Using UVC Light-Emitting Diodes at Wavelengths of 266 to 279 Nanometers To Inactivate Foodborne Pathogens and Pasteurize Sliced Cheese.

PubMed

Kim, Soo-Ji; Kim, Do-Kyun; Kang, Dong-Hyun

2016-01-01

UVC light is a widely used sterilization technology. However, UV lamps have several limitations, including low activity at refrigeration temperatures, a long warm-up time, and risk of mercury exposure. UV-type lamps only emit light at 254 nm, so as an alternative, UV light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) which can produce the desired wavelengths have been developed. In this study, we validated the inactivation efficacy of UV-LEDs by wavelength and compared the results to those of conventional UV lamps. Selective media inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes were irradiated using UV-LEDs at 266, 270, 275, and 279 nm in the UVC spectrum at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.7 mJ/cm(2), respectively. The radiation intensity of the UV-LEDs was about 4 μW/cm(2), and UV lamps were covered with polypropylene films to adjust the light intensity similar to those of UV-LEDs. In addition, we applied UV-LED to sliced cheese at doses of 1, 2, and 3 mJ/cm(2). Our results showed that inactivation rates after UV-LED treatment were significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of UV lamps at a similar intensity. On microbiological media, UV-LED treatments at 266 and 270 nm showed significantly different (P < 0.05) inactivation effects than other wavelength modules. For sliced cheeses, 4- to 5-log reductions occurred after treatment at 3 mJ/cm(2) for all three pathogens, with negligible generation of injured cells. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

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.

An enhancing effect of visible light and UV radiation on phenolic compounds and various antioxidants in broad bean seedlings.

PubMed

Younis, Mahmoud El-Baz; Hasaneen, Mohammed Naguib Abdel-Ghany; Abdel-Aziz, Heba Mahmoud Mohammed

2010-10-01

Exposure of dark- or ambient visible light-grown broad bean seedlings to low (LL) and high (HL) visible light intensities, UV-A or UV-C, either alone or in combination, induced significant increases in total phenolic compounds as well as in anthocyanins content, throughout the germination period, as compared with the respective levels in control seedlings. In general, as compared with control levels, exposure of both dark- or light-grown broad bean seedlings to LL, HL, UV-A or UV-C, induced significant increases in the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants (total ascorbate; ASA-DASA and total glutathione; GSSG-GSH) and enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, ascorbate peroxidase; APO and glutathione reductase; GR). The obtained results are discussed in relation to induced mechanisms of protection and repair from the inevitable exposure to damaging visible light and UV-radiation. © 2010 Landes Bioscience

An enhancing effect of visible light and UV radiation on phenolic compounds and various antioxidants in broad bean seedlings

PubMed Central

Hasaneen, Mohammed Naguib Abdel-Ghany; Abdel-Aziz, Heba Mahmoud Mohammed

2010-01-01

Exposure of dark- or ambient visible light-grown broad bean seedlings to low (LL) and high (HL) visible light intensities, UV-A or UV-C, either alone or in combination, induced significant increases in total phenolic compounds as well as in anthocyanins content, throughout the germination period, as compared with the respective levels in control seedlings. In general, as compared with control levels, exposure of both dark- or light-grown broad bean seedlings to LL, HL, UV-A or UV-C, induced significant increases in the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants (total ascorbate; ASA-DASA and total glutathione; GSSG-GSH) and enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, ascorbate peroxidase; APO and glutathione reductase; GR). The obtained results are discussed in relation to induced mechanisms of protection and repair from the inevitable exposure to damaging visible light and UV radiation. PMID:20505357

Physiological limit of the daily endogenous cholecalciferol synthesis from UV light in cattle.

PubMed

Hymøller, L; Jensen, S K; Kaas, P; Jakobsen, J

2017-04-01

The link between UV light (sunlight) and endogenous cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3 ) synthesis in the skin of humans has been known for more than a 100 years, since doctors for the first time successfully used UV light to cure rickets in children. Years later, it was shown that UV light also had a significant effect on the cholecalciferol status in the body of cattle. The cholecalciferol status in the body is measured as the plasma concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, which in cattle and humans is the major circulating metabolite of cholecalciferol. Very little is, however, known about the quantitative efficiency of UV light as a source of cholecalciferol in cattle nutrition and physiology. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of using UV light for increasing the plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration in cholecalciferol-deprived cattle. Twelve cows deprived of cholecalciferol for 6 months were divided into three treatment groups and exposed to UV light for 30, 90 or 120 min/day during 28 days. UV-light wavelengths ranged from 280 to 415 nm and 30-min exposure to the UV light was equivalent to 60-min average summer-sunlight exposure at 56 °N. Blood samples were collected every 3-4 days and analysed for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and cholecalciferol. Results showed that increasing the exposure time from 90-120 min/day did not change the slope of the daily increase in plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Hence, it appears that cholecalciferol-deprived dairy cattle are able to increase their plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration by a maximum of 1 ng/ml/day from UV-light exposure. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Light Absorptive Properties of Articular Cartilage, ECM Molecules, Synovial Fluid, and Photoinitiators as Potential Barriers to Light-Initiated Polymer Scaffolding Procedures.

PubMed

Finch, Anthony J; Benson, Jamie M; Donnelly, Patrick E; Torzilli, Peter A

2017-06-01

Objective Many in vivo procedures to repair chondral defects use ultraviolet (UV)-photoinitiated in situ polymerization within the cartilage matrix. Chemical species that absorb UV light might reduce the effectiveness of these procedures by acting as light absorption barriers. This study evaluated whether any of the individual native biochemical components in cartilage and synovial fluid interfered with the absorption of light by common scaffolding photosensitizers. Materials UV-visible spectroscopy was performed on each major component of cartilage in solution, on bovine synovial fluid, and on four photosensitizers, riboflavin, Irgacure 2959, quinine, and riboflavin-5'-phosphate. Molar extinction and absorption coefficients were calculated at wavelengths of maximum absorbance and 365 nm. Intact articular cartilage was also examined. Results The individual major biochemical components of cartilage, Irgacure 2959, and quinine did not exhibit a significant absorption at 365 nm. Riboflavin and riboflavin-5'-phosphate were more effectual light absorbers at 365 nm, compared with the individual native species. Intact cartilage absorbed a significantly greater amount of UV light in comparison with the native species. Conclusion Our results indicate that none of the individual native species in cartilage will interfere with the absorption of UV light at 365 nm by these commonly used photoinitiators. Intact cartilage slices exhibited significant light absorption at 365 nm, while also having distinct absorbance peaks at wavelengths less than 300 nm. Determining the UV absorptive properties of the biomolecules native to articular cartilage and synovial fluid will aid in optimizing scaffolding procedures to ensure sufficient scaffold polymerization at a minimum UV intensity.

The study of temperature and UV light effect in anthocyanin extract from dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) rind using UV-Visible spectrophotometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purbaningtias, Tri Esti; Aprilia, Anisa Cahyani; Fauzi'ah, Lina

2017-12-01

This study aimed to determine the total of anthocyanin content in ethanol extract from super red dragon fruit rind. The extraction was affected by temperature and light conditions. The determination of anthocyanin's total content was performed with a variation of pH and analyzed by UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The results showed that the average contained total anthocyanins obtained at room temperature, 40 and 60 °C were 4.6757, 5.6108, 21.9757 mg/L, respectively. In higher temperatures, it was observed the more anthocyanin extracted. The concentration of anthocyanin extract without UV light was 2.5716 mg/L, it was less than UV light assisted extract, i.e. 5.3770 mg / L.

Germicidal Efficacy and Mammalian Skin Safety of 222-nm UV Light

PubMed Central

Buonanno, Manuela; Ponnaiya, Brian; Welch, David; Stanislauskas, Milda; Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard; Smilenov, Lubomir; Lowy, Franklin D.; Owens, David M.; Brenner, David J.

2017-01-01

We have previously shown that 207-nm ultraviolet (UV) light has similar antimicrobial properties as typical germicidal UV light (254 nm), but without inducing mammalian skin damage. The biophysical rationale is based on the limited penetration distance of 207-nm light in biological samples (e.g. stratum corneum) compared with that of 254-nm light. Here we extended our previous studies to 222-nm light and tested the hypothesis that there exists a narrow wavelength window in the far-UVC region, from around 200–222 nm, which is significantly harmful to bacteria, but without damaging cells in tissues. We used a krypton-chlorine (Kr-Cl) excimer lamp that produces 222-nm UV light with a bandpass filter to remove the lower- and higher-wavelength components. Relative to respective controls, we measured: 1. in vitro killing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a function of UV fluence; 2. yields of the main UV-associated premutagenic DNA lesions (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts) in a 3D human skin tissue model in vitro; 3. eight cellular and molecular skin damage endpoints in exposed hairless mice in vivo. Comparisons were made with results from a conventional 254-nm UV germicidal lamp used as positive control. We found that 222-nm light kills MRSA efficiently but, unlike conventional germicidal UV lamps (254 nm), it produces almost no premutagenic UV-associated DNA lesions in a 3D human skin model and it is not cytotoxic to exposed mammalian skin. As predicted by biophysical considerations and in agreement with our previous findings, far-UVC light in the range of 200–222 nm kills bacteria efficiently regardless of their drug-resistant proficiency, but without the skin damaging effects associated with conventional germicidal UV exposure. PMID:28225654

Germicidal Efficacy and Mammalian Skin Safety of 222-nm UV Light.

PubMed

Buonanno, Manuela; Ponnaiya, Brian; Welch, David; Stanislauskas, Milda; Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard; Smilenov, Lubomir; Lowy, Franklin D; Owens, David M; Brenner, David J

2017-04-01

We have previously shown that 207-nm ultraviolet (UV) light has similar antimicrobial properties as typical germicidal UV light (254 nm), but without inducing mammalian skin damage. The biophysical rationale is based on the limited penetration distance of 207-nm light in biological samples (e.g. stratum corneum) compared with that of 254-nm light. Here we extended our previous studies to 222-nm light and tested the hypothesis that there exists a narrow wavelength window in the far-UVC region, from around 200-222 nm, which is significantly harmful to bacteria, but without damaging cells in tissues. We used a krypton-chlorine (Kr-Cl) excimer lamp that produces 222-nm UV light with a bandpass filter to remove the lower- and higher-wavelength components. Relative to respective controls, we measured: 1. in vitro killing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a function of UV fluence; 2. yields of the main UV-associated premutagenic DNA lesions (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts) in a 3D human skin tissue model in vitro; 3. eight cellular and molecular skin damage endpoints in exposed hairless mice in vivo. Comparisons were made with results from a conventional 254-nm UV germicidal lamp used as positive control. We found that 222-nm light kills MRSA efficiently but, unlike conventional germicidal UV lamps (254 nm), it produces almost no premutagenic UV-associated DNA lesions in a 3D human skin model and it is not cytotoxic to exposed mammalian skin. As predicted by biophysical considerations and in agreement with our previous findings, far-UVC light in the range of 200-222 nm kills bacteria efficiently regardless of their drug-resistant proficiency, but without the skin damaging effects associated with conventional germicidal UV exposure.

Do UV-A radiation and blue light during growth prime leaves to cope with acute high-light in photoreceptor mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana?

PubMed

Brelsford, Craig C; Morales, Luis O; Nezval, Jakub; Kotilainen, Titta K; Hartikainen, Saara M; Aphalo, Pedro J; Robson, T Matthew

2018-04-28

We studied how plants acclimated to growing conditions that included combinations of blue light and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation, and whether their growing environment affected their photosynthetic capacity during and after a brief period of acute high light (as might happen during an under-canopy sunfleck). Arabidopsis thaliana Landsberg erecta wild-type were compared with mutants lacking functional blue-light-and-UV photoreceptors: phototropin 1PHOT1, cryptochromes (CRY1 and CRY2) and UV RESISTANT LOCUS 8 (uvr8). This was achieved using LED lamps in a controlled environment to create treatments with or without blue light, in a split-plot design with or without UV-A radiation. We compared the accumulation of phenolic compounds under growth conditions and after exposure to 30 minutes of high light at the end of the experiment (46 days), and likewise measured the operational efficiency of photosystem II (φPSII a proxy for photosynthetic performance) and dark-adapted maximum quantum yield (F v /F m to assess PSII damage). Our results indicate that cryptochromes are the main photoreceptors regulating phenolic-compound accumulation in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, and a lack of functional cryptochromes impairs photosynthetic performance under high light. Our findings also reveal a role for UVR8 in accumulating flavonoids in response to a low UV-A dose. Interestingly, phototropin 1 partially-mediated constitutive accumulation of phenolic compounds in the absence of blue light. Low irradiance blue light and UV-A did not improve φPSII and F v /F m upon our acute high light treatment, however CRYs played an important role in ameliorating high-light stress. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

UV sensing using film bulk acoustic resonators based on Au/n-ZnO/piezoelectric-ZnO/Al structure

PubMed Central

Bian, Xiaolei; Jin, Hao; Wang, Xiaozhi; Dong, Shurong; Chen, Guohao; Luo, J. K.; Deen, M. Jamal; Qi, Bensheng

2015-01-01

A new type of ultraviolet (UV) light sensor based on film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR) is proposed. The new sensor uses gold and a thin n-type ZnO layer deposited on the top of piezoelectric layer of FBAR to form a Schottky barrier. The Schottky barrier's capacitance can be changed with UV light, resulting in an enhanced shift in the entire FBAR's resonant frequency. The fabricated UV sensor has a 50 nm thick n-ZnO semiconductor layer with a carrier concentration of ~ 1017 cm−3. A large frequency downshift is observed when UV light irradiates the FBAR. With 365 nm UV light of intensity 1.7 mW/cm2, the FBAR with n-ZnO/Au Schottky diode has 250 kHz frequency downshift, much larger than the 60 kHz frequency downshift in a conventional FBAR without the n-ZnO layer. The shift in the new FBAR's resonant frequency is due to the junction formed between Au and n-ZnO semiconductor and its properties changes with UV light. The experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis using an equivalent circuit model of the new FBAR structure. PMID:25773146

Toxic effects of combined effects of anthracene and UV radiation on Brachionus plicatilis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ceng; Zhang, Xinxin; Xu, Ningning; Tang, Xuexi

2017-05-01

Anthracene is a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, with photo activity, can absorb ultraviolet light a series of chemical reactions, aquatic organisms in the ecosystem has a potential light induced toxicity. In this paper, the effects of anthracene and UV radiation on the light-induced toxicity of Brachionus plicatilis were studied. The main methods and experimental results were as follows: (1) The semi-lethal concentration of anthracene in UV light was much lower than that in normal light, The rotifers have significant light-induced acute toxicity. (2) Under UV irradiation, anthracene could induce the increase of ROS and MDA content in B. plicatilis, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in B. plicatilis significantly changed, Where SOD, GPx activity was induced within 24 hours of the beginning of the experiment. And the content of GPX and CAT was inhibited after 48 hours. Therefore, the anthracite stress induced by UV radiation could more strongly interfere with the ant oxidative metabolism of B. plicatilis, and more seriously cause oxidative damage, significant light-induced toxicity.

Light-emitting Ga-oxide nanocrystals in glass: a new paradigm for low-cost and robust UV-to-visible solar-blind converters and UV emitters.

PubMed

Sigaev, Vladimir N; Golubev, Nikita V; Ignat'eva, Elena S; Paleari, Alberto; Lorenzi, Roberto

2014-01-01

Wide-bandgap nanocrystals are an inexhaustible source of tuneable functions potentially addressing most of the demand for new light emitting systems. However, the implementation of nanocrystal properties in real devices is not straightforward if a robust and stable optical component is required as a final result. The achievement of efficient light emission from dense dispersions of Ga-oxide nanocrystals in UV-grade glass can be a breakthrough in this regard. Such a result would permit the fabrication of low cost UV-to-visible converters for monitoring UV-emitting events on a large-scale - from invisible hydrogen flames to corona dispersions. From this perspective, γ-Ga₂O₃ nanocrystals are developed by phase separation in Ga-alkali-germanosilicate glasses, obtaining optical materials based on a UV transparent matrix. Band-to-band UV-excitation of light emission from donor-acceptor pair (DAP) recombination is investigated for the first time in embedded γ-Ga₂O₃. The analysis of the decay kinetics gives unprecedented evidence that nanosized confinement of DAP recombination can force a nanophase to the efficient response of exactly balanced DAPs. The results, including a proof of concept of UV-to-visible viewer, definitely demonstrate the feasibility of workable glass-based fully inorganic nanostructured materials with emission properties borrowed from Ga₂O₃ single-crystals and tailored by the nanocrystal size.

UV light-induced survival response in a highly radiation-resistant isolate of the Moraxella-acinetobacter group

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

Keller, L.C.; Thompson, T.L.; Maxcy, R.B.

1982-02-01

A highly radiation-resistant member of the Moraxella-Acinetobacter group, isolate 4, obtained from meat, was studied to determine the effect of preexposure to UV radiation on subsequent UV light resistance. Cultures that were preexposed to UV light and incubated for a short time in plate count broth exhibited increased survival of a UV light challenge dose. This response was inhibited in the presence of chloramphenicol. Frequencies of mutation to streptomycin, trimethoprim, and sulfanilamide resistance remained the same after the induction of this survival response and were not altered by treatment with mutagens, with the exception of mutation to streptomycin resistance aftermore » ..gamma..-irradiation or nitrosoguanidine or methyl methane sulfonate treatment. The results indicated that isolate 4 has a UV light-inducible UV light resistance mechanism which is not associated with increased mutagenesis. The characteristics of the radiation resistance response in this organism are similar to those of certain other common food contaminants. Therefore, considered as part of the total microflora of meat, isolate 4 and the other radiation-resistant Moraxella-Acinetobacter isolates should not pose unique problems in a proposed radappertizaton process.« less

UV Degradation and Recovery of Perovskite Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Lee, Sang-Won; Kim, Seongtak; Bae, Soohyun; Cho, Kyungjin; Chung, Taewon; Mundt, Laura E.; Lee, Seunghun; Park, Sungeun; Park, Hyomin; Schubert, Martin C.; Glunz, Stefan W.; Ko, Yohan; Jun, Yongseok; Kang, Yoonmook; Lee, Hae-Seok; Kim, Donghwan

2016-01-01

Although the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased from 3.81% to 22.1% in just 7 years, they still suffer from stability issues, as they degrade upon exposure to moisture, UV light, heat, and bias voltage. We herein examined the degradation of perovskite solar cells in the presence of UV light alone. The cells were exposed to 365 nm UV light for over 1,000 h under inert gas at <0.5 ppm humidity without encapsulation. 1-sun illumination after UV degradation resulted in recovery of the fill factor and power conversion efficiency. Furthermore, during exposure to consecutive UV light, the diminished short circuit current density (Jsc) and EQE continuously restored. 1-sun light soaking induced recovery is considered to be caused by resolving of stacked charges and defect state neutralization. The Jsc and EQE bounce-back phenomenon is attributed to the beneficial effects of PbI2 which is generated by the decomposition of perovskite material. PMID:27909338

UV Degradation and Recovery of Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Lee, Sang-Won; Kim, Seongtak; Bae, Soohyun; Cho, Kyungjin; Chung, Taewon; Mundt, Laura E; Lee, Seunghun; Park, Sungeun; Park, Hyomin; Schubert, Martin C; Glunz, Stefan W; Ko, Yohan; Jun, Yongseok; Kang, Yoonmook; Lee, Hae-Seok; Kim, Donghwan

2016-12-02

Although the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased from 3.81% to 22.1% in just 7 years, they still suffer from stability issues, as they degrade upon exposure to moisture, UV light, heat, and bias voltage. We herein examined the degradation of perovskite solar cells in the presence of UV light alone. The cells were exposed to 365 nm UV light for over 1,000 h under inert gas at <0.5 ppm humidity without encapsulation. 1-sun illumination after UV degradation resulted in recovery of the fill factor and power conversion efficiency. Furthermore, during exposure to consecutive UV light, the diminished short circuit current density (J sc ) and EQE continuously restored. 1-sun light soaking induced recovery is considered to be caused by resolving of stacked charges and defect state neutralization. The J sc and EQE bounce-back phenomenon is attributed to the beneficial effects of PbI 2 which is generated by the decomposition of perovskite material.

Photoactivated UVR8-COP1 Module Determines Photomorphogenic UV-B Signaling Output in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Xinhao; Chen, Liangbi; Deng, Xing Wang

2014-01-01

In Arabidopsis, ultraviolet (UV)-B-induced photomorphogenesis is initiated by a unique photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) which utilizes its tryptophan residues as internal chromophore to sense UV-B. As a result of UV-B light perception, the UVR8 homodimer shaped by its arginine residues undergoes a conformational switch of monomerization. Then UVR8 associates with the CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1-SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA (COP1-SPA) core complex(es) that is released from the CULLIN 4-DAMAGED DNA BINDING PROTEIN 1 (CUL4-DDB1) E3 apparatus. This association, in turn, causes COP1 to convert from a repressor to a promoter of photomorphogenesis. It is not fully understood, however, regarding the biological significance of light-absorbing and dimer-stabilizing residues for UVR8 activity in photomorphogenic UV-B signaling. Here, we take advantage of transgenic UVR8 variants to demonstrate that two light-absorbing tryptophans, W233 and W285, and two dimer-stabilizing arginines, R286 and R338, play pivotal roles in UV-B-induced photomorphogenesis. Mutation of each residue results in alterations in UV-B light perception, UVR8 monomerization and UVR8-COP1 association in response to photomorphogenic UV-B. We also identify and functionally characterize two constitutively active UVR8 variants, UVR8W285A and UVR8R338A, whose photobiological activities are enhanced by the repression of CUL4, a negative regulator in this pathway. Based on our molecular and biochemical evidence, we propose that the UVR8-COP1 affinity in plants critically determines the photomorphogenic UV-B signal transduction coupling with UVR8-mediated UV-B light perception. PMID:24651064

Inactivation of foodborne pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms using ultraviolet-A light in combination with ferulic acid.

PubMed

Shirai, A; Watanabe, T; Matsuki, H

2017-02-01

The low energy of UV-A (315-400 nm) is insufficient for disinfection. To improve UV-A disinfection technology, we evaluated the effect of ferulic acid (FA) addition on disinfection by UV-A light-emitting diode (LED) (350-385 nm) against various food spoilers and pathogens (seven bacteria and four fungi species). Photoantimicrobial assays were performed at FA concentrations below the MIC. The MIC of the isomerized FA, consisting of 93% cis-form and 7% trans-form, was very similar to that of the commercially available FA (trans-form). Irradiation with UV-A (1·0 J cm -2 ) in the presence of 100 mg l -1 FA resulted in enhanced reducing of all of the tested bacterial strains. A combination of UV-A (10 J cm -2 ) and 1000 mg l -1 FA resulted in enhanced reducing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and one of the tested filamentous fungi. These results demonstrated that the combination of a short-term application of UV-A and FA at a low concentration yielded synergistic enhancement of antimicrobial activity, especially against bacteria. Microbial contamination is one of the most serious problems for foods, fruit and sugar thick juices. UV light is suitable for the nonthermal decontamination of food products by inactivating the contaminating micro-organisms. However, UV-A exposure is insufficient for disinfection. This study demonstrates that the combination of UV-A LED light (350-385 nm), which is not hazardous to human eyes and skin, and ferulic acid (FA), a known phytochemical and food additive, provides synergistic antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms. Therefore, FA addition to UV-A light treatment may be useful for improvement of UV-A disinfection technology to prevent food deterioration. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

LED and Semiconductor Photo-effects on Living Things

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujiyasu, Hiroshi; Ishigaki, Takemitsu; Fujiyasu, Kentarou; Ujihara, Shirou; Watanabe, Naoharu; Sunayama, Shunji; Ikoma, Shuuji

We have studied LED irradiation effects on plants and animals in the visible to UV region of light from GaN LEDs. The results are as follows. Blue light considers to be effective for pearl cultivation or for attraction of small fishes living in near the surface of sea such as Pompano or Sardine, white light radiation is effective for cultivation of botanical plankton for shells. Other experiments of UV light irradiation attracting effect on baby sea turtle and the germination UV effect of mushroom, green light weight enhance effect on baby pigs, light vernalization effect of vegitable and Ge far infrared therapic effect on human body are also given.

The vitamin D hypothesis revisited: race-based disparities in birth outcomes in the United States and ultraviolet light availability.

PubMed

Thayer, Zaneta M

2014-04-15

Skin color has been proposed to contribute to race-based health disparities in the United States because of differences in ultraviolet (UV) light-induced vitamin D synthesis. The prediction of this hypothesis, herein named the UVD hypothesis, is that racial disparities in health outcomes are correlated with UV light availability. This paper investigates whether UV light availability is associated with disparities in the rates of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) between whites and blacks, because these outcomes are thought to be influenced by vitamin D status and to shape disease risk in later life. Data on LBW and PTB from 2007 (n = 2,825,620 births) were compared with data on UV light exposure across the United States. Contrary to the predictions of the UVD hypothesis, LBW and PTB rate disparities were greatest in states with the highest UV light exposure. Notably, income inequality was positively and significantly related to LBW and PTB disparities, even after controlling for UV light availability. The results of this analysis demonstrate that there is a significant environmental gradient in racial disparities in birth outcomes in the United States, but other social or environmental factors associated with living in the southern United States are likely stronger contributors to disparities in birth outcomes than UV light-induced vitamin D status.

Feasibility of Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes as an Alternative Light Source for Photocatalysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Langanf H.; Richards, Jeffrey T.; Soler, Robert; Maxik, Fred; Coutts, Janelle; Wheeler, Raymond M.

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) could serve as an alternative photon source efficiently for heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). An LED module consisting of 12 high-power UV-A LEDs was designed to be interchangeable with a UV-A fluorescent black light blue (BLB) lamp in a Silica-Titania Composite (STC) packed bed annular reactor. Lighting and thermal properties were characterized to assess the uniformity and total irradiant output. A forward current of (I(sub F)) 100 mA delivered an average irradiance of 4.0 m W cm(exp -2), which is equivalent to the maximum output of the BLB, but the irradiance of the LED module was less uniform than that of the BLB. The LED- and BLB-reactors were tested for the oxidization of 50 ppmv ethanol in a continuous flow-through mode with 0.94 sec space time. At the same irradiance, the UV-A LED reactor resulted in a lower PCO rate constant than the UV-A BLB reactor (19.8 vs. 28.6 nM CO2 sec-I), and consequently lower ethanol removal (80% vs. 91%) and mineralization efficiency (28% vs. 44%). Ethanol mineralization increased in direct proportion to the irradiance at the catalyst surface. This result suggests that reduced ethanol mineralization in the LED- reactor could be traced to uneven irradiance over the photocatalyst, leaving a portion of the catalyst was under-irradiated. The potential of UV-A LEDs may be fully realized by optimizing the light distribution over the catalyst and utilizing their instantaneous "on" and "off' feature for periodic irradiation. Nevertheless, the current UV-A LED module had the same wall plug efficiency (WPE) of 13% as that of the UV-A BLB. These results demonstrated that UV-A LEDs are a viable photon source both in terms of WPE and PCO efficiency.

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.

Ultraviolet-C Light Sanitization of English Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Packaged in Polyethylene Film.

PubMed

Tarek, Abdussamad R; Rasco, Barbara A; Sablani, Shyam S

2016-06-01

Food safety is becoming an increasing concern in the United States. This study investigated the effects of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light as a postpackaging bactericidal treatment on the quality of English cucumber packaged in polyethylene (PE) film. Escherichia coli k-12 was used as a surrogate microbe. The microbial growth and physical properties of packaged cucumbers were analyzed during a 28-d storage period at 5 °C. Inoculating packaged cucumbers treated at 23 °C for 6 min with UV-C (560 mJ/cm(2) ) resulted in a 1.60 log CFU/g reduction. However, this treatment had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the water vapor transmission rate or oxygen transmission rate of the PE film. Results show that UV-C light treatment delayed the loss of firmness and yellowing of English cucumber up to 28 d at 5 °C. In addition, UV-C light treatment extended the shelf life of treated cucumber 1 wk longer compared to untreated cucumbers. Electron microscopy images indicate that UV-C light treatment influences the morphology of the E. coli k-12 cells. Findings demonstrate that treating cucumbers with UV-C light following packaging in PE film can reduce bacterial populations significantly and delay quality loss. This technology may also be effective for other similarly packaged fresh fruits and vegetables. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Daily light integral and day light quality: Potentials and pitfalls of nighttime UV treatments on cucumber powdery mildew.

PubMed

Suthaparan, Aruppillai; Solhaug, Knut Asbjørn; Stensvand, Arne; Gislerød, Hans Ragnar

2017-10-01

Nighttime ultraviolet (UV) radiation, if applied properly, has a significant potential for management of powdery mildews in many crop species. In this study, the role of growth light duration, irradiance, a combination of both (daily light integral) and light spectral quality (blue or red) on the efficacy of UV treatments against powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii and the growth performance of cucumber plants was studied in growth chambers. Increasing daily light integral provided by high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) decreased efficacy of nighttime UV treatments against P. xanthii, but it increased plant growth. Furthermore, the efficacy of nighttime UV decreased when day length was increased from 16 to 20h at a constant daily light integral. The efficacy of nighttime UV increased if red light was applied after UV treatment, showing the possibility of day length extension without reducing the effect of UV. Increasing the dose of blue light during daytime reduced the efficacy of nighttime UV in controlling the disease, whereas blue deficient growth light (<6% of blue) caused UV mediated curling of young leaves. Furthermore, application of blue light after nighttime UV reduced its disease control efficacy. This showed the importance of maintaining a minimum of blue light in the growth light before nighttime UV treatment. Findings from this study showed that optimization of nighttime UV for management of powdery mildew is dependent on the spectral composition of the photosynthetically active radiation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

Which way is up? Asymmetric spectral input along the dorsal-ventral axis influences postural responses in an amphibious annelid.

PubMed

Jellies, John

2014-11-01

Medicinal leeches are predatory annelids that exhibit countershading and reside in aquatic environments where light levels might be variable. They also leave the water and must contend with terrestrial environments. Yet, leeches generally maintain a dorsal upward position despite lacking statocysts. Leeches respond visually to both green and near-ultraviolet (UV) light. I used LEDs to test the hypothesis that ventral, but not dorsal UV would evoke compensatory movements to orient the body. Untethered leeches were tested using LEDs emitting at red (632 nm), green (513 nm), blue (455 nm) and UV (372 nm). UV light evoked responses in 100 % of trials and the leeches often rotated the ventral surface away from it. Visible light evoked no or modest responses (12-15 % of trials) and no body rotation. Electrophysiological recordings showed that ventral sensilla responded best to UV, dorsal sensilla to green. Additionally, a higher order interneuron that is engaged in a variety of parallel networks responded vigorously to UV presented ventrally, and both the visible and UV responses exhibited pronounced light adaptation. These results strongly support the suggestion that a dorsal light reflex in the leech uses spectral comparisons across the dorsal-ventral axis rather than, or in addition to, luminance.

Effect of ultraviolet light on fatigue of lead zirconate titanate thin-film capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J.; Esayan, S.; Safari, A.; Ramesh, R.

1994-07-01

Fatigue of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin-film capacitors was studied under UV light (He-Cd laser, λ=325 nm). The remanent polarization of the PZT film capacitors increased upon light illumination. Fatigue resistance was also improved under UV light. During fatigue test, the change in polarization of PZT films upon UV light illumination increased gradually with cycling. These results were examined within the framework of the polarization screening model, which is suggested as an essential process for fatigue. This leads to a conclusion that more charged defects are involved in the fatigue process through internal screening of polarization.

A pulsed light system for the disinfection of flow through water in the presence of inorganic contaminants.

PubMed

Garvey, Mary; Rowan, Neil

2015-06-01

The use of ultraviolet (UV) light for water disinfection has become increasingly popular due to on-going issues with drinking water and public health. Pulsed UV light has proved to be an effective form of inactivating a range of pathogens including parasite species. However, there are limited data available on the use of pulsed UV light for the disinfection of flowing water in the absence or presence of inorganic contaminants commonly found in water sources. Here, we report on the inactivation of test species including Bacillus endospores following pulsed UV treatment as a flow through system. Significant levels of inactivation were obtained for both retention times tested. The presence of inorganic contaminants iron and/or manganese did affect the rate of disinfection, predominantly resulting in an increase in the levels of inactivation at certain UV doses. The findings of this study suggest that pulsed UV light may provide a method of water disinfection as it successfully inactivated bacterial cells and bacterial endospores in the absence and presence of inorganic contaminants.

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

Photo-enhanced toxicity of fluoranthene to Gulf of Mexico marine organisms at different larval ages and ultraviolet light intensities.

PubMed

Finch, Bryson E; Stubblefield, William A

2016-05-01

Significant increases in toxicity have been observed as a result of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in aquatic organisms. Early life stage aquatic organisms are predicted to be more susceptible to PAH photo-enhanced toxicity as a result of their translucence and tendency to inhabit shallow littoral or surface waters. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the sensitivity of varying ages of larval mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia), inland silverside (Menidia beryllina), sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), and Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) to photo-enhanced toxicity and to examine the correlation between photo-enhanced toxicity and organism pigmentation. Organisms were exposed to fluoranthene and artificial UV light at different larval ages and results were compared using median lethal concentrations (LC50s) and the lethal time-to-death (LT50s). In addition, a high UV light intensity, short-duration (4-h) experiment was conducted at approximately 24 W/m(2) of ultraviolet radiation A (UV-A) and compared with a low-intensity, long-duration (12-h) experiment at approximately 8 W/m(2) of UV-A. The results indicated decreased toxicity with increasing age for all larval organisms. The amount of organism pigmentation was correlated with observed LC50 and LT50 values. High-intensity short-duration exposure resulted in greater toxicity than low-intensity long-duration UV treatments for mysid shrimp, inland silverside, and sheepshead minnow. Data from these experiments suggest that toxicity is dependent on age, pigmentation, UV light intensity, and fluoranthene concentration. © 2015 SETAC.

From UV to Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Metal-Organic Framework Composites: Plasmon and Upconversion Enhanced Photocatalysis.

PubMed

Li, Dandan; Yu, Shu-Hong; Jiang, Hai-Long

2018-05-15

The exploitation of photocatalysts that harvest solar spectrum as broad as possible remains a high-priority target yet grand challenge. In this work, for the first time, metal-organic framework (MOF) composites are rationally fabricated to achieve broadband spectral response from UV to near-infrared (NIR) region. In the core-shell structured upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)-Pt@MOF/Au composites, the MOF is responsive to UV and a bit visible light, the plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs) accept visible light, whereas the UCNPs absorb NIR light to emit UV and visible light that are harvested by the MOF and Au once again. Moreover, the MOF not only facilitates the generation of "bare and clean" Au NPs on its surface and realizes the spatial separation for the Au and Pt NPs, but also provides necessary access for catalytic substrates/products to Pt active sites. As a result, the optimized composite exhibits excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production activity (280 µmol g -1 h -1 ) under simulated solar light, and the involved mechanism of photocatalytic H 2 production under UV, visible, and NIR irradiation is elucidated. Reportedly, this is an extremely rare study on photocatalytic H 2 production by light harvesting in all UV, visible, and NIR regions. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of surface plasmon resonance on the photocatalytic activity of Au/TiO2 under UV/visible illumination.

PubMed

Tseng, Yao-Hsuan; Chang, I-Guo; Tai, Yian; Wu, Kung-Wei

2012-01-01

In this study, gold-loaded titanium dioxide was prepared by an impregnation method to investigate the effect of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) on photoactivity. The deposited gold nanoparticles (NPs) absorb visible light because of SPR. The effects of both the gold content and the TiO2 size of Au/TiO2 on SPR and the photocatalytic efficiency were investigated. The morphology, crystal structure, light absorption, emission from the recombination of a photoexcited electron and hole, and the degree of aggregation were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible-diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-VIS-DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and turbidimetry, respectively. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the decolorization of methyl orange solution over modified titania under UV and UV/GLED (green light emitting diode) illumination. Au/TiO2 NPs exhibited an absorption peak (530-570 nm) because of SPR. The results of our photocatalytic experiments indicated that the UV-inducedly photocatalytic reaction rate was improved by simultaneously using UV and green light illumination; this corresponds to the adsorption region of SPR. Au/TiO2 could use the enhanced electric field amplitude on the surface of the Au particle in the spectral vicinity of its plasmon resonance and thus improve the photoactivity. Experimental results show that the synergistic effect between UV and green light for the improvement of photoactivity increases with increasing the SPR absorption, which in turn is affected by the Au content and TiO2 size.

Contributions of visible and ultraviolet parts of sunlight to photoinhibition.

PubMed

Hakala-Yatkin, Marja; Mäntysaari, Mika; Mattila, Heta; Tyystjärvi, Esa

2010-10-01

Photoinhibition is light-induced inactivation of PSII, and action spectrum measurements have shown that UV light causes photoinhibition much more efficiently than visible light. In the present study, we quantified the contribution of the UV part of sunlight in photoinhibition of PSII in leaves. Greenhouse-grown pumpkin leaves were pretreated with lincomycin to block the repair of photoinhibited PSII, and exposed to sunlight behind a UV-permeable or UV-blocking filter. Oxygen evolution and Chl fluorescence measurements showed that photoinhibition proceeds 35% more slowly under the UV-blocking than under the UV-permeable filter. Experiments with a filter that blocks UV-B but transmits UV-A and visible light revealed that UV-A light is almost fully responsible for the UV effect. The difference between leaves illuminated through a UV-blocking and UV-transparent filter disappeared when leaves of field-grown pumpkin plants were used. Thylakoids isolated from field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants were equally sensitive to UV light, and measurements of UV-induced fluorescence from leaves indicated that the protection of the field-grown plants was caused by substances that block the passage of UV light to the chloroplasts. Thus, the UV part of sunlight, especially the UV-A part, is potentially highly important in photoinhibition of PSII but the UV-screening compounds of plant leaves may offer almost complete protection against UV-induced photoinhibition.

