in the quality control of pharmaceutical insulin production. This study is the first to utilize capillary electrophoresis (CE) with ultraviolet (UV) detection to monitor insulin oligomer formation at pH 8.0 and physiological ionic strength. The lag time to formation of the first detected species in the aggregation process was evaluated by UV-CE and thioflavin T (ThT) binding for salt concentrations from 100 mM to 250 mM. UV-CE had a significantly shorter (5–8 h) lag time than ThT binding (15–19 h). In addition, the lag time to detection of the first aggregated species via UV-CE was unaffected by salt concentration, while a trend toward an increased lag time with increased salt concentration was observed with ThT binding. This result indicates that solution ionic strength impacts early stages of aggregation and β-sheet aggregate formation differently. To observe whether CE may be applied for the analysis of biological samples containing low insulin concentrations, the limit of detection using UV and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection modes was determined. The limit of detection using LIF-CE, 48.4 pM, was lower than the physiological insulin concentration, verifying the utility of this technique for monitoring biological samples. LIF-CE was subsequently used to analyze the time course for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled insulin oligomer formation. This study is the first to report that the FITC label prevented incorporation of insulin into oligomers, cautioning against the use of this fluorescent label as a tag for following early stages of insulin aggregation. PMID:22272138

Effect of UV irradiation on the apoptosis and necrosis of Jurkat cells using UV LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inada, Shunko A.; Amano, Hiroshi; Akasaki, Isamu; Morita, Akimichi; Kobayashi, Keiko

2009-02-01

Phototherapy is a very effective method for treating most of the incurable skin diseases. A fluorescent light bulb is used as a conventional UV light source for this type of therapy. However, infrared radiation from the light source sometimes causes serious problems on patient's health. In addition, the normal part of the skin is irradiated when a large fluorescent light bulb is used. Moreover, a conventional UV irradiation system is heavy and has a short lifetime and a high electrical power consumption. Therefore, a new UV light source for solving the problems of phototherapy is required. To realize low-power-consumption, lightweight and long-lifetime systems, group III nitride-based UV-A1 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated. We examined the UV LED irradiation of Jurkat cell, which is a tumor cell and more sensitive to UV light than a healthy cell. The numbers of apoptotic and necrotic cells were confirmed to be the same using a UV LED and a conventional lamp system. The UV LED showed the possibility of realizing a new UV light source for phototherapy.

Combined spectroscopies and molecular docking approach to characterizing the binding interaction of enalapril with bovine serum albumin.

PubMed

Pan, Dong-Qi; Jiang, Min; Liu, Ting-Ting; Wang, Qi; Shi, Jie-Hua

2017-06-01

The binding interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and enalapril (ENPL) at the imitated physiological conditions (pH = 7.4) was investigated using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), fluorescence emission spectroscopy (FES), synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking methods. It can be deduced from the experimental results from the steady-state fluorescence spectroscopic titration that the intrinsic BSA fluorescence quenching mechanism induced by ENPL is static quenching, based on the decrease in the BSA quenching constants in the presence of ENPL with increase in temperature and BSA quenching rates >10 10  L mol -1  sec -1 . This result indicates that the ENPL-BSA complex is formed through an intermolecular interaction of ENPL with BSA. The main bonding forces for interaction of BSA and ENPL are van der Waal's forces and hydrogen bonding interaction based on negative values of Gibbs free energy change (ΔG 0 ), enthalpic change (ΔH 0 ) and entropic change (ΔS 0 ). The binding of ENPL with BSA is an enthalpy-driven process due to |ΔH°| > |TΔS°| in the binding process. The results of competitive binding experiments and molecular docking confirm that ENPL binds in BSA sub-domain IIA (site I) and results in a slight change in BSA conformation, but BSA still retains its α-helical secondary structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluating Activated Carbon Adsorption of Dissolved Organic Matter and Micropollutants Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Shimabuku, Kyle K; Kennedy, Anthony M; Mulhern, Riley E; Summers, R Scott

2017-03-07

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) negatively impacts granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption of micropollutants and is a disinfection byproduct precursor. DOM from surface waters, wastewater effluent, and 1 kDa size fractions were adsorbed by GAC and characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-absorption, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Fluorescing DOM was preferentially adsorbed relative to UV-absorbing DOM. Humic-like fluorescence (peaks A and C) was selectively adsorbed relative to polyphenol-like fluorescence (peaks T and B) potentially due to size exclusion effects. In the surface waters and size fractions, peak C was preferentially removed relative to peak A, whereas the reverse was found in wastewater effluent, indicating that humic-like fluorescence is associated with different compounds depending on DOM source. Based on specific UV-absorption (SUVA), aromatic DOM was preferentially adsorbed. The fluorescence index (FI), if interpreted as an indicator of aromaticity, indicated the opposite but exhibited a strong relationship with average molecular weight, suggesting that FI might be a better indicator of DOM size than aromaticity. The influence of DOM intermolecular interactions on adsorption were minimal based on SEC analysis. Fluorescence parameters captured the impact of DOM size on the fouling of 2-methylisoborneol and warfarin adsorption and correlated with direct competition and pore blockage indicators.

Spatial and seasonal changes in optical properties of autochthonous and allochthonous chromophoric dissolved organic matter in a stratified mountain lake.

PubMed

Bracchini, Luca; Dattilo, Arduino Massimo; Hull, Vincent; Loiselle, Steven Arthur; Nannicini, Luciano; Picchi, Maria Pia; Ricci, Maso; Santinelli, Chiara; Seritti, Alfredo; Tognazzi, Antonio; Rossi, Claudio

2010-03-01

In this study, we present results on seasonal and spatial changes in CDOM absorption and fluorescence (fCDOM) in a deep mountain lake (Salto Lake, Italy). A novel approach was used to describe the shape of CDOM absorption between 250-700 nm (distribution of the spectral slope, S(lambda)) and a new fluorescence ratio is used to distinguish between humic and amino acid-like components. Solar ultraviolet irradiance, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), DOM fluorescence and absorption measurements were analysed and compared to other physicochemical parameters. We show that in the UV-exposed mixed layer: (i) fluorescence by autochthonous amino acid-like CDOM, (ii) values of S(lambda) across UV-C and UV-B wavebands increased during the summer months, whereas (i) average molar absorption coefficient and (ii) fluorescence by allochthonous humic CDOM decreased. In the unexposed deep layer of the water column (and in the entire water column in winter), humic-like CDOM presented high values of molar absorption coefficients and low values of S(lambda). UV attenuation coefficients correlated with both chlorophyll a concentrations and CDOM absorption. In agreement with changes in CDOM, minimal values in UV attenuation were found in summer. The S(lambda) curve was used as a signature of the mixture between photobleached and algal-derived CDOM with respect to the unexposed chromophoric dissolved compounds in this thermal stratified lake. Furthermore, S(lambda) curves were useful to distinguish between low and high molecular weight CDOM.

Real-time measurement of UV-inactivated Escherichia coli bacterial particles by electrospray-assisted UVAPS spectrometry.

PubMed

Jung, Jae Hee; Lee, Jung Eun; Bae, Gwi Nam

2011-08-01

The ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer (UVAPS) is a novel commercially available aerosol spectrometer for real-time continuous monitoring of viable bioaerosols, based on fluorescence from living microorganisms. In a previous study, we developed an electrospray-assisted UVAPS using biological electrospray techniques, which have the advantage of generating non-agglomerated single particles by the repulsive electrical forces. With this electrospraying of suspensions containing microorganisms, the analytical system can supply more accurate and quantitative information about living microorganisms than with conventional aerosolization. Using electrospray-assisted UVAPS, we investigated the characteristics of bacterial particles with various viabilities in real-time. Escherichia coli was used as the test microorganism, and its initial viability was controlled by the degree of exposure to UV irradiation. In the stable cone-jet domain, the particle size distributions of test bacterial particles remained almost uniform regardless of the degree of UV inactivation. However, the fluorescence spectra of the bacterial particles changed with the degree of UV inactivation. The fluorescence characteristics of UV-inactivated bacterial particles tended to show a similar decline with viability, determined by the sampling and culture method, although the percentage showing fluorescence was higher than that showing viability. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical spectroscopic methods for probing the conformational stability of immobilised enzymes.

PubMed

Ganesan, Ashok; Moore, Barry D; Kelly, Sharon M; Price, Nicholas C; Rolinski, Olaf J; Birch, David J S; Dunkin, Ian R; Halling, Peter J

2009-07-13

We report the development of biophysical techniques based on circular dichroism (CD), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) and tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence to investigate in situ the structure of enzymes immobilised on solid particles. Their applicability is demonstrated using subtilisin Carlsberg (SC) immobilised on silica gel and Candida antartica lipase B immobilised on Lewatit VP.OC 1600 (Novozyme 435). SC shows nearly identical secondary structure in solution and in the immobilised state as evident from far UV CD spectra and amide I vibration bands. Increased near UV CD intensity and reduced Trp fluorescence suggest a more rigid tertiary structure on the silica surface. After immobilised SC is inactivated, these techniques reveal: a) almost complete loss of near UV CD signal, suggesting loss of tertiary structure; b) a shift in the amide I vibrational band from 1658 cm(-1) to 1632 cm(-1), indicating a shift from alpha-helical structure to beta-sheet; c) a substantial blue shift and reduced dichroism in the far UV CD, supporting a shift to beta-sheet structure; d) strong increase in Trp fluorescence intensity, which reflects reduced intramolecular quenching with loss of tertiary structure; and e) major change in fluorescence lifetime distribution, confirming a substantial change in Trp environment. DRIFT measurements suggest that pressing KBr discs may perturb protein structure. With the enzyme on organic polymer it was possible to obtain near UV CD spectra free of interference by the carrier material. However, far UV CD, DRIFT and fluorescence measurements showed strong signals from the organic support. In conclusion, the spectroscopic methods described here provide structural information hitherto inaccessible, with their applicability limited by interference from, rather than the particulate nature of, the support material.

UV reflection properties of plumage and skin of domesticated turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo f. dom.) as revealed by UV photography.

PubMed

Bartels, T; Lütgeharm, J-H; Wähner, M; Berk, J

2017-12-01

Reflection and fluorescence properties of feathered and non-feathered body regions of white- and bronze-colored fattening turkeys of various ages were examined by ultraviolet (UV) photography. The examinations were carried out on 20 white-feathered fattening turkeys (B.U.T. 6; 10 males, 10 females) and 20 bronze-feathered fattening turkeys (Grelier 708; 10 males, 10 females) over a period of 21 weeks. The turkeys were photographed once a wk under long-wave UV (UVA) radiation illumination (λ = 344-407 nm) using a digital camera. A bandpass filter was used for UV reflectography to filter out the visible components of the used light source. A longpass filter was used for UV fluorescence photography to avoid blurring in the image due to chromatic aberration as a result of UV illumination. We found that natal down feathers of white-feathered turkeys showed an intense yellowish-green fluorescence under UVA light. UVA fluorescence also was shown by the natal downs of the slightly melanized plumage areas of bronze turkeys. Vaned feathers of white fattening turkeys reflected UVA radiation. Freshly molted feathers were optically distinguishable from the previous feather generation due to their more intense UVA reflection. In bronze turkeys, both the bright end seams of the dark pennaceous feathers and rectrices and the bright banding of primary and secondary remiges reflected UVA radiation. Intense UVA fluorescence was recognizable in day-old chicks of both color variants on the scutellate scales of the legs and toes. In male turkeys of both color variants, UVA-reflecting parts were recognizable with increasing age on the featherless head region. The UVA-fluorescent and UVA-reflective characteristics of the plumage of fattening turkeys were closely related to the plumage color, the feather type, the molting state, and the age of the birds. Further research is needed regarding the UVA-reflecting properties of the turkey plumage and the effects of full-spectrum illumination, including the UVA spectrum, on the behavior and health of fattening turkeys. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Growth and phenolic compounds of Lactuca sativa L. grown in a closed-type plant production system with UV-A, -B, or -C lamp.

PubMed

Lee, Min-Jeong; Son, Jung Eek; Oh, Myung-Min

2014-01-30

The production of high-quality crops based on phytochemicals is a strategy for accelerating the practical use of plant factories. Previous studies have demonstrated that ultraviolet (UV) light is effective in improving phytochemical production. This study aimed to determine the effect of various UV wavelengths on growth and phenolic compound accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in a closed-type plant production system. Seven days, 1 day and 0.25 day were determined as the upper limit of the irradiation periods for UV-A, -B, and -C, respectively, in the lettuce based on physiological disorders and the fluorescence parameter F(v)/F(m). Continuous UV-A treatment significantly induced the accumulation of phenolic compounds and antioxidants until 4 days of treatment without growth inhibition, consistent with an increase in phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) gene expression and PAL activity. Repeated or gradual UV-B exposure yielded approximately 1.4-3.6 times more total phenolics and antioxidants, respectively, than the controls did 2 days after the treatments, although both treatments inhibited lettuce growth. Repeated UV-C exposure increased phenolics but severely inhibited the growth of lettuce plants. Our data suggest that UV irradiation can improve the accumulation of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties in lettuce cultivated in plant factories. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Multistimuli-responsive benzothiadiazole-cored phenylene vinylene derivative with nanoassembly properties.

PubMed

Dou, Chuandong; Chen, Dong; Iqbal, Javed; Yuan, Yang; Zhang, Hongyu; Wang, Yue

2011-05-17

A trifluoromethyl-substituted benzothiadiazole-cored phenylene vinylene fluorophore (1) was synthesized and displayed piezo- and vapochromism and thermo-induced fluorescence variation in solid phase. Grinding could disrupt the crystalline compound 1 with orange emission into amorphous compound 1 with green emission, and heating treatment could change the amorphous compound 1 into crystalline compound 1. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra, (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) characterizations demonstrated that crystalline and amorphous compound 1 possess different molecular packing. A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement revealed that the emission switching was due to the exchange between the thermodynamic-stable crystalline and metastable amorphous states. The ground sample exhibited vapochromic fluorescence property. Furthermore, compound 1 showed interesting supramolecular assembly characteristics in solution. Slowly cooling the hot N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution of compound 1 resulted in the formation of orange fluorescent fibers, whereas sonication treatment of the cooling solution led to the generation of organic molecular gel. The field emission scanning electronic microscope (FESEM) and fluorescent microscopy images revealed smooth nano- or microfiber and network morphology properties. The PXRD spectra confirmed that these nano- or microstructures had a similar molecular-packing model with the crystalline state of compound 1. Slow evaporation of the toluene solution of compound 1 could produce green emissive microrods, which exhibited interesting thermo-induced fluorescence variation.

Peroxynitrite-induced structural perturbations in human IgG: A physicochemical study.

PubMed

Arfat, Mir Yasir; Arif, Zarina; Chaturvedi, Sumit Kumar; Moinuddin; Alam, Khursheed

2016-08-01

IgG is an important defence protein. To exhibit optimum function the molecule must maintain its native structure. Peroxynitrite is a potent oxidizing and nitrating agent produced in vivo under pathophysiological conditions. It can oxidize and/or nitrate various amino acids causing changes in the structure and function of proteins. Such proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. In the present work, peroxynitrite-induced structural changes in IgG have been studied by UV-visible, fluorescence, CD, FT-IR, DLS spectroscopy and DSC as well as by SDS-PAGE. Peroxynitrite-modified IgG exhibited hyperchromicity at 280 nm, quenching of tryptophan fluorescence, increase in ANS fluorescence, loss of β-sheet, shift in the positions of amide I and amide II bands, appearance of new peak in FT-IR, attachment of nitro residues and increase in melting temperature, compared to native IgG. Furthermore, peroxynitrite-modified IgG exhibited an additional peak at 420 nm, quenching in tyrosine fluorescence and enhancement in dityrosine fluorescence compared to native IgG. Generation of nitrotyrosine, dityrosine and nitrotryptophan was also observed in peroxynitrite-modified IgG. Gross structural changes in IgG caused by peroxynitrite and observed in vitro may favour autoantibodies induction in vivo under similar conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photoabsorption and photodissociation of molecules important in the interstellar medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Long C.; Suto, Masako

1991-01-01

The photoabsorption, photodissociation, and fluorescence cross sections of interstellar molecules are measured at 90 to 250 nm. These quantitative optical data are needed for the understanding of the formation and destruction processes of molecules under the intense interstellar UV radiation field. Research covering the following topics is presented: (1) fluorescences from photoexcitation of CH4, CH3OH, and CH3SH; (2) NO gamma emission from photoexcitation of NO; (3) photoexcitation cross sections of aromatic molecules; (4) IR emission from UV excitation of HONO2; (5) IR emission from UV excitation of benzene and methyl-derivitives; and (6) IR emission from UV excitation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules.

Revealing Invisible Beauty, Ultra Detailed: The Influence of Low Cost UV Exposure on Natural History Specimens in 2D+ Digitization

PubMed Central

Brecko, Jonathan; Mathys, Aurore; Dekoninck, Wouter; De Ceukelaire, Marleen; VandenSpiegel, Didier; Semal, Patrick

2016-01-01

Digitization of the natural history specimens usually occurs by taking detailed pictures from different sides or producing 3D models. Additionally this is normally limited to imaging the specimen while exposed by light of the visual spectrum. However many specimens can see in or react to other spectra as well. Fluorescence is a well known reaction to the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum by animals, plants, minerals etc. but rarely taken into account while examining natural history specimens. Our tests show that museum specimens still fluoresce when exposed to UV light of 395 nm and 365 nm, even after many years of preservation. When the UV exposure is used in the digitization of specimens using our low cost focus stacking (2D+) setup, the resulting pictures reveal more detail than the conventional 2D+ images. Differences in fluorescence using 395 nm or 365 nm UV lights were noticed, however there isn’t a preferred wavelength as some specimens react more to the first, while others have better results with the latter exposure. Given the increased detail and the low cost of the system, UV exposure should be considered while digitizing natural history museum collections. PMID:27536993

Insights into in vitro binding of parecoxib to human serum albumin by spectroscopic methods.

PubMed

Shang, Shujun; Liu, Qingling; Gao, Jiandong; Zhu, Yulin; Liu, Jingying; Wang, Kaiyan; Shao, Wei; Zhang, Shudong

2014-10-01

Herein, we report the effect of parecoxib on the structure and function of human serum albumin (HSA) by using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking techniques. The Stern-Volmer quenching constants K(SV) and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS have been estimated by the fluorescence quenching method. The results indicated that parecoxib binds spontaneously with HSA through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds with binding constant of 3.45 × 10(4) M(-1) at 298 K. It can be seen from far-UV CD spectra that the α-helical network of HSA is disrupted and its content decreases from 60.5% to 49.6% at drug:protein = 10:1. Protein tertiary structural alterations induced by parecoxib were also confirmed by FTIR and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy. The molecular docking study indicated that parecoxib is embedded into the hydrophobic pocket of HSA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Photo-triggered fluorescent theranostic prodrugs as DNA alkylating agents for mechlorethamine release and spatiotemporal monitoring.

PubMed

Cao, Yanting; Pan, Rong; Xuan, Weimin; Wei, Yongyi; Liu, Kejian; Zhou, Jiahong; Wang, Wei

2015-06-28

We describe a new theranostic strategy for selective delivery and spatiotemporal monitoring of mechlorethamine, a DNA alkylating agent. A photo-responsive prodrug is designed and composed of a photolabile o-nitrophenylethyl group, a DNA alkylating mechlorethamine drug and a coumarin fluorophore. Masking of the "N" in mechlorethamine in a positively charged state in the prodrug renders it inactive, non-toxic, selective and non-fluorescent. Indeed, the stable prodrug shows negligible cytotoxicity towards normal cells with and without UV activation and is completely non-fluorescent. However, upon photo-irradiation, the active mechlorethamine is released and induces efficient DNA cross-links, accompanied by a strong fluorescence enhancement (152 fold). Furthermore, DNA cross-linking activity from the release can be transformed into anticancer activity observed in in vitro studies of tumor cells. Importantly, the drug release progress and the movement can be conveniently monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. The mechanistic study proves that the DNA cross-linking activity is mainly due to the release of DNA alkylating mechlorethamine. Altogether, the studies show the power of the theranostic strategy for efficient therapy in cancer treatment.

Simple interface of high-performance liquid chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry hyphenated system for speciation of mercury based on photo-induced chemical vapour generation with formic acid in mobile phase as reaction reagent.

PubMed

Yin, Yongguang; Liu, Jingfu; He, Bin; Shi, Jianbo; Jiang, Guibin

2008-02-15

Photo-induced chemical vapour generation (CVG) with formic acid in mobile phase as reaction reagent was developed as interface to on-line couple HPLC with atomic fluorescence spectrometry for the separation and determination of inorganic mercury, methylmercury (MeHg), ethylmercury (EtHg) and phenylmercury (PhHg). In the developed procedure, formic acid in mobile phase was used to decompose organomercuries and reduce Hg(2+) to mercury cold vapour under UV irradiation. Therefore, no post-column reagent was used and the flow injection system in traditional procedure is omitted. A number of operating parameters including pH of mobile phase, concentration of formate, flow rate of mobile phase, length of PTFE reaction coil, flow rate of carrier gas and Na(2)S(2)O(3) in sample matrix were optimized. The limits of detection at the optimized conditions were 0.085, 0.033, 0.029 and 0.038 microg L(-1) for inorganic mercury, MeHg, EtHg and PhHg, respectively. The developed method was validated by determination of certified reference material DORM-2 and was further applied in analyses of seafood samples from Yantai port, China. The UV-CVG with formic acid simplifies the instrumentation and reduces the analytical cost significantly.

Use of a novel tunable solid state disk laser as a diagnostic system for laser-induced fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paa, Wolfgang; Triebel, Wolfgang

2004-09-01

An all solid state disk laser system-named "Advanced Disk Laser (ADL)" -particularly tailored for laser induced fluorescence (LIF) in combustion processes is presented. The system currently under development comprises an Yb:YAG-seedlaser and a regenerative amplifier. Both are based on the disk laser concept as a new laser architecture. This allows a tunable, compact, efficient diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) system with repetition rates in the kHz region. After frequency conversion to the UV-spectral region via third and fourth harmonics generation, this laser-due to its unique properties such as single-frequency operation, wavelength tuneability and excellent beam profile-is well suited for excitation of small molecules such as formaldehyde, OH, NO or O2, which are characteristic for combustion processes. Using the method of planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) we observed concentration distributions of formaldehyde in cool and hot flames of a specially designed diethyl-ether burner. The images recorded with 1 kHz repetition rate allow visualizing the distribution of formaldehyde on a 1 ms time scale. This demonstrates for the first time the usability of this novel laser for LIF measurements and is the first step towards integration of the ADL into capsules for drop towers and the international space station.

Application of UV and Fluorescence Indices for Assessing the Performance of Ozonation Process: Towards Smart Water Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wen-Tao; Abbt-Braun, Gudrun; Dodd, Michael; Korshin, Gregory; Li, Ai-Min

2017-04-01

The UV absorbance and fluorescence indices were comprehensively studied as surrogate indicators for assessing the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM), the formation of bromate and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) and the elimination of trace organic contaminants (TOrCs) during the ozonation of surface water and wastewater effluent. Spectroscopic monitoring was carried out using benchtop UV/Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometers and a newly developed miniature LED UV/fluorescence sensor capable of rapidly measuring UVA280 and protein-like and humic-like fluorescence. With the increase of O3/DOC mass ratio, the plots of BDOC formation were characterized three phases of initial lag, transition slope and final plateau. With the decrease of UV absorbance and fluorescence, BDOC concentrations initially increased slowly and then rose more noticeably. Inflection points in plots of BDOC versus changes of spectroscopic indicators were close to 35-45% loss of UVA254 or UVA280 and 75-85% loss of humic-like fluorescence. According to the data from size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with organic carbon detection and 2D synchronous correlation analyses, DOM fractions assigned to operationally defined large biopolymers (apparent molecular weight, AMW>20 kDa) and medium AMW humic substances (AMW 5.5-20 kDa) were transformed into medium-size building blocks (AMW 3-5.5 kDa) and other smaller AMW species (AMW<3 kDa) associated with BDOC at increasing O3/DOC ratios. Appreciable bromate formation was observed only after the values of UVA254, UVA280 and humic-like fluorescence in O3-treated samples were decreased by 45-55%, 50-60% and 86-92% relative to their respective initial levels. No significant differences in plots of bromate concentrations versus decreases of humic-like fluorescence were observed for surface water and wastewater effluent samples. This was in contrast with the plots of bromate concentration versus UVA254 and UVA280 which exhibited sensitivity to varying initial bromide concentrations in the investigated water matrixes. For TOrCs, their removal rates were well correlated with the decrease of the LED UV/fluorescence signals, and their elimination patterns were mainly determined by their reactivity with O3 and hydroxyl radicals. At approximately 50 % reduction of humic-like fluorescence almost complete oxidation of TOrCs of group I (e.g. carbamazepine) and II (e.g. gemfibrozil) was reached, a similar removal percentage (25-75 %) of TOrCs of group III (e.g. DEET) and IV (e.g. atrazine), and a poor removal percentage (< 25%) of group V (e.g. TCPP). In another way, 90% reduction of humic-like fluorescence could reach the sufficient elimination of most TOrCs. These results suggest that measurements of humic-like fluorescence can provide a useful supplement to UVA indices for characterization of ozonation processes.

Activation energy of light induced isomerization of resveratrol.

PubMed

Figueiras, Teresa Sofia; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa; Petersen, Steffen B

2011-09-01

Isomerization of trans-stilbenes is known to be induced by light. The two isomers have distinct absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission spectra. Resveratrol, 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene, is a member of the stilbene family. The interest of the scientific community in resveratrol has increased over the last years due to its biomedical properties. Whereas there is a growing confidence that trans-resveratrol is non-toxic, very little is known about the pharmacology of cis-resveratrol. Of this very reason there is considerable interest in knowing the energetics of the trans-cis conversion. Cis-resveratrol is characterized by a large fluorescence quantum yield when compared to trans-resveratrol. In the present paper we report a detailed analysis of the spectral changes induced in trans-resveratrol upon 260 nm excitation for different time periods. Spectral changes have been monitored with UV-visible absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy at pH 4 at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 °C. Continuous 260 nm excitation induces a blue shift in the absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra of resveratrol and a 14 nm blue shift in its fluorescence emission. The photoisomerization yield is reported as a function of 260 nm excitation time. 330 min continuous excitation led to ~60% isomerization yield. The kinetics of trans-cis isomerization has been monitored following the increase in fluorescence quantum yield upon continuous 260 nm excitation of trans-resveratrol. The study was carried out at the above mentioned temperatures in order to obtain the Arrhenius activation energy of photoisomerization. Activation energy and pre-exponential factor were 3.7 ± 0.3 kcal.mol(-1) and 10.6 ± 1.6 s(-1), respectively. The activation energy is comparable with previously reported values for the photoisomerization of other stilbenes.

Novel tissue phantom for testing a dual-modality diagnostic system: time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and high frequency ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yang; Liao, Kuo-Chih; Sun, Yinghua; Park, Jesung; Marcu, Laura

2008-02-01

A unique tissue phantom is reported here that mimics the optical and acoustical properties of biological tissue and enables testing and validation of a dual-modality clinical diagnostic system combining time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) and ultrasound backscatter microscopy (UBM). The phantom consisted of contrast agents including silicon dioxide particles with a range of diameters from 0.5 to 10 μm acting as optical and acoustical scatterers, and FITC-conjugated dextran mimicking the endogenous fluorophore in tissue. The agents were encapsulated in a polymer bead attached to the end of an optical fiber with a 200 μm diameter using a UV-induced polymerization technique. A set of beads with fibers were then implanted into a gel-based matrix with controlled patterns including a design with lateral distribution and a design with successively changing depth. The configuration presented here allowed the validation of the hybrid fluorescence spectroscopic and ultrasonic system by detecting the lateral and depth distribution of the contrast agents, as well as for coregistration of the ultrasonic image with spectroscopic data. In addition, the depth of the beads in the gel matrix was changed to explore the effect of different concentration ratio of the mixture on the fluorescence signal emitted.

Degradation of microbial fluorescence biosignatures by solar ultraviolet radiation on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dartnell, Lewis R.; Patel, Manish R.

2014-04-01

Recent and proposed robotic missions to Mars are equipped with implements to expose or excavate fresh material from beneath the immediate surface. Once brought into the open, any organic molecules or potential biosignatures of present or past life will be exposed to the unfiltered solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and face photolytic degradation over short time courses. The key question, then, is what is the window of opportunity for detection of recently exposed samples during robotic operations? Detection of autofluorescence has been proposed as a simple method for surveying or triaging samples for organic molecules. Using a Mars simulation chamber we conduct UV exposures on thin frozen layers of two model microorganisms, the radiation-resistant polyextremophile Deinococcus radiodurans and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) are generated of the full fluorescence response to quantify the change in signal of different cellular fluorophores over Martian equivalent time. Fluorescence of Deinococcus cells, protected by a high concentration of carotenoid pigments, was found to be relatively stable over 32 h of Martian UV irradiation, with around 90% of the initial signal remaining. By comparison, fluorescence from protein-bound tryptophan in Synechocystis is much more sensitive to UV photodegradation, declining to 50% after 64 h exposure. The signal most readily degraded by UV irradiation is fluorescence of the photosynthetic pigments - diminished to only 35% after 64 h. This sensitivity may be expected as the biological function of chlorophyll and phycocyanin is to optimize the harvesting of light energy and so they are readily photobleached. A significant increase in a ~450 nm emission feature is interpreted as accumulation of fluorescent cellular degradation products from photolysis. Accounting for diurnal variation in Martian sunlight, this study calculates that frozen cellular biosignatures would remain detectable by fluorescence for at least several sols; offering a sufficient window for robotic exploration operations.

Selective detection of Co2+ by fluorescent nano probe: Diagnostic approach for analysis of environmental samples and biological activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahajan, Prasad G.; Dige, Nilam C.; Desai, Netaji K.; Patil, Shivajirao R.; Kondalkar, Vijay V.; Hong, Seong-Karp; Lee, Ki Hwan

2018-06-01

Nowadays scientist over the world are engaging to put forth improved methods to detect metal ion in an aqueous medium based on fluorescence studies. A simple, selective and sensitive method was proposed for detection of Co2+ ion using fluorescent organic nanoparticles. We synthesized a fluorescent small molecule viz. 4,4‧-{benzene-1,4-diylbis-[(Z)methylylidenenitrilo]}dibenzoic acid (BMBA) to explore its suitability as sensor for Co2+ ion and biocompatibility in form of nanoparticles. Fluorescence nanoparticles (BMBANPs) prepared by simple reprecipitation method. Aggregation induced enhanced emission of BMBANPs exhibits the narrower particle size of 68 nm and sphere shape morphology. The selective fluorescence quenching was observed by addition of Co2+ and does not affected by presence of other coexisting ion solutions. The photo-physical properties, viz. UV-absorption, fluorescence emission, and lifetime measurements are in support of ligand-metal interaction followed by static fluorescence quenching phenomenon in emission of BMBANPs. Finally, we develop a simple analytical method for selective and sensitive determination of Co2+ ion in environmental samples. The cell culture E. coli, Bacillus sps., and M. tuberculosis H37RV strain in the vicinity of BMBANPs indicates virtuous anti-bacterial and anti-tuberculosis activity which is of additional novel application shown by prepared nanoparticles.

BSA binding and antimicrobial studies of branched polyethyleneimine-copper(II)bipyridine/phenanthroline complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignesh, Gopalaswamy; Arunachalam, Sankaralingam; Vignesh, Sivanandham; James, Rathinam Arthur

2012-10-01

The interaction of two water soluble branched polyethyleneimine-copper(II) complexes containing bipyridine/phenanthroline with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by, UV-Visible absorption, fluorescence, lifetime measurements and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques. The polymer-copper(II) complexes strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA is the static quenching mechanism through hydrogen bonds and van der Waal's attraction. The distance r, between the BSA and the complexes seems to be less than 2 nm indicating that the energy transfer between the donor and acceptor occurs with high probability. Synchronous fluorescence studies indicate the binding of polymer-copper(II) complexes with BSA mostly changes the polarity around tryptophan residues rather than tyrosine residues. The circular dichroism studies indicate that the binding has induced considerable amount of conformational changes in the protein. The complexes also show some antibacterial and antifungal properties.

7 CFR 93.11 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1 with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence, and aflatoxin M2 with a violet...

7 CFR 93.11 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1 with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence, and aflatoxin M2 with a violet...

7 CFR 93.11 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1 with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence, and aflatoxin M2 with a violet...

7 CFR 93.11 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1 with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence, and aflatoxin M2 with a violet...

7 CFR 93.11 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1 with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence, and aflatoxin M2 with a violet...

Mesophyll distribution of 'antioxidant' flavonoid glycosides in Ligustrum vulgare leaves under contrasting sunlight irradiance.

PubMed

Agati, Giovanni; Stefano, Giovanni; Biricolti, Stefano; Tattini, Massimiliano

2009-10-01

Flavonoids have the potential to serve as antioxidants in addition to their function of UV screening in photoprotective mechanisms. However, flavonoids have long been reported to accumulate mostly in epidermal cells and surface organs in response to high sunlight. Therefore, how leaf flavonoids actually carry out their antioxidant functions is still a matter of debate. Here, the distribution of flavonoids with effective antioxidant properties, i.e. the orthodihydroxy B-ring-substituted quercetin and luteolin glycosides, was investigated in the mesophyll of Ligustrum vulgare leaves acclimated to contrasting sunlight irradiance. In the first experiment, plants were grown at 20 % (shade) or 100% (sun) natural sunlight. Plants were exposed to 100 % sunlight irradiance in the presence or absence of UV wavelengths, in a second experiment. Fluorescence microspectroscopy and multispectral fluorescence microimaging were used in both cross sections and intact leaf pieces to visualize orthodihydroxy B-ring-substituted flavonoids at inter- and intracellular levels. Identification and quantification of individual hydroxycinnamates and flavonoid glycosides were performed via HPLC-DAD. Quercetin and luteolin derivatives accumulated to a great extent in both the epidermal and mesophyll cells in response to high sunlight. Tissue fluorescence signatures and leaf flavonoid concentrations were strongly related. Monohydroxyflavone glycosides, namely luteolin 4'-O-glucoside and two apigenin 7-O-glycosides were unresponsive to changes in sunlight irradiance. Quercetin and luteolin derivatives accumulated in the vacuoles of mesophyll cells in leaves growing under 100 % natural sunlight in the absence of UV wavelengths. The above findings lead to the hypothesis that flavonoids play a key role in countering light-induced oxidative stress, and not only in avoiding the penetration of short solar wavelengths in the leaf.

Mesophyll distribution of ‘antioxidant’ flavonoid glycosides in Ligustrum vulgare leaves under contrasting sunlight irradiance

PubMed Central

Agati, Giovanni; Stefano, Giovanni; Biricolti, Stefano; Tattini, Massimiliano

2009-01-01

Background and Aims Flavonoids have the potential to serve as antioxidants in addition to their function of UV screening in photoprotective mechanisms. However, flavonoids have long been reported to accumulate mostly in epidermal cells and surface organs in response to high sunlight. Therefore, how leaf flavonoids actually carry out their antioxidant functions is still a matter of debate. Here, the distribution of flavonoids with effective antioxidant properties, i.e. the orthodihydroxy B-ring-substituted quercetin and luteolin glycosides, was investigated in the mesophyll of Ligustrum vulgare leaves acclimated to contrasting sunlight irradiance. Methods In the first experiment, plants were grown at 20 % (shade) or 100% (sun) natural sunlight. Plants were exposed to 100 % sunlight irradiance in the presence or absence of UV wavelengths, in a second experiment. Fluorescence microspectroscopy and multispectral fluorescence microimaging were used in both cross sections and intact leaf pieces to visualize orthodihydroxy B-ring-substituted flavonoids at inter- and intracellular levels. Identification and quantification of individual hydroxycinnamates and flavonoid glycosides were performed via HPLC-DAD. Key Results Quercetin and luteolin derivatives accumulated to a great extent in both the epidermal and mesophyll cells in response to high sunlight. Tissue fluorescence signatures and leaf flavonoid concentrations were strongly related. Monohydroxyflavone glycosides, namely luteolin 4′-O-glucoside and two apigenin 7-O-glycosides were unresponsive to changes in sunlight irradiance. Quercetin and luteolin derivatives accumulated in the vacuoles of mesophyll cells in leaves growing under 100 % natural sunlight in the absence of UV wavelengths. Conclusions The above findings lead to the hypothesis that flavonoids play a key role in countering light-induced oxidative stress, and not only in avoiding the penetration of short solar wavelengths in the leaf. PMID:19633310

[The research of UV-responsive sensitivity enhancement of fluorescent coating films by MgF2 layer].

PubMed

Lu, Zhong-Rong; Ni, Zheng-Ji; Tao, Chun-Xian; Hong, Rui-Jin; Zhang, Da-Wei; Huang, Yuan-Shen

2014-03-01

A low cost and less complicated expansion approach of wavelength responses with a Lumogen phosphor coating was adopted, as they increased the quantum efficiency of CCD and CMOS detectors in ultra-violet by absorbing UV light and then re emitting visible light. In this paper, the sensitivity enhancement of fluorescence coatings was studied by adding an anti-reflection film or barrier film to reduce the loss of the scattering and reflection on the incident interface. The Lumogen and MgF2/Lumogen film were deposited on quartz glasses by physical vacuum deposition. The surface morphology, transmittance spectrum, reflectance spectrum and fluorescence emission spectrum were obtained by atomic force microscope (AFM), spectrophotometer and fluorescence spectrometer, respectively. The results indicated that MgF2 film had obvious positive effect on reducing scattering and reflection loss in 500-700 nm, and enhancing the absorption of Lumogen coating in ultraviolet spectrum. Meanwhile, the fluorescent emission intensity had a substantial increase by smoothing the film surface and thus reducing the light scattering. At the same time, the MgF2 layer could protect Lumogen coating from damaging and contamination, which give a prolong lifetime of the UV-responsive CCD sensors with fluorescent coatings.

Alteration of chromophoric dissolved organic matter by solar UV radiation causes rapid changes in bacterial community composition.

PubMed

Piccini, Claudia; Conde, Daniel; Pernthaler, Jakob; Sommaruga, Ruben

2009-09-01

We evaluated the effect of photochemical alterations of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) on bacterial abundance, activity and community composition in a coastal lagoon of the Atlantic Ocean with high dissolved organic carbon concentration. On two occasions during the austral summer, bacteria-free water of the lagoon was exposed to different regions of the solar spectrum (full solar radiation, UV-A+PAR, PAR) or kept in the dark. Subsequently, dilution cultures were established with bacterioplankton from the lagoon that were incubated in the pre-exposed water for 5 h in the dark. Cell abundance, activity, and community composition of bacterioplankton were assessed before and after incubation in the different treatments. Changes in absorption, fluorescence, and DOC concentration were used as proxies for CDOM photoalteration. We found a significant CDOM photobleaching signal, DOC loss, as well as a stimulation of bacterial activity in the treatments pre-exposed to UV radiation, suggesting increased bioavailability of DOM. Bacterial community analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that this stimulation was mainly accompanied by the specific enrichment of Alpha- and Betaproteobacteria. Thus, our results suggest that CDOM photoalteration not only stimulates bacterioplankton growth, but also induces rapid changes in bacterioplankton composition, which can be of relevance for ecosystem functioning, particularly considering present and future changes in the input of terrestrial CDOM to aquatic systems.

Alteration of chromophoric dissolved organic matter by solar UV radiation causes rapid changes in bacterial community composition†

PubMed Central

Piccini, Claudia; Conde, Daniel; Pernthaler, Jakob; Sommaruga, Ruben

2010-01-01

We evaluated the effect of photochemical alterations of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) on bacterial abundance, activity and community composition in a coastal lagoon of the Atlantic Ocean with high dissolved organic carbon concentration. On two occasions during the austral summer, bacteria-free water of the lagoon was exposed to different regions of the solar spectrum (full solar radiation, UV-A + PAR, PAR) or kept in the dark. Subsequently, dilution cultures were established with bacterioplankton from the lagoon that were incubated in the pre-exposed water for 5 h in the dark. Cell abundance, activity, and community composition of bacterioplankton were assessed before and after incubation in the different treatments. Changes in absorption, fluorescence, and DOC concentration were used as proxies for CDOM photoalteration. We found a significant CDOM photobleaching signal, DOC loss, as well as a stimulation of bacterial activity in the treatments pre-exposed to UV radiation, suggesting increased bioavailability of DOM. Bacterial community analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that this stimulation was mainly accompanied by the specific enrichment of Alpha- and Betaproteobacteria. Thus, our results suggest that CDOM photoalteration not only stimulates bacterioplankton growth, but also induces rapid changes in bacterioplankton composition, which can be of relevance for ecosystem functioning, particularly considering present and future changes in the input of terrestrial CDOM to aquatic systems. PMID:19707620

A Programmable DNA Double-Write Material: Synergy of Photolithography and Self-Assembly Nanofabrication.

PubMed

Song, Youngjun; Takahashi, Tsukasa; Kim, Sejung; Heaney, Yvonne C; Warner, John; Chen, Shaochen; Heller, Michael J

2017-01-11

We demonstrate a DNA double-write process that uses UV to pattern a uniquely designed DNA write material, which produces two distinct binding identities for hybridizing two different complementary DNA sequences. The process requires no modification to the DNA by chemical reagents and allows programmed DNA self-assembly and further UV patterning in the UV exposed and nonexposed areas. Multilayered DNA patterning with hybridization of fluorescently labeled complementary DNA sequences, biotin probe/fluorescent streptavidin complexes, and DNA patterns with 500 nm line widths were all demonstrated.

Ultrafast Pulse Sequencing for Fast Projective Measurements of Atomic Hyperfine Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ip, Michael; Ransford, Anthony; Campbell, Wesley

2015-05-01

Projective readout of quantum information stored in atomic hyperfine structure typically uses state-dependent CW laser-induced fluorescence. This method requires an often sophisticated imaging system to spatially filter out the background CW laser light. We present an alternative approach that instead uses simple pulse sequences from a mode-locked laser to affect the same state-dependent excitations in less than 1 ns. The resulting atomic fluorescence occurs in the dark, allowing the placement of non-imaging detectors right next to the atom to improve the qubit state detection efficiency and speed. We also discuss methods of Doppler cooling with mode-locked lasers for trapped ions, where the creation of the necessary UV light is often difficult with CW lasers.