UV-B light contributes directly to the synthesis of chiloglottone floral volatiles

PubMed Central

Amarasinghe, Ranamalie; Poldy, Jacqueline; Matsuba, Yuki; Barrow, Russell A.; Hemmi, Jan M.; Pichersky, Eran; Peakall, Rod

2015-01-01

Background and Aims Australian sexually deceptive Chiloglottis orchids attract their specific male wasp pollinators by means of 2,5-dialkylcyclohexane-1,3-diones or ‘chiloglottones’, representing a newly discovered class of volatiles with unique structures. This study investigated the hypothesis that UV-B light at low intensities is directly required for chiloglottone biosynthesis in Chiloglottis trapeziformis. Methods Chiloglottone production occurs only in specific tissue (the callus) of the labellum. Cut buds and flowers, and whole plants with buds and flowers, sourced from the field, were kept in a growth chamber and interactions between growth stage of the flowers and duration and intensity of UV-B exposure on chiloglottone production were studied. The effects of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide were also examined. Key Results Chiloglottone was not present in buds, but was detected in buds that were manually opened and then exposed to sunlight, or artificial UV-B light for ≥5 min. Spectrophotometry revealed that the sepals and petals blocked UV-B light from reaching the labellum inside the bud. Rates of chiloglottone production increased with developmental stage, increasing exposure time and increasing UV-B irradiance intensity. Cycloheximide did not inhibit the initial production of chiloglottone within 5 min of UV-B exposure. However, inhibition of chiloglottone production by cycloheximide occurred over 2 h of UV-B exposure, indicating a requirement for de novo protein synthesis to sustain chiloglottone production under UV-B. Conclusions The sepals and petals of Chiloglottis orchids strongly block UV-B wavelengths of light, preventing chiloglottone production inside the bud. While initiation of chiloglottone biosynthesis requires only UV-B light, sustained chiloglottone biosynthesis requires both UV-B and de novo protein biosynthesis. The internal amounts of chiloglottone in a flower reflect the interplay between developmental stage, duration and intensity of UV-B exposure, de novo protein synthesis, and feedback loops linked to the starting amount of chiloglottone. It is concluded that UV-B light contributes directly to chiloglottone biosynthesis. These findings suggest an entirely new and unexpected biochemical reaction that might also occur in taxa other than these orchids. PMID:25649114

Monitoring and Detecting the Cigarette Beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) Using Ultraviolet (LED) Direct and Reflected Lights and/or Pheromone Traps in a Laboratory and a Storehouse.

PubMed

Miyatake, Takahisa; Yokoi, Tomoyuki; Fuchikawa, Taro; Korehisa, Nobuyoshi; Kamura, Toru; Nanba, Kana; Ryouji, Shinsuke; Kamioka, Nagisa; Hironaka, Mantaro; Osada, Midori; Hariyama, Takahiko; Sasaki, Rikiya; Shinoda, Kazutaka

2016-12-01

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.), is an important stored-product pest worldwide because it damages dry foods. Detection and removal of the female L. serricorne will help to facilitate the control of the insect by removal of the egg-laying populations. In this manuscript, we examined the responses by L. serricorne to direct and reflected light in transparent cube (50 m3) set in a chamber (200 m3) and a stored facility with both direct and reflected UV-LED lights. The study also examined the responses by the beetles to light in the presence or absence of pheromone in traps that are placed at different heights. Reflected light attracted more beetles than the direct light in the experimental chamber, but the direct light traps attracted more beetles than the reflected light traps in the storehouse. Pheromone traps attracted only males; UV-LED traps attracted both sexes. The UV-LED traps with a pheromone, i.e., combined trap, attracted more males than UV-LED light traps without a pheromone, whereas the attraction of UV-LED traps with and without the pheromone was similar in females. The results suggest that UV-LED light trap combined with a sex pheromone is the best solution for monitoring and controlling L. serricorne. © The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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.

Enhanced resistance of the Pamirs high-mountain strain of Cryptococcus albidus to UV radiation of an ecological range

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

Strakhovskaya, M.G.; Lavrukhina, O.G.; Fraikin, G.Y.

The results of a comparative analysis of the resistance of Pamirs high-mountain and lowland strains of the yeast Cryptococcus albidus to UV radiation of an ecological range are presented. A high-mountain strain, adapted to elevated UV radiation in its habitat, was found to be more resistant to UV light of a total ecorange (290-400 nm), including medium-wave (290-320 nm) and long-wave (320-400 nm) UV ranges. The enhanced UV light resistance of the high-mountain strain can be explained by efficient functioning of the excision DNA repair system. 7 refs., 3 tabs.

The planarian TRPA1 homolog mediates extraocular behavioral responses to near-ultraviolet light.

PubMed

Birkholz, Taylor R; Beane, Wendy S

2017-07-15

Although light is most commonly thought of as a visual cue, many animals possess mechanisms to detect light outside of the eye for various functions, including predator avoidance, circadian rhythms, phototaxis and migration. Here we confirm that planarians (like Caenorhabditis elegans , leeches and Drosophila larvae) are capable of detecting and responding to light using extraocular photoreception. We found that, when either eyeless or decapitated worms were exposed to near-ultraviolet (near-UV) light, intense wild-type photophobic behaviors were still observed. Our data also revealed that behavioral responses to green wavelengths were mediated by ocular mechanisms, whereas near-UV responses were driven by extraocular mechanisms. As part of a candidate screen to uncover the genetic basis of extraocular photoreception in the planarian species Schmidtea mediterranea , we identified a potential role for a homolog of the transient receptor potential channel A1 ( TRPA1 ) in mediating behavioral responses to extraocular light cues. RNA interference (RNAi) to Smed-TrpA resulted in worms that lacked extraocular photophobic responses to near-UV light, a mechanism previously only identified in Drosophila These data show that the planarian TRPA1 homolog is required for planarian extraocular-light avoidance and may represent a potential ancestral function of this gene. TRPA1 is an evolutionarily conserved detector of temperature and chemical irritants, including reactive oxygen species that are byproducts of UV-light exposure. Our results suggest that planarians possess extraocular photoreception and display an unconventional TRPA1-mediated photophobic response to near-UV light. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Lack of Physiological Depth Patterns in Conspecifics of Endemic Antarctic Brown Algae: A Trade-Off between UV Stress Tolerance and Shade Adaptation?

PubMed Central

Gómez, Iván; Huovinen, Pirjo

2015-01-01

A striking characteristic of endemic Antarctic brown algae is their broad vertical distribution. This feature is largely determined by the shade adaptation in order to cope with the seasonal variation in light availability. However, during spring-summer months, when light penetrates deep in the water column these organisms have to withstand high levels of solar radiation, including UV. In the present study we examine the light use characteristics in parallel to a potential for UV tolerance (measured as content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and maximum quantum yield of fluorescence) in conspecific populations of four Antarctic brown algae (Ascoseira mirabilis, Desmarestia menziesii, D. anceps and Himantothallus grandifolius) distributed over a depth gradient between 5 and 30 m. The main results indicated that a) photosynthetic efficiency was uniform along the depth gradient in all the studied species, and b) short-term (6 h) exposure to UV radiation revealed a high tolerance measured as chlorophyll fluorescence, phlorotannin content and antioxidant capacity. Multivariate analysis of similarity indicated that light requirements for photosynthesis, soluble phlorotannins and antioxidant capacity are the variables determining the responses along the depth gradient in all the studied species. The suite of physiological responses of algae with a shallower distribution (A. mirabilis and D. menziesii) differed from those with deeper vertical range (D. anceps and H. grandifolius). These patterns are consistent with the underwater light penetration that defines two zones: 0–15 m, with influence of UV radiation (1% of UV-B and UV-A at 9 m and 15 m respectively) and a zone below 15 m marked by PAR incidence (1% up to 30 m). These results support the prediction that algae show a UV stress tolerance capacity along a broad depth range according to their marked shade adaptation. The high contents of phlorotannins and antioxidant potential appear to be strongly responsible for the lack of clear depth patterns in light demand characteristics and UV tolerance. PMID:26252953

Stray light correction of array spectroradiometer measurement in ultraviolet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhifeng; Dai, Caihong; Wang, Yanfei; Li, Ling

2018-02-01

For most of the array spectroradiometer, stray light is significant in UV band. Stray light correction of a UV array spectroradiometer is investigated using optical filters. If a group of filters with continuous bandpass are chosen, stray light contribution due to all the bands can be obtained using a numerical algorithm. The array spectroradiometer with the stray light corrected is used to measure the spectral irradiance of several UV lamps. The measurement results are compared to a double monochromator spectroradiometer. When xenon lamp is the array spectroradiometer calibration lamp, after stray light correction, the difference can be improved from nearly 10% to 2.0% in UVC band. When tungsten lamp is the calibration lamp, the difference can be improved from around 90% to less than 20%.

Feasibility of ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes as an alternative light source for photocatalysis.

PubMed

Levine, Lanfang H; Richards, Jeffrey T; Coutts, Janelle L; Soler, Robert; Maxik, Fred; Wheeler, Raymond M

2011-09-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) could serve as an efficient photon source for heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). An LED module consisting of 12 high-power UV-A (lambda max = 365 nm) LEDs was designed to be interchangeable with a UV-A fluorescent black light blue (BLB) lamp for a bench scale annular reactor packed with silica-titania composite (STC) pellets. Lighting and thermal properties of the module were characterized to assess its uniformity and total irradiance. A forward current (I(F)) of 100 mA delivered an average irradiance of 4.0 mW cm(-2) at a distance of 8 mm, which is equivalent to the maximum output of the BLB, but the irradiance of the LED module was less uniform than that of the BLB. The LED and BLB reactors were tested for the oxidization of ethanol (50 ppm(v)) in a continuous-flow-through mode with 0.94 sec residence time. At the same average irradiance, the UV-A LED reactor resulted in a lower CO2 production rate (19.8 vs. 28.6 nmol L(-1) s(-1)), lower ethanol removal (80% vs. 91%), and lower mineralization efficiency (28% vs. 44%) than the UV-A BLB reactor. Ethanol mineralization was enhanced with the increase of the irradiance at the catalyst surface. This result suggests that reduced ethanol mineralization in the LED reactor relative to the BLB reactor at the same average irradiance could be attributed to the nonuniform irradiance over the photocatalyst, that is, a portion of the catalyst was exposed to less than the average irradiance. The potential of UV-A LEDs may be fully realized by optimizing the light distribution over the catalyst and utilizing their instantaneous "on" and "off" feature for periodic irradiation. Nevertheless, our results also showed that the current UV-A LED module had the same wall plug efficiency (WPE) of 13% as that of the UV-A BLB, demonstrating that UV-A LEDs are a viable photon source both in terms of WPE and PCO efficiency.

The Effects of UV Light on the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of a Transparent Epoxy-Diamine System in the Presence of an Organic UV Absorber

PubMed Central

Nikafshar, Saeid; Zabihi, Omid; Ahmadi, Mojtaba; Mirmohseni, Abdolreza; Taseidifar, Mojtaba; Naebe, Minoo

2017-01-01

Despite several excellent properties including low shrinkage, good chemical resistance, curable at low temperatures and the absence of byproducts or volatiles, epoxy resins are susceptible to ultra violet (UV) damage and their durability is reduced substantially when exposed to outdoor environments. To overcome this drawback, UV absorbers have been usually used to decrease the rate of UV degradation. In this present study, the effects of UV light on the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of cured epoxy structure, as well as the effect of an organic UV absorber, Tinuvin 1130, on the epoxy properties were investigated. Chemical changes in a cured epoxy system as a result of the presence and absence of Tinuvin 1130 were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. The effect of Tinuvin 1130 on the surface morphology of the epoxy systems was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Additionally, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) before and during UV radiation were measured. After an 800 h UV radiation, mechanical test results revealed that the lack of the UV absorber can lead to a ~30% reduction in tensile strength. However, in the presence of Tinuvin 1130, the tensile strength was reduced only by ~11%. It was hypothesized that the use of Tinuvin 1130, as an organic UV absorber in the epoxy-amine system, could decrease the undesirable effects, arising from exposure to UV light. PMID:28772538

The repair of low dose UV light-induced damage to human skin DNA in condition of trace amount Mg 2+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Fang; Guo, Zhouyi; Zheng, Changchun; Wang, Rui; Liu, Zhiming; Meng, Pei; Zhai, Juan

2008-12-01

Ultraviolet light-induced damage to human skin DNA was widely investigated. The primary mechanism of this damage contributed to form cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers (CPDs). Although the distribution of UV light-induced CPDs within a defined sequence is similar, the damage in cellular environment which shields the nuclear DNA was higher than that in organism in apparent dose. So we use low UVB light as main study agent. Low dose UV-irradiated HDF-a cells (Human Dermal Fibroblasts-adult cells) which is weaker than epidermic cells were cultured with DMEM at different trace amount of Mg2+ (0mmol/L , 0.1mmol/L , 0.2mmol/L, 0.4mmol/L, 0.8mmol/L, 1.2mmol/L) free-serum DMEM and the repair of DNA strands injured were observed. Treat these cells with DNA strand breaks detection, photoproducts detection and the repair of photoproducts detection. Then quantitate the role of trace amount Mg2+ in repair of UV light-induced damage to human skin. The experiment results indicated that epidermic cells have capability of resistance to UV-radiation at a certain extent. And Mg2+ can regulate the UV-induced damage repair and relative vitality. It can offer a rationale and experiment data to relieve UV light-induced skin disease.

Arabidopsis FHY3 and HY5 Positively Mediate Induction of COP1 Transcription in Response to Photomorphogenic UV-B Light[C][W][OA

PubMed Central

Huang, Xi; Ouyang, Xinhao; Yang, Panyu; Lau, On Sun; Li, Gang; Li, Jigang; Chen, Haodong; Deng, Xing Wang

2012-01-01

As sessile organisms, higher plants have evolved the capacity to sense and interpret diverse light signals to modulate their development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, low-intensity and long-wavelength UV-B light is perceived as an informational signal to mediate UV-B–induced photomorphogenesis. Here, we report that the multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase, CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 (COP1), a known key player in UV-B photomorphogenic responses, is also a UV-B–inducible gene. Two transcription factors, FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3 (FHY3) and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), directly bind to distinct regulatory elements within the COP1 promoter, which are essential for the induction of the COP1 gene mediated by photomorphogenic UV-B signaling. Absence of FHY3 results in impaired UV-B–induced hypocotyl growth and reduced tolerance against damaging UV-B. Thus, FHY3 positively regulates UV-B–induced photomorphogenesis by directly activating COP1 transcription, while HY5 promotes COP1 expression via a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, FHY3 and HY5 physically interact with each other, and this interaction is diminished by UV-B. Together, our findings reveal that COP1 gene expression in response to photomorphogenic UV-B is controlled by a combinatorial regulation of FHY3 and HY5, and this UV-B–specific working mode of FHY3 and HY5 is distinct from that in far-red light and circadian conditions. PMID:23150635

Influence of ultraviolet light irradiation on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel AISI 1015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riazi, H. R.; Danaee, I.; Peykari, M.

2013-03-01

Corrosion of carbon steel in sodium chloride solution was studied under ultraviolet illumination using weight loss, polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and current transient tests. The polarization test revealed an increase in the corrosion current density observed under UV illumination. The impedance spectroscopy indicated that the charge transfer resistance of the system was decreased by irradiation of UV light on a carbon steel electrode. The weight loss of carbon steel in solution increased under UV light, which confirms the results obtained from electrochemical measurements. We propose that the main effect of UV irradiation is on the oxide film, which forms on the surface. Thus, in presence of UV, the conductivity of oxide film might increase and lead to higher metal dissolution and corrosion rate.

Ultraviolet light propagation under low visibility atmospheric conditions and its application to aircraft landing aid.

PubMed

Lavigne, Claire; Durand, Gérard; Roblin, Antoine

2006-12-20

Light scattering in the atmosphere by particles and molecules gives rise to an aureole surrounding the source image that tends to reduce the contrast of the source with respect to the background. However, UV scattering phase functions of the haze droplets present a very important forward peak. The spreading of a detected signal in the UV is not as important as in the case of a clear atmosphere where Rayleigh scattering predominates. This physical property has to be taken into account to evaluate the potential of UV radiation as an aircraft landing aid under low visibility conditions. Different results characterizing UV runway lights, simulations of UV radiation propagation in the atmosphere, and the use of a simple detection algorithm applied to one particular sensor are presented.

Penetration of UV-A, UV-B, blue, and red light into leaf tissues of pecan measured by a fiber optic microprobe system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Yadong; Bai, Shuju; Vogelmann, Thomas C.; Heisler, Gordon M.

2003-11-01

The depth of light penetration from the adaxial surfaces of the mature leaves of pecan (Carya illinoensis) was measured using a fiber optic microprobe system at four wavelengths: UV-B (310nm), UV-A (360 nm), blue light (430nm), and red light (680nm). The average thickness of the leaf adaxial epidermal layer was 15um and the total leaf thickness was 219um. The patterns of the light attenuation by the leaf tissues exhibited strong wavelength dependence. The leaf adaxial epidermal layer was chiefly responsible for absorbing the UV-A UV-B radiation. About 98% of 310 nm light was steeply attenuated within the first 5 um of the adaxial epidermis; thus, very little UV-B radiation was transmitted to the mesophyll tissues where contain photosynthetically sensitive sites. The adaxial epidermis also attenuated 96% of the UV-A radiation. In contrast, the blue and red light penetrated much deeper and was gradually attenutated by the leaves. The mesophyll tissues attenuated 17% of the blue light and 42% of the red light, which were available for photosynthesis use. Since the epidermal layer absorbed nearly all UV-B light, it acted as an effective filter screening out the harmful radiation and protecting photosynthetically sensitive tissues from the UV-B damage. Therefore, the epidermal function of the UV-B screening effectiveness can be regarded as one of the UV-B protection mechanisms in pecan.

Radiation-damage-induced phasing: a case study using UV irradiation with light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

de Sanctis, Daniele; Zubieta, Chloe; Felisaz, Franck; Caserotto, Hugo; Nanao, Max H

2016-03-01

Exposure to X-rays, high-intensity visible light or ultraviolet radiation results in alterations to protein structure such as the breakage of disulfide bonds, the loss of electron density at electron-rich centres and the movement of side chains. These specific changes can be exploited in order to obtain phase information. Here, a case study using insulin to illustrate each step of the radiation-damage-induced phasing (RIP) method is presented. Unlike a traditional X-ray-induced damage step, specific damage is introduced via ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). In contrast to UV lasers, UV-LEDs have the advantages of small size, low cost and relative ease of use.

An LED-based UV-B irradiation system for tiny organisms: System description and demonstration experiment to determine the hatchability of eggs from four Tetranychus spider mite species from Okinawa.

PubMed

Suzuki, Takeshi; Yoshioka, Yoshio; Tsarsitalidou, Olga; Ntalia, Vivi; Ohno, Suguru; Ohyama, Katsumi; Kitashima, Yasuki; Gotoh, Tetsuo; Takeda, Makio; Koveos, Dimitris S

2014-03-01

We developed a computer-based system for controlling the photoperiod and irradiance of UV-B and white light from a 5×5 light-emitting diode (LED) matrix (100×100mm). In this system, the LED matrix was installed in each of four irradiation boxes and controlled by pulse-width modulators so that each box can independently emit UV-B and white light at irradiances of up to 1.5 and 4.0Wm(-2), respectively, or a combination of both light types. We used this system to examine the hatchabilities of the eggs of four Tetranychus spider mite species (T. urticae, T. kanzawai, T. piercei and T. okinawanus) collected from Okinawa Island under UV-B irradiation alone or simultaneous irradiation with white light for 12hd(-1) at 25°C. Although no eggs of any species hatched under the UV-B irradiation, even when the irradiance was as low as 0.02Wm(-2), the hatchabilities increased to >90% under simultaneous irradiation with 4.0Wm(-2) white light. At 0.06Wm(-2) UV-B, T. okinawanus eggs hatched (15% hatchability) under simultaneous irradiation with white light, whereas other species showed hatchabilities <1%. These results suggest that photolyases activated by white light may reduce UV-B-induced DNA damage in spider mite eggs and that the greater UV-B tolerance of T. okinawanus may explain its dominance on plants in seashore environments, which have a higher risk of exposure to reflected UV-B even on the undersurface of leaves. Our system will be useful for further examination of photophysiological responses of tiny organisms because of its ability to precisely control radiation conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

UV-C light inactivation and modeling kinetics of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in white grape and apple juices.

PubMed

Baysal, Ayse Handan; Molva, Celenk; Unluturk, Sevcan

2013-09-16

In the present study, the effect of short wave ultraviolet light (UV-C) on the inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris DSM 3922 spores in commercial pasteurized white grape and apple juices was investigated. The inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores in juices was examined by evaluating the effects of UV light intensity (1.31, 0.71 and 0.38 mW/cm²) and exposure time (0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 min) at constant depth (0.15 cm). The best reduction (5.5-log) was achieved in grape juice when the UV intensity was 1.31 mW/cm². The maximum inactivation was approximately 2-log CFU/mL in apple juice under the same conditions. The results showed that first-order kinetics were not suitable for the estimation of spore inactivation in grape juice treated with UV-light. Since tailing was observed in the survival curves, the log-linear plus tail and Weibull models were compared. The results showed that the log-linear plus tail model was satisfactorily fitted to estimate the reductions. As a non-thermal technology, UV-C treatment could be an alternative to thermal treatment for grape juices or combined with other preservation methods for the pasteurization of apple juice. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced detection of nitrogen dioxide via combined heating and pulsed UV operation of indium oxide nano-octahedra.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Oriol; Roso, Sergio; Vilanova, Xavier; Llobet, Eduard

2016-01-01

We report on the use of combined heating and pulsed UV light activation of indium oxide gas sensors for enhancing their performance in the detection of nitrogen dioxide in air. Indium oxide nano-octahedra were synthesized at high temperature (900 °C) via vapour-phase transport and screen-printed onto alumina transducers that comprised interdigitated electrodes and a heating resistor. Compared to the standard, constant temperature operation of the sensor, mild heating (e.g., 100 °C) together with pulsed UV light irradiation employing a commercially available, 325 nm UV diode (square, 1 min period, 15 mA drive current signal), results in an up to 80-fold enhancement in sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide. Furthermore, this combined operation method allows for making savings in power consumption that range from 35% to over 80%. These results are achieved by exploiting the dynamics of sensor response under pulsed UV light, which convey important information for the quantitative analysis of nitrogen dioxide.

Visualization under ultraviolet light enhances 100-fold the sensitivity of peroxidase-stained blots.

PubMed

Domingo, A; Marco, R

1989-10-01

As described in this article, visualization and/or photography under uv light of 4-chloro-1-naphthol-developed, peroxidase-marked immunoblots allows an increase in sensitivity of more than 100 times over the apparent staining results observable under normal visible white light. This increase in sensitivity can be obtained with the minimal additional requirement of an uv lamp, with the actual chloronaphthol staining procedure remaining unaltered and thereby allowing the monitoring of specific reactions with much smaller quantities of antigen or antibodies. Substantial shortening of the procedure is another advantage, making it possible to complete in 20 min or even less a procedure usually requiring 3 to 6 h. The phenomenon depends on the uv absorption and the fluorescence quenching properties of the products of the peroxidase reaction. The absorption spectra of the membranes with or without peroxidase products indicate that an intermediate in the peroxidase reaction is responsible for the absorption under uv light. This intermediate accumulates under conditions where the final product absorbing in the visible light has not begun to be produced, thus explaining the large increase in sensitivity. The behaviors of three types of membranes, nitrocellulose, nylon, and Immobilon (PVDF), are compared. Due to its lower uv absorption, PVDF gives by far the best results, followed by nitrocellulose.

An estimation methode for measurement of ultraviolet radiation during nondestructive testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseinipanah, M.; Movafeghi, A.; Farvadin, D.

2018-04-01

Dye penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing are among conventional NDT methods. For increased sensitivity, fluorescence dyes and particles can be used with ultraviolet (black) lights. UV flaw detection lights have different spectra. With the help of photo-filters, the output lights are transferred to UV-A and visible zones. UV-A light can be harmful to human eyes in some conditions. In this research, UV intensity and spectrum were obtained by a Radio-spectrometer for two different UV flaw detector lighting systems. According to the standards such as ASTM E709, UV intensity must be at least 10 W/m2 at a distance of 30 cm. Based on our measurements; these features not achieved in some lamps. On the other hand, intensity and effective intensity of UV lights must be below the some limits for prevention of unprotected eye damage. NDT centers are usually using some type of UV measuring devices. A method for the estimation of effective intensity of UV light has been proposed in this research.

Fungal Gene Mutation Analysis Elucidating Photoselective Enhancement of UV-C Disinfection Efficiency Toward Spoilage Agents on Fruit Surface.

PubMed

Zhu, Pinkuan; Li, Qianwen; Azad, Sepideh M; Qi, Yu; Wang, Yiwen; Jiang, Yina; Xu, Ling

2018-01-01

Short-wave ultraviolet (UV-C) treatment represents a potent, clean and safe substitute to chemical sanitizers for fresh fruit preservation. However, the dosage requirement for microbial disinfection may have negative effects on fruit quality. In this study, UV-C was found to be more efficient in killing spores of Botrytis cinerea in dark and red light conditions when compared to white and blue light. Loss of the blue light receptor gene Bcwcl1 , a homolog of wc-1 in Neurospora crassa , led to hypersensitivity to UV-C in all light conditions tested. The expression of Bcuve1 and Bcphr1 , which encode UV-damage endonuclease and photolyase, respectively, were strongly induced by white and blue light in a Bcwcl1 -dependent manner. Gene mutation analyses of Bcuve1 and Bcphr1 indicated that they synergistically contribute to survival after UV-C treatment. In vivo assays showed that UV-C (1.0 kJ/m 2 ) abolished decay in drop-inoculated fruit only if the UV-C treatment was followed by a dark period or red light, while in contrast, typical decay appeared on UV-C irradiated fruits exposed to white or blue light. In summary, blue light enhances UV-C resistance in B. cinerea by inducing expression of the UV damage repair-related enzymes, while the efficiency of UV-C application for fruit surface disinfection can be enhanced in dark or red light conditions; these principles seem to be well conserved among postharvest fungal pathogens.

Effect of caffeine on the ultraviolet light induction of SV40 virus from transformed hamster cells

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

Zamansky, G.B.; Kleinman, L.F.; Little, J.B.

1976-01-01

The effect of caffeine on the uv light induction of SV40 virus from two transformed hamster cell lines heterogeneous for the induction of infectious virus was studied. The amount of virus induced was significantly increased in both cell lines when exposure to uv light was followed by treatment with caffeine. Caffeine in the absence of uv irradiation did not stimulate virus induction, nor did it stimulate SV40 replication in a lytic infection. There was an apparent difference in the concentrations of caffeine which maximally stimulated SV40 virus induction in the two cell lines. This effect could not be explained bymore » differences in cell survival after exposure to uv light and caffeine. Since caffeine is known to cause the accumulation of gaps formed in DNA during postreplication repair of uv-irradiated rodent cells, our results support the hypothesis that the formation of gaps or breaks in DNA is an important early step in virus induction.« less

A Semitransparent Inorganic Perovskite Film for Overcoming Ultraviolet Light Instability of Organic Solar Cells and Achieving 14.03% Efficiency.

PubMed

Chen, Weijie; Zhang, Jingwen; Xu, Guiying; Xue, Rongming; Li, Yaowen; Zhou, Yinhua; Hou, Jianhui; Li, Yongfang

2018-05-01

Organic solar cells (OSCs) can be unstable under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. To address this issue and enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE), an inorganic-perovskite/organic four-terminal tandem solar cell (TSC) based on a semitransparent inorganic CsPbBr 3 perovskite solar cell (pero-SC) as the top cell and an OSC as bottom cell is constructed. The high-quality CsPbBr 3 photoactive layer of the planar pero-SC is prepared with a dual-source vacuum coevaporation method, using stoichiometric precursors of CsBr and PbBr 2 with a low evaporation rate. The resultant opaque planar pero-SC exhibits an ultrahigh open-circuit voltage of 1.44 V and the highest reported PCE of 7.78% for a CsPbBr 3 -based planar pero-SC. Importantly, the devices show no degradation after 120 h UV light illumination. The related semitransparent pero-SC can almost completely filter UV light and well maintain photovoltaic performance; it additionally shows an extremely high average visible transmittance. When it is used to construct a TSC, the top pero-SC acting as a UV filter can utilize UV light for photoelectric conversion, avoiding the instability problem of UV light on the bottom OSC that can meet the industrial standards of UV-light stability for solar cells, and leading to the highest reported PCE of 14.03% for the inorganic-perovskite/organic TSC. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Understanding possible underlying mechanism in declining germicidal efficiency of UV-LED reactor.

PubMed

Lee, Hyunkyung; Jin, Yongxun; Hong, Seungkwan

2018-06-07

Since ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) have emerged as an alternative light source for UV disinfection systems, enhancement of reactor performance is a demanding challenge to promote its practical application in water treatment process. This study explored the underlying mechanism of the inefficiency observed in flow-through mode UV disinfection tests to improve the light utilization of UV-LED applications. In particular, the disinfection performance of UV-LED reactors was evaluated using two different flow channel types, reservoir and pathway systems, in order to elucidate the impact of physical circumstances on germicidal efficiency as the light profile was adjusted. Overall, a significant reduction in germicidal efficiency was observed when exposure time was prolonged or a mixing chamber was integrated. Zeta analysis revealed that the repulsion rate between microorganisms decreased with UV fluence transfer, and that change might cause the shielding effect of UV delivery to target microorganisms. In line with the above findings, the reduction in efficiency intensified when opportunities for microbial collision increased. Thus, UV induced microbial aggregation was implicated as being a disinfection hindering factor, exerting its effect through uneven UV illumination. Ultimately, the results refuted the prevailing belief that UV has a cumulative effect. We found that the reservoir system achieved worse performance than the pathway system despite it providing 15 times higher UV fluence: the differences in germicidal efficiency were 1-log, 1.4-log and 1.7-log in the cases of P.aeruginosa, E.coli and S.aureus, respectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Indium gallium nitride-based ultraviolet, blue, and green light-emitting diodes functionalized with shallow periodic hole patterns

PubMed Central

Jeong, Hyun; Salas-Montiel, Rafael; Lerondel, Gilles; Jeong, Mun Seok

2017-01-01

In this study, we investigated the improvement in the light output power of indium gallium nitride (InGaN)-based ultraviolet (UV), blue, and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by fabricating shallow periodic hole patterns (PHPs) on the LED surface through laser interference lithography and inductively coupled plasma etching. Noticeably, different enhancements were observed in the light output powers of the UV, blue, and green LEDs with negligible changes in the electrical properties in the light output power versus current and current versus voltage curves. In addition, confocal scanning electroluminescence microscopy is employed to verify the correlation between the enhancement in the light output power of the LEDs with PHPs and carrier localization of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells. Light propagation through the PHPs on the UV, blue, and green LEDs is simulated using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method to confirm the experimental results. Finally, we suggest optimal conditions of PHPs for improving the light output power of InGaN LEDs based on the experimental and theoretical results. PMID:28374856

Indium gallium nitride-based ultraviolet, blue, and green light-emitting diodes functionalized with shallow periodic hole patterns.

PubMed

Jeong, Hyun; Salas-Montiel, Rafael; Lerondel, Gilles; Jeong, Mun Seok

2017-04-04

In this study, we investigated the improvement in the light output power of indium gallium nitride (InGaN)-based ultraviolet (UV), blue, and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by fabricating shallow periodic hole patterns (PHPs) on the LED surface through laser interference lithography and inductively coupled plasma etching. Noticeably, different enhancements were observed in the light output powers of the UV, blue, and green LEDs with negligible changes in the electrical properties in the light output power versus current and current versus voltage curves. In addition, confocal scanning electroluminescence microscopy is employed to verify the correlation between the enhancement in the light output power of the LEDs with PHPs and carrier localization of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells. Light propagation through the PHPs on the UV, blue, and green LEDs is simulated using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method to confirm the experimental results. Finally, we suggest optimal conditions of PHPs for improving the light output power of InGaN LEDs based on the experimental and theoretical results.

The effects of different UV-B radiation intensities on morphological and biochemical characteristics in Ocimum basilicum L.

PubMed

Sakalauskaitė, Jurga; Viskelis, Pranas; Dambrauskienė, Edita; Sakalauskienė, Sandra; Samuolienė, Giedrė; Brazaitytė, Aušra; Duchovskis, Pavelas; Urbonavičienė, Dalia

2013-04-01

The effects of short-term ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Cinnamon) plants at the 3-4 leaf pair and flowering stages were examined in controlled environment growth chambers. Plants were exposed to 0 (reference), 2 and 4 kJ UV-B m(-2) day(-1) over 7 days. Exposure of basil plants to supplementary UV-B light resulted in increased assimilating leaf area, fresh biomass and dry biomass. Stimulation of physiological functions in young basil plants under either applied UV-B dose resulted in increased total chlorophyll content but no marked variation in carotenoid content. At the flowering stage the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of basil were affected by supplementary UV-B radiation, decreasing with enhanced UV-B exposure. Both total antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay) and total phenolic compound content were increased by UV-B light supplementation. Young and mature basil plants differed in their ascorbic acid content, which was dependent on UV-B dose and plant age. UV-B radiation resulted in decreased nitrate content in young basil plants (3-4 leaf pair stage). These results indicate that the application of short-exposure UV-B radiation beneficially influenced both growth parameters and biochemical constituents in young and mature basil plants. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Photocatalytic activity of attapulgite–BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} toward degradation of methyl orange under UV and visible light irradiation

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

Zhang, Lili, E-mail: zll@hytc.edu.cn; Zhang, Jiahui; Zhang, Weiguang

2015-06-15

Highlights: • Excellent photocatalyst was obtained by introducing BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} onto attapulgite. • 100 mg L{sup −1} methyl orange (MO) was totally decomposed under UV light within 70 min. • 92.6% of 10 mg L{sup −1} MO was decomposed within 120 min under visible light. • ATT–BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} show better activity than P{sub 25} especially under visible light. • Mechanism of photocatalytic activity enhancement was identified. - Abstract: An environmental friendly composite photocatalyst with efficient UV and visible light activity has been synthesized by introducing BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} hybrid oxide onto the surface of attapulgite (ATT) (denoted as ATT–BiOCl–TiO{sub 2}), usingmore » a simple in situ depositing technique. The obtained products were characterized by XRD, TEM, BET and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra measurements. Results showed that BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} composite particles were successfully loaded onto attapulgite fibers' surface without obvious aggregation. The photocatalytic activity of ATT–BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} was investigated by degradation of methyl orange under UV and visible light irradiation. It was found that 100 mg L{sup −1} methyl orange was totally decomposed under UV light within 70 min and 92.57% of 10 mg L{sup −1} methyl orange was decomposed under visible light within 120 min using ATT–BiOCl–TiO{sub 2} as photocatalyst. These results were quite better than that of P{sub 25}, especially under visible light irradiation. Possible mechanism for the enhancement was proposed.« less

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW PRESSURE ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT FOR INACTIVATING HELICOBACTER PYLORI

EPA Science Inventory

Three strains of Helicobacter pylori were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from a low-pressure source to determine log inactivation versus applied fluence. Results indicate that H. pylori is readily inactivated at UV fluences typically used in water treatment r...

Modeling colorimetric characteristics of ON-OFF behavior of photochromic dyes based on bis-azospiropyrans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandi, Saeideh Gorji; Nourmohammadian, Farahnaz

2013-10-01

In the present study, colorimetric characteristics of six photochromic bis-azospiropyrans based dyes are investigated. The colorimetric axes of these dyes in terms of hue, chroma and lightness are considered via UV exposure time. Results showed that, the hue angle of these dyes changes rapidly at the first times of UV irradiation, and then remains almost constant. However, chroma and lightness continuously change till about 80-240 s for different dyes. In addition, it is shown that variations of lightness and chroma by UV exposure time have an exponential trend, which can be modeled mathematically.

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.

Photocatalytic activity of Fe-doped CaTiO₃ under UV-visible light.

PubMed

Yang, He; Han, Chong; Xue, Xiangxin

2014-07-01

The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) over Fe-doped CaTiO₃ under UV-visible light was investigated. The as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) system, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results show that the doping with Fe significantly promoted the light absorption ability of CaTiO₃ in the visible light region. The Fe-doped CaTiO₃ exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than CaTiO₃ for the degradation of MB. However, the photocatalytic activity of the Fe-doped CaTiO₃ was greatly influenced by the calcination temperature during the preparation process. The Fe-doped CaTiO₃ prepared at 500°C exhibited the best photocatalytic activity, with degradation of almost 100% MB (10ppm) under UV-visible light for 180 min. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

Understanding Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Groups Using Gene Expression Profiling after UV-Light Exposure.