Synchrotron Ultraviolet Microspectroscopy on Rat Cortical Bone: Involvement of Tyrosine and Tryptophan in the Osteocyte and Its Environment

PubMed Central

Pallu, Stéphane; Rochefort, Gael Y.; Jaffre, Christelle; Refregiers, Matthieu; Maurel, Delphine B.; Benaitreau, Delphine; Lespessailles, Eric; Jamme, Frédéric; Chappard, Christine; Benhamou, Claude-Laurent

2012-01-01

Alcohol induced osteoporosis is characterized by a bone mass decrease and microarchitecture alterations. Having observed an excess in osteocyte apoptosis, we aimed to assess the bone tissue biochemistry, particularly in the osteocyte and its environment. For this purpose, we used a model of alcohol induced osteoporosis in rats. Bone sections of cortical bone were investigated using synchrotron UV-microspectrofluorescence at subcellular resolution. We show that bone present three fluorescence peaks at 305, 333 and 385 nm, respectively corresponding to tyrosine, tryptophan and collagen. We have determined that tyrosine/collagen and tryptophan/collagen ratios were higher in the strong alcohol consumption group. Tryptophan is related to the serotonin metabolism involved in bone formation, while tyrosine is involved in the activity of tyrosine kinases and phosphatases in osteocytes. Our experiment represents the first combined synchrotron UV microspectroscopy analysis of bone tissue with a quantitative biochemical characterization in the osteocyte and surrounding matrix performed separately. PMID:22937127

Prediction of BOD, COD, and total nitrogen concentrations in a typical urban river using a fluorescence excitation-emission matrix with PARAFAC and UV absorption indices.

PubMed

Hur, Jin; Cho, Jinwoo

2012-01-01

The development of a real-time monitoring tool for the estimation of water quality is essential for efficient management of river pollution in urban areas. The Gap River in Korea is a typical urban river, which is affected by the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and various anthropogenic activities. In this study, fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM) with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and UV absorption values at 220 nm and 254 nm were applied to evaluate the estimation capabilities for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations of the river samples. Three components were successfully identified by the PARAFAC modeling from the fluorescence EEM data, in which each fluorophore group represents microbial humic-like (C1), terrestrial humic-like organic substances (C2), and protein-like organic substances (C3), and UV absorption indices (UV(220) and UV(254)), and the score values of the three PARAFAC components were selected as the estimation parameters for the nitrogen and the organic pollution of the river samples. Among the selected indices, UV(220), C3 and C1 exhibited the highest correlation coefficients with BOD, COD, and TN concentrations, respectively. Multiple regression analysis using UV(220) and C3 demonstrated the enhancement of the prediction capability for TN.

Thermo- and light-regulated formation and disintegration of double hydrophilic block copolymer assemblies with tunable fluorescence emissions.

PubMed

Wu, Yonghao; Hu, Huamin; Hu, Jinming; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Guoying; Liu, Shiyong

2013-03-19

We report on thermo- and light-regulated formation and disintegration of double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC) micelles associated with tunable fluorescence emissions by employing two types of DHBCs covalently labeled with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor and acceptor moieties, respectively, within the light and temperature dually responsive block. Both DHBCs are molecularly soluble at room temperature in their aqueous mixture, whereas, upon heating to above the critical micellization temperature (CMT, ~31 °C), they coassemble into mixed micelles possessing hydrophilic coronas and mixed cores containing FRET donors and acceptors. Accordingly, the closer spatial proximity between the FRET pair (NBDAE and RhBEA moieties) within micellar cores leads to substantially enhanced FRET efficiency, compared to that in the non-aggregated unimer state. Moreover, upon UV irradiation, the light-reactive moieties undergo light-cleavage reaction and transform into negatively charged carboxylate residues, leading to elevated CMT (∼46 °C). Thus, thermo-induced mixed micelles in the intermediate temperature range (31 °C < T < 46 °C) undergo light-triggered disintegration into unimers, accompanied with the decrease of FRET efficiency. Overall, the coassembly and disassembly occurring in the mixed DHBC solution can be dually regulated by temperature and UV irradiation, and most importantly, these processes can be facilely monitored via changes in FRET efficiency and distinct emission colors.

Ultraviolet-induced movement of the human DNA repair protein, xeroderma pigmentosum type G, in the nucleus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, M.S.; Knauf, J.A.; Pendergrass, S.H.

1996-08-06

Xeroderma pigmentosum type G (XPG) is a human genetic disease exhibiting extreme sensitivity to sunlight. XPG patients are defective XPG endonuclease, which is an enzyme essential for DNA repair of the major kinds of solar ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damages. Here we describe a novel dynamics of this protein within the cell nucleus after UV irradiation of human cells. USing confocal microscopy, we have localized the immunofluorescent, antigenic signal of XPG protein to foci throughout the cell nucleus. Our biochemical studies also established that XPG protein forms a tight association with nuclear structure(s). In human skin fibroblast cells, the number ofmore » XPG foci decreased within 2 h after UV irradiation, whereas total nuclear XPG fluorescence intensity remained constant, suggesting redistribution of XPG from a limited number of nuclear foci to the nucleus overall. Within 8 h after UV, most XPG antigenic signal was found as foci. Using {beta}-galactosidase-XPG fusion constructs ({beta}-gal-XPG) transfected into HeLa cells, we have identified a single region of XPG that is evidently responsible both for foci formation and for the UV dynamic response. The fusion protein carrying the C terminus of XPG (amino acids 1146-1185) localized {beta}-gal specific antigenic signal to foci and to the nucleolus regions. After UV irradiation, antigenic {beta}-gal translocated reversibly from the subnuclear structures to the whole nucleus with kinetics very similar to the movements of XPG protein. These findings lead us to propose a model in which distribution of XPG protein may regulate the rate of DNA repair within transcriptionally active and inactive compartments of the cell nucleus. 50 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.« less

Two-photon excitation in chip electrophoresis enabling label-free fluorescence detection in non-UV transparent full-body polymer chips.

PubMed

Geissler, David; Belder, Detlev

2015-12-01

One of the most commonly employed detection methods in microfluidic research is fluorescence detection, due to its ease of integration and excellent sensitivity. Many analytes though do not show luminescence when excited in the visible light spectrum, require suitable dyes. Deep-ultraviolet (UV) excitation (<300 nm) allows label-free detection of a broader range of analytes but also mandates the use of expensive fused silica glass, which is transparent to UV light. Herein, we report the first application of label-free deep UV fluorescence detection in non-UV transparent full-body polymer microfluidic devices. This was achieved by means of two-photon excitation in the visible range (λex = 532 nm). Issues associated with the low optical transmittance of plastics in the UV range were successfully circumvented in this way. The technique was investigated by application to microchip electrophoresis of small aromatic compounds. Various polymers, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), cyclic olefin polymer, and copolymer as well as poly(dimethylsiloxane) were investigated and compared with respect to achievable LOD and ruggedness against photodamage. To demonstrate the applicability of the technique, the method was also applied to the determination of serotonin and tryptamine in fruit samples. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interaction mechanisms between organic UV filters and bovine serum albumin as determined by comprehensive spectroscopy exploration and molecular docking.

PubMed

Ao, Junjie; Gao, Li; Yuan, Tao; Jiang, Gaofeng

2015-01-01

Organic UV filters are a group of emerging PPCP (pharmaceuticals and personal care products) contaminants. Current information is insufficient to understand the in vivo processes and health risks of organic UV filters in humans. The interaction mechanism of UV filters with serum albumin provides critical information for the health risk assessment of these active ingredients in sunscreen products. This study investigates the interaction mechanisms of five commonly used UV filters (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, BP-3; 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, EHMC; 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, 4-MBC; methoxydibenzoylmethane, BDM; homosalate, HMS) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by spectroscopic measurements of fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), competitive binding experiments and molecular docking. Our results indicated that the fluorescence of BSA was quenched by these UV filters through a static quenching mechanism. The values of the binding constant (Ka) ranged from (0.78±0.02)×10(3) to (1.29±0.01)×10(5) L mol(-1). Further exploration by synchronous fluorescence and CD showed that the conformation of BSA was demonstrably changed in the presence of these organic UV filters. It was confirmed that the UV filters can disrupt the α-helical stability of BSA. Moreover, the results of molecular docking revealed that the UV filter molecule is located in site II (sub-domain IIIA) of BSA, which was further confirmed by the results of competitive binding experiments. In addition, binding occurred mainly through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. This study raises critical concerns regarding the transportation, distribution and toxicity effects of organic UV filters in human body. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enantioselective micellar electrokinetic chromatography of dl-amino acids using (+)-1-(9-fluorenyl)-ethyl chloroformate derivatization and UV-induced fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Prior, Amir; van de Nieuwenhuijzen, Erik; de Jong, Gerhardus J; Somsen, Govert W

2018-05-22

Chiral analysis of dl-amino acids was achieved by micellar electrokinetic chromatography coupled with UV-excited fluorescence detection. The fluorescent reagent (+)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate was employed as chiral amino acid derivatizing agent and sodium dodecyl sulfate served as pseudo-stationary phase for separating the formed amino acid diastereomers. Sensitive analysis of (+)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate-amino acids was achieved applying a xenon-mercury lamp for ultraviolet excitation, and a spectrograph and charge-coupled device for wavelength-resolved emission detection. Applying signal integration over a 30-nm emission wavelength interval, signal-to-noise ratios for derivatized amino acids were up to 23 times higher as obtained using a standard photomultiplier for detection. The background electrolyte composition (electrolyte, pH, sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration, and organic solvent) was studied in order to attain optimal chemo- and enantioseparation. Enantioseparation of twelve proteinogenic dl-amino acids was achieved with chiral resolutions between 1.2 and 7.9, and detection limits for most derivatized amino acids in the 13-60 nM range (injected concentration). Linearity (coefficients of determination > 0.985) and peak-area and migration-time repeatabilities (relative standard deviations lower than 2.6 and 1.9%, respectively) were satisfactory. The employed fluorescence detection system provided up to 100-times better signal-to-noise ratios for (+)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate-amino acids than ultraviolet absorbance detection, showing good potential for d-amino acid analysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effects of aspartic acid and potassium chloride on arginine kinase from shrimp.

PubMed

Tang, Hong-min; Yang, Yin-ye; Zhang, Song-fu

2006-12-15

The aspartic acid (Asp)-induced unfolding and the salt-induced folding of arginine kinase (AK) were studied in terms of enzyme activity, intrinsic fluorescence emission spectra, 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) fluorescence spectra and far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The results showed that Asp caused inactivation and unfolding of AK with no aggregation during AK denaturation. The unfolding of the whole molecule and the inactivation of AK in different Asp concentrations were compared. Much lower Asp concentration was required to induce inactivation than to produce significant conformational changes of the enzyme molecule. However, with further addition of Asp, the molar ellipticity at 222 and 208 nm, the wavelength shift and the emission intensity of ANS hardly changed. Asp denatured AK was reactivated by dilution. In addition, potassium chloride (KCl) induced the molten globule state with a compact structure after AK was denatured with 7.5 mM Asp. These results collectively elucidate the osmotic effect of Asp anions for the molten globule formed during unfolding process. They also suggest that the effect of Asp differed from that of other denaturants such as guanidine hydrochloride or urea during AK folding. The molten globule state indicates that intermediates exist during AK folding.

Pathological changes in Alzheimer"s brain evaluated with fluorescence emission analysis (FEA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christov, Alexander; Ottman, Todd; Grammas, Paula

2004-07-01

Development of AD is associated with cerebrovascular deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) as well as a progressive increase in vasular collagen content. Both AΒ and collagen are naturally fluorescent compounds when exposed to UV light. We analyzed autofluorescence emitted from brain tissue samples and isolated brain resistance vessels harvested postmortem from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-matched controls. Fluorescence emission, excited at 355 nm with an Nd:YAG laser, was measured using a fiber-optic based fluorescence spectroscopic system for tissue analysis. Significantly higher values of fluorescence emission intensity (P<0.001) in the spectral region from 465 to 490 nm were detected in brain resistance vessel samples from AD patients compared to the normal individuals. Results from western blot analysis showed elevated levels of type I and type III collagen, and reduced levels of type IV collagen in resistance vessels from AD patients, compared to control samples. In addition, using direct scanning of the cortical suface for fluoresxcence emission by the laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy system we detected a significantly (P<0.05) higher level of apoptosis in AD brain tissue compared to age-matched controls. Fluorescence emission analysis (FEA) appears to be a sensitive technique for detecting structural changes in AD brain tissue.

Combined "dual" absorption and fluorescence smartphone spectrometers.

PubMed

Arafat Hossain, Md; Canning, John; Ast, Sandra; Cook, Kevin; Rutledge, Peter J; Jamalipour, Abbas

2015-04-15

A combined "dual" absorption and fluorescence smartphone spectrometer is demonstrated. The optical sources used in the system are the white flash LED of the smartphone and an orthogonally positioned and interchangeable UV (λ_ex=370  nm) and blue (λ_ex=450  nm) LED. The dispersive element is a low-cost, nano-imprinted diffraction grating coated with Au. Detection over a 300 nm span with 0.42 nm/pixel resolution was carried out with the camera CMOS chip. By integrating the blue and UV excitation sources into the white LED circuitry, the entire system is self-contained within a 3D printed case and powered from the smartphone battery; the design can be scaled to add further excitation sources. Using a customized app, acquisition of absorption and fluorescence spectra are demonstrated using a blue-absorbing and green-emitting pH-sensitive amino-naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe and a UV-absorbing and blue-emitting Zn²⁺-sensitive fluoro-ionophore.

Demonstrating the Influence of UV Rays on Living Things.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morimoto, Kouichi

2002-01-01

Describes an experiment that introduces students to the different types of UV rays and their effects on living things by using appropriate teaching materials and equipment. Demonstrates the effects of exposure to UV-B (fluorescent) and UV-C (germicidal) lamps by using bananas, duckweed, and the fruit fly. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Raman spectroscopy of white wines.

PubMed

Martin, Coralie; Bruneel, Jean-Luc; Guyon, François; Médina, Bernard; Jourdes, Michael; Teissedre, Pierre-Louis; Guillaume, François

2015-08-15

The feasibility of exploiting Raman scattering to analyze white wines has been investigated using 3 different wavelengths of the incoming laser radiation in the near-UV (325 nm), visible (532 nm) and near infrared (785 nm). To help in the interpretation of the Raman spectra, the absorption properties in the UV-visible range of two wine samples as well as their laser induced fluorescence have also been investigated. Thanks to the strong intensity enhancement of the Raman scattered light due to electronic resonance with 325 nm laser excitation, hydroxycinnamic acids may be detected and analyzed selectively. Fructose and glucose may also be easily detected below ca. 1000 cm(-1). This feasibility study demonstrates the potential of the Raman spectroscopic technique for the analysis of white wines. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Integrative Observing and Modeling Approach for the Physiological Understanding of Sun-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, H.; Kato, T.; Saitoh, Y.; Noda, H.; Kikosaka, K.; Ichii, K.; Nasahara, K. N.

2016-12-01

Satellite-derived sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is expected to provides a pathway to link leaf level photosynthesis to global GPP. Existing studies have stressed how well the satellite-derived SIF is correlated with the eddy covariance and/or modeled GPPs. There are some challenges in SIF interpretation because the satellite-derived SIF is a mixture of fluorescence emission from sunlit and shaded leaves and multiple scatterings of fluorescence within plant canopies. In this presentation, we show observation and modeling results around Japan and discuss how the integrative observing and modeling approach potentially overcomes the gaps in-between satellite SIF and photosynthesis reaction within leaves. We have analyzed ground-based SIF monitoring systems "Phenological Eye Network (PEN)". PEN covers several eddy flux sites in Japan and is equipped with spectroradiometer (MS-700) since 2003 (at an earliest site). The computed seasonal SIF variations in the different ecosystems show environmental dependency of SIF and GPP. Another ground-based system we are now developing is the vegetation lidar system named LIFS (Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectrum), which can offer eco-physiological information of plants. LIFS is consisted of a pulsed UV (355 nm) laser, a telescope, a spectrometer/filter, and a gated image-intensified CCD detector. This system has been using to remotely monitor tree growth status, chlorophyll contents in leaves and so on. The physical and physiological theories are necessary for understanding the observed SIF under various environmental conditions. We have been developing leaf to plant canopy scale photosynthesis and SIF models as precise as possible. The developed model has been used to understand how the leaf-level SIF emission can be related to the canopy scale SIF, which enables to investigate the top of canopy SIF observed from ground-based and satellite-derived SIF measurements.

Application of portable online LED UV fluorescence sensor to predict the degradation of dissolved organic matter and trace organic contaminants during ozonation.

PubMed

Li, Wen-Tao; Majewsky, Marius; Abbt-Braun, Gudrun; Horn, Harald; Jin, Jing; Li, Qiang; Zhou, Qing; Li, Ai-Min

2016-09-15

This work aims to correlate signals of LED UV/fluorescence sensor with the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and trace-level organic contaminants (TOrCs) during ozonation process. Six sets of bench-scale ozonation kinetic experiments incorporated with three different water matrices and 14 TOrCs of different reactivity (group I ∼ V) were conducted. Calibrated by tryptophan and humic substances standards and verified by the lab benchtop spectroscopy, the newly developed portable/online LED sensor, which measures the UV280 absorbance, protein-like and humic-like fluorescence simultaneously, was feasible to monitor chromophores and fluorophores with good sensitivity and accuracy. The liquid chromatography with organic carbon detector combined with 2D synchronous correlation analysis further demonstrated how the DOM components of large molecular weight were transformed into small moieties as a function of the decrease of humic-like fluorescence. For TOrCs, their removal rates were well correlated with the decrease of the LED UV/fluorescence signals, and their elimination patterns were mainly determined by their reactivity with O3 and hydroxyl radicals. At approximately 50% reduction of humic-like fluorescence almost complete oxidation of TOrCs of group I and II was reached, a similar removal percentage (25-75%) of TOrCs of group III and IV, and a poor removal percentage (<25%) of group V. This study might contribute to the smart control of advanced oxidation processes for the water and wastewater treatment in the future. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Further investigations of experiment A0034 atomic oxygen stimulated outgassing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linton, Roger C.; Finckenor, Miria M.; Kamenetzky, Rachel R.

1995-01-01

Thermal control coatings within the recessed compartments of LDEF Experiment A0034 experienced the maximum leading edge fluence of atomic oxygen with considerably less solar UV radiation exposure than top-surface mounted materials of other LDEF experiments on either the leading or the trailing edge. This combination of exposure within A0034 resulted in generally lower levels of darkening attributable to solar UV radiation than for similar materials on other LDEF experiments exposed to greater cumulative solar UV radiation levels. Changes in solar absorptance and infrared thermal emittance of the exposed coatings are thus unique to this exposure. Analytical results for other applications have been found for environmentally induced changes in fluorescence, surface morphology, light scattering, and the effects of coating outgassing products on adjacent mirrors and windows of the A0034 experiment. Some atmospheric bleaching of the thermal control coatings, in addition to that presumably experience during reentry and recovery operations, has been found since initial post-flight observations and measurements.

Fluorescence properties of human teeth and dental calculus for clinical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yong-Keun

2015-04-01

Fluorescent emission of human teeth and dental calculus is important for the esthetic rehabilitation of teeth, diagnosis of dental caries, and detection of dental calculus. The purposes of this review were to summarize the fluorescence and phosphorescence of human teeth by ambient ultraviolet (UV) light, to investigate the clinically relevant fluorescence measurement methods in dentistry, and to review the fluorescence of teeth and dental calculus by specific wavelength light. Dentine was three times more phosphorescent than enamel. When exposed to light sources containing UV components, the fluorescence of human teeth gives them the quality of vitality, and fluorescent emission with a peak of 440 nm is observed. Esthetic restorative materials should have fluorescence properties similar to those of natural teeth. Based on the fluorescence of teeth and restorative materials as determined with a spectrophotometer, a fluorescence parameter was defined. As to the fluorescence spectra by a specific wavelength, varied wavelengths were investigated for clinical applications, and several methods for the diagnosis of dental caries and the detection of dental calculus were developed. Since fluorescent properties of dental hard tissues have been used and would be expanded in diverse fields of clinical practice, these properties should be investigated further, embracing newly developed optical techniques.

Fluorescence properties of human teeth and dental calculus for clinical applications.

PubMed

Lee, Yong-Keun

2015-04-01

Fluorescent emission of human teeth and dental calculus is important for the esthetic rehabilitation of teeth, diagnosis of dental caries, and detection of dental calculus. The purposes of this review were to summarize the fluorescence and phosphorescence of human teeth by ambient ultraviolet (UV) light, to investigate the clinically relevant fluorescence measurement methods in dentistry, and to review the fluorescence of teeth and dental calculus by specific wavelength light. Dentine was three times more phosphorescent than enamel. When exposed to light sources containing UV components, the fluorescence of human teeth gives them the quality of vitality, and fluorescent emission with a peak of 440 nm is observed. Esthetic restorative materials should have fluorescence properties similar to those of natural teeth. Based on the fluorescence of teeth and restorative materials as determined with a spectrophotometer, a fluorescence parameter was defined. As to the fluorescence spectra by a specific wavelength, varied wavelengths were investigated for clinical applications, and several methods for the diagnosis of dental caries and the detection of dental calculus were developed. Since fluorescent properties of dental hard tissues have been used and would be expanded in diverse fields of clinical practice, these properties should be investigated further, embracing newly developed optical techniques.

Conjugation of (E)-5-[2-(Methoxycarbonyl)ethenyl]cytidine to hydrophilic microspheres: development of a mobile microscale UV light actinometer.

PubMed

Fang, Shiyue; Guan, Yousheng; Blatchley, Ernest R; Shen, Chengyue; Bergstrom, Donald E

2008-03-01

( E)-5-[2-(Methoxycarbonyl)ethenyl]cytidine was biotinylated through a diisopropylsilylacetal linkage and attached to the surface of hydrophilic streptavidin-coated microspheres through the high-affinity noncovalent interaction between biotin and streptavidin. The functionalized microspheres form a stable suspension in water. Upon UV irradiation, the nonfluorescent ( E)-5-[2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethenyl]cytidine on the microspheres undergoes photocyclization to produce highly fluorescent 3-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-2,7-dioxopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine. The fluorescence intensity of the microspheres can be correlated to the particle-specific UV doses applied at different suspension concentrations. The microspheres allow one to measure the UV dose (fluence) distribution in high-throughput water disinfection systems.

Aircraft-borne, laser-induced fluorescence instrument for the in situ detection of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wennberg, P. O.; Cohen, R. C.; Hazen, N. L.; Lapson, L. B.; Allen, N. T.; Hanisco, T. F.; Oliver, J. F.; Lanham, N. W.; Demusz, J. N.; Anderson, J. G.

1994-01-01

The odd-hydrogen radicals OH and HO2 are central to most of the gas-phase chemical transformations that occur in the atmosphere. Of particular interest is the role that these species play in controlling the concentration of stratospheric ozone. This paper describes an instrument that measures both of these species at volume mixing ratios below one part in 10(exp 14) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The hydroxyl radical (OH) is measured by laser induced fluorescence at 309 nm. Tunable UV light is used to pump OH to the first electric state near 282 nm. the laser light is produced by a high-repetition rate pulsed dye-laser powered with all solid-state pump lasers. HO2 is measured as OH after gas-phase titration with nitric oxide. Measurements aboard a NASA ER-2 aircraft demonstrate the capability of this instrument to perform reliably with very high signal-to-noise ratios (greater than 30) achieved in short integration times (less than 20 sec).

Simultaneous measurements of velocity, temperature, and pressure using rapid CW wavelength-modulation laser-induced fluorescence of OH

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, A. Y.; Battles, B. E.; Hanson, R. K.

1990-01-01

In high speed flows, laser induced fluorescence (LIF) on Doppler shifted transitions is an attractive technique for velocity measurement. LIF velocimetry was applied to combined single-point measurements of velocity, temperature, and pressure and 2-D imaging of velocity and pressure. Prior to recent research using NO, LIF velocimetry in combustion related flows relied largely on the use of seed molecules. Simultaneous, single-point LIF measurements is reported of velocity, temperature, and pressure using the naturally occurring combustion species OH. This experiment is an extension of earlier research in which a modified ring dye laser was used to make time resolved temperature measurements behind reflected shock waves by using OH absorption an in postflame gases by using OH LIF. A pair of fused-silica rhombs mounted on a single galvanonmeter in an intracavity-doubled Spectra-Physics 380 ring laser permit the UV output to be swept continuously over a few wave numbers at an effective frequency of 3kHz.

Non-Euclidean phasor analysis for quantification of oxidative stress in ex vivo human skin exposed to sun filters using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osseiran, Sam; Roider, Elisabeth M.; Wang, Hequn; Suita, Yusuke; Murphy, Michael; Fisher, David E.; Evans, Conor L.

2017-12-01

Chemical sun filters are commonly used as active ingredients in sunscreens due to their efficient absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Yet, it is known that these compounds can photochemically react with UV light and generate reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in vitro, though this has yet to be validated in vivo. One label-free approach to probe oxidative stress is to measure and compare the relative endogenous fluorescence generated by cellular coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides and flavin adenine dinucleotides. However, chemical sun filters are fluorescent, with emissive properties that contaminate endogenous fluorescent signals. To accurately distinguish the source of fluorescence in ex vivo skin samples treated with chemical sun filters, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy data were processed on a pixel-by-pixel basis using a non-Euclidean separation algorithm based on Mahalanobis distance and validated on simulated data. Applying this method, ex vivo samples exhibited a small oxidative shift when exposed to sun filters alone, though this shift was much smaller than that imparted by UV irradiation. Given the need for investigative tools to further study the clinical impact of chemical sun filters in patients, the reported methodology may be applied to visualize chemical sun filters and measure oxidative stress in patients' skin.

Ambient temperature effects on broadband UV-B measurements using fluorescent phosphor (MgWO4)-based detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dichter, Bronislaw K.; Beaubien, David J.; Beaubien, Arthur F.

1994-01-01

Results of field tests on a group of broadband UV-B pyranometers are presented. A brief description of the instrument is given. The effects of ambient temperature on thermally unregulated fluorescent phosphor (Robertson type) meters are presented and compared with the performance of thermally stabilized instruments. Means for correcting data from thermally unregulated instruments, where the prevailing ambient temperatures are known, are outlined.

Assessment of the Content of Fluorescent Tracer in Granular Feed Mixture.

PubMed

Matuszek, Dominika B; Wojtkiewicz, Krystian

2018-05-03

Background: This paper describes the use of fluorescence induced by UV radiation to evaluate the share of tracer in feed mixture. Methods: For the purpose of this study, three substances were used. They are as follows: Tinopal, Rhodamine B, and Uranine. Tracer in the form of maize or kardi was added to chicken feed before the mixing process. Grains used in the process were grinded in the mill sieve with a mesh size of 4 and 6 mm. The drawn samples of the mixture were illuminated with UV radiation to make grain tracer light, and then the photo was taken with a digital camera. The acquired images were analyzed with the use of a computer program running on the RGB color model, which was the way to obtain essential information about the percentage share of tracer. Results: It was observed that, in the case of kardi grains, the proposed method gives results significantly deviating from the verification method. Conclusions: Only the tests with the use of maize having an average particle diameter of 2.4 mm and tinted with the solution of Rhodamine B led to acceptable results (consensual with the predetermined verification level).

UV fatigue investigations with non-destructive tools in silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Natoli, Jean-Yves; Beaudier, Alexandre; Wagner, Frank R.

2017-08-01

A fatigue effect is often observed under multiple laser irradiations, overall in UV. This decrease of LIDT, is a critical parameter for laser sources with high repetition rates and with a need of long-term life, as in spatial applications at 355nm. A challenge is also to replace excimer lasers by solid laser sources, this challenge requires to improve drastically the lifetime of optical materials at 266nm. Main applications of these sources are devoted to material surface nanostructuration, spectroscopy and medical surgeries. In this work we focus on the understanding of the laser matter interaction at 266nm in silica in order to predict the lifetime of components and study parameters links to these lifetimes to give keys of improvement for material suppliers. In order to study the mechanism involved in the case of multiple irradiations, an interesting approach is to involve the evolution of fluorescence, in order to observe the first stages of material changes just before breakdown. We will show that it is sometime possible to estimate the lifetime of component only with the fluorescence measurement, saving time and materials. Moreover, the data from the diagnostics give relevant informations to highlight "defects" induced by multiple laser irradiations.

Gold Nanoparticles as a Direct and Rapid Sensor for Sensitive Analytical Detection of Biogenic Amines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nour, K. M. A.; Salam, E. T. A.; Soliman, H. M.; Orabi, A. S.

2017-03-01

A new optical sensor was developed for rapid screening with high sensitivity for the existence of biogenic amines (BAs) in poultry meat samples. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with particle size 11-19 nm function as a fast and sensitive biosensor for detection of histamine resulting from bacterial decarboxylation of histidine as a spoilage marker for stored poultry meat. Upon reaction with histamine, the red color of the GNPs converted into deep blue. The appearance of blue color favorably coincides with the concentration of BAs that can induce symptoms of poisoning. This biosensor enables a semi-quantitative detection of analyte in real samples by eye-vision. Quality evaluation is carried out by measuring histamine and histidine using different analytical techniques such as UV-vis, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as TEM. A rapid quantitative readout of samples by UV-vis and fluorescence methods with standard instrumentation were proposed in a short time unlike chromatographic and electrophoretic methods. Sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) of 6.59 × 10-4 and 0.6 μM, respectively, are determined for histamine as a spoilage marker with a correlation coefficient ( R 2) of 0.993.

Characterization and Quantification of Intact 26S Proteasome Proteins by Real-Time Measurement of Intrinsic Fluorescence Prior to Top-down Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Russell, Jason D.; Scalf, Mark; Book, Adam J.; Ladror, Daniel T.; Vierstra, Richard D.; Smith, Lloyd M.; Coon, Joshua J.

2013-01-01

Quantification of gas-phase intact protein ions by mass spectrometry (MS) is impeded by highly-variable ionization, ion transmission, and ion detection efficiencies. Therefore, quantification of proteins using MS-associated techniques is almost exclusively done after proteolysis where peptides serve as proxies for estimating protein abundance. Advances in instrumentation, protein separations, and informatics have made large-scale sequencing of intact proteins using top-down proteomics accessible to the proteomics community; yet quantification of proteins using a top-down workflow has largely been unaddressed. Here we describe a label-free approach to determine the abundance of intact proteins separated by nanoflow liquid chromatography prior to MS analysis by using solution-phase measurements of ultraviolet light-induced intrinsic fluorescence (UV-IF). UV-IF is measured directly at the electrospray interface just prior to the capillary exit where proteins containing at least one tryptophan residue are readily detected. UV-IF quantification was demonstrated using commercially available protein standards and provided more accurate and precise protein quantification than MS ion current. We evaluated the parallel use of UV-IF and top-down tandem MS for quantification and identification of protein subunits and associated proteins from an affinity-purified 26S proteasome sample from Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified 26 unique proteins and quantified 13 tryptophan-containing species. Our analyses discovered previously unidentified N-terminal processing of the β6 (PBF1) and β7 (PBG1) subunit - such processing of PBG1 may generate a heretofore unknown additional protease active site upon cleavage. In addition, our approach permitted the unambiguous identification and quantification both isoforms of the proteasome-associated protein DSS1. PMID:23536786

Characterization and quantification of intact 26S proteasome proteins by real-time measurement of intrinsic fluorescence prior to top-down mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Russell, Jason D; Scalf, Mark; Book, Adam J; Ladror, Daniel T; Vierstra, Richard D; Smith, Lloyd M; Coon, Joshua J

2013-01-01

Quantification of gas-phase intact protein ions by mass spectrometry (MS) is impeded by highly-variable ionization, ion transmission, and ion detection efficiencies. Therefore, quantification of proteins using MS-associated techniques is almost exclusively done after proteolysis where peptides serve as proxies for estimating protein abundance. Advances in instrumentation, protein separations, and informatics have made large-scale sequencing of intact proteins using top-down proteomics accessible to the proteomics community; yet quantification of proteins using a top-down workflow has largely been unaddressed. Here we describe a label-free approach to determine the abundance of intact proteins separated by nanoflow liquid chromatography prior to MS analysis by using solution-phase measurements of ultraviolet light-induced intrinsic fluorescence (UV-IF). UV-IF is measured directly at the electrospray interface just prior to the capillary exit where proteins containing at least one tryptophan residue are readily detected. UV-IF quantification was demonstrated using commercially available protein standards and provided more accurate and precise protein quantification than MS ion current. We evaluated the parallel use of UV-IF and top-down tandem MS for quantification and identification of protein subunits and associated proteins from an affinity-purified 26S proteasome sample from Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified 26 unique proteins and quantified 13 tryptophan-containing species. Our analyses discovered previously unidentified N-terminal processing of the β6 (PBF1) and β7 (PBG1) subunit - such processing of PBG1 may generate a heretofore unknown additional protease active site upon cleavage. In addition, our approach permitted the unambiguous identification and quantification both isoforms of the proteasome-associated protein DSS1.

Monitoring exocytosis and release from individual mast cells by capillary electrophoresis and UV imaging microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yeung, E.S.; Lillard, S.J.; McCloskey, M.A.

1997-12-31

The complex temporal evolution of on-column exocytotic release of serotonin from individual peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) was monitored by using capillary electrophoresis and UV imaging microscopy. Laser-induced native fluorescence detection with 275-nm excitation was used, and a detection limit of 1.7 amol (S/N = 3; rms) was obtained for serotonin. A physiological running buffer was used to ensure that the cell remained viable throughout. The secretagogue was polymyxin B sulfate (Pmx). Following the injection of a single mast cell into the capillary, electromigration of Pmx toward and past the cell induced degranulation and release of serotonin. The time course ofmore » release was registered in the electropherograms with subsecond resolution. Subsequent introduction of SDS caused the cell to lyse completely and allowed the residual serotonin to be quantified. The average amount of serotonin observed per RPMC was 1.6 {+-} 0.6 fmol; the average percentage of serotonin released was 28 {+-} 14%. Events that are consistent with released serontonin from single submicron granules (250 aL each) were evident, each of which contained an average amount of 5.9 {+-} 3 amol. Alternatively, UV movies can be taken of the entire event to provide temporal and spatial information.« less

Preliminary investigation of intrinsic UV fluorescence spectroscopic changes associated with proteolytic digestion of bovine articular cartilage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, William; Padilla-Martinez, Juan-Pablo; Ortega-Martinez, Antonio; Franco, Walfre

2016-03-01

Degradation and destruction of articular cartilage is the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA), an entity second only to cardiovascular disease as a cause of disability in the United States. Joint mechanics and cartilage biochemistry are believed to play a role in OA; an optical tool to detect structural and chemical changes in articular cartilage might offer benefit for its early detection and treatment. The objective of the present study was to identify the spectral changes in intrinsic ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence of cartilage that occur after proteolytic digestion of cartilage. Bovine articular cartilage samples were incubated in varying concentrations of collagenase ranging from 10ug/mL up to 5mg/mL for 18 hours at 37°C, a model of OA. Pre- and post-incubation measurements were taken of the UV excitation-emission spectrum of each cartilage sample. Mechanical tests were performed to determine the pre- and post-digestion force/displacement ratio associated with indentation of each sample. Spectral changes in intrinsic cartilage fluorescence and stiffness of the cartilage were associated with proteolytic digestion. In particular, changes in the relative intensity of fluorescence peaks associated with pentosidine crosslinks (330 nm excitation, 390 nm emission) and tryptophan (290 nm excitation, 340 nm emission) were found to correlate with different degrees of cartilage digestion and cartilage stiffness. In principle, it may be possible to use UV fluorescence spectral data for early detection of damage to articular cartilage, and as a surrogate measure for cartilage stiffness.

Fluorescence spectroscopy for non-invasive measurement of mechanical stiffness after photo-crosslinking of rabbit cornea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Maura; Lewis, William; Ortega-Martinez, Antonio; Franco, Walfre

2017-02-01

Background and Objectives: Keratoconus is a disease characterized by progressive steepening and thinning of the cornea, altering visual acuity and sometimes potentiating the need for corneal transplant if the disease progresses.1-3 Corneal crosslinking, a procedure that uses topical riboflavin and UV light to increase the stiffness of the cornea through the creation of collagen crosslinks was recently approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether endogenous collagen fluorescence changes following treatment can be correlated to alterations in the stiffness of the cornea, thereby guiding treatment parameters. Study Design and Results: 78 ex-vivo rabbit eyes divided into three groups: riboflavin solution plus UV irradiation, dextran solution plus UV irradiation, and riboflavin solution only. An additional group of eyes received no treatment. The epithelium was removed from each sample and topical riboflavin was applied. Eyes were irradiated with a 365 nm black ray UV lamp for various treatment times, ranging from half the clinical treatment time to three times the length. Mechanical testing was performed to determine the force/displacement relationship for the various treatment times. Fluorescence spectral changes following treatment corresponded with changes in stiffness. In particular, a decrease in the value of fluorescence intensity at 290/340 nm excitation/emission wavelengths corresponded to an increase in corneal stiffness following treatment. It may be possible to use fluorescence spectral changes of endogenous corneal crosslinks to evaluate mechanical stiffness changes non-invasively.

Evolution of molecular weight and fluorescence of effluent organic matter (EfOM) during oxidation processes revealed by advanced spectrographic and chromatographic tools.

PubMed

Chen, Zhiqiang; Li, Mo; Wen, Qinxue; Ren, Nanqi

2017-11-01

Effluent organic matter (EfOM) is an emerging concern to receiving aquatic environment due to its refractory property. The degradation of EfOM in ozonation and other two advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/persulfate (PS), was investigated in this study. Fluorescence spectra coupled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and two-dimensional correlation gel permeation chromatography (2D-GPC) were used to track the evolution of EfOM during each oxidation process. Results showed that the degradation of EfOM indicated by dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV 254 and fluorescence components, fitted well with pseudo-first-order kinetic model during the oxidation processes. Ozonation showed higher degradation efficiency than AOPs, while UV/PS was more effective than UV/H 2 O 2 with equimolar oxidants dosage. Ozone and SO· 4 - were more reactive with terrestrial humic-like substances, while hydroxyl radical preferentially reacted with protein-like substances. Organic molecules with higher molecular weight (MW) were susceptible to ozone or radicals. Ozonation could transform higher MW (MW of 3510 and 575) organic matters into lower MW organic matters (MW of 294), while reductions of all the organics were observed in both AOPs. Due to the higher reaction rates between ozone and EfOM, ozonation maybe serve as a pre-treatment for AOPs to reduce the radical and energy consumption and improve mineralization of EfOM by AOPs. The decline in DOC, UV 254 , fluorescence and reduction in oxidants increased with the increase of oxidants dosage, and linear correlations among them were found during the ozonation and AOPs. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Development of a rapid method for the automatic classification of biological agents' fluorescence spectral signatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carestia, Mariachiara; Pizzoferrato, Roberto; Gelfusa, Michela; Cenciarelli, Orlando; Ludovici, Gian Marco; Gabriele, Jessica; Malizia, Andrea; Murari, Andrea; Vega, Jesus; Gaudio, Pasquale

2015-11-01

Biosecurity and biosafety are key concerns of modern society. Although nanomaterials are improving the capacities of point detectors, standoff detection still appears to be an open issue. Laser-induced fluorescence of biological agents (BAs) has proved to be one of the most promising optical techniques to achieve early standoff detection, but its strengths and weaknesses are still to be fully investigated. In particular, different BAs tend to have similar fluorescence spectra due to the ubiquity of biological endogenous fluorophores producing a signal in the UV range, making data analysis extremely challenging. The Universal Multi Event Locator (UMEL), a general method based on support vector regression, is commonly used to identify characteristic structures in arrays of data. In the first part of this work, we investigate fluorescence emission spectra of different simulants of BAs and apply UMEL for their automatic classification. In the second part of this work, we elaborate a strategy for the application of UMEL to the discrimination of different BAs' simulants spectra. Through this strategy, it has been possible to discriminate between these BAs' simulants despite the high similarity of their fluorescence spectra. These preliminary results support the use of SVR methods to classify BAs' spectral signatures.

Fluorescence quenching as an indirect detection method for nitrated explosives.

PubMed

Goodpaster, J V; McGuffin, V L

2001-05-01

A novel approach based on fluorescence quenching is presented for the analysis of nitrated explosives. Seventeen common explosives and their degradation products are shown to be potent quenchers of pyrene, having Stern-Volmer constants that generally increase with the degree of nitration. Aromatic explosives such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (2,4,6-TNT) are more effective quenchers than aliphatic or nitramine explosives. In addition, nitroaromatic explosives are found to have unique interactions with pyrene that lead to a wavelength dependence of their Stern-Volmer constants. This phenomenon allows for their differentiation from other nitrated explosives. The fluorescence quenching method is then applied to the determination of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazine(HMX), 2,4,6-TNT, nitromethane, and ammonium nitrate in various commercial explosive samples. The samples are separated by capillary liquid chromatography with post-column addition of the pyrene solution and detection by laser-induced fluorescence. The indirect fluorescence quenching method shows increased sensitivity and selectivity over traditional UV-visible absorbance as well as the ability to detect a wider range of organic and inorganic nitrated compounds.

Calibration of a tunable excimer laser using the optogalvanic effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbitt, John D.

1991-01-01

A device for the calibration of a tunable excimer laser is currently under development. The laser provides UV radiation at three principal wavelengths, 193, 248, and 308 nm and is tunable over a range of 1 nm at each of these wavelengths. The laser is used as a non-intrusive optical probe to excite electronic transitions, and thereby induce fluorescence, of the principle molecules or atoms of interest in supersonic flowfields, both reacting and nonreacting. The fluorescence resulting from the excitation is observed with an intensified camera. Over the range of tunability at the three wavelengths are a number of transitions that can be observed. The intensity of the fluorescence depends in part on the local temperature and density. The nature of this thermodynamic dependence is variable among transitions; thus, identification of the transition under observation is required. The specific transition excited corresponds directly to the wavelength of the radiation. The present technique used for transition identification consists of scanning the laser across the range of tunability and observing the fluorescence resulting from various molecular transitions.

Characterization of flavonoid-protein interactions using fluorescence spectroscopy: Binding of pelargonidin to dairy proteins.

PubMed

Arroyo-Maya, Izlia J; Campos-Terán, José; Hernández-Arana, Andrés; McClements, David Julian

2016-12-15

In this study, the interaction between the flavonoid pelargonidin and dairy proteins: β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), whey protein (WPI), and caseinate (CAS) was investigated. Fluorescence experiments demonstrated that pelargonidin quenched milk proteins fluorescence strongly. However, the protein secondary structure was not significantly affected by pelargonidin, as judged from far-UV circular dichroism. Analysis of fluorescence data indicated that pelargonidin-induced quenching does not arise from a dynamical mechanism, but instead is due to protein-ligand binding. Therefore, quenching data were analyzed using the model of independent binding sites. Both β-LG and CAS, but not WPI, showed hyperbolic binding isotherms indicating that these proteins firmly bound pelargonidin at both pH 7.0 and 3.0 (binding constants ca. 1.0×10(5) at 25.0°C). To investigate the underlying thermodynamics, binding constants were determined at 25.0, 35.0, and 45.0°C. These results pointed to binding processes that depend on the structural conformation of the milk proteins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early Stages of Oxidative Stress-Induced Membrane Permeabilization: A Neutron Reflectometry Study

PubMed Central

Smith, Hillary L.; Howland, Michael C.; Szmodis, Alan W.; Li, Qijuan; Daemen, Luke L.; Parikh, Atul N.; Majewski, Jaroslaw

2009-01-01

Neutron reflectometry was used to probe in situ the structure of supported lipid bilayers at the solid–liquid interface during the early stages of UV-induced oxidative degradation. Single-component supported lipid bilayers composed of gel phase, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), and fluid phase, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), phospholipids were exposed to low-dose oxidative stress generated by UV light and their structures were examined by neutron reflectometry. An interrupted illumination mode, involving exposures in 15 min increments with 2 h intervals between subsequent exposures, and a continuous mode involving a single 60 (or 90) min exposure period were employed. In both cases, pronounced differences in the structure of the lipid bilayer after exposure were observed. Interrupted exposure led to a substantial decrease in membrane coverage but preserved its total thickness at reduced scattering length densities. These results indicate that the initial phase during UV-induced membrane degradation involves the formation of hydrophilic channels within the membrane. This is consistent with the loss of some lipid molecules we observe and attendant reorganization of residual lipids forming hemimicellar edges of the hydrophilic channels. In contrast, continuous illumination produced a graded interface of continuously varied scattering length density (and hence hydrocarbon density) extending 100–150 Å into the liquid phase. Exposure of a DPPC bilayer to UV light in the presence of a reservoir of unfused vesicles showed low net membrane disintegration during oxidative stress, presumably because of surface back-filling from the bulk reservoir. Chemical evidence for membrane degradation was obtained by mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further evidence for the formation of hydrophilic channels was furnished by fluorescence microscopy and imaging ellipsometry data. PMID:19275260

Can dual chlorophyll fluorescence excitation be used to assess the variation in the content of UV-absorbing phenolic compounds in leaves of temperate tree species along a light gradient?

PubMed

Barthod, Sandrine; Cerovic, Zoran; Epron, Daniel

2007-01-01

The present study assesses light-induced variations in phenolic compounds in leaves of saplings of two co-occurring temperate species (Acer platanoides L., and Fraxinus excelsior L.) along a light gradient using a new non-invasive optical method (Dualex). The Dualex-derived UV absorbance of leaf epidermis (the sum of the adaxial and abaxial faces, AUV) increased significantly with increasing light in both species. AUV values were correlated with absorbance of the leaf extract at 305 nm and 375 nm (A305 and A375) in both species with similar slopes for both species. However, a large difference in intercept was observed between the two species when A305 was regressed against AUV. Similarly, AUV values were well correlated with the amount of phenolics in the leaf extracts assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, but slopes were significantly different for the two species. Thus, the UV-A epidermal transmittance, despite being a reliable indicator of the UV-screening capacity of the leaf epidermis, cannot be used for any quantitative estimate of UV-B screening capacity or of energetic requirement for leaf construction without a species-specific calibration.

Sperm nuclear expansion and meiotic maturation in normal and gynogenetic eggs of the scallop, Chlamys farreri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Ying; Li, Qi; Yu, Ruihai; Wang, Rucai

2008-02-01

Sperm nuclear expansion, meiosis and the association of the male and female pronuclei leading to the four-cell stage in normal Chlamys farreri eggs were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the fertilizing sperm were also examined. Both normal and UV-irradiated sperm nuclei enlarged at three distinct phases (phase A, metaphase I; phase B, polar body formation; and phase C, female pronuclear development and expansion) that were temporally correlated with meiotic process of the maternal chromosomes. Sperm nuclei underwent a rapid, initial enlargement during phase A, but condensed slightly during phase B, then re-enlarged during phase C. The effects of UV irradiation were not apparent during transformation of the sperm nucleus into a male pronucleus, and there was not any apparent effect on meiotic maturation and development of the female pronucleus. However, the rate of expansion of the UV-irradiated sperm nuclei and the size of male pronuclei were reduced apparently. Unlike the female pronucleus, the male pronucleus derived from sperm genome inactivated by UV irradiation did not form chromosomes, but became a dense chromatin body (DCB). At mitotic anaphase, DCB did not participate in the karyokinesis of the first cleavage as evidenced by chromosomal nondisjunction, demonstrating the effectiveness of using UV irradiation to induce gynogenetic scallop embryos.

Mutations of Profilin-1 Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Promote Aggregation Due to Structural Changes of Its Native State.

PubMed

Del Poggetto, Edoardo; Bemporad, Francesco; Tatini, Francesca; Chiti, Fabrizio

2015-11-20

The PFN1 gene, coding for profilin-1, has recently been associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), as three mutations, namely C71G, M114T, and G118V, have been found in patients with familial forms of the disease and another, E117G, has been proposed to be a moderate risk factor for disease onset. In this work, we have purified the four profilin-1 variants along with the wild-type protein. The resulting aggregates appear to be fibrillar, to have a weak binding to ThT, and to possess a significant amount of intermolecular β-sheet structure. Using ThT fluorescence assays, far-UV circular dichroism, and dynamic light scattering, we found that all four variants have an aggregation propensity higher than that of the wild-type counterpart. In particular, the C71G mutation was found to induce the most dramatic change in aggregation, followed by the G118V and M114T substitutions and then the E117G mutation. Such a propensity was found not to strictly correlate with the conformational stability in this group of profilin-1 variants, determined using both urea-induced denaturation at equilibrium and folding/unfolding kinetics. However, it correlated with structural changes of the folded states, as monitored with far-UV circular dichroism, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, ANS binding, acrylamide quenching, and dynamic light scattering. Overall, the results suggest that all four mutations increase the tendency of profilin-1 to aggregate and that such aggregation behavior is largely determined by the mutation-induced structural changes occurring in the folded state of the protein.

The fluorescence properties of aerosol larger than 0.8 μm in an urban and a PBA-dominated location

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabey, A. M.; Stanley, W. R.; Gallagher, M. W.; Kaye, P. H.

2011-01-01

Dual-wavelength Ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) measurements were performed on ambient environmental aerosol in Manchester, UK (urban city centre, winter) and Borneo, Malaysia (remote, tropical), which are taken to represent environments with negligible and significant primary biological aerosol (PBA) influences, respectively. Single-particle fluorescence intensity and optical equivalent diameter were measured with a Wide Issue Bioaerosol Sensor, version 3 (WIBS3) in the diameter range 0.8 μm≤DP≤20 μm for 2-3 weeks and filters were analysed using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, which revealed mostly non-PBA dominated particle sizes larger than 1 μm in Manchester. The WIBS3 features three fluorescence channels: Fluorescence excited at 280 nm is recorded at 310-400 nm and 400-600 nm and fluorescence excited at 370 nm is detected at 400-600 nm. In Manchester the primary size mode of fluorescent and non-fluorescent material was at 1.2 μm. In Borneo non-fluorescent material peaked at 1.2 μm and fluorescent at 3-4 μm. The fluorescence intensity at 400-600 nm generally increased with DP at both sites, as did the 310-400 nm intensity in Borneo. In Manchester the 310-400 m fluorescence decreased at DP>4 μm, suggesting this channel offers additional discrimination between fluorescent particle types. Finally, the ratio of fluorescence intensity in two pairs of channels was investigated as a function of particle diameter and this varied significantly between the two environments, demonstrating that the fluorescent aerosol in each can in principle be distinguished using a combination of fluorescence and elastic scattering measurements.

UV-B radiation and photosynthetic irradiance acclimate eggplant for outdoor exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latimer, J. G.; Mitchell, C. A.; Mitchell, G. A.

1987-01-01

Treatment of greenhouse-grown eggplant (Solanum melongena L. var. esculentum Nees. 'Burpee's Black Beauty') seedlings with supplemental photosynthetically active radiation from cool-white fluorescent lamps increased growth of plants subsequently transferred outdoors relative to growth of plants that received no supplemental radiation or were shaded to 45% of solar irradiation in the greenhouse before transfer outdoors. Eggplant seedlings transferred outdoors were placed under plastic tarps either to provide relative protection from solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (280-315 nm) using Mylar film or to allow exposure to UV-B using cellulose acetate. Protection of seedlings from UV-B radiation resulted in greater leaf expansion than for UV-B-exposed seedlings, but no change in leaf or shoot dry weight occurred after 9 days of treatment. Specific leaf weight increased in response to UV-B exposure outdoors. Exposure of eggplant to UV-B radiation from fluorescent sunlamps in the greenhouse also decreased leaf expansion and leaf and shoot dry weight gain after 5 days of treatment. However, there were no differences in leaf or shoot dry weight relative to control plants after 12 days of UV-B treatment, indicating that UV-B treated plants had acclimated to the treatment and actually had caught up with non-UV-B-irradiated plants in terms of growth.

UV-B radiation and photosynthetic irradiance acclimate eggplant for outdoor exposure.

PubMed

Latimer, J G; Mitchell, C A; Mitchell, G A

1987-06-01

Treatment of greenhouse-grown eggplant (Solanum melongena L. var. esculentum Nees. 'Burpee's Black Beauty') seedlings with supplemental photosynthetically active radiation from cool-white fluorescent lamps increased growth of plants subsequently transferred outdoors relative to growth of plants that received no supplemental radiation or were shaded to 45% of solar irradiation in the greenhouse before transfer outdoors. Eggplant seedlings transferred outdoors were placed under plastic tarps either to provide relative protection from solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (280-315 nm) using Mylar film or to allow exposure to UV-B using cellulose acetate. Protection of seedlings from UV-B radiation resulted in greater leaf expansion than for UV-B-exposed seedlings, but no change in leaf or shoot dry weight occurred after 9 days of treatment. Specific leaf weight increased in response to UV-B exposure outdoors. Exposure of eggplant to UV-B radiation from fluorescent sunlamps in the greenhouse also decreased leaf expansion and leaf and shoot dry weight gain after 5 days of treatment. However, there were no differences in leaf or shoot dry weight relative to control plants after 12 days of UV-B treatment, indicating that UV-B treated plants had acclimated to the treatment and actually had caught up with non-UV-B-irradiated plants in terms of growth.

Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Sr4 Al14 O25 : Eu2+ , Dy3+ Persistent Phosphors by Codoping with Bi3+ Ions.

PubMed

García, Carlos R; Oliva, Jorge; Romero, Maria Teresa; Diaz-Torres, Luis A

2016-03-01

The photocatalytic activity of Bismuth-codoped Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ persistent phosphors is studied by monitoring the degradation of the blue methylene dye UV light irradiation. Powder phosphors are obtained by a combustion synthesis method and a postannealing process in reductive atmosphere. The XRD patterns show a single orthorhombic phase Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ , Bi 3+ phosphors even at high Bismuth dopant concentrations of 12 mol%, suggesting that Bi ions are well incorporated into the host lattice. SEM micrographs show irregular micrograins with sizes in the range of 0.5-20 μm. The samples present an intense greenish-blue fluorescence and persistent emissions at 495 nm, attributed to the 5d-4f allowed transitions of Eu 2+ . The fluorescence decreases as Bi concentration increases; that suggest bismuth-induced traps formation that in turn quench the luminescence. The photocatalytic evaluation of the powders was studied under both 365 nm UV and solar irradiations. Sample with 12 mol% of Bi presented the best MB degradation activity; 310 min of solar irradiation allow 100% MB degradation, whereas only 62.49% MB degradation is achieved under UV irradiation. Our results suggest that codoping the persistent phosphors with Bi 3+ can be an alternative to enhance their photocatalytic activity. © 2016 The American Society of Photobiology.

Disposal of Energy by UV-B Sunscreens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordlund, Thomas; Krishnan, Rajagopal

2008-03-01

Ideal sunscreens absorb dangerous UV light and dispose of the energy safely. ``Safe disposal'' usually means conversion to heat. However, efficient absorption entails a high radiative rate, which implies high energy-transfer and other rates, unless some process intervenes to ``defuse'' the excited state. We studied the excited-state kinetics of three UV-B (290-320 nm) sunscreens by absorption, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence. Excited-state rate analysis suggests that some sunscreens have low radiative-rate ``dark'' states, in addition to normal excited states.* We deduce dark states when sunscreens of high extinction coefficient do not show lifetimes and total emission consistent with such high radiative rates. A high radiative rate, accompanied by efficient fluorescence emission and/or transfer, may be unfavorable for a sunscreen. In spite of its dark excited state, padimate O shows significant re-emission of light in the UV-A (320-400 nm) and energy transfer to a natural component of excised skin, probably collagen. * Krishnan, R. and T.M. Nordlund (2007) J. Fluoresc. DOI 10.1007/s10895-007-0264-3.

A Green Fluorescent Protein with Photoswitchable Emission from the Deep Sea

PubMed Central

Vogt, Alexander; D'Angelo, Cecilia; Oswald, Franz; Denzel, Andrea; Mazel, Charles H.; Matz, Mikhail V.; Ivanchenko, Sergey; Nienhaus, G. Ulrich; Wiedenmann, Jörg

2008-01-01

A colorful variety of fluorescent proteins (FPs) from marine invertebrates are utilized as genetically encoded markers for live cell imaging. The increased demand for advanced imaging techniques drives a continuous search for FPs with new and improved properties. Many useful FPs have been isolated from species adapted to sun-flooded habitats such as tropical coral reefs. It has yet remained unknown if species expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-like proteins also exist in the darkness of the deep sea. Using a submarine-based and -operated fluorescence detection system in the Gulf of Mexico, we discovered ceriantharians emitting bright green fluorescence in depths between 500 and 600 m and identified a GFP, named cerFP505, with bright fluorescence emission peaking at 505 nm. Spectroscopic studies showed that ∼15% of the protein bulk feature reversible ON/OFF photoswitching that can be induced by alternating irradiation with blue und near-UV light. Despite being derived from an animal adapted to essentially complete darkness and low temperatures, cerFP505 maturation in living mammalian cells at 37°C, its brightness and photostability are comparable to those of EGFP and cmFP512 from shallow water species. Therefore, our findings disclose the deep sea as a potential source of GFP-like molecular marker proteins. PMID:19018285

Fluorescence-Assisted Gamma Spectrometry for Surface Contamination Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ihantola, Sakari; Sand, Johan; Perajarvi, Kari; Toivonen, Juha; Toivonen, Harri

2013-02-01

A fluorescence-based alpha-gamma coincidence spectrometry approach has been developed for the analysis of alpha-emitting radionuclides. The thermalization of alpha particles in air produces UV light, which in turn can be detected over long distances. The simultaneous detection of UV and gamma photons allows detailed gamma analyses of a single spot of interest even in highly active surroundings. Alpha particles can also be detected indirectly from samples inside sealed plastic bags, which minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. The position-sensitive alpha-UV-gamma coincidence technique reveals the presence of alpha emitters and identifies the nuclides ten times faster than conventional gamma spectrometry.

Robust and economical multi-sample, multi-wavelength UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detector for biological and chemical contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Peter J.; Hoehl, Melanie M.; Macarthur, James B.; Sims, Peter A.; Ma, Hongshen; Slocum, Alexander H.

2012-09-01

We present a portable multi-channel, multi-sample UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detection device, which has no moving parts, can operate wirelessly and on batteries, interfaces with smart mobile phones or tablets, and has the sensitivity of commercial instruments costing an order of magnitude more. We use UV absorption to measure the concentration of ethylene glycol in water solutions at all levels above those deemed unsafe by the United States Food and Drug Administration; in addition we use fluorescence to measure the concentration of d-glucose. Both wavelengths can be used concurrently to increase measurement robustness and increase detection sensitivity. Our small robust economical device can be deployed in the absence of laboratory infrastructure, and therefore may find applications immediately following natural disasters, and in more general deployment for much broader-based testing of food, agricultural and household products to prevent outbreaks of poisoning and disease.

Numerical Study on the Particle Trajectory Tracking in a Micro-UV Bio-Fluorescence Sensor.

PubMed

Byeon, Sun-Seok; Cho, Moon-Young; Lee, Jong-Chul; Kim, Youn-Jea

2015-03-01

A micro-UV bio-fluorescence sensor was developed to detect primary biological aerosols including bacteria, bacterial spores, fungal spores, pollens, viruses, algae, etc. In order to effectively detect the bio-particles in a micro-UV bio-fluorescence sensor, numerical calculations were performed to adjust for appropriate flow conditions of the sensor by regulating the sample aerosols and sheath flow. In particular, a CFD-based model of hydrodynamic processes was developed by computing the trajectory of particles using commercially available ANSYS CFX-14 software and the Lagrangian tracking model. The established model was evaluated with regard to the variation of sheath flow rate and particle size. Results showed that the sheath flow was changed rapidly at the end of nozzle tip, but the sample particles moved near the center of aerosol jet for aerodynamic focusing with little deviation from the axis.

Effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on ROS production and growth inhibition using freshwater green algae pre-exposed to UV irradiation.

PubMed

Fu, Ling; Hamzeh, Mahsa; Dodard, Sabine; Zhao, Yuan H; Sunahara, Geoffrey I

2015-05-01

This study investigated the possibility that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) toxicity in Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, using the dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) assay. Algae were exposed to nano-TiO2 under laboratory fluorescent lamps supplemented with UV irradiation for 3h, with or without a UV filter. Results showed that nano-TiO2 increased ROS production in UV-exposed cells, with or without a UV filter (LOEC values were 250 and 10mg/L, respectively). Sublethal effects of nano-TiO2 on UV pre-exposed algae were also examined. Toxicity studies indicated that exposure to nano-TiO2 agglomerates decreased algal growth following 3h pre-exposure to UV, with or without a UV filter (EC50s were 8.7 and 6.3mg/L, respectively). The present study suggests that the growth inhibitory effects of nano-TiO2 in algae occurred at concentrations lower than those that can elevate DCF fluorescence, and that ROS generation is not directly involved with the sublethal effects of nano-TiO2 in algae. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectral studies on the interaction between lanthanum ion and the ligand: N,N'-ethylenebis-[2-(o-hydroxyphenolic)glycine].

PubMed

Yaqin, Zhao; Binsheng, Yang

2005-11-01

The interaction between N,N'-ethylenebis-[2-(o-hydroxyphenolic)glycine] (EHPG) and lanthanum was studied by the difference UV spectra and fluorescence spectra. At pH 7.4, 0.01 M N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid (Hepes), with the addition of 1.0 x 10(-3)M lanthanum, two new peaks were observed at 238 nm and 294 nm by absorptivity spectroscopy compared with blank solution EHPG suggesting the interaction of lanthanum and EHPG. At the same time, the reaction could be measured by fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence intensity of EHPG at 310 nm was significantly decreased in the presence of lanthanum. The 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of EHPG to lanthanum was confirmed by both fluorescence and UV titration curves. In addition, the molar absorptivity of La-EHPG at 238 nm is (1.23+/-0.01)x10(4)cm(-1)M(-1). The conditional binding constant was calculated to be log K(La-EHPG)=12.09+/-0.37 on the basis of the result of UV titration curves.

Synthesis, characterization, and spectroscopic investigation of benzoxazole conjugated Schiff bases.

PubMed

Santos, Fabiano S; Costa, Tania M H; Stefani, Valter; Gonçalves, Paulo F B; Descalzo, Rodrigo R; Benvenutti, Edilson V; Rodembusch, Fabiano S

2011-11-24

Two Schiff bases were synthesized by reaction of 2-(4'-aminophenyl)benzoxazole derivatives with 4-N,N-diethylaminobenzaldehyde. UV-visible (UV-vis) and steady-state fluorescence in solution were applied in order to characterize its photophysical behavior. The Schiff bases present absorption in the UV region with fluorescence emission in the blue-green region, with a large Stokes' shift. The UV-vis data indicates that each dye behaves as two different chromophores in solution in the ground state. The fluorescence emission spectra of the dye 5a show that an intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism takes place in the excited state, whereas a twisted internal charge transfer (TICT) state is observed for the dye 5b. Theoretical calculations were performed in order to study the conformation and polarity of the molecules at their ground and excited electronic states. Using density functional theory (DFT) methods at theoretical levels BLYP/Aug-SV(P) for geometry optimizations and B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,p) for single-point energy evaluations, the calculations indicate that the lowest energy conformations are in all cases nonplanar and that the dipole moments of the excited state relaxed structures are much larger than those of the ground state structures, which corroborates the experimental UV-vis absorption results.

Mechanistic and conformational studies on the interaction of food dye amaranth with human serum albumin by multispectroscopic methods.

PubMed

Zhang, Guowen; Ma, Yadi

2013-01-15

The mechanism of interaction between food dye amaranth and human serum albumin (HSA) in physiological buffer (pH 7.4) was investigated by fluorescence, UV-vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results obtained from analysis of fluorescence spectra indicated that amaranth had a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching procedure. The negative value of enthalpy change and positive value of entropy change elucidated that the binding of amaranth to HSA was driven mainly by hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The surface hydrophobicity of HSA increased after binding with amaranth. The binding distance between HSA and amaranth was estimated to be 3.03 nm and subdomain IIA (Sudlow site I) was the primary binding site for amaranth on HSA. The results of CD and FT-IR spectra showed that binding of amaranth to HSA induced conformational changes of HSA. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of cell toxicity and DNA and protein binding of green synthesized silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ribeiro, A P C; Anbu, S; Alegria, E C B A; Fernandes, A R; Baptista, P V; Mendes, R; Matias, A S; Mendes, M; Guedes da Silva, M F C; Pombeiro, A J L

2018-05-01

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by GREEN chemistry relying on the reduction of AgNO 3 by phytochemicals present in black tea extract. AgNPs were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy ((UV-vis)), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive absorption spectroscopy (EDS). The synthesized AgNPs induced a decrease of the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with a low IC 50 (0.5 ± 0.1 μM) for an ovarian carcinoma cell line (A2780) compared to primary human fibroblasts (IC 50 5.0 ± 0.1 μM). The DNA binding capability of CT (calf thymus) DNA was investigated using electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, circular dichroism and viscosity titration methods. Additionally, the AgNPs strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA, as determined by synchronous fluorescence spectra. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Spectral study on conformation switchable cationic calix[4]carbazole serving as curcumin container, stabilizer and sustained-delivery carrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Liang; Kang, Le; Chen, Yan; Li, Gang; Wang, Lan; Hu, Chun; Yang, Peng

2018-03-01

A fluorescent 2,7-dimethoxy-substituted calix[4]carbazole (1) is facilely synthesized. The spectral behaviors of both the guest-induced switchable conformation of 1 and its abilities serving as the stabilizer and molecular carrier of curcumin are investigated. UV-vis, fluorescence and NMR spectral results show that upon binding to curcumin, the 1,3-alternate conformation of 1 is converted to be the cone one. The relative high association constant (6.4 × 106 M- 1) of 1 binding to curcumin enables it to stabilize the curcumin, to suppress its degradation, and to sustainably deliver it into the EYPC vesicles within 20 h. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay shows that 1 does not interfere the antiproliferative activities of curcumin. All these properties endow 1 the potential capability of serving as the molecular drug carrier. Our current result may pave the way looking for more efficient fluorescent calixcarbazoles and thereof spectral utilities.

The Chemistry and Perception of Fluorescent White Textile Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Changhai

Cationic bleach activators (CBA) are precursors to perhydroxyl compounds that, when activated, have higher oxidation potential and potentially improved bleaching performance compared to common oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. CBAs were first reported in 1997 by Proctor & Gamble Co., and have been further developed at North Carolina State University. To date, an effective low temperature bleaching system has not been developed that offers sufficient economic improvement over existing bleaching systems. The primary purpose of this research was to develop new methods and understand key variables required for achieving enhanced whiteness of textile materials using bleach activators with or without the presence of fluorescence. A new optimized low temperature bleaching system using novel lactam-based bleach activators was developed and the effect of UV content of light sources on the whiteness of fluorescent white textile materials was evaluated. A novel class of bleach activators was synthesized by introducing benzoylcaprolactam group into a stilbene system shown as follows:* While solubility, purification and hydrolytic stability of the compounds were problematic, a new approach to low pH (pH 7-9) and low temperature (50-70°C) bleaching was found using a butyrolactam-based cationic bleach activator, N-[4-(triethylammonio methyl)benzoyl]-butyrolactam chloride (TBBC), using a central composite design (CCD) of experiment. The CCD bleaching experiments showed that cationic bleach activators are less effective with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in high alkaline solutions. Also a 2FI model predicted the optimized bleaching performance on 100% cotton at near neutral pH and temperatures around 50°C, in which the dosage of TBBC is the most important factor affecting the bleaching performance. This prediction was validated experimentally during bleaching of bamboo and cotton fibers. In addition, this study confirmed the hypothesis that cationic bleach activators have inherent substantivity to cellulosic fibers and that the substantivity enhances bleach effectiveness. This cationic activated bleach system was effective for cotton bleaching and the bleaching performance is superior to that of conventional peroxide bleaching. TBBC was also applied to bamboo cellulosic fibers, which exhibit excessive strength loss during conventional hot bleaching. Under optimized conditions of 5 g/L TBBC, 50°C, 30 min and pH 7.0, TBBC-based bleaching of bamboo fibers produced CIE Whiteness Index (CIE WI) values of 58.20 compared to untreated bamboo which had CIE WI values of 10.77. Hence, the TBBC bleach activator method is effective at bleaching bamboo fibers. Besides chemical bleaching, the fluorescent whitening was another approach to increase the whiteness of materials. Since the whiteness of fluorescent white materials is produced by absorbing UV light and emitting visible blue light, the UV content of light sources has a significant effect on the perception of whiteness. This research addresses the common light sources used in color matching booths. The pilot data is collected by measuring spectral radiance and spectral irradiance, which is used for analysis of the UV effect on the whiteness of fluorescent white materials. The whitening performance of a fluorescent brightening agent (FBA) is dependent on the energy and intensity of the incident UV light. No data have been reported in the open literature that shows the UV emission of standard lamps used in viewing booths. Indeed, standards pertaining to lighting do not require or recommend the standardization of the UV content in any lamps. Hence, the spectroradiometric quantification of UV emission of a series of standard viewing booths is a requirement for establishment of a methodology to determine the effect of radiometric variability in standard sources on visual perception of fluorescent white materials. The radiance measurement data collected from measuring the radiance of light sources (including daylight simulation, incandescent, horizon daylight, cool white fluorescence, and Ultralume 30) in a SpectraLight III color viewing booth and the irradiance of these light sources over a PTFE diffuse reflectance standard, AATCC textile UV calibration standard and some fluorescent whitened fabric samples showed the inadequacy of UV content of these light sources in the SpectraLight III. *Please refer to dissertation for diagram.

Hg speciation by differential photochemical vapor generation at UV-B and UV-C wavelengths

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Mercury speciation was accomplished by differential photochemical reduction at two UV wavelengths; the resulting Hg(O) vapor was quantified by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. After microwave digestion and centrifugation, analyte solutions were mixed with 20% (v/v) formic acid in a reactor coil, an...

Direct fluorescent labeling for efficient biological assessment of inhalable particles.

PubMed

Poudel, Bijay Kumar; Park, Jae Hong; Lim, Jiseok; Byeon, Jeong Hoon

2017-10-01

Labeling of aerosol particles with a radioactive, magnetic, or optical tracer has been employed to confirm particle localization in cell compartments, which has provided useful evidence for correlating toxic effects of inhaled particles. However, labeling requires several physicochemical steps to identify functionalities of the inner or outer surfaces of particles, and moreover, these steps can cause changes in size, surface charge, and bioactivity of the particles, resulting in misinterpretations regarding their toxic effects. This study addresses this challenging issue with a goal of introducing an efficient strategy for constantly supplying labeled aerosol particles in a single-pass configuration without any pre- or post-physicochemical batch treatments of aerosol particles. Carbon black (CB, simulating combustion-generated soot) or calcium carbonate (CC, simulating brake-wear fragments) particles were constantly produced via spark ablation or bubble bursting, respectively. These minute particles were incorporated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-poly(ethylene glycol) 2-aminoethyl ether acetic acid solution at the orifice of a collison atomizer to fabricate hybrid droplets. The droplets successively entered a diffusion dryer containing 254-nm UV irradiation; therefore, the droplets were dynamically stiffened by UV to form fluorescent probes on particles during solvent extraction in the dryer. Particle size distributions, morphologies, and surface charges before and after labeling were measured to confirm fluorescence labeling without significant changes in the properties. In vitro assays, including confocal imaging, were conducted to confirm the feasibility of the labeling approach without inducing significant differences in bioactivity compared with untreated CB or CC particles.

Zinc finger protein 598 inhibits cell survival by promoting UV-induced apoptosis.

PubMed

Yang, Qiaohong; Gupta, Romi

2018-01-19

UV is one of the major causes of DNA damage induced apoptosis. However, cancer cells adopt alternative mechanisms to evade UV-induced apoptosis. To identify factors that protect cancer cells from UV-induced apoptosis, we performed a genome wide short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) screen, which identified Zinc finger protein 598 (ZNF598) as a key regulator of UV-induced apoptosis. Here, we show that UV irradiation transcriptionally upregulates ZNF598 expression. Additionally, ZNF598 knockdown in cancer cells inhibited UV-induced apoptosis. In our study, we observe that ELK1 mRNA level as well as phosphorylated ELK1 levels was up regulated upon UV irradiation, which was necessary for UV irradiation induced upregulation of ZNF598. Cells expressing ELK1 shRNA were also resistant to UV-induced apoptosis, and phenocopy ZNF598 knockdown. Upon further investigation, we found that ZNF598 knockdown inhibits UV-induced apoptotic gene expression, which matches with decrease in percentage of annexin V positive cell. Similarly, ectopic expression of ZNF598 promoted apoptotic gene expression and also increased annexin V positive cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ZNF598 is a UV irradiation regulated gene and its loss results in resistance to UV-induced apoptosis.

Biophysical and computational comparison on the binding affinity of three important nutrients to β-lactoglobulin: folic acid, ascorbic acid and vitamin K3.

PubMed

Shahraki, Somaye; Heydari, Ali; Saeidifar, Maryam; Gomroki, Masoumeh

2017-11-06

Small globular protein, β-lactoglobulin (βLG), which has significant affinity toward many drugs, is the most abundant whey protein in milk. In this study, the interaction of βLG with three important nutrients, ascorbic acid (ASC), folic acid (FOL), and vitamin K3 (VK3) was investigated by spectroscopic methods (UV-visible and fluorescence) along with molecular docking technique. The results of fluorescence measurements showed that studied nutrients strongly quenched βLG fluorescence in static (FOL and ACS) or static-dynamic combined quenching (VK3) mode. The values of binding constants (K βLG-ASC  ~ 4.34 × 10 4  M -1 , K βLG-FOL ~ 1.67 × 10 4  M -1 and K βLG-VK3 ~ 13.49 × 10 4  M -1 at 310 K) suggested that VK3 and FOL had stronger binding affinity toward βLG than ASC. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that hydrophobic interactions are the major forces in the stability of FOL-βLG complex with enthalpy- and entropy-driving mode while, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions play a major role for βLG-ASC and βLG-VK3 associations. The results of 3D fluorescence FT-IR and UV-Visible measurements indicated that the binding of above nutrients to βLG may induce conformational and micro-environmental changes of protein. Also, there is a reciprocal complement between spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking modeling. The docking results indicate that the ASC, FOL, and VK3 bind to residues located in the subdomain B of βLG. Finally, this report suggests that βLG could be used as an effective carrier of above nutrients in functional foods.

Non-Euclidean phasor analysis for quantification of oxidative stress in ex vivo human skin exposed to sun filters using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

PubMed

Osseiran, Sam; Roider, Elisabeth M; Wang, Hequn; Suita, Yusuke; Murphy, Michael; Fisher, David E; Evans, Conor L

2017-12-01

Chemical sun filters are commonly used as active ingredients in sunscreens due to their efficient absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Yet, it is known that these compounds can photochemically react with UV light and generate reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in vitro, though this has yet to be validated in vivo. One label-free approach to probe oxidative stress is to measure and compare the relative endogenous fluorescence generated by cellular coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides and flavin adenine dinucleotides. However, chemical sun filters are fluorescent, with emissive properties that contaminate endogenous fluorescent signals. To accurately distinguish the source of fluorescence in ex vivo skin samples treated with chemical sun filters, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy data were processed on a pixel-by-pixel basis using a non-Euclidean separation algorithm based on Mahalanobis distance and validated on simulated data. Applying this method, ex vivo samples exhibited a small oxidative shift when exposed to sun filters alone, though this shift was much smaller than that imparted by UV irradiation. Given the need for investigative tools to further study the clinical impact of chemical sun filters in patients, the reported methodology may be applied to visualize chemical sun filters and measure oxidative stress in patients' skin. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Development of a wide-field fluorescence imaging system for evaluation of wound re-epithelialization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franco, Walfre; Gutierrez-Herrera, Enoch; Purschke, Martin; Wang, Ying; Tam, Josh; Anderson, R. Rox; Doukas, Apostolos

2013-03-01

Normal skin barrier function depends on having a viable epidermis, an epithelial layer formed by keratinocytes. The transparent epidermis, which is less than a 100 mum thick, is nearly impossible to see. Thus, the clinical evaluation of re-epithelialization is difficult, which hinders selecting appropriate therapy for promoting wound healing. An imaging system was developed to evaluate epithelialization by detecting endogenous fluorescence emissions of cellular proliferation over a wide field of view. A custom-made 295 nm ultraviolet (UV) light source was used for excitation. Detection was done by integrating a near-UV camera with sensitivity down to 300 nm, a 12 mm quartz lens with iris and focus lock for the UV regime, and a fluorescence bandpass filter with 340 nm center wavelength. To demonstrate that changes in fluorescence are related to cellular processes, the epithelialization of a skin substitute was monitored in vitro. The skin substitute or construct was made by embedding microscopic live human skin tissue columns, 1 mm in diameter and spaced 1 mm apart, in acellular porcine dermis. Fluorescence emissions clearly delineate the extent of lateral surface migration of keratinocytes and the total surface covered by the new epithelium. The fluorescence image of new epidermis spatially correlates with the corresponding color image. A simple, user-friendly way of imaging the presence of skin epithelium would improve wound care in civilian burns, ulcers and surgeries.

Spiropyran-Isoquinoline Dyad as a Dual Chemosensor for Co(II) and In(III) Detection.

PubMed

Kho, Yong-Min; Shin, Eun Ju

2017-09-19

Spiropyran derivatives have been studied as light-regulated chemosensors for a variety of metal cations and anions, but there is little research on chemosensors that simultaneously detect multiple metal cations. In this study, a spiropyran derivative with isoquinoline, SP-IQ , was prepared and it functions investigated as a light-regulated sensor for both Co 2+ and In 3+ cations. A colorless nonfluorescent SP-IQ converts to a pink-colored fluorescent MC-IQ by UV irradiation or standing in the dark, and MC-IQ returns to SP-IQ with visible light. Upon UV irradiation with the Co 2+ cation for 7 min, the stronger absorption at 540 nm and the similar fluorescence intensity at 640 nm are observed, compared to when no metal cation is added, due to the formation of a Co 2+ complex with pink color and pink fluorescence. When placed in the dark with the In 3+ cation for 7 h, the colorless solution of SP-IQ changes to the In 3+ complex with yellow color and pink fluorescence, which shows strong absorption at 410 nm and strong fluorescence at 640 nm. Selective detection of the Co 2+ cation with UV irradiation and the In 3+ cation in the dark could be possible with SP-IQ by both absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy or by the naked eye.

Localization, trafficking, and temperature-dependence of the Aequorea green fluorescent protein in cultured vertebrate cells.

PubMed Central

Ogawa, H; Inouye, S; Tsuji, F I; Yasuda, K; Umesono, K

1995-01-01

The localization, trafficking, and fluorescence of Aequorea green fluorescent protein (GFP) in cultured vertebrate cells transiently transfected with GFP cDNA were studied. Fluorescence of GFP in UV light was found to be strongest when cells were incubated at 30 degrees C but was barely visible at an incubation temperature of 37 degrees C. COS-1 cells, primary chicken embryonic retina cells, and carp epithelial cells were fluorescently labeled under these conditions. GFP was distributed uniformly throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus independent of cell type examined. When GFP was fused to PML protooncogene product, fluorescence was detected in a unique nuclear organelle pattern indistinguishable from that of PML protein, showing the potential use of GFP as a fluorescent tag. To analyze both function and intracellular trafficking of proteins fused to GFP, a GFP-human glucocorticoid receptor fusion construct was prepared. The GFP-human glucocorticoid receptor efficiently transactivated the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter in response to dexamethasone at 30 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C, indicating that temperature is important, even for function of the GFP fusion protein. The dexamethasone-induced translocation of GFP-human glucocorticoid receptor from cytoplasm to nucleus was complete within 15 min; the translocation could be monitored in a single living cell in real time. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 5 PMID:8524871

Resolution Limits of Nanoimprinted Patterns by Fluorescence Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, Shoichi; Tomioka, Tatsuya; Nakagawa, Masaru

2013-06-01

The authors investigated optical resolution limits to identify minimum distances between convex lines of fluorescent dye-doped nanoimprinted resist patterns by fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescent ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin and thermoplastic resin films were transformed into line-and-space patterns by UV nanoimprinting and thermal nanoimprinting, respectively. Fluorescence immersion observation needed an immersion medium immiscible to the resist films, and an ionic liquid of triisobutyl methylphosphonium tosylate was appropriate for soluble thermoplastic polystyrene patterns. Observation with various numerical aperture (NA) values and two detection wavelength ranges showed that the resolution limits were smaller than the values estimated by the Sparrow criterion. The space width to identify line patterns became narrower as the line width increased. The space width of 100 nm was demonstrated to be sufficient to resolve 300-nm-wide lines in the detection wavelength range of 575-625 nm using an objective lens of NA= 1.40.

Vibrational energy transfer in OH X 2Pi(i), v = 2 and 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raiche, George A.; Jeffries, Jay B.; Rensberger, Karen J.; Crosley, David R.

1990-01-01

Using an IR-pump/UV-probe method in a flow discharge cell, vibrational energy transfer in OH X 2Pi(i) has been studied. OH is prepared in v = 2 by overtone excitation, and the time evolution of population in v = 2 and 1 monitored by laser-induced fluorescence. Rate constants for vibrational relaxation by the colliders H2O, NH3, CO2, and CH4 were measured. Ratios of rate constants for removal from the two states, k2/k1, range from two to five.

Two-dimensional imaging of molecular hydrogen in H2-air diffusion flames using two-photon laser-induced fluorescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lempert, W.; Kumar, V.; Glesk, I.; Miles, R.; Diskin, G.

1991-01-01

The use of a tunable ArF laser at 193.26 nm to record simultaneous single-laser-shot, planar images of molecular hydrogen and hot oxygen in a turbulent H2-air diffusion flame. Excitation spectra of fuel and oxidant-rich flame zones confirm a partial overlap of the two-photon H2 and single-photon O2 Schumann-Runge absorption bands. UV Rayleigh scattering images of flame structure and estimated detection limits for the H2 two-photon imaging are also presented.

Single-pulse measurement of density and temperature in a turbulent, supersonic flow using UV laser spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fletcher, D. G.; Mckenzie, R. L.

1992-01-01

Nonintrusive measurements of density and temperature and their turbulent fluctuation levels have been obtained in the boundary layer of an unseeded, Mach 2 wind tunnel flow. The spectroscopic technique that was used to make the measurements is based on the combination of laser-induced oxygen fluorescence and Raman scattering by oxygen and nitrogen from the same laser pulse. Results from this demonstration experiment compare favorably with previous measurements obtained in the same facility from conventional probes and an earlier spectroscopic technique.

Excimer laser ablation of the cornea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettit, George H.; Ediger, Marwood N.; Weiblinger, Richard P.

1995-03-01

Pulsed ultraviolet laser ablation is being extensively investigated clinically to reshape the optical surface of the eye and correct vision defects. Current knowledge of the laser/tissue interaction and the present state of the clinical evaluation are reviewed. In addition, the principal findings of internal Food and Drug Administration research are described in some detail, including a risk assessment of the laser-induced-fluorescence and measurement of the nonlinear optical properties of cornea during the intense UV irradiation. Finally, a survey is presented of the alternative laser technologies being explored for this ophthalmic application.