PubMed

Bowden, Nikola A; Beveridge, Natalie J; Ashton, Katie A; Baines, Katherine J; Scott, Rodney J

2015-07-14

Children with the recessive genetic disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) have extreme sensitivity to UV-light, a 10,000-fold increase in skin cancers from age 2 and rarely live beyond 30 years. There are seven genetic subgroups of XP, which are all resultant of pathogenic mutations in genes in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway and a XP variant resultant of a mutation in translesion synthesis, POLH. The clinical symptoms and severity of the disease is varied across the subgroups, which does not correlate with the functional position of the affected protein in the NER pathway. The aim of this study was to further understand the biology of XP subgroups, particularly those that manifest with neurological symptoms. Whole genome gene expression profiling of fibroblasts from each XP complementation group was assessed before and after UV-light exposure. The biological pathways with altered gene expression after UV-light exposure were distinct for each subtype and contained oncogenic related functions such as perturbation of cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Patients from the subgroups XP-B and XP-F were the only subgroups to have transcripts associated with neuronal activity altered after UV-light exposure. This study will assist in furthering our understanding of the different subtypes of XP which will lead to better diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease.

Understanding Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Groups Using Gene Expression Profiling after UV-Light Exposure

PubMed Central

Bowden, Nikola A.; Beveridge, Natalie J.; Ashton, Katie A.; Baines, Katherine J.; Scott, Rodney J.

2015-01-01

Children with the recessive genetic disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) have extreme sensitivity to UV-light, a 10,000-fold increase in skin cancers from age 2 and rarely live beyond 30 years. There are seven genetic subgroups of XP, which are all resultant of pathogenic mutations in genes in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway and a XP variant resultant of a mutation in translesion synthesis, POLH. The clinical symptoms and severity of the disease is varied across the subgroups, which does not correlate with the functional position of the affected protein in the NER pathway. The aim of this study was to further understand the biology of XP subgroups, particularly those that manifest with neurological symptoms. Whole genome gene expression profiling of fibroblasts from each XP complementation group was assessed before and after UV-light exposure. The biological pathways with altered gene expression after UV-light exposure were distinct for each subtype and contained oncogenic related functions such as perturbation of cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Patients from the subgroups XP-B and XP-F were the only subgroups to have transcripts associated with neuronal activity altered after UV-light exposure. This study will assist in furthering our understanding of the different subtypes of XP which will lead to better diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease. PMID:26184184

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.

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

Pern, F.J.; Glick, S.H.; Czanderna, A.W.

Results from extensive studies of the commercial ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) formulations show that the UV absorber and curing-generated UV-excitable, {alpha},{beta}-unsaturated carbonyl chromophores facilitate the EVA discoloration, which is further enhanced by curing-generated acetic acid and probably residual peroxide curing agent also. Formation and concentration of the UV-excitable chromophores are substantially promoted by the antioxidant, Naugard P. The discoloration rate is greater under higher UV light intensity and temperatures. Heating in the dark at elevated temperatures (e.g., 85&hthinsp;{degree}C) in the air for {approximately}200 days only results in light yellowing. The discoloration reactions compete with photobleaching reactions, which destroy curing-generated chromophoresmore » and result in non-discoloring of EVA. By using better performance stabilizers to minimize the curing-generated UV-excitable chromophores, a new fast curing agent, and no UV absorber, the NREL-developed EVA formulations show a superior photothermal stability against browning to the commercial counterparts. Alternatively, the discoloration rate of the commercial EVA pottants can be considerably reduced by using UV-filtering glass superstrates that largely inhibit the UV-induced photooxidation reactions, or completely eliminated by using air-permeable polymer superstrate films that enable photobleaching reactions. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Welding of silver nanowire networks via flash white light and UV-C irradiation for highly conductive and reliable transparent electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Wan-Ho; Kim, Sang-Ho; Kim, Hak-Sung

2016-08-01

In this work, silver nanowire inks with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) binders were coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates and welded via flash white light and ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiation to produce highly conductive transparent electrodes. The coated silver nanowire films were firmly welded and embedded into PET substrate successfully at room temperature and under ambient conditions using an in-house flash white light welding system and UV-C irradiation. The effects of light irradiation conditions (light energy, irradiation time, pulse duration, and pulse number) on the silver nanowire networks were studied and optimized. Bending fatigue tests were also conducted to characterize the reliability of the welded transparent conductive silver nanowire films. The surfaces of the welded silver nanowire films were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the transmittance of the structures was measured using a spectrophotometer. From the results, a highly conductive and transparent silver nanowire film with excellent reliability could be achieved at room temperature under ambient conditions via the combined flash white light and UV-C irradiation welding process.

Welding of silver nanowire networks via flash white light and UV-C irradiation for highly conductive and reliable transparent electrodes

PubMed Central

Chung, Wan-Ho; Kim, Sang-Ho; Kim, Hak-Sung

2016-01-01

In this work, silver nanowire inks with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) binders were coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates and welded via flash white light and ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiation to produce highly conductive transparent electrodes. The coated silver nanowire films were firmly welded and embedded into PET substrate successfully at room temperature and under ambient conditions using an in-house flash white light welding system and UV-C irradiation. The effects of light irradiation conditions (light energy, irradiation time, pulse duration, and pulse number) on the silver nanowire networks were studied and optimized. Bending fatigue tests were also conducted to characterize the reliability of the welded transparent conductive silver nanowire films. The surfaces of the welded silver nanowire films were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the transmittance of the structures was measured using a spectrophotometer. From the results, a highly conductive and transparent silver nanowire film with excellent reliability could be achieved at room temperature under ambient conditions via the combined flash white light and UV-C irradiation welding process. PMID:27553755

HISTORY OF AMPHIBIAN DECLINE AND THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE RESEARCH WITH UV LIGHT AND OTHER STRESSORS

EPA Science Inventory

This talk is an overview of the history of amphibian decline and the lab research and field monitoring results generated by MED and other agencies. Included are the general field observations leading up to our research initiation, UV-light exposures to the Northern Leopard Frog...

Ultraviolet vision may be widespread in bats

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gorresen, P. Marcos; Cryan, Paul; Dalton, David C.; Wolf, Sandy; Bonaccorso, Frank

2015-01-01

Insectivorous bats are well known for their abilities to find and pursue flying insect prey at close range using echolocation, but they also rely heavily on vision. For example, at night bats use vision to orient across landscapes, avoid large obstacles, and locate roosts. Although lacking sharp visual acuity, the eyes of bats evolved to function at very low levels of illumination. Recent evidence based on genetics, immunohistochemistry, and laboratory behavioral trials indicated that many bats can see ultraviolet light (UV), at least at illumination levels similar to or brighter than those before twilight. Despite this growing evidence for potentially widespread UV vision in bats, the prevalence of UV vision among bats remains unknown and has not been studied outside of the laboratory. We used a Y-maze to test whether wild-caught bats could see reflected UV light and whether such UV vision functions at the dim lighting conditions typically experienced by night-flying bats. Seven insectivorous species of bats, representing five genera and three families, showed a statistically significant ‘escape-toward-the-light’ behavior when placed in the Y-maze. Our results provide compelling evidence of widespread dim-light UV vision in bats.

Observation of radiative surface plasmons in metal-oxide-metal tunnel junctions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donohue, J. F.; Yang, E. Y.

1986-01-01

A peak in the UV region of the spectrum of light emitted from metal-oxide-metal (MOM) tunnel junctions has been observed at room temperature. Both the amplitude and wavelength of the peak are sensitive to applied junction bias. The UV peak corresponds to the normal or radiative surface plasmon mode while a visible peak, also present in the present spectra and reported in past MOM literature, is due to the tangential or nonradiative mode. The radiative mode requires no surface roughness or gratings for photon coupling. The results show that it is possible to obtain radiative surface plasmon production followed by a direct decay into photons with MOM tunnel diodes. A MOM diode with a double anode structure is found to emit light associated only with the nonradiative mode. The thickness dependence of the UV peak, along with the experimental results of the double anode MOM diode and the ratio of the UV peak to visible peak, support the contention that the UV light emission is indeed due to the radiative surface plasmon.

Impacts of diurnal variation of ultraviolet-B and photosynthetically active radiation on phycobiliproteins of the hot-spring cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. strain HKAR-2.

PubMed

Kannaujiya, Vinod K; Sinha, Rajeshwar P

2017-01-01

The effects of diurnal variation of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400-700 nm) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 280-315 nm) radiation on phycobiliproteins (PBPs) and photosynthetic pigments (PP) have been studied in the hot-spring cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. strain HKAR-2. The variations in PBPs and PP were monitored by alternating light and dark under PAR, UV-B, and PAR + UV-B radiations over a period of 25 h. There was a decline in the amount of Chl a and PBPs during light periods of UV-B and PAR + UV-B and an increase during dark periods showing a circadian rhythm by destruction and resynthesis of pigment-protein complex. However, a marked induction in carotenoids was recorded during light periods of the same radiations. Moreover, the ratio of Chl a/PE and Chl a/PC was increased in dark periods showing the resynthesis of bleached Chl a. The wavelength shift in emission fluorescence of PBPs toward shorter wavelengths further indicated the bleaching and destruction of PBPs during light periods. Oxidative damage upon exposure to PAR, UV-B, and PAR + UV-B was alleviated by induction of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The studied cyanobacterium exhibits a significant increase in the activities of SOD, CAT, and APX upon exposure to UV-B and PAR + UV-B radiations. The results indicate that pigment-protein composition of Nostoc sp. stain HKAR-2 was significantly altered during diurnal variation of light/radiation, which might play an important role in optimization for their productivity in a particular cyanobacterium.

The role of coccoliths in protecting Emiliania huxleyi against stressful light and UV radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Juntian; Bach, Lennart T.; Schulz, Kai G.; Zhao, Wenyan; Gao, Kunshan; Riebesell, Ulf

2016-08-01

Coccolithophores are a group of phytoplankton species which cover themselves with small scales (coccoliths) made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The reason why coccolithophores form these calcite platelets has been a matter of debate for decades but has remained elusive so far. One hypothesis is that they play a role in light or UV protection, especially in surface dwelling species like Emiliania huxleyi, which can tolerate exceptionally high levels of solar radiation. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by culturing a calcified and a naked strain under different light conditions with and without UV radiation. The coccoliths of E. huxleyi reduced the transmission of visible radiation (400-700 nm) by 7.5 %, that of UV-A (315-400 nm) by 14.1 % and that of UV-B (280-315 nm) by 18.4 %. Growth rates of the calcified strain (PML B92/11) were about 2 times higher than those of the naked strain (CCMP 2090) under indoor constant light levels in the absence of UV radiation. When exposed to outdoor conditions (fluctuating sunlight with UV radiation), growth rates of calcified cells were almost 3.5 times higher compared to naked cells. Furthermore, the relative electron transport rate was 114 % higher and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was 281 % higher in the calcified compared to the naked strain, implying higher energy transfer associated with higher NPQ in the presence of calcification. When exposed to natural solar radiation including UV radiation, the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II was only slightly reduced in the calcified strain but strongly reduced in the naked strain. Our results reveal an important role of coccoliths in mitigating light and UV stress in E. huxleyi.

Photocatalytic degradation of p,p'-DDT under UV and visible light using interstitial N-doped TiO₂.

PubMed

Ananpattarachai, Jirapat; Kajitvichyanukul, Puangrat

2015-01-01

1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (or p,p'-DDT) is one of the most persistent pesticides. It is resistant to breakdown in nature and cause the water contamination problem. In this work, a major objective was to demonstrate the application of N-doped TiO2 in degradation and mineralization of the p,p'-DDT under UV and visible light in aqueous solution. The N-doped TiO2 nanopowders were prepared by a simple modified sol-gel procedure using diethanolamine (DEA) as a nitrogen source. The catalyst characteristics were investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation of p,p'-DDT using the synthesized N-doped TiO2 under UV and visible light were conducted in a batch photocatalytic experiment. The kinetics and p,p'-DDT degradation performance of the N-doped TiO2 were evaluated. Results show that the N-doped TiO2 can degrade p,p'-DDT effectively under both UV and visible lights. The rate constant of the p,p'-DDT degradation under UV light was only 0.0121 min(-1), whereas the rate constant of the p,p'-DDT degradation under visible light was 0.1282 min(-1). Under visible light, the 100% degradation of p,p'-DDT were obtained from N-doped TiO2 catalyst. The reaction rate of p,p'-DDT degradation using N-doped TiO2 under visible light was sixfold higher than that under UV light. According to Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, the adsorption equilibrium constant (K) for the N-doped TiO2 under visible light was 0.03078 L mg(-1), and the apparent reaction rate constant (k) was 1.3941 mg L(-1)-min. Major intermediates detected during the p,p'-DDT degradation were p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDD. Results from this work can be applied further for the breakdown of p,p'-DDT molecule in the real contaminated water using this technology.

Ultrafast active control of UV light with plasmonic resonance on aluminum nanostripes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kuidong; Li, Runze; Hsiao, Hui-Hsin; Chen, Long; Zhang, Haijuan; Chen, Jie

2018-05-01

Ultrafast active control of UV light with aluminum may become an efficient way for high-speed active UV devices. However, the nonlinear optical response of aluminum in the UV region is extremely small, which impedes the realization of the promising modulation depth on ultrafast control. Here, by using the surface plasmon resonance effect, we have achieved a 55-times enhancement in the modulation depth, as well as a short switching time of several picoseconds. Further investigation showed that such an enhancement mainly resulted from a two-order-of-magnitude boost in the response of the signal light to the lattice thermal variation at the plasmonic resonance condition. This improvement in the probing sensitivity could serve as an effective approach to resolve the dynamics of lattice vibrations in metals.

Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity Based on a Synergistic Combination of Sublethal Levels of Stresses Induced by UV-A Light and Organic Acids.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Erick F; Cossu, Andrea; Tikekar, Rohan V; Nitin, Nitin

2017-06-01

The reduction of microbial load in food and water systems is critical for their safety and shelf life. Conventionally, physical processes such as heat or light are used for the rapid inactivation of microbes, while natural compounds such as lactic acid may be used as preservatives after the initial physical process. This study demonstrates the enhanced and rapid inactivation of bacteria based on a synergistic combination of sublethal levels of stresses induced by UV-A light and two food-grade organic acids. A reduction of 4.7 ± 0.5 log CFU/ml in Escherichia coli O157:H7 was observed using a synergistic combination of UV-A light, gallic acid (GA), and lactic acid (LA), while the individual treatments and the combination of individual organic acids with UV-A light resulted in a reduction of less than 1 log CFU/ml. Enhanced inactivation of bacteria on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach leaves was also observed based on the synergistic combination. Mechanistic investigations suggested that the treatment with a synergistic combination of GA plus LA plus UV-A (GA+LA+UV-A) resulted in significant increases in membrane permeability and intracellular thiol oxidation and affected the metabolic machinery of E. coli In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the synergistic combination of GA+LA+UV-A was effective only against metabolically active E. coli O157:H7. In summary, this study illustrates the potential of simultaneously using a combination of sublethal concentrations of natural antimicrobials and a low level of physical stress in the form of UV-A light to inactivate bacteria in water and food systems. IMPORTANCE There is a critical unmet need to improve the microbial safety of the food supply, while retaining optimal nutritional and sensory properties of food. Furthermore, there is a need to develop novel technologies that can reduce the impact of food processing operations on energy and water resources. Conventionally, physical processes such as heat and light are used for inactivating microbes in food products, but these processes often significantly reduce the sensory and nutritional properties of food and are highly energy intensive. This study demonstrates that the combination of two natural food-grade antimicrobial agents with a sublethal level of physical stress in the form of UV-A light can greatly increase microbial load inactivation. In addition, this report elucidates the potential mechanisms for this synergistic interaction among physical and chemical stresses. Overall, these results provide a novel approach to develop antimicrobial solutions for food and water systems. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Simulation comparison of aircraft landing performance in foggy conditions aided by different UV sensors.

PubMed

Lavigne, Claire; Durand, Gérard; Roblin, Antoine

2009-04-20

In the atmosphere pointlike sources are surrounded by an aureole due to molecular and aerosol scattering. UV phase functions of haze droplets have a very important forward peak that limits signal angular spreading in relation to the clear atmosphere case where Rayleigh scattering predominates. This specific property can be exploited using solar blind UV source detection as an aircraft landing aid under foggy conditions. Two methods have been used to compute UV light propagation, based on the Monte Carlo technique and a semi-empirical approach. Results obtained after addition of three types of sensor and UV runway light models show that an important improvement in landing conditions during foggy weather could be achieved by use of a solar blind UV intensified CCD camera with two stages of microchannel plates.

Design, fabrication, and measurement of two silicon-based ultraviolet and blue-extended photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Changping; Wang, Han; Jiang, Zhenyu; Jin, Xiangliang; Luo, Jun

2014-12-01

Two silicon-based ultraviolet (UV) and blue-extended photodiodes are presented, which were fabricated for light detection in the ultraviolet/blue spectral range. Stripe-shaped and octagon-ring-shaped structures were designed to verify parameters of the UV-responsivity, UV-selectivity, breakdown voltage, and response time. The ultra-shallow lateral pn junction had been successfully realized in a standard 0.5-μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process to enlarge the pn junction area, enhance the absorption of UV light, and improve the responsivity and quantum efficiency. The test results illustrated that the stripe-shaped structure has the lower breakdown voltage, higher UV-responsicity, and higher UV-selectivity. But the octagon-ring-shaped structure has the lower dark current. The response time of both structures was almost the same.

Visible Light Crosslinking of Methacrylated Hyaluronan Hydrogels for Injectable Tissue Repair

PubMed Central

Fenn, Spencer L.; Oldinski, Rachael A.

2015-01-01

Tissue engineering hydrogels are primarily cured in situ using ultraviolet (UV) radiation which limits the use of hydrogels as drug or cell carriers. Visible green light activated crosslinking systems are presented as a safe alternative to UV photocrosslinked hydrogels, without compromising material properties such as viscosity and stiffness. The objective of this study was to fabricate and characterize photocrosslinked hydrogels with well-regulated gelation kinetics and mechanical properties for the repair or replacement of soft tissue. An anhydrous methacrylation of hyaluronan (HA) was performed to control the degree of modification (DOM) of HA, verified by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. UV activated crosslinking was compared to visible green light activated crosslinking. While the different photocrosslinking techniques resulted in varied crosslinking times, comparable mechanical properties of UV and green light activated crosslinked hydrogels were achieved using each photocrosslinking method by adjusting time of light exposure. Methacrylated HA (HA-MA) hydrogels of varying molecular weight, DOM and concentration exhibited compressive moduli ranging from 1 kPa to 116 kPa, for UV crosslinking, and 3 kPa to 146 kPa, for green light crosslinking. HA-MA molecular weight and concentration were found to significantly influence moduli values. HA-MA hydrogels did not exhibit any significant cytotoxic affects towards human mesenchymal stem cells. Green light activated crosslinking systems are presented as a viable method to form natural-based hydrogels in situ. PMID:26097172

Comparative studies on the lethal, mutagenic, and recombinogenic effects of ultraviolet -A, -B, -C, and visible light with and without 8-methoxypsoralen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Mondon, P; Shahin, M M

1992-05-01

Genetic effects of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and the combination of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) with UV-A or visible light were studied in the haploid strain XV185-14C and diploid strain D5 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The induction of his+, lys+, and hom+ reverse mutations was measured in strain XV185-14C. In strain D5 we measured the induction of genetically altered colonies, particularly twin spot colonies arising from a mitotic crossing-over. UV-C and UV-B induced point mutations at the three loci in the haploid strain and mitotic crossing-over and other genetic alterations in the diploid strain. UV-C was more mutagenic and recombinogenic than UV-B. UV-A or visible light alone did not induce genotoxic effects at the doses tested. However, UV-A plus 8-MOP produced lethal and mutagenic effects in the haploid strain XV185-14C, although mutagenic activity was less than that of UV-B. Visible light plus 8-MOP also induced genotoxic effects in strain XV185-14C. In the diploid strain D5, UV-A plus 8-MOP induced a higher frequency of genetic alterations than UV-B at comparative doses. Visible light plus 8-MOP was also genetically active in strain D5. The haploid strain was more sensitive to the lethal effects of UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, and impure visible light plus 8-MOP than the diploid strain.

Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus have Evolved Different Adaptive Mechanisms to Cope with Light and UV Stress

PubMed Central

Mella-Flores, Daniella; Six, Christophe; Ratin, Morgane; Partensky, Frédéric; Boutte, Christophe; Le Corguillé, Gildas; Marie, Dominique; Blot, Nicolas; Gourvil, Priscillia; Kolowrat, Christian; Garczarek, Laurence

2012-01-01

Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which numerically dominate vast oceanic areas, are the two most abundant oxygenic phototrophs on Earth. Although they require solar energy for photosynthesis, excess light and associated high UV radiations can induce high levels of oxidative stress that may have deleterious effects on their growth and productivity. Here, we compared the photophysiologies of the model strains Prochlorococcus marinus PCC 9511 and Synechococcus sp. WH7803 grown under a bell-shaped light/dark cycle of high visible light supplemented or not with UV. Prochlorococcus exhibited a higher sensitivity to photoinactivation than Synechococcus under both conditions, as shown by a larger drop of photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield at noon and different diel patterns of the D1 protein pool. In the presence of UV, the PSII repair rate was significantly depressed at noon in Prochlorococcus compared to Synechococcus. Additionally, Prochlorococcus was more sensitive than Synechococcus to oxidative stress, as shown by the different degrees of PSII photoinactivation after addition of hydrogen peroxide. A transcriptional analysis also revealed dramatic discrepancies between the two organisms in the diel expression patterns of several genes involved notably in the biosynthesis and/or repair of photosystems, light-harvesting complexes, CO2 fixation as well as protection mechanisms against light, UV, and oxidative stress, which likely translate profound differences in their light-controlled regulation. Altogether our results suggest that while Synechococcus has developed efficient ways to cope with light and UV stress, Prochlorococcus cells seemingly survive stressful hours of the day by launching a minimal set of protection mechanisms and by temporarily bringing down several key metabolic processes. This study provides unprecedented insights into understanding the distinct depth distributions and dynamics of these two picocyanobacteria in the field. PMID:23024637

Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus have Evolved Different Adaptive Mechanisms to Cope with Light and UV Stress.

PubMed

Mella-Flores, Daniella; Six, Christophe; Ratin, Morgane; Partensky, Frédéric; Boutte, Christophe; Le Corguillé, Gildas; Marie, Dominique; Blot, Nicolas; Gourvil, Priscillia; Kolowrat, Christian; Garczarek, Laurence

2012-01-01

Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which numerically dominate vast oceanic areas, are the two most abundant oxygenic phototrophs on Earth. Although they require solar energy for photosynthesis, excess light and associated high UV radiations can induce high levels of oxidative stress that may have deleterious effects on their growth and productivity. Here, we compared the photophysiologies of the model strains Prochlorococcus marinus PCC 9511 and Synechococcus sp. WH7803 grown under a bell-shaped light/dark cycle of high visible light supplemented or not with UV. Prochlorococcus exhibited a higher sensitivity to photoinactivation than Synechococcus under both conditions, as shown by a larger drop of photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield at noon and different diel patterns of the D1 protein pool. In the presence of UV, the PSII repair rate was significantly depressed at noon in Prochlorococcus compared to Synechococcus. Additionally, Prochlorococcus was more sensitive than Synechococcus to oxidative stress, as shown by the different degrees of PSII photoinactivation after addition of hydrogen peroxide. A transcriptional analysis also revealed dramatic discrepancies between the two organisms in the diel expression patterns of several genes involved notably in the biosynthesis and/or repair of photosystems, light-harvesting complexes, CO(2) fixation as well as protection mechanisms against light, UV, and oxidative stress, which likely translate profound differences in their light-controlled regulation. Altogether our results suggest that while Synechococcus has developed efficient ways to cope with light and UV stress, Prochlorococcus cells seemingly survive stressful hours of the day by launching a minimal set of protection mechanisms and by temporarily bringing down several key metabolic processes. This study provides unprecedented insights into understanding the distinct depth distributions and dynamics of these two picocyanobacteria in the field.

Demonstration of UV LED versatility when paired with molded UV transmitting glass optics to produce unique irradiance patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasenak, Brian

2017-02-01

Ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) adoption is accelerating; they are being used in new applications such as UV curing, germicidal irradiation, nondestructive testing, and forensic analysis. In many of these applications, it is critically important to produce a uniform light distribution and consistent surface irradiance. Flat panes of fused quartz, silica, or glass are commonly used to cover and protect UV LED arrays. However, they don't offer the advantages of an optical lens design. An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of a secondary glass optic on the uniformity of the light distribution and irradiance. Glass optics capable of transmitting UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C wavelengths can improve light distribution, uniformity, and intensity. In this work, two simulation studies were created to illustrate distinct irradiance patterns desirable for potential real world applications. The first study investigates the use of a multi-UV LED array and optic to create a uniform irradiance pattern on the flat two dimensional (2D) target surface. The uniformity was improved by designing both the LED array and molded optic to produce a homogenous pattern. The second study investigated the use of an LED light source and molded optic to improve the light uniformity on the inside of a canister. The case study illustrates the requirements for careful selection of LED based on light distribution and subsequent design of optics. The optic utilizes total internal reflection to create optimized light distribution. The combination of the LED and molded optic showed significant improvement in uniformity on the inner surface of the canister. The simulations illustrate how the application of optics can significantly improve UV light distribution which can be critical in applications such as UV curing and sterilization.

Induction of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of UV-Activated EGFR by the Beta-Human Papillomavirus Type 8 E6 Leads to Papillomatosis.

PubMed

Taute, Stefanie; Pfister, Herbert J; Steger, Gertrud

2017-01-01

Epidemiological evidence is accumulating that beta-human papillomaviruses (HPV) synergize with UV-light in the development of precancerous actinic keratosis, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC), one of the most common cancers in the Caucasian population. We previously demonstrated the tumorigenic activity of beta-HPV type 8 (HPV8) in the skin of transgenic mice and its cooperation with UV-light. Analysis of underlying mechanisms now showed that in keratinocytes expressing the HPV8E6 protein a transient increase of tyrosine phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in response to UV-irradiation occurred, while EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, i.e., receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-activity was hardly affected in empty vector control cells. FACS and immunofluorescences revealed that the EGFR was internalized into early endosomes in response to UV-exposure in both, HPV8E6 positive and in control cells, yet with a higher rate in the presence of HPV8E6. Moreover, only in HPV8E6 expressing keratinocytes the EGFR was further sorted into CD63+ intraluminal vesicles, indicative for trafficking to late endosomes. The latter requires the ubiquitination of the EGFR, and in correlation, we could show that only in HPV8E6 positive keratinocytes the EGFR was ubiquitinated upon UV-exposure. HPV8E6 and tyrosine phosphorylated EGFR directly interacted which was enhanced by UV-irradiation. The treatment of K14-HPV8E6 transgenic mice with Canertinib, an inhibitor of the RTK-activity of the EGFR, suppressed skin papilloma growth in response to UV-irradiation. This confirms the crucial role of the RTK-activity of the EGFR in HPV8E6 and UV-mediated papillomatosis in transgenic mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HPV8E6 alters the signaling of the UV-activated EGFR and this is a critical step in papilloma formation in response to UV-light in transgenic mice. Our results provide a molecular basis how a beta-HPV type may support early steps of skin tumor formation in cooperation with UV-light.

Induction of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of UV-Activated EGFR by the Beta-Human Papillomavirus Type 8 E6 Leads to Papillomatosis

PubMed Central

Taute, Stefanie; Pfister, Herbert J.; Steger, Gertrud

2017-01-01

Epidemiological evidence is accumulating that beta-human papillomaviruses (HPV) synergize with UV-light in the development of precancerous actinic keratosis, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC), one of the most common cancers in the Caucasian population. We previously demonstrated the tumorigenic activity of beta-HPV type 8 (HPV8) in the skin of transgenic mice and its cooperation with UV-light. Analysis of underlying mechanisms now showed that in keratinocytes expressing the HPV8E6 protein a transient increase of tyrosine phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in response to UV-irradiation occurred, while EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, i.e., receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-activity was hardly affected in empty vector control cells. FACS and immunofluorescences revealed that the EGFR was internalized into early endosomes in response to UV-exposure in both, HPV8E6 positive and in control cells, yet with a higher rate in the presence of HPV8E6. Moreover, only in HPV8E6 expressing keratinocytes the EGFR was further sorted into CD63+ intraluminal vesicles, indicative for trafficking to late endosomes. The latter requires the ubiquitination of the EGFR, and in correlation, we could show that only in HPV8E6 positive keratinocytes the EGFR was ubiquitinated upon UV-exposure. HPV8E6 and tyrosine phosphorylated EGFR directly interacted which was enhanced by UV-irradiation. The treatment of K14-HPV8E6 transgenic mice with Canertinib, an inhibitor of the RTK-activity of the EGFR, suppressed skin papilloma growth in response to UV-irradiation. This confirms the crucial role of the RTK-activity of the EGFR in HPV8E6 and UV-mediated papillomatosis in transgenic mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HPV8E6 alters the signaling of the UV-activated EGFR and this is a critical step in papilloma formation in response to UV-light in transgenic mice. Our results provide a molecular basis how a beta-HPV type may support early steps of skin tumor formation in cooperation with UV-light. PMID:29176966

High performance UV and thermal cure hybrid epoxy adhesive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, C. F.; Iwasaki, S.; Kanari, M.; Li, B.; Wang, C.; Lu, D. Q.

2017-06-01

New type one component UV and thermal curable hybrid epoxy adhesive was successfully developed. The hybrid epoxy adhesive is complete initiator free composition. Neither photo-initiator nor thermal initiator is contained. The hybrid adhesive is mainly composed of special designed liquid bismaleimide, partially acrylated epoxy resin, acrylic monomer, epoxy resin and latent curing agent. Its UV light and thermal cure behavior was studied by FT-IR spectroscopy and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Adhesive samples cured at UV only, thermal only and UV + thermal cure conditions were investigated. By calculated conversion rate of double bond in both acrylic component and maleimide compound, satisfactory light curability of the hybrid epoxy adhesive was confirmed quantitatively. The investigation results also showed that its UV cure components, acrylic and bismalimide, possess good thermal curability too. The initiator free hybrid epoxy adhesive showed satisfactory UV curability, good thermal curability and high adhesion performance.

Development and Progress in Enabling the Photocatalyst Ti02 Visible-Light-Active

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Lanfang H.; Coutts, Janelle L.; Clausen, Christian A.

2011-01-01

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of organic contaminants is a promising air and water quality management approach which offers energy and cost savings compared to thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO). The most widely used photocatalyst, anatase TiO2, has a wide band gap (3.2 eV) and is activated by UV photons. Since solar radiation consists of less than 4% UV, but contains 45% visible light, catalysts capable of utilizing these visible photons need to be developed to make peo approaches more efficient, economical, and safe. Researchers have attempted various approaches to enable TiO2 to be visible-light-active with varied degrees of success'. Strategies attempted thus far fall into three categories based on their electrochemical' mechanisms: 1) narrowing the band gap of TiO2 by implantation of transition metal elements or nonmetal elements such as N, S, and C, 2) modifying electron-transfer processes during PCO by adsorbing sensitizing dyes, and 3) employing light-induced interfacial electron transfer in the heteronanojunction systems consisting of narrow band gap semiconductors represented by metal sulfides and TiO2. There are diverse technical approaches to implement each of these strategies. This paper presents a review of these approaches and results of the photocatalytic activity and photonic efficiency of the end .products under visible light. Although resulting visible-light-active (VLA) photocatalysts show promise, there is often no comparison with unmodified TiO2 under UV. In a limited number of studies where such comparison was provided, the UV-induced catalytic activity of bare TiO2 is much greater than the visible-light-induced catalytic activity of the VLA catalyst. Furthermore, VLA-catalysts have much lower quantum efficiency compared to the approx.50% quantum efficiency of UV-catalysts. This stresses the need for continuing research in this area.

UV Resonant Raman Spectrometer with Multi-Line Laser Excitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lambert, James L.; Kohel, James M.; Kirby, James P.; Morookian, John Michael; Pelletier, Michael J.

2013-01-01

A Raman spectrometer employs two or more UV (ultraviolet) laser wavel engths to generate UV resonant Raman (UVRR) spectra in organic sampl es. Resonant Raman scattering results when the laser excitation is n ear an electronic transition of a molecule, and the enhancement of R aman signals can be several orders of magnitude. In addition, the Ra man cross-section is inversely proportional to the fourth power of t he wavelength, so the UV Raman emission is increased by another fact or of 16, or greater, over visible Raman emissions. The Raman-scatter ed light is collected using a high-resolution broadband spectrograph . Further suppression of the Rayleigh-scattered laser light is provi ded by custom UV notch filters.

Intimate Coupling of Photocatalysis and Biodegradation for Degrading Phenol Using Different Light Types: Visible Light vs UV Light.

PubMed

Zhou, Dandan; Xu, Zhengxue; Dong, Shanshan; Huo, Mingxin; Dong, Shuangshi; Tian, Xiadi; Cui, Bin; Xiong, Houfeng; Li, Tingting; Ma, Dongmei

2015-07-07

Intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) technology is attractive for phenolic wastewater treatment, but has only been investigated using UV light (called UPCB). We examined the intimate coupling of visible-light-induced photocatalysis and biodegradation (VPCB) for the first time. Our catalyst was prepared doping both of Er(3+) and YAlO3 into TiO2 which were supported on macroporous carriers. The macroporous carriers was used to support for the biofilms as well. 99.8% removal efficiency of phenol was achieved in the VPCB, and this was 32.6% higher than that in the UPCB. Mineralization capability of UPCB was even worse, due to less adsorbable intermediates and cell lysis induced soluble microbial products release. The lower phenol degradation in the UPCB was due to the serious detachment of the biofilms, and then the microbes responsible for phenol degradation were insufficient due to disinfection by UV irradiation. In contrast, microbial communities in the carriers were well protected under visible light irradiation and extracellular polymeric substances secretion was enhanced. Thus, we found that the photocatalytic reaction and biodegradation were intimately coupled in the VPCB, resulting in 64.0% removal of dissolved organic carbon. Therefore, we found visible light has some advantages over UV light in the ICPB technology.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Soybean in Response to High-Intensity UV-B Irradiation Reveals Stress Defense Signaling

PubMed Central

Yoon, Min Young; Kim, Moon Young; Shim, Sangrae; Kim, Kyung Do; Ha, Jungmin; Shin, Jin Hee; Kang, Sungtaeg; Lee, Suk-Ha

2016-01-01

The depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere has led to a dramatic spike in ultraviolet B (UV-B) intensity and increased UV-B light levels. The direct absorption of high-intensity UV-B induces complex abiotic stresses in plants, including excessive light exposure, heat, and dehydration. However, UV-B stress signaling mechanisms in plants including soybean (Glycine max [L.]) remain poorly understood. Here, we surveyed the overall transcriptional responses of two soybean genotypes, UV-B-sensitive Cheongja 3 and UV-B-resistant Buseok, to continuous UV-B irradiation for 0 (control), 0.5, and 6 h using RNA-seq analysis. Homology analysis using UV-B-related genes from Arabidopsis thaliana revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) likely involved in UV-B stress responses. Functional classification of the DEGs showed that the categories of immune response, stress defense signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism were over-represented. UV-B-resistant Buseok utilized phosphatidic acid-dependent signaling pathways (based on subsequent reactions of phospholipase C and diacylglycerol kinase) rather than phospholipase D in response to UV-B exposure at high fluence rates, and genes involved in its downstream pathways, such as ABA signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, and ROS overproduction, were upregulated in this genotype. In addition, the DEGs for TIR-NBS-LRR and heat shock proteins are positively activated. These results suggest that defense mechanisms against UV-B stress at high fluence rates are separate from the photomorphogenic responses utilized by plants to adapt to low-level UV light. Our study provides valuable information for deep understanding of UV-B stress defense mechanisms and for the development of resistant soybean genotypes that survive under high-intensity UV-B stress. PMID:28066473

Influence of the dark/light rhythm on the effects of UV radiation in the eyestalk of the crab Neohelice granulata.

PubMed

Vargas, Marcelo Alves; Geish, Marcio Alberto; Maciel, Fabio Everton; Cruz, Bruno Pinto; Filgueira, Daza de Moraes Vaz Batista; Ferreira, Gabrielle de Jesus; Nery, Luiz Eduardo Maia; Allodi, Silvana

2010-04-01

Crustaceans are interesting models to study the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and many species may be used as biomarkers for aquatic contamination of UV radiation reaching the surface of the Earth. Here, we investigated cell damage in the visual system of crabs Neohelice granulata that were acclimated to either 12L:12D, constant light, or constant dark, and were exposed to UVA or UVB at 12:00h (noon). The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), lipid peroxidation (LPO) damage, catalase activity, and pigment dispersion in the eye were evaluated. No significant differences from the three groups of controls (animals acclimated to 12L:12D, or in constant light, or not exposed to UV radiation) were observed in animals acclimated to 12L:12D, however, crabs acclimated to constant light and exposed to UV radiation for 30min showed a significant increase in ROS concentration, catalase activity, and LPO damage, but a decrease in ACAP compared with the controls. Crabs acclimated to constant darkness and exposed to UV for 30min showed a significantly increased ROS concentration and LPO damage, but the ACAP and catalase activity did not differ from the controls (animals kept in the dark while the experimental group was being exposed to UV radiation). Pigment dispersion in the pigment cells of eyes of animals acclimated to constant light was also observed. The results indicate that UVA and UVB alter specific oxidative parameters; however, the cell damage is more evident in animals deviated from the normal dark/light rhythm.