Differential laser-induced perturbation spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging for biological and materials sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, Dallas Jonathan

The field of laser-based diagnostics has been a topic of research in various fields, more specifically for applications in environmental studies, military defense technologies, and medicine, among many others. In this dissertation, a novel laser-based optical diagnostic method, differential laser-induced perturbation spectroscopy (DLIPS), has been implemented in a spectroscopy mode and expanded into an imaging mode in combination with fluorescence techniques. The DLIPS method takes advantage of deep ultraviolet (UV) laser perturbation at sub-ablative energy fluences to photochemically cleave bonds and alter fluorescence signal response before and after perturbation. The resulting difference spectrum or differential image adds more information about the target specimen, and can be used in combination with traditional fluorescence techniques for detection of certain materials, characterization of many materials and biological specimen, and diagnosis of various human skin conditions. The differential aspect allows for mitigation of patient or sample variation, and has the potential to develop into a powerful, noninvasive optical sensing tool. The studies in this dissertation encompass efforts to continue the fundamental research on DLIPS including expansion of the method to an imaging mode. Five primary studies have been carried out and presented. These include the use of DLIPS in a spectroscopy mode for analysis of nitrogen-based explosives on various substrates, classification of Caribbean fruit flies versus Caribbean fruit flies that have been irradiated with gamma rays, and diagnosis of human skin cancer lesions. The nitrogen-based explosives and Caribbean fruit flies have been analyzed with the DLIPS scheme using the imaging modality, providing complementary information to the spectroscopic scheme. In each study, a comparison between absolute fluorescence signals and DLIPS responses showed that DLIPS statistically outperformed traditional fluorescence techniques with regards to regression error and classification.

Modification of fluorescence and optical properties of Rhodamine B dye doped PVA/Chitosan polymer blend films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmakumari, R.; Ravindrachary, V.; Mahantesha, B. K.; Sagar, Rohan N.; Sahanakumari, R.; Bhajantri, R. F.

2018-05-01

Pure and Rhodamine B doped Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan composite films are prepared using solution casting method. Fourier transforms infrared spectra (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), fluorescence studies were used to characterize the prepared polymer films. The FT-IR results show that the appearance of new peaks along with shift in peak positions indicates the interaction of Rhodamine B with PVA-CS blend. Optical absorption edge, band gap and activation energy were determined from UV-Visible studies. The optical absorption edge increases, band gap decreases and activation energy increases with dopant concentration respectively. The corresponding emission spectra were studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. From the fluorescence study the quenching phenomena are observed in emission wavelength range of 607nm-613nm upon excitation with absorption maxima 443nm.

RAD18 and associated proteins are immobilized in nuclear foci in human cells entering S-phase with ultraviolet light-induced damage

PubMed Central

Watson, Nicholas B.; Nelson, Eric; Digman, Michelle; Thornburg, Joshua A.; Alphenaar, Bruce W.; McGregor, W. Glenn

2008-01-01

Proteins required for translesion DNA synthesis localize in nuclear foci of cells with replication-blocking lesions. The dynamics of this process were examined in human cells with fluorescence-based biophysical techniques. Photobleaching recovery and raster image correlation spectroscopy experiments indicated that involvement in the nuclear foci reduced the movement of RAD18 from diffusion-controlled to virtual immobility. Examination of the mobility of REV1 indicated that it is similarly immobilized when it is observed in nuclear foci. Reducing the level of RAD18 greatly reduced the focal accumulation of REV1 and reduced UV mutagenesis to background frequencies. Fluorescence lifetime measurements indicated that RAD18 and RAD6A or polη only transferred resonance energy when these proteins colocalized in damage-induced nuclear foci, indicating a close physical association only within such foci. Our data support a model in which RAD18 within damage-induced nuclear foci is immobilized and is required for recruitment of Y-family DNA polymerases and subsequent mutagenesis. In the absence of damage these proteins are not physically associated within the nucleoplasm. PMID:18926833

GdnHCl-induced unfolding intermediate in the mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase VA.

PubMed

Idrees, Danish; Prakash, Amresh; Haque, Md Anzarul; Islam, Asimul; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz; Ahmad, Faizan

2016-10-01

Carbonic anhydrase VA (CAVA) is a mitochondrial enzyme belonging to the α-family of CAs, which is involved in several physiological processes including ureagenesis, lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and neuronal transmission. Here, we have tried to understand the folding mechanism of CAVA using guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl)-induced denaturation at pH 8.0 and 25°C. The conformational stability was measured from the GdnHCl-induced denaturation study of CAVA monitored by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence measurements. On increasing the concentration of GdnHCl up to 5.0, a stable intermediate was observed between the concentrations 3.25M to 3.40M of the denaturant. However, CAVA gets completely denatured at 4.0M GdnHCl. The existence of a stable intermediate state was validated by 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS binding) fluorescence and near-UV CD measurements. In silico studies were also performed to analyse the effect of GdnHCl on the structure and stability of CAVA under explicit conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations for 40ns were carried out and a well-defined correlation was established for both in vitro and in silico studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Baicalin promotes the bacteriostatic activity of lysozyme on S. aureus in mammary glands and neutrophilic granulocytes in mice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zecai; Shen, Peng; Yang, Zhengtao; Zhang, Naisheng

2017-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus causes mastitis as a result of community-acquired or nosocomial infections. Lysozyme (LYSO) is an enzyme that is upregulated in many organisms during the innate immune response against infection by bacterial pathogens. Baicalin is a bioactive flavonoid that can bind to enzymes, often to potentiate their effect. Here we tested the effects of baicalin on the activity of LYSO using the S. aureus mastitis mouse model and neutrophilic granulocyte model of S. aureus infection. In our experiments, S. aureus counts decreased with increasing baicalin concentration. Furthermore, qPCR and western blot analyses showed that LYSO expression was unaffected by baicalin, while fluorescence quenching and UV fluorescence spectral analyses showed that baicalin binds to LYSO. To test whether this binding increased LYSO activity, we assessed LYSO-induced bacteriostasis in the presence of baicalin. Our results showed that LYSO-induced S. aureus bacteriostasis increased with increasing concentrations of baicalin, and that baicalin binding to LYSO synergistically increased the antibacterial activity of LYSO. These results demonstrate that baicalin enhances LYSO-induced bacteriostasis during the innate immune response to S. aureus. They suggest baicalin is a potentially useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of bacterial infections. PMID:28184027

Facile synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle and synergistic effect of iron nanoparticle in the presence of sunlight for the degradation of DOM from textile wastewater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvin, Fahmida; Nayna, Omme Kulsum; Tareq, Shafi M.; Rikta, Sharmin Yousuf; Kamal, Abdul KI

2018-05-01

This study explores the capacity of synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) under sunlight for the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from synthetic (Procion blue dye) solution as well as from textile wastewater (TWW). Fe2O3 NPs were properly synthesized and confirmed by UV absorbance, FTIR spectra and SEM image analysis. Photocatalytic degradation of DOM from TWW and synthetic solution was performed by catalyst Fe2O3 NPs (5 mg/L) in the presence of solar irradiation (up to 40 h). The DOM degradation of the TWW and synthetic solution has been analyzed by fluorescence 3D excitation emission matrix (3D EEM). Synergistic effect was expected and it was found that the rate of decrease of fluorescence intensity increased with time. Within 20 h, for the synthetic solution, reduction of fluorescence intensity (80%) reaches an equilibrium. In contrast, the rate of decrease in the fluorescence intensity is highest (91%) in 40 h of irradiation for TWW. This reduction of fluorescence intensity indicates the degradation of DOM and can be expressed well by second-order model kinetics. Reduction of TOC, BOD5 and COD load again validated the degradation of DOM from TWW by catalyst Fe2O3 NPs-induced solar irradiation. We applied the treated wastewater on the plant to observe the reusability of the treated TWW, and the morphological data analysis of the plant demonstrates that the catalyst Fe2O3 NPs-induced solar-irradiated wastewater exhibits less adverse impact on plant morphology.

Fluorescence spectroscopy of dental calculus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhmutov, D.; Gonchukov, S.; Sukhinina, A.

2010-05-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the fluorescence properties of dental calculus in comparison with the properties of adjacent unaffected tooth structure using both lasers and LEDs in the UV-visible range for fluorescence excitation. The influence of calculus color on the informative signal is demonstrated. The optimal spectral bands of excitation and registration of the fluorescence are determined.

Transfer of ultraviolet photon energy into fluorescent light in the visible path represents a new and efficient protection mechanism of sunscreens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vergou, Theognosia; Patzelt, Alexa; Richter, Heike; Schanzer, Sabine; Zastrow, Leonhard; Golz, Karin; Doucet, Olivier; Antoniou, Christina; Sterry, Wolfram; Lademann, Juergen

2011-10-01

The development of sunscreens with high sun protection factor (SPF) values but low filter concentrations is the ultimate goal. The purpose of the present study was to investigate why a sunscreen spray and cream with different concentrations of the same UV-filters provided the same SPF. Therefore, the homogeneity of the distribution of both sunscreens was investigated by laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and tape stripping (TS). Additionally, the energy transfer mechanisms of the sunscreens on the skin were analyzed. The TS and LSM showed a better homogeneity of the distribution of the spray. With Wood's light, a total absorption of the irradiation was detected in the spray area. In contrast, after cream treatment, an intensive fluorescent signal was observed. It was demonstrated that this fluorescent signal was caused by nonthermal energy transferred from the UV-filters to one compound of the cream releasing its excitation energy by fluorescence. This nonthermal energy transfer seemed to be the reason for the high efficiency of the cream, which is subjected to thermal relaxation. The transfer of UV photon energy into fluorescent light represents a new approach to increase the efficiency of sunscreens and could form the basis for a new generation of sunscreens.

[Spectral Analysis of Dissolved Organic Matter of Tannery Wastewater in the Treatment Process].

PubMed

Fan, Chun-hui; Zhang, Ying-chao; Du, Bo; Song, Juan; Huai, Cui-qian; Wang, Jia-hong

2015-06-01

Tannery industry is one of the major traditional industries and important wastewater sources in China. The existing research mainly focus on the quality of inlet and outlet water, rather than the purification and transformation behavior of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the treatment process of tannery wastewater. The UV spectra and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to detect the spectral characteristics of water samples in the treatment process, and it is analyzed that the formation process and the linear relationships between total fluorescence intensity and parameters. The results showed: the UV absorbance of DOM in wastewater increased firstly and then decreased with longer wavelength, and the wave peaks were found around the wavelength of 230 nr. The values of A253 /A203 and SUVA254 increased firstly and then decreased, indicating the complex reaction process related to free substituent and aromatic rings. The fluorescence peaks appeared at the regions of λ(ex/em) = 320-350/440- 460 and λ(ex/em) = 270-300/390-420, referred as visible humic-like and visible fulvic-like fluorescence, respectively. With the treatment process of tannery wastewater, the following fluorescence phenomenon were monitored, such as the blue-shift of humic-like fluorescence peak in the hydrolytic acidification tank, the appearance of tryptophan fluorescence peak in the second biochemical pond (λ(ex/em) = 290/340), the weak fluorescence peak in the fourth biochemical pond (λ(ex/em) = 350/520) and the stabilized fluorescence characteristics in the secondary sedimentation tank and water outlet. The achievements are helpful to investigate the degradation and formation behavior of water components, and significant for the fluorescence variation analysis in the treatment system. The removal rate of total fluorescence intensity of tannery wastewater fit better the removal rate of TOC with coefficient of r 0.835 5. The UV spectra and 3D-EEMs are effective to reveal the purification behavior and mechanism of tannery wastewater.

Interaction of phospholipase C with liposome: A conformation transition of the enzyme is critical and specific to liposome composition for burst hydrolysis and fusion in concert

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Samir Kumar; Sengupta, Dipta; Deb, Moonmoon; Kar, Swayamsiddha; Kausar, Chahat

2017-02-01

Phospholipase C (PLC)1 is known to help the pathogen B. cereus entry to the host cell and human PLC is over expressed in multiple cancers. Knowledge of dynamic activity of the enzyme PLC while in action on membrane lipids is essential and helpful to drug design and delivery. In view of this, interactions of PLC with liposome of various lipid compositions have been visualized by testing enzyme activity and microenvironments around the intrinsic fluorophores of the enzyme. Overall change of the protein's conformation has been monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD). Liposome aggregation and fusion were predicted by increase in turbidity and vesicle size. PLC in solution has high fluorescence and exhibit appreciable shift in its emission maxima, upon gradual change in excitation wavelength towards the red edge of the absorption band. REES fluorescence studies indicated that certain Trp fluorophores of inactive PLC are in motionally restricted compact/rigid environments in solution conformation. PLC fluorescence decreased in association with liposome and Trps loosed rigidity where liposome aggregation and fusion occurred. We argue that the structural flexibility is the cause of decrease of fluorescence, mostly to gain optimum conformation for maximum activity of the enzyme PLC. Further studies deciphered that the enzyme PLC undergoes change of conformation when mixed to LUVs prepared with specific lipids. CD data at the far-UV and near-UV regions of PLC in solution are in excellent agreement with the previous reports. CD analyses of PLC with LUVs, showed significant reduction of α-helices, increase of β-sheets; and confirmed dramatic change of orientations of Trps. In case of liposome composed of lipid raft like composition, the enzyme binds very fast, hydrolyze PC with higher rate, exhibit highest structural flexibility and promote vesicle fusion. These data strongly suggest marked differences in conformation transition induced PLC activation and liposome fusion on the lipid composition.

Classroom Activity Connections: Lessons from Fluorescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacCormac, Aoife; O'Brien, Emma; O'Kennedy, Richard

2010-01-01

This Classroom Activity Connections paper describes an extension to the "JCE" Classroom Activity #68 "Turning on the Light". A number of additional common items that display fluorescence under UV light are described, including fruits, vegetables, and seashells. Two classroom extensions on fluorescence are also described. From these activities,…

Factors that affect the EVA encapsulant discoloration rate upon accelerated exposure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pern, F.J.

1994-12-31

Several factors that may affect the net discoloration rate of the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer encapsulants used in crystalline-Si photovoltaic (c-Si PV) modules upon accelerated exposure have been investigated by employing UV-visible spectrophotometry, spectrocolorimetry, and fluorescence analysis. A number of laminated films, including the two typical EVA formulations, A9918 and 15295, were studied. The results indicate that the rate of EVA discoloration is affected by the (1) curing agent and curing conditions; (2) presence and concentration of curing-generated, UV-excitable chromophores; (3) UV light intensity; (4) loss rate of the UV absorber, Cyasorb UV 531; (5) lamination; (6) film thickness; andmore » (7) photobleaching rate due to the diffusion of air into the laminated films. In general, the loss rate of the UV absorber and the rate of discoloration from light yellow to brown follow a sigmoidal pattern. A reasonable correlation for net changes in transmittance at 420 nm, yellowness index, and fluorescence peak area (or intensity) ratio is obtained as the extent of EVA discoloration progressed.« less

Fluorescent porous film modified polymer optical fiber via "click" chemistry: stable dye dispersion and trace explosive detection.

PubMed

Ma, Jiajun; Lv, Ling; Zou, Gang; Zhang, Qijin

2015-01-14

In this paper, we report a facile strategy to fabricate fluorescent porous thin film on the surface of U-bent poly(methyl methacrylate) optical fiber (U-bent POF) in situ via "click" polymerization for vapor phase sensing of explosives. Upon irradiation of evanescent UV light transmitting within the fiber under ambient condition, a porous film (POSS-thiol cross-linking film, PTCF) is synthesized on the side surface of the fiber by a thiol-ene "click" reaction of vinyl-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS-V8) and alkane dithiols. When vinyl-functionalized porphyrin, containing four allyl substituents at the periphery, is added into precursors for the polymerization, fluorescence porphyrin can be covalently bonded into the cross-linked network of PTCF. This "fastened" way reduces the aggregation-induced fluorescence self-quenching of porphyrin and enhances the physicochemical stability of the porous film on the surface of U-bent POF. Fluorescent signals of the PTCF/U-bent POF probe made by this method exhibit high fluorescence quenching toward trace TNT and DNT vapor and the highest fluorescence quenching efficiency is observed for 1, 6-hexanedimercaptan-based film. In addition, because of the presence of POSS-V8 with multi cross-linkable groups, PTCF exhibits well-organized pore network and stable dye dispersion, which not only causes fast and sensitive fluorescence quenching against vapors of nitroaromatic compounds, but also provides a repeatability of the probing performance.

Fluorescence Spectroscopic Properties of Normal and Abnormal Biomedical Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Asima

Steady state and time-resolved optical spectroscopy and native fluorescence is used to study the physical and optical properties occurring in diseased and non-diseased biological human tissue, in particular, cancer of the human breast, artery and the dynamics of a photosensitizer useful in photodynamic therapy. The main focus of the research is on the optical properties of cancer and atherosclerotic tissues as compared to their normal counterparts using the different luminescence based spectroscopic techniques such as steady state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, excitation spectroscopy and phosphorescence. The excitation and steady-state spectroscopic fluorescence using visible excitation wavelength displays a difference between normal and malignant tissues. This difference is attributed to absorption of the emission by hemoglobin in normal tissues. This method using 488nm fails to distinguish neoplastic tissue such as benign tissues and tumors from malignant tumors. The time-resolved fluorescence at visible, near -uv and uv excitation wavelengths display non-exponential profiles which are significantly different for malignant tumors as compared to non-malignant tissues only with uv excitation. The differences observed with visible and near-uv excitation wavelengths are not as significant. The non-exponential profiles are interpreted as due to a combination of fluorophores along with the action of non-radiative processes. Low temperature luminescence studies confirm the occurrence of non-radiative decay processes while temporal studies of various relevant biomolecules indicate the probable fluorophores responsible for the observed signal in tissues. Phosphorescence from human tissues have been observed for the first time and lifetimes of a few hundred nanoseconds are measured for malignant and benign tissues. Time-resolved fluorescence studies of normal artery and atherosclerotic plaque have shown that a combination of two excitation wavelengths can distinguish fibrous and calcified atherosclerotic plaque from normal artery. A minor effort of the study involves the high intensity effects on the optical properties of the dye, doxycycline (a particular photosensitizer of the tetracycline group) occurring during relaxation when excited at different laser intensities. This study has been performed by observing the fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields of DOTC at different excitation intensities. The results obtained support the sequential excited state absorption model.

Photoinduced electron transfer between benzyloxy dendrimer phthalocyanine and benzoquinone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tiantian; Ma, Dongdong; Pan, Sujuan; Wu, Shijun; Jiang, Yufeng; Zeng, Di; Yang, Hongqin; Peng, Yiru

2016-10-01

Photo-induced electron transfer (PET) is an important and fundamental process in natural photosynthesis. To mimic such interesting PET process, a suitable donor and acceptor couple were properly chosen. Dendrimer phthalocyanines and their derivatives have emerged as promising materials for artificial photosynthesis systems. In this paper, the electron transfer between the light harvest dendrimer phthalocyanine (donor) and the 1,4-benzoquinone (acceptor) was studied by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. It was found that fluorescence of phthalocyanine was quenched by benzoquinone (BQ) via excited state electron transfer, from the phthalocyanine to the BQ upon excitation at 610 nm. The Stern-Volmer constant (KSV) of electron transfer was calculated. Our study suggests that this dendritic phthalocyanine is an effective new electron donor and transmission complex and could be used as a potential artificial photosynthesis system.

Scanning lidar fluorosensor for remote diagnostic of surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caneve, Luisa; Colao, Francesco; Fantoni, Roberta; Fiorani, Luca

2013-08-01

Scanning hyperspectral systems based on laser induced fluorescence (LIF) have been developed and realized at the ENEA allowing to obtain information of analytical and qualitative interest on different materials by the study of the emission of fluorescence. This technique, for a surface analysis, is fast, remote, not invasive and specific. A new compact setup capable of fast 2D monochromatic images acquisition on up to 90 different spectral channels in the visible/UV range will be presented. It has been recently built with the aim to increase the performances in terms of space resolution, time resolved capabilities and data acquisition speed. Major achievements have been reached by a critical review of the optical design. The results recently obtained with in-situ measurements of interest for applications in the field of cultural heritage will be shown. 2001 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved

Effects of near-ultraviolet light on mutations, intragenic and intergenic recombinations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Machida, I; Saeki, T; Nakai, S

1986-03-01

The effects of far (254 nm) and near (290-350 nm) ultraviolet (UV) light on mutations, intragenic and intergenic recombinations were compared in diploid strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At equivalent survival levels there was not much difference in the induction of nonsense and missense mutations between far- and near-UV radiations. However, frameshift mutations were induced more frequently by near-UV than by far-UV radiation. Near-UV radiation induced intragenic recombination (gene conversion) as efficiently as far-UV radiation and the induced levels were similar in both radiations at equitoxic doses. A strikingly higher frequency was observed for the intergenic recombination induced by near-UV radiation than by far-UV radiation when compared at equivalent survival levels. Photoreactivation reduced the frequency only slightly in far-UV induced intergenic recombination and not at all in near-UV induction. These results indicate that near-UV damage involves strand breakage in addition to pyrimidine dimers and other lesions induced, whereas far-UV damage consists largely of photoreactivable lesions, pyrimidine dimers, and near-UV induced damage is more efficient for the induction of crossing-over.

Fluorescent bioaerosol particle, molecular tracer, and fungal spore concentrations during dry and rainy periods in a semi-arid forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ila Gosselin, Marie; Rathnayake, Chathurika M.; Crawford, Ian; Pöhlker, Christopher; Fröhlich-Nowoisky, Janine; Schmer, Beatrice; Després, Viviane R.; Engling, Guenter; Gallagher, Martin; Stone, Elizabeth; Pöschl, Ulrich; Huffman, J. Alex

2016-12-01

Bioaerosols pose risks to human health and agriculture and may influence the evolution of mixed-phase clouds and the hydrological cycle on local and regional scales. The availability and reliability of methods and data on the abundance and properties of atmospheric bioaerosols, however, are rather limited. Here we analyze and compare data from different real-time ultraviolet laser/light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) instruments with results from a culture-based spore sampler and offline molecular tracers for airborne fungal spores in a semi-arid forest in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Commercial UV-APS (ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer) and WIBS-3 (wideband integrated bioaerosol sensor, version 3) instruments with different excitation and emission wavelengths were utilized to measure fluorescent aerosol particles (FAPs) during both dry weather conditions and periods heavily influenced by rain. Seven molecular tracers of bioaerosols were quantified by analysis of total suspended particle (TSP) high-volume filter samples using a high-performance anion-exchange chromatography system with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). From the same measurement campaign, Huffman et al. (2013) previously reported dramatic increases in total and fluorescent particle concentrations during and immediately after rainfall and also showed a strong relationship between the concentrations of FAPs and ice nuclei (Huffman et al., 2013; Prenni et al., 2013). Here we investigate molecular tracers and show that during rainy periods the atmospheric concentrations of arabitol (35.2 ± 10.5 ng m-3) and mannitol (44.9 ± 13.8 ng m-3) were 3-4 times higher than during dry periods. During and after rain, the correlations between FAP and tracer mass concentrations were also significantly improved. Fungal spore number concentrations on the order of 104 m-3, accounting for 2-5 % of TSP mass during dry periods and 17-23 % during rainy periods, were obtained from scaling the tracer measurements and from multiple analysis methods applied to the UV-LIF data. Endotoxin concentrations were also enhanced during rainy periods, but showed no correlation with FAP concentrations. Average mass concentrations of erythritol, levoglucosan, glucose, and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan in TSP samples are reported separately for dry and rainy weather conditions. Overall, the results indicate that UV-LIF measurements can be used to infer fungal spore concentrations, but substantial development of instrumental and data analysis methods appears to be required for improved quantification.

Apoptotic role of TGF-β mediated by Smad4 mitochondria translocation and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II interaction.

PubMed

Pang, Lijuan; Qiu, Tao; Cao, Xu; Wan, Mei

2011-07-01

Smad4, originally isolated from the human chromosome 18q21, is a key factor in transducing the signals of the TGF-β superfamily of growth hormones and plays a pivotal role in mediating antimitogenic and proapoptotic effects of TGF-β, but the mechanisms by which Smad4 induces apoptosis are elusive. Here we report that Smad4 directly translocates to the mitochondria of apoptotic cells. Smad4 gene silencing by siRNA inhibits TGF-β-induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells and UV-induced apoptosis in PANC-1 cells. Cell fractionation assays demonstrated that a fraction of Smad4 translocates to mitochondria after long time TGF-β treatment or UV exposure, during which the cells were under apoptosis. Smad4 mitochondria translocation during apoptosis was also confirmed by fluorescence observation of Smad4 colocalization with MitoTracker Red. We searched for mitochondria proteins that have physical interactions with Smad4 using yeast two-hybrid screening approach. DNA sequence analysis identified 34 positive clones, five of which encoded subunits in mitochondria complex IV, i.e., one clone encoded cytochrome c oxidase COXII, three clones encoded COXIII and one clone encoded COXVb. Strong interaction between Smad4 with COXII, an important apoptosis regulator, was verified in yeast by β-gal activity assays and in mammalian cells by immunoprecipitation assays. Further, mitochondrial portion of cells was isolated and the interaction between COXII and Smad4 in mitochondria upon TGF-β treatment or UV exposure was confirmed. Importantly, targeting Smad4 to mitochondria using import leader fusions enhanced TGF-β-induced apoptosis. Collectively, the results suggest that Smad4 promote apoptosis of the cells through its mitochondrial translocation and association with mitochondria protein COXII. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Responses of photosynthetic properties and chloroplast ultrastructure of two moss crusts from a desert biological soil crust to supplementary UV-B radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, Rong; Li, Xinrong; Zhao, Yang; Pan, Yanxia

2016-04-01

Our understanding of plant responses to supplementary ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion has improved over recent decades. However, research on biological soil crusts (BSCs) is scarce and it remains controversial. Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the influence of UV-B radiation on the Bryum argenteum and Didymodon vinealis isolated from BSCs, which are both dominant species in moss crusts found within patches of shrubs and herbs in the Tengger Desert of northern China. The aim of the current work was to evaluate whether supplementary UV-B radiation affected photosynthetic properties and chloroplast ultrastructure of two moss crusts and whether response differences were observed between the crusts. Four levels of UV-B radiation of 2.75 (control), 3.08, 3.25, and 3.41 W m-2 was achieved using fluorescence tube systems for 10 days, simulating 0, 6, 9, and 12% of stratospheric ozone at the latitude of Shapotou, respectively. We measured photosynthetic apparatus as assessed by chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, photosynthetic pigment contents, and observations of chloroplast ultrastructure. Additionally, soluble proteins and UV-B absorbing compounds were simultaneously investigated. The results of this study showed that chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters (i.e., the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and photochemical quenching coefficient), photosynthetic pigment contents, soluble protein contents, total flavonoid contents and the ultrastructure were negatively influenced by elevated UV-B radiation and the degree of detrimental effects significantly increased with the intensity of UV-B radiation. Moreover, results demonstrated that the negative effects on photosynthesis and chloroplast ultrastructure were more serious in B. argenteum than that in D. vinealis. These results may not only provide a potential mechanism for supplemental UV-B effects on photosynthesis of moss crusts, but also establish a theoretical basis for further studies of adaptation and response mechanisms of desert ecosystems under further ozone depletion.

Formation of iodo-trihalomethanes (I-THMs) during disinfection with chlorine or chloramine: Impact of UV/H2O2 pre-oxidation.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; Liu, Jing; He, Chuan-Shu; Qian, Chen; Mu, Yang

2018-06-04

Ultraviolet/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H 2 O 2 ) pre-oxidation has the potential to induce reactions with dissolved organic matter (DOM) and alter the generation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). This study evaluated the influence of UV/H 2 O 2 pretreatment on the formation of iodo-trihalomethanes (I-THMs) during disinfection with chlorine or chloramine. The changes of precursors, I - and Br - , after UV/H 2 O 2 pretreatment were investigated, and then, the formation and speciation of I-THMs during chlorination or chloramination after pre-oxidation were explored. Additionally, the effects of UV doses and H 2 O 2 concentrations on the formation and speciation of I-THMs were studied. It was found that UV/H 2 O 2 pretreatment could change larger molecular weight (MW) DOM to smaller MW species, which had less aromatic organic compounds and fluorescence substances. Additionally, insignificant transformations of I - and Br - were observed after UV/H 2 O 2 treatment. Compared to direct disinfection, UV/H 2 O 2 pretreatment resulted in 23.0 ± 3.5% reduction in I-THMs formation during post-chlorination while an enhancement was observed during post-chloramination at a UV dose of 460 mJ/cm 2 and 20 mg/L H 2 O 2 . Moreover, total I-THM concentration increased from 43.7 ± 2.4 to 97.6 ± 14.9 nM with the increase of UV doses from 0 to 1400 mJ/cm 2 during the post-chlorination process, while reduced when the UV fluence was >460 mJ/cm 2 during the post-chloramination. Additionally, the generation of I-THMs during both post-chlorination and post-chloramination was positively related to the H 2 O 2 levels from 0 to 20 mg/L in the UV/H 2 O 2 pretreatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication, Light Emission, and Magnetism of Silica Nanoparticles Hybridized with AIE Luminogens and Inorganic Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faisal, Mahtab

Much research efforts have been devoted in developing new synthetic approaches for fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) due to their potential high-technological applications. However, light emissions from most of the FSNPs prepared so far have been rather weak. This is due to the emission quenching caused by the aggregation of fluorophores in the solid state. We have observed a novel phenomenon of aggregation-induced emission (AIE): a series of propeller-shaped molecules such as tetraphenylethene (TPE) and silole are induced to emit efficiently by aggregate formation. Thus, they are ideal fluorophors for the construction of FSNPs and my thesis work focuses on the synthesis of silica nanoparticles containing these luminogens and magnetic nanostructures. Highly emissive FSNPs with core-shell structures are fabricated by surfactant-free sol-gel reactions of tetraphenylethene- (TPE) and silole-functionalized siloxanes followed by the reactions with tetraethoxysilane. The FSNPs are uniformly sized, surface-charged and colloidally stable. The diameters of the FSNPs are tunable in the range of 45--295 nm by changing the reaction conditions. Whereas their TPE and silole precursors are non-emissive, the FSNPs emit strong visible lights, thanks to the novel aggregation-induced emission characteristics of the TPE and silole aggregates in the hybrid nanoparticles. The FSNPs pose no toxicity to living cells and can be utilized to selectively image cytoplasm of HeLa cells. Applying the same tool in the presence of citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticles, uniform magnetic fluorescent silica nanoparticles (MFSNPs) with smooth surfaces are fabricated. These particles exhibit appreciable surface charges and hence good colloidal stability. They are superparamagnetic, exhibiting no hysteresis at room temperature. UV irradiation of a suspension of MFSNPs in ethanol gives strong blue and green emissions. The MFSNPs can selectively stain the cytoplasmic regions of the living cells. Sol-gel reaction in the presence of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane has generated MFSNP-NH2 with numerous amino functionalities decorated on the surfaces, enabling them to immobilize bovine serum albumin efficiently. FSNPs with strong light emissions are facilely fabricated by thio-click chemistry, Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, and sol-gel reaction. The FSNPs are characterized by SEM, TEM, IR, PL, and zeta potential analyses. They are uniformly sized with smooth surfaces. Upon photoexcitation, the FSNPs emit strong visible lights with fluorescence quantum yields up to 25.5%. Sugar-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles are facilely fabricated by click reaction of azide-modified FSNPs with sugar- containing phenylacetylene catalyzed by Cu(PPh3)3Br in THF. The nanoparticles are uniformly sized and emit efficient light upon photoexcitation. They can function as fluorescent visualizers for intracellular imaging and can target specific cancer cells. Folic acid-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles are facilely fabricated by surface functionalization of FSNPs with folic acid. The nanoparticles are spherical in shape. They possess high zeta potentials and hence exhibit excellent colloidal stability. UV irradiation of suspensions of the nanoparticles in ethanol gives strong blue and green emissions at 465 and 490 nm with absolute fluorescence quantum yields up to 47%. Carboxylic acid and thiol-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNP-COOH and FSNP-SH) with uniform particle sizes, narrow size distributions, and smooth surface morphologies are fabricated. The nanoparticles possess high surface charges and exhibit strong light emissions upon photoexcitation. They can adsorb lysozyme strongly on their surfaces and for 5 mg of FSNP-COOH and FSNP-SH, they can take 209 and 86 mug of lysozyme. Thus, they are potential carriers for protein and fluorescent probes or biosensors for an array of biological applications.

In vivo determination of optical properties and fluorophore characteristics of non-melanoma skin cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajaram, Narasimhan; Kovacic, Dianne; Migden, Michael F.; Reichenberg, Jason S.; Nguyen, Tri H.; Tunnell, James W.

2009-02-01

Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques have widely been used as noninvasive tools for early cancer detection in several organs including the cervix, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Using a combined DOS/LIF approach, one can simultaneously measure the morphology and biochemical composition of tissue and use these features to diagnose malignancy. We report for the first time to our knowledge both the optical properties and native fluorophore characteristics of non-melanoma skin cancer in the UV-visible range. We collected in vivo diffuse reflectance and intrinsic fluorescence measurements from 44 skin lesions on 37 patients. The skin sites were further categorized into three groups of non-melanoma skin cancer according to histopathology: 1) pre-cancerous actinic keratosis 2) malignant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 3) basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We used a custom-built probe-based clinical system that collects both white light reflectance and laser-induced fluorescence in the wavelength range of 350-700 nm. We extracted the blood volume fraction, oxygen saturation, blood vessel size, tissue microarchitecture and melanin content from diffuse reflectance measurements. In addition, we determined the native fluorophore contributions of NADH, collagen and FAD from laser-induced fluorescence for all groups. The scattering from tissue decreased with progression from clinically normal to precancerous actinic keratosis to malignant SCC. A similar trend was observed for clinically normal skin and malignant BCC. Statistically significant differences were observed in the collagen contributions, which were lower in malignant SCC and BCC as compared to normal skin. Our data demonstrates that the mean optical properties and fluorophore contributions of normal, benign and malignant nonmelanoma cancers are significantly different from each other and can potentially be used as biomarkers for the early detection of skin cancer.

Vibrational and UV spectroscopic studies of 2-coumaranone by experimental and density functional theory calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priya, Y. Sushma; Rao, K. Ramachandra; Chalapathi, P. V.; Satyavani, M.; Veeraiah, A.

2017-09-01

The vibrational and electronic properties of 2-coumaranone have been reported in the ground state using experimental techniques (FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV spectra and fluorescence microscopic imaging) and density functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP correlation with the 6-31G(d, p) basis set. The theoretically reported optimized parameters, vibrational frequencies etc., were compared with the experimental values, which yielded good concurrence between the experimental and calculated values. The assignments of the vibrational spectra were done with the help of normal co-ordinate analysis (NCA) following the Scaled Quantum Mechanical Force Field(SQMFF) methodology. The whole assignments of fundamental modes were based on the potential energy distribution (PED) matrix. The electric dipole moment and the first order hyperpolarizability of the 2-coumaranone have been computed using quantum mechanical calculations. NBO and HOMO, LUMO analyses have been carried out. UV spectrum of 2-coumaranone was recorded in the region 100-300 nm and compared with the theoretical UV spectrum using TD-DFT and SAC-CI methods by which a good agreement is observed. Fluorescence microscopic imaging study reflects that the compound fluoresces in the green-yellow region.

Protein oxidative changes in whole and skim milk after ultraviolet or fluorescent light exposure.

PubMed

Scheidegger, D; Pecora, R P; Radici, P M; Kivatinitz, S C

2010-11-01

We investigated how protein changes occur, at the primary or higher structural levels, when proteins are exposed to UV or fluorescent (FL) light while in the complex matrix, milk. Whole milk (WM) or skim milk (SM) samples were exposed to FL or UV light from 0 to 24h at 4°C. Protein oxidation was evaluated by the formation of protein carbonyls (PC), dityrosine bond (DiTyr), and changes in molecular weight (protein fragmentation and polymerization). Oxidative changes in AA residues were measured by PC. Dityrosine and N'-formylkynurenine (NFK), a carbonylation derivative of Trp, were measured by fluorometry. Protein carbonyls increased as a function of irradiation time for both WM and SM. The initial rate for PC formation by exposure to FL light (0.25 or 0.27 nmol/h for WM and SM, respectively) was slower than that following exposure to UV light (1.95 or 1.20 nmol/h, respectively). The time course of NFK formation resembled that of PC. After 24h of UV exposure, SM had significantly higher levels of NFK than did WM. In contrast, WM samples irradiated with UV had higher levels of DiTyr than did SM samples, indicating different molecular pathways. The formation of intra- or intermolecular DiTyr bonds could be indicative of changes in the tertiary structure or oligomerization of proteins. The existence of NFK suggests the occurrence of protein fragmentation. Thus, proteolysis and oligomerization were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE. After 24h of exposing WM to UV or FL light, all the proteins were affected by both types of light, as evidenced by loss of material in most of the bands. Aggregates were produced only by UV irradiation. Hydrolysis by pepsin and enzyme-induced coagulation by rennet were performed to evaluate altered biological properties of the oxidized proteins. No effect on pepsin digestion or rennet coagulation was found in irradiated SM or WM. The oxidative status of proteins in milk and dairy products is of interest to the dairy industry and consumers. These findings provide knowledge that could be useful in determining the optimal lighting conditions in the dairy industry in general and in cheese making in particular. Copyright © 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultraviolet fluorescence to identify navel oranges with poor peel quality and decay

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Navel oranges were sorted into four groups under ultraviolet (UV) illumination in commercial packinghouse black light rooms based upon the amount of fluorescence visible on each fruit to determine if fluorescence was predictive of peel quality. The groups corresponded to fruit with: 1) no fluorescen...

Contribution of glue layer into epidermis sample fluorescence dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salomatina, Elena V.; Chernova, Svetlana P.; Pravdin, Alexander B.

2000-04-01

In this work, the temporal behavior of autofluorescence of epidermis samples under UV-irradiation has ben studied. The samples were prepared using surface epidermis stripping technique. Fluorescence spectra and kinetic curves of fluorescence intensity have been obtained. It has been concluded that the glue composition used allows the measurement of epidermis fluorescence dynamics with the first 60 min of experiment.

Fluorescence and phosphorescence of photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viehmann, W.; Eubanks, A. G.; Bredekamp, J. H.

1974-01-01

The fluorescence and phosphorescence of photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation were investigated using a Sr-90/Y-90 beta emitter as the electron source. Spectral emission curves of UV grade, optical grade, and electron-irradiated samples of MGF2 and LiF, CaF2, BaF2, sapphire, fused silica, and UV transmitting glasses were obtained over the spectral range of 200 nm to 650 nm. Fluorescence yields, expressed as the number of counts in a solid angle of 2 pi steradian per 1MeV of incident electron energy deposited, were determined on these materials utilizing photomultiplier tubes with cesium telluride, bialkali, and trialkali (S-20) photocathodes, respectively.

Fluorimetric study on the interaction between Norfloxacin and Proflavine hemisulphate.

PubMed

More, Vishalkumar R; Anbhule, Prashant V; Lee, Sang H; Patil, Shivajirao R; Kolekar, Govind B

2011-07-01

The interaction between Norfloxacin (NF) and Proflavine hemisulphate (PF) was investigated by spectroscopic tools like UV-VIS absorption and Fluorescence spectroscopy. It was proved that fluorescence quenching of NF by PF is due to the formation of NF-PF complex which was supported by UV-VIS absorption study. The study of thermodynamic parameters suggested that the key interacting forces are hydrogen bond and van der Waal's interactions and the binding interaction was spontaneous. The distance r between NF and PF was obtained according to the Förster's theory of non-radiative energy transfer. The fluorescence quenching mechanism was applied to estimate PF directly from pharmaceutical samples. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

The damaging effect of UV-C irradiation on lens alpha-crystallin.

PubMed

Fujii, Noriko; Uchida, Hiroki; Saito, Takeshi

2004-11-02

To evaluate the effect of UV-C irradiation on the structural properties of alpha-crystallin and its chaperone activity. alpha- and betaL-crystallins were isolated from bovine lenses using gel chromatography. The purified alpha-crystallin was subjected to UV-C irradiation (254 nm; 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 J/cm2). We measured the tryptophan fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in the far UV, and the chaperone activity of both irradiated and non-irradiated alpha-crystallin. The tryptophan fluorescence of alpha-crystallin decreased, whereas the N-formylkynurenine fluorescence increased markedly with increasing doses of UV-C irradiation. Both the oxidation of Met1 and the racemization of Asp151 of alphaA-crystallin increased at a dose of 1-2 J/cm2 and then gradually decreased. The CD spectrum showed that the secondary structure of alpha-crystallin altered with increasing radiation dose, and almost all of the beta-sheet structure was lost at doses above 50 J/cm2. The chaperone activity of alpha-crystallin irradiated with doses under 5 J/cm2 remained intact. However, it was reduced to only 40% after irradiation at 10 J/cm2. Our study suggests that photo-oxidation of tryptophan residues in alpha-crystallin may be one of the events that affects the three-dimensional packing array and chaperone activity of this lens protein.

Characterizing the Interaction between tartrazine and two serum albumins by a hybrid spectroscopic approach.

PubMed

Pan, Xingren; Qin, Pengfei; Liu, Rutao; Wang, Jing

2011-06-22

Tartrazine is an artificial azo dye commonly used in food products. The present study evaluated the interaction of tartrazine with two serum albumins (SAs), human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), under physiological conditions by means of fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, UV-vis absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. The fluorescence data showed that tartrazine could bind to the two SAs to form a complex. The binding process was a spontaneous molecular interaction procedure, in which van der Waals and hydrogen bond interactions played a major role. Additionally, as shown by the UV-vis absorption, three-dimensional fluorescence, and CD results, tartrazine could lead to conformational and some microenvironmental changes of both SAs, which may affect the physiological functions of SAs. The work provides important insight into the mechanism of toxicity of tartrazine in vivo.

Ascorbic acid as a free radical scavenger in porcine and bovine aqueous humour.

PubMed

Erb, Carl; Nau-Staudt, Kerstin; Flammer, Josef; Nau, Werner

2004-01-01

To study the antioxidant activity, UV absorption, concentration and stability of ascorbic acid (AA) in porcine and bovine aqueous humour (AH). Porcine and bovine AH was taken within 5 min after death and frozen at -70 degrees C. The characteristic UV absorption band of AA and the concentration of AA in AH was determined by UV spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity of AA to serve as a free radical scavenger in AH has been determined by using a novel fluorescent probe for antioxidants, the azoalkane 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (DBO). The fluorescence lifetime and intensity of this probe reflect the concentration of dissolved antioxidants. The time-resolved fluorescence of DBO (laser excitation at 351 nm) in AH and in a neutral phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution containing only the natural amount of AA as an additive were measured. The characteristic UV absorption band of AA has its maximum at 266 nm in AH. The concentration of AA in porcine and bovine AH was found to be 0.547 +/- 0.044 and 1.09 +/- 0.16 mM, respectively, by spectrophotometry. The fluorescence lifetime of the probe DBO was reduced from 320 +/- 5 ns in pure aerated PBS to 205 +/- 5 ns in porcine AH and 165 +/- 3 ns in bovine AH. A detailed kinetic analysis of the lifetime shortening suggests that AA contributes approximately 75 and 85% to the antioxidant activity of porcine and bovine AH, respectively. Our experiments suggest that AA is the major contributor to the antioxidant activity of porcine and bovine AH. The role of AA to serve as an antioxidant in AH is discussed. In addition, UV spectrophotometry is established as an alternative method to determine the concentration of AA in AH. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Assessment of organic pollution of an industrial river by synchronous fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy: the Fensch River (NE France).

PubMed

Assaad, Aziz; Pontvianne, Steve; Pons, Marie-Noëlle

2017-05-01

To rapidly monitor the surface water quality in terms of organic pollution of an industrial river undergoing restoration, optical methods (UV-visible spectrometry and fluorescence) were applied in parallel to classical physical-chemical analyses. UV-visible spectra were analyzed using the maximum of the second derivative at 225 nm (related to nitrates), specific absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA 254 ), and the spectral slope between 275 and 295 nm (S 275-295 ) (related to the aromaticity and molecular weight of dissolved organic carbon). The synchronous fluorescence spectra (wavelength difference = 50 nm) exhibited a high variability in the composition of dissolved organic material between the upstream and downstream sections and also versus time. The principal components analysis of the entire set of synchronous fluorescence spectra helped to define three river sections with different pollution characteristics. Spectral decomposition was applied to the two most upstream sections: five fluorophores, classical in rivers impacted by domestic sewage and related to protein-like (λ ex  = 280 nm) and humic-like fluorescence (M-type with λ ex  ≈ 305-310 nm and C-type with λ ex  ≥ 335 nm), were identified. The irregular shape of the synchronous fluorescence spectra in the most downstream section is likely due to organic pollutants of industrial origin; however, their variability and the complexity of the spectra did not allow the further elucidation of their nature.

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography of anthranilic acid-labelled oligosaccharides with a 4-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester-labelled dextran hydrolysate internal standard.

PubMed

Neville, David C A; Alonzi, Dominic S; Butters, Terry D

2012-04-13

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) of fluorescently labelled oligosaccharides is used in many laboratories to analyse complex oligosaccharide mixtures. Separations are routinely performed using a TSK gel-Amide 80 HPLC column, and retention times of different oligosaccharide species are converted to glucose unit (GU) values that are determined with reference to an external standard. However, if retention times were to be compared with an internal standard, consistent and more accurate GU values would be obtained. We present a method to perform internal standard-calibrated HILIC of fluorescently labelled oligosaccharides. The method relies on co-injection of 4-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester (4-ABEE)-labelled internal standard and detection by UV absorption, with 2-AA (2-aminobenzoic acid)-labelled oligosaccharides. 4-ABEE is a UV chromophore and a fluorophore, but there is no overlap of the fluorescent spectrum of 4-ABEE with the commonly used fluorescent reagents. The dual nature of 4-ABEE allows for accurate calculation of the delay between UV and fluorescent signals when determining the GU values of individual oligosaccharides. The GU values obtained are inherently more accurate as slight differences in gradients that can influence retention are negated by use of an internal standard. Therefore, this paper provides the first method for determination of HPLC-derived GU values of fluorescently labelled oligosaccharides using an internal calibrant. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DNA sequencing using fluorescence background electroblotting membrane

DOEpatents

Caldwell, Karin D.; Chu, Tun-Jen; Pitt, William G.

1992-01-01

A method for the multiplex sequencing on DNA is disclosed which comprises the electroblotting or specific base terminated DNA fragments, which have been resolved by gel electrophoresis, onto the surface of a neutral non-aromatic polymeric microporous membrane exhibiting low background fluorescence which has been surface modified to contain amino groups. Polypropylene membranes are preferably and the introduction of amino groups is accomplished by subjecting the membrane to radio or microwave frequency plasma discharge in the presence of an aminating agent, preferably ammonia. The membrane, containing physically adsorbed DNA fragments on its surface after the electroblotting, is then treated with crosslinking means such as UV radiation or a glutaraldehyde spray to chemically bind the DNA fragments to the membrane through said smino groups contained on the surface thereof. The DNA fragments chemically bound to the membrane are subjected to hybridization probing with a tagged probe specific to the sequence of the DNA fragments. The tagging may be by either fluorophores or radioisotopes. The tagged probes hybridized to said target DNA fragments are detected and read by laser induced fluorescence detection or autoradiograms. The use of aminated low fluorescent background membranes allows the use of fluorescent detection and reading even when the available amount of DNA to be sequenced is small. The DNA bound to the membrances may be reprobed numerous times.

DNA sequencing using fluorescence background electroblotting membrane

DOEpatents

Caldwell, K.D.; Chu, T.J.; Pitt, W.G.

1992-05-12

A method for the multiplex sequencing on DNA is disclosed which comprises the electroblotting or specific base terminated DNA fragments, which have been resolved by gel electrophoresis, onto the surface of a neutral non-aromatic polymeric microporous membrane exhibiting low background fluorescence which has been surface modified to contain amino groups. Polypropylene membranes are preferably and the introduction of amino groups is accomplished by subjecting the membrane to radio or microwave frequency plasma discharge in the presence of an aminating agent, preferably ammonia. The membrane, containing physically adsorbed DNA fragments on its surface after the electroblotting, is then treated with crosslinking means such as UV radiation or a glutaraldehyde spray to chemically bind the DNA fragments to the membrane through amino groups contained on the surface. The DNA fragments chemically bound to the membrane are subjected to hybridization probing with a tagged probe specific to the sequence of the DNA fragments. The tagging may be by either fluorophores or radioisotopes. The tagged probes hybridized to the target DNA fragments are detected and read by laser induced fluorescence detection or autoradiograms. The use of aminated low fluorescent background membranes allows the use of fluorescent detection and reading even when the available amount of DNA to be sequenced is small. The DNA bound to the membranes may be reprobed numerous times. No Drawings

Thermal distribution in biological tissue at laser induced fluorescence and photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnikov, I. V.; Seteikin, A. Yu.; Drakaki, E.; Makropoulou, M.

2012-03-01

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are techniques currently introduced in clinical applications for visualization and local destruction of malignant tumours as well as premalignant lesions. During the laser irradiation of tissues for the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the absorbed optical energy generates heat, although the power density of the treatment light for surface illumination is normally low enough not to cause any significantly increased tissue temperature. In this work we tried to evaluate the utility of Monte Carlo modeling for simulating the temperature fields and the dynamics of heat conduction into the skin tissue under several laser irradiation conditions with both a pulsed UV laser and a continuous wave visible laser beam. The analysis of the results showed that heat is not localized on the surface, but it is collected inside the tissue. By varying the boundary conditions on the surface and the type of the laser radiation (continuous or pulsed) we can reach higher than normal temperature inside the tissue without simultaneous formation of thermally damaged tissue (e.g. coagulation or necrosis zone).

Aerogel volatiles concentrator and analyzer (AVCA) - Collection and concentration of trace volatile organics in aerogel for spectroscopic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsapin, A.; Jones, S.; Petkov, M.; Borchardt, D.; Anderson, M.

2017-03-01

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of using silica aerogel to collect and concentrate ambient trace organics for spectroscopic analysis. Silica aerogel was exposed to atmospheres containing trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The organics present were concentrated in the aerogels by factors varying from 10 to more than 1000 over the levels found in the atmospheres, depending on the specific organic present. Since silica aerogel is transparent over a wide range of optical and near infrared wavelengths, UV-induced fluorescence, Raman and infrared spectroscopies were used to detect and identify the organics collected by the aerogel. Measurements were conducted to determine the sensitivity of these spectroscopic methods for determining organics concentrated by aerogels and the effectiveness of this method for identifying systems containing multiple organic species. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were added to simulated Mars regolith and then vaporized by modest heating in the presence of aerogel. The aerogels adsorbed and concentrated the PAHs, which were detected by induced fluorescence and Raman and FTIR spectroscopies.

Quantitation of polymethoxylated flavones in orange juice by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Rouseff, R L; Ting, S V

1979-08-01

A quantitative high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure for the determination of the five major polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) in orange juice has been developed. It employs a unique ternary solvent system with coupled UV-fluorescence detection. The dual detectors were employed to determine the presence of interfering substances and served as a cross check on quantitation. Stop flow UV and fluorescence scanning was used to identify peaks and determine the presence of impurities. Although all five citrus PMFs fluoresce, some HPLC fluorescence peaks were too small to be of much practical use. All five citrus PMFs could be quantitated satisfactorily with the fixed wavelength UV (313 nm) detector. The HPLC procedure has been used to evaluate each step in the preparation. The optimum extracting solvent was selected and one time consuming step was eliminated, as it was found to be unnecessary. HPLC values for nobiletin and sinensetin are in good agreement with the thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) values in the literature. HPLC values for the other three flavones were considerably lower than those reported in the literature. The HPLC procedure is considerably faster than the TLC procedure with equal or superior precision and accuracy.

Effect of metal ions on autofluorescence of the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans grown on spruce wood.

PubMed

Gabriel, Jiří; Žižka, Zdeněk; Švec, Karel; Nasswettrová, Andrea; Šmíra, Pavel; Kofroňová, Olga; Benada, Oldřich

2016-03-01

This work describes autofluorescence of the mycelium of the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans grown on spruce wood blocks impregnated with various metals. Live mycelium, as opposed to dead mycelium, exhibited yellow autofluorescence upon blue excitation, blue fluorescence with ultraviolet (UV) excitation, orange-red and light-blue fluorescence with violet excitation, and red fluorescence with green excitation. Distinctive autofluorescence was observed in the fungal cell wall and in granula localized in the cytoplasm. In dead mycelium, the intensity of autofluorescence decreased and the signal was diffused throughout the cytoplasm. Metal treatment affected both the color and intensity of autofluorescence and also the morphology of the mycelium. The strongest yellow signal was observed with blue excitation in Cd-treated samples, in conjunction with increased branching and the formation of mycelial loops and protrusions. For the first time, we describe pink autofluorescence that was observed in Mn-, Zn-, and Cu-treated samples with UV, violet or. blue excitation. The lowest signals were obtained in Cu- and Fe-treated samples. Chitin, an important part of the fungal cell wall exhibited intensive primary fluorescence with UV, violet, blue, and green excitation.

Electrochemical vapor generation of selenium species after online photolysis and reduction by UV-irradiation under nano TiO2 photocatalysis and its application to selenium speciation by HPLC coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

PubMed

Liang, Jing; Wang, Qiuquan; Huang, Benli

2005-01-01

An online UV photolysis and UV/TiO2 photocatalysis reduction device (UV-UV/TiO2 PCRD) and an electrochemical vapor generation (ECVG) cell have been used for the first time as an interface between high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) for selenium speciation. The newly designed ECVG cell of approximately 115 microL dead volume consists of a carbon fiber cathode and a platinum loop anode; the atomic hydrogen generated on the cathode was used to reduce selenium to vapor species for AFS determination. The noise was greatly reduced compared with that obtained by use of the UV-UV/TiO2 PCRD-KBH4-acid interface. The detection limits obtained for seleno-DL: -cystine (SeCys), selenite (Se(IV)), seleno-DL: -methionine (SeMet), and selenate (Se(VI)) were 2.1, 2.9, 4.3, and 3.5 ng mL(-1), respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the speciation of selenium in water-soluble extracts of garlic shoots cultured with different selenium species. The results obtained suggested that UV-UV/TiO2 PCRD-ECVG should be an effective interface between HPLC and AFS for the speciation of elements amenable to vapor generation, and is superior to methods involving KBH4.

Biochemical Detection and Identification False Alarm Rate Dependence on Wavelength Using Laser Induced Fluorescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhartia, R.; Hug, W. F.; Sala, E. C.; Sijapati, K.; Lane, A. L.; Reid, R. D.; Conrad, P. G.

2006-01-01

Most organic and many inorganic materials absorb strongly in specific wavelength ranges in the deep UV between about 220nm and 300nm. Excitation within these absorption bands results in native fluorescence emission. Each compound or composite material, such as a bacterial spore, has a unique excitation-emission fingerprint that can be used to provide information about the material. The sensitivity and specificity with which these materials can be detected and identified depends on the excitation wavelength and the number and location of observation wavelengths.We will present data on our deep ultraviolet Targeted Ultraviolet Chemical Sensors that demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the sensors. In particular, we will demonstrate the ability to quantitatively differentiate a wide range of biochemical agent targets against a wide range of background materials. We will describe the relationship between spectral resolution and specificity in target identification, as well as simple, fast, algorithms to identify materials.Hand-held, battery operated instruments using a deep UV laser and multi-band detection have been developed and deployed on missions to the Antarctic, the Arctic, and the deep ocean with the capability of detecting a single bacterial spore and to differentiate a wide range of organic and biological compounds.

Different Resistance to UV-B Radiation of Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Two Cyanobacteria from Contrasting Habitats

PubMed Central

Song, Wenjuan; Zhao, Chenxi; Zhang, Daoyong; Mu, Shuyong; Pan, Xiangliang

2016-01-01

The effects of UV-B radiation (UVBR) on photosynthetic activity (Fv/Fm) of aquatic Synechocystis sp. and desert Chroococcus minutus and effects on composition and fluorescence property of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) from Synechocystis sp. and C. minutus were comparatively investigated. The desert cyanobacterium species C. minutus showed higher tolerance of PSII activity (Fv/Fm) to UVBR than the aquatic Synechocystis sp., and the inhibited PSII activity of C. minutus could be fully recovered while that of Synechocystis sp. could be partly recovered. UVBR had significant effect on the yield and biochemical composition of EPS of both species. Protein-like and humic acid-like substances were detected in EPS from Synechocystis sp., and protein-like and phenol-like fluorescent compounds were detected in EPS from C. minutus. Proteins in EPS of desert and aquatic species were significantly decomposed under UVBR, and the latter was more easily decomposed. The polysaccharides were much more resistant to UVBR than the proteins for both species. Polysaccharides of Synechocystis sp. was degraded slightly but those of C. minutus was little decomposed. The higher tolerance to UVBR of the desert cyanobacterium can be attributed to the higher resistance of its EPS to photodegradation induced by UVBR in comparison with the aquatic species. PMID:27597841

Modified EVA Encapsulant Formulations for Low Temperature Processing: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mei, Z.; Pern, F. J.; Glick, S. H.

2001-10-01

Presented at the 2001 NCPV Program Review Meeting: We have developed several new ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) formulations modified on the basis of NREL patented EVA formulations [1]. The new formulations can be cured to a desired gel content of {approx}80% in the ambient at temperatures 20-30 C lower than the typical conditions in vacuum (i.e. {approx}150 C). Glass/glass laminates showed transmittance spectra that are essentially the same as that of EVA 15295P in the visible and NIR regions but higher in the UV region. Results of fluorescence analysis of the ambient-processed new EVA formulations showed the concentrations of the curing-generatedmore » {alpha},{beta}-unsaturated carbonyl chromophores, which are responsible for the UV induced EVA discoloration and photodegradation, were considerably lower than that of EVA 15295P, therefore suggesting a better photochemical stability of new EVA formulations.« less

A new on-axis micro-spectrophotometer for combining Raman, fluorescence and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy with macromolecular crystallography at the Swiss Light Source

PubMed Central

Pompidor, Guillaume; Dworkowski, Florian S. N.; Thominet, Vincent; Schulze-Briese, Clemens; Fuchs, Martin R.

2013-01-01

The combination of X-ray diffraction experiments with optical methods such as Raman, UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy greatly enhances and complements the specificity of the obtained information. The upgraded version of the in situ on-axis micro-spectrophotometer, MS2, at the macromolecular crystallography beamline X10SA of the Swiss Light Source is presented. The instrument newly supports Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy, in addition to the previously available UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence modes. With the recent upgrades of the spectral bandwidth, instrument stability, detection efficiency and control software, the application range of the instrument and its ease of operation were greatly improved. Its on-axis geometry with collinear X-ray and optical axes to ensure optimal control of the overlap of sample volumes probed by each technique is still unique amongst comparable facilities worldwide and the instrument has now been in general user operation for over two years. PMID:23955041

A new on-axis micro-spectrophotometer for combining Raman, fluorescence and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy with macromolecular crystallography at the Swiss Light Source.

PubMed

Pompidor, Guillaume; Dworkowski, Florian S N; Thominet, Vincent; Schulze-Briese, Clemens; Fuchs, Martin R

2013-09-01

The combination of X-ray diffraction experiments with optical methods such as Raman, UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy greatly enhances and complements the specificity of the obtained information. The upgraded version of the in situ on-axis micro-spectrophotometer, MS2, at the macromolecular crystallography beamline X10SA of the Swiss Light Source is presented. The instrument newly supports Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy, in addition to the previously available UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence modes. With the recent upgrades of the spectral bandwidth, instrument stability, detection efficiency and control software, the application range of the instrument and its ease of operation were greatly improved. Its on-axis geometry with collinear X-ray and optical axes to ensure optimal control of the overlap of sample volumes probed by each technique is still unique amongst comparable facilities worldwide and the instrument has now been in general user operation for over two years.

Giardia duodenalis: Number and Fluorescence Reduction Caused by the Advanced Oxidation Process (H2O2/UV)

PubMed Central

Guimarães, José Roberto; Franco, Regina Maura Bueno; Guadagnini, Regiane Aparecida; dos Santos, Luciana Urbano

2014-01-01

This study evaluated the effect of peroxidation assisted by ultraviolet radiation (H2O2/UV), which is an advanced oxidation process (AOP), on Giardia duodenalis cysts. The cysts were inoculated in synthetic and surface water using a concentration of 12 g H2O2 L−1 and a UV dose (λ = 254 nm) of 5,480 mJcm−2. The aqueous solutions were concentrated using membrane filtration, and the organisms were observed using a direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The AOP was effective in reducing the number of G. duodenalis cysts in synthetic and surface water and was most effective in reducing the fluorescence of the cyst walls that were present in the surface water. The AOP showed a higher deleterious potential for G. duodenalis cysts than either peroxidation (H2O2) or photolysis (UV) processes alone. PMID:27379301

Highly fluorescent peptide nanoribbon impregnated with Sn-porphyrin as a potent DNA sensor.

PubMed

Parayil, Sreenivasan Koliyat; Lee, Jooran; Yoon, Minjoong

2013-05-01

Highly fluorescent and thermo-stable peptide nanoribbons (PNRs) were fabricated by solvothermal self-assembly of a single peptide (D,D-diphenyl alanine peptides) with Sn-porphyrin (trans-dihydroxo[5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-tolyl)porphyrinato] Sn(IV) (SnTTP(OH)2)). The structural characterization of the as-prepared nanoribbons was performed by transmitting electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, indicating that the lipophilic Sn-porphyrins are impregnated into the porous surface formed in the process of nanoribbon formation through intermolecular hydrogen bonding of the peptide main chains. Consequently the Sn-porphyrin-impregnated peptide nanoribbons (Sn-porphyrin-PNRs) exhibited typical UV-visible absorption spectrum of the monomer porphyrin with a red shifted Q-band, and their fluorescence quantum yield was observed to be enhanced compared to that of free Sn-porphyrin. Interestingly the fluorescence intensity and lifetimes of Sn-porphyrin-PNRs were selectively affected upon interaction with nucleotide base sequences of DNA while those of free Sn-porphyrins were not affected by binding with any of the DNA studied, indicating that DNA-induced changes in the fluorescence properties of Sn-porphyrin-PNRs are due to interaction between DNA and the PNR scaffold. These results imply that Sn-porphyrin-PNR will be useful as a potent fluorescent protein analogue and as a biocompatible DNA sensor.

Switching on fluorescence for selective visual recognition of naringenin and morin with a metal-organic coordination polymer of Zn(bix) [bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xi Juan; Wang, Hui Juan; Liang, Li Jiao; Li, Yuan Fang

2013-02-01

Flavonoids such as naringenin and morin are ubiquitous in a wide range of foods isolated from plants, and have diverse effects on plants even on human health. Here, we establish a selective visual method for recognition of aringenin and morin based on the "switched on" fluorescence induced by a metal-organic coordination polymer of Zn(bix) [bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene]. Owing to the coordination interaction of aringenin and morin with Zn(II) from the polymeric structure of Zn(bix), the conformational free rotation of naringenin and morin is restricted leading to relatively rigid structures. And as a consequence, the fluorescence is switched on. While luteolin and quercetin, holding a very similar structure with naringenin and morin, have no such fluorescence enhancement most likely owing to the 3'-hydroxy substitution in the B ring. Under 365 nm UV lamp light, we can visually recognize and discriminate naringenin and morin from them each other and luteolin as well as quercetin based on the colors of their emission. With this recognition system, the detection of naringenin and morin in human urine was made with satisfactory results.

Investigation of the binding affinity in vitamin B12-Bovine serum albumin system using various spectroscopic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarska-Bialokoz, Magdalena

2017-09-01

The binding affinity between vitamin B12 (VitB12) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated in aqueous solution at pH = 7.4, employing UV-vis absorption and steady-state, synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra techniques. Representative effects noted for BSA intrinsic fluorescence resulting from the interactions with VitB12 confirm the formation of π-π stacked non-covalent and non-fluorescent complexes in the system VitB12-BSA. All the determined parameters, the binding, fluorescence quenching and bimolecular quenching rate constants (of the order of 104 L mol- 1, 103 L mol- 1 and 1011 L mol- 1 s- 1, respectively), as well as Förster resonance energy transfer parameters validate the mechanism of static quenching. The interaction with VitB12 induces folding of the polypeptide chains around Trp residues of BSA, resulting in a more hydrophobic surrounding. Presented outcomes suggest that the addition of VitB12 can lead to the more organized BSA conformation and its more folded tertiary structure, what could influence the physiological functions of bovine serum albumin, notably in case of its overuse or abnormal metabolism.

Alteration of methotrexate binding to human serum albumin induced by oxidative stress. Spectroscopic comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maciążek-Jurczyk, M.; Sułkowska, A.; Równicka-Zubik, J.

2016-01-01

Changes of oxidative modified albumin conformation by comparison of non-modified (HSA) and modified (oHSA) human serum albumin absorption spectra, Red Edge Excitation Shift (REES) effect and fluorescence synchronous spectra were investigated. Studies of absorption spectra indicated that changes in the value of absorbance associated with spectral changes in the region from 200 to 250 nm involve structural alterations related to variations in peptide backbone conformation. Analysis of the REES effect allowed for the observation of changes caused by oxidation in the region of the hydrophobic pocket containing the tryptophanyl residue. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed changes of the position of the tryptophanyl and tyrosil residues fluorescent band. Effect of oxidative stress on binding of methotrexate (MTX) was investigated by spectrofluorescence, UV-VIS and 1HNMR spectroscopy. MTX caused the fluorescence quenching of non-modified (HSA) and modified (oHSA) human serum albumin molecule. The values of binding constants, Hill's coefficients and a number of binding sites in the protein molecule in the high affinity binding site were calculated for the binary MTX-HSA and MTX-oHSA systems. For these systems, qualitative analysis in the low affinity binding sites was performed with the use of the 1HNMR technique.

Determination of minimal erythema dose and anomalous reactions to UVA radiation by skin phototype.

PubMed

Pérez Ferriols, A; Aguilera, J; Aguilera, P; de Argila, D; Barnadas, M A; de Cabo, X; Carrrascosa, J M; de Gálvez Aranda, M V; Gardeazábal, J; Giménez-Arnau, A; Lecha, M; Lorente, J; Martínez-Lozano, J A; Rodríguez Granados, M T; Sola, Y; Utrillas, M P

2014-10-01

Phototesting is a technique that assesses the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation by determining the smallest dose of radiation capable of inducing erythema (minimal erythema dose [MED]) and anomalous responses to UV-A radiation. No phototesting protocol guidelines have been published to date. This was a multicenter prospective cohort study in which 232 healthy volunteers were recruited at 9 hospitals. Phototests were carried out with solar simulators or fluorescent broadband UV-B lamps. Each individual received a total of 5 or 6 incremental doses of erythemal radiation and 4 doses of UV-A radiation. The results were read at 24hours. At hospitals where solar simulators were used, the mean (SD) MED values were 23 (8), 28 (4), 35 (4), and 51 (6) mJ/cm(2) for skin phototypes i to iv, respectively. At hospitals where broadband UV-B lamps were used, these values were 28 (5), 32 (3), and 34 (5) mJ/cm(2) for phototypes ii to iv, respectively. MED values lower than 7, 19, 27, and 38 mJ/cm(2) obtained with solar simulators were considered to indicate a pathologic response for phototypes I to IV, respectively. MED values lower than 18, 24, and 24mJ/cm(2) obtained with broadband UV-B lamps were considered to indicate a pathologic response for phototypes ii to iv, respectively. No anomalous responses were observed at UV-A radiation doses of up to 20J/cm(2). Results were homogeneous across centers, making it possible to standardize diagnostic phototesting for the various skin phototypes and establish threshold doses that define anomalous responses to UV radiation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y AEDV. All rights reserved.

Garlic Supplementation Ameliorates UV-Induced Photoaging in Hairless Mice by Regulating Antioxidative Activity and MMPs Expression.

PubMed

Kim, Hye Kyung

2016-01-08

UV exposure is associated with oxidative stress and is the primary factor in skin photoaging. UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause the up-regulation of metalloproteinase (MMPs) and the degradation of dermal collagen and elastic fibers. Garlic and its components have been reported to exert antioxidative effects. The present study investigated the protective effect of garlic on UV-induced photoaging and MMPs regulation in hairless mice. Garlic was supplemented in the diet, and Skh-1 hairless mice were exposed to UV irradiation five days/week for eight weeks. Mice were divided into four groups; Non-UV, UV-irradiated control, UV+1% garlic powder diet group, and UV+2% garlic powder diet group. Chronic UV irradiation induced rough wrinkling of the skin with hyperkeratosis, and administration of garlic diminished the coarse wrinkle formation. UV-induced dorsal skin and epidermal thickness were also ameliorated by garlic supplementation. ROS generation, skin and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased by UV exposure and were ameliorated by garlic administration although the effects were not dose-dependent. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in skin tissues were markedly reduced by UV irradiation and garlic treatment increased these enzyme activities. UV-induced MMP-1 and MMP-2 protein levels were suppressed by garlic administration. Furthermore, garlic supplementation prevented the UV-induced increase of MMP-1 mRNA expression and the UV-induced decrease of procollagen mRNA expression. These results suggest that garlic may be effective for preventing skin photoaging accelerated by UV irradiation through the antioxidative system and MMP regulation.

Characterization of folding intermediates during urea-induced denaturation of human carbonic anhydrase II.

PubMed

Wahiduzzaman; Dar, Mohammad Aasif; Haque, Md Anzarul; Idrees, Danish; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz; Islam, Asimul; Ahmad, Faizan

2017-02-01

Knowledge of folding/unfolding pathway is fundamental basis to study protein structure and stability. Human carbonic anhydrase II (HCAII) is a ∼29kDa, β-sheet dominated monomeric protein of 259 amino acid residues. In the present study, the urea-induced denaturation of HCAII was carried out which was a tri-phasic process, i.e., N (native) ↔ X I ↔ X II ↔ D (denatured) with stable intermediates X I and X II populated around 2 and 4M urea, respectively. The far-UV CD was used to characterize the intermediate states (X I and X II ) for secondary structural content, near-UV CD for tertiary structure, dynamic light scattering for hydrodynamic radius and ANS fluorescence spectroscopy for the presence of exposed hydrophobic patches. Based on these experiments, we concluded that urea-induced X I state has characteristics of molten globule state while X II state bears characteristics features of pre-molten globule state. Characterization of the intermediates on the folding pathway will contribute to a deeper understanding of the structure-function relationship of HCAII. Furthermore, this system may provide an excellent model to study urea stress and the strategies adopted by the organisms to combat such a stress. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Urea-induced denaturation of human calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV: a combined spectroscopic and MD simulation studies.

PubMed

Naz, Huma; Shahbaaz, Mohd; Haque, Md Anzarul; Bisetty, Krishna; Islam, Asimul; Ahmad, Faizan; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz

2017-02-01

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) is a multifunctional enzyme which belongs to the Ser/Thr kinase family. CaMKIV plays important role in varieties of biological processes such as gene expression regulation, memory consolidation, bone growth, T-cell maturation, sperm motility, regulation of microtubule dynamics, cell-cycle progression, and apoptosis. To measure stability parameters, urea-induced denaturation of CaMKIV was carried out at pH 7.4 and 25°C, using three different probes, namely far-UV CD, near-UV absorption, and tryptophan fluorescence. A coincidence of normalized denaturation curves of these optical properties suggests that urea-induced denaturation is a two-state process. Analysis of these denaturation curves gave values of 4.20 ± 0.12 kcal mol -1 , 2.95 ± 0.15 M, and 1.42 ± 0.06 kcal mol -1  M -1 for [Formula: see text] (Gibbs free energy change (ΔG D ) in the absence of urea), C m (molar urea concentration ([urea]) at the midpoint of the denaturation curve), and m (=∂ΔG D /∂[urea]), respectively. All these experimental observations have been fully supported by 30 ns molecular dynamics simulation studies.

UV fluorescence excitation imaging of healing of wounds in skin: Evaluation of wound closure in organ culture model.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Gutierrez-Herrera, Enoch; Ortega-Martinez, Antonio; Anderson, Richard Rox; Franco, Walfre

2016-09-01

Molecules native to tissue that fluoresce upon light excitation can serve as reporters of cellular activity and protein structure. In skin, the fluorescence ascribed to tryptophan is a marker of cellular proliferation, whereas the fluorescence ascribed to cross-links of collagen is a structural marker. In this work, we introduce and demonstrate a simple but robust optical method to image the functional process of epithelialization and the exposed dermal collagen in wound healing of human skin in an organ culture model. Non-closing non-grafted, partial closing non-grafted, and grafted wounds were created in ex vivo human skin and kept in culture. A wide-field UV fluorescence excitation imaging system was used to visualize epithelialization of the exposed dermis and quantitate wound area, closure, and gap. Histology (H&E staining) was also used to evaluate epithelialization. The endogenous fluorescence excitation of cross-links of collagen at 335 nm clearly shows the dermis missing epithelium, while the endogenous fluorescence excitation of tryptophan at 295 nm shows keratinocytes in higher proliferating state. The size of the non-closing wound was 11.4 ± 1.8 mm and remained constant during the observation period, while the partial-close wound reached 65.5 ± 4.9% closure by day 16. Evaluations of wound gaps using fluorescence excitation images and histology images are in agreement. We have established a fluorescence imaging method for studying epithelialization processes, evaluating keratinocyte proliferation, and quantitating closure during wound healing of skin in an organ culture model: the dermal fluorescence of pepsin-digestible collagen cross-links can be used to quantitate wound size, closure extents, and gaps; and, the epidermal fluorescence ascribed to tryptophan can be used to monitor and quantitate functional states of epithelialization. UV fluorescence excitation imaging has the potential to become a valuable tool for research, diagnostic and educational purposes on evaluating the healing of wounds. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:678-685, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Caging and Photoactivation in Single-Molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Experiments

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Caged organic fluorophores are established tools for localization-based super-resolution imaging. Their use relies on reversible deactivation of standard organic fluorophores by chemical reduction or commercially available caged dyes with ON switching of the fluorescent signal by ultraviolet (UV) light. Here, we establish caging of cyanine fluorophores and caged rhodamine dyes, i.e., chemical deactivation of fluorescence, for single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments with freely diffusing molecules. They allow temporal separation and sorting of multiple intramolecular donor–acceptor pairs during solution-based smFRET. We use this “caged FRET” methodology for the study of complex biochemical species such as multisubunit proteins or nucleic acids containing more than two fluorescent labels. Proof-of-principle experiments and a characterization of the uncaging process in the confocal volume are presented. These reveal that chemical caging and UV reactivation allow temporal uncoupling of convoluted fluorescence signals from, e.g., multiple spectrally similar donor or acceptor molecules on nucleic acids. We also use caging without UV reactivation to remove unwanted overlabeled species in experiments with the homotrimeric membrane transporter BetP. We finally outline further possible applications of the caged FRET methodology, such as the study of weak biochemical interactions, which are otherwise impossible with diffusion-based smFRET techniques because of the required low concentrations of fluorescently labeled biomolecules. PMID:28362086

UV plasmonic enhancement through three dimensional nano-cavity antenna array in aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Jieying; Stevenson, Peter; Montanaric, Danielle; Wang, Yunshan; Shumaker-Parry, Jennifer S.; Harris, Joel M.; Blair, Steve

2017-08-01

Metallic nanostructure can enhance fluorescence through excited surface plasmons which increase the local field as well as improve its quantum efficiency. When coupling to cavity resonance with proper gap dimension, gap hot spots can be generated to interact with fluorescence at their excitation/emission region in UV. A 3D nano-cavity antenna array in Aluminum has been conducted to generate local hot spot resonant at fluorescence emission resonance. Giant field enhancement has been achieved through coupling fundamental resonance modes of nanocavity into surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs). In this work, two distinct plasmonic structure of 3D resonant cavity nanoantenna has been studied and its plasmonic response has been scaled down to the UV regime through finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method. Two different strategies for antenna fabrication will be conducted to obtain D-coupled Dots-on-Pillar Antenna array (D2PA) through Focus Ion Beam (FIB) and Cap- Hole Pair Antenna array (CHPA) through nanosphere template lithography (NTL). With proper optimization of the structures, D2PA and CHPA square array with 280nm pitch have achieved distinct enhancement at fluorophore emission wavelength 350nm and excitation wavelength 280nm simultaneously. Maximum field enhancement can reach 20 and 65 fold in the gap of D2PA and CHPA when light incident from substrate, which is expected to greatly enhance fluorescent quantum efficiency that will be confirmed in fluorescence lifetime measurement.

Effects of solar UV-B radiation on aquatic ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Häder, D.-P.

Solar UV degrades dissolved organic carbon photolytically so that they can readily be taken up by bacterioplankton. On the other hand solar UV radiation inhibits bacterioplankton activity. Bacterioplankton productivity is far greater than previously thought and is comparable to phytoplankton primary productivity. According to the "microbial loop hypothesis," bacterioplankton is seen in the center of a food web, having a similar function to phytoplankton and protists. The penetration of UV and PAR into the water column can be measured. Marine waters show large temporal and regional differences in their concentrations of dissolved and particulate absorbing substances. A network of dosimeters (ELDONET) has been installed in Europe ranging from Abisko in Northern Sweden to Gran Canaria. Cyanobacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen which is then made available to higher plants. The agricultural potential of cyanobacteria has been recognized as a biological fertilizer for wet soils such as in rice paddies. UV-B is known to impair processes such as growth, survival, pigmentation, motility, as well as the enzymes of nitrogen metabolism and CO 2 fixation. The marine phytoplankton represents the single most important ecosystem on our planet and produces about the same biomass as all terrestrial ecosystems taken together. It is the base of the aquatic food chain and any changes in the size and composition of phytoplankton communities will directly affect food production for humans from marine sources. Another important role of marine phytoplankton is to serve as a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Recent investigations have shown a large sensitivity of most phytoplankton organisms toward solar short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UV-B); even at ambient levels of UV-B radiation many organisms seem to be under UV stress. Because of their requirement for solar energy, the phytoplankton dwell in the top layers of the water column. In this near-surface position phytoplankton will be exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation. This radiation has been shown to affect growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen incorporation and enzyme activity. Other targets of solar UV irradiation are proteins and pigments involved in photosynthesis. Whether or not screening pigments can be induced in phytoplankton to effectively shield the organisms from excessive UV irradiation needs to be determined. Macroalgae show a distinct pattern of vertical distribution in their habitat. They have developed mechanisms to regulate their photosynthetic activity to adapt to the changing light regime and protect themselves from excessive radiation. A broad survey was carried out to understand photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems and the different adaptation strategies to solar radiation of ecologically important species of green, red and brown algae from the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, Atlantic, polar and tropical oceans. Photoinhibition was quantified by oxygen exchange and by PAM (pulse amplitude modulated) fluorescence measurements based on transient changes of chlorophyll fluorescence.

Modeling techniques and fluorescence imaging investigation of the interactions of an anthraquinone derivative with HSA and ctDNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Zheng; Cui, Yanrui; Cui, Fengling; Zhang, Guisheng

2016-01-01

A new anthraquinone derivative (AORha) was synthesized. Its interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Cell viability assay and cell imaging experiment were performed using cervical cancer cells (HepG2 cells). The fluorescence results revealed that the quenching mechanism was static quenching. At different temperatures (290, 300, 310 K), the binding constants (K) and the number of binding sites (n) were determined, respectively. The positive ΔH and ΔS values showed that the binding of AORha with HSA was hydrophobic force, which was identical with the molecular docking result. Studying the fluorescence spectra, UV spectra and molecular modeling also verified that the binding mode of AORha and ctDNA might be intercalative. When HepG2 cells were treated with AORha, the fluorescence became brighter and turned green, which could be used for bioimaging.

Ex-vivo UV autofluorescence imaging and fluorescence spectroscopy of atherosclerotic pathology in human aorta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, William; Williams, Maura; Franco, Walfre

2017-02-01

The aim of our study was to identify fluorescence excitation-emission pairs correlated with atherosclerotic pathology in ex-vivo human aorta. Wide-field images of atherosclerotic human aorta were captured using UV and visible excitation and emission wavelength pairs of several known fluorophores to investigate correspondence with gross pathologic features. Fluorescence spectroscopy and histology were performed on 21 aortic samples. A matrix of Pearson correlation coefficients were determined for the relationship between relevant histologic features and the intensity of emission for 427 wavelength pairs. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that elastin (370/460 nm) and tryptophan (290/340 nm) fluorescence predicted 58% of the variance in intima thickness (R-squared = 0.588, F(2,18) = 12.8, p=.0003), and 48% of the variance in media thickness (R-squared = 0.483, F(2,18) = 8.42, p=.002), suggesting that endogenous fluorescence intensity at these wavelengths can be utilized for improved pathologic characterization of atherosclerotic plaques.

Modeling techniques and fluorescence imaging investigation of the interactions of an anthraquinone derivative with HSA and ctDNA.

PubMed

Fu, Zheng; Cui, Yanrui; Cui, Fengling; Zhang, Guisheng

2016-01-15

A new anthraquinone derivative (AORha) was synthesized. Its interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Cell viability assay and cell imaging experiment were performed using cervical cancer cells (HepG2 cells). The fluorescence results revealed that the quenching mechanism was static quenching. At different temperatures (290, 300, 310 K), the binding constants (K) and the number of binding sites (n) were determined, respectively. The positive ΔH and ΔS values showed that the binding of AORha with HSA was hydrophobic force, which was identical with the molecular docking result. Studying the fluorescence spectra, UV spectra and molecular modeling also verified that the binding mode of AORha and ctDNA might be intercalative. When HepG2 cells were treated with AORha, the fluorescence became brighter and turned green, which could be used for bioimaging. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluorescent bovine serum albumin interacting with the antitussive quencher dextromethorphan: a spectroscopic insight.

PubMed

Durgannavar, Amar K; Patgar, Manjanath B; Nandibewoor, Sharanappa T; Chimatadar, Shivamurti A

2016-05-01

The interaction of dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DXM) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) is studied by using fluorescence spectra, UV-vis absorption, synchronous fluorescence spectra (SFS), 3D fluorescence spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and circular dichroism under simulated physiological conditions. DXM effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. Values of the binding constant, K(A), are 7.159 × 10(3), 9.398 × 10(3) and 16.101 × 10(3)  L/mol; the number of binding sites, n, and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° between DXM and BSA were calculated at different temperatures. The interaction between DXM and BSA occurs through dynamic quenching and the effect of DXM on the conformation of BSA was analyzed using SFS. The average binding distance, r, between the donor (BSA) and acceptor (DXM) was determined based on Förster's theory. The results of fluorescence spectra, UV-vis absorption spectra and SFS show that the secondary structure of the protein has been changed in the presence of DXM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

One-Step Synthesis of Fluorescent Boron Nitride Quantum Dots via a Hydrothermal Strategy Using Melamine as Nitrogen Source for the Detection of Ferric Ions.

PubMed

Huo, Bingbing; Liu, Bingping; Chen, Tao; Cui, Liang; Xu, Gengfang; Liu, Mengli; Liu, Jingquan

2017-10-10

A facile and effective approach for the preparation of functionalized born nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) with blue fluorescence was explored by the hydrothermal treatment of the mixture of boric acid and melamine at 200 °C for 15 h. The as-prepared BNQDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The single layered BNQDs with the average size of 3 nm showed a blue light emission under the illumination of the UV light. The BNQDs could be easily dispersed in an aqueous medium and applied as fluorescent probes for selective detection of Fe 3+ with remarkable selectivity and sensitivity (the lowest detection limit was 0.3 μM). The fluorescence fiber imaging demonstrated that the as-prepared quantum dots could be used as a valuable fluorchrome. Therefore, the BNQDs could be envisioned for potential applications in many fields such as biocompatible staining, fluorescent probes, and biological labeling.