Effect of UV-A radiation as an environmental stress on the development, longevity, and reproduction of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

PubMed

Ali, Arif; Rashid, Muhammad Adnan; Huang, Qiu Ying; Lei, Chao-Liang

2016-09-01

The ultraviolet light (UV-A) range of 320-400 nm is widely used as light trap for insect pests. Present investigation was aimed to determine the effect of UV light-A radiation on development, adult longevity, reproduction, and development of F1 generation of Mythimna separata. Our results revealed that the mortality of the second instar larvae was higher than the third and fourth instar larvae after UV-A radiation. As the time of UV-A irradiation for pupae prolonged, the rate of adult emergence reduced. Along with the extension of radiation time decreased the longevity of adult females and males. However, the radiation exposure of 1 and 4 h/day increased fecundity of female adults, and a significant difference was observed in a 1 h/day group. The oviposition rates of female adults in all the treatments were significantly higher than the control. In addition, UV-A radiation treatments resulted in declined cumulative survival of F1 immature stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae). After exposure time of 4 and 7 h/day, the developmental periods of F1 larvae increased significantly, but no significant effects on F1 pupal period were recorded.

Disinfection of Spacecraft Potable Water Systems by Photocatalytic Oxidation Using UV-A Light Emitting Diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birmele, Michele N.; O'Neal, Jeremy A.; Roberts, Michael S.

2011-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV) light has long been used in terrestrial water treatment systems for photodisinfection and the removal of organic compounds by several processes including photoadsorption, photolysis, and photocatalytic oxidation/reduction. Despite its effectiveness for water treatment, UV has not been explored for spacecraft applications because of concerns about the safety and reliability of mercury-containing UV lamps. However, recent advances in ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) have enabled the utilization of nanomaterials that possess the appropriate optical properties for the manufacture of LEDs capable of producing monochromatic light at germicidal wavelengths. This report describes the testing of a commercial-off-the-shelf, high power Nichia UV-A LED (250mW A365nnJ for the excitation of titanium dioxide as a point-of-use (POD) disinfection device in a potable water system. The combination of an immobilized, high surface area photocatalyst with a UV-A LED is promising for potable water system disinfection since toxic chemicals and resupply requirements are reduced. No additional consumables like chemical biocides, absorption columns, or filters are required to disinfect and/or remove potentially toxic disinfectants from the potable water prior to use. Experiments were conducted in a static test stand consisting of a polypropylene microtiter plate containing 3mm glass balls coated with titanium dioxide. Wells filled with water were exposed to ultraviolet light from an actively-cooled UV-A LED positioned above each well and inoculated with six individual challenge microorganisms recovered from the International Space Station (ISS): Burkholderia cepacia, Cupriavidus metallidurans, Methylobacterium fujisawaense, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Wautersia basilensis. Exposure to the Nichia UV-A LED with photocatalytic oxidation resulted in a complete (>7-log) reduction of each challenge bacteria population in <180 minutes of contact time. With continued advances in the design and manufacture of UV-A LEDs and semi-conducting photocatalysts, LED activated photochemical process technology promises to extend its application to spacecraft environmental systems.

Long-term lithium-ion battery performance improvement via ultraviolet light treatment of the graphite anode

DOE PAGES

An, Seong Jin; Li, Jianlin; Sheng, Yangping; ...

2016-01-01

Effects of ultraviolet (UV) light on dried graphite anodes were investigated in terms of the cycle life of lithium ion batteries. The time variations for the UV treatment were 0 (no treatment), 20, 40, and 60 minutes. UV-light-treated graphite anodes were assembled for cycle life tests in pouch cells with pristine Li 1.02Ni 0.50Mn 0.29Co 0.19O 2 (NMC 532) cathodes. UV treatment for 40 minutes resulted in the highest capacity retention and the lowest resistance after the cycle life testing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements on the graphite anodes showed changes in surface chemistry and wetting aftermore » the UV treatment. XPS also showed increases in solvent products and decreases in salt products on the SEI surface when UV-treated anodes were used. In conclusion, the thickness of the surface films and their compositions on the anodes and cathodes were also estimated using survey scans and snapshots from XPS depth profiles.« less

Modulation of voltage-gated conductances of retinal horizontal cells by UV-excited TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Meshik, Xenia; Choi, Min; Baker, Adam; Malchow, R Paul; Covnot, Leigha; Doan, Samuel; Mukherjee, Souvik; Farid, Sidra; Dutta, Mitra; Stroscio, Michael A

2017-04-01

This study examines the ability of optically-excited titanium dioxide nanoparticles to influence voltage-gated ion channels in retinal horizontal cells. Voltage clamp recordings were obtained in the presence and absence of TiO 2 and ultraviolet laser excitation. Significant current changes were observed in response to UV light, particularly in the -40 mV to +40 mV region where voltage-gated Na + and K + channels have the highest conductance. Cells in proximity to UV-excited TiO 2 exhibited a left-shift in the current-voltage relation of around 10 mV in the activation of Na + currents. These trends were not observed in control experiments where cells were excited with UV light without being exposed to TiO 2 . Electrostatic force microscopy confirmed that electric fields can be induced in TiO 2 with UV light. Simulations using the Hodgkin-Huxley model yielded results which agreed with the experimental data and showed the I-V characteristics of individual ion channels in the presence of UV-excited TiO 2 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution under irradiation of UV-vis light by Au-modified nitrogen-doped TiO2.

PubMed

Zhao, Weirong; Ai, Zhuyu; Dai, Jiusong; Zhang, Meng

2014-01-01

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution is a potential way to solve many energy and environmental issues. Developing visible-light-active photocatalysts to efficiently utilize sunlight and finding proper ways to improve photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution have always been hot topics for research. This study attempts to expand the use of sunlight and to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by N doping and Au loading. Au/N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized and successfully used for photocatalytic water splitting for H2 evolution under irradiation of UV and UV-vis light, respectively. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and photoelectrochemical characterizations. DRS displayed an extension of light absorption into the visible region by doping of N and depositing with Au, respectively. PL analysis indicated electron-hole recombination due to N doping and an efficient inhibition of electron-hole recombination due to the loaded Au particles. Under the irradiation of UV light, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the as-synthesized samples followed the order Au/TiO2 > Au/N-doped TiO2 > TiO2 > N-doped TiO2. While under irradiation of UV-vis light, the N-TiO2 and Au/N-TiO2 samples show higher H2 evolution than their corresponding nitrogen-free samples (TiO2 and Au/TiO2). This inconsistent result could be attributed to the doping of N and the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) effect of Au particles extending the visible light absorption. The photoelectrochemical characterizations further indicated the enhancement of the visible light response of Au/N-doped TiO2. Comparative studies have shown that a combination of nitrogen doping and Au loading enhanced the visible light response of TiO2 and increased the utilization of solar energy, greatly boosting the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under UV-vis light.

The effects of gamma radiation, UV and visible light on ATP levels in yeast cells depend on cellular melanization.

PubMed

Bryan, Ruth; Jiang, Zewei; Friedman, Matthew; Dadachova, Ekaterina

2011-10-01

Previously we have shown that growth of melanized fungi is stimulated by low levels of gamma radiation. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of visible light, UV light, and gamma radiation on the energy level (ATP concentration) in melanized Cryptococcus neoformans cells. Melanized C. neoformans cells as well as non-melanized controls were subjected to visible, UV or gamma radiation, and ATP was quantified by measuring the amount of light emitted by the ATP-dependent reaction of luciferase with luciferin. We found that all three forms of radiation led to a reduction in the ATP levels in melanized C. neoformans cells. This points to a universal melanin-related mechanism underlying observation of ATP decrease in irradiated melanized cells. In contrast, in non-melanized cells visible light led to increase in ATP levels; gamma radiation did not cause any changes while UV exposure resulted in some ATP decrease, however, much less pronounced than in melanized cells. Copyright © 2011 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Large enhancement of light extraction efficiency in AlGaN-based nanorod ultraviolet light-emitting diode structures.

PubMed

Ryu, Han-Youl

2014-02-04

Light extraction efficiency (LEE) of AlGaN-based nanorod deep ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is numerically investigated using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations. LEE of deep UV LEDs is limited by strong light absorption in the p-GaN contact layer and total internal reflection. The nanorod structure is found to be quite effective in increasing LEE of deep UV LEDs especially for the transverse magnetic (TM) mode. In the nanorod LED, strong dependence of LEE on structural parameters such as the diameter of a nanorod and the p-GaN thickness is observed, which can be attributed to the formation of resonant modes inside the nanorod structure. Simulation results show that, when the structural parameters of the nanorod LED are optimized, LEE can be higher than 50% and 60% for the transverse electric (TE) and TM modes, respectively. The nanorod structure is expected to be a good candidate for the application to future high-efficiency deep UV LEDs. PACS: 41.20.Jb; 42.72.Bj; 85.60.Jb.

Large enhancement of light extraction efficiency in AlGaN-based nanorod ultraviolet light-emitting diode structures

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Light extraction efficiency (LEE) of AlGaN-based nanorod deep ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is numerically investigated using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations. LEE of deep UV LEDs is limited by strong light absorption in the p-GaN contact layer and total internal reflection. The nanorod structure is found to be quite effective in increasing LEE of deep UV LEDs especially for the transverse magnetic (TM) mode. In the nanorod LED, strong dependence of LEE on structural parameters such as the diameter of a nanorod and the p-GaN thickness is observed, which can be attributed to the formation of resonant modes inside the nanorod structure. Simulation results show that, when the structural parameters of the nanorod LED are optimized, LEE can be higher than 50% and 60% for the transverse electric (TE) and TM modes, respectively. The nanorod structure is expected to be a good candidate for the application to future high-efficiency deep UV LEDs. PACS 41.20.Jb; 42.72.Bj; 85.60.Jb PMID:24495598

Comparative experimental and simulation studies of high-power AlGaN-based 353 nm ultraviolet flip-chip and top-emitting LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mengling; Zhou, Shengjun; Liu, Xingtong; Gao, Yilin; Ding, Xinghuo

2018-03-01

Experimental and simulation studies of high-power AlGaN-based 353 nm ultraviolet (UV) flip-chip (FC) and top-emitting (TE) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are performed here. To improve the optical and electrical properties of ultraviolet LEDs, we fabricate high-power FC-UV LEDs with Ta2O5/SiO2 distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) and a strip-shaped SiO2 current blocking layer (CBL). The reflectance of fourteen pairs of Ta2O5/SiO2 DBRs is 96.4% at 353 nm. The strip-shaped SiO2 CBL underneath the strip-shaped p-electrode can prevent the current concentrating in regions immediately adjacent to the p-electrode where the overlying opaque p-electrode metal layer absorbs the emitted UV light. Moreover, two-level metallization electrodes are used to improve current spreading. Our numerical results show that FC-UV LED has a more favorable current spreading uniformity than TE-UV LED. The light output power of 353 nm FC-UV LED was 23.22 mW at 350 mA, which is 24.7% higher than that of TE-UV LED.

Characterizing mid-ultraviolet to optical light curves of nearby type IIn supernovae

DOE PAGES

de la Rosa, Janie; Roming, Pete; Pritchard, Tyler; ...

2016-03-21

Here, we present early mid-ultraviolet and optical observations of Type IIn supernovae (SNe IIn) observed from 2007 to 2013. Our results focus on the properties of UV light curves: peak absolute magnitudes, temporal decay, and color evolution. During early times, this sample demonstrates that UV light decays faster than optical, and each event transitions from a predominantly UV-bright phase to an optically bright phase. In order to understand early UV behavior, we generate and analyze the sample's blackbody luminosity, temperature, and radius as the SN ejecta expand and cool. Since most of our observations were detected post maximum luminosity, wemore » introduce a method for estimating the date of peak magnitude. When our observations are compared based on filter, we find that even though these SNe IIn vary in peak magnitudes, there are similarities in UV decay rates. We use a simple semi-analytical SN model in order to understand the effects of the explosion environment on our UV observations. Understanding the UV characteristics of nearby SNe IIn during an early phase can provide valuable information about the environment surrounding these explosions, leading us to evaluating the diversity of observational properties in this subclass.« less

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.

Evaporation of Particle-Stabilized Emulsion Sunscreen Films.

PubMed

Binks, Bernard P; Fletcher, Paul D I; Johnson, Andrew J; Marinopoulos, Ioannis; Crowther, Jonathan M; Thompson, Michael A

2016-08-24

We recently showed (Binks et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2016, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b02696) how evaporation of sunscreen films consisting of solutions of molecular UV filters leads to loss of UV light absorption and derived sun protection factor (SPF). In the present work, we investigate evaporation-induced effects for sunscreen films consisting of particle-stabilized emulsions containing a dissolved UV filter. The emulsions contained either droplets of propylene glycol (PG) in squalane (SQ), droplets of SQ in PG or droplets of decane in PG. In these different emulsion types, the SQ is involatile and shows no evaporation, the PG is volatile and evaporates relatively slowly, whereas the decane is relatively very volatile and evaporates quickly. We have measured the film mass and area, optical micrographs of the film structure, and the UV absorbance spectra during evaporation. For emulsion films containing the involatile SQ, evaporation of the PG causes collapse of the emulsion structure with some loss of specular UV absorbance due to light scattering. However, for these emulsions with droplets much larger than the wavelength of light, the light is scattered only at small forward angles so does not contribute to the diffuse absorbance and the film SPF. The UV filter remains soluble throughout the evaporation and thus the UV absorption by the filter and the SPF remain approximately constant. Both PG-in-SQ and SQ-in-PG films behave similarly and do not show area shrinkage by dewetting. In contrast, the decane-in-PG film shows rapid evaporative loss of the decane, followed by slower loss of the PG resulting in precipitation of the UV filter and film area shrinkage by dewetting which cause the UV absorbance and derived SPF to decrease. Measured UV spectra during evaporation are in reasonable agreement with spectra calculated using models discussed here.

Photodynamic therapy improves the ultraviolet-irradiated hairless mice skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jorge, Ana Elisa S.; Hamblin, Michael R.; Parizotto, Nivaldo A.; Kurachi, Cristina; Bagnato, Vanderlei S.

2014-03-01

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunlight causes premature skin aging. In light of this fact, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging modality for treating cancer and other skin conditions, however its response on photoaged skin has not been fully illustrated by means of histopathology. For this reason, the aim of this study was analyze whether PDT can play a role on a mouse model of photoaging. Hence, SKH-1 hairless mice were randomly allocated in two groups, UV and UV/PDT. The mice were daily exposed to an UV light source (280-400 nm: peak at 350 nm) for 8 weeks followed by a single PDT session using 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) topically. After the proper photosensitizer accumulation within the tissue, a non-coherent red (635 nm) light was performed and, after 14 days, skin samples were excised and processed for light microscopy, and their sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's Trichrome. As a result, we observed a substantial epidermal thickening and an improvement in dermal collagen density by deposition of new collagen fibers on UV/PDT group. These findings strongly indicate epidermal and dermal restoration, and consequently skin restoration. In conclusion, this study provides suitable evidences that PDT improves the UV-irradiated hairless mice skin, supporting this technique as an efficient treatment for photoaged skin.

Theoretical Clues to the Ultraviolet Diversity of Type Ia Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Peter J.; Baron, E.; Milne, Peter; Roming, Peter W. A.; Wang, Lifan

2015-08-01

The effect of metallicity on the observed light of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) could lead to systematic errors as the absolute magnitudes of local and distant SNe Ia are compared to measure luminosity distances and determine cosmological parameters. The UV light may be especially sensitive to metallicity, though different modeling methods disagree as to the magnitude, wavelength dependence, and even the sign of the effect. The outer density structure, 56Ni, and to a lesser degree asphericity, also impact the UV. We compute synthetic photometry of various metallicity-dependent models and compare to UV/optical photometry from the Swift Ultra-Violet/Optical Telescope. We find that the scatter in the mid-UV to near-UV colors is larger than predicted by changes in metallicity alone and is not consistent with reddening. We demonstrate that a recently employed method to determine relative abundances using UV spectra can be done using UVOT photometry, but we warn that accurate results require an accurate model of the cause of the variations. The abundance of UV photometry now available should provide constraints on models that typically rely on UV spectroscopy for constraining metallicity, density, and other parameters. Nevertheless, UV spectroscopy for a variety of supernova explosions is still needed to guide the creation of accurate models. A better understanding of the influences affecting the UV is important for using SNe Ia as cosmological probes, as the UV light may test whether SNe Ia are significantly affected by evolutionary effects.

Quality assessment of solar UV irradiance measured with array spectroradiometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egli, Luca; Gröbner, Julian; Hülsen, Gregor; Bachmann, Luciano; Blumthaler, Mario; Dubard, Jimmy; Khazova, Marina; Kift, Richard; Hoogendijk, Kees; Serrano, Antonio; Smedley, Andrew; Vilaplana, José-Manuel

2016-04-01

The reliable quantification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the earth's surface requires accurate measurements of spectral global solar UV irradiance in order to determine the UV exposure to human skin and to understand long-term trends in this parameter. Array spectroradiometers (ASRMs) are small, light, robust and cost-effective instruments, and are increasingly used for spectral irradiance measurements. Within the European EMRP ENV03 project "Solar UV", new devices, guidelines and characterization methods have been developed to improve solar UV measurements with ASRMs, and support to the end user community has been provided. In order to assess the quality of 14 end user ASRMs, a solar UV intercomparison was held on the measurement platform of the World Radiation Center (PMOD/WRC) in Davos, Switzerland, from 10 to 17 July 2014. The results of the blind intercomparison revealed that ASRMs, currently used for solar UV measurements, show a large variation in the quality of their solar UV measurements. Most of the instruments overestimate the erythema-weighted UV index - in particular at large solar zenith angles - due to stray light contribution in the UV-B range. The spectral analysis of global solar UV irradiance further supported the finding that the uncertainties in the UV-B range are very large due to stray light contribution in this wavelength range. In summary, the UV index may be detected by some commercially available ASRMs within 5 % compared to the world reference spectroradiometer, if well characterized and calibrated, but only for a limited range of solar zenith angles. Generally, the tested instruments are not yet suitable for solar UV measurements for the entire range between 290 and 400 nm under all atmospheric conditions.

Quality assessment of solar UV irradiance measured with array spectroradiometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egli, L.; Gröbner, J.; Hülsen, G.; Bachmann, L.; Blumthaler, M.; Dubard, J.; Khazova, M.; Kift, R.; Hoogendijk, K.; Serrano, A.; Smedley, A. R. D.; Vilaplana, J.-M.

2015-12-01

The reliable quantification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the Earth's surface requires accurate measurements of spectral global solar UV irradiance in order to determine the UV exposure to human skin and to understand long-term trends in this parameter. Array spectroradiometers are small, light, robust and cost effective instruments and are increasingly used for spectral irradiance measurements. Within the European EMRP-ENV03 project "Solar UV", new devices, guidelines, and characterization methods have been developed to improve solar UV measurements with array spectroradiometers and support to the end-user community has been provided. In order to assess the quality of 14 end-user array spectroradiometers, a solar UV intercomparison was held on the measurement platform of the World Radiation Center (PMOD/WRC) in Davos, Switzerland, from 10 to 17 July 2014. The results of the intercomparison revealed that array spectroradiometers, currently used for solar UV measurements, show a large variation in the quality of their solar UV measurements. Most of the instruments overestimate the erythema weighted UV index - in particular at low solar zenith angles - due to stray light contribution in the UV-B range. The spectral analysis of global solar UV irradiance further supported the finding that the uncertainties in the UV-B range are very large due to stray light contribution in this wavelength range. In summary, the UV index may be detected by some commercially available array spectroradiometer within 5 % compared to the world reference spectroradiometer, if well characterized and calibrated, but only for a limited range or solar zenith angle. Generally, the tested instruments are not yet suitable for solar UV measurements for the entire range between 290 to 400 nm under all atmospheric conditions.

Synthesis and controlled self-assembly of UV-responsive gold nanoparticles in block copolymer templates.

PubMed

Song, Dong-Po; Wang, Xinyu; Lin, Ying; Watkins, James J

2014-11-06

We demonstrate the facile synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) functionalized by UV-responsive block copolymer ligands, poly(styrene)-b-poly(o-nitrobenzene acrylate)-SH (PS-b-PNBA-SH), followed by their targeted distribution within a lamellae-forming poly(styrene)-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer. The multilayer, micelle-like structure of the GNPs consists of a gold core, an inner PNBA layer, and an outer PS layer. The UV-sensitive PNBA segment can be deprotected into a layer containing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) when exposed to UV light at 365 nm, which enables the simple and precise tuning of GNP surface properties from hydrophobic to amphiphilic. The GNPs bearing ligands of different chemical compositions were successfully and selectively incorporated into the PS-b-P2VP block copolymer, and UV light showed a profound influence on the spatial distributions of GNPs. Prior to UV exposure, GNPs partition along the interfaces of PS and P2VP domains, while the UV-treated GNPs are incorporated into P2VP domains as a result of hydrogen bond interactions between PAA on the gold surface and P2VP domains. This provides an easy way of controlling the arrangement of nanoparticles in polymer matrices by tailoring the nanoparticle surface using UV light.

Effect of supplemental UV-A irradiation in solid-state lighting on the growth and phytochemical content of microgreens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brazaitytė, A.; Viršilė, A.; Jankauskienė, J.; Sakalauskienė, S.; Samuolienė, G.; Sirtautas, R.; Novičkovas, A.; Dabašinskas, L.; Miliauskienė, J.; Vaštakaitė, V.; Bagdonavičienė, A.; Duchovskis, P.

2015-01-01

In this study, we sought to find and employ positive effects of UV-A irradiation on cultivation and quality of microgreens. Therefore, the goal of our study was to investigate the influence of 366, 390, and 402 nm UV-A LED wavelengths, supplemental for the basal solid-state lighting system at two UV-A irradiation levels on the growth and phytochemical contents of different microgreen plants. Depending on the species, supplemental UV-A irradiation can improve antioxidant properties of microgreens. In many cases, a significant increase in the investigated phytochemicals was found under 366 and 390 nm UV-A wavelengths at the photon flux density (12.4 μmol m-2 s-1). The most pronounced effect of supplemental UV-A irradiation was detected in pak choi microgreens. Almost all supplemental UV-A irradiation treatments resulted in increased leaf area and fresh weight, in higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging activity, total phenols, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol.

Design of UV-absorbing PVDF membrane via surface-initiated AGET ATRP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Li; Liu, Xiangdong; Xiong, Zhengrong; Sheng, Dekun; Zhou, Yan; Lin, Changhong; Yang, Yuming

2018-03-01

Herein, PVDF membranes with excellent UV-absorbing property were first synthesized through grafting the polymerizable low-molecular-weight organic UV-absorber 2-hydroxy-4-(3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxylpropoxy) benzophenone (BPMA) onto α-bromoester-functionalized PVDF membranes via the surface-initiated activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-AGET ATRP). The surface initiators were immobilized by the reaction between 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB) and the hydroxylated PVDF membranes. PVDF-g-PBPMA membranes with different grafting densities were obtained by tuning the polymerization time and the modified membranes were characterized by 1H-NMR, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, UV-vis Spectrophotometer, TGA and DSC. The experimental results indicated that PBPMA chains were successfully introduced onto PVDF membranes. Most importantly, the PVDF-g-PBPMA membranes exhibited outstanding UV-shielding property. UV-vis transmittance spectra showed that most UV light below 360 nm could be absorbed by PVDF-g-PBPMA membranes and the whole UV light region (200-400 nm) can be blocked with the reaction time increased.

Photofunctionalization and non-thermal plasma activation of titanium surfaces.

PubMed

Henningsen, Anders; Smeets, Ralf; Hartjen, Philip; Heinrich, Oliver; Heuberger, Roman; Heiland, Max; Precht, Clarissa; Cacaci, Claudio

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare UV light and non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment regarding the improvement of physical material characteristics and cell reaction on titanium surfaces in vitro after short-term functionalization. Moderately rough (Ra 1.8-2.0 μm) sandblasted and acid-etched titanium disks were treated by UV light (0.05 mW/cm 2 at λ = 360 nm and 2 mW/cm 2 at λ = 250 nm) or by NTP (24 W, -0.5 mbar) of argon or oxygen for 12 min each. Surface structure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hydrophilicity was assessed by dynamic contact angle measurement. Cell attachment, viability, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were assessed in vitro using murine osteoblast-like cells. UV irradiation or NTP treatment of titanium surfaces did not alter the surface structure. XPS analysis revealed a significantly increased oxidation of the surface and a decrease of carbon after the use of either method. NTP and UV light led to a significant better cell attachment of murine osteoblasts; significantly more osteoblasts grew on the treated surfaces at each time point (p < 0.001). UV light as well as NTP modified the surface of titanium and significantly improved the conditions for murine osteoblast cells in vitro. However, results indicate a slight advantage for NTP of argon and oxygen in a short time interval of surface functionalization compared to UV. UV light and NTP are able to improve surface conditions of dental implants made of titanium.

UV-visible light-activated Ag-decorated, monodisperse TiO2 aggregates for treatment of the pharmaceutical oxytetracycline.

PubMed

Han, Changseok; Likodimos, Vlassis; Khan, Javed Ali; Nadagouda, Mallikarjuna N; Andersen, Joel; Falaras, Polycarpos; Rosales-Lombardi, Pablo; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

2014-10-01

Noble metal Ag-decorated, monodisperse TiO2 aggregates were successfully synthesized by an ionic strength-assisted, simple sol-gel method and were used for the photocatalytic degradation of the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) under both UV and visible light (UV-visible light) irradiation. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD); UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM); high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM); micro-Raman, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS); and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the uniformity of TiO2 aggregates was finely tuned by the sol-gel method, and Ag was well decorated on the monodisperse TiO2 aggregates. The absorption of the samples in the visible light region increased with increasing Ag loading that was proportional to the amount of Ag precursor added in the solution over the tested concentration range. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (The BET) surface area slightly decreased with increasing Ag loading on the TiO2 aggregates. Ag-decorated TiO2 samples demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of OTC under UV-visible light illumination compared to that of pure TiO2. The sample containing 1.9 wt% Ag showed the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of OTC under both UV-visible light and visible light illumination. During the experiments, the detected Ag leaching for the best TiO2-Ag photocatalyst was much lower than the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation for Ag limit (0.1 mg L(-1)) issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Footprints of the sun: memory of UV and light stress in plants

PubMed Central

Müller-Xing, Ralf; Xing, Qian; Goodrich, Justin

2014-01-01

Sunlight provides the necessary energy for plant growth via photosynthesis but high light and particular its integral ultraviolet (UV) part causes stress potentially leading to serious damage to DNA, proteins, and other cellular components. Plants show adaptation to environmental stresses, sometimes referred to as “plant memory.” There is growing evidence that plants memorize exposure to biotic or abiotic stresses through epigenetic mechanisms at the cellular level. UV target genes such as CHALCONE SYNTHASE (CHS) respond immediately to UV treatment and studies of the recently identified UV-B receptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) confirm the expedite nature of UV signaling. Considering these findings, an UV memory seems redundant. However, several lines of evidence suggest that plants may develop an epigenetic memory of UV and light stress, but in comparison to other abiotic stresses there has been relatively little investigation. Here we summarize the state of knowledge about acclimation and adaptation of plants to UV light and discuss the possibility of chromatin based epigenetic memory. PMID:25278950

Radiation heat transfer calculations for the uranium fuel-containment region of the nuclear light bulb engine.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodgers, R. J.; Latham, T. S.; Krascella, N. L.

1971-01-01

Calculation results are reviewed of the radiant heat transfer characteristics in the fuel and buffer gas regions of a nuclear light bulb engine based on the transfer of energy by thermal radiation from gaseous uranium fuel in a neon vortex, through an internally cooled transparent wall, to seeded hydrogen propellant. The results indicate that the fraction of UV energy incident on the transparent walls increases with increasing power level. For the reference engine power level of 4600 megw, it is necessary to employ space radiators to reject the UV radiated energy absorbed by the transparent walls. This UV energy can be blocked by employing nitric oxide and oxygen seed gases in the fuel and buffer gas regions. However, this results in increased UV absorption in the buffer gas which also requires space radiators to reject the heat load.

Efficacy of on-farm use of ultraviolet light for inactivation of bacteria in milk for calves.

PubMed

Gelsinger, S L; Heinrichs, A J; Jones, C M; Van Saun, R J; Wolfgang, D R; Burns, C M; Lysczek, H R

2014-05-01

Ultraviolet light is being employed for bacterial inactivation in milk for calves; however, limited evidence is available to support the claim that UV light effectively inactivates bacteria found in milk. Thus, the objective of this observational study was to investigate the efficacy of on-farm UV light treatment in reducing bacteria populations in waste milk used for feeding calves. Samples of nonsaleable milk were collected from 9 Pennsylvania herds, twice daily for 15 d, both before and after UV light treatment (n=60 samples per farm), and analyzed for standard plate count, coliforms, noncoliform, gram-negative bacteria, environmental and contagious streptococci, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus count, and total solids percentage, and log reduction and percentage log reduction were calculated. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure in SAS. In all bacteria types, samples collected after UV treatment contained significantly fewer bacteria compared with samples collected before UV treatment. Weighted least squares means for log reduction (percentage log reduction) were 1.34 (29%), 1.27 (58%), 1.48 (53%), 1.85 (55%), 1.37 (72%), 1.92 (63%), 1.07 (33%), and 1.67 (82%) for standard plate count, coliforms, noncoliform, gram-negative bacteria, environmental and contagious streptococci, Strep. agalactiae, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Staph. aureus, respectively. A percentage log reduction greater than 50% was achieved in 6 of 8 bacteria types, and 43 and 94% of samples collected after UV treatment met recommended bacterial standards for milk for feeding calves. Based on these results, UV light treatment may be effective for some, but not all bacteria types found in nonsaleable waste milk. Thus, farmers should take into account the bacteria types that may need to be reduced when considering the purchase of a UV-treatment system. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Ultraviolet Light Curable Polysilsesquioxane Gate Dielectric Layers for Pentacene Thin Film Transistors.

PubMed

Shibao, Hideto; Nakahara, Yoshio; Uno, Kazuyuki; Tanaka, Ichiro

2016-04-01

Polysilsesquioxane (PSQ) comprising 3-methacryloxypropyl groups was investigated as an ultraviolet (UV)-light curable gate dielectric-material for pentacene thin film transistors (TFTs). The surface of UV-light cured PSQ films was smoother than that of thermally cured ones, and the pentacene layers deposited on the UV-Iight cured PSQ films consisted of larger grains. However, carrier mobility of the TFTs using the UV-light cured PSQ films was lower than that of the TFTs using the thermally cured ones. It was shown that the cross-linker molecules, which were only added to the UV-light cured PSQ films, worked as a major mobility-limiting factor for the TFTs.

Controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation in a headwater stream: the influence of photochemical and hydrological conditions in determining light-limitation or substrate-limitation of photo-degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cory, R. M.; Harrold, K. H.; Neilson, B. T.; Kling, G. W.

2015-11-01

We investigated how absorption of sunlight by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) controls the degradation and export of DOM from Imnavait Creek, a beaded stream in the Alaskan Arctic. We measured concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as well as concentrations and characteristics of CDOM and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM), during ice-free periods of 2011-2012 in the pools of Imnavait Creek and in soil waters draining to the creek. Spatial and temporal patterns in CDOM and FDOM in Imnavait Creek were analyzed in conjunction with measures of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria and assessments of hydrologic residence times and in situ UV exposure. CDOM was the dominant light attenuating constituent in the UV and visible portion of the solar spectrum, with high attenuation coefficients ranging from 86 ± 12 m-1 at 305 nm to 3 ± 1 m-1 in the photosynthetically active region (PAR). High rates of light absorption and thus light attenuation by CDOM contributed to thermal stratification in the majority of pools in Imnavait Creek under low-flow conditions. In turn, thermal stratification increased the residence time of water and DOM, and resulted in a separation of water masses distinguished by contrasting UV exposure (i.e., UV attenuation by CDOM with depth resulted in bottom waters receiving less UV than surface waters). When the pools in Imnavait Creek were stratified, DOM in the pool bottom water closely resembled soil water DOM in character, while the concentration and character of DOM in surface water was reproduced by experimental photo-degradation of bottom water. These results, in combination with water column rates of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria, suggest that photo-degradation is the dominant process controlling DOM fate and export in Imnavait Creek. A conceptual model is presented showing how CDOM amount and lability interact with incident UV light and water residence time to determine whether photo-degradation is "light-limited" or "substrate-limited". We suggest that degradation of DOM in CDOM-rich streams or ponds similar to Imnavait is typically light-limited under most flow conditions. Thus, export of DOM from this stream will be less under conditions that increase the light available for DOM photo-degradation (i.e., low flows, sunny days).

Effect of Ultraviolet Light Irradiation Combined with Riboflavin on Different Bacterial Pathogens from Ocular Surface Infection.

PubMed

Shen, Jing; Liang, Qingfeng; Su, Guanyu; Zhang, Yang; Wang, Zhiqun; Liang, Hong; Baudouin, Christophe; Labbé, Antoine

2017-01-01

In order to study Staphylococcus epidermis and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro viability after the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin, twelve strains of Staphylococcus epidermis and twelve strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from patients with bacterial keratitis. The growth situation of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus under different experimental conditions was qualitatively observed. The number of colonies surviving bacteria was counted under different UV light power and different exposure time. The experiment showed that there was no inhibition effect on the growth of bacteria using riboflavin alone. In UV alone group and UV-riboflavin group, inhibition effect on the bacteria growth was found. The UV-riboflavin combination had better inhibition effect on bacteria than UV irradiation alone. The amount of bacteria in the UV-riboflavin group was decreased by 99.1%~99.5% and 54.8%~64.6% in the UV alone group, when the UV light power was 10.052 mW/cm 2 and the irradiation time was 30 min. Moreover, with the increase of the UV power or irradiation time, the survival rates of bacteria were rapidly reduced. Compared with Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermis was more easily to be killed under the action of UV light combined with riboflavin.

Effects of ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LEDs) on microbial and enzyme inactivation of apple juice.

PubMed

Akgün, Merve Pelvan; Ünlütürk, Sevcan

2017-11-02

In this study, the effects of Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) on the inactivation of E. coli K12 (ATCC 25253), an indicator organism of E. coli O157:H7, and polyphneoloxidase (PPO) in cloudy apple juice (CAJ) were investigated. The clear (AJ) and cloudy apple juice were exposed to UV rays for 40min by using a UV device composed of four UV-LEDs with peak emissions at 254 and 280nm and coupled emissions as follows: 254/365, 254/405, 280/365, 280/405 and 254/280/365/405nm. UV-LEDs at 254nm achieved 1.6±0.1 log 10 CFU/mL inactivation of E. coli K12 at UV dose of 707.2mJ/cm 2 . The highest inactivation of E. coli K12 (2.0±0.1log 10 CFU/mL and 2.0±0.4log 10 CFU/mL) was achieved when the cloudy apple juice was treated with both 280nm and 280/365nm UV-LEDs. For clear apple juice the highest inactivation 4.4log 10 CFU/mL obtained for E. coli K12 was achieved using 4 lamps emitting light at 280nm for 40min exposure time. For the same treatment time, the experiments using a combination of lamps emitting light at 280 and 365nm (2lamp/2lamp) were resulted in 3.9±0.2log 10 CFU/mL reductions. UV-A and UV-C rays in combination showed a better inactivation effect on PPO than UV-C rays used separately. Residual activity of PPO in CAJ was reduced to 32.58% when treated with UV-LED in combination of UV-C (280nm) and UV-A (365nm) rays. Additionally, the total color change (ΔE) of CAJ subjected to combined UV-LED irradiation at 280/365nm was the lowest compared to other studied processing conditions. This study provides key implications for the future application of UV-LEDs to fruit juice pasteurization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transition metal-modified zinc oxides for UV and visible light photocatalysis.

PubMed

Bloh, J Z; Dillert, R; Bahnemann, D W

2012-11-01

In order to use photocatalysis with solar light, finding more active and especially visible light active photocatalysts is a very important challenge. Also, studies of these photocatalysts should employ a standardized test procedure so that their results can be accurately compared and evaluated with one another. A systematic study of transition metal-modified zinc oxide was conducted to determine whether they are suitable as visible light photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO modified with eight different transition metals (Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ru, Ti, Zr) in three different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 at.%) was investigated under irradiation with UV as well as with visible light. The employed activity test is the gas-phase degradation of acetaldehyde as described by the ISO standard 22197-2. The results suggest that the UV activity can be improved with almost any modification element and that there exists an optimal modification ratio at about 0.1 at.%. Additionally, Mn- and Ru-modified ZnO display visible light activity. Especially the Ru-modified ZnO is highly active and surpasses the visible light activity of all studied titania standards. These findings suggest that modified zinc oxides may be a viable alternative to titanium dioxide-based catalysts for visible light photocatalysis. Eventually, possible underlying mechanisms are proposed and discussed.