Structural anomaly and dynamic heterogeneity in cycloether/water binary mixtures: Signatures from composition dependent dynamic fluorescence measurements and computer simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indra, Sandipa; Guchhait, Biswajit; Biswas, Ranjit

2016-03-01

We have performed steady state UV-visible absorption and time-resolved fluorescence measurements and computer simulations to explore the cosolvent mole fraction induced changes in structural and dynamical properties of water/dioxane (Diox) and water/tetrahydrofuran (THF) binary mixtures. Diox is a quadrupolar solvent whereas THF is a dipolar one although both are cyclic molecules and represent cycloethers. The focus here is on whether these cycloethers can induce stiffening and transition of water H-bond network structure and, if they do, whether such structural modification differentiates the chemical nature (dipolar or quadrupolar) of the cosolvent molecules. Composition dependent measured fluorescence lifetimes and rotation times of a dissolved dipolar solute (Coumarin 153, C153) suggest cycloether mole-fraction (XTHF/Diox) induced structural transition for both of these aqueous binary mixtures in the 0.1 ≤ XTHF/Diox ≤ 0.2 regime with no specific dependence on the chemical nature. Interestingly, absorption measurements reveal stiffening of water H-bond structure in the presence of both the cycloethers at a nearly equal mole-fraction, XTHF/Diox ˜ 0.05. Measurements near the critical solution temperature or concentration indicate no role for the solution criticality on the anomalous structural changes. Evidences for cycloether aggregation at very dilute concentrations have been found. Simulated radial distribution functions reflect abrupt changes in respective peak heights at those mixture compositions around which fluorescence measurements revealed structural transition. Simulated water coordination numbers (for a dissolved C153) and number of H-bonds also exhibit minima around these cosolvent concentrations. In addition, several dynamic heterogeneity parameters have been simulated for both the mixtures to explore the effects of structural transition and chemical nature of cosolvent on heterogeneous dynamics of these systems. Simulated four-point dynamic susceptibility suggests formation of clusters inducing local heterogeneity in the solution structure.

Advanced industrial fluorescence metrology used for qualification of high quality optical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engel, Axel; Becker, Hans-Juergen; Sohr, Oliver; Haspel, Rainer; Rupertus, Volker

2003-11-01

Schott Glas is developing and producing the optical material for various specialized applications in telecommunication, biomedical, optical, and micro lithography technology. The requirements on quality for optical materials are extremely high and still increasing. For example in micro lithography applications the impurities of the material are specified to be in the low ppb range. Usually the impurities in the lower ppb range are determined using analytical methods like LA ICP-MS and Neutron Activation Analysis. On the other hand absorption and laser resistivity of optical material is qualified with optical methods like precision spectral photometers and in-situ transmission measurements having UV lasers. Analytical methods have the drawback that they are time consuming and rather expensive, whereas the sensitivity for the absorption method will not be sufficient to characterize the future needs (coefficient much below 10-3 cm-1). In order to achieve the current and future quality requirements a Jobin Yvon FLUOROLOG 3.22 fluorescence spectrometer is employed to enable fast and precise qualification and analysis. The main advantage of this setup is the combination of highest sensitivity (more than one order of magnitude higher sensitivity that state of the art UV absorption spectroscopy) and fast measurement and evaluation cycles (several minutes compared to several hours necessary for chemical analytics). An overview is given for spectral characteristics and using specified standards. Moreover correlations to the material qualities are shown. In particular we have investigated the elementary fluorescence and absorption of rare earth element impurities as well as defects induced luminescence originated by impurities.

Studies on Structural, Optical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Perylene-Doped p-terphenyl Luminophors.

PubMed

Desai, Netaji K; Mahajan, Prasad G; Bhopate, Dhanaji P; Dalavi, Dattatray K; Kamble, Avinash A; Gore, Anil H; Dongale, Tukaram D; Kolekar, Govind B; Patil, Shivajirao R

2018-01-01

A simple solid state reaction technique was employed for the preparation of polycrystalline luminophors of p-terphenyl containing different amounts of perylene followed by spectral characterization techniques viz. XRD, SEM, TGA-DSC, UV-Visible spectroscopy, thermo-electrical conductivity, fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence life time spectroscopy and temperature dependent fluorescence. X-ray diffraction profiles of the doped p-terphenyl reveal well-defined and sharp peaks indicate homogeneity and crystallinity. The SEM micrograph of pure p-terphenyl exhibit flakes like grains and then compact and finally gets separately with perylene amounts. The observed results indicate that closed packed crystal structures of doped p-terphenyl during crystal formation. The band gaps estimated from UV-visible spectroscopy decreased from 5.20 to 4.10 eV, while thermo-electrical conductivity increases with perylene content. The fluorescence spectra showed partial quenching of p-terphenyl fluorescence and simultaneously sensitization of perylene fluorescence at the excitation wavelength of p-terphenyl (290 nm) due to excitation energy transfer from p-terphenyl to perylene. The observed sensitization results are in harmony with intense blue color seen in fluorescence microscopy images and has high demand in scintillation process.

VUV lithography

DOEpatents

George, Edward V.; Oster, Yale; Mundinger, David C.

1990-01-01

Deep UV projection lithography can be performed using an e-beam pumped solid excimer UV source, a mask, and a UV reduction camera. The UV source produces deep UV radiation in the range 1700-1300A using xenon, krypton or argon; shorter wavelengths of 850-650A can be obtained using neon or helium. A thin solid layer of the gas is formed on a cryogenically cooled plate and bombarded with an e-beam to cause fluorescence. The UV reduction camera utilizes multilayer mirrors having high reflectivity at the UV wavelength and images the mask onto a resist coated substrate at a preselected demagnification. The mask can be formed integrally with the source as an emitting mask.

UV/PAR radiations and DOM properties in surface coastal waters of the Canadian shelf of the Beaufort Sea during summer 2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Para, J.; Charrière, B.; Matsuoka, A.; Miller, W. L.; Rontani, J. F.; Sempéré, R.

2012-11-01

Water masses from the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean were evaluated for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and optical characteristics including UV and PAR diffuse attenuation (Kd), and chromophoric and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (CDOM and FDOM) as part of the MALINA field campaign (30 July to 27 August). Even with relatively low mean daily solar radiation incident on the sea surface (0.12 ± 0.03, 8.46 ± 1.64 and 18.09 ± 4.20 kJ m-2 for UV-B (305 nm), UV-A (380 nm) and PAR, respectively), we report significant light penetration with 10% irradiance depths (Z10% (λ)) reaching 9.5 m for 340 nm (UV-A) radiation in the Eastern sector and 4.5 m in the Mackenzie River influenced area (Western sector). Spectral absorption coefficients (aCDOM (350 nm) (m-1)) were significantly correlated to both diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd) in the UV-A and UV-B and to DOC concentrations. This indicates CDOM as the dominant attenuator of UV solar radiation and suggests its use as an optical proxy for DOC concentrations in this region. Extrapolating CDOM to DOC relationships, we estimate that ~ 16% of the DOC in the Mackenzie River does not absorb radiation at 350 nm. DOC and CDOM discharges by the Mackenzie River during the MALINA Cruise are estimated as ~ 0.22 TgC and 0.18 TgC, respectively. Three dissolved fluorescent components (C1-C3) were identified by fluorescence Excitation/Emission Matrix Spectroscopy (EEMS) and PARAFAC analysis. Our results showed an in-situ biological component (C1) that co-dominated with a terrestrial humic-like component (C2) in the Mackenzie Delta sector, whereas the protein-like (C3) component dominated in the saltiest waters of the North East sector.

Micelle-induced versatile performance of amphiphilic intramolecular charge-transfer fluorescent molecular sensors.

PubMed

Wang, Jiaobing; Qian, Xuhong; Qian, Junhong; Xu, Yufang

2007-01-01

A series of amphiphilic intramolecular charge-transfer fluorescent molecular sensors AS1-3, equipped with a rod-shaped hydrophobic 2-phenylbenzoxazole fluorophore and a hydrophilic tetraamide Hg(2+)-ion receptor, have been prepared. These sensor molecules could be incorporated into the hydrophobic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle, which is confirmed by the clear spectral blue shift and emission enhancement observed at the critical micelle concentration of SDS. Systematic examination of the sensor-Hg(2+) complexation, by using both UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, indicates that SDS significantly modulates both the binding event and signal transformation of these sensor molecules. The potential advantages are fourfold: 1) SDS substantially increases the Hg(2+)-ion association constant and results in an amplified sensitivity. 2) SDS initiates spectral features which facilitate Hg(2+)-ion analysis, for example, in addition to the strengthened fluorescence of the free sensors AS1-3, the original "on-off" response of AS2 toward the Hg(2+) ion is transformed into a self-calibrated two-wavelength ratiometric signal, while for AS3, Hg(2+)-ion complexation in the presence of SDS results in a 180 nm blue shift, which is preferred to the 51 nm spectral shift obtained without SDS. 3) Thermoreversible tuning of the dynamic detection range is realized. 4) Highly specific Hg(2+)-ion identification could be achieved by using the SDS-induced fingerprint emission (358 nm) of the AS2-Hg(2+) complex. Altogether, this work demonstrates a convenient and powerful strategy that remarkably elevates the performance of a given fluorescent molecular sensor. It also implies that for a specific utilization, much attention should be paid to the microenvironment in which the sensor resides, as the behavior of the sensor might be different from that in the bulk solution.

Synthesis, characterisation and optical studies of new tetraethyl- rubyrin-graphene oxide covalent adducts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garg, Kavita; Shanmugam, Ramakrishanan; Ramamurthy, Praveen C.

2018-02-01

Tetrathia-rubyrin and graphene oxide (GO) covalent adduct was synthesized, characterised and optical properties were studied. GO-Rubyrin adducts showed fluorescence quenching of rubyrin due to electron or energy transfer from rubyrin to graphene oxide, which also reflected in UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy. The non-linear optical responses were measured through Z scan technique in nano-second regime. The enhanced optical non-linearity was observed after attachment of GO with rubyrin, can be ascribed to the photo-induced electron or energy transfer from the electron rich rubyrin moiety to the electron deficient GO.

Detection of gold nanoparticles signal inside wheat (Triticum Aestivum.L) and oats (Avena sativa) seedlings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Anjali; Nayyar, Harsh; Dharamvir, Keya; Verma, Gaurav

2018-05-01

Nanostructures have recently been reported by various research groups to induce growth enhancement in variety of crops. In this report 30-40 nm size gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at two concentrations were found to enhance the total biomass yield of wheat and oats. Treating plants with up to 100 µl /mL and 200 µl /mL of AuNPs shows an increased growth and germination rate. The noticeable difference in fresh weight and relative leaf water content were recorded. The fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy detected the gold nanoparticles inside the seedling.

System and method for controlling depth of imaging in tissues using fluorescence microscopy under ultraviolet excitation following staining with fluorescing agents

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levenson, Richard; Demos, Stavros

A method is disclosed for analyzing a thin tissue sample and adapted to be supported on a slide. The tissue sample may be placed on a slide and exposed to one or more different exogenous fluorophores excitable in a range of about 300 nm-200 nm, and having a useful emission band from about 350 nm-900 nm, and including one or more fluorescent dyes or fluorescently labeled molecular probes that accumulate in tissue or cellular components. The fluorophores may be excited with a first wavelength of UV light between about 200 nm-290 nm. An optical system collects emissions from the fluorophoresmore » at a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, which are generated in response to the first wavelength of UV light, to produce an image for analysis.« less

Long term storage of virus templated fluorescent materials for sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seetharam, Raviraja N.; Szuchmacher Blum, Amy; Soto, Carissa M.; Whitley, Jessica L.; Sapsford, Kim E.; Chatterji, Anju; Lin, Tianwei; Johnson, John E.; Guerra, Charles; Satir, Peter; Ratna, Banahalli R.

2008-03-01

Wild type, mutant, and chemically modified Cowpea mosaic viruses (CPMV) were studied for long term preservation in the presence and absence of cryoprotectants. Viral complexes were reconstituted and tested via fluorescence spectroscopy and a UV/vis-based RNase assay for structural integrity. When viruses lyophilized in the absence of cryoprotectant were rehydrated and RNase treated, UV absorption increased, indicating that the capsids were damaged. The addition of trehalose during lyophilization protected capsid integrity for at least 7 weeks. Measurements of the fluorescence peak maximum of CPMV lyophilized with trehalose and reconstituted also indicate that the virus remained intact. Microarray binding assays indicated that CPMV particles chemically modified for use as a fluorescent tracer were intact and retained binding specificity after lyophilization in the presence of trehalose. Thus, we demonstrate that functionalized CPMV nanostructures can be stored for the long term, enabling their use in practical sensing applications.

Hydrogen bonding-assisted interaction between amitriptyline hydrochloride and hemoglobin: spectroscopic and molecular dynamics studies.

PubMed

Maurya, Neha; Maurya, Jitendra Kumar; Kumari, Meena; Khan, Abbul Bashar; Dohare, Ravins; Patel, Rajan

2017-05-01

Herein, we have explored the interaction between amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMT) and hemoglobin (Hb), using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, in combination with molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation methods. The steady-state fluorescence reveals the static quenching mechanism in the interaction system, which was further confirmed by UV-visible and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding constant, number of binding sites, and thermodynamic parameters viz. ΔG, ΔH, ΔS are also considered; result confirms that the binding of the AMT with Hb is a spontaneous process, involving hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions with a single binding site, as also confirmed by molecular docking study. Synchronous fluorescence, CD data, and MD simulation results contribute toward understanding the effect of AMT on Hb to interpret the conformational change in Hb upon binding in aqueous solution.

A Double Decarboxylation in Superfolder Green Fluorescent Protein Leads to High Contrast Photoactivation.

PubMed

Slocum, Joshua D; Webb, Lauren J

2017-07-06

A photoactivatable variant of superfolder green fluorescent protein (GFP) was created by replacing the threonine at position 203 with aspartic acid. Photoactivation by exposure of this mutant to UV light resulted in conversion of the fluorophore from the neutral to the negatively charged form, accompanied by a ∼95-fold increase in fluorescence under 488 nm excitation. Mass spectrometry before and after exposure to UV light revealed a change in mass of 88 Da, attributed to the double decarboxylation of Glu 222 and Asp 203. Kinetics studies and nonlinear power-dependence of the initial rate of photoconversion indicated that the double decarboxylation occurred via a multiphoton absorption process at 254 nm. In addition to providing a photoactivatable GFP with robust folding properties, a detailed mechanistic understanding of this double decarboxylation in GFP will lead to a better understanding of charge transfer in fluorescent proteins.

A synthetic peptide blocking TRPV1 activation inhibits UV-induced skin responses.

PubMed

Kang, So Min; Han, Sangbum; Oh, Jang-Hee; Lee, Young Mee; Park, Chi-Hyun; Shin, Chang-Yup; Lee, Dong Hun; Chung, Jin Ho

2017-10-01

Transient receptor potential type 1 (TRPV1) can be activated by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and mediates UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and proinflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes. Various chemicals and compounds targeting TRPV1 activation have been developed, but are not in clinical use mostly due to their safety issues. We aimed to develop a novel TRPV1-targeting peptide to inhibit UV-induced responses in human skin. We designed and generated a novel TRPV1 inhibitory peptide (TIP) which mimics the specific site in TRPV1 (aa 701-709: Gln-Arg-Ala-Ile-Thr-Ile-Leu-Asp-Thr, QRAITILDT), Thr 705 , and tested its efficacy of blocking UV-induced responses in HaCaT, mouse, and human skin. TIP effectively inhibited capsaicin-induced calcium influx and TRPV1 activation. Treatment of HaCaT with TIP prevented UV-induced increases of MMP-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In mouse skin in vivo, TIP inhibited UV-induced skin thickening and prevented UV-induced expression of MMP-13 and MMP-9. Moreover, TIP attenuated UV-induced erythema and the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, IL-6, and IL-8 in human skin in vivo. The novel synthetic peptide targeting TRPV1 can ameliorate UV-induced skin responses in vitro and in vivo, providing a promising therapeutic approach against UV-induced inflammation and photoaging. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contamination detection NDE for cleaning process inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marinelli, W. J.; Dicristina, V.; Sonnenfroh, D.; Blair, D.

1995-01-01

In the joining of multilayer materials, and in welding, the cleanliness of the joining surface may play a large role in the quality of the resulting bond. No non-intrusive techniques are currently available for the rapid measurement of contamination on large or irregularly shaped structures prior to the joining process. An innovative technique for the measurement of contaminant levels in these structures using laser based imaging is presented. The approach uses an ultraviolet excimer laser to illuminate large and/or irregular surface areas. The UV light induces fluorescence and is scattered from the contaminants. The illuminated area is viewed by an image-intensified CCD (charge coupled device) camera interfaced to a PC-based computer. The camera measures the fluorescence and/or scattering from the contaminants for comparison with established standards. Single shot measurements of contamination levels are possible. Hence, the technique may be used for on-line NDE testing during manufacturing processes.

Selective enzymatic cleavage and labeling for sensitive capillary electrophoresis laser-induced fluorescence analysis of oxidized DNA bases.

PubMed

Li, Cuiping; Wang, Hailin

2015-08-07

Oxidatively generated DNA damage is considered to be a significant contributing factor to cancer, aging, and age-related human diseases. It is important to detect oxidatively generated DNA damage to understand and clinically diagnosis diseases caused by oxidative damage. In this study, using selective enzymatic cleavage and quantum dot (QD) labeling, we developed a novel capillary electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence method for the sensitive detection of oxidized DNA bases. First, oxidized DNA bases are recognized and removed by one DNA base excision repair glycosylase, leaving apurinic and apyrimidinic sites (AP sites) at the oxidized positions. The AP sites are further excised by the AP nicking activity of the chosen glycosylase, generating a nucleotide gap with 5'- and 3'- phosphate groups. After dephosphorylation with one alkaline phosphatase, a biotinylated ddNTP is introduced into the nucleotide space within the DNA strand by DNA polymerase I. The biotin-tagged DNA is further labeled with a QD-streptavidin conjugate via non-covalent interactions. The DNA-bound QD is well-separated from excess DNA-unbound QD by highly efficient capillary electrophoresis and is sensitively detected by online coupled laser-induced fluorescence analysis. Using this method, we can assess the trace levels of oxidized DNA bases induced by the Fenton reaction and UV irradiation. Interestingly, the use of the formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (FPG) protein and endonuclease VIII enables the detection of oxidized purine and pyrimidine bases, respectively. Using the synthesized standard DNA, the approach has low limits of detection of 1.1×10(-19)mol in mass and 2.9pM in concentration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New Frontiers in NanoBiotechnology: Monitoring the Protein Function With Single Protein Resolution

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-29

Protein (GFP) is a spontaneously fluorescent polypeptide of 27 kD from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria that absorbs UV-blue light and emits in the...will have vast applications in science. Relationship between structure and optical properties in Green Fluorescent Proteins : A quantum mechanical study...RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Invited talks Folding, stability and fluorescence efficiency of the Green and Red Fluorescent Proteins Saverio Alberti Lab.

Are there mechanistic differences between ultraviolet and visible radiation induced skin pigmentation?

PubMed

Ramasubramaniam, Rajagopal; Roy, Arindam; Sharma, Bharati; Nagalakshmi, Surendra

2011-12-01

Most of the studies on sunlight-induced pigmentation of skin are mainly focused on ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced pigmentation and ways to prevent it. Recent studies have shown that the visible component of sunlight can also cause significant skin pigmentation. In the current study, the extent of pigmentation induced by UV and visible regions of sunlight in subjects with Fitzpatrick skin type IV-V was measured and compared with pigmentation induced by total sunlight. The immediate pigment darkening (IPD) induced by the visible fraction of sunlight is not significantly different from that induced by the UV fraction. However, the persistent pigment darkening (PPD) induced by visible fraction of sunlight in significantly lower than that induced by the UV fraction. The dose responses of IPD induced by UV, visible light and total sunlight suggest that both UV and visible light interact with the same precursor although UV is 25 times more efficient in inducing pigmentation per J cm(-2) of irradiation compared to visible radiation. The measured diffused reflection spectra and decay kinetics of UV and visible radiation-induced pigmentation are very similar, indicating that the nature of the transient and persistent species involved in both the processes are also likely to be same.

Synthesis, crystal structures, and optical properties of the π-π interacting pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline derivatives containing 2-thienyl substituent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goszczycki, Piotr; Stadnicka, Katarzyna; Brela, Mateusz Z.; Grolik, Jarosław; Ostrowska, Katarzyna

2017-10-01

Three (E/Z)-diastereoisomers, based on pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline system as fluorophore and containing: 2-thienylmethyl (1), bis(2-thienylmethyl)-2-aminoethyl (3a), bis(2-thienylmethyl)-3-aminopropyl (3b) groups as substituents, were synthesized and characterized by X-ray structural analysis, PXRD, NMR, UV-Vis as well as fluorescence. These compounds are non-fluorescent in acetonitrile solution, however, they exhibit aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) upon water addition and in solid state. X-ray structural analysis revealed that molecules with 2-thienylmethyl and bis(2-thienylmethyl)-2-aminoethyl groups form dimers and π-stacks through π-π interactions between anitiparallel oriented pyrroloquinoxaline cores with interplanar distances 3.45 Å and 3.20 Å, respectively. Conformation of bis(2-thienylmethyl)-3-aminopropyl group is imposed by incorporated DMSO-d6 solvent molecule and weak intermolecular S-π and CH-π interactions, that prevents π-π interaction between fluorophore cores. The correlation between crystal structure and fluorescent properties of synthesized molecules was discussed. The DFT calculations were performed to rationalize the differences between considered systems.

UV laser interaction with a fluorescent dye solution studied using pulsed digital holography.

PubMed

Amer, Eynas; Gren, Per; Sjödahl, Mikael

2013-10-21

A frequency tripled Q-switched Nd-YAG laser (wavelength 355 nm, pulse duration 12 ns) has been used to pump Coumarin 153 dye solved in ethanol. Simultaneously, a frequency doubled pulse (532 nm) from the same laser is used to probe the solvent perpendicularly resulting in a gain through stimulated laser induced fluorescence (LIF) emission. The resulting gain of the probe beam is recorded using digital holography by blending it with a reference beam on the detector. Two digital holograms without and with the pump beam were recorded. Intensity maps were calculated from the recorded digital holograms and used to calculate the gain of the probe beam due to the stimulated LIF. In addition numerical data of the local temperature rise was calculated from the corresponding phase maps using Radon inversion. It was concluded that about 15% of the pump beam energy is transferred to the dye solution as heat while the rest is consumed in the radiative process. The results show that pulsed digital holography is a promising technique for quantitative study of fluorescent species.

Detection of Free Thiols and Fluorescence Response of Phycoerythrin Chromophore after Ultraviolet-B Radiation Stress.

PubMed

Kannaujiya, Vinod K; Sinha, Rajeshwar P

2017-03-01

The chemistry of thiol-chromophore linkage plays a central role in the nature of fluorescence of phycoerythrin (PE). Interaction of thiol and chromophore is crucial for the energy transfer, redox signal and inhibition of oxidative damage. In the present investigation the effects of ultraviolet-B radiation on an emission fluorescence intensity and wavelength shift in PE due to interaction between thiol and chromophore by remarkable strategy of detection technique was studied. Purification of PE was done by using a gel permeation and ion exchange chromatography that yielded a quite high purity index (6.40) in a monomeric (αβ) form. UV-B radiation accelerated the quenching efficiency (24.9 ± 1.52%) by reducing fluorescence emission intensity of thiol linked chromophore after 240 min of UV-B exposure. However, after blocking of transiently released free thiol by N-ethylmaleimide, quenching efficiency was increased (36.8 ± 2.80%) with marked emission wavelength shift towards shorter wavelengths up to 562 nm as compared to 575 nm in control. Emission fluorescence of free thiol was at maximum after 240 min that was detected specifically by monobromobimane (mBrB) molecular probe. The association/dissociation of bilin chromophore was analyzed by SDS- and Native-PAGE that also indicated a complete reduction in emission fluorescence. Our work clearly shows an early detection of free thiols and relative interaction with chromophore after UV-B radiation which might play a significant role in structural and functional integrity of terminal PE.

UV-B Perception and Acclimation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii[OPEN

PubMed Central

Chappuis, Richard; Allorent, Guillaume

2016-01-01

Plants perceive UV-B, an intrinsic component of sunlight, via a signaling pathway that is mediated by the photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) and induces UV-B acclimation. To test whether similar UV-B perception mechanisms exist in the evolutionarily distant green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we identified Chlamydomonas orthologs of UVR8 and the key signaling factor CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). Cr-UVR8 shares sequence and structural similarity to Arabidopsis thaliana UVR8, has conserved tryptophan residues for UV-B photoreception, monomerizes upon UV-B exposure, and interacts with Cr-COP1 in a UV-B-dependent manner. Moreover, Cr-UVR8 can interact with At-COP1 and complement the Arabidopsis uvr8 mutant, demonstrating that it is a functional UV-B photoreceptor. Chlamydomonas shows apparent UV-B acclimation in colony survival and photosynthetic efficiency assays. UV-B exposure, at low levels that induce acclimation, led to broad changes in the Chlamydomonas transcriptome, including in genes related to photosynthesis. Impaired UV-B-induced activation in the Cr-COP1 mutant hit1 indicates that UVR8-COP1 signaling induces transcriptome changes in response to UV-B. Also, hit1 mutants are impaired in UV-B acclimation. Chlamydomonas UV-B acclimation preserved the photosystem II core proteins D1 and D2 under UV-B stress, which mitigated UV-B-induced photoinhibition. These findings highlight the early evolution of UVR8 photoreceptor signaling in the green lineage to induce UV-B acclimation and protection. PMID:27020958

UV-Vis Ratiometric Resonance Synchronous Spectroscopy for Determination of Nanoparticle and Molecular Optical Cross Sections.

PubMed

Nettles, Charles B; Zhou, Yadong; Zou, Shengli; Zhang, Dongmao

2016-03-01

Demonstrated herein is a UV-vis Ratiometric Resonance Synchronous Spectroscopic (R2S2, pronounced as "R-two-S-two" for simplicity) technique where the R2S2 spectrum is obtained by dividing the resonance synchronous spectrum of a NP-containing solution by the solvent resonance synchronous spectrum. Combined with conventional UV-vis measurements, this R2S2 method enables experimental quantification of the absolute optical cross sections for a wide range of molecular and nanoparticle (NP) materials that range optically from pure photon absorbers or scatterers to simultaneous photon absorbers and scatterers, simultaneous photon absorbers and emitters, and all the way to simultaneous photon absorbers, scatterers, and emitters in the UV-vis wavelength region. Example applications of this R2S2 method were demonstrated for quantifying the Rayleigh scattering cross sections of solvents including water and toluene, absorption and resonance light scattering cross sections for plasmonic gold nanoparticles, and absorption, scattering, and on-resonance fluorescence cross sections for semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots). On-resonance fluorescence quantum yields were quantified for the model molecular fluorophore Eosin Y and fluorescent Qdots CdSe and CdSe/ZnS. The insights and methodology presented in this work should be of broad significance in physical and biological science research that involves photon/matter interactions.

Development of novel small molecules for imaging and drug release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yanting

Small organic molecules, including small molecule based fluorescent probes, small molecule based drugs or prodrugs, and smart multifunctional fluorescent drug delivery systems play important roles in biological research, drug discovery, and clinical practices. Despite the significant progress made in these fields, the development of novel and diverse small molecules is needed to meet various demands for research and clinical applications. My Ph.D study focuses on the development of novel functional molecules for recognition, imaging and drug release. In the first part, a turn-on fluorescent probe is developed for the detection of intracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels based on multiplexing recognitions. Considering the unique and complicated structure of ATP molecules, a fluorescent probe has been implemented with improved sensitivity and selectivity due to two synergistic binding recognitions by incorporating of 2, 2'-dipicolylamine (Dpa)-Zn(II) for targeting of phospho anions and phenylboronic acid group for cis-diol moiety. The novel probe is able to detect intracellular ATP levels in SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, the advantages of multiplexing recognition design concept have been demonstrated using two control molecules. In the second part, a prodrug system is developed to deliver multiple drugs within one small molecule entity. The prodrug is designed by using 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (NPE) as phototrigger, and biphenol biquaternary ammonium as the prodrug. With controlled photo activation, both DNA cross-linking agents mechlorethamine and o-quinone methide are delivered and released at the preferred site, leading to efficient DNA cross-links formation and cell death. The prodrug shows negligible cytotoxicity towards normal skin cells (Hekn cells) with and without UV activation, but displays potent activity towards cancer cells (HeLa cells) upon UV activation. The multiple drug release system may hold a great potential for practical application. In the last part, a new photo-initiated fluorescent anticancer prodrug for DNA alkylating agent mechlorethamine releasing and monitoring has been developed. The theranostic prodrug consists a photolabile NPE group, an inactive form of mechlorethamine and a nonfluorescent coumarin in one small molecule. It is demonstrated that the prodrug shows negligible cytotoxicity towards normal skin cells (Hekn cells) with and without UV activation, while the original parent drug mechlorethamine can be photocontrol-released and induces effective DNA cross-linking activity. Importantly, the drug release progress can be conveniently monitored by the 'off-on' fluorescence enhancement in cells. Moreover, the selective prodrug is not only cell permeable but also nuclear permeable. Therefore, the prodrug serves as a promising drug delivery system for spatiotemporal control release and monitoring of an anticancer drug to obtain the optimal treatment efficacy.

Ultraviolet Radiations: Skin Defense-Damage Mechanism.

PubMed

Mohania, Dheeraj; Chandel, Shikha; Kumar, Parveen; Verma, Vivek; Digvijay, Kumar; Tripathi, Deepika; Choudhury, Khushboo; Mitten, Sandeep Kumar; Shah, Dilip

2017-01-01

UV-radiations are the invisible part of light spectra having a wavelength between visible rays and X-rays. Based on wavelength, UV rays are subdivided into UV-A (320-400 nm), UV-B (280-320 nm) and UV-C (200-280 nm). Ultraviolet rays can have both harmful and beneficial effects. UV-C has the property of ionization thus acting as a strong mutagen, which can cause immune-mediated disease and cancer in adverse cases. Numbers of genetic factors have been identified in human involved in inducing skin cancer from UV-radiations. Certain heredity diseases have been found susceptible to UV-induced skin cancer. UV radiations activate the cutaneous immune system, which led to an inflammatory response by different mechanisms. The first line of defense mechanism against UV radiation is melanin (an epidermal pigment), and UV absorbing pigment of skin, which dissipate UV radiation as heat. Cell surface death receptor (e.g. Fas) of keratinocytes responds to UV-induced injury and elicits apoptosis to avoid malignant transformation. In addition to the formation of photo-dimers in the genome, UV also can induce mutation by generating ROS and nucleotides are highly susceptible to these free radical injuries. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) has been known to be implicated in different UV-induced damages such as pigmentation, adaptive tanning, and skin cancer. UV-B induces the formation of pre-vitamin D3 in the epidermal layer of skin. UV-induced tans act as a photoprotection by providing a sun protection factor (SPF) of 3-4 and epidermal hyperplasia. There is a need to prevent the harmful effects and harness the useful effects of UV radiations.

Chemical UV Filters Mimic the Effect of Progesterone on Ca2+ Signaling in Human Sperm Cells.

PubMed

Rehfeld, A; Dissing, S; Skakkebæk, N E

2016-11-01

Progesterone released by cumulus cells surrounding the egg induces a Ca 2+ influx into human sperm cells via the cationic channel of sperm (CatSper) Ca 2+ channel and controls multiple Ca 2+ -dependent responses essential for fertilization. We hypothesized that chemical UV filters may mimic the physiological action of progesterone on CatSper, thus affecting Ca 2+ signaling in human sperm cells. We examined 29 UV filters allowed in sunscreens in the United States and/or the European Union for their ability to induce Ca 2+ signals in human sperm by applying measurements of the intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration. We found that 13 UV filters induced a significant Ca 2+ signal at 10 μM. Nine UV filters induced Ca 2+ signals primarily by activating the CatSper channel. The UV filters 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC) and benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid competitively inhibited progesterone-induced Ca 2+ signals. Dose-response relations for the UV filters showed that the Ca 2+ signal-inducing effects began in the nanomolar-micromolar range. Single-cell Ca 2+ measurements showed a Ca 2+ signal-inducing effect of the most potent UV filter, 3-BC, at 10 nM. Finally, we demonstrated that the 13 UV filters acted additively in low-dose mixtures to induce Ca 2+ signals. In conclusion, 13 of 29 examined UV filters (44%) induced Ca 2+ signals in human sperm. Nine UV filters primarily activated CatSper and thereby mimicked the effect of progesterone. The UV filters 3-BC and benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid competitively inhibited progesterone-induced Ca 2+ signals. In vivo exposure studies are needed to investigate whether UV filter exposure affects human fertility.

A compact OPO/SFG laser for ultraviolet biological sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiihonen, Mikael; Pasiskevicius, Valdas; Laurell, Fredrik; Jonsson, Per; Lindgren, Mikael

2004-07-01

A compact parametric oscillator (OPO) with intracavity sum-frequency generation (SFG) to generate 293 nm UV laser irradiation, was developed. The OPO/SFG device was pumped by a 100 Hz Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) of own design, including subsequent second harmonic generation (SHG) in an external periodically poled KTiOPO4 (KTP) crystal. The whole system could be used to deliver more than 30 μJ laser irradiation per pulse (100 Hz) at 293 nm. The UV laser light was introduced in an optical fiber attached to a sample compartment allowing detection of fluorescence emission using a commercial spectrometer. Aqueous samples containing biomolecules (ovalbumin) or bacteria spores (Bacillus subtilis) were excited by the UV-light at 293 nm resulting in strong fluorescence emission in the range 325 - 600 nm.

Oxygen Sensing Based on the Yellowing of Newspaper.

PubMed

Yu, Jingjing; Qin, Xingcai; Xian, Xiaojun; Tao, Nongjian

2018-01-26

Newspaper is known to turn yellow over time. We show here that this yellowing process is sensitive to oxygen when exposed to UV light, leading to oxygen sensing. Oxygen sensing is critical to many applications, including industrial process control and breath analysis, but the existing oxygen sensors have limitations, especially for breath analysis that operates at 100% humidity. The UV irradiation also triggers fluorescence emission from newspaper, and the fluorescence intensity depends on oxygen concentration, providing an additional oxygen sensing method. Newspaper is stable in ambient air, and reactive to oxygen only with UV activation, which overcomes the instability issue of a typical colorimetric sensor in ambient air. The newspaper oxygen sensor works in 100% relative humidity air, containing various interferents. These unique properties of newspaper promise low cost and reliable oxygen sensing applications.

Binding properties of food colorant allura red with human serum albumin in vitro.

PubMed

Wang, Langhong; Zhang, Guowen; Wang, Yaping

2014-05-01

Allura red (AR) is a widely used colorant in food industry, but may have a potential security risk. In this study, the properties of interaction between AR and human serum albumin (HSA) in vitro were determined by fluorescence, UV-Vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy combining with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) chemometrics and molecular modeling approaches. An expanded UV-Vis data matrix was resolved by MCR-ALS method, and the concentration profiles and pure spectra for the three reaction components (AR, HSA, and AR-HSA complex) of the system were then successfully obtained to evaluate the progress interaction of AR with HSA. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that hydrogen binding and hydrophobic interactions played major roles in the binding process, and the interaction induced a decrease in the protein surface hydrophobicity. The competitive experiments revealed that AR mainly located in Sudlow's site I of HSA, and this result was further supported by molecular modeling studies. Analysis of CD spectra found that the addition of AR induced the conformational changes of HSA. This study have provided new insight into the mechanism of interaction between AR and HSA.

UV-Vis spectroscopy of tyrosine side-groups in studies of protein structure. Part 2: selected applications.

PubMed

Antosiewicz, Jan M; Shugar, David

In Part 2 we discuss application of several different types of UV-Vis spectroscopy, such as normal, difference, and second-derivative UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, linear and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, of the side-chain of tyrosine residues in different molecular environments. We review the ways these spectroscopies can be used to probe complex protein structures.

UV-Vis spectroscopy of tyrosine side-groups in studies of protein structure. Part 2: selected applications.

PubMed

Antosiewicz, Jan M; Shugar, David

2016-06-01

In Part 2 we discuss application of several different types of UV-Vis spectroscopy, such as normal, difference, and second-derivative UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, linear and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, of the side-chain of tyrosine residues in different molecular environments. We review the ways these spectroscopies can be used to probe complex protein structures.

Detection of Organic Matter in Greenland Ice Cores by Deep-UV Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willis, M.; Malaska, M.; Wanger, G.; Bhartia, R.; Eshelman, E.; Abbey, W.; Priscu, J. C.

2017-12-01

The Greenland Ice Sheet is an Earthly analog for icy ocean worlds in the outer Solar System. Future missions to such worlds including Europa, Enceladus, and Titan may potentially include spectroscopic instrumentation to examine the surface/subsurface. The primary goal of our research is to test deep UV/Raman systems for in the situ detection and localization of organics in ice. As part of this effort we used a deep-UV fluorescence instrument able to detect naturally fluorescent biological materials such as aromatic molecules found in proteins and whole cells. We correlated these data with more traditional downstream analyses of organic material in natural ices. Supraglacial ice cores (2-4 m) were collected from several sites on the southwest outlet of the Greenland Ice Sheet using a 14-cm fluid-free mechanical coring system. Repeat spectral mapping data were initially collected longitudinally on uncut core sections. Cores were then cut into 2 cm thick sections along the longitudinal axis, slowly melted and analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and bacterial density. These data reveal a spatial correlation between organic matter concentration, cell density, and the deep UV fluorescence maps. Our results provide a profile of the organics embedded within the ice from the top surface into the glacial subsurface, and the TOC:TDN data from the clean interior of the cores are indicative of a biological origin. This work provides a background dataset for future work to characterize organic carbon in the Greenland Ice Sheet and validation of novel instrumentation for in situ data collection on icy bodies.

Organic-inorganic interface-induced multi-fluorescence of MgO nanocrystal clusters and their applications in cellular imaging.

PubMed

Xie, Shuifen; Bao, Shixiong; Ouyang, Junjie; Zhou, Xi; Kuang, Qin; Xie, Zhaoxiong; Zheng, Lansun

2014-04-25

Surface functionalization of inorganic nanomaterials through chemical binding of organic ligands on the surface unsaturated atoms, forming unique organic-inorganic interfaces, is a powerful approach for creating special functions for inorganic nanomaterials. Herein, we report the synthesis of hierarchical MgO nanocrystal clusters (NCs) with an organic-inorganic interface induced multi-fluorescence and their application as new alternative labels for cellular imaging. The synthetic method was established by a dissolution and regrowth process with the assistance of carboxylic acid, in which the as-prepared MgO NCs were modified with carboxylic groups at the coordinatively unsaturated atoms of the surface. By introducing acetic acid to partially replace oleic acid in the reaction, the optical absorption of the produced MgO NCs was progressively engineered from the UV to the visible region. Importantly, with wider and continuous absorption profile, those MgO NCs presented bright and tunable multicolor emissions from blue-violet to green and yellow, with the highest absolute quantum yield up to (33±1) %. The overlap for the energy levels of the inorganic-organic interface and low-coordinated states stimulated a unique fluorescence resonance energy transfer phenomenon. Considering the potential application in cellular imaging, such multi-fluorescent MgO NCs were further encapsulated with a silica shell to improve the water solubility and stability. As expected, the as-formed MgO@SiO2 NCs possessed great biocompatibility and high performance in cellular imaging. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Alteration of time-resolved autofluorescence properties of rat aorta, induced by diabetes mellitus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uherek, M.; Uličná, O.; Vančová, O.; Muchová, J.; Ďuračková, Z.; Šikurová, L.; Chorvát, D.

2016-10-01

Changes in autofluorescence properties of isolated rat aorta, induced by diabetes mellitus, were detected using time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy with pulsed ultraviolet (UV) laser excitation. We demonstrated that time-resolved spectroscopy was able to detect changes in aorta tissues related to diabetes and unambiguously discriminate diabetic (τ 1 0.63  ±  0.05 ns, τ 2 3.66  ±  0.10 ns) samples from the control (τ 1 0.76  ±  0.03 ns, τ 2 4.48  ±  0.15 ns) group. We also report changes in the ratio of relative amplitudes of the two lifetime component in aorta tissue during diabetes, most likely related to the pseudohypoxic state with altered NADH homeostasis.

Spectroscopic investigations of novel pharmaceuticals: Stability and resonant interaction with laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smarandache, Adriana; Boni, Mihai; Andrei, Ionut Relu; Handzlik, Jadwiga; Kiec-Kononowicz, Katarzyna; Staicu, Angela; Pascu, Mihail-Lucian

2017-09-01

This paper presents data about photophysics of two novel thio-hydantoins that exhibit promising pharmaceutical properties in multidrug resistance control. Time stability studies are necessary to establish the proper use of these compounds in different applications. As for their administration as drugs, it is imperative to know their shelf life, as well as storage conditions. At the same time, laser induced modified properties of the two new compounds are valuable to further investigate their specific interactions with other materials, including biological targets. The two new thio-hydantoins under generic names SZ-2 and SZ-7 were prepared as solutions in dimethyl sulfoxide at different concentrations, as well as in deionised water. For the stability assay they were kept in various light/temperature conditions up to 60 days. The stability was estimates based on UV-vis absorption measurements. The samples in bulk shape were exposed different time intervals to laser radiation emitted at 266 nm as the fourth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser. The resonant interaction of the studied compounds with laser beams was analysed through spectroscopic methods UV-vis and FTIR absorption, as well as laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy. As for stability assay, only solutions kept in dark at 4 °C have preserved the absorption characteristics, considering the cumulated measuring errors, less than one week. The vibrational changes that occur in their FTIR and modified fluorescence spectra upon laser beam exposure are also discussed. A result of the experimental analysis is that modifications are induced in molecular structures of the investigated compounds by resonant interaction with laser radiation. This fact evidences that the molecules are photoreactive and their characteristics might be shaped through controlled laser radiation exposure using appropriate protocols. This conclusion opens many opportunities both in the biomedical field, but also in other industrial activities involving the use of hydantoins.

VUV lithography

DOEpatents

George, E.V.; Oster, Y.; Mundinger, D.C.

1990-12-25

Deep UV projection lithography can be performed using an e-beam pumped solid excimer UV source, a mask, and a UV reduction camera. The UV source produces deep UV radiation in the range 1,700--1,300A using xenon, krypton or argon; shorter wavelengths of 850--650A can be obtained using neon or helium. A thin solid layer of the gas is formed on a cryogenically cooled plate and bombarded with an e-beam to cause fluorescence. The UV reduction camera utilizes multilayer mirrors having high reflectivity at the UV wavelength and images the mask onto a resist coated substrate at a preselected demagnification. The mask can be formed integrally with the source as an emitting mask. 6 figs.

Integrating fluorescence and interactance measurements to improve apple maturity assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noh, Hyun Kwon; Lu, Renfu

2006-10-01

Fluorescence and reflectance (or interactance) are promising techniques for measuring fruit quality and condition. Our previous research showed that a hyperspectral imaging technique integrating fluorescence and reflectance could improve predictions of selected quality parameters compared to single sensing techniques. The objective of this research was to use a low cost spectrometer for rapid acquisition of fluorescence and interactance spectra from apples and develop an algorithm integrating the two types of data for predicting skin and flesh color, fruit firmness, starch index, soluble solids content, and titratable acid. Experiments were performed to measure UV light induced transient fluorescence and interactance spectra from 'Golden Delicious' apples that were harvested over a period of four weeks during the 2005 harvest season. Standard destructive tests were performed to measure maturity parameters from the apples. Principal component (PC) analysis was applied to the interactance and fluorescence data. A back-propagation feedforward neural network with the inputs of PC data was used to predict individual maturity parameters. Interactance mode was consistently better than fluorescence mode in predicting the maturity parameters. Integrating interactance and fluorescence improved predictions of all parameters except flesh chroma; values of the correlation coefficient for firmness, soluble solids content, starch index, and skin and flesh hue were 0.77, 0.77, 0.89, 0.99, and 0.96 respectively, with the corresponding standard errors of 6.93 N, 0.90%, 0.97 g/L, 0.013 rad, and 0.013 rad. These results represented 4.1% to 23.5% improvements in terms of standard error, in comparison with the better results from the two single sensing methods. Integrating interactance and fluorescence can better assess apple maturity and quality.

Analysis of conjugation of chloramphenicol and hemoglobin by fluorescence, circular dichroism and molecular modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Fei; Liu, Wei; Sun, Ye; Yang, Xin-Ling; Sun, Ying; Zhang, Li

2012-01-01

Chloramphenicol is a low cost, broad spectrum, highly active antibiotic, and widely used in the treatment of serious infections, including typhoid fever and other life-threatening infections of the central nervous system and respiratory tract. The purpose of the present study was to examine the conjugation of chloramphenicol with hemoglobin (Hb) and compared with albumin at molecular level, utilizing fluorescence, UV/vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD) as well as molecular modeling. Fluorescence data indicate that drug bind Hb generate quenching via static mechanism, this corroborates UV/vis absorption measurements that the ground state complex formation with an affinity of 10 4 M -1, and the driving forces in the Hb-drug complex are hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds, as derived from computational model. The accurate binding site of drug has been identified from the analysis of fluorescence and molecular modeling, α1β2 interface of Hb was assigned to possess high-affinity for drug, which located at the β-37 Trp nearby. The structural investigation of the complexed Hb by synchronous fluorescence, UV/vis absorption, and CD observations revealed some degree of Hb structure unfolding upon complexation. Based on molecular modeling, we can draw the conclusion that the binding affinity of drug with albumin is superior, compared with Hb. These phenomena can provide salient information on the absorption, distribution, pharmacology, and toxicity of chloramphenicol and other drugs which have analogous configuration with chloramphenicol.

Using resonance light scattering and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy to study the interaction between gliclazide and bovine serum albumin.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiu-Ju; Liu, Bao-Sheng; Li, Gai-Xia; Han, Rong

2016-08-01

At different temperatures (298, 310 and 318 K), the interaction between gliclazide and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using fluorescence quenching spectroscopy, resonance light scattering spectroscopy and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy. The first method studied changes in the fluorescence of BSA on addition of gliclazide, and the latter two methods studied the spectral change in gliclazide while BSA was being added. The results indicated that the quenching mechanism between BSA and gliclazide was static. The binding constant (Ka ), number of binding sites (n), thermodynamic parameters, binding forces and Hill's coefficient were calculated at three temperatures. Values for the binding constant obtained using resonance light scattering and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy were much greater than those obtained from fluorescence quenching spectroscopy, indicating that methods monitoring gliclazide were more accurate and reasonable. In addition, the results suggest that other residues are involved in the reaction and the mode 'point to surface' existed in the interaction between BSA and gliclazide. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis, DNA binding and cytotoxic activity of pyrimido[4',5':4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline with 9-hydroxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino) and 8-methoxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino) substitutions.

PubMed

KiranKumar, Hulihalli N; RohitKumar, Heggodu G; Advirao, Gopal M

2018-01-01

Two new derivatives of pyrimido[4',5';4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (PTQ), 9-hydroxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino)pyrimido[4',5';4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (Hydroxy-DPTQ) and 8-methoxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino)pyrimido[4',5';4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (Methoxy-DPTQ) were synthesized and their DNA binding ability was analyzed using spectroscopy (UV-visible, fluorescence and circular dichroism), ethidium bromide dye displacement assay, melting temperature (T m ) analysis and computational docking studies. The hypochromism in UV-visible spectrum and increased fluorescence emission of Hydroxy-DPTQ and Methoxy-DPTQ in the presence of DNA suggested the molecule-DNA interaction. The association constants calculated from UV-visible and spectral titrations were of the order 10 4 to 10 6 M -1 . Circular dichroism studies corroborated the induced conformational changes in DNA upon addition of molecules. The change in the ellipticity was observed both in negative and positive peak of DNA, thus, suggesting the intercalation of molecules. The observed displacement of ethidium bromide from the DNA and increased T m , upon addition of DNA confirmed the intercalative mode of binding. This was further validated by computational docking, which showed clear intercalation of molecules into the d(GpC)-d(CpG) site of the receptor DNA. Anticancer activities of these molecules are evaluated by using MTT assay. Both molecules showed antiproliferative activity against all the three cancer cells studied, with Hydroxy-DPTQ being more potential molecule among the two. IC 50 value of Hydroxy-DPTQ and Methoxy-DPTQ were in the range of 3-5μM and 130-250μM, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MYC gene amplification is a rare event in atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma

PubMed Central

Bach, Marisa; Kind, Peter; Helbig, Doris; Quaas, Alexander; Utikal, Jochen; Marx, Alexander; Gaiser, Maria Rita

2018-01-01

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) are rare malignancies typically occurring in elderly patients and predominantly located in skin regions exposed to UV-light. Thus, a role of UV-radiation-induced damage for AFX and PDS tumorigenesis has been postulated. MYC gene amplification has been demonstrated as a distinctive feature of radiation-induced angiosarcoma. In order to investigate whether chronic exposure to UV-light might also lead to MYC copy number changes, 51 AFX and 24 PDS samples were retrospectively analyzed for MYC amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a MYC and a CEP8 gene probe. Of the 44 analyzable AFX samples, one case showed MYC amplification (defined as a MYC/CEP8 ratio ≥2.0), whereas 13 cases demonstrated low level copy number gains (defined as MYC/CEP8 ratio ≥ 1.2−< 2.0). MYC amplification was seen in an AFX sample of extraordinary tumor thickness of 17.5 mm (vs. median 3.25 mm for all samples). Of the 24 PDS cases, five specimen demonstrated MYC low level copy number gains. Immunohistochemically, neither the AFX nor the PDS cases showed MYC protein expression. In summary, these findings rule out that MYC amplification is a major genetic driver in the process of AFX or PDS tumorigenesis. However, MYC amplification may occur as a late event during AFX development and hence might only be detectable in advanced, thick lesions. PMID:29765529

MYC gene amplification is a rare event in atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma.

PubMed

Gaiser, Timo; Hirsch, Daniela; Orouji, Azadeh; Bach, Marisa; Kind, Peter; Helbig, Doris; Quaas, Alexander; Utikal, Jochen; Marx, Alexander; Gaiser, Maria Rita

2018-04-20

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) are rare malignancies typically occurring in elderly patients and predominantly located in skin regions exposed to UV-light. Thus, a role of UV-radiation-induced damage for AFX and PDS tumorigenesis has been postulated. MYC gene amplification has been demonstrated as a distinctive feature of radiation-induced angiosarcoma. In order to investigate whether chronic exposure to UV-light might also lead to MYC copy number changes, 51 AFX and 24 PDS samples were retrospectively analyzed for MYC amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a MYC and a CEP8 gene probe. Of the 44 analyzable AFX samples, one case showed MYC amplification (defined as a MYC /CEP8 ratio ≥2.0), whereas 13 cases demonstrated low level copy number gains (defined as MYC /CEP8 ratio ≥ 1.2-< 2.0). MYC amplification was seen in an AFX sample of extraordinary tumor thickness of 17.5 mm (vs. median 3.25 mm for all samples). Of the 24 PDS cases, five specimen demonstrated MYC low level copy number gains. Immunohistochemically, neither the AFX nor the PDS cases showed MYC protein expression. In summary, these findings rule out that MYC amplification is a major genetic driver in the process of AFX or PDS tumorigenesis. However, MYC amplification may occur as a late event during AFX development and hence might only be detectable in advanced, thick lesions.

Picturing pathogen infection in plants.

PubMed

Barón, Matilde; Pineda, Mónica; Pérez-Bueno, María Luisa

2016-09-01

Several imaging techniques have provided valuable tools to evaluate the impact of biotic stress on host plants. The use of these techniques enables the study of plant-pathogen interactions by analysing the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of foliar metabolism during pathogenesis. In this work we review the use of imaging techniques based on chlorophyll fluorescence, multicolour fluorescence and thermography for the study of virus, bacteria and fungi-infected plants. These studies have revealed the impact of pathogen challenge on photosynthetic performance, secondary metabolism, as well as leaf transpiration as a promising tool for field and greenhouse management of diseases. Images of standard chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl-F) parameters obtained during Chl-F induction kinetics related to photochemical processes and those involved in energy dissipation, could be good stress indicators to monitor pathogenesis. Changes on UV-induced blue (F440) and green fluorescence (F520) measured by multicolour fluorescence imaging in pathogen-challenged plants seem to be related with the up-regulation of the plant secondary metabolism and with an increase in phenolic compounds involved in plant defence, such as scopoletin, chlorogenic or ferulic acids. Thermal imaging visualizes the leaf transpiration map during pathogenesis and emphasizes the key role of stomata on innate plant immunity. Using several imaging techniques in parallel could allow obtaining disease signatures for a specific pathogen. These techniques have also turned out to be very useful for presymptomatic pathogen detection, and powerful non-destructive tools for precision agriculture. Their applicability at lab-scale, in the field by remote sensing, and in high-throughput plant phenotyping, makes them particularly useful. Thermal sensors are widely used in crop fields to detect early changes in leaf transpiration induced by both air-borne and soil-borne pathogens. The limitations of measuring photosynthesis by Chl-F at the canopy level are being solved, while the use of multispectral fluorescence imaging is very challenging due to the type of light excitation that is used.

Interaction of promethazine and adiphenine to human hemoglobin: A comparative spectroscopic and computational analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurya, Neha; ud din Parray, Mehraj; Maurya, Jitendra Kumar; Kumar, Amit; Patel, Rajan

2018-06-01

The binding nature of amphiphilic drugs viz. promethazine hydrochloride (PMT) and adiphenine hydrochloride (ADP), with human hemoglobin (Hb) was unraveled by fluorescence, absorbance, time resolved fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and circular dichroism (CD) spectral techniques in combination with molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation methods. The steady state fluorescence spectra indicated that both PMT and ADP quenches the fluorescence of Hb through static quenching mechanism which was further confirmed by time resolved fluorescence spectra. The UV-Vis spectroscopy suggested ground state complex formation. The activation energy (Ea) was observed more in the case of Hb-ADP than Hb-PMT interaction system. The FRET result indicates the high probability of energy transfer from β Trp37 residue of Hb to the PMT (r = 2.02 nm) and ADP (r = 2.33 nm). The thermodynamic data reveal that binding of PMT with Hb are exothermic in nature involving hydrogen bonding and van der Waal interaction whereas in the case of ADP hydrophobic forces play the major role and binding process is endothermic in nature. The CD results show that both PMT and ADP, induced secondary structural changes of Hb and unfold the protein by losing a large helical content while the effect is more pronounced with ADP. Additionally, we also utilized computational approaches for deep insight into the binding of these drugs with Hb and the results are well matched with our experimental results.

Interaction of promethazine and adiphenine to human hemoglobin: A comparative spectroscopic and computational analysis.

PubMed

Maurya, Neha; Ud Din Parray, Mehraj; Maurya, Jitendra Kumar; Kumar, Amit; Patel, Rajan

2018-06-15

The binding nature of amphiphilic drugs viz. promethazine hydrochloride (PMT) and adiphenine hydrochloride (ADP), with human hemoglobin (Hb) was unraveled by fluorescence, absorbance, time resolved fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and circular dichroism (CD) spectral techniques in combination with molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation methods. The steady state fluorescence spectra indicated that both PMT and ADP quenches the fluorescence of Hb through static quenching mechanism which was further confirmed by time resolved fluorescence spectra. The UV-Vis spectroscopy suggested ground state complex formation. The activation energy (E a ) was observed more in the case of Hb-ADP than Hb-PMT interaction system. The FRET result indicates the high probability of energy transfer from β Trp37 residue of Hb to the PMT (r=2.02nm) and ADP (r=2.33nm). The thermodynamic data reveal that binding of PMT with Hb are exothermic in nature involving hydrogen bonding and van der Waal interaction whereas in the case of ADP hydrophobic forces play the major role and binding process is endothermic in nature. The CD results show that both PMT and ADP, induced secondary structural changes of Hb and unfold the protein by losing a large helical content while the effect is more pronounced with ADP. Additionally, we also utilized computational approaches for deep insight into the binding of these drugs with Hb and the results are well matched with our experimental results. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes and bio-aerosol sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davitt, Kristina M.

Recent interest in compact ultraviolet (UV) light emitters has produced advances in material quality and device performance from aluminum-rich alloys of the nitride semiconductor system. The epitaxial growth of device structures from this material poses remarkable challenges, and state-of-the-art in semiconductor UV light sources at wavelengths shorter than 350 nm is currently limited to LEDs. A portion of the work presented in this thesis involves the design and characterization of UV LED structures, with particular focus on sub-300 nm LEDs which have only been demonstrated within the last four years. Emphasis has been placed on the integration of early devices with modest efficiencies and output powers into a practical, fluorescence-based bio-sensing instrument. The quality of AlGaInN and AlGaN-based materials is characterized by way of the performance of 340 nm and 290 nm LEDs respectively. A competitive level of device operation is achieved, although much room remains for improvement in the efficiency of light emission from this material system. A preliminary investigation of 300 nm LEDs grown on bulk AIN shows promising electrical and optical characteristics, and illustrates the numerous advantages that this native substrate offers to the epitaxy of wide bandgap nitride semiconductors. The application of UV LEDs to the field of bio-aerosol sensing is pursued by constructing an on-the-fly fluorescence detection system. A linear array of UV LEDs is designed and implemented, and the capability of test devices to excite native fluorescence from bacterial spores is established. In order to fully capitalize on the reduction in size afforded by LEDs, effort is invested in re-engineering the remaining sensor components. Operation of a prototype system for physically sorting bio-aerosols based on fluorescence spectra acquired in real-time from single airborne particles excited by a UV-LED array is demonstrated using the bio-fluorophores NADH and tryptophan. Sensor performance is shown to be ultimately linked to the material quality of high aluminum fraction nitrides, and is expected to show progress as this field matures.

Widespread bone-based fluorescence in chameleons.

PubMed

Prötzel, David; Heß, Martin; Scherz, Mark D; Schwager, Martina; Padje, Anouk Van't; Glaw, Frank

2018-01-15

Fluorescence is widespread in marine organisms but uncommon in terrestrial tetrapods. We here show that many chameleon species have bony tubercles protruding from the skull that are visible through their scales, and fluoresce under UV light. Tubercles arising from bones of the skull displace all dermal layers other than a thin, transparent layer of epidermis, creating a 'window' onto the bone. In the genus Calumma, the number of these tubercles is sexually dimorphic in most species, suggesting a signalling role, and also strongly reflects species groups, indicating systematic value of these features. Co-option of the known fluorescent properties of bone has never before been shown, yet it is widespread in the chameleons of Madagascar and some African chameleon genera, particularly in those genera living in forested, humid habitats known to have a higher relative component of ambient UV light. The fluorescence emits with a maximum at around 430 nm in blue colour which contrasts well to the green and brown background reflectance of forest habitats. This discovery opens new avenues in the study of signalling among chameleons and sexual selection factors driving ornamentation.

QSPR studies on the photoinduced-fluorescence behaviour of pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

PubMed

López-Malo, D; Bueso-Bordils, J I; Duart, M J; Alemán-López, P A; Martín-Algarra, R V; Antón-Fos, G M; Lahuerta-Zamora, L; Martínez-Calatayud, J

2017-07-01

Fluorimetric analysis is still a growing line of research in the determination of a wide range of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides, which makes necessary the development of new strategies aimed at improving the performance of fluorescence determinations as well as the sensitivity and, especially, the selectivity of the newly developed analytical methods. In this paper are presented applications of a useful and growing tool suitable for fostering and improving research in the analytical field. Experimental screening, molecular connectivity and discriminant analysis are applied to organic compounds to predict their fluorescent behaviour after their photodegradation by UV irradiation in a continuous flow manifold (multicommutation flow assembly). The screening was based on online fluorimetric measurement and comprised pre-selected compounds with different molecular structures (pharmaceuticals and some pesticides with known 'native' fluorescent behaviour) to study their changes in fluorescent behaviour after UV irradiation. Theoretical predictions agree with the results from the experimental screening and could be used to develop selective analytical methods, as well as helping to reduce the need for expensive, time-consuming and trial-and-error screening procedures.

UV-Vis spectroscopy of tyrosine side-groups in studies of protein structure. Part 1: basic principles and properties of tyrosine chromophore.

PubMed

Antosiewicz, Jan M; Shugar, David

Spectroscopic properties of tyrosine residues may be employed in structural studies of proteins. Here we discuss several different types of UV-Vis spectroscopy, like normal, difference and second-derivative UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, linear and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and corresponding optical properties of the tyrosine chromophore, phenol, which are used to study protein structure.

UV-Vis spectroscopy of tyrosine side-groups in studies of protein structure. Part 1: basic principles and properties of tyrosine chromophore.

PubMed

Antosiewicz, Jan M; Shugar, David

2016-06-01

Spectroscopic properties of tyrosine residues may be employed in structural studies of proteins. Here we discuss several different types of UV-Vis spectroscopy, like normal, difference and second-derivative UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, linear and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and corresponding optical properties of the tyrosine chromophore, phenol, which are used to study protein structure.

Detection of herbicide effects on pigment composition and PSII photochemistry in Helianthus annuus by Raman spectroscopy and chlorophyll a fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vítek, Petr; Novotná, Kateřina; Hodaňová, Petra; Rapantová, Barbora; Klem, Karel

2017-01-01

The effects of herbicides from three mode-of-action groups - inhibitors of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (carfentrazone-ethyl), inhibitors of carotenoid biosynthesis (mesotrione, clomazone, and diflufenican), and inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (amidosulfuron) - were studied in sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus). Raman spectroscopy, chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) imaging, and UV screening of ChlF were combined to evaluate changes in pigment composition, photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry, and non-photochemical quenching in plant leaves 6 d after herbicide application. The Raman signals of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophyll were evaluated and differences in their intensity ratios were observed. Strongly augmented relative content of phenolic compounds was observed in the case of amidosulfuron-treated plants, with a simultaneous decrease in the chlorophyll/carotenoid intensity ratio. The results were confirmed by in vivo measurement of flavonols using UV screening of ChlF. Herbicides from the group of carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors significantly decreased both the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII and non-photochemical quenching as determined by ChlF. Resonance Raman imaging (mapping) data with high resolution (150,000-200,000 spectra) are presented, showing the distribution of carotenoids in H. annuus leaves treated by two of the herbicides acting as inhibitors of carotenoid biosynthesis (clomazone or diflufenican). Clear signs were observed that the treatment induced carotenoid depletion within sunflower leaves. The depletion spatial pattern registered differed depending on the type of herbicide applied.

[Zn(phen)(O,N,O)(H2O)] and [Zn(phen)(O,N)(H2O)] with O,N,O is 2,6-dipicolinate and N,O is L-threoninate: synthesis, characterization, and biomedical properties.

PubMed

Chin, Lee-Fang; Kong, Siew-Ming; Seng, Hoi-Ling; Tiong, Yee-Lian; Neo, Kian-Eang; Maah, Mohd Jamil; Khoo, Alan Soo-Beng; Ahmad, Munirah; Hor, Tzi-Sum Andy; Lee, Hong-Boon; San, Swee-Lan; Chye, Soi-Moi; Ng, Chew-Hee

2012-10-01

Two ternary Zn(II) complexes, with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as the main ligand and a carboxylate-containing ligand [dipicolinate (dipico) or L-threoninate (L-Thr)] as the subsidiary ligand, were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform IR, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, molar conductivity, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. X-ray structure analysis shows that both [Zn(phen)(dipico)(H(2)O)]·H(2)O (1) and [Zn(phen)(L-Thr)(H(2)O)Cl]·2H(2)O (2) have octahedral geometry about the Zn(II) atom. Both complexes can inhibit topoisomerase I, and have better anticancer activity than cisplatin against nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines, HK1 and HONE-1, with concentrations causing 50 % inhibition of cell proliferation (IC(50)) in the low micromolar range. Complex 2 has the highest therapeutic index for HK1. Both Zn(II) complexes can induce cell death by apoptosis. Changing the subsidiary ligand in the Zn(II) complexes affects the UV-fluorescence spectral properties of the coordinated phen ligand, the binding affinity for some DNA sequences, nucleobase sequence-selective binding, the phase at which cell cycle progression was arrested for treated cancer cells, and their therapeutic index.

INVESTIGATION OF CE/LIF AS A TOOL IN THE ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The investigation of emerging contaminant issues is a proactive effort in environmental analysis. As a part of this effort, sewage effluent is of current analytical interest because of the presence of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites and personal care products The environmental impact of these components is still under investigation but their constant perfusion into receiving waters and their potential effect on biota is of concern. This paper examines a tool for the characterization of sewage effluent using capillary electrophoresis/laser-induced fluorescence (CE/LIF) with a frequency-doubled laser operated in the ultraviolet (UV). Fluorescent acidic analytes are targeted because they present special problems for techniques such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) but are readily accessible to CE/LIF. As an example of the application of this tool, salicylic acid is determined near the 100 ng/L level in sewage effluent. Salicylic acid is a metabolite of various analgesics Relatively stable in the environment, it is a common contaminant of municipal sewage systems. Salicylic acid was recovered from freshly collected samples of the effluent by liquid-liquid extraction as part of a broad characterization effort. Confirmation of identity was by electron ionization GC/MS after conversion of the salicylic acid to the methyl ester by means of trimethylsilyidiazomethane CE/LIF in the UV has revealed more than 50 individual peaks in the extract and a bac

Amplification of unscheduled DNA synthesis signal enables fluorescence-based single cell quantification of transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair

PubMed Central

Wienholz, Franziska; Vermeulen, Wim

2017-01-01

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) comprises two damage recognition pathways: global genome NER (GG-NER) and transcription-coupled NER (TC-NER), which remove a wide variety of helix-distorting lesions including UV-induced damage. During NER, a short stretch of single-stranded DNA containing damage is excised and the resulting gap is filled by DNA synthesis in a process called unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). UDS is measured by quantifying the incorporation of nucleotide analogues into repair patches to provide a measure of NER activity. However, this assay is unable to quantitatively determine TC-NER activity due to the low contribution of TC-NER to the overall NER activity. Therefore, we developed a user-friendly, fluorescence-based single-cell assay to measure TC-NER activity. We combined the UDS assay with tyramide-based signal amplification to greatly increase the UDS signal, thereby allowing UDS to be quantified at low UV doses, as well as DNA-repair synthesis of other excision-based repair mechanisms such as base excision repair and mismatch repair. Importantly, we demonstrated that the amplified UDS is sufficiently sensitive to quantify TC-NER-derived repair synthesis in GG-NER-deficient cells. This assay is important as a diagnostic tool for NER-related disorders and as a research tool for obtaining new insights into the mechanism and regulation of excision repair. PMID:28088761

Differential responses to high- and low-dose ultraviolet-B stress in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 cells

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Shinya; Kojo, Kei H.; Kutsuna, Natsumaro; Endo, Masaki; Toki, Seiichi; Isoda, Hiroko; Hasezawa, Seiichiro

2015-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV)-B irradiation leads to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, growth inhibition, and cell death. To evaluate the UV-B stress–induced changes in plant cells, we developed a model system based on tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells. Both low-dose UV-B (low UV-B: 740 J m−2) and high-dose UV-B (high UV-B: 2960 J m−2) inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death; these effects were more pronounced at high UV-B. Flow cytometry showed cell cycle arrest within 1 day after UV-B irradiation; neither low- nor high-UV-B–irradiated cells entered mitosis within 12 h. Cell cycle progression was gradually restored in low-UV-B–irradiated cells but not in high-UV-B–irradiated cells. UV-A irradiation, which activates cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase, reduced inhibition of cell proliferation by low but not high UV-B and suppressed high-UV-B–induced cell death. UV-B induced CPD formation in a dose-dependent manner. The amounts of CPDs decreased gradually within 3 days in low-UV-B–irradiated cells, but remained elevated after 3 days in high-UV-B–irradiated cells. Low UV-B slightly increased the number of DNA single-strand breaks detected by the comet assay at 1 day after irradiation, and then decreased at 2 and 3 days after irradiation. High UV-B increased DNA fragmentation detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay 1 and 3 days after irradiation. Caffeine, an inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) checkpoint kinases, reduced the rate of cell death in high-UV-B–irradiated cells. Our data suggest that low-UV-B–induced CPDs and/or DNA strand-breaks inhibit DNA replication and proliferation of BY-2 cells, whereas larger contents of high-UV-B–induced CPDs and/or DNA strand-breaks lead to cell death. PMID:25954287

Photo diagnosis of early pre cancer (LSIL) in genital tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaitkuviene, A.; Andersen-Engels, S.; Auksorius, E.; Bendsoe, N.; Gavriushin, V.; Gustafsson, U.; Oyama, J.; Palsson, S.; Soto Thompson, M.; Stenram, U.; Svanberg, K.; Viliunas, V.; De Weert, M. J.

2005-11-01

Permanent infections recognized as oncogenic factor. STD is common concomitant diseases in early precancerous genital tract lesions. Simple optical detection of early regressive pre cancer in cervix is the aim of this study. Hereditary immunosupression most likely is risk factor for cervical cancer development. Light induced fluorescence point monitoring fitted to live cervical tissue diagnostics in 42 patients. Human papilloma virus DNR in cervix tested by means of Hybrid Capture II method. Ultraviolet (337 nm) laser excited fluorescence spectra in the live cervical tissue analyzed by Principal Component (PrC) regression method and spectra decomposition method. PCr method best discriminated pathology group "CIN I and inflammation"(AUC=75%) related to fluorescence emission in short wave region. Spectra decomposition method suggested a few possible fluorophores in a long wave region. Ultraviolet (398 nm) light excitation of live cervix proved sharp selective spectra intensity enhancement in region above 600nm for High-grade cervical lesion. Conclusion: PC analysis of UV (337 nm) light excitation fluorescence spectra gives opportunity to obtain local immunity and Low-grade cervical lesion related information. Addition of shorter and longer wavelengths is promising for multi wave LIF point monitoring method progress in cervical pre-cancer diagnostics and utility for cancer prevention especially in developing countries.

Probing Conformational Stability and Dynamics of Erythroid and Nonerythroid Spectrin: Effects of Urea and Guanidine Hydrochloride

PubMed Central

Patra, Malay; Mukhopadhyay, Chaitali; Chakrabarti, Abhijit

2015-01-01

We have studied the conformational stability of the two homologous membrane skeletal proteins, the erythroid and non-erythroid spectrins, in their dimeric and tetrameric forms respectively during unfolding in the presence of urea and guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). Fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy have been used to study the changes of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, anisotropy, far UV-CD and extrinsic fluorescence of bound 1-anilinonapthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS). Chemical unfolding of both proteins were reversible and could be described as a two state transition. The folded erythroid spectrin and non-erythroid spectrin were directly converted to unfolded monomer without formation of any intermediate. Fluorescence quenching, anisotropy, ANS binding and dynamic light scattering data suggest that in presence of low concentrations of the denaturants (up-to 1M) hydrogen bonding network and van der Waals interaction play a role inducing changes in quaternary as well as tertiary structures without complete dissociation of the subunits. This is the first report of two large worm like, multi-domain proteins obeying twofold rule which is commonly found in small globular proteins. The free energy of stabilization (ΔGu H 2 0) for the dimeric spectrin has been 20 kcal/mol lesser than the tetrameric from. PMID:25617632

Optical fiber-based setup for in vivo measurement of the delayed fluorescence lifetime of oxygen sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piffaretti, Filippo M.; Santhakumar, Kanappan; Forte, Eddy; van den Bergh, Hubert E.; Wagnières, Georges A.

2011-03-01

A new optical-fiber-based spectrofluorometer for in vivo or in vitro detection of delayed fluorescence is presented and characterized. This compact setup is designed so that it can be readily adapted for future clinical use. Optical excitation is done with a nitrogen laser-pumped, tunable dye laser, emitting in the UV-vis part of the spectrum. Excitation and luminescence signals are carried to and from the biological tissues under investigation, located out of the setup enclosure, by a single optical fiber. These measurements, as well as measurements performed without a fiber on in vitro samples in a thermostable quartz cell, in a controlled-atmosphere enclosure, are possible due to the efficient collection of the laser-induced luminescence light which is collected and focused on the detector with a high aperture parabolic mirror. The detection is based on a gated photomultiplier which allows for time-resolved measurements of the delayed fluorescence intensity. Thus, relevant luminescence lifetimes, typically in the sub-microsecond-to-millisecond range, can be measured with near total rejection of the sample's prompt fluorescence. The instrument spectral and temporal resolution, as well as its sensitivity, is characterized and measurement examples are presented. The primary application foreseen for this setup is the monitoring and adjustment of the light dose delivered during photodynamic therapy.

Laser-induced radiation microbeam technology and simultaneous real-time fluorescence imaging in live cells.

PubMed

Botchway, Stanley W; Reynolds, Pamela; Parker, Anthony W; O'Neill, Peter

2012-01-01

The use of nano- and microbeam techniques to induce and identify subcellular localized energy deposition within a region of a living cell provides a means to investigate the effects of low radiation doses. Particularly within the nucleus where the propagation and processing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage (and repair) in both targeted and nontargeted cells, the latter being able to study cell-cell (bystander) effects. We have pioneered a near infrared (NIR) femtosecond laser microbeam to mimic ionizing radiation through multiphoton absorption within a 3D femtoliter volume of a highly focused Gaussian laser beam. The novel optical microbeam mimics both complex ionizing and UV-radiation-type cell damage including double strand breaks (DSBs). Using the microbeam technology, we have been able to investigate the formation of DNA DSB and subsequent recruitment of repair proteins to the submicrometer size site of damage introduced in viable cells. The use of a phosphorylated H2AX (γ-H2AX a marker for DSBs, visualized by immunofluorescent staining) and real-time imaging of fluorescently labeling proteins, the dynamics of recruitment of repair proteins in viable mammalian cells can be observed. Here we show the recruitment of ATM, p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1), and RAD51, an integral protein of the homologous recombination process in the DNA repair pathway and Ku-80-GFP involved in the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway as exemplar repair process to show differences in the repair kinetics of DNA DSBs. The laser NIR multiphoton microbeam technology shows persistent DSBs at later times post laser irradiation which are indicative of DSBs arising at replication presumably from UV photoproducts or clustered damage containing single strand breaks (SSBs) that are also observed. Effects of the cell cycle may also be investigated in real time. Postirradiation and fixed cells studies show that in G1 cells a fraction of multiphoton laser-induced DSBs is persistent for >6h in addition to those induced at replication demonstrating the broad range of timescales taken to repair DNA damage. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, photophysical and cytotoxicity evaluations of DNA targeting agents based on 3-amino-1,8-naphthalimide derived Tröger's bases.

PubMed

Murphy, Samantha; Bright, Sandra A; Poynton, Fergus E; McCabe, Thomas; Kitchen, Jonathan A; Veale, Emma B; Williams, D Clive; Gunnlaugsson, Thorfinnur

2014-09-14

The synthesis and characterisation of five bis-1,8-naphthalimide containing Tröger's bases 1–5 formed from their corresponding 3-amino-1,8-naphthalimide precursors 6–10 is described. The photophysical investigations of 1–5 and 6–10 were carried out in several organic solvents as well as in water and as a function of pH using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. The DNA binding affinities of 1–5 in aqueous solution at pH 7.4 were also investigated using several UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence experiments by using calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). These molecules exhibited significant DNA binding affinities; where large binding values (Kb) in the range of 10(6) M(−1) were determined, even in competitive media (50 mM and 160 mM NaCl at pH 7.4). Thermal denaturation measurements also showed that 1–5 significantly stabilised the DNA helix. Using linear and circular dichroism we further demonstrated that the DNA binding interaction occurs both by intercalation and by groove binding. The Tröger's bases were further shown to be rapidly taken up into cells using confocal fluorescence spectroscopy; and cytotoxic studies in HeLa and MCF-7 cells showed that most of the Tröger's bases were effective cytotoxic agents with EC50 values of between 1.1–12 μM and that all the active compounds induced programmed cell death by apoptosis, where up to 70% cellular death was observed after 24 h of incubation for 4.

Metal-Free Poly-Cycloaddition of Activated Azide and Alkynes toward Multifunctional Polytriazoles: Aggregation-Induced Emission, Explosive Detection, Fluorescent Patterning, and Light Refraction.

PubMed

Wu, Yongwei; He, Benzhao; Quan, Changyun; Zheng, Chao; Deng, Haiqin; Hu, Rongrong; Zhao, Zujin; Huang, Fei; Qin, Anjun; Tang, Ben Zhong

2017-09-01

The metal-free click polymerization (MFCP) of activated alkynes and azides or activated azide and alkynes have been developed into powerful techniques for the construction of polytriazoles without the obsession of metallic catalyst residues problem. However, the MFCP of activated azides and alkynes is rarely applied in preparation of functional polytriazoles. In this paper, soluble multifunctional polytriazoles (PIa and PIb) with high weight-average molecular weights (M w up to 32 000) are prepared via the developed metal-free poly-cycloaddition of activated azide and alkynes in high yields (up to 90%). The resultant PIa and PIb are thermally stable, and show aggregation-induced emission characteristics, enabling their aggregates to detect explosives with superamplification effect. Moreover, thanks to their containing aromatic rings and polar moieties, PIa and PIb exhibit high refractive indices. In addition, they can also be cross-linked upon UV irradiation to generate 2D fluorescent patterning due to their remaining azide groups and containing ester groups. Thus, these multifunctional polytriazoles are potentially applicable in the optoelectronic and sensing fields. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A new airborne laser-induced fluorescence instrument for in situ detection of formaldehyde throughout the troposphere and lower stratosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazorla, M.; Wolfe, G. M.; Bailey, S. A.; Swanson, A. K.; Arkinson, H. L.; Hanisco, T. F.

2015-02-01

The NASA In Situ Airborne Formaldehyde (ISAF) instrument is a high-performance laser-based detector for gas-phase formaldehyde (HCHO). ISAF uses rotational-state specific laser excitation at 353 nm for laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of HCHO. A number of features make ISAF ideal for airborne deployment, including (1) a compact, low-maintenance fiber laser, (2) a single-pass design for stable signal response, (3) a straightforward inlet design, and (4) a stand-alone data acquisition system. A full description of the instrument design is given, along with detailed performance characteristics. The accuracy of reported mixing ratios is ±10% based on calibration against IR and UV absorption of a primary HCHO standard. Precision at 1 Hz is typically better than 20% above 100 pptv, with uncertainty in the signal background contributing most to variability at low mixing ratios. The 1 Hz detection limit for a signal / noise ratio of 2 is 36 pptv for 10 mW of laser power, and the e fold time response at typical sample flow rates is 0.19 s. ISAF has already flown on several field missions and platforms with excellent results.

A new airborne laser-induced fluorescence instrument for in situ detection of Formaldehyde throughout the troposphere and lower stratosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazorla, M.; Wolfe, G. M.; Bailey, S. A.; Swanson, A. K.; Arkinson, H. L.; Hanisco, T. F.

2014-08-01

The NASA In Situ Airborne Formaldehyde (ISAF) instrument is a high-performance laser-based detector for gas phase formaldehyde (HCHO). ISAF uses rotational-state specific laser excitation at 353 nm for laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of HCHO. A number of features make ISAF ideal for airborne deployment, including (1) a compact, low-maintenance fiber laser, (2) a single-pass design for stable signal response, (3) a straightforward inlet design, and (4) a standalone data acquisition system. A full description of the instrument design is given, along with detailed performance characteristics. The accuracy of reported mixing ratios is ±10% based on calibration against IR and UV absorption of a primary HCHO standard. Precision at 1 Hz is typically better than 20% above 100 pptv, with uncertainty in the signal background contributing most to variability at low mixing ratios. The 1 Hz detection limit for a signal/noise ratio of 2 is 36 pptv for 10 mW of laser power, and the e-fold time response at typical sample flow rates is 0.19 s. ISAF has already flown on several field missions and platforms with excellent results.

Multi-spectral endogenous fluorescence imaging for bacterial differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernomyrdin, Nikita V.; Babayants, Margarita V.; Korotkov, Oleg V.; Kudrin, Konstantin G.; Rimskaya, Elena N.; Shikunova, Irina A.; Kurlov, Vladimir N.; Cherkasova, Olga P.; Komandin, Gennady A.; Reshetov, Igor V.; Zaytsev, Kirill I.

2017-07-01

In this paper, the multi-spectral endogenous fluorescence imaging was implemented for bacterial differentiation. The fluorescence imaging was performed using a digital camera equipped with a set of visual bandpass filters. Narrowband 365 nm ultraviolet radiation passed through a beam homogenizer was used to excite the sample fluorescence. In order to increase a signal-to-noise ratio and suppress a non-fluorescence background in images, the intensity of the UV excitation was modulated using a mechanical chopper. The principal components were introduced for differentiating the samples of bacteria based on the multi-spectral endogenous fluorescence images.

Effects of solar UV-B radiation on aquatic ecosystems.

PubMed

Hader, D P

2000-01-01

Solar UV degrades dissolved organic carbon photolytically so that they can readily be taken up by bacterioplankton. On the other hand solar UV radiation inhibits bacterioplankton activity. Bacterioplankton productivity is far greater than previously thought and is comparable to phytoplankton primary productivity. According to the "microbial loop hypothesis," bacterioplankton is seen in the center of a food web, having a similar function to phytoplankton and protists. The penetration of UV and PAR into the water column can be measured. Marine waters show large temporal and regional differences in their concentrations of dissolved and particulate absorbing substances. A network of dosimeters (ELDONET) has been installed in Europe ranging from Abisko in Northern Sweden to Gran Canaria. Cyanobacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen which is then made available to higher plants. The agricultural potential of cyanobacteria has been recognized as a biological fertilizer for wet soils such as in rice paddies. UV-B is known to impair processes such as growth, survival, pigmentation, motility, as well as the enzymes of nitrogen metabolism and CO2 fixation. The marine phytoplankton represents the single most important ecosystem on our planet and produces about the same biomass as all terrestrial ecosystems taken together. It is the base of the aquatic food chain and any changes in the size and composition of phytoplankton communities will directly affect food production for humans from marine sources. Another important role of marine phytoplankton is to serve as a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Recent investigations have shown a large sensitivity of most phytoplankton organisms toward solar short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UV-B); even at ambient levels of UV-B radiation many organisms seem to be under UV stress. Because of their requirement for solar energy, the phytoplankton dwell in the top layers of the water column. In this near-surface position phytoplankton will be exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation. This radiation has been shown to affect growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen incorporation and enzyme activity. Other targets of solar UV irradiation are proteins and pigments involved in photosynthesis. Whether or not screening pigments can be induced in phytoplankton to effectively shield the organisms from excessive UV irradiation needs to be determined. Macroalgae show a distinct pattern of vertical distribution in their habitat. They have developed mechanisms to regulate their photosynthetic activity to adapt to the changing light regime and protect themselves from excessive radiation. A broad survey was carried out to understand photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems and the different adaptation strategies to solar radiation of ecologically important species of green, red and brown algae from the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, Atlantic, polar and tropical oceans. Photoinhibition was quantified by oxygen exchange and by PAM (pulse amplitude modulated) fluorescence measurements based on transient changes of chlorophyll fluorescence. c2001 COSPAR Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

BrMYB4, a suppressor of genes for phenylpropanoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis, is down-regulated by UV-B but not by pigment-inducing sunlight in turnip cv. Tsuda.

PubMed

Zhang, Lili; Wang, Yu; Sun, Mei; Wang, Jing; Kawabata, Saneyuki; Li, Yuhua

2014-12-01

The regulation of light-dependent anthocyanin biosynthesis in Brassica rapa subsp. rapa cv. Tsuda turnip was investigated using an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutant R30 with light-independent pigmentation. TILLING (targeting induced local lesions in genomes) and subsequent analysis showed that a stop codon was inserted in the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene BrMYB4 and that the encoded protein (BrMYB4mu) had lost its C-terminal region. In R30, anthocyanin accumulated in the below-ground portion of the storage root of 2-month-old plants. In 4-day-old seedlings and 2-month-old plants, expression of BrMYB4 was similar between R30 and the wild type (WT), but the expression of the cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene (BrC4H) was markedly enhanced in R30 in the dark. In turnip seedlings, BrMYB4 expression was suppressed by UV-B irradiation in the WT, but this negative regulation was absent in R30. Concomitantly, BrC4H was repressed by UV-B irradiation in the WT, but stayed at high levels in R30. A gel-shift assay revealed that BrMYB4 could directly bind to the promoter region of BrC4H, but BrMYB4mu could not. The BrMYB4-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) protein could enter the nucleus in the presence of BrSAD2 (an importin β-like protein) nuclear transporter, but BrMYB4mu-eGFP could not. These results showed that BrMYB4 functions as a negative transcriptional regulator of BrC4H and mediates UV-B-dependent phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, while BrMYB4mu has lost this function. In the storage roots, the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes was enhanced in R30 in the dark and in sunlight in both the WT and R30. However, in the WT, anthocyanin-inducing sunlight did not suppress BrMYB4 expression. Therefore, sunlight-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis does not seem to be regulated by BrMYB4. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Enhancement of growth and lipid production from microalgae using fluorescent paint under the solar radiation.