Molecular Engineering of UV/Vis Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-Sensitive Donor-π-Acceptor-Type Sulfonium Salt Photoacid Generators: Design, Synthesis, and Study of Photochemical and Photophysical Properties.

PubMed

Wu, Xingyu; Jin, Ming; Xie, Jianchao; Malval, Jean-Pierre; Wan, Decheng

2017-11-07

A series of donor-π-acceptor-type sulfonium salt photoacid generators (PAGs) were designed and synthesized by systematically changing electron-donating groups, π-conjugated systems, electron-withdrawing groups, and the number of branches through molecular engineering. These PAGs can effectively decompose under UV/Vis irradiation from a light-emitting diode (LED) light source because of the matching absorption and emitting spectra of the LEDs. The absorption and acid-generation properties of these sulfonium salts were elucidated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and so forth. Results indicated that the PAG performance benefited from the introduction of strong electron-donating groups, specific π-conjugated structures, certain electron-withdrawing groups, or two-branched structures. Most sulfonium salts showed potential as photoinitiators under irradiation by a wide variety of UV and visible LEDs. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A solid oxide photoelectrochemical cell with UV light-driven oxygen storage in mixed conducting electrodes

PubMed Central

Walch, Gregor; Rotter, Bernhard; Brunauer, Georg Christoph; Esmaeili, Esmaeil; Opitz, Alexander Karl; Kubicek, Markus; Summhammer, Johann; Ponweiser, Karl

2017-01-01

A single crystalline SrTiO3 working electrode in a zirconia-based solid oxide electrochemical cell is illuminated by UV light at temperatures of 360–460 °C. In addition to photovoltaic effects, this leads to the build-up of a battery-type voltage up to more than 300 mV. After switching off UV light, this voltage only slowly decays. It is caused by UV-induced oxygen incorporation into the mixed conducting working electrode and thus by changes of the oxygen stoichiometry δ in SrTiO3–δ under UV illumination. These changes of the oxygen content could be followed in time-dependent voltage measurements and also manifest themselves in time-dependent resistance changes during and after UV illumination. Discharge currents measured after UV illumination reveal that a large fraction of the existing oxygen vacancies in SrTiO3 become filled under UV light. Additional measurements on cells with TiO2 thin film electrodes show the broader applicability of this novel approach for transforming light into chemical energy and thus the feasibility of solid oxide photoelectrochemical cells (SOPECs) in general and of a “light-charged oxygen battery” in particular. PMID:28261480

Assessment of Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshields and Side Windows.

PubMed

Boxer Wachler, Brian S

2016-07-01

Ultraviolet A (UV-A) light is associated with the risks of cataract and skin cancer. To assess the level of UV-A light protection in the front windshields and side windows of automobiles. In this cross-sectional study, 29 automobiles from 15 automobile manufacturers were analyzed. The outside ambient UV-A radiation, along with UV-A radiation behind the front windshield and behind the driver's side window of all automobiles, was measured. The years of the automobiles ranged from 1990 to 2014, with an average year of 2010. The automobile dealerships were located in Los Angeles, California. Amount of UV-A blockage from windshields and side windows. The average percentage of front-windshield UV-A blockage was 96% (range, 95%-98% [95% CI, 95.7%-96.3%]) and was higher than the average percentage of side-window blockage, which was 71% (range, 44%-96% [95% CI, 66.4%-75.6%]). The difference between these average percentages is 25% (95% CI, 21%-30% [P < .001]). A high level of side-window UV-A blockage (>90%) was found in 4 of 29 automobiles (13.8%). The level of front-windshield UV-A protection was consistently high among automobiles. The level of side-window UV-A protection was lower and highly variable. These results may in part explain the reported increased rates of cataract in left eyes and left-sided facial skin cancer. Automakers may wish to consider increasing the degree of UV-A protection in the side windows of automobiles.

Spectrally resolved infrared microscopy and chemometric tools to reveal the interaction between blue light (470nm) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Bumah, Violet V; Aboualizadeh, Ebrahim; Masson-Meyers, Daniela S; Eells, Janis T; Enwemeka, Chukuka S; Hirschmugl, Carol J

2017-02-01

Blue light inactivates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a Gram-positive antibiotic resistant bacterium that leads to fatal infections; however, the mechanism of bacterial death remains unclear. In this paper, to uncover the mechanism underlying the bactericidal effect of blue light, a combination of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometric tools is employed to detect the photoreactivity of MRSA and its distinctive pathway toward apoptosis after treatment. The mechanism of action of UV light and vancomycin against MRSA is also investigated to support the findings. Principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis (PCA- LDA) is employed to reveal clustering of five groups of MRSA samples, namely untreated (control I), untreated and incubated at ambient air (control II), irradiated with 470nm blue light, irradiated with 253.5 UV light, and vancomycin-treated MRSA. Loadings plot from PCA-LDA analysis reveals important functional groups in proteins (1683, 1656, 1596, 1542cm -1 ), lipids (1743, 1409cm -1 ), and nucleic acids region of the spectrum (1060, 1087cm -1 ) that are responsible for the classification of blue light irradiated spectra and control spectra. Cluster vector plots and scores plot reveals that UV light-irradiated spectra are the most biochemically similar to blue light- irradiated spectra; however, some wavenumbers experience a shift. The shifts between blue light and UV light irradiated loadings plot at ν asym PO 2- band (from 1228 to 1238cm -1 ), DNA backbone (from 970 to 966cm -1 ) and base pairing vibration of DNA (from 1717 to 1712cm -1 ) suggest distinctive changes in DNA conformation in response to irradiation. Our findings indicate that irradiation of MRSA with 470nm light induces A-DNA cleavage and that B-DNA is more resistant to damage by blue light. Blue light and UV light treatment of MRSA are complementary and distinct from the known antimicrobial effect of vancomycin. Moreover, it is known that UV-induced cleavage of DNA predominantly targets B-DNA, which is in agreement with the FTIR findings. Overall the results suggest that the combination of light and vancomycin could be a more robust approach in treating MRSA infections. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Correlation between excited d-orbital electron lifetime in polaron dynamics and coloration of WO3 upon ultraviolet exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Young-Ahn; Han, Seung-Ik; Rhee, Hanju; Seo, Hyungtak

2018-05-01

Polarons have been suggested to explain the mechanism of the coloration of WO3 induced by UV light. However, despite the many experimental results that support small polarons as a key mechanism, direct observation of the carrier dynamics of polarons have yet to be reported. Here, we investigate the correlation between the electronic structure and the coloration of WO3 upon exposure to UV light in 5% H2/N2 gas and, more importantly, reveal photon-induced excited d-electron generation/relaxation via the W5+ oxidation state. The WO3 is fabricated by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction patterns show that prepared WO3 is amorphous. Optical bandgap of 3.1 eV is measured by UV-vis before and after UV light. The results of Fourier transform infrared and Raman exhibit pristine WO3 is formed with surface H2O. The colored WO3 shows reduced state of W5+ state (34.3 eV) by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The valence band maximum of WO3 after UV light in H2 is shifted from mid gap to shallow donor by using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. During the exploration of the carrier dynamics, pump (700 nm)-probe (1000 nm) spectroscopy at the femtosecond scale was used. The results indicated that electron-phonon relaxation of UV-irradiated WO3, which is the origin of the polaron-induced local surface plasmonic effect, is dominant, resulting in slow decay (within a few picoseconds); in contrast, pristine WO3 shows fast decay (less than a picosecond). Accordingly, the long photoinduced carrier relaxation is ascribed to the prolonged hot-carrier lifetime in reduced oxides resulting in a greater number of free d-electrons and, therefore, more interactions with the W5+ sub-gap states.

Responses of Crepis japonica induced by supplemental blue light and UV-A radiation.

PubMed

Constantino, L F da S; Nascimento, L B Dos S; Casanova, L M; Moreira, N Dos S; Menezes, E A; Esteves, R L; Costa, S S; Tavares, E S

2017-02-15

Crepis japonica (L.) D.C. (Asteraceae), a weed with antioxidant, antiallergenic, antiviral and antitumor properties displays both medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study aims to assess the effects of a supplementation of blue light and UV-A radiation on the growth, leaf anatomical structure and phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Crepis japonica. Plants were grown under two light treatments: W (control - white light), W + B (white light supplemented with blue light) and W + UV-A (white light supplemented with UV-A radiation). We recorded the length, width, and weight of fresh and dry leaves, the thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll, and stomata density. The phenolic profiles of the aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. There was an increase in the leaf size, stomatal density, and phenolic production, and a thickening of the mesophyll and epidermis. UV-A radiation increased the phenolic production more than blue light. Blue light and UV-A radiation both improved the production of caffeic acid by about 6 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison to control. This compound was first reported as a constituent of the extract from the aerial parts together with caftaric acid. UV-A also promoted the production of chlorogenic acid (about 1.5 times in comparison to the control). We observed that the morphological and chemical parameters of C. japonica are modified in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, which can be used as tools in the cultivation of this species in order to improve its medicinal properties and nutritional value.

The optical effect of a semiconductor laser on protecting wheat from UV-B radiation damage.

PubMed

Qiu, Zong-Bo; Zhu, Xin-Jun; Li, Fang-Min; Liu, Xiao; Yue, Ming

2007-07-01

Lasers have been widely used in the field of biology along with the development of laser technology, but the mechanism of the bio-effect of lasers is not explicit. The objective of this paper was to test the optical effect of a laser on protecting wheat from UV-B damage. A patent instrument was employed to emit semiconductor laser (wavelength 650 nm) and incoherent red light, which was transformed from the semiconductor laser. The wavelength, power and lightfleck diameter of the incoherent red light are the same as those of the semiconductor laser. The semiconductor laser (wavelength 650 nm, power density 3.97 mW mm(-2)) and incoherent red light (wavelength 650 nm, power density 3.97 mW mm(-2)) directly irradiated the embryo of wheat seeds for 3 min respectively, and when the seedlings were 12-day-old they were irradiated by UV-B radiation (10.08 kJ m(-2)) for 12 h in the dark. Changes in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), glutathione (GSH), ascorbate (AsA), carotenoids (CAR), the production rate of superoxide radical (O(2)(-)), the activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the growth parameters of seedlings (plant height, leaf area and fresh weight) were measured to test the optical effect of the laser. The results showed that the incoherent red light treatment could not enhance the activities of SOD, POD and CAT and the concentration of AsA and CAR. When the plant cells were irradiated by UV-B, the incoherent red light treatment could not eliminate active oxygen and prevent lipid peroxidation in wheat. The results also clearly demonstrate that the plant DNA was damaged by UV-B radiation and semiconductor laser irradiance had the capability to protect plants from UV-B-induced DNA damage, while the incoherent red light could not. This is the first investigation reporting the optical effect of a semiconductor laser on protecting wheat from UV-B radiation damage.

Enhancement of SV40 transformation by treatment of C3H2K cells with uv light and caffeine. I. Combined effect of uv light and caffeine. [Mice

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

Ide, T.; Anzai, K.; Andoh, T.

1975-08-01

Treatment of cultured mouse cells, C3H2K, with uv light and/or caffeine enhanced the frequency of SV40-induced transformation. This enhancement depends upon the doses of uv and caffeine and the mode of combination of these agents. Irradiation of cells with increasing doses of uv just before infection resulted in approximately 2-fold enhancement of the transformation frequency up to a dose of 90 ergs/mm/sup 2/ and 3.3-fold at 150 ergs/mm/sup 2/. Addition of 1 mM caffeine to the medium for 4 days subsequent to infection brought about a 2-fold enhancement. When cells were irradiated and treated with 1 mM caffeine, the enhancementmore » was approximately 4-fold up to a uv dose of 90 ergs/mm/sup 2/ and 5.9-fold at 150 ergs/mm/sup 2/. When 0.1 to 4 mM caffeine was added for 4 days postinfection, the absolute number of transformations increased, and an enhancement ratio of 1.3 to 6.8 resulted. After the addition of the same increasing doses of caffeine to uv-irradiated cells (75 ergs/mm/sup 2/), the enhancement of transformation frequency was even higher ranging 2.0 to 13.3. The transformation frequencies thus obtained by the double treatment were always higher than those predicted if uv and caffeine acted additively. The transformation frequency was little affected by the addition of dibutyrylcyclic AMP and theophylline.« less

Unexpected photoreactivation of Vibrio harveyi bacteria living in ionization environment

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

Alifano, P.; Tala, A.; Tredici, S. M.

2011-05-15

Bacteria undergoing environmental effects is extremely interesting for structural, mechanistic, and evolutionary implications. Luminescent bacteria that have evolved in a specific ambient have developed particular responses and their behavior can give us new suggestions on the task and production of luciferina proteins. To analyze the UV interaction under controlled laboratory conditions, we used photoluminescent bacterial strains belonging to a new species evolutionarily close to Vibrio harveyi sampled from a coastal cave with a high radon content that generates ionizing radiation. The survival of the bacterial strains was analyzed, in the light and in the dark, following a variety of genotoxicmore » treatments including UV radiation exposure. The strains were irradiated by a germicide lamp. The results demonstrated that most of the strains exhibited a low rate of survival after the UV exposure. After irradiation by visible light following the UV exposure, all strains showed a high capability of photoreactivation when grown. This capability was quite unexpected because these bacteria were sampled from a dark ambient without UV radiation. This leads us to hypothesize that the photoreactivation in these bacteria might have been evolved to repair DNA lesions also induced by different radiation sources other than UV (e.g., x-ray) and that the luminescent bacteria might use their own light emission to carry out the photoreactivation. The high capability of photoreactivation of these bacteria was also justified by the results of deconvolution. The deconvolution was applied to the emission spectra and it was able to show evidence of different light peaks. The presence of the visible peak could control the photolysis enzyme.« less

The EGFR family of receptors sensitizes cancer cells towards UV light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petersen, Steffen; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa; Olsen, Birgitte

2008-02-01

A combination of bioinformatics, biophysical, advanced laser studies and cell biology lead to the realization that laser-pulsed UV light stops cancer growth and induces apoptosis. We have previously shown that laser-pulsed UV (LP-UV) illumination of two different skin-derived cancer cell lines both over expressing the EGF receptor, lead to arrest of the EGFR signaling pathway. We have investigated the available sequence and experimental 3D structures available in the Protein Data Bank. The EGF receptor contains a Furin like cystein rich extracellular domain. The cystein content is highly unusual, 25 disulphide bridges supports the 621 amino acid extracellular protein domain scaffold (1mb6.pdb). In two cases a tryptophan is neighboring a cystein in the primary sequence, which in itself is a rare observation. Aromatic residues is observed to be spatially close to all observed 25 disulphide bridges. The EGF receptor is often overexpressed in cancers and other proliferative skin disorders, it might be possible to significantly reduce the proliferative potential of these cells making them good targets for laser-pulsed UV-light treatment. The discovery that UV light can be used to open disulphide bridges in proteins upon illumination of nearby aromatic amino acids was the first step that lead to the hypothesis that UV light could modulate the structure and therefore the function of these key receptor proteins. The observation that membrane receptors (EGFR) contained exactly the motifs that are sensitive to UV light lead to the prediction that UV light could modify these receptors permanently and stop cancer proliferation. We hereby show that the EGFR family of receptors has the necessary structural motifs that make this family of proteins highly sensitive to UV light.

White- and blue-light-emitting dysprosium(III) and terbium(III)-doped gadolinium titanate phosphors.

PubMed

Antić, Ž; Kuzman, S; Đorđević, V; Dramićanin, M D; Thundat, T

2017-06-01

Here we report the synthesis and structural, morphological, and photoluminescence analysis of white- and blue-light-emitting Dy 3 + - and Tm 3 + -doped Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 nanophosphors. Single-phase cubic Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 nanopowders consist of compact, dense aggregates of nanoparticles with an average size of ~25 nm for Dy 3 + -doped and ~50 nm for Tm 3 + -doped samples. The photoluminescence results indicated that ultraviolet (UV) light excitation of the Dy 3 + -doped sample resulted in direct generation of white light, while a dominant yellow emission was obtained under blue-light excitation. Intense blue light was obtained for Tm 3 + -doped Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 under UV excitation suggesting that this material could be used as a blue phosphor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparison of UV-LED and low pressure UV for water disinfection: Photoreactivation and dark repair of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Li, Guo-Qiang; Wang, Wen-Long; Huo, Zheng-Yang; Lu, Yun; Hu, Hong-Ying

2017-12-01

Studies on ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) water disinfection have shown advantages, such as safety, flexible design, and lower starting voltages. However, information about reactivation after UV-LED disinfection is limited, which is an important issue of UV light-based technology. In this study, the photoreactivation and dark repair of Escherichia coli after UV-LEDs and low pressure (LP) UV disinfection were compared. Four UV-LED units, 265 nm, 280 nm, the combination of 265 + 280 (50%), and 265 + 280 (75%) were tested. 265 nm LEDs was more effective than 280 nm LEDs and LP UV lamps for E. coli inactivation. No synergic effect for disinfection was observed from the combination of 265 and 280 nm LEDs. 265 nm LEDs had no different reactivation performances with that of LP UV, while 280 nm LEDs could significantly repress photoreactivation and dark repair at a low irradiation intensity of 6.9 mJ/cm 2 . Furthermore, the UV-induced damage of 280 nm LEDs was less repaired which was determined by endonuclease sensitive site (ESS) assay. The impaired protein activities by 280 nm LEDs might be one of the reasons that inhibited reactivation. A new reactivation rate constant, K max , was introduced into the logistic model to simulate the reactivation data, which showed positive relationship with the maximum survival ratio and was more reasonable to interpret the results of photoreactivation and dark repair. This study revealed the distinct roles of different UV lights in disinfection and reactivation, which is helpful for the future design of UV-LED equipment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Visible-blind ultraviolet photodiode fabricated by UV oxidation of metallic zinc on p-Si

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

Zhang, Dongyuan; Uchida, Kazuo; Nozaki, Shinji, E-mail: nozaki@ee.uec.ac.jp

A UV photodiode fabricated by the UV oxidation of a metallic zinc thin film on p-Si has manifested unique photoresponse characteristics. The electron concentration found by the Hall measurement was 3 × 10{sup 16 }cm{sup −3}, and such a low electron concentration resulted in a low visible photoluminescence. UV illumination enhances the oxidation at low temperatures and decreases the concentration of the oxygen vacancies. The I-V characteristic showed a good rectification with a four-order magnitude difference in the forward and reverse currents at 2 V, and its linear and frequency independent C{sup −2}–V characteristic confirmed an abrupt pn junction. The photoresponse showed a visiblemore » blindness with a responsivity ratio of UV and visible light as high as 100. Such a visible-blind photoresponse was attributed to the optimum thickness of the SiO{sub 2} formed on the Si surface during the UV oxidation at 400 °C. A lower potential barrier to holes at the ZnO/SiO{sub 2} interface facilitates Fowler-Nordheim tunneling of the photo-generated holes during the UV illumination, while a higher potential barrier to electrons efficiently blocks transport of the photo-generated electrons to the ZnO during the visible light illumination. The presence of oxide resulted in a slow photoresponse to the turn-on and off of the UV light. A detailed analysis is presented to understand how the photo-generated carriers contribute step by step to the photocurrent. In addition to the slow photoresponse associated with the SiO{sub 2} interfacial layer, the decay of the photocurrent was found extremely slow after turn-off of the UV light. Such a slow decay of the photocurrent is referred to as a persistent photoconductivity, which is caused by metastable deep levels. It is hypothesized that Zn vacancies form such a deep level, and that the photo-generated electrons need to overcome a thermal-energy barrier for capture. The ZnO film by the UV oxidation at 400 °C was found to be rich in oxygen and deficient in zinc.« less

Light-driven OR and XOR programmable chemical logic gates.

PubMed

Szaciłowski, Konrad; Macyk, Wojciech; Stochel, Grazyna

2006-04-12

Photoelectrodes made of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide modified with various pentacyanoferrates exhibit unique photoelectrochemical properties; photocurrent direction can be switched from anodic to cathodic and vice versa upon changes in photoelectrode potential and incident light wavelength (PhotoElectrochemical Photocurrent Switching, PEPS effect). At certain potentials, anodic photocurrent generated upon UV irradiation has the same intensity as the cathodic photocurrent generated upon visible irradiation. Under these conditions, simultaneous irradiation with UV and visible light results in compensation of anodic and cathodic photocurrents, and zero net photocurrent is observed. This process can be used for construction of unique light-driven chemical logic gates.

Synthesis of cobalt stearate as oxidant additive for oxo-biodegradable polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asriza, Ristika O.; Arcana, I. Made

2015-09-01

Cobalt stearate is an oxidant additives that can initiate a process of degradation in high density polyethylene (HDPE). To determine the effect of cobalt stearate in HDPE, oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film was given an irradiation with UV light or heating at various temperature. After given a heating, the FTIR spectra showed a new absorption peak at wave number 1712 cm-1 indicating the presence of carbonyl groups in polymers, whereas after irradiation with UV light is not visible the presence of this absorption peak. The increase concentration of cobalt stearate added in HDPE and the higher heating temperature, the intensity of the absorption peak of the carbonyl group increased. The increasing intensity of the carbonyl group absorption is caused the presence of damage in the film surface after heating, and this result is supported by analysis the surface properties of the film with using SEM. Biodegradation tests were performed on oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film which has been given heating or UV light with using activated sludge under optimal conditions the growth of microorganisms. After biodegradation, the maximum weight decreased by 23% in the oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film with a cobalt stearate concentration of 0.2% and after heating at a temperature of 75 °C for 10 days, and only 0.69% in the same film after irradiation UV light for 10 days. Based on the results above, cobalt stearate additive is more effective to initiate the oxidative degradation of HDPE when it is initiated by heating compared to irradiation with UV light.

Synthesis of cobalt stearate as oxidant additive for oxo-biodegradable polyethylene

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

Asriza, Ristika O.; Arcana, I Made, E-mail: arcana@chem.itb.ac.id

Cobalt stearate is an oxidant additives that can initiate a process of degradation in high density polyethylene (HDPE). To determine the effect of cobalt stearate in HDPE, oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film was given an irradiation with UV light or heating at various temperature. After given a heating, the FTIR spectra showed a new absorption peak at wave number 1712 cm{sup −1} indicating the presence of carbonyl groups in polymers, whereas after irradiation with UV light is not visible the presence of this absorption peak. The increase concentration of cobalt stearate added in HDPE and the higher heating temperature, the intensity of themore » absorption peak of the carbonyl group increased. The increasing intensity of the carbonyl group absorption is caused the presence of damage in the film surface after heating, and this result is supported by analysis the surface properties of the film with using SEM. Biodegradation tests were performed on oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film which has been given heating or UV light with using activated sludge under optimal conditions the growth of microorganisms. After biodegradation, the maximum weight decreased by 23% in the oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film with a cobalt stearate concentration of 0.2% and after heating at a temperature of 75 °C for 10 days, and only 0.69% in the same film after irradiation UV light for 10 days. Based on the results above, cobalt stearate additive is more effective to initiate the oxidative degradation of HDPE when it is initiated by heating compared to irradiation with UV light.« less

Replication of adeno-associated virus in cells irradiated with UV light at 254 nm

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

Yakobson, B.; Hrynko, T.A.; Peak, M.J.

1989-03-01

Irradiation of simian virus 40 (ori mutant)-transformed Chinese hamster embryo cells (OD4 line) with UV light induced a cellular capacity which supported a full cycle of helper-independent adeno-associated virus replication. Monochromatic UV light at 254 nm was about 1,000-fold more effective than UV light at 313 nm, indicating that cellular nucleic acid is the primary chromophore in the UV-induced process leading to permissiveness for adeno-associated virus replication. The UV irradiation and the infection could be separated for up to 12 h without substantial loss of permissiveness. During this time interval, the induction process was partly sensitive to cycloheximide, suggesting amore » requirement for de novo protein synthesis.« less

Challenges of UV light processing of low UVT foods and beverages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koutchma, Tatiana

2010-08-01

Ultraviolet (UV) technology holds promise as a low cost non-thermal alternative to heat pasteurization of liquid foods and beverages. However, its application for foods is still limited due to low UV transmittance (LUVT). LUVT foods have a diverse range of chemical (pH, Brix, Aw), physical (density and viscosity) and optical properties (absorbance and scattering) that are critical for systems and process designs. The commercially available UV sources tested for foods include low and medium pressure mercury lamps (LPM and MPM), excimer and pulsed lamps (PUV). The LPM and excimer lamps are monochromatic sources whereas emission of MPM and PUV is polychromatic. The optimized design of UV-systems and UV-sources with parameters that match to specific product spectra have a potential to make UV treatments of LUVT foods more effective and will serve its further commercialization. In order to select UV source for specific food application, processing effects on nutritional, quality, sensorial and safety markers have to be evaluated. This paper will review current status of UV technology for food processing along with regulatory requirements. Discussion of approaches and results of measurements of chemico-physical and optical properties of various foods (fresh juices, milk, liquid whey proteins and sweeteners) that are critical for UV process and systems design will follow. Available UV sources did not prove totally effective either resulting in low microbial reduction or UV over-dosing of the product thereby leading to sensory changes. Beam shaping of UV light presents new opportunities to improve dosage uniformity and delivery of UV photons in LUVT foods.

Ultraviolet stress delays chromosome replication in light/dark synchronized cells of the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus PCC9511

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus is very abundant in warm, nutrient-poor oceanic areas. The upper mixed layer of oceans is populated by high light-adapted Prochlorococcus ecotypes, which despite their tiny genome (~1.7 Mb) seem to have developed efficient strategies to cope with stressful levels of photosynthetically active and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At a molecular level, little is known yet about how such minimalist microorganisms manage to sustain high growth rates and avoid potentially detrimental, UV-induced mutations to their DNA. To address this question, we studied the cell cycle dynamics of P. marinus PCC9511 cells grown under high fluxes of visible light in the presence or absence of UV radiation. Near natural light-dark cycles of both light sources were obtained using a custom-designed illumination system (cyclostat). Expression patterns of key DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and clock genes were analyzed in order to decipher molecular mechanisms of adaptation to UV radiation. Results The cell cycle of P. marinus PCC9511 was strongly synchronized by the day-night cycle. The most conspicuous response of cells to UV radiation was a delay in chromosome replication, with a peak of DNA synthesis shifted about 2 h into the dark period. This delay was seemingly linked to a strong downregulation of genes governing DNA replication (dnaA) and cell division (ftsZ, sepF), whereas most genes involved in DNA repair (such as recA, phrA, uvrA, ruvC, umuC) were already activated under high visible light and their expression levels were only slightly affected by additional UV exposure. Conclusions Prochlorococcus cells modified the timing of the S phase in response to UV exposure, therefore reducing the risk that mutations would occur during this particularly sensitive stage of the cell cycle. We identified several possible explanations for the observed timeshift. Among these, the sharp decrease in transcript levels of the dnaA gene, encoding the DNA replication initiator protein, is sufficient by itself to explain this response, since DNA synthesis starts only when the cellular concentration of DnaA reaches a critical threshold. However, the observed response likely results from a more complex combination of UV-altered biological processes. PMID:20670397

Solar UV light regulates flavonoid metabolism in apple (Malus x domestica).

PubMed

Henry-Kirk, Rebecca A; Plunkett, Blue; Hall, Miriam; McGhie, Tony; Allan, Andrew C; Wargent, Jason J; Espley, Richard V

2018-03-01

Ultraviolet-B light (UV-B) is one environmental signal perceived by plants that affects the flavonoid pathway and influences the levels of anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. To understand the mechanisms underlying UV exposure, apple trees were grown under spectral filters that altered transmission of solar UV light. Fruit analysis showed that UV induced changes in physiology, metabolism, and gene expression levels during development over a season. These changes were sustained after storage. Under low UV, ripening was delayed, fruit size decreased, and anthocyanin and flavonols were reduced. Expression analysis showed changes in response to UV light levels for genes in the regulation and biosynthesis of anthocyanin and flavonols. Transcription of flavonol synthase (FLS), ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), MYB10, and MYB22 were down-regulated throughout fruit development under reduced UV. Functional testing showed that the FLS promoter was activated by HY5, and this response was enhanced by the presence of MYB22. The MYB22 promoter can also be activated by the anthocyanin regulator, MYB10. As ambient levels of UV light vary around the globe, this study has implications for future crop production, the quality of which can be determined by the response to UV. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

CR-39 (PADC) Reflection and Transmission of Light in the Ultraviolet-Near-Infrared (UV-NIR) Range.

PubMed

Traynor, Nathan B J; McLauchlin, Christopher; Dodge, Kenneth; McGarrah, James E; Padalino, Stephen J; McCluskey, Michelle; Sangster, T C; McLean, James G

2018-04-01

The spectral reflection (specular and diffuse) and transmission of Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39) were measured for incoherent light with wavelengths in the range of 200-2500 nm. These results will be of use for the optical characterization of CR-39, as well as in investigations of the chemical modifications of the polymer caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. A Varian Cary 5000 was used to perform spectroscopy on several different thicknesses of CR-39. With proper analysis for the interdependence of reflectance and transmittance, results are consistent across all samples. The reflectivity from each CR-39-air boundary reveals an increase in the index of refraction in the near-UV. Absorption observations are consistent with the Beer-Lambert law. Strong absorption of UV light of wavelength shorter than 350 nm suggests an optical band gap of 3.5 eV, although the standard analysis is not conclusive. Absorption features observed in the near infrared are assigned to molecular vibrations, including some that are new to the literature.

Inactivation of Salmonella enterica by UV-C Light Alone and in Combination with Mild Temperatures

PubMed Central

Gayán, E.; Serrano, M. J.; Raso, J.; Álvarez, I.

2012-01-01

The aim of this investigation was to study the efficacy of the combined processes of UV light and mild temperatures for the inactivation of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and to explore the mechanism of inactivation. The doses to inactivate the 99.99% (4D) of the initial population ranged from 18.03 (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium STCC 878) to 12.75 J ml−1 (Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076). The pH and water activity of the treatment medium did not change the UV tolerance, but it decreased exponentially by increasing the absorption coefficient. An inactivating synergistic effect was observed by applying simultaneous UV light and heat treatment (UV-H). A less synergistic effect was observed by applying UV light first and heat subsequently. UV did not damage cell envelopes, but the number of injured cells was higher after a UV-H treatment than after heating. The synergistic effect observed by combining simultaneous UV and heat treatment opens the possibility to design combined treatments for pasteurization of liquid food with high UV absorptivity, such as fruit juices. PMID:23001665

Surface disinfection by exposure to germicidal UV light.

PubMed

Katara, G; Hemvani, N; Chitnis, S; Chitnis, V; Chitnis, D S

2008-01-01

The present study was aimed to design a simple model to check efficacy of germicidal UV tube, to standardise the position, distance and time for UV light and also to find out its efficacy against medically important bacteria, the bacterial spores and fungi. The microbial cultures tested included gram positive and gram negative bacteria, bacterial spores and fungal spores. The microbes streaked on solid media were exposed to UV light. The inactivation of the order of four logs was observed for bacteria. UV light can have efficient inactivation of bacteria up to a distance of eight feet on either side and exposure time of 30 minutes is adequate.

Wavelength-dependent ultraviolet induction of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in the human cornea.

PubMed

Mallet, Justin D; Rochette, Patrick J

2013-08-01

Exposition to ultraviolet (UV) light is involved in the initiation and the progression of skin cancer. The genotoxicity of UV light is mainly attributed to the induction of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the most abundant DNA damage generated by all UV types (UVA, B and C). The human cornea is also exposed to the harmful UV radiations, but no UV-related neoplasm has been reported in this ocular structure. The probability that a specific DNA damage leads to a mutation and eventually to cellular transformation is influenced by its formation frequency. To shed light on the genotoxic effect of sunlight in the human eye, we have analyzed CPD induction in the cornea and the iris following irradiation of ex vivo human eyes with UVA, B or C. The extent of CPD induction was used to establish the penetrance of the different UV types in the human cornea. We show that UVB- and UVC-induced CPDs are concentrated in the corneal epithelium and do not penetrate deeply beyond this corneal layer. On the other hand, UVA wavelengths penetrate deeper and induce CPDs in the entire cornea and in the first layers of the iris. Taken together, our results are undoubtedly an important step towards better understanding the consequences of UV exposure to the human eye.

Performance characteristics of UV imaging instrumentation for diffusion, dissolution and release testing studies.

PubMed

Jensen, Sabrine S; Jensen, Henrik; Goodall, David M; Østergaard, Jesper

2016-11-30

UV imaging is capable of providing spatially and temporally resolved absorbance measurements, which is highly beneficial in drug diffusion, dissolution and release testing studies. For optimal planning and design of experiments, knowledge about the capabilities and limitations of the imaging system is required. The aim of this study was to characterize the performance of two commercially available UV imaging systems, the D100 and SDI. Lidocaine crystals, lidocaine containing solutions, and gels were applied in the practical assessment of the UV imaging systems. Dissolution of lidocaine from single crystals into phosphate buffer and 0.5% (w/v) agarose hydrogel at pH 7.4 was investigated to shed light on the importance of density gradients under dissolution conditions in the absence of convective flow. In addition, the resolution of the UV imaging systems was assessed by the use of grids. Resolution was found to be better in the vertical direction than the horizontal direction, consistent with the illumination geometry. The collimating lens in the SDI imaging system was shown to provide more uniform light intensity across the UV imaging area and resulted in better resolution as compared to the D100 imaging system (a system without a lens). Under optimal conditions, the resolution was determined to be 12.5 and 16.7 line pairs per mm (lp/mm) corresponding to line widths of 40μm and 30μm in the horizontal and vertical direction, respectively. Overall, the performance of the UV imaging systems was shown mainly to depend on collimation of light, the light path, the positioning of the object relative to the line of 100μm fibres which forms the light source, and the distance of the object from the sensor surface. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An experimental study on ferrous iron photo-oxidation: Effect of the solar spectrum on the surface for acidification of surface water in the early Hesperian Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabata, H.; Sekine, Y.; Kanzaki, Y.; Sugita, S.; Murakami, T.

2017-12-01

Geochemical evidence obatined by Mars Opportunity rover suggests that the pH of Martian surface water shifted to highly acidic, i.e., pH 2-4, in the early Hesperian (e.g., Tosca et al., 2005). Hurowitz et al. (2010) proposed that solar UV light may have promoted the acidification through photo-oxidation of ferrous iron dissolved in upwelling groundwater on early Mars. However, the trigger for the acidification in the early Hesperian remains unclear. The photo-oxidation of Fe2+ occurs under acidic conditions, i.e., pH < 3 (Jortner et al., 1962); however, the pH of upwelling groundwater would be neutral to alkaline (Zolotov et al., 2016). At neutral to alkaline pH, FeOH+ can exist together with Fe2+ in a solution. While both Fe2+ and FeOH+ are photo-oxidized only by UV light (< 300 nm), FeOH+ can also be photo-oxidized by long UV/visible light (300-400 nm). Thus, the efficiency of acidification through photo-oxidation on early Mars should have depended on the solar spectrum on the surface at that time which is determined by the atmospheric composition. To investigate the effect of UV spectrum on the acidification, we conducted two types of laboratory experiments: One used a Xe lamp as the light source for photo-oxidation of ferrous iron to irradiate light with continuous spectrum from 250 to 400 nm, and the other used the Xe lamp with an optical filter that cuts off UV light shorter than 300 nm. The pH value of the starting solution was around 7. Upon the UV irradiation covering full wavelength range (250-400 nm), the pH value of the solution decreases down to less than 4, consistent with the proposed pH of the Hesperian acidic water on Meridiani Planum (Tosca et al., 2005). This occurs because Fe2+ is stable at pH < 5, and because Fe2+ can be continuously photo-oxidized in the acidic solution by UV light in 250-300 nm. When the UV irradiation covering 300-400 nm, the pH value of the solution also decreases to pH 5 immediately after the UV irradiation. However, it does not decrease less than pH 5 and reaches a steady state. This is the case because FeOH+ is converted into Fe2+ at low pH, which prevents further photo-oxidation by light in 300-400 nm. These results suggest that a change in the atmospheric composition and consequent reaching of UV light in the wavelength < 300 nm may have played a key role for triggering the acidification in the early Hesperian.

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.

Low pressure ultraviolet studies for inactivation of Giardia muris cysts.

PubMed

Hayes, S L; Rice, E W; Ware, M W; Schaefer, F W

2003-01-01

The research was initiated to confirm earlier ultraviolet (u.v.) light inactivation studies performed on Giardia cysts using excystation as the viability indicator. Following this, a comparison of in vitro excystation and animal infectivity was performed for assessing cyst viability after exposure to low-pressure u.v. irradiation. Cysts of Giardia muris were inactivated using a low-pressure u.v. light source. Giardia muris was employed as a surrogate for the human pathogen Giardia lamblia. Cyst viability was determined by both in vitro excystation and animal infectivity. Cyst doses were counted using a flow cytometer for the animal infectivity experiments. Using in vitro excystation as the viability indicator, fluences as high as approximately 200 mJ cm(-2) did not prevent some cysts from excysting, thus verifying earlier work. Using animal infectivity, u.v. fluences of 1.4, 1.9 and 2.3 mJ cm(-2) yielded log10 reductions ranging from 0.3 to >or= 4.4. Results indicate that in vitro excystation is not a reliable indicator of G. muris cyst viability after u.v. disinfection. Very low doses of u.v. light rendered G. muris cysts non-infective in the mouse model employed. Data presented represent the only complete u.v. inactivation curve for G. muris. This research provides evidence that u.v. can be an effective barrier against Giardia spp. in the treatment of drinking water supplies.