PubMed

Seo, Yeong Hwan; Cho, Changsoon; Lee, Jung-Yong; Han, Jong-In

2014-12-01

Solar radiation has intensity that is too high to inhibit microalgae activity and is composed of wide light spectrum including ultraviolet (UV) range which cannot be utilized for microalgae. For these reasons, the modification of solar radiation is required for effective microalgae cultivation, and to do that, fluorescent paint was used for not only blocking excessive solar energy but also converting UV to visible light. With fluorescent aqueous layer, microalgae was protected from photoinhibition and could grow well, but there was difference in growth and lipid accumulation efficiencies depending on the color; maximum dry weight of 1.7 g/L was achieved in red paint, whereas best lipid content of 30% was obtained in blue one. This phenomenon was due to the different light spectrum made by colors. With simple process using fluorescent paint, modification of light was successfully done and allowing microalgae to grow under strong radiation such as solar radiation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The spectroscopic studies on the binding of Al(III) to EHPG].

PubMed

Li, Ying-qi; Bai, Hai-jing; Yang, Bin-sheng

2002-06-01

Interaction of ethylene-N,N'-bis(o-hydioxyphenylglycine) (EHPG) with Al3+ has been investigated by both UV difference and fluorescent spectra. Both results show that the molar ration of the complex is most likely 1:1. Aluminum binding produces peaks at 235 and 291 nm. The molar absorptivity of aluminum ions to EHPG at 235 nm is 1.27 x 10(4) cm-1.mol-1.L. The conditional stability constant for Al3+ binding to EHPG is determined to be IgK = 14.20 +/- 0.03 in 0.1 mol.L-1 Hepes buffer at room temperature, pH 7.4 by UV difference spectra. At the same condition, the fluorescent intensity of EHPG at 310 nm has been monitored. In result, the fluorescent intensity of EHPG at 310 nm is decreased with the addition of Al3+. Then the quench of the fluorescent intensity is ascribed to deprotonated phenolic groups coordinated to aluminum ions.

Spectrometric studies on the interaction of fluoroquinolones and bovine serum albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yongnian; Su, Shaojing; Kokot, Serge

2010-02-01

The interaction between fluoroquinolones (FQs), ofloxacin and enrofloxacin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by FQ is a result of the formation of the FQ-BSA complex stabilized, in the main, by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant, KSV, and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters, Δ H, Δ S and Δ G, were estimated. The distance, r, between the donor, BSA, and the acceptor, FQ, was estimated from fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The effect of FQ on the conformation of BSA was analyzed with the aid of UV-vis absorbance spectra and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Spectral analysis showed that the two FQs affected the conformation of the BSA but in a different manner. Thus, with ofloxacin, the polarity around the tryptophan residues decreased and the hydrophobicity increased, while for enrofloxacin, the opposite effect was observed.

Serious complications in experiments in which UV doses are effected by using different lamp heights.

PubMed

Flint, Stephan D; Ryel, Ronald J; Hudelson, Timothy J; Caldwell, Martyn M

2009-10-06

Many experiments examining plant responses to enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation (280-315nm) simply compare an enhanced UV-B treatment with ambient UV-B (or no UV-B radiation in most greenhouse and controlled-environment studies). Some more detailed experiments utilize multiple levels of UV-B radiation. A number of different techniques have been used to adjust the UV dose. One common technique is to place racks of fluorescent UV-emitting lamps at different heights above the plant canopy. However, the lamps and associated support structure cast shadows on the plant bed below. We calculated one example of the sequence of shade intervals for two common heights of lamp racks and show the patterns and duration of shade which the plants receive is distributed differently over the course of the day for different heights of the lamp racks. We also conducted a greenhouse experiment with plants (canola, sunflower and maize) grown under unenergized lamp racks suspended at the same two heights above the canopy. Growth characteristics differed in unpredictable ways between plants grown under the two heights of lamp racks. These differences could enhance or obscure potential UV-B effects. Also, differences in leaf mass per unit foliage area, which were observed in this experiment, could contribute to differences in plant UV-B sensitivity. We recommend the use of other techniques for achieving multiple doses of UV-B radiation. These range from simple and inexpensive approaches (e.g., wrapping individual fluorescent tubes in layers of a neutral-density filter such as cheese cloth) to more technical and expensive alternatives (e.g., electronically modulated lamp control systems). These choices should be determined according to the goals of the particular experiment.

UV-B Radiation Induces Root Bending Through the Flavonoid-Mediated Auxin Pathway in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Wan, Jinpeng; Zhang, Ping; Wang, Ruling; Sun, Liangliang; Wang, Wenying; Zhou, Huakun; Xu, Jin

2018-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation-induced root bending has been reported; however, the underlying mechanisms largely remain unclear. Here, we investigate whether and how auxin and flavonoids are involved in UV-B radiation-induced root bending in Arabidopsis using physiological, pharmacological, and genetic approaches. UV-B radiation modulated the direction of root growth by decreasing IAA biosynthesis and affecting auxin distribution in the root tips, where reduced auxin accumulation and asymmetric auxin distribution were observed. UV-B radiation increased the distribution of auxin on the nonradiated side of the root tips, promoting growth and causing root bending. Further analysis indicated that UV-B induced an asymmetric accumulation of flavonoids; this pathway is involved in modulating the accumulation and asymmetric distribution of auxin in root tips and the subsequent redirection of root growth by altering the distribution of auxin carriers in response to UV-B radiation. Taken together, our results indicate that UV-B radiation-induced root bending occurred through a flavonoid-mediated phototropic response to UV-B radiation.

UV-B Radiation Induces Root Bending Through the Flavonoid-Mediated Auxin Pathway in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Wan, Jinpeng; Zhang, Ping; Wang, Ruling; Sun, Liangliang; Wang, Wenying; Zhou, Huakun; Xu, Jin

2018-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation-induced root bending has been reported; however, the underlying mechanisms largely remain unclear. Here, we investigate whether and how auxin and flavonoids are involved in UV-B radiation-induced root bending in Arabidopsis using physiological, pharmacological, and genetic approaches. UV-B radiation modulated the direction of root growth by decreasing IAA biosynthesis and affecting auxin distribution in the root tips, where reduced auxin accumulation and asymmetric auxin distribution were observed. UV-B radiation increased the distribution of auxin on the nonradiated side of the root tips, promoting growth and causing root bending. Further analysis indicated that UV-B induced an asymmetric accumulation of flavonoids; this pathway is involved in modulating the accumulation and asymmetric distribution of auxin in root tips and the subsequent redirection of root growth by altering the distribution of auxin carriers in response to UV-B radiation. Taken together, our results indicate that UV-B radiation-induced root bending occurred through a flavonoid-mediated phototropic response to UV-B radiation. PMID:29868074

Simultaneous measurements of temperature and density in air flows using UV laser spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fletcher, D. G.; Mckenzie, R. L.

1991-01-01

The simultaneous measurement of temperature and density using laser-induced fluorescence of oxygen in combination with Q-branch Raman scattering of nitrogen and oxygen is demonstrated in a low-speed air flow. The lowest density and temperature measured in the experiment correspond to the freestream values at Mach 5 in the Ames 3.5-Foot Hypersonic Wind Tunnel for stagnation conditions of 100 atm and 1000 K. The experimental results demonstrate the viability of the optical technique for measurements that support the study of compressible turbulence and the validation of numerical codes in supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnel flows.

Anle138b and related compounds are aggregation specific fluorescence markers and reveal high affinity binding to α-synuclein aggregates.

PubMed

Deeg, Andreas A; Reiner, Anne M; Schmidt, Felix; Schueder, Florian; Ryazanov, Sergey; Ruf, Viktoria C; Giller, Karin; Becker, Stefan; Leonov, Andrei; Griesinger, Christian; Giese, Armin; Zinth, Wolfgang

2015-09-01

Special diphenyl-pyrazole compounds and in particular anle138b were found to reduce the progression of prion and Parkinson's disease in animal models. The therapeutic impact of these compounds was attributed to the modulation of α-synuclein and prion-protein aggregation related to these diseases. Photophysical and photochemical properties of the diphenyl-pyrazole compounds anle138b, anle186b and sery313b and their interaction with monomeric and aggregated α-synuclein were studied by fluorescence techniques. The fluorescence emission of diphenyl-pyrazole is strongly increased upon incubation with α-synuclein fibrils, while no change in fluorescence emission is found when brought in contact with monomeric α-synuclein. This points to a distinct interaction between diphenyl-pyrazole and the fibrillar structure with a high binding affinity (Kd=190±120nM) for anle138b. Several α-synuclein proteins form a hydrophobic binding pocket for the diphenyl-pyrazole compound. A UV-induced dehalogenation reaction was observed for anle138b which is modulated by the hydrophobic environment of the fibrils. Fluorescence of the investigated diphenyl-pyrazole compounds strongly increases upon binding to fibrillar α-synuclein structures. Binding at high affinity occurs to hydrophobic pockets in the fibrils. The observed particular fluorescence properties of the diphenyl-pyrazole molecules open new possibilities for the investigation of the mode of action of these compounds in neurodegenerative diseases. The high binding affinity to aggregates and the strong increase in fluorescence upon binding make the compounds promising fluorescence markers for the analysis of aggregation-dependent epitopes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exclusion of solar UV radiation improves photosynthetic performance and yield of wheat varieties.

PubMed

Kataria, Sunita; Guruprasad, K N

2015-12-01

Field studies were conducted to determine the potential for alterations in photosynthetic performance and grain yield of four wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties of India- Vidisha, Purna, Swarna and Naveen Chandausi by ambient ultraviolet radiation (UV). The plants were grown in specially designed UV exclusion chambers, wrapped with filters that excluded UV-B (<315 nm), UV-A/B (<400 nm) or transmitted ambient UV or lacked filters. The results indicated that solar UV exclusion increased the leaf mass per area ratio, leaf weight ratio and chlorophylls per unit area of flag leaves in all the four varieties of wheat. Polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence transients from the flag leaves of UV excluded wheat plants gave a higher fluorescence yield. Exclusion of solar UV significantly enhanced photosynthetic performance as a consequence of increased efficiency of PS II, performance index (PIABS) and rate of photosynthesis in the flag leaves of wheat varieties along with a remarkable increase in carbonic anhydrase, Rubisco and nitrate reductase activities. This additional fixation of carbon and nitrogen by exclusion of UV was channelized towards the improvement in grain yield of wheat varieties as there was a decrease in the UV-B absorbing substances and an increase in soluble protein content in flag leaves of all the four varieties of wheat. The magnitude of response for UV exclusion for all the measured parameters was higher in two varieties of wheat Vidisha and Purna as compared to Swarna and Naveen Chandausi. Cumulative stress response index (CSRI) for each variety was developed from the cumulative sum of physiological and yield parameters such as leaf mass area ratio of flag leaf, total chlorophyll content, performance index at absorption basis, rate of photosynthesis and grain yield. All the varieties had a negative CSRI, demonstrating a negative impact of ambient UV radiation. Naveen Chandausi and Swarna are less sensitive to ambient UV radiation; Vidisha is more sensitive to both UV-A and UV-B and Purna is more sensitive to ambient UV-B radiation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Extending the use of ultraviolet light for fruit quality sorting in citrus packinghouses

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Illumination with ultraviolet light (UV) is commonly used in citrus packinghouses as a means to aid in the identification and removal of decayed oranges from the packline. This technique is effective because areas of decay strongly fluoresce under UV illumination. It was observed that oranges often ...

Laser-Induced Fluorescence Emission (L.I.F.E.): searching for Mars organics with a UV-enhanced PanCam.

PubMed

Storrie-Lombardi, Michael C; Muller, Jan-Peter; Fisk, Martin R; Cousins, Claire; Sattler, Birgit; Griffiths, Andrew D; Coates, Andrew J

2009-12-01

The European Space Agency will launch the ExoMars mission in 2016 with a primary goal of surveying the martian subsurface for evidence of organic material. We have recently investigated the utility of including either a 365 nm light-emitting diode or a 375 nm laser light source in the ExoMars rover panoramic camera (PanCam). Such a modification would make it feasible to monitor rover drill cuttings optically for the fluorescence signatures of aromatic organic molecules and map the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a function of depth to the 2 m limit of the ExoMars drill. The technique described requires no sample preparation, does not consume irreplaceable resources, and would allow mission control to prioritize deployment of organic detection experiments that require sample destruction, expenditure of non-replaceable consumables, or both. We report here for the first time laser-induced fluorescence emission (L.I.F.E.) imaging detection limits for anthracene, pyrene, and perylene targets doped onto a Mars analog granular peridotite with a 375 nm Nichia laser diode in optically uncorrected wide-angle mode. Data were collected via the Beagle 2 PanCam backup filter wheel fitted with original blue (440 nm), green (530 nm), and red (670 nm) filters. All three PAH species can be detected with the PanCam green (530 nm) filter. Detection limits in the green band for signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) > 10 are 49 parts per million (ppm) for anthracene, 145 ppm for pyrene, and 20 ppm for perylene. The anthracene detection limit improves to 7 ppm with use of the PanCam blue filter. We discuss soil-dependent detection limit constraints; use of UV excitation with other rover cameras, which provides higher spatial resolution; and the advantages of focused and wide-angle laser modes. Finally, we discuss application of L.I.F.E. techniques at multiple wavelengths for exploration of Mars analog extreme environments on Earth, including Icelandic hydrothermally altered basalts and the ice-covered lakes and glaciers of Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica.

Observations of fluorescent and biological aerosol at a high-altitude site in central France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabey, A. M.; Vaitilingom, M.; Freney, E.; Boulon, J.; Sellegri, K.; Gallagher, M. W.; Crawford, I. P.; Robinson, N. H.; Stanley, W. R.; Kaye, P. H.

2013-08-01

Total bacteria, fungal spore and yeast counts were compared with ultraviolet-light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) measurements of ambient aerosol at the summit of the Puy de Dôme (PdD) mountain in central France (1465 m a.s.l), which represents a background elevated site. Bacteria, fungal spores and yeast were enumerated by epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) and found to number 2.2 to 23 L-1 and 0.8 to 2 L-1, respectively. Bacteria counts on two successive nights were an order of magnitude larger than in the intervening day. A wide issue bioaerosol spectrometer, version 3 (WIBS-3) was used to perform UV-LIF measurements on ambient aerosol sized 0.8 to 20 μm. Mean total number concentration was 270 L-1 (σ = 66 L-1), found predominantly in a size mode at 2 μm for most of the campaign. Total concentration (fluorescent + non-fluorescent aerosol) peaked at 500 L-1 with a size mode at 1 μm because of a change in air mass origin lasting around 48 h. The WIBS-3 features two excitation and fluorescence detection wavelengths corresponding to different biological molecules, although non-biological interferents also contribute. The mean fluorescent particle concentration after short-wave (280 nm; associated with tryptophan) excitation was 12 L-1 (σ = 6 L-1), and did not vary much throughout the campaign. In contrast, the mean concentration of particles fluorescent after long-wave (370 nm; associated with NADH) excitation was 95 L-1 (σ = 25 L-1), and a nightly rise and subsequent fall of up to 100 L-1 formed a strong diurnal cycle in the latter. The two fluorescent populations exhibited size modes at 3 μm and 2 to 3 μm, respectively. A hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis algorithm was applied to the data and used to extract different particle factors. A cluster concentration time series representative of bacteria was identified. This was found to exhibit a diurnal cycle with a maximum peak appearing during the day. Analysis of organic mass spectra recorded using an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS; Aerodyne Inc.) suggests that aerosol reaching the site at night was more aged than that during the day, indicative of sampling the residual layer at night. Supplementary meteorological data and previous work also show that PdD lies in the residual layer/free troposphere at night, and this is thought to cause the observed diurnal cycles in organic-type and fluorescent aerosol particles. Based on the observed disparity between bacteria and fluorescent particle concentrations, fluorescent non-PBA is likely to be important in the WIBS-3 data and the surprisingly high fluorescent concentration in the residual layer/free troposphere raises questions about a ubiquitous background in continental air during the summer.

White-nose syndrome pathology grading in Nearctic and Palearctic bats

PubMed Central

Pikula, Jiri; Amelon, Sybill K.; Bandouchova, Hana; Bartonička, Tomáš; Berkova, Hana; Brichta, Jiri; Hooper, Sarah; Kokurewicz, Tomasz; Kolarik, Miroslav; Köllner, Bernd; Kovacova, Veronika; Linhart, Petr; Piacek, Vladimir; Turner, Gregory G.; Zukal, Jan; Martínková, Natália

2017-01-01

While white-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated hibernating bat populations in the Nearctic, species from the Palearctic appear to cope better with the fungal skin infection causing WNS. This has encouraged multiple hypotheses on the mechanisms leading to differential survival of species exposed to the same pathogen. To facilitate intercontinental comparisons, we proposed a novel pathogenesis-based grading scheme consistent with WNS diagnosis histopathology criteria. UV light-guided collection was used to obtain single biopsies from Nearctic and Palearctic bat wing membranes non-lethally. The proposed scheme scores eleven grades associated with WNS on histopathology. Given weights reflective of grade severity, the sum of findings from an individual results in weighted cumulative WNS pathology score. The probability of finding fungal skin colonisation and single, multiple or confluent cupping erosions increased with increase in Pseudogymnoascus destructans load. Increasing fungal load mimicked progression of skin infection from epidermal surface colonisation to deep dermal invasion. Similarly, the number of UV-fluorescent lesions increased with increasing weighted cumulative WNS pathology score, demonstrating congruence between WNS-associated tissue damage and extent of UV fluorescence. In a case report, we demonstrated that UV-fluorescence disappears within two weeks of euthermy. Change in fluorescence was coupled with a reduction in weighted cumulative WNS pathology score, whereby both methods lost diagnostic utility. While weighted cumulative WNS pathology scores were greater in the Nearctic than Palearctic, values for Nearctic bats were within the range of those for Palearctic species. Accumulation of wing damage probably influences mortality in affected bats, as demonstrated by a fatal case of Myotis daubentonii with natural WNS infection and healing in Myotis myotis. The proposed semi-quantitative pathology score provided good agreement between experienced raters, showing it to be a powerful and widely applicable tool for defining WNS severity. PMID:28767673

White-nose syndrome pathology grading in Nearctic and Palearctic bats.

PubMed

Pikula, Jiri; Amelon, Sybill K; Bandouchova, Hana; Bartonička, Tomáš; Berkova, Hana; Brichta, Jiri; Hooper, Sarah; Kokurewicz, Tomasz; Kolarik, Miroslav; Köllner, Bernd; Kovacova, Veronika; Linhart, Petr; Piacek, Vladimir; Turner, Gregory G; Zukal, Jan; Martínková, Natália

2017-01-01

While white-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated hibernating bat populations in the Nearctic, species from the Palearctic appear to cope better with the fungal skin infection causing WNS. This has encouraged multiple hypotheses on the mechanisms leading to differential survival of species exposed to the same pathogen. To facilitate intercontinental comparisons, we proposed a novel pathogenesis-based grading scheme consistent with WNS diagnosis histopathology criteria. UV light-guided collection was used to obtain single biopsies from Nearctic and Palearctic bat wing membranes non-lethally. The proposed scheme scores eleven grades associated with WNS on histopathology. Given weights reflective of grade severity, the sum of findings from an individual results in weighted cumulative WNS pathology score. The probability of finding fungal skin colonisation and single, multiple or confluent cupping erosions increased with increase in Pseudogymnoascus destructans load. Increasing fungal load mimicked progression of skin infection from epidermal surface colonisation to deep dermal invasion. Similarly, the number of UV-fluorescent lesions increased with increasing weighted cumulative WNS pathology score, demonstrating congruence between WNS-associated tissue damage and extent of UV fluorescence. In a case report, we demonstrated that UV-fluorescence disappears within two weeks of euthermy. Change in fluorescence was coupled with a reduction in weighted cumulative WNS pathology score, whereby both methods lost diagnostic utility. While weighted cumulative WNS pathology scores were greater in the Nearctic than Palearctic, values for Nearctic bats were within the range of those for Palearctic species. Accumulation of wing damage probably influences mortality in affected bats, as demonstrated by a fatal case of Myotis daubentonii with natural WNS infection and healing in Myotis myotis. The proposed semi-quantitative pathology score provided good agreement between experienced raters, showing it to be a powerful and widely applicable tool for defining WNS severity.

One trinucleus dimethine cyanine dye: Experimental and theoretical studies on molecular structure as well as absorption and fluorescence properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, D. D.; Wang, L. Y.; Su, J. J.; Zhang, X. F.; Lei, Y. B.; Zhai, G. H.; Wen, Z. Y.

2013-05-01

A kind of trinucleus dimethine cyanine dye: 1-methyl-2,6-bis[2-(furan-2-yl)vinyl]pyridinium iodide (1) was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The crystals of dye 1, obtained from slow evaporation of solvent acetone, crystallized in the triclinic space group P - 1 with a = 9.6501(16) Å, b = 10.2308(17) Å, c = 10.7341(17) Å, V = 887.2(3) Å3, and Z = 2 (at 298(2) K), and it was stabilized by the hydrogen bonds and intermolecular face-to-face π⋯π aromatic stacking interactions. Crystallographic, IR, 1H NMR and UV-Vis data of dye 1 were compared with the results of density functional theory (DFT) method, and the calculated molecular geometries, vibrational bands, 1H NMR chemical shifts and UV-Vis maximum absorption were consistent with the experimental results. The fluorescence spectra were predicted in four different solvents with CIS/PCM methods. Compared with experimental values, the absolute deviations of emission maxima were -17.4 nm in chloroform, 6.3 nm in DMSO, 4.9 nm in methanol, and 6.8 nm in water, respectively. And the experimental fluorescence spectra were nicely reproduced by the simulated fluorescence spectra for each solvent.

Flame Characterization Using a Tunable Solid-State Laser with Direct UV Pumping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamal, Mohammed M.; Dubinskii, Mark A.; Misra, Prabhakar

1996-01-01

Tunable solid-state lasers with direct UV pumping, based on d-f transitions of rare earth ions incorporated in wide band-gap dielectric crystals, are reliable sources of laser radiation that are suitable for excitation of combustion-related free radicals. We have employed such a laser for analytical flame characterization utilizing Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) techniques. LIF spectra of alkane-air flames (used for studying combustion processes under normal and microgravity conditions) excited in the region of the A-X (0,0) OH-absorption band have been recorded and found to be both temperature-sensitive and positionally-sensitive. In addition, also clearly noticeable was the sensitivity of the spectra to the specific wavelength used for data registration. The LiCAF:Ce laser shows good prospects for being able to cover the spectral region between 280 and 340 nm and therefore be used excitation of combustion-intermediates such as the hydroxyl OH, methoxy CH30 and methylthio CH3S radicals.

Characterization of low-dose doxorubicin-loaded silica-based nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokopowicz, Magdalena

2018-01-01

In this study, we synthesized multicomponent solid films of low-dose doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-SiO2/CaP nanocomposites via sol-gel process combined with the method of evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) at low temperature. Nanomechanical properties (elasticity and adhesion) of the synthesized multicomponent films were determined by using atomic force microscopy with a PeakForce™ quantitative nanomechanical mapping imaging technique. Solid state of DOX in the synthesized films was studied by using UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The release profile of different concentrations of DOX loaded (1, 3, and 5 wt%) on the multicomponent films was assessed using USP Apparatus 4 and via UV-vis end analysis. Results indicate drug-component interactions on the overall morphology of domains (size and shape), nanomechanical properties, and release behavior of the DOX-loaded nanocomposites. We observed a progressive increase in surface roughness and mean adhesive value with increasing concentration of DOX loaded (0-5 wt%). In addition, for all the different concentrations of DOX-loaded, we observed a diffusion-controlled drug release.

Study on the interaction of the epilepsy drug, zonisamide with human serum albumin (HSA) by spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahabadi, Nahid; Khorshidi, Aref; Moghadam, Neda Hossinpour

2013-10-01

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study the interaction of zonisamide (ZNS) with the transport protein, human serum albumin (HSA) employing UV-Vis, fluorometric, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking techniques. The results indicated that binding of ZNS to HSA caused strong fluorescence quenching of HSA through static quenching mechanism, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals contacts are the major forces in the stability of protein ZNS complex and the process of the binding of ZNS with HSA was driven by enthalpy (ΔH = -193.442 kJ mol-1). The results of CD and UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the binding of this drug to HSA induced conformational changes in HSA. Furthermore, the study of molecular docking also indicated that zonisamide could strongly bind to the site I (subdomain IIA) of HSA mainly by hydrophobic interaction and there were hydrogen bond interactions between this drug and HSA, also known as the warfarin binding site.

Resonance-enhanced two-photon excitation of CaI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casero-Junquera, Elena; Lawruszczuk, Rafal; Rostas, Joëlle; Taieb, Guy

1994-07-01

Induced fluorescence following visible (620-655 nm) laser excitation of the CaI radical has been detected not only in the same region (B, A-X transitions), but also in the UV (315-330 nm). The UV two-photon excitation spectrum consists of narrow bands appearing at laser frequencies located within certain bands of the Δ v = 1, 0 sequences of the B 2Σ +-X 2Σ + and A 2Π 1/2-X 2Σ + systems. The main peaks are tentatively assigned to resonance-enhanced excitation of a single vibrational level of the lowest Rydberg D 2Σ + state from successive vibrational levels of the ground state. The excitation process is a one-color two-photon optical—optical-double-resonance via B 2Σ + and A 2Π 1/2 intermediate levels. This analysis is supported by the absorption spectrum observed long ago by Walters and Barratt. The absorption and laser excitation complementary data have been used to derive approximate molecular constants for the D state.

Trans-cis molecular photoswitching in interstellar space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuadrado, S.; Goicoechea, J. R.; Roncero, O.; Aguado, A.; Tercero, B.; Cernicharo, J.

2016-11-01

As many organic molecules, formic acid (HCOOH) has two conformers (trans and cis). The energy barrier to internal conversion from trans to cis is much higher than the thermal energy available in molecular clouds. Thus, only the most stable conformer (trans) is expected to exist in detectable amounts. We report the first interstellar detection of cis-HCOOH. Its presence in ultraviolet (UV) irradiated gas exclusively (the Orion Bar photodissociation region), with a low trans-to-cis abundance ratio of 2.8 ± 1.0, supports a photoswitching mechanism: a given conformer absorbs a stellar photon that radiatively excites the molecule to electronic states above the interconversion barrier. Subsequent fluorescent decay leaves the molecule in a different conformer form. This mechanism, which we specifically study with ab initio quantum calculations, was not considered in Space before but likely induces structural changes of a variety of interstellar molecules submitted to UV radiation. This paper makes use of observations obtained with the IRAM-30 m telescope. IRAM is supported by INSU/CNRS (France), MPG (Germany), and IGN (Spain).

In Situ Determination of Illegal Drugs in Oral Fluid by Portable Capillary Electrophoresis with Deep UV Excited Fluorescence Detection.

PubMed

Saar-Reismaa, Piret; Erme, Enn; Vaher, Merike; Kulp, Maria; Kaljurand, Mihkel; Mazina-Šinkar, Jekaterina

2018-05-15

The present study demonstrates the potential of a portable capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument, coupled to deep UV fluorescence detector (FD) with a 230-255 nm excitation wavelength range, for the determination of the abuse of illegal drugs in oral fluids in situ. CE was introduced in this study due its exceptional power of separation and resolution, short analysis time, and ability for miniaturization for on-site assessment of different substances. The deep UV fluorescence detector was equipped with five interchangeable emission filters, in the emission wavelength range from 278 to 600 nm, and was successfully employed for determination of natively fluorescing illegal drugs, such as cocaine, cocaethylene, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxeamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxy- N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA), para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), para-methoxy- N-methylamphetamine (PMMA), amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (METH), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The developed FD showed impressive sensitivity. The instrumental detection limit was 0.5 μg/L for MDMA. It also showed broad linearity, up to 50 mg/L for MDMA. The noise CV% was 1.1% for an empty capillary and 0.6% for a capillary filled with acetonitrile. The portable CE-FD with developed electrophoretic methodologies was successfully utilized for the determination of illegal abuse of drugs during "Weekend" 2016 and 2017 Music Festivals (Estonia). Moreover, CE-FD can be employed for detection of other natively fluorescing compounds in the proposed range (e.g., for different phenolic compounds, BTEX, naphthalene derivatives, and others), significantly widening the applicability of developed CE-FD instrument.

Development of green fluorescent protein-expressing bacterial strains and evaluation for potential use as positive controls in sample analyses.

PubMed

Noah, Charles W; Shaw, Christine I; Ikeda, Jack S; Kreuzer, Karen S; Sofos, John N

2005-04-01

Strains of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium were engineered to express the gene for a modified green fluorescent protein (GFP) and were evaluated for potential use as positive controls in sample analyses. The strains fluoresced when observed as colonies with a handheld UV lamp or as individual cells under a fluorescent microscope. The strains maintained their fluorescence following growth in three series of transfer experiments including 8 to 11 passages from broth to broth and twice for 15 consecutive transfers from broth onto Trypticase soy agar plates. Cultures also maintained stability in the ability to fluoresce when agar plates were refrigerated (4 degrees C) for up to 12 days. Growth characteristics of the GFP-positive strains were comparable to those of corresponding control strains. The GFP-positive strains were successfully identified using rapid diagnostic methods and were differentiated from their corresponding non-GFP strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis but not by repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR. The GFP-positive and the control strains were recovered successfully from individually inoculated food samples (Feta cheese, raw shrimp, cooked shrimp, and cooked crawfish). However, in one Feta cheese sample and one raw shrimp sample inoculated with combined GFP-positive and GFP-negative cultures, colonies of the GFP-positive strains were not observed under UV light; fluorescing cells in one of the inoculated samples (raw shrimp) were revealed by microscopy. In general, the isolates from the inoculated foods were GFP positive by microscopic examination; the pure isolates could also be restreaked onto Trypticase soy agar, and colonies could be visually examined under UV light. Because GFP strains are not known to occur naturally in the environment, the use of the Salmonella GFP-positive strain may offer advantages as a positive control even when distinct and rare serotypes are available. The GFP-positive E. coli O157:H7 strain may also prove beneficial for use as a positive control strain for sample analyses.

COMPARATIVE TOXICITY OF FLUORANTHENE TO FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER SPECIES UNDER FLUORESCENT AND ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

EPA Science Inventory

The acute and chronic toxicity of fluoranthene was determined for a diverse group of freshwater and saltwater species under both standard laboratory fluorescent light and ultraviolet (UV) light test conditions. Acute tests with 21 species demonstrated that fluoranthene was not le...

Effect of UV irradiation on aflatoxin reduction: a cytotoxicity evaluation study using human hepatoma cell line.

PubMed

Patras, Ankit; Julakanti, Sharath; Yannam, Sudheer; Bansode, Rishipal R; Burns, Mallory; Vergne, Matthew J

2017-11-01

In this proof-of-concept study, the efficacy of a medium-pressure UV (MPUV) lamp source to reduce the concentrations of aflatoxin B 1 , aflatoxin B 2 , and aflatoxin G 1 (AFB 1, AFB 2 , and AFG 1 ) in pure water is investigated. Irradiation experiments were conducted using a collimated beam system operating between 200 to 360 nm. The optical absorbance of the solution and the irradiance of the lamp are considered in calculating the average fluence rate. Based on these factors, the UV dose was quantified as a product of average fluence rate and treatment time. Known concentrations of aflatoxins were spiked in water and irradiated at UV doses ranging from 0, 1.22, 2.44, 3.66, and 4.88 J cm -2 . The concentration of aflatoxins was determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. LC-MS/MS product ion scans were used to identify and semi-quantify degraded products of AFB 1 , AFB 2 , and AFG 1 . It was observed that UV irradiation significantly reduced aflatoxins in pure water (p < 0.05). Irradiation doses of 4.88 J cm -2 reduced concentrations 67.22% for AFG 1 , 29.77% for AFB 2 , and 98.25% for AFB 1 (p < 0.05). Using this technique, an overall reduction of total aflatoxin content of ≈95% (p < 0.05) was achieved. We hypothesize that the formation of ˙OH radicals initiated by UV light may have caused photolysis of AFB 1 , AFB 2 , and AFG 1 molecules. In cell culture studies, our results demonstrated that the increase of UV dosage decreased the aflatoxin-induced cytotoxicity in HepG 2 cells. Therefore, our research finding suggests that UV irradiation can be used as an effective technique for the reduction of aflatoxins.

UV-A induced oxidative stress is more prominent in naturally pigmented aged human RPE cells compared to non-pigmented human RPE cells independent of zinc treatment.

PubMed

Biesemeier, Antje; Kokkinou, Despina; Julien, Sylvie; Heiduschka, Peter; Berneburg, Mark; Bartz-Schmidt, Karl Ulrich; Schraermeyer, Ulrich

2008-02-27

To investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on human amelanotic (ARPE-19) and native pigmented retinal pigment epithelial cells (hRPE) under normal light conditions and after ultraviolet A light exposure. hRPE cells, containing both melanin and lipofuscin granules, were prepared from human donor eyes of 60-70 year old patients. Cells of the amelanotic ARPE-19 cell line and pigmented hRPE cells were treated with zinc chloride and subjected to oxidative stress by UV-A irradiation. Intracellular H(2)O(2) formation was measured using a fluorescence oxidation assay. Additionally, apoptosis and viability assays were performed. Control cells were treated identically except for irradiation and zinc supplementation. Under normal light conditions, zinc treated hRPE cells produced less H(2)O(2) than unsupplemented hRPE cells. Viability and apoptosis events did not change. After UV-A irradiation, ARPE and hRPE cells were greatly impaired in all tests performed compared to the non-irradiated controls. No differences were found after zinc supplementation. hRPE cells showed a higher apoptosis and mortality rate than non-pigmented cells when stressed by UV-A light. ARPE cells never showed any zinc related effects. In contrast, without irradiation, zinc supplementation reduced H(2)O(2) production in pigmented hRPE cells slightly. We did not find any zinc effect in irradiated hRPE cells. After UV light exposure, pigmented cells showed a higher apoptosis and mortality than cells lacking any pigmentation. We conclude that cells with pigmentation consisting of melanin and lipofuscin granules have more prooxidative than antioxidative capacity when stressed by UV light exposure compared to cells lacking any pigmentation.

Interpretation of the fluorescence signatures from vegetation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buschmann, C.

Vegetation emits fluorescence as part of the energy taken up by absorption %of solar radiation from UV to the visible. This fluorescence consists of light with low intensity (only few percents of the reflected light) emitted from the leaves. The fluorescence emission of a green leaf is characterized by four bands with maxima in the blue (440 nm), green (520 nm), red (690 nm) and far red (740 nm) spectral region. The intensity of fluorescence in the maxima of the emission spectrum varies depending on the following six basic parameters which must be taken into account for the interpretation of fluorescence signatures from vegetation: (a) content of the fluorophores (ferulic acid, chlorophyll a), (b) temperature of the leaf, (c) penetration of excitation light into the leaf, (d) emission of fluorescence from the leaf (re-absorption inside the leaf tissue), (e) photosynthetic activity of the leaf, (f) non-radiative decay (heat production) parallel to the fluorescence The ratios between the intensities of the maxima (F440/F690, F440/F520, F690/F740) are used as characteristic fluorescence parameter. The wide range of changes of these ratios caused by differences in the leaf tissue (aerial interspaces, variegated/homogeneous green leaves), various types of stress (UV, photoinhibition, sun exposure, heat, water deficiency, N-deficiency) and chemicals (inhibitors, fertilizers) can be explained by changes of the six basic parameters. It will be shown that the interpretation of the fluorescence signatures, in most cases, must be based on a complex consideration of more than one of the basic parameters.

Treating cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma using ALA PLGA nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic therapy in a mouse model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaojie; Shi, Lei; Tu, Qingfeng; Wang, Hongwei; Zhang, Haiyan; Wang, Peiru; Zhang, Linglin; Huang, Zheng; Wang, Xiuli; Zhao, Feng; Luan, Hansen

2015-03-01

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer and its treatment is still difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nanoparticle (NP)-assisted ALA delivery for topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cutaneous SCC. Methods: UV-induced cutaneous SCCs were established in hairless mice. ALA loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs were prepared and characterized. The kinetics of ALA PLGA NPs-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence in SCCs, therapeutic efficacy of ALA NP-mediated PDT, and immune responses were examined. Results: PLGA NPs could enhance PpIX production in SCC. ALA PLGA NP mediated topical PDT was more effective than free ALA of the same concentration in treating cutaneous SCC. Conclusion: PLGA NPs provide a promising strategy for delivering ALA in topical PDT of cutaneous SCC.

Pressure-Induced Dissolution and Reentrant Formation of Condensed, Liquid-Liquid Phase-Separated Elastomeric α-Elastin.

PubMed

Cinar, Hasan; Cinar, Süleyman; Chan, Hue Sun; Winter, Roland

2018-05-08

We investigated the combined effects of temperature and pressure on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) phenomena of α-elastin up to the multi-kbar regime. FT-IR spectroscopy, CD, UV/Vis absorption, phase-contrast light and fluorescence microscopy techniques were employed to reveal structural changes and mesoscopic phase states of the system. A novel pressure-induced reentrant LLPS was observed in the intermediate temperature range. A molecular-level picture, in particular on the role of hydrophobic interactions, hydration, and void volume in controlling LLPS phenomena is presented. The potential role of the LLPS phenomena in the development of early cellular compartmentalization is discussed, which might have started in the deep sea, where pressures up to the kbar level are encountered. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

UV-B Induced Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species Promotes Formation of BFA-Induced Compartments in Cells of Arabidopsis Root Apices

PubMed Central

Yokawa, Ken; Kagenishi, Tomoko; Baluška, František

2016-01-01

UV-B radiation is an important part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. For much of the period of biological evolution organisms have been exposed to UV radiation, and have developed diverse mechanisms to cope with this potential stress factor. Roots are usually shielded from exposure to UV by the surrounding soil, but may nevertheless be exposed to high energy radiation on the soil surface. Due to their high sensitivity to UV-B radiation, plant roots need to respond rapidly in order to minimize exposure on the surface. In addition to root gravitropism, effective light perception by roots has recently been discovered to be essential for triggering negative root phototropism in Arabidopsis. However, it is not fully understood how UV-B affects root growth and phototropism. Here, we report that UV-B induces rapid generation of reactive oxygen species which in turn promotes the formation of BFA-induced compartments in the Arabidopsis root apex. During unilateral UV-B irradiation of roots changes in auxin concentration on the illuminated side have been recorded. In conclusion, UV-B-induced and ROS-mediated stimulation of vesicle recycling promotes root growth and induces negative phototropism. PMID:26793199

The Methoxyflavonoid Isosakuranetin Suppresses UV-B-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression and Collagen Degradation Relevant for Skin Photoaging.

PubMed

Jung, Hana; Lee, Eunjoo H; Lee, Tae Hoon; Cho, Man-Ho

2016-09-01

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a main extrinsic factor for skin aging. Chronic exposure of the skin to UV radiation causes the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as MMP-1, and consequently results in alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and skin photoaging. Flavonoids are considered as potent anti-photoaging agents due to their UV-absorbing and antioxidant properties and inhibitory activity against UV-mediated MMP induction. To identify anti-photoaging agents, in the present study we examined the preventative effect of methoxyflavonoids, such as sakuranetin, isosakuranetin, homoeriodictyol, genkwanin, chrysoeriol and syringetin, on UV-B-induced skin photo-damage. Of the examined methoxyflavonoids, pretreatment with isosakuranetin strongly suppressed the UV-B-mediated induction of MMP-1 in human keratinocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Isosakuranetin inhibited UV-B-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling components, ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 proteins. This result suggests that the ERK1/2 kinase pathways likely contribute to the inhibitory effects of isosakuranetin on UV-induced MMP-1 production in human keratinocytes. Isosakuranetin also prevented UV-B-induced degradation of type-1 collagen in human dermal fibroblast cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that isosakuranetin has the potential for development as a protective agent for skin photoaging through the inhibition of UV-induced MMP-1 production and collagen degradation.

Arsenic transformation predisposes human skin keratinocytes to UV-induced DNA damage yet enhances their survival apparently by diminishing oxidant response

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun Yang; Kojima, Chikara; Chignell, Colin

2011-09-15

Inorganic arsenic and UV, both human skin carcinogens, may act together as skin co-carcinogens. We find human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) are malignantly transformed by low-level arsenite (100 nM, 30 weeks; termed As-TM cells) and with transformation concurrently undergo full adaptation to arsenic toxicity involving reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress response to high arsenite concentrations. Oxidative DNA damage (ODD) is a possible mechanism in arsenic carcinogenesis and a hallmark of UV-induced skin cancer. In the current work, inorganic arsenite exposure (100 nM) did not induce ODD during the 30 weeks required for malignant transformation. Although acute UV-treatment (UVA, 25 J/cm{supmore » 2}) increased ODD in passage-matched control cells, once transformed by arsenic to As-TM cells, acute UV actually further increased ODD (> 50%). Despite enhanced ODD, As-TM cells were resistant to UV-induced apoptosis. The response of apoptotic factors and oxidative stress genes was strongly mitigated in As-TM cells after UV exposure including increased Bcl2/Bax ratio and reduced Caspase-3, Nrf2, and Keap1 expression. Several Nrf2-related genes (HO-1, GCLs, SOD) showed diminished responses in As-TM cells after UV exposure consistent with reduced oxidant stress response. UV-exposed As-TM cells showed increased expression of cyclin D1 (proliferation gene) and decreased p16 (tumor suppressor). UV exposure enhanced the malignant phenotype of As-TM cells. Thus, the co-carcinogenicity between UV and arsenic in skin cancer might involve adaptation to chronic arsenic exposure generally mitigating the oxidative stress response, allowing apoptotic by-pass after UV and enhanced cell survival even in the face of increased UV-induced oxidative stress and increased ODD. - Highlights: > Arsenic transformation adapted to UV-induced apoptosis. > Arsenic transformation diminished oxidant response. > Arsenic transformation enhanced UV-induced DNA damage.« less