Constraints on the temperature inhomogeneity in quasar accretion discs from the ultraviolet-optical spectral variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokubo, Mitsuru

2015-05-01

The physical mechanisms of the quasar ultraviolet (UV)-optical variability are not well understood despite the long history of observations. Recently, Dexter & Agol presented a model of quasar UV-optical variability, which assumes large local temperature fluctuations in the quasar accretion discs. This inhomogeneous accretion disc model is claimed to describe not only the single-band variability amplitude, but also microlensing size constraints and the quasar composite spectral shape. In this work, we examine the validity of the inhomogeneous accretion disc model in the light of quasar UV-optical spectral variability by using five-band multi-epoch light curves for nearly 9 000 quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 region. By comparing the values of the intrinsic scatter σint of the two-band magnitude-magnitude plots for the SDSS quasar light curves and for the simulated light curves, we show that Dexter & Agol's inhomogeneous accretion disc model cannot explain the tight inter-band correlation often observed in the SDSS quasar light curves. This result leads us to conclude that the local temperature fluctuations in the accretion discs are not the main driver of the several years' UV-optical variability of quasars, and consequently, that the assumption that the quasar accretion discs have large localized temperature fluctuations is not preferred from the viewpoint of the UV-optical spectral variability.

UV-Enhanced Ethanol Sensing Properties of RF Magnetron-Sputtered ZnO Film.

PubMed

Huang, Jinyu; Du, Yu; Wang, Quan; Zhang, Hao; Geng, Youfu; Li, Xuejin; Tian, Xiaoqing

2017-12-26

ZnO film was deposited by the magnetron sputtering method. The thickness of ZnO film is approximately 2 μm. The influence of UV light illumination on C₂H₅OH sensing properties of ZnO film was investigated. Gas sensing results revealed that the UV-illuminated ZnO film displays excellent C₂H₅OH characteristics in terms of high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, rapid response/recovery, and low detection limit down to 0.1 ppm. The excellent sensing performance of the sensor with UV activation could be attributed to the photocatalytic oxidation of ethanol on the surface of the ZnO film, the planar film structure with high utilizing efficiency of UV light, high electron mobility, and a good surface/volume ratio of of ZnO film with a relatively rough and porous surface.

Suppression of cucumber powdery mildew by UV-B is affected by background light quality

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Brief (5-10 min) exposure to UV-B radiation (280-300 nm) suppressed powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) on Cucumis sativus. The effect was enhanced by red light (600-660 nm), but offset by blue light (420-500 nm) and UV-A (300-420 nm). Compared to untreated controls, 2 h red light from specific lig...

An investigation into UV light exposure as an experimental model for artificial aging on tensile strength and force delivery of elastomeric chain.

PubMed

Wahab, Siti Waznah; Bister, Dirk; Sherriff, Martyn

2014-02-01

This study investigated the effect of ultraviolet type A light (UVA) exposure on the tensile properties of elastomeric chain. UVA light exposure was used as model for artificial aging, simulating prolonged storage of elastomeric chain. Tensile strength (n = 60) was measured after exposing Ormco, Forestadent and 3M chains to UVA light for 0, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Force decay was measured (n = 60) using chain exposed for 5, 10, and 14 days. The chains were subsequently stretched at a constant distance and the resulting forces measured at 0, 1, 24 hours and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. This test simulated a clinical scenario of pre-stretching and subsequent shortening of elastomeric chain. Tensile strength had statistically significant difference and was directly related to the duration of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Forestadent chain, which had the second highest value for the 'as received' product, showed the most consistent values over time with the lowest degradation. Ormco showed the lowest values for 'as received' as well as after UV exposure; 3M chain had the highest loss of tensile strength. Force decay was also significantly different. UV light exposure of 10 days or more appears to mark a 'watershed' between products: 3M had most survivors, Forestadent chain had some survivors, depending on the time the chain was stretched for. None of the Ormco product survived UV light exposure for more than 5 days. UVA light exposure may be used as a model for artificial aging as it reduces force delivery and tensile strength of exposed chains.

Acclimation to UV-B radiation and visible light in Lactuca sativa involves up-regulation of photosynthetic performance and orchestration of metabolome-wide responses.

PubMed

Wargent, J J; Nelson, B C W; McGhie, T K; Barnes, P W

2015-05-01

UV-B radiation is often viewed as a source of stress for higher plants. In particular, photosynthetic function has been described as a common target for UV-B impairment; yet as our understanding of UV-B photomorphogenesis increases, there are opportunities to expand the emerging paradigm of regulatory UV response. Lactuca sativa is an important dietary crop species and is often subjected to rapid sunlight exposure at field transfer. Acclimation to UV-B and visible light conditions in L. sativa was dissected using gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, in addition to non-destructive assessments of UV epidermal shielding (SUV ). After UV-B treatment, seedlings were subjected to wide-range metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-HRMS). During the acclimation period, net photosynthetic rate increased in UV-treated plants, epidermal UV shielding increased in both subsets of plants transferred to the acclimatory conditions (UV+/UV- plants) and Fv /Fm declined slightly in UV+/UV- plants. Metabolomic analysis revealed that a key group of secondary compounds was up-regulated by higher light conditions, yet several of these compounds were elevated further by UV-B radiation. In conclusion, acclimation to UV-B radiation involves co-protection from the effects of visible light, and responses to UV-B radiation at a photosynthetic level may not be consistently viewed as damaging to plant development. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Inactivation of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enterica on Blueberries in Water Using Ultraviolet Light.

PubMed

Liu, Chuhan; Huang, Yaoxin; Chen, Haiqiang

2015-07-01

Ultraviolet light (UV) has antimicrobial effects, but the shadowing effect has limited its application. In this study, a novel setup using UV processing in agitated water was developed to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on blueberries. Blueberries were dip- or spot-inoculated with E. coli or Salmonella. Blueberries inoculated with E. coli were treated for 2 to 10 min with UV directly (dry UV) or immersed in agitated water during UV treatment (wet UV). E. coli was most easily killed on spot-inoculated blueberries with a 5.2-log reduction after 10-min wet UV treatment. Dip-inoculated blueberries were the most difficult to be decontaminated with only 1.6-log reduction after 10-min wet UV treatment. Wet UV treatment generally showed higher efficacies than dry UV treatment, achieving an average of 1.4 log more reduction for spot-inoculated blueberries. For dip-inoculated blueberries, chlorine washing and UV treatments were less effective, achieving <2 log reductions of E. coli. Thus, the efficacy of combinations of wet UV with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), levulinic acid, or chlorine was evaluated. Inoculated blueberries were UV-treated while being immersed in agitated water containing 100 ppm SDS, 0.5% levulinic acid or 10 ppm chlorine. The 3 chemicals did not significantly enhance the wet UV treatment. Findings of this study suggest that UV treatment could be used as an alternative to chlorine washing for blueberries and potentially for other fresh produce. A novel UV light system for decontamination of blueberries in water was developed and evaluated. Results demonstrated that the decontamination efficacy of this system was generally as effective as chlorine washing, indicating that it could potentially be used as an alternative to chlorine washing for blueberries and other fresh produce. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Dissolved organic carbon biodegradability from thawing permafrost stimulated by sunlight rather than inorganic nitrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, F.; Chen, L.; Zhang, B.; Wang, G.; Qin, S.; Yang, Y.

2017-12-01

Permafrost thaw could result in a large portion of frozen carbon being laterally transferred to aquatic ecosystems as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). During this delivery process, the size of biodegradable DOC (BDOC) determines the proportion of DOC mineralized by microorganisms and associated carbon loss to the atmosphere, which may further trigger positive carbon-climate feedback. Thermokarst is an abrupt permafrost thaw process that can enhance DOC export and also impact DOC processing through increased inorganic nitrogen (N) and sunlight exposure. However, it remains unclear how thermokarst-impacted BDOC responds to inorganic N addition and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Here we explored the responses of DOC concentration, composition and its biodegradability to inorganic N and UV light in a typical thermokarst on the Tibetan Plateau, by combining field observation and laboratory incubation with spectra analyses (UV-visible absorption and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra) and parallel factor analyses. Our results showed that BDOC in thermokarst feature outflows was significantly higher than in reference water. Furthermore, inorganic N addition had no influence on thermokarst-impacted BDOC, whereas exposure to UV light significantly increased BDOC by as much as 2.3 times higher than the dark-control. Moreover, N addition and UV irradiation did not generate additive effects on BDOC. These results imply that sunlight rather than inorganic N can increase thermokarst-derived BDOC, potentially strengthening the positive permafrost carbon-climate feedback.

Controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation in a headwater stream: the influence of photochemical and hydrological conditions in determining light-limitation or substrate-limitation of photo-degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cory, R. M.; Harrold, K. H.; Neilson, B. T.; Kling, G. W.

2015-07-01

We investigated how absorption of sunlight by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) controls the degradation and export of DOM from Imnavait Creek, a beaded stream in the Alaskan Arctic. We measured concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as well as concentrations and characteristics of CDOM and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM), during ice-free periods of 2011-2012 in the pools of Imnavait Creek and in soil waters draining to the creek. Spatial and temporal patterns in CDOM and FDOM in Imnavait Creek were analyzed in conjunction with measures of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria and assessments of hydrologic residence times and in situ UV exposure. CDOM was the dominant light attenuating constituent in the UV and visible portion of the solar spectrum, with high attenuation coefficients ranging from 86 ± 12 m-1 at 305 nm to 3 ± 1 m-1 in the photosynthetically active region (PAR). High rates of light absorption and thus light attenuation by CDOM contributed to thermal stratification in the majority of pools in Imnavait Creek under low-flow conditions. In turn, thermal stratification increased the residence time of water and DOM, and resulted in a separation of water masses distinguished by contrasting UV exposure (i.e., UV attenuation by CDOM with depth resulted in bottom waters receiving less UV than surface waters). When the pools in Imnavait Creek were stratified, DOM in the pool bottom water closely resembled soil water DOM in character, while the concentration and character of DOM in surface water was reproduced by experimental photo-degradation of bottom water. These results, in combination with water column rates of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria, suggest that photo-degradation is the dominant process controlling DOM fate and export in Imnavait Creek. A conceptual model is presented showing how CDOM amount and lability interact with incident UV light and water residence time to determine whether photo-degradation is "light-limited" or "substrate-limited". We suggest that degradation, and thus export, of DOM in CDOM-rich streams or ponds similar to Imnavait is typically light-limited under most flow conditions.

Light-responsive polymer microcapsules as delivery systems for natural active agents

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

Bizzarro, Valentina; Carfagna, Cosimo; Cerruti, Pierfrancesco

2016-05-18

In this work we report the preparation and the release behavior of UV-responsive polymeric microcapsules containing essential oils as a core. The oil acted also as a monomer solvent during polymerization. Accordingly, the potentially toxic organic solvent traditionally used was replaced with a natural active substance, resulting in a more sustainable functional system. Polymer shell was based on a lightly cross-linked polyamide containing UV-sensitive azobenzene moieties in the main chain. The micro-sized capsules were obtained via interfacial polycondensation in o/w emulsion, and their mean size was measured via Dynamic Light Scattering. Shape and morphology were analyzed through Scanning Electron andmore » Optical Microscopy. UV-responsive behavior was evaluated via spectrofluorimetry, by assessing the release kinetics of a fluorescent probe molecule upon UV light irradiation (λ{sub max}=360 nm). The irradiated samples showed an increase in fluorescence intensity, in accordance with the increase of the probe molecule concentration in the release medium. As for the un-irradiated sample, no changes could be detected demonstrating the effectiveness of the obtained releasing system.« less

Fyn is a redox sensor involved in solar ultraviolet light-induced signal transduction in skin carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Kim, J-E; Roh, E; Lee, M H; Yu, D H; Kim, D J; Lim, T-G; Jung, S K; Peng, C; Cho, Y-Y; Dickinson, S; Alberts, D; Bowden, G T; Einspahr, J; Stratton, S P; Curiel-Lewandrowski, C; Bode, A M; Lee, K W; Dong, Z

2016-08-04

Solar ultraviolet (UV) light is a major etiological factor in skin carcinogenesis, with solar UV-stimulated signal transduction inducing pathological changes and skin damage. The primary sensor of solar UV-induced cellular signaling has not been identified. We use an experimental system of solar simulated light (SSL) to mimic solar UV and we demonstrate that Fyn is a primary redox sensor involved in SSL-induced signal transduction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by SSL exposure directly oxidize Cys488 of Fyn, resulting in increased Fyn kinase activity. Fyn oxidation was increased in mouse skin after SSL exposure and Fyn-knockout mice formed larger and more tumors compared with Fyn wild-type mice when exposed to SSL for an extended period of time. Murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Fyn and cells in which Fyn expression was knocked down were resistant to SSL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, cells expressing mutant Fyn (C448A) were resistant to SSL-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that Fyn acts as a regulatory nexus between solar UV, ROS and signal transduction during skin carcinogenesis.

CRYPTOCHROME mediates behavioral executive choice in response to UV light

PubMed Central

Baik, Lisa S.; Fogle, Keri J.; Roberts, Logan; Galschiodt, Alexis M.; Chevez, Joshua A.; Recinos, Yocelyn; Nguy, Vinh; Holmes, Todd C.

2017-01-01

Drosophila melanogaster CRYPTOCHROME (CRY) mediates behavioral and electrophysiological responses to blue light coded by circadian and arousal neurons. However, spectroscopic and biochemical assays of heterologously expressed CRY suggest that CRY may mediate functional responses to UV-A (ultraviolet A) light as well. To determine the relative contributions of distinct phototransduction systems, we tested mutants lacking CRY and mutants with disrupted opsin-based phototransduction for behavioral and electrophysiological responses to UV light. CRY and opsin-based external photoreceptor systems cooperate for UV light-evoked acute responses. CRY mediates behavioral avoidance responses related to executive choice, consistent with its expression in central brain neurons. PMID:28062690

ENHANCED CHEMICAL CLEANING: EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UV LAMP TO DECOMPOSE OXALATES

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

Ketusky, E.; Huff, T.; Sudduth, C.

2010-01-19

Enhanced Chemical Cleaning is a new process scheduled to begin cleaning Savannah River Site High Level Waste Tanks in 2012. It is an improvement over the current chemical cleaning method, in that it minimizes downstream impacts on the High Level Waste System. It is based on a state of the art scale removal process used on the secondary side of nuclear power plants, with modifications to accommodate the unique constraints created by the tanks. Both Enhanced Chemical Cleaning and the scale removal process are founded on dissolving metal oxides/hydroxides using oxalic acid, with subsequent oxalate decomposition via hydroxylation using ozonemore » or peroxide, and UV light as a catalyst. A divergence Enhanced Chemical Cleaning has from nuclear power scale removal is the significantly increased solids concentration during oxalate decomposition. These solids can limit the ability of the UV light to create hydroxyl radicals, either by limiting the ability of the light to penetrate through the solution, or by increasing the fouling rate on the UV light. Both will decrease the overall catalytic effectiveness, thereby decreasing the concentration of formed hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl radicals are the driving force behind the oxalate decomposition. To understand the impact of increased solids, testing was performed using a medium pressure UV light inside an ozone supplied Oxalate Decomposition Reactor. Using a dissolved metal sludge simulant with an initial oxalate concentration greater than 12,000 ppm, and an initial pH of about 2.0, the spent acid solution was recirculated through the reactor, while the UV light was allowed to foul. For the first few hours, the oxalate decomposition rate was about 1,300 ppm/hour. After about 3 hours, enough time for the UV lamp to foul, the oxalate decomposition rate decreased to about 500 ppm/hour. The decomposition rate then remained roughly constant for the next 16 hours. Overall, testing showed that the oxalate destruction rate decreased by about 2.8. Results from very similartests with similar chemistry suggest that the impact should be about 10. Based on the limited reaction pathwayfor the creation of hydroxyl radicals with iron, ozone, and no UV, the discrepancy suggests that initially, at 'time zero' the UV light failed to perform up to expectations. It is therefore concluded that regardless of the fouling rate, either the increased solids concentration is impacting the initial penetrability (i.e. to many solids), or the light is not adequately sized/configured to have the appropriate flux.« less

EUCLIA—Exploring the UV/Optical Continuum Lag in Active Galactic Nuclei. I. A Model without Light Echoing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zhen-Yi; Wang, Jun-Xian; Zhu, Fei-Fan; Sun, Mou-Yuan; Gu, Wei-Min; Cao, Xin-Wu; Yuan, Feng

2018-03-01

The tight interband correlation and the lag–wavelength relation among UV/optical continua of active galactic nuclei have been firmly established. They are usually understood within the widespread reprocessing scenario; however, the implied interband lags are generally too small. Furthermore, it is challenged by new evidence, such as that the X-ray reprocessing yields too much high-frequency UV/optical variation and that it fails to reproduce the observed timescale-dependent color variations among the Swift light curves of NGC 5548. In a different manner, we demonstrate that an upgraded inhomogeneous accretion disk model, whose local independent temperature fluctuations are subject to a speculated common large-scale temperature fluctuation, can intrinsically generate the tight interband correlation and lag across the UV/optical and be in nice agreement with several observational properties of NGC 5548, including the timescale-dependent color variation. The emergent lag is a result of the differential regression capability of local temperature fluctuations when responding to the large-scale fluctuation. An average speed of propagations as large as ≳15% of the speed of light may be required by this common fluctuation. Several potential physical mechanisms for such propagations are discussed. Our interesting phenomenological scenario may shed new light on comprehending the UV/optical continuum variations of active galactic nuclei.

Structural and Functional Modifications of Corneal Crystallin ALDH3A1 by UVB Light

PubMed Central

Estey, Tia; Chen, Ying; Carpenter, John F.; Vasiliou, Vasilis

2010-01-01

As one of the most abundantly expressed proteins in the mammalian corneal epithelium, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1) plays critical and multifaceted roles in protecting the cornea from oxidative stress. Recent studies have demonstrated that one protective mechanism of ALDH3A1 is the direct absorption of UV-energy, which reduces damage to other corneal proteins such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase through a competition mechanism. UV-exposure, however, leads to the inactivation of ALDH3A1 in such cases. In the current study, we demonstrate that UV-light caused soluble, non-native aggregation of ALDH3A1 due to both covalent and non-covalent interactions, and that the formation of the aggregates was responsible for the loss of ALDH3A1 enzymatic activity. Spectroscopic studies revealed that as a result of aggregation, the secondary and tertiary structure of ALDH3A1 were perturbed. LysC peptide mapping using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry shows that UV-induced damage to ALDH3A1 also includes chemical modifications to Trp, Met, and Cys residues. Surprisingly, the conserved active site Cys of ALDH3A1 does not appear to be affected by UV-exposure; this residue remained intact after exposure to UV-light that rendered the enzyme completely inactive. Collectively, our data suggest that the UV-induced inactivation of ALDH3A1 is a result of non-native aggregation and associated structural changes rather than specific damage to the active site Cys. PMID:21203538

Ultraviolet Light-Assisted Copper Oxide Nanowires Hydrogen Gas Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sihar, Nabihah; Tiong, Teck Yaw; Dee, Chang Fu; Ooi, Poh Choon; Hamzah, Azrul Azlan; Mohamed, Mohd Ambri; Majlis, Burhanuddin Yeop

2018-05-01

We fabricated copper oxide nanowires (CuO NWs) ultraviolet (UV) light-assisted hydrogen gas sensor. The fabricated sensor shows promising sensor response behavior towards 100 ppm of H2 at room temperature and elevated temperature at 100 °C when exposed to UV light (3.0 mW/cm2). One hundred-cycle device stability test has been performed, and it is found that for sample elevated at 100 °C, the UV-activated sample achieved stability in the first cycle as compared to the sample without UV irradiation which needed about 10 cycles to achieve stability at the initial stage, whereas the sample tested at room temperature was able to stabilize with the aid of UV irradiation. This indicates that with the aid of UV light, after some "warming up" time, it is possible for the conventional CuO NW sensor which normally work at elevated temperature to function at room temperature because UV source is speculated to play a dominant role to increase the interaction of the surface of CuO NWs and hydrogen gas molecules absorbed after the light exposure.

Ultraviolet Light-Assisted Copper Oxide Nanowires Hydrogen Gas Sensor.

PubMed

Sihar, Nabihah; Tiong, Teck Yaw; Dee, Chang Fu; Ooi, Poh Choon; Hamzah, Azrul Azlan; Mohamed, Mohd Ambri; Majlis, Burhanuddin Yeop

2018-05-15

We fabricated copper oxide nanowires (CuO NWs) ultraviolet (UV) light-assisted hydrogen gas sensor. The fabricated sensor shows promising sensor response behavior towards 100 ppm of H 2 at room temperature and elevated temperature at 100 °C when exposed to UV light (3.0 mW/cm 2 ). One hundred-cycle device stability test has been performed, and it is found that for sample elevated at 100 °C, the UV-activated sample achieved stability in the first cycle as compared to the sample without UV irradiation which needed about 10 cycles to achieve stability at the initial stage, whereas the sample tested at room temperature was able to stabilize with the aid of UV irradiation. This indicates that with the aid of UV light, after some "warming up" time, it is possible for the conventional CuO NW sensor which normally work at elevated temperature to function at room temperature because UV source is speculated to play a dominant role to increase the interaction of the surface of CuO NWs and hydrogen gas molecules absorbed after the light exposure.

Tolerance of the eriophyid mite Aceria salsolae to UV-A light and implications for biological control of Russian thistle.

PubMed

Moran, Patrick J; Wibawa, M Irene; Smith, Lincoln

2017-12-01

Aceria salsolae (Acari: Eriophyidae) is being evaluated as a candidate biological control agent of Russian thistle (Salsola tragus, Chenopodiaceae), a major invasive weed of rangelands and dryland crops in the western USA. Prior laboratory host range testing under artificial lighting indicated reproduction on non-native Bassia hyssopifolia and on a native plant, Suaeda calceoliformis. However, in field tests in the native range, mite populations released on these 'nontarget' plants remained low. We hypothesized that UV-A light, which can affect behavior of tetranychid mites, would affect populations of the eriophyid A. salsolae differently on the target and nontarget plant species, decreasing the mite's realized host range. Plants were infested with A. salsolae under lamps that emitted UV-A, along with broad-spectrum lighting, and the size of mite populations and plant growth was compared to infested plants exposed only to broad-spectrum light. Russian thistle supported 3- to 55-fold larger mite populations than nontarget plants regardless of UV-A treatment. UV-A exposure did not affect mite populations on Russian thistle or S. calceoliformis, whereas it increased populations 7-fold on B. hyssopifolia. Main stems on nontarget plants grew 2- to 6-fold faster than did Russian thistle under either light treatment. The two nontarget plants attained greater volume under the control light regime than UV-A, but Russian thistle was unaffected. Although Russian thistle was always the superior host, addition of UV-A light to the artificial lighting regime did not reduce the ability of A. salsolae to reproduce on the two nontarget species, suggesting that UV-B or other environmental factors may be more important in limiting mite populations in the field.

Action of UV-A and blue light on enzymes activity and accumulation of lipid peroxidation products in attached and detached frog retinas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lapina, Victoria A.; Doutsov, Alexander E.

1994-07-01

The effect of the UV-A and blue light on the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and activities of succinate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase in the retina was examined in eye cup model of dark and light adapted frogs R. temporaria. Retinas were exposed to UV-A radiation (8 mW/cm2) and blue light (10 to 150 mW/cm2) for periods from 5 min to 1 hr. We have measured TBA-active products both in the retina homogenates and in the reaction media. Enzyme activities was measured in the retina homogenates only. The measurements revealed a significant increase in the endogenous and exogenous forms of lipid peroxidation products in the retina of dark adapted frog (1.6+/- 0.4; 1.4+/- 0.3 nmole TBA-active products per mg protein, respectively) compared to light adapted (0.85+/- 0.16; 0.32+/- 0.06 nmole TBA-active products per mg protein, respectively). In the same conditions succinate dehydrogenase activity was decline more than 50% but superoxide dismutase activity didn't decrease. Disorganized inner and outer segments were observed after 40 min exposures. No light microscopic changes were detected after 5 min exposures. Light damage was significantly higher in the retina of dark adapted frog. The results indicate that the retina from eye cup of dark adapted frog is more susceptible to UV-A and blue light damages.

Light based technologies for microbial inactivation of liquids, bead surfaces and powdered infant formula.

PubMed

Arroyo, Cristina; Dorozko, Anna; Gaston, Edurne; O'Sullivan, Michael; Whyte, Paul; Lyng, James G

2017-10-01

This study evaluates the potential of continuous wave Ultraviolet C light (UV-C) and broad-spectrum intense pulsed light (in this study referred to as High Intensity Light Pulses, HILP) for the inactivation of pathogens of public concern in powdered infant formula (PIF) producers. To achieve this goal a sequential set of experiments were performed, firstly in clear liquid media, secondly on the surface of spherical beads under agitation and, finally in PIF. L. innocua was the most sensitive microorganism to both technologies under all conditions studied with reductions exceeding 4 log 10 cycles in PIF. In the clear liquid medium, the maximum tolerance to light was observed for C. sakazakii against UV-C light and for B. subtilis spores against HILP, with a fluence of approximately 17 mJ/cm 2 required for a 1 log 10 cycle inactivation (D value) of each species. In PIF it was possible to inactivate >99% of the vegetative cell populations by HILP with a fluence of 199 mJ/cm 2 and of B. subtilis spores by doubling the fluence. By contrast, for UV-C treatments a fluence of 2853 mJ/cm 2 was needed for 99.9% reduction of C. sakazakii, which was the most light-resistant microorganism to UV-C. Results here obtained clearly show the potential for light-based interventions to improve PIF microbiological safety. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DFT and TD-DFT insights, photolysis and photocatalysis investigation of three dyes with similar structure under UV irradiation with and without TiO2 as a catalyst: Effect of adsorption, pH and light intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendjabeur, Seyfeddine; Zouaghi, Razika; Zouchoune, Bachir; Sehili, Tahar

2018-02-01

TiO2-mediated photocatalytic degradation of three triphenylmethane dyes (basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin and Gentian violet), was investigated in aqueous suspensions in the presence and the absence of titanium dioxide P25 Degussa as photocatalyst. The photodegradation process was investigated using UV-A (365 nm) and UV-C (254 nm) light alone and UV-A in the presence of TiO2·The effects of various operational parameters were investigated such as: the effect of adsorption in the dark, the influence of pH, the influence of irradiation wavelength and the effect of light intensity. The study of the effect of various parameters reveals that the photolysis of dyes increases with the increase of light intensity, the degradation rate under UV-C (254 nm) was found better than under UV-A 365 nm. The photocatalytic degradation was found to follow the same order of adsorption. The decolorization and the degradation kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The mineralization of dye was found to follow the same order of disappearance as the photocatalytic degradation and depended directly to its functional groups and its number of carbons. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) was applied for calculations of both electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of the studied compounds, where the obtained results of the three dyes show that the theoretical electronic spectra and the experimental UV-visible ones are similar in shapes, positions and intensities.

Integrin αVβ5-mediated Removal of Apoptotic Cell Debris by the Eye Lens and Its Inhibition by UV Light Exposure*

PubMed Central

Chauss, Daniel; Brennan, Lisa A.; Bakina, Olga; Kantorow, Marc

2015-01-01

Accumulation of apoptotic material is toxic and associated with cataract and other disease states. Identification of mechanisms that prevent accumulation of apoptotic debris is important for establishing the etiology of these diseases. The ocular lens is routinely assaulted by UV light that causes lens cell apoptosis and is associated with cataract formation. To date, no molecular mechanism for removal of toxic apoptotic debris has been identified in the lens. Vesicular debris within lens cells exposed to UV light has been observed raising speculation that lens cells themselves could act as phagocytes to remove toxic apoptotic debris. However, phagocytosis has not been confirmed as a function of the intact eye lens, and no mechanism for lens phagocytosis has been established. Here, we demonstrate that the eye lens is capable of phagocytizing extracellular lens cell debris. Using high throughput RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, we establish that lens epithelial cells express members of the integrin αVβ5-mediated phagocytosis pathway and that internalized cell debris co-localizes with αVβ5 and with RAB7 and Rab-interacting lysosomal protein that are required for phagosome maturation and fusion with lysosomes. We demonstrate that the αVβ5 receptor is required for lens epithelial cell phagocytosis and that UV light treatment of lens epithelial cells results in damage to the αVβ5 receptor with concomitant loss of phagocytosis. These data suggest that loss of αVβ5-mediated phagocytosis by the eye lens could result in accumulation of toxic cell debris that could contribute to UV light-induced cataract formation. PMID:26527683

Foraging performance of two fishes, the threespine stickleback and the Cumaná guppy, under different light backgrounds.

PubMed

Zukoshi, Reo; Savelli, Ilaria; Novales Flamarique, Iñigo

2018-04-01

Many vertebrates have cone photoreceptors that are most sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light termed UV cones. The ecological functions that these cones contribute to are seldom known though they are suspected of improving foraging and communication in a variety of fishes. In this study, we used several spectral backgrounds to assess the contribution of UV and violet cones, or long wavelength (L) cones, in the foraging performance of juvenile Cumaná guppy, Poecilia reticulata, or marine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus. Regardless of whether the light spectrum contained or not wavelengths below 450 nm (the limiting wavelength for UV cone stimulation), the foraging performance of both species was statistically the same, as judged by the mean distance and angle associated with attacks on prey (Daphnia magna). Our experiments also showed that the foraging performance of sticklebacks when only the double cones (and, almost exclusively, the L cones) were active was similar to that when all cones were functional, demonstrating that the double cone was sufficient for prey detection. This result indicates that foraging potentially relied on an achromatic channel serving prey motion detection, as the two spectral cone types that make up the double cone [maximally sensitive to middle (M) and long (L) wavelengths, respectively] form the input to the achromatic channel in cyprinid fishes and double cones are widely associated with achromatic tasks in other vertebrates including reptiles and birds. Stickleback performance was also substantially better when foraging under a 100% linearly polarized light field than when under an unpolarized light field. Together, our results suggest that in some teleost species UV cones exert visually-mediated ecological functions different from foraging, and furthermore that polarization sensitivity could improve the foraging performance of sticklebacks. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving the color of bulgur: new industrial applications of tempering and UV/sun-light treatments.

PubMed

Balci, Fatih; Bayram, Mustafa

2015-09-01

Color (CIE b*; yellowness) is an important parameter for bulgur quality. Color of bulgur is mainly due to natural pigments (carotenoids) that are present at different levels in wheat. In order to increase the customer acceptability, the producers try to obtain yellowish color in bulgur. In this study, two different tempering methods (spray and steam) were used before sun and UV- light polishing applications. Sun and UV-light were applied to tempered bulgur for 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h. Moisture content (%, d.b.), ash content (%, d.b.), protein content (%, d.b.), total carotenoid content in terms of lutein equivalent (TCC) and color values (CIE L*; lightness, CIE b*; yellowness, CIE a*; redness and CIE YI; yellowness index) were determined. It was found that UV-light was more effective (P < 0.05) on the CIE L* and CIE b* values compared to sunlight. Both tempering methods were significantly (P < 0.05) increased the CIE L*, CIE b* and CIE YI values. Steam tempering has a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the CIE b* values as well as UV and time of UV exposure. The highest value of TCC i.e. 6.31 μg/g was obtained by using spray tempering and UV-light exposure. As a conclusion, as proposed methods steam tempering and UV-light have an obvious positive effect on the color of bulgur.

Study of UV surface plasmons on metallic nanostructures and its applications to nanophotonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Liangcheng

Modern nanotechnology requires the characterization ability in the order of 100 nm or smaller. This resolution requirement cannot be met by using conventional optical microscopy. Nowadays, the mainstream technique that is universally adopted to characterize optical properties on this length scale is Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM). In the effort to improve the resolution and efficiency of NSOM techniques, both nanoscopic fabrication and imaging techniques are critical because the light field strongly intereacts with the metallic NSOM probe or other surfaces to form surface plasmons (SPs). However, much is still unknown about the behavior of light interacting with metallic nanostructures. This calls for research that develops the tool set, methodology and that includes both experimental characterization, and numerical simulations, for the investigation of SPs. The short wavelength of UV light makes it particularly desirable for many industrial processes. So far, little research has been carried out to understand surface plasmon in the UV spectral region. Like conventional optics, UV SPs have unique properties and optical behavior. For this purpose, we modified our existing NSOM into a Photon Scanning Tunneling Microscope (PTSM) and demonstrate its power for the imaging of UV SPs. We present what we believe to be the first direct mapping of the UV SPs on an Al2O3/Al surface. UV SP modes launched by one-dimensional slits or two-dimensional groove arrays and corresponding interference phenomenon were both observed. We then use the same methodology in the engineering of optimized nano aperture such as UV bowtie nanoantenna. For the latter, we find a strong UV intensity profile which is localized to less than 50nm caused by a localized surface plasmon resonance. The relationship of optical field enhancement and antenna geometric shape is studied using numerical simulations and NSOM experiments. In another project, we examine the propagation of light from near-field to far-field. For that purpose, a micro-lens with bull's-eye ring structure, similar to a Fresnel zone plate, is fabricated. We mapped the far-field light distribution from the micro-lens' output by using confocal microscope, which shows that this ring structure exhibit focusing ability as well. Furthermore, we study the ultraviolet (UV) extraordinary optical transmission through nanoslit structures into the far field as well as the localized field enhancement in the near field. The experimental results are compared to numerical modeling results showing good agreement.

Light-extraction enhancement of GaN-based 395  nm flip-chip light-emitting diodes by an Al-doped ITO transparent conductive electrode.

PubMed

Xu, Jin; Zhang, Wei; Peng, Meng; Dai, Jiangnan; Chen, Changqing

2018-06-01

The distinct ultraviolet (UV) light absorption of indium tin oxide (ITO) limits the performance of GaN-based near-UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, we report an Al-doped ITO with enhanced UV transmittance and low sheet resistance as the transparent conductive electrode for GaN-based 395 nm flip-chip near-UV LEDs. The thickness dependence of optical and electrical properties of Al-doped ITO films is investigated. The optimal Al-doped ITO film exhibited a transmittance of 93.2% at 395 nm and an average sheet resistance of 30.1  Ω/sq. Meanwhile, at an injection current of 300 mA, the forward voltage decreased from 3.14 to 3.11 V, and the light output power increased by 13% for the 395 nm near-UV flip-chip LEDs with the optimal Al-doped ITO over those with pure ITO. This Letter provides a simple and repeatable approach to further improve the light extraction efficiency of GaN-based near-UV LEDs.

Deep Ultraviolet Light Emitters Based on (Al,Ga)N/GaN Semiconductor Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yu-Han

Deep ultraviolet (UV) light sources are useful in a number of applications that include sterilization, medical diagnostics, as well as chemical and biological identification. However, state-of-the-art deep UV light-emitting diodes and lasers made from semiconductors still suffer from low external quantum efficiency and low output powers. These limitations make them costly and ineffective in a wide range of applications. Deep UV sources such as lasers that currently exist are prohibitively bulky, complicated, and expensive. This is typically because they are constituted of an assemblage of two to three other lasers in tandem to facilitate sequential harmonic generation that ultimately results in the desired deep UV wavelength. For semiconductor-based deep UV sources, the most challenging difficulty has been finding ways to optimally dope the (Al,Ga)N/GaN heterostructures essential for UV-C light sources. It has proven to be very difficult to achieve high free carrier concentrations and low resistivities in high-aluminum-containing III-nitrides. As a result, p-type doped aluminum-free III-nitrides are employed as the p-type contact layers in UV light-emitting diode structures. However, because of impedance-mismatch issues, light extraction from the device and consequently the overall external quantum efficiency is drastically reduced. This problem is compounded with high losses and low gain when one tries to make UV nitride lasers. In this thesis, we provide a robust and reproducible approach to resolving most of these challenges. By using a liquid-metal-enabled growth mode in a plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy process, we show that highly-doped aluminum containing III-nitride films can be achieved. This growth mode is driven by kinetics. Using this approach, we have been able to achieve extremely high p-type and n-type doping in (Al,Ga)N films with high aluminum content. By incorporating a very high density of Mg atoms in (Al,Ga)N films, we have been able to show, by temperature-dependent photoluminescence, that the activation energy of the acceptors is substantially lower, thus allowing a higher hole concentration than usual to be available for conduction. It is believed that the lower activation energy is a result of an impurity band tail induced by the high Mg concentration. The successful p-type doping of high aluminum-content (Al,Ga)N has allowed us to demonstrate operation of deep ultraviolet LEDs emitting at 274 nm. This achievement paves the way for making lasers that emit in the UV-C region of the spectrum. In this thesis, we performed preliminary work on using our structures to make UV-C lasers based on photonic crystal nanocavity structures. The nanocavity laser structures show that the threshold optical pumping power necessary to reach lasing is much lower than in conventional edge-emitting lasers. Furthermore, the photonic crystal nanocavity structure has a small mode volume and does not need mirrors for optical feedback. These advantages significantly reduce material loss and eliminate mirror loss. This structure therefore potentially opens the door to achieving efficient and compact lasers in the UV-C region of the spectrum.

High-Power 365 nm UV LED Mercury Arc Lamp Replacement for Photochemistry and Chemical Photolithography

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) have become widespread in chemical research as highly efficient light sources for photochemistry and photopolymerization. However, in more complex experimental setups requiring highly concentrated light and highly spatially resolved patterning of the light, high-pressure mercury arc lamps are still widely used because they emit intense UV light from a compact arc volume that can be efficiently coupled into optical systems. Advances in the deposition and p-type doping of gallium nitride have recently permitted the manufacture of UV LEDs capable of replacing mercury arc lamps also in these applications. These UV LEDs exceed the spectral radiance of mercury lamps even at the intense I-line at 365 nm. Here we present the successful exchange of a high-pressure mercury arc lamp for a new generation UV LED as a light source in photolithographic chemistry and its use in the fabrication of high-density DNA microarrays. We show that the improved light radiance and efficiency of these LEDs offer substantial practical, economic and ecological advantages, including faster synthesis, lower hardware costs, very long lifetime, an >85-fold reduction in electricity consumption and the elimination of mercury waste and contamination. PMID:28066690

High-Power 365 nm UV LED Mercury Arc Lamp Replacement for Photochemistry and Chemical Photolithography.

PubMed

Hölz, K; Lietard, J; Somoza, M M

2017-01-03

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) have become widespread in chemical research as highly efficient light sources for photochemistry and photopolymerization. However, in more complex experimental setups requiring highly concentrated light and highly spatially resolved patterning of the light, high-pressure mercury arc lamps are still widely used because they emit intense UV light from a compact arc volume that can be efficiently coupled into optical systems. Advances in the deposition and p -type doping of gallium nitride have recently permitted the manufacture of UV LEDs capable of replacing mercury arc lamps also in these applications. These UV LEDs exceed the spectral radiance of mercury lamps even at the intense I-line at 365 nm. Here we present the successful exchange of a high-pressure mercury arc lamp for a new generation UV LED as a light source in photolithographic chemistry and its use in the fabrication of high-density DNA microarrays. We show that the improved light radiance and efficiency of these LEDs offer substantial practical, economic and ecological advantages, including faster synthesis, lower hardware costs, very long lifetime, an >85-fold reduction in electricity consumption and the elimination of mercury waste and contamination.

Chlorophyll degradation in aqueous mediums induced by light and UV-B irradiation: An UHPLC-ESI-MS study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, Sanja; Zvezdanović, Jelena; Marković, Dejan

2017-12-01

Irreversible chlorophyll degradation induced by continuous white light illumination and UV-B irradiation in the aqueous mediums (with 10%, 30% and 50% of methanol) was investigated using the ultrahigh liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-DAD-ESIMS). The degradation was governed by energy input of photons: higher energy of UV-B irradiation induced faster chlorophyll degradation and accordingly faster products formation in comparison to the white light treatment. Main light- or/and UV-B-induced products of chlorophyll in the aqueous mediums were hydroxy-pheophytin a, pheophytin a and hydroxy-lactone-pheophytin a, accompanied with the corresponding epimers. Chlorophylls aggregation dominant in the aqueous medium with the highest methanol content (50%) play a protective role against the UV-B radiation and white light illumination.

Phototaxis of Propsilocerus akamusi (Diptera: Chironomidae) From a Shallow Eutrophic Lake in Response to Led Lamps.

PubMed

Hirabayashi, Kimio; Nagai, Yoshinari; Mushya, Tetsuya; Higashino, Makoto; Taniguchi, Yoshio

2017-06-01

A study on the attraction of adult Propsilocerus akamusi midges to different-colored light traps was carried out from October 21 to November 15, 2013. The 6 colored lights used in light-emitting diode (LED) lamps were white, green, red, blue, amber, and ultraviolet (UV). The UV lamp attracted the most P. akamusi, followed by green, white, blue, amber, and red. A white pulsed LED light attracted only half the number of midges as did a continuous-emission white LED light. The result indicated that manipulation of light color, considering that the red LED light and/or pulsed LED light are not as attractive as the other colors, may be appropriate for the development of an overall integrated strategy to control nuisance P. akamusi in the Lake Suwa area.

New bactericidal UV light sources: excilamps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosnin, Edward A.; Lavrent'eva, Larisa V.; Erofeev, Mikhail V.; Masterova, Yana V.; Kuznetzova, Eugenia N.; Tarasenko, Victor F.

2004-05-01

A reliable bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli cells irradiation by excilamps has been established. Both on primary and secondary irradiation there exists the reciprocally proportional dependence between irradiation doze (or exposure time) and survived cells number. The microorganisms survived after primary irradiation are shown to have not changed sensitivity to excilamps irradiation. The best results have been obtained during XeBr-excilamp irradiation. Owing to their technical parameters, the excilamps are promising systems for UV-sterilization. Comparison of capacitive discharge excilamp characteristics with other conventional UV light sources in presented. A comparative study on UV doze effect of a barrier discharge KrCl-excilamp (λ = 222 nm) on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli inactivation was carried out. KrCl-excilamp emission power is 65 W, and emitting area is 0.1 m2. It has been demonstrated that Staphylococcus aureus cell sensitivity to UV radiation at this wavelength is higher than that of Escherichia coli.

Photocatalytic properties of Au-deposited mesoporous SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst under simultaneous irradiation of UV and visible light

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

Okuno, T., E-mail: t093507@edu.imc.tut.ac.jp; Kawamura, G., E-mail: gokawamura@ee.tut.ac.jp; Muto, H., E-mail: muto@ee.tut.ac.jp

Mesoporous SiO{sub 2} templates deposited TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals are synthesized via a sol–gel route, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) are deposited in the tubular mesopores of the templates by a photodeposition method (Au/SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2}). The photocatalytic characteristics of Au/SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} are discussed with the action spectra of photoreactions of 2-propanol and methylene blue. Photocatalytic activities of SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} under individual ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light illumination are enhanced by deposition of Au NPs. Furthermore, Au/SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} shows higher photocatalytic activities under simultaneous irradiation of UV and Vis light compared to the activity under individual UV andmore » Vis light irradiation. Since the photocatalytic activity under simultaneous irradiation is almost the same as the total activities under individual UV and Vis light irradiation, it is concluded that the electrons and the holes generated by lights of different wavelengths are efficiently used for photocatalysis without carrier recombination. - Graphical abstract: This graphic shows the possible charge behavior in Au/SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} under independent light irradiation of ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Both reactions under independent UV and Vis light irradiation occurred in parallel when Au/SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst was illuminated UV and Vis light simultaneously, and then photocatalytic activity is improved by simultaneous irradiation. - Highlights: • Au nanoparticles were deposited in mesoporous SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} by a photodeposition method. • Photocatalytic activity under UV and Vis light was enhanced by deposition of Au. • Photocatalytic activity of Au/SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} was improved by simultaneous irradiation.« less

Enhancing the Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells with a Down-Conversion Eu-Complex.

PubMed

Jiang, Ling; Chen, Wangchao; Zheng, Jiawei; Zhu, Liangzheng; Mo, Li'e; Li, Zhaoqian; Hu, Linhua; Hayat, Tasawar; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Zhang, Changneng; Dai, Songyuan

2017-08-16

Organometal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown high photovoltaic performance but poor utilization of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Lanthanide complexes have a wide absorption range in the UV region and they can down-convert the absorbed UV light into visible light, which provides a possibility for PSCs to utilize UV light for higher photocurrent, efficiency, and stability. In this study, we use a transparent luminescent down-converting layer (LDL) of Eu-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Eu-complex) to improve the light utilization efficiency of PSCs. Compared with the uncoated PSC, the PSC coated with Eu-complex LDL on the reverse of the fluorine-doped tin oxide glass displayed an enhancement of 11.8% in short-circuit current density (J sc ) and 15.3% in efficiency due to the Eu-complex LDL re-emitting UV light (300-380 nm) in the visible range. It is indicated that the Eu-complex LDL plays the role of enhancing the power conversion efficiency as well as reducing UV degradation for PSCs.

UV-Light Exposure of Insulin: Pharmaceutical Implications upon Covalent Insulin Dityrosine Dimerization and Disulphide Bond Photolysis

PubMed Central

Correia, Manuel; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa; Jeppesen, Per Bendix; Gregersen, Søren; Petersen, Steffen B.

2012-01-01

In this work we report the effects of continuous UV-light (276 nm, ∼2.20 W.m−2) excitation of human insulin on its absorption and fluorescence properties, structure and functionality. Continuous UV-excitation of the peptide hormone in solution leads to the progressive formation of tyrosine photo-product dityrosine, formed upon tyrosine radical cross-linkage. Absorbance, fluorescence emission and excitation data confirm dityrosine formation, leading to covalent insulin dimerization. Furthermore, UV-excitation of insulin induces disulphide bridge breakage. Near- and far-UV-CD spectroscopy shows that UV-excitation of insulin induces secondary and tertiary structure losses. In native insulin, the A and B chains are held together by two disulphide bridges. Disruption of either of these bonds is likely to affect insulin’s structure. The UV-light induced structural changes impair its antibody binding capability and in vitro hormonal function. After 1.5 and 3.5 h of 276 nm excitation there is a 33.7% and 62.1% decrease in concentration of insulin recognized by guinea pig anti-insulin antibodies, respectively. Glucose uptake by human skeletal muscle cells decreases 61.7% when the cells are incubated with pre UV-illuminated insulin during 1.5 h. The observations presented in this work highlight the importance of protecting insulin and other drugs from UV-light exposure, which is of outmost relevance to the pharmaceutical industry. Several drug formulations containing insulin in hexameric, dimeric and monomeric forms can be exposed to natural and artificial UV-light during their production, packaging, storage or administration phases. We can estimate that direct long-term exposure of insulin to sunlight and common light sources for indoors lighting and UV-sterilization in industries can be sufficient to induce irreversible changes to human insulin structure. Routine fluorescence and absorption measurements in laboratory experiments may also induce changes in protein structure. Structural damage includes insulin dimerization via dityrosine cross-linking or disulphide bond disruption, which affects the hormone’s structure and bioactivity. PMID:23227203

UV-light exposure of insulin: pharmaceutical implications upon covalent insulin dityrosine dimerization and disulphide bond photolysis.

PubMed

Correia, Manuel; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa; Jeppesen, Per Bendix; Gregersen, Søren; Petersen, Steffen B

2012-01-01

In this work we report the effects of continuous UV-light (276 nm, ~2.20 W.m(-2)) excitation of human insulin on its absorption and fluorescence properties, structure and functionality. Continuous UV-excitation of the peptide hormone in solution leads to the progressive formation of tyrosine photo-product dityrosine, formed upon tyrosine radical cross-linkage. Absorbance, fluorescence emission and excitation data confirm dityrosine formation, leading to covalent insulin dimerization. Furthermore, UV-excitation of insulin induces disulphide bridge breakage. Near- and far-UV-CD spectroscopy shows that UV-excitation of insulin induces secondary and tertiary structure losses. In native insulin, the A and B chains are held together by two disulphide bridges. Disruption of either of these bonds is likely to affect insulin's structure. The UV-light induced structural changes impair its antibody binding capability and in vitro hormonal function. After 1.5 and 3.5 h of 276 nm excitation there is a 33.7% and 62.1% decrease in concentration of insulin recognized by guinea pig anti-insulin antibodies, respectively. Glucose uptake by human skeletal muscle cells decreases 61.7% when the cells are incubated with pre UV-illuminated insulin during 1.5 h. The observations presented in this work highlight the importance of protecting insulin and other drugs from UV-light exposure, which is of outmost relevance to the pharmaceutical industry. Several drug formulations containing insulin in hexameric, dimeric and monomeric forms can be exposed to natural and artificial UV-light during their production, packaging, storage or administration phases. We can estimate that direct long-term exposure of insulin to sunlight and common light sources for indoors lighting and UV-sterilization in industries can be sufficient to induce irreversible changes to human insulin structure. Routine fluorescence and absorption measurements in laboratory experiments may also induce changes in protein structure. Structural damage includes insulin dimerization via dityrosine cross-linking or disulphide bond disruption, which affects the hormone's structure and bioactivity.

Efficient removal of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in barley: differential contribution of light-dependent and dark DNA repair pathways.

PubMed

Manova, Vasilissa; Georgieva, Ralitsa; Borisov, Borislav; Stoilov, Lubomir

2016-10-01

Barley stress response to ultraviolet radiation (UV) has been intensively studied at both the physiological and morphological level. However, the ability of barley genome to repair UV-induced lesions at the DNA level is far less characterized. In this study, we have investigated the relative contribution of light-dependent and dark DNA repair pathways for the efficient elimination of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) from the genomic DNA of barley leaf seedlings. The transcriptional activity of barley CPD photolyase gene in respect to the light-growth conditions and UV-C irradiation of the plants has also been analyzed. Our results show that CPDs induced in the primary barley leaf at frequencies potentially damaging DNA at the single-gene level are removed efficiently and exclusively by photorepair pathway, whereas dark repair is hardly detectable, even at higher CPD frequency. A decrease of initially induced CPDs under dark is observed but only after prolonged incubation, suggesting the activation of light-independent DNA damage repair and/or tolerance mechanisms. The green barley seedlings possess greater capacity for CPD photorepair than the etiolated ones, with efficiency of CPD removal dependent on the intensity and quality of recovering light. The higher repair rate of CPDs measured in the green leaves correlates with the higher transcriptional activity of barley CPD photolyase gene. Visible light and UV-C radiation affect differentially the expression of CPD photolyase gene particularly in the etiolated leaves. We propose that the CPD repair potential of barley young seedlings may influence their response to UV-stress. © 2016 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

Inactivation of bacteria via photosensitization of vitamin K3 by UV-A light.

PubMed

Xu, Fei; Vostal, Jaroslav G

2014-09-01

This study investigated inactivation of bacteria with ultraviolet light A irradiation in combination with vitamin K3 as a photosensitizer. Six bacteria including Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli suspended in vitamin K3 aqueous solution were exposed to ultraviolet light A. Five of six bacteria, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were reduced by eight logs with 1600 μM of vitamin K3 and 5.8 J cm(-2) UV-A irradiation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reduced by four logs under these conditions. Reactive oxygen species including singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical were generated in vitamin K3 aqueous solution under UV-A irradiation. These results suggest that vitamin K3 and UV-A irradiation may be effective for bacterial inactivation in environmental and medical applications. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

UV light selectively coinduces supply pathways from primary metabolism and flavonoid secondary product formation in parsley

PubMed Central

Logemann, Elke; Tavernaro, Annette; Schulz, Wolfgang; Somssich, Imre E.; Hahlbrock, Klaus

2000-01-01

The UV light-induced synthesis of UV-protective flavonoids diverts substantial amounts of substrates from primary metabolism into secondary product formation and thus causes major perturbations of the cellular homeostasis. Results from this study show that the mRNAs encoding representative enzymes from various supply pathways are coinduced in UV-irradiated parsley cells (Petroselinum crispum) with two mRNAs of flavonoid glycoside biosynthesis, encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase. Strong induction was observed for mRNAs encoding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (carbohydrate metabolism, providing substrates for the shikimate pathway), 3-deoxyarabinoheptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase (shikimate pathway, yielding phenylalanine), and acyl-CoA oxidase (fatty acid degradation, yielding acetyl-CoA), and moderate induction for an mRNA encoding S-adenosyl-homocysteine hydrolase (activated methyl cycle, yielding S-adenosyl-methionine for B-ring methylation). Ten arbitrarily selected mRNAs representing various unrelated metabolic activities remained unaffected. Comparative analysis of acyl-CoA oxidase and chalcone synthase with respect to mRNA expression modes and gene promoter structure and function revealed close similarities. These results indicate a fine-tuned regulatory network integrating those functionally related pathways of primary and secondary metabolism that are specifically required for protective adaptation to UV irradiation. Although the response of parsley cells to UV light is considerably broader than previously assumed, it contrasts greatly with the extensive metabolic reprogramming observed previously in elicitor-treated or fungus-infected cells. PMID:10677554

Oxidation of ethylenethiourea in water via ozone enhanced by UV-C: identification of transformation products.

PubMed

Bottrel, Sue Ellen C; Pereira, Pedro C; de Oliveira Pereira, Renata; Leão, Mônica M D; Amorim, Camila C

2018-06-25

Ethylenethiourea (ETU) is a toxic degradation product of one class of fungicide which is largely employed in the world, the ethylenebisdithiocarbamates. In this study, ETU was degraded by ozonation enhanced by UV-C light irradiation (O 3 /UV-C) in aqueous medium. Degradation experiments were conducted at natural pH (6.8) and neutral pH (7.0, buffered). ETU was promptly eliminated from the reactive medium during ozonation in the presence and absence of light. Within the first few minutes of reaction conducted in natural pH, the pH decreased quickly from 6.8 to 3.0. Results show that ETU mineralization occurs only in the reaction conducted in neutral pH and that it takes place in a higher rate when enhanced by UV-C irradiation. Main intermediates formed during the O3/UV-C experiments in different conditions tested were also investigated and three different degradation mechanisms were proposed considering the occurrence of direct and indirect ozone reactions. At pH 7, ethylene urea (EU) was quickly generated and degraded. Meanwhile, at natural pH, besides EU, other compounds originated from the electrophilic attack of ozone to the sulfur atom present in the contaminant molecule were also identified during reaction and EU was detected within 60 min of reaction. Results showed that ozonation enhanced by UV-C promotes a faster reaction than the same system in the absence of light, and investigation of the toxicity is recommended.

UV emissions from low energy artificial light sources.

PubMed

Fenton, Leona; Moseley, Harry

2014-01-01

Energy efficient light sources have been introduced across Europe and many other countries world wide. The most common of these is the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), which has been shown to emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are an alternative technology that has minimal UV emissions. This brief review summarises the different energy efficient light sources available on the market and compares the UV levels and the subsequent effects on the skin of normal individuals and those who suffer from photodermatoses. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Anchoring energy of photo-sensitive polyimide alignment film containing methoxy cinnamate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Suyoung; Shin, Sung Eui; Shin, DongMyung

2010-02-01

Photosensitive polyimide containing 2-methoxy cinnamate was synthesized for photo-alignment layer of liquid crystals (LCs). 2-Methoxy cinnamic acid was confirmed photo-sensitive material by linearly polarized UV light. We studied that effect of polarized UV light on rubbed polyimide film. Anchoring energy of liquid crystal with aligning surface was measured. Irradiation of depolarized UV light on rubbed Polyimide film suppressed effective anchoring energy. Linearly polarized UV light on rubbed polyimide film controlled anchoring energy effectively. Polyimide film containing 2-methoxy cinnamate can control the photo-alignment layer easily due to its photo-sensitivity.

Concerning the production of free radicals in proteins by ultraviolet light.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Androes, G. M.; Gloria, H. R.; Reinisch, R. F.

1972-01-01

The response to UV light of several solid proteins and model compounds has been studied in vacuum and at low temperature, using electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. The results indicate that the details of amino acid composition and sequence, and the tertiary structure of a protein are important in determining both the rate of, and the mechanism for, the production of free radicals, and in determining the conditions under which sulfur-type radicals can be produced. The results presented are related to enzyme inactivation and to the UV stability of proteins generally.

Synthesis of coronavirus mRNAs: kinetics of inactivation of infectious bronchitis virus RNA synthesis by UV light. [Chickens

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

Stern, D.F.; Sefton, B.M.

Infection of cells with the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus results in the synthesis of five major subgenomic RNAs. These RNAs and the viral genome form a 3' coterminal nested set. We found that the rates of inactivation of synthesis of the RNAs by UV light were different and increased with the length of the transcript. These results show that each RNA is transcribed from a unique promoter and that extensive processing of the primary transcripts probably does not occur.

Production of organic compounds in plasmas - A comparison among electric sparks, laser-induced plasmas, and UV light

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scattergood, Thomas W.; Mckay, Christopher P.; Borucki, William J.; Giver, Lawrence P.; Van Ghyseghem, Hilde

1989-01-01

In order to ascertain the features of organic compound-production in planetary atmospheres under the effects of plasmas and shocks, various mixtures of N2, CH4, and H2 modeling the atmosphere of Titan were subjected to discrete sparks, laser-induced plasmas, and UV radiation. The experimental results obtained suggest that UV photolysis from the plasma is an important organic compound synthesis process, as confirmed by the photolysis of gas samples that were exposed to the light but not to the shock waves emitted by the sparks. The thermodynamic equilibrium theory is therefore incomplete in the absence of photolysis.

Reduced MHC Alloimmunization and Partial Tolerance Protection With Pathogen Reduction Of Whole Blood

PubMed Central

Jackman, Rachael P.; Muench, Marcus O.; Inglis, Heather; Heitman, John W.; Marschner, Susanne; Goodrich, Raymond P.; Norris, Philip J.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Allogeneic blood transfusion can result in an immune response against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, potentially complicating future transfusions or transplants. We have previously shown that pathogen reduction of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with riboflavin and UV light (UV+R) can prevent alloimmunization in mice. A similar pathogen reduction treatment is currently under development for the treatment of whole blood using riboflavin and a higher dose of UV light. We sought to determine the effectiveness of this treatment in prevention of alloimmunization. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS BALB/c mice were transfused with untreated or UV+R treated allogeneic C57Bl/6 whole blood with or without leukoreduction. Mice were evaluated for donor specific antibodies and ex vivo splenocyte cytokine responses, as well as for changes in the frequency of regulatory T (Treg) cells. RESULTS UV+R treatment blocked cytokine priming and reduced anti-MHC alloantibody responses to transfused whole blood. Leukoreduction reduced alloantibody levels in both the untreated and UV+R groups. Mice transfused with UV+R treated whole blood had reduced alloantibody and cytokine responses when subsequently transfused with untreated blood from the same donor type. This reduction in responses was not associated with increased Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS Pathogen reduction of whole blood with UV+R significantly reduces, but does not eliminate the alloimmune response. Exposure to UV+R treated whole blood transfusion does appear to induce tolerance to alloantigens resulting in reduced anti-MHC alloantibody and cytokine responses to subsequent exposures to the same alloantigens. This tolerance does not appear to be driven by an increase in Treg cells. PMID:27859333

Preparation and characterization of functional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with ultraviolet-absorbing property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Li; Liu, Xiangdong; Xiong, Zhengrong; Sheng, Dekun; Lin, Changhong; Zhou, Yan; Yang, Yuming

2018-06-01

We first reported a strategy to prepare functional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with excellent ultraviolet-absorbing property through chemically induced grafting. Herein, the polymerizable ultraviolet (UV) absorber 2-hydroxy-4-(3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxylpropoxy) benzophenone (BPMA) made by ourselves was grafted onto the PVDF chains that have been pretreated with tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAH) alkaline solution. Moreover, the effect of experiment conditions such as the alkali and monomer concentrations, alkali treatment time on the UV-absorbing property of the obtained PVDF-g-PBPMA membranes were studied in detail. The chemical structure of the modified membranes was confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR and XPS measurements. Meanwhile, the thermal and UV-absorbing properties were characterized by TGA, DSC and UV-Vis spectrophotometer, respectively. The results indicated that BPMA side chains were successfully introduced onto PVDF backbones. Most importantly, the obtained PVDF-g-PBPMA membranes exhibited excellent UV-absorbing property. The transmittance of UV light at 300 nm decreased to as low as 0.02% and the UV light below 388 nm could be completely absorbed by the PVDF-g-PBPMA membrane made under optimal condition.

Study on Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticle in various pH condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasikhudin; Diantoro, M.; Kusumaatmaja, A.; Triyana, K.

2018-04-01

Titanium dioxide has been widely studied for its ability to photocatalytic and applications have high performance for photovoltaic applications. In this paper TiO2 nanoparticle was investigated for the degradation of methylene blue under UV light in various pH condition. The TiO2 nanoparticle was characterized by SEM and XRD. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticle has the structure of anatase and have a particle size of 27 nm. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle show that the degradation of methylene blue under UV light have dye removal of 97% dye was degraded in 3 h, but the degradation of methylene blue without UV light have dye removal of 15% dye was degraded in 3 h. It indicated that The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle could occur if there the UV light. If not UV light the photocatalytic activity cannot occurs, the degradation of Methylene Blue 15% is not a photocatalytic activity but it is adsorption of Methylene Blue by TiO2 nanoparticle. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle has pH-sensitive. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle in acid condition (pH 4.1) is 40%, in neutral condition (pH 7.0) is 90%, and in base condition (pH 9.7) is 97%. The highest photocatalytic activity occurs in base condition, it causes in base condition OH- can be direct reaction with a hole to produce hydroxyl radical (OH*).

Visible Light Induces Melanogenesis in Human Skin through a Photoadaptive Response.

PubMed

Randhawa, Manpreet; Seo, InSeok; Liebel, Frank; Southall, Michael D; Kollias, Nikiforos; Ruvolo, Eduardo

2015-01-01

Visible light (400-700 nm) lies outside of the spectral range of what photobiologists define as deleterious radiation and as a result few studies have studied the effects of visible light range of wavelengths on skin. This oversight is important considering that during outdoors activities skin is exposed to the full solar spectrum, including visible light, and to multiple exposures at different times and doses. Although the contribution of the UV component of sunlight to skin damage has been established, few studies have examined the effects of non-UV solar radiation on skin physiology in terms of inflammation, and limited information is available regarding the role of visible light on pigmentation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of visible light on the pro-pigmentation pathways and melanin formation in skin. Exposure to visible light in ex-vivo and clinical studies demonstrated an induction of pigmentation in skin by visible light. Results showed that a single exposure to visible light induced very little pigmentation whereas multiple exposures with visible light resulted in darker and sustained pigmentation. These findings have potential implications on the management of photo-aggravated pigmentary disorders, the proper use of sunscreens, and the treatment of depigmented lesions.

A combined treatment of UV-light and radio frequency electric field for the inactivation of Escherichia coli K-12 in apple juice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Radio frequency electric fields (RFEF) and UV-light treatments have been reported to inactivate bacteria in liquid foods. However, information on the efficacy of bacterial inactivation by combined treatments of RFEF and UV-light technologies is limited. In this study, we investigated the relationshi...

Analysis of GaN Damage Induced by Cl2/SiCl4/Ar Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minami, Masaki; Tomiya, Shigetaka; Ishikawa, Kenji; Matsumoto, Ryosuke; Chen, Shang; Fukasawa, Masanaga; Uesawa, Fumikatsu; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru; Tatsumi, Tetsuya

2011-08-01

GaN-based optical devices are fabricated using a GaN/InGaN/GaN sandwiched structure. The effect of radicals, ions, and UV light on the GaN optical properties during Cl2/SiCl4/Ar plasma etching was evaluated using photoluminescence (PL) analysis. The samples were exposed to plasma (radicals, ions, and UV light) using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching system and a plasma ion beam apparatus that can separate the effects of UV and ions both with and without covering the SiO2 window on the surface. Etching damage in an InGaN single quantum well (SQW) was formed by exposing the sample to plasma. The damage, which decreases PL emission intensity, was generated not only by ion beam irradiation but also by UV light irradiation. PL intensity decreased when the thickness of the upper GaN layer was etched to less than 60 nm. In addition, simultaneous irradiation of UV light and ions slightly increased the degree of damage. There seems to be a synergistic effect between the UV light and the ions. For high-quality GaN-based optoelectronics and power devices, UV light must be controlled during etching processes in addition to the etching profile, selectivity, and ion bombardment damage.

UV-B photoreceptor-mediated protection of the photosynthetic machinery in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

PubMed Central

Allorent, Guillaume; Lefebvre-Legendre, Linnka; Chappuis, Richard; Kuntz, Marcel; Truong, Thuy B.; Niyogi, Krishna K.; Goldschmidt-Clermont, Michel

2016-01-01

Life on earth is dependent on the photosynthetic conversion of light energy into chemical energy. However, absorption of excess sunlight can damage the photosynthetic machinery and limit photosynthetic activity, thereby affecting growth and productivity. Photosynthetic light harvesting can be down-regulated by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). A major component of NPQ is qE (energy-dependent nonphotochemical quenching), which allows dissipation of light energy as heat. Photodamage peaks in the UV-B part of the spectrum, but whether and how UV-B induces qE are unknown. Plants are responsive to UV-B via the UVR8 photoreceptor. Here, we report in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that UVR8 induces accumulation of specific members of the light-harvesting complex (LHC) superfamily that contribute to qE, in particular LHC Stress-Related 1 (LHCSR1) and Photosystem II Subunit S (PSBS). The capacity for qE is strongly induced by UV-B, although the patterns of qE-related proteins accumulating in response to UV-B or to high light are clearly different. The competence for qE induced by acclimation to UV-B markedly contributes to photoprotection upon subsequent exposure to high light. Our study reveals an anterograde link between photoreceptor-mediated signaling in the nucleocytosolic compartment and the photoprotective regulation of photosynthetic activity in the chloroplast. PMID:27930292

UV-B photoreceptor-mediated protection of the photosynthetic machinery in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

PubMed

Allorent, Guillaume; Lefebvre-Legendre, Linnka; Chappuis, Richard; Kuntz, Marcel; Truong, Thuy B; Niyogi, Krishna K; Ulm, Roman; Goldschmidt-Clermont, Michel

2016-12-20

Life on earth is dependent on the photosynthetic conversion of light energy into chemical energy. However, absorption of excess sunlight can damage the photosynthetic machinery and limit photosynthetic activity, thereby affecting growth and productivity. Photosynthetic light harvesting can be down-regulated by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). A major component of NPQ is qE (energy-dependent nonphotochemical quenching), which allows dissipation of light energy as heat. Photodamage peaks in the UV-B part of the spectrum, but whether and how UV-B induces qE are unknown. Plants are responsive to UV-B via the UVR8 photoreceptor. Here, we report in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that UVR8 induces accumulation of specific members of the light-harvesting complex (LHC) superfamily that contribute to qE, in particular LHC Stress-Related 1 (LHCSR1) and Photosystem II Subunit S (PSBS). The capacity for qE is strongly induced by UV-B, although the patterns of qE-related proteins accumulating in response to UV-B or to high light are clearly different. The competence for qE induced by acclimation to UV-B markedly contributes to photoprotection upon subsequent exposure to high light. Our study reveals an anterograde link between photoreceptor-mediated signaling in the nucleocytosolic compartment and the photoprotective regulation of photosynthetic activity in the chloroplast.

Photoreceptor-mediated bending towards UV-B in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Vandenbussche, Filip; Tilbrook, Kimberley; Fierro, Ana Carolina; Marchal, Kathleen; Poelman, Dirk; Van Der Straeten, Dominique; Ulm, Roman

2014-06-01

Plants reorient their growth towards light to optimize photosynthetic light capture--a process known as phototropism. Phototropins are the photoreceptors essential for phototropic growth towards blue and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light. Here we detail a phototropic response towards UV-B in etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings. We report that early differential growth is mediated by phototropins but clear phototropic bending to UV-B is maintained in phot1 phot2 double mutants. We further show that this phototropin-independent phototropic response to UV-B requires the UV-B photoreceptor UVR8. Broad UV-B-mediated repression of auxin-responsive genes suggests that UVR8 regulates directional bending by affecting auxin signaling. Kinetic analysis shows that UVR8-dependent directional bending occurs later than the phototropin response. We conclude that plants may use the full short-wavelength spectrum of sunlight to efficiently reorient photosynthetic tissue with incoming light. © The Author 2014. Published by the Molecular Plant Shanghai Editorial Office in association with Oxford University Press on behalf of CSPB and IPPE, SIBS, CAS.

Interactive Effects of UV-B Light with Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Chemistry, and Their Consequences for Defense against Arthropod Herbivores

PubMed Central

Escobar-Bravo, Rocio; Klinkhamer, Peter G. L.; Leiss, Kirsten A.

2017-01-01

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light plays a crucial role in plant–herbivorous arthropods interactions by inducing changes in constitutive and inducible plant defenses. In particular, constitutive defenses can be modulated by UV-B-induced photomorphogenic responses and changes in the plant metabolome. In accordance, the prospective use of UV-B light as a tool to increase plant protection in agricultural practice has gained increasing interest. Changes in the environmental conditions might, however, modulate the UV-B -induced plant responses. While in some cases plant responses to UV-B can increase adaptation to changes in certain abiotic factors, UV-B-induced responses might be also antagonized by the changing environment. The outcome of these interactions might have a great influence on how plants interact with their enemies, e.g., herbivorous arthropods. Here, we provide a review on the interactive effects of UV-B and light quantity and quality, increased temperature and drought stress on plant biochemistry, and we discuss the implications of the outcome of these interactions for plant resistance to arthropod pests. PMID:28303147

Sunscreen for Fish: Co-Option of UV Light Protection for Camouflage

PubMed Central

Mueller, Kaspar P.; Neuhauss, Stephan C. F.

2014-01-01

Many animals change their body pigmentation according to illumination of their environment. In aquatic vertebrates, this reaction is mediated through aggregation or dispersion of melanin-filled vesicles (melanosomes) in dermal pigment cells (melanophores). The adaptive value of this behavior is usually seen in camouflage by allowing the animal to visually blend into the background. When exposed to visible light from below, however, dark-adapted zebrafish embryos at the age of 2 days post fertilization (dpf) surprisingly display dispersal instead of aggregation of melanosomes, i.e. their body coloration becomes dark on a bright background. Melanosomes of older embryos and early larvae (3–5 dpf) on the other hand aggregate as expected under these conditions. Here we provide an explanation to this puzzling finding: Melanosome dispersion in larvae 3 dpf and older is efficiently triggered by ultraviolet (UV) light, irrespective of the visual background, suggesting that the extent of pigmentation is a trade-off between threats from predation and UV irradiation. The UV light-induced dispersion of melanosomes thereby is dependent on input from retinal short wavelength-sensitive (SWS) cone photoreceptors. In young embryos still lacking a functional retina, protection from UV light predominates, and light triggers a dispersal of melanosomes via photoreceptors intrinsic to the melanophores, regardless of the actual UV content. In older embryos and early larvae with functional retinal photoreceptors in contrast, this light-induced dispersion is counteracted by a delayed aggregation in the absence of UV light. These data suggest that the primary function of melanosome dispersal has evolved as a protective adaption to prevent UV damage, which was only later co-opted for camouflage. PMID:24489905

Effect of smokeless tobacco and tobacco-related chemical carcinogens on survival of ultraviolet light-inactivated herpes simplex virus

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

Dokko, H.; Min, P.S.; Cherrick, H.M.

1991-04-01

Low doses of ultraviolet (UV) light, x-rays, photodynamic treatment, or aflatoxins increase the survival of UV-irradiated virus in cells. This effect is postulated to occur by enhancement of the error-prone cellular repair function, which could also be associated with oncogenic cell transformation. The present study was designed to investigate whether treatment of green monkey kidney cells with water extract of snuff (snuff extract), benzo(a)pyrene, nicotine, or tobacco-specific N'-nitrosamines would result in enhanced survival of UV-irradiated herpes simplex virus (HSV). Exposure of the cells with snuff extract, benzo(a)pyrene, N'-nitrosonornicotine, or 4-(N-methyl-N'-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone resulted in an enhancement of survival of UV-irradiated HSV typemore » 1 compared with the control whereas exposure of the cells with nicotine did not. These data indicate that the water-extractable component of snuff and tobacco-related chemical carcinogens increase the cellular repair mechanism and provides for increased survival of UV-irradiated HSV.« less

UV-fibers: two decades of improvements for new applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, Karl-Friedrich; Khalilov, Valery K.

2015-03-01

Multimode UV-fibers with high-OH synthetic silica core and F-doped silica cladding have been available for over 40 years. At the beginning, the spectral UV-range above 250 nm wavelength was commonly used, because the generation of UV-absorbing defect centers prevented reliable light transfer below 250 nm; even light from a low-power broadband deuterium-lamp was sufficient to damage these UV-fibers of the 1st generation. However, even then, applications in the field of spectroscopy, laser light delivery, sensors and process control were discussed and improvements of fiber quality in this very interesting UVC range required by researchers and industrial end-users. Starting in 1993 with hydrogen-loaded fibers, further modification in preform and fiber manufacturing including additional fiber treatments lead to currently available hydrogen-free UV-fiber (4th generation) with significantly improved stability in the UVC, enabling routine use of optical fibers in this field. In addition to the UV-fiber improvements, some selected UV fiber-optic applications using broadband deuterium-lamps will be discussed. Finally, there is still room for further improvements, especially in combination with newly available pulsed UV light sources, which are low-cost, small sized and highly reliable.

UV filters for lighting of plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doehring, T.; Koefferlein, M.; Thiel, S.; Seidlitz, H. K.; Payer, H. D.

1994-03-01

The wavelength dependent interaction of biological systems with radiation is commonly described by appropriate action spectra. Particularly effective plant responses are obtained for ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excess shortwave UV-B radiation will induce genetic defects and plant damage. Besides the ecological discussion of the deleterious effects of the excess UV radiation there is increasing interest in horticultural applications of this spectral region. Several metabolic pathways leading to valuable secondary plant products like colors, odors, taste, or resulting in mechanical strength and vitality are triggered by UV radiation. Thus, in ecologically as well as in economically oriented experiments the exact generation and knowledge of the spectral irradiance, particularly near the UV absorption edge, is essential. The ideal filter 'material' to control the UV absorption edge would be ozone itself. However, due to problems in controlling the toxic and chemically aggressive, instable gas, only rather 'small ozone filters' have been realized so far. In artificial plant lighting conventional solid filter materials such as glass sheets and plastic foils (celluloseacetate or cellulosetriacetate) which can be easily handled have been used to absorb the UV-C and the excess shortwave UV-B radiation of the lamp emissions. Different filter glasses are available which provide absorption properties suitable for gradual changes of the spectral UV-B illumination of artificial lighting. Using a distinct set of lamps and filter glasses an acceptable simulation of the UV-B part of natural global radiation can be achieved. The aging of these and other filter materials under the extreme UV radiation in the lamphouse of a solar simulator is presently unavoidable. This instability can be dealt with only by a precise spectral monitoring and by replacing the filters accordingly. For this reason attempts would be useful to develop real ozone filters which can replace glass filters. In any case chamber experiments require a careful selection of the filter material used and must be accompanied by a continuous UV-B monitoring.

UV filters for lighting of plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doehring, T.; Koefferlein, M.; Thiel, S.; Seidlitz, H. K.; Payer, H. D.

1994-01-01

The wavelength dependent interaction of biological systems with radiation is commonly described by appropriate action spectra. Particularly effective plant responses are obtained for ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excess shortwave UV-B radiation will induce genetic defects and plant damage. Besides the ecological discussion of the deleterious effects of the excess UV radiation there is increasing interest in horticultural applications of this spectral region. Several metabolic pathways leading to valuable secondary plant products like colors, odors, taste, or resulting in mechanical strength and vitality are triggered by UV radiation. Thus, in ecologically as well as in economically oriented experiments the exact generation and knowledge of the spectral irradiance, particularly near the UV absorption edge, is essential. The ideal filter 'material' to control the UV absorption edge would be ozone itself. However, due to problems in controlling the toxic and chemically aggressive, instable gas, only rather 'small ozone filters' have been realized so far. In artificial plant lighting conventional solid filter materials such as glass sheets and plastic foils (celluloseacetate or cellulosetriacetate) which can be easily handled have been used to absorb the UV-C and the excess shortwave UV-B radiation of the lamp emissions. Different filter glasses are available which provide absorption properties suitable for gradual changes of the spectral UV-B illumination of artificial lighting. Using a distinct set of lamps and filter glasses an acceptable simulation of the UV-B part of natural global radiation can be achieved. The aging of these and other filter materials under the extreme UV radiation in the lamphouse of a solar simulator is presently unavoidable. This instability can be dealt with only by a precise spectral monitoring and by replacing the filters accordingly. For this reason attempts would be useful to develop real ozone filters which can replace glass filters. In any case chamber experiments require a careful selection of the filter material used and must be accompanied by a continuous UV-B monitoring.

Photoenhanced toxicity of a weathered oil on Ceriodaphnia dubia reproduction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calfee, R.D.; Little, E.E.; Cleveland, L.; Barron, M.G.

1999-01-01

Traditionally, the toxic effects of petroleum have been investigated by conducting studies in the absence of ultraviolet radiation (UV). Photomediated toxicity is often not considered, and the toxic effects of an oil spill can be grossly underestimated. The toxicity of a weathered oil collected from a monitoring well at an abandoned oil field toCeriodaphnia dubia was examined in the presence of UV. A solar simulator equipped with UVB, UVA, and cool white lamps was used to generate environmentally comparable solar radiation intensities.C. dubia were exposed to six concentrations of water accommodated fractions (WAF) of weathered oil in conjunction with three levels of laboratory simulated UV (Reference = < 0.002 μW/cm2UVB; 3.0 μW/cm2UVA; Low = 0.30 μW/cm2 UVB; 75.0 μW/cm2 UVA; High = 2.0 μW/cm2 UVB; 340.0 μW/cm2UVA) and visible light. Seven day static renewal bioassays were used to characterize WAF/UV toxicity. WAF toxicity significantly (p < 0.05) increased when the organisms were exposed to WAF in the presence of UV. The photoenhanced toxicity of the WAF increased with WAF concentration within each UV regime. Relative to the reference light regime, the average number of neonates from adults exposed to 1.6 mg TPH/L decreased significantly by 20% within the low light regime, and by 60% within the high light regime. These results indicate that organisms exposed to dissolved-phase weathered oil in the presence of environmentally realistic solar radiation, exhibit 1.3–2.5 times greater sensitivity, relative to organisms exposed under traditional laboratory fluorescent lighting.

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.

CuS/RGO hybrid photocatalyst for full solar spectrum photoreduction from UV/Vis to near-infrared light.

PubMed

Wu, Jie; Liu, Baibai; Ren, Zhenxing; Ni, Mengying; Li, Can; Gong, Yinyan; Qin, Wei; Huang, Yongli; Sun, Chang Q; Liu, Xinjuan

2018-05-01

To make full use of the solar energy, it remains a great challenge for semiconductor photocatalysts to harvest the full solar light spectrum from ultraviolet (UV) to visible even the near infrared (NIR) wavelength. Here we show firstly the CuS/RGO (reduced graphene oxide) hybrid photocatalyst synthesized via a microwave assisted method with full solar light (UV-Vis-NIR) active for efficient Cr(VI) reduction. The CuS/RGO displays high absorption and catalytic activity in the UV, visible and even the NIR light regions. As co-catalyst, RGO can separate and inhibit the recombination of charge carriers, consequently improving the catalytic activity. Only 1wt% RGO emersions can reduce 90% of Cr(VI) under the radiation of light over the full spectrum. Findings may provide a new strategy and substance to expand the utilization range of solar light from UV to visible even the NIR energy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Using the Transient Response of WO₃ Nanoneedles under Pulsed UV Light in the Detection of NH₃ and NO₂.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Oriol; Welearegay, Tesfalem G; Vilanova, Xavier; Llobet, Eduard

2018-04-26

Here we report on the use of pulsed UV light for activating the gas sensing response of metal oxides. Under pulsed UV light, the resistance of metal oxides presents a ripple due to light-induced transient adsorption and desorption phenomena. This methodology has been applied to tungsten oxide nanoneedle gas sensors operated either at room temperature or under mild heating (50 °C or 100 °C). It has been found that by analyzing the rate of resistance change caused by pulsed UV light, a fast determination of gas concentration is achieved (ten-fold improvement in response time). The technique is useful for detecting both oxidizing (NO₂) and reducing (NH₃) gases, even in the presence of different levels of ambient humidity. Room temperature operated sensors under pulsed UV light show good response towards ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at low power consumption levels. Increasing their operating temperature to 50 °C or 100 °C has the effect of further increasing sensitivity.

Optical and color stabilities of paint-on resins for shade modification of restorative resins.

PubMed

Arikawa, Hiroyuki; Kanie, Takahito; Fujii, Koichi; Ban, Seiji; Homma, Tetsuya; Takahashi, Hideo

2004-06-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the optical and color stabilities of the paint-on resin used for shade modification of restorative resins. Three shades of paint-on resin and two crown and bridge resins were used. The light transmittance characteristics of the materials during accelerated aging tests such as water immersion, toothbrush abrasion, ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, and staining tests were measured. Discolorations of materials resulting from tests were also determined. There were no significant effects of water immersion, toothbrush abrasion and UV light irradiation on the light transmittance and visible color change of paint-on resins, whereas the staining tests significantly decreased the light transmittance and increased color change of the translucent shades of materials. Our results indicate that the paint-on resins exhibit stable optical properties and color appearance, which are at least as good as the crown and bridge resins.

Development and future of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes: UV-LED will replace the UV lamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muramoto, Yoshihiko; Kimura, Masahiro; Nouda, Suguru

2014-06-01

Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) have started replacing UV lamps. The power per LED of high-power LED products has reached 12 W (14 A), which is 100 times the values observed ten years ago. In addition, the cost of these high-power LEDs has been decreasing. In this study, we attempt to understand the technologies and potential of UV-LEDs.

Upper-Room Ultraviolet Light and Negative Air Ionization to Prevent Tuberculosis Transmission

PubMed Central

Escombe, A. Roderick; Moore, David A. J; Gilman, Robert H; Navincopa, Marcos; Ticona, Eduardo; Mitchell, Bailey; Noakes, Catherine; Martínez, Carlos; Sheen, Patricia; Ramirez, Rocio; Quino, Willi; Gonzalez, Armando; Friedland, Jon S; Evans, Carlton A

2009-01-01

Background Institutional tuberculosis (TB) transmission is an important public health problem highlighted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the emergence of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant TB. Effective TB infection control measures are urgently needed. We evaluated the efficacy of upper-room ultraviolet (UV) lights and negative air ionization for preventing airborne TB transmission using a guinea pig air-sampling model to measure the TB infectiousness of ward air. Methods and Findings For 535 consecutive days, exhaust air from an HIV-TB ward in Lima, Perú, was passed through three guinea pig air-sampling enclosures each housing approximately 150 guinea pigs, using a 2-d cycle. On UV-off days, ward air passed in parallel through a control animal enclosure and a similar enclosure containing negative ionizers. On UV-on days, UV lights and mixing fans were turned on in the ward, and a third animal enclosure alone received ward air. TB infection in guinea pigs was defined by monthly tuberculin skin tests. All guinea pigs underwent autopsy to test for TB disease, defined by characteristic autopsy changes or by the culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from organs. 35% (106/304) of guinea pigs in the control group developed TB infection, and this was reduced to 14% (43/303) by ionizers, and to 9.5% (29/307) by UV lights (both p < 0.0001 compared with the control group). TB disease was confirmed in 8.6% (26/304) of control group animals, and this was reduced to 4.3% (13/303) by ionizers, and to 3.6% (11/307) by UV lights (both p < 0.03 compared with the control group). Time-to-event analysis demonstrated that TB infection was prevented by ionizers (log-rank 27; p < 0.0001) and by UV lights (log-rank 46; p < 0.0001). Time-to-event analysis also demonstrated that TB disease was prevented by ionizers (log-rank 3.7; p = 0.055) and by UV lights (log-rank 5.4; p = 0.02). An alternative analysis using an airborne infection model demonstrated that ionizers prevented 60% of TB infection and 51% of TB disease, and that UV lights prevented 70% of TB infection and 54% of TB disease. In all analysis strategies, UV lights tended to be more protective than ionizers. Conclusions Upper-room UV lights and negative air ionization each prevented most airborne TB transmission detectable by guinea pig air sampling. Provided there is adequate mixing of room air, upper-room UV light is an effective, low-cost intervention for use in TB infection control in high-risk clinical settings. PMID:19296717

Alteration of the aPA ELISA by UV exposure of polystyrene microtiter plates.

PubMed

Goldberg, J S; Wagenknecht, D R; McIntyre, J A

1996-01-01

Interlaboratory inconsistencies in antiphospholipid antibody (aPA) solid phase assays have prompted controversy in clinical laboratory testing for aPA. We found that the aPA ELISA can be influenced by the type of microtiter plate utilized and by the conditions in which the plates are stored. By exposing 96-well, flat-bottom polystyrene microtiter plates to short wave UV light (254 nm), the aPA ELISA signal decreased in a UV dose-dependent manner. No effect was seen with long wave UV light (366 nm). These results were independent of the antibody isotype under study or the phospholipid (PL) antigen used: anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) and cardiolipin (CL), or zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Purified human beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2 GPI), a known cofactor for anionic PL, and rabbit anti-beta 2 GPI antisera were used to demonstrate that beta 2 GPI bound equally to UV treated and untreated microtiter plates. In contrast, recognition of beta 2 GPI on an anionic PL surface was decreased on UV treated plates, suggesting that UV exposure alters the lipid binding properties of the microliter plate. To determine whether UV exposure inhibited PL binding directly or caused a change in the way the PL was bound, the amount of PL bound to UV treated and untreated plates was measured by using fluorescent labeled PS and a fluorimeter. PS binding was decreased by 53% in UV treated wells as compared to untreated wells. These data show that short wave UV exposure reduces PL binding to polystyrene microtiter plates, thereby reducing the amount of beta 2 GPI bound to PL coated ELISA plates. Thus by using UV exposed microtiter plates, decreased or false-negative a PA ELISA results may be obtained for aPA positive plasmas.

Ocular hazards of light sources: review of current knowledge.

PubMed

Ham, W T

1983-02-01

Retinal damage is the most important hazard from light. There are three types of retinal damage classified as structural, thermal and photochemical; damage type depends on wavelength, power level and exposure time. Photochemical damage from blue light produces solar retinitis and is postulated to accelerate aging which leads to senile macular degeneration. The lens protects the retina from blue light and near ultraviolet (UV) but at the expense of cataractogenesis. Lens removal exposes retina to near UV that is six times more dangerous than blue light. Filters are recommended to protect lens and retina from blue light and near UV.

Inactivation of carotenoid-producing and albino strains of Neurospora crassa by visible light, blacklight, and ultraviolet radiation.

PubMed Central

Blanc, P L; Tuveson, R W; Sargent, M L

1976-01-01

Suspensions of Neurospora crassa conidia were inactivated by blacklight (BL) radiation (300 to 425 nm) in the absence of exogenous photosensitizing compounds. Carotenoid-containing wild-type conidia were less sensitive to BL radiation than albino conidia, showing a dose enhancement factor (DEF) of 1.2 for dose levels resulting in less than 10% survival. The same strains were about equally sensitive to shortwave ultraviolet (UV) inactivation. The kinetics of BL inactivation are similar to those of photodynamic inactivation by visible light in the presence of a photosensitizing dye (methylene blue). Only limited inactivation by visible light in the absence of exogenous photosensitizers was observed. BL and UV inactivations are probably caused by different mechanisms since wild-type conidia are only slightly more resistant to BL radiation (DEF = 1.2 at 1.0% survival) than are conidia from a UV-sensitive strain (upr-1, uvs-3). The BL-induced lethal lesions are probably no cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers since BL-inactivated Haemophilus influenzae transforming deoxyribonucleic acid is not photoreactivated by N. crassa wild-type enzyme extracts, whereas UV-inactivated transforming deoxyribonucleic acid is photoreactivable with this treatment. PMID:128556

Effect of core quantum-dot size on power-conversion-efficiency for silicon solar-cells implementing energy-down-shift using CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots.

PubMed

Baek, Seung-Wook; Shim, Jae-Hyoung; Seung, Hyun-Min; Lee, Gon-Sub; Hong, Jin-Pyo; Lee, Kwang-Sup; Park, Jea-Gun

2014-11-07

Silicon solar cells mainly absorb visible light, although the sun emits ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared light. Because the surface reflectance of a textured surface with SiNX film on a silicon solar cell in the UV wavelength region (250-450 nm) is higher than ∼27%, silicon solar-cells cannot effectively convert UV light into photo-voltaic power. We implemented the concept of energy-down-shift using CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum-dots (QDs) on p-type silicon solar-cells to absorb more UV light. CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs demonstrated clear evidence of energy-down-shift, which absorbed UV light and emitted green-light photoluminescence signals at a wavelength of 542 nm. The implementation of 0.2 wt% (8.8 nm QDs layer) green-light emitting CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs reduced the surface reflectance of the textured surface with SiNX film on a silicon solar-cell from 27% to 15% and enhanced the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of silicon solar-cells to around 30% in the UV wavelength region, thereby enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) for p-type silicon solar-cells by 5.5%.

Safety assessment of the post-harvest treatment of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) using ultraviolet light.

PubMed

Simon, R R; Borzelleca, J F; DeLuca, H F; Weaver, C M

2013-06-01

Wild mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D. The presence of vitamin D in mushrooms is attributed to sunlight exposure, which catalyzes the conversion of fungal ergosterol to vitamin D2 via a series of photochemical/thermal reactions. Mushroom growers now incorporate UV light treatments during processing to produce mushrooms with levels of vitamin D that compare to those in wild mushrooms. Presented herein is a comprehensive review of information relevant to the safety of introducing vitamin D mushrooms, produced using UV light technologies, to the food supply. Historical reference to the use of UV light for production of vitamin D is discussed, and studies evaluating the nutritional value and safety of vitamin D mushrooms are reviewed. Traditional safety evaluation practices for food additives are not applicable to whole foods; therefore, the application of substantial equivalence and history-of-safe-use is presented. It was demonstrated that vitamin D in mushrooms, produced using UV light technologies, are equivalent to vitamin D in mushrooms exposed to sunlight, and that UV light has a long-history of safe use for production of vitamin D in food. Vitamin D mushrooms produced using UV light technologies were therefore considered safe and suitable for introduction to the marketplace. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NIR-Vis-UV Light-Responsive Actuator Films of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Cheng, Zhangxiang; Wang, Tianjie; Li, Xiao; Zhang, Yihe; Yu, Haifeng

2015-12-16

To take full advantage of sunlight for photomechanical materials, NIR-vis-UV light-responsive actuator films of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were fabricated. The strategy is based on phase transition of LCs from nematic to isotropic phase induced by combination of photochemical and photothermal processes in the PDLC/GO nanocomposites. Upon mechanical stretching of the film, both topological shape change and mesogenic alignment occurred in the separated LC domains, enabling the film to respond to NIR-vis-UV light. The homodispersed GO flakes act as photoabsorbent and nanoscale heat source to transfer NIR or VIS light into thermal energy, heating the film and photothermally inducing phase transition of LC microdomains. By utilizing photochemical phase transition of LCs upon UV-light irradiation, one azobenzene dye was incorporated into the LC domains, endowing the nanocomposite films with UV-responsive property. Moreover, the light-responsive behaviors can be well-controlled by adjusting the elongation ratio upon mechanical treatment. The NIR-vis-UV light-responsive PDLC/GO nanocomposite films exhibit excellent properties of easy fabrication, low-cost, and good film-forming and mechanical features, promising their numerous applications in the field of soft actuators and optomechanical systems driven directly by sunlight.

Can narrow-bandwidth light from UV-A to green alter secondary plant metabolism and increase Brassica plant defenses against aphids?

PubMed

Rechner, Ole; Neugart, Susanne; Schreiner, Monika; Wu, Sasa; Poehling, Hans-Michael

2017-01-01

Light of different wavelengths is essential for plant growth and development. Short-wavelength radiation such as UV can shift the composition of flavonoids, glucosinolates, and other plant metabolites responsible for enhanced defense against certain herbivorous insects. The intensity of light-induced, metabolite-based resistance is plant- and insect species-specific and depends on herbivore feeding guild and specialization. The increasing use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in horticultural plant production systems in protected environments enables the creation of tailor-made light scenarios for improved plant cultivation and induced defense against herbivorous insects. In this study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) plants were grown in a climate chamber under broad spectra photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and were additionally treated with the following narrow-bandwidth light generated with LEDs: UV-A (365 nm), violet (420 nm), blue (470 nm), or green (515 nm). We determined the influence of narrow-bandwidth light on broccoli plant growth, secondary plant metabolism (flavonol glycosides and glucosinolates), and plant-mediated light effects on the performance and behavior of the specialized cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae. Green light increased plant height more than UV-A, violet, or blue LED treatments. Among flavonol glycosides, specific quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were increased under violet light. The concentration of 3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate in plants was increased by UV-A treatment. B. brassicae performance was not influenced by the different light qualities, but in host-choice tests, B. brassicae preferred previously blue-illuminated plants (but not UV-A-, violet-, or green-illuminated plants) over control plants.

Can narrow-bandwidth light from UV-A to green alter secondary plant metabolism and increase Brassica plant defenses against aphids?

PubMed Central

Neugart, Susanne; Schreiner, Monika; Wu, Sasa; Poehling, Hans-Michael

2017-01-01

Light of different wavelengths is essential for plant growth and development. Short-wavelength radiation such as UV can shift the composition of flavonoids, glucosinolates, and other plant metabolites responsible for enhanced defense against certain herbivorous insects. The intensity of light-induced, metabolite-based resistance is plant- and insect species-specific and depends on herbivore feeding guild and specialization. The increasing use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in horticultural plant production systems in protected environments enables the creation of tailor-made light scenarios for improved plant cultivation and induced defense against herbivorous insects. In this study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) plants were grown in a climate chamber under broad spectra photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and were additionally treated with the following narrow-bandwidth light generated with LEDs: UV-A (365 nm), violet (420 nm), blue (470 nm), or green (515 nm). We determined the influence of narrow-bandwidth light on broccoli plant growth, secondary plant metabolism (flavonol glycosides and glucosinolates), and plant-mediated light effects on the performance and behavior of the specialized cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae. Green light increased plant height more than UV-A, violet, or blue LED treatments. Among flavonol glycosides, specific quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were increased under violet light. The concentration of 3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate in plants was increased by UV-A treatment. B. brassicae performance was not influenced by the different light qualities, but in host-choice tests, B. brassicae preferred previously blue-illuminated plants (but not UV-A-, violet-, or green-illuminated plants) over control plants. PMID:29190278

Photostabilizers for azadirachtin-A (a neem-based pesticide).

PubMed

Johnson, Sapna; Dureja, P; Dhingra, S

2003-07-01

Photostability of azadirachtin-A (a neem based pesticide) has been studied without and with adding stabilizers such as ter. butyl-p-cresol, 8-hydroxy quinoline and ter. butyl hydroquinone as thin film on glass surface and on leaf surface under sunlight and UV light. Half-life of azadirachtin has been found to be 48 min and 3.98 days as thin film under UV light and sunlight and 2.47 days on leaf surface, respectively. 8-Hydroxy quinoline and ter. butyl hydroquinone have been found effective in controlling degradation of azadirachtin under both sunlight and UV light with half-life of 44.42 and 35.90 days under sunlight, and 55.80 and 48.50 h under UV light, respectively. Whereas ter. butyl-p-cresol has been found effective A only under sunlight. Significant decreases in antifeedant and insect growth regulatory activity against third instar larvae of Spodopterra litura has been observed with azadirachtin when exposed to sunlight and UV light. However, by the addition of above stabilizers, the biological activity of azadirachtin-A has been retained even after 24 h of irradiation under UV light and up to 30 days of exposure to sunlight.

Photocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds via waveguide-supported titanium dioxide films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Lawrence W.

A photochemical reactor based on titanium dioxide (TiO2)-coated silica optical fibers was constructed to explore the use of waveguide-supported TiO2 films for photocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds. The reactor was used for the photocatalytic oxidation of 4-chlorophenol in water. It was confirmed that TiO2 films could be securely attached to silica optical fibers. The 4-chlorophenol (100 mumol/L in water) was successfully oxidized on the TiO2 surface when UV light (310 nm--380 nm) was propagated through the fibers to the films. Rates of 4-chlorophenol oxidation and UV light flux to the fibers were measured. The quantum efficiency of 4-chlorophenol oxidation [defined as the change in 4-chlorophenol concentration divided by the UV light absorbed by the catalyst] was determined as a function of TiO2 catalyst film thickness and internal incident angle of propagating UV light. A maximum quantum efficiency of 2.8% was measured when TiO2 film thickness was ca. 80 nm and the maximum internal incident angle of propagating light was 84°. Quantum efficiency increased with increasing internal angle of incidence of propagating light and decreased with TiO2 film thickness. UV-Visible internal reflection spectroscopy was used to determine whether UV light propagated through TiO2-coated silica waveguides in an ATR mode. Propagation of UV light in an ATR mode was confirmed by the similarities between internal reflection spectra of phenolphthalein obtained with uncoated and TiO2-coated silica crystals. Planar silica waveguides coated with TiO2 were employed in a photocatalytic reactor for the oxidation of formic acid (833 mumol/L in water). It was shown that the quantum yield of formic acid oxidation [defined as the moles of formic acid oxidized divided by the moles of UV photons absorbed by the catalyst] on the waveguide-supported TiO2 surface is enhanced when UV light propagates through the waveguides in an ATR mode. A maximum quantum yield of 3.9% was found for formic acid oxidation on silica waveguides. The waveguides were coated with 150 nm of TiO2 and activated with UV light (lambdamax = 360 nm) propagating through the waveguides at an internal incident angle of 68°.

Broadband infrared light emitting waveguides based on UV curable PbS quantum dot composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Kai; Baig, Sarfaraz; Jiang, Guomin; Paik, Young-hun; Kim, Sung Jin; Wang, Michael R.

2018-02-01

We present herein the active PbS-photopolymer waveguide fabricated by vacuum assisted microfluidic (VAM) soft lithography technique. The PbS Quantum Dots (QDs) were synthesized using colloidal chemistry methods with tunable sizes and emission wavelengths, resulting in efficient light emission around 1000 nm center wavelength. The PbS QDs have demonstrated much better solubility in our newly synthesized UV curable polymer than SU-8 photoresist, verified by Photoluminescence (PL) testing. Through refractive index control, the PbS QDs-polymer core material and polymer cladding material can efficiently confine the infrared emitting light with a broad spectral bandwidth of 180 nm. Both single-mode and multi-mode light emitting waveguides have been realized.

DFT and TD-DFT insights, photolysis and photocatalysis investigation of three dyes with similar structure under UV irradiation with and without TiO2 as a catalyst: Effect of adsorption, pH and light intensity.

PubMed

Bendjabeur, Seyfeddine; Zouaghi, Razika; Zouchoune, Bachir; Sehili, Tahar

2018-02-05

TiO 2 -mediated photocatalytic degradation of three triphenylmethane dyes (basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin and Gentian violet), was investigated in aqueous suspensions in the presence and the absence of titanium dioxide P25 Degussa as photocatalyst. The photodegradation process was investigated using UV-A (365nm) and UV-C (254nm) light alone and UV-A in the presence of TiO 2 ·The effects of various operational parameters were investigated such as: the effect of adsorption in the dark, the influence of pH, the influence of irradiation wavelength and the effect of light intensity. The study of the effect of various parameters reveals that the photolysis of dyes increases with the increase of light intensity, the degradation rate under UV-C (254nm) was found better than under UV-A 365nm. The photocatalytic degradation was found to follow the same order of adsorption. The decolorization and the degradation kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The mineralization of dye was found to follow the same order of disappearance as the photocatalytic degradation and depended directly to its functional groups and its number of carbons. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) was applied for calculations of both electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of the studied compounds, where the obtained results of the three dyes show that the theoretical electronic spectra and the experimental UV-visible ones are similar in shapes, positions and intensities. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

In-liquid Plasma. A stable light source for advanced oxidation processes in environmental remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuchida, Akihiro; Shimamura, Takeshi; Sawada, Seiya; Sato, Susumu; Serpone, Nick; Horikoshi, Satoshi

2018-06-01

A microwave-inspired device that generates stable in-liquid plasma (LP) in aqueous media and emits narrow light emission lines at 280-320 nm, 660 nm and 780 nm is examined as a light source capable of driving photochemical reactions and advanced oxidation processes in wastewater treatments. The microwave-driven lighting efficiency was improved by decompressing the inside of the reaction vessel, which resulted in lowering the incident power of the microwaves and suppressed the deterioration of the microwave irradiation antenna. This protocol made it possible to generate continuous stable plasma in water. Evaluation of the LP device was carried out by revisiting the decomposition of 1,4-dioxane in aqueous media against the use of such other conventional water treatment processes as (i) UV irradiation alone, (ii) TiO2-assisted photocatalysis with UV irradiation (UV/TiO2), (iii) oxidation with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and (iv) UV-assisted decomposition in the presence of NaClO (UV/NaClO). The in-liquid plasma technique proved superior to these four other methods. The influence of pH on the LP protocol was ascertained through experiments in acidified (HCl and H2SO4) and alkaline (NaOH and KOH) aqueous media. Except for H2SO4, decomposition of 1,4-dioxane was enhanced in both acidic and alkaline media.

Trace Contaminant Control: An In-Depth Study of a Silica-Titania Composite for Photocatalytic Remediation of Closed-Environment Habitat Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coutts, Janelle L.

2013-01-01

This collection of studies focuses on a PCO system for the oxidation of a model compound, ethanol, using an adsorption-enhanced silica-TiO2 composite (STC) as the photocatalyst; studies are aimed at addressing the optimization of various parameters including light source, humidity, temperature, and possible poisoning events for use as part of a system for gaseous trace-contaminant control system in closed-environment habitats. The first goal focused on distinguishing the effect of photon flux (i.e., photons per unit time reaching a surface) from that of photon energy (i.e., wavelength) of a photon source on the PCO of ethanol. Experiments were conducted in a bench-scale annular reactor packed with STC pellets and irradiated with either a UV-A fluorescent black light blue lamp O max=365 nm) at its maximum light intensity or a UV-C germicidal lamp O. max=254 nm) at three levels of light intensity. The STC-catalyzed oxidation of ethanol was found to follow zero-order kinetics with respect to CO2 production, regardless of the photon source. Increased photon flux led to increased EtOH removal, mineralization, and oxidation rate accompanied by lower intermediate concentration in the effluent. The oxidation rate was higher in the reactor irradiated by UV-C than by UV-A (38.4 vs. 31.9 nM s-1 ) at the same photon flux, with similar trends for mineralization (53.9 vs. 43.4%) and reaction quantum efficiency (i.e., photonic efficiency, 63.3 vs. 50.1 nmol C02 mol photons-1 ). UV-C irradiation also led to decreased intermediate concentration in the effluent compared to UV -A irradiation. These results demonstrated that STC-catalyzed oxidation is enhanced by both increased photon flux and photon energy. The effect of temperature and relative humidity on the STC-catalyzed degradation of ethanol was also determined using the UV-A light source at its maximum intensity.

New insights into how RGO influences the photocatalytic performance of BiOIO3/RGO nanocomposites under visible and UV irradiation.

PubMed

Xiong, Ting; Dong, Fan; Zhou, Ying; Fu, Min; Ho, Wing-Kei

2015-06-01

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been demonstrated to be effective in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of various semiconductors. However, an important issue that has been overlooked is the role of RGO in UV-induced photocatalysis of RGO-based nanocomposites. In the present work, novel BiOIO3/RGO nanocomposites were prepared by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method, during which BiOIO3 nanoplates were formed in situ on RGO sheets resulting from partial reduction of RGO. The two components of the composite displayed intimate interfacial contact. The as-prepared BiOIO3/RGO nanocomposites exhibited highly enhanced visible photocatalytic activity, relative to that of pure BiOIO3, toward removal of NO from air. However, the BiOIO3/RGO nanocomposites showed only slightly increased photocatalytic activity, relative to pure, under UV irradiation. The limited enhancement of UV activity can be ascribed to the fact that BiOIO3 would be expected to compete with RGO with regard to absorption and utilization of UV light. Evidence shows that RGO can act as a semiconductor rather than a photosensitizer or electron reservoir in BiOIO3/RGO nano-composites. In addition, the active species responsible for photoactivity have been investigated by a DMPO spin-trapping electron spin resonance technique. Photo-generated holes were found to be the main active species inducing the photo-oxidation of NO under visible light, whereas holes and OH radicals are considered to be responsible for photo-activity under UV light. This work points to BiOIO3/RGO nano-composites as new and efficient visible light photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications, and also as a source of new insights into the pivotal role of RGO in photocatalysis of RGO-based nanocomposites under visible as well as UV light. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Conidia survival of Aspergillus section Nigri, Flavi and Circumdati under UV-A and UV-B radiation with cycling temperature/light regime.

PubMed

García-Cela, Maria Esther; Marín, Sonia; Reyes, Monica; Sanchis, Vicent; Ramos, Antonio J

2016-04-01

Bio-geographical differences in fungal infection distribution have been observed around the world, confirming that climatic conditions are decisive in colonization. This research is focused on the impact of ultraviolet radiation (UV) on Aspergillus species, based on the consideration that an increase in UV-B radiation may have large ecological effects. Conidia of six mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species isolated from vineyards located in the northeast and south of Spain were incubated for 15 days under light/dark cycles and temperatures between 20 and 30 °C per day. Additionally, 6 h of exposure to UV-A or UV-B radiation per day were included in the light exposure. UV irradiance used were 1.7 ± 0.2 mW cm(-2) of UV-A (peak 365 nm) and 0.10 ± 0.2 mW cm(-2) of UV-B (peak 312 nm). The intrinsic decrease in viability of conidia over time was accentuated when they were UV irradiated. UV-B radiation was more harmful. Conidial sensitivity to UV light was marked in Aspergillus section Circumdati. Conidia pigmentation could be related to UV sensitivity. Different resistance was observed within species belonging to sections Flavi and Nigri. An increase in UV radiation could lead to a reduction in the Aspergillus spp. inoculum present in the field (vineyards, nuts, cereal crops). In addition, it could unbalance the spore species present in the field, leading to a higher predominance of dark-pigmented conidia. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Reduction of Microbial Contaminants in Drinking Water by Ultraviolet Light Technology: ETS UV MODEL UVL-200-4 (Report and Statement)

EPA Science Inventory

Final technical report provides test methods used and verification results to be published on ETV web sites. The ETS UV System Model UVL-200-4 was tested to validate the UV dose delivered by the system using biodosimetry and a set line approach. The set line for 40 mJ/cm2 Red...

A Novel UV-Shielding and Transparent Polymer Film: When Bioinspired Dopamine-Melanin Hollow Nanoparticles Join Polymers.

PubMed

Wang, Yang; Su, Jing; Li, Ting; Ma, Piming; Bai, Huiyu; Xie, Yi; Chen, Mingqing; Dong, Weifu

2017-10-18

Ultraviolet (UV) light is known to be harmful to human health and cause organic materials to undergo photodegradation. In this Research Article, bioinspired dopamine-melanin solid nanoparticles (Dpa-s NPs) and hollow nanoparticles (Dpa-h NPs) as UV-absorbers were introduced to enhance the UV-shielding performance of polymer. First, Dpa-s NPs were synthesized through autoxidation of dopamine in alkaline aqueous solution. Dpa-h NPs were prepared by the spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine solution onto polystyrene (PS) nanospheres template, followed by removal of the template. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Dpa nanocomposite films were subsequently fabricated by a simple casting solvent. UV irradiation protocols were set up, allowing selective study of the extra-shielding effects of Dpa-s versus Dpa-h NPs. In contrast to PVA/Dpa-s films, PVA/Dpa-h films exhibit stronger UV-shielding capabilities and can almost block the complete UV region (200-400 nm). The excellent UV-shielding performance of the PVA/Dpa-h films mainly arises from multiple absorption because of the hollow structure and large specific area of Dpa-h NPs. Moreover, the wall thickness of Dpa-h NPs can be simply controlled from 28 to 8 nm, depending on the ratio between PS and dopamine. The resulting films with Dpa-h NPs (wall thickness = ∼8 nm) maintained relatively high transparency to visible light because of the thinner wall thickness. The results indicate that the prepared Dpa-h NPs can be used as a novel UV absorber for next-generation transparent UV-shielding materials.

Preillumination of lettuce seedlings with red light enhances the resistance of photosynthetic apparatus to UV-A.

PubMed

Kreslavski, Vladimir D; Lyubimov, Valery Yu; Shirshikova, Galina N; Shmarev, Alexander N; Kosobryukhov, Anatoly A; Schmitt, Franz-Josef; Friedrich, Thomas; Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I

2013-05-05

Seedlings of 10-day-old lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cultivar Berlin) were preilluminated by low intensity red light (λmax=660 nm, 10 min, 5 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1)) and far-red light (λmax=730 nm, 10 min, 5 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1)) to study the effect of pre-treatment on photosynthesis, photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII), the contents of photosynthetic and UV-A-absorbing pigments (UAPs) and H2O2, as well as total and ascorbate peroxidase activities in cotyledonary leaves of seedlings exposed to UV-A. UV radiation reduced the photosynthetic rate (Pn), the activity of PSII, and the contents of Chl a and b, carotenoids and UAPs in the leaves, but increased the content of H2O2 and the total peroxidase activity. Preillumination with red light removed these effects of UV. In turn, the illumination with red light, then far-red light removed the effect of the red light. Illumination with red light alone increased the content of UAPs, as well as peroxidase activity. It is suggested that higher resistance of the lettuce photosynthetic apparatus to UV-A radiation is associated with involvement of the active form of phytochrome B, thereby increasing peroxidase activities as well as UAPs and saving preservation of photosynthetic pigment contents due to pre-illumination with red light. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of anogenital injuries using white and UV-light among adult volunteers following consensual sexual intercourse.

PubMed

Joki-Erkkilä, Minna; Rainio, Juha; Huhtala, Heini; Salonen, Aki; Karhunen, Pekka J

2014-09-01

New clinical forensic examination techniques for sexual assaults have not been introduced over the last few decades. We evaluated the benefit of ultraviolet light compared to white light for detecting minor anogenital injuries and scars, following consensual sexual intercourse among adult volunteers. A prospective study comparing female genital findings utilising white and ultraviolet light. A colposcopy with photographic documentation was used. Personal invitation to healthcare students, hospital employees or acquaintances to volunteer for a gynecological examination, with a focus on clinical forensic aspects. Eighty-eight adult female volunteers were recruited for the study. The examination was performed after consensual intercourse. Age ranged from 20 to 52 years (median 26.5 years). Presence of acute findings and scars in the genital area using white and UV-light. Acute genital injury rate was 14.8% under white light colposcopy and 23.0% using UV light. Submucosal hemorrhages in the genital area were documented significantly better under UV-light than white light (14.9% vs. 6.8%; p=0.016), whereas petechiaes (4.5%) and abrasions (2.3%) were detected using either method. UV-light revealed significantly more often delivery-associated genital scars compared to white light (39.8% vs. 31.8%; p=0.016). Furthermore, 10 out of 31 (33.3%) women had no residual anogenital skin or mucosal surface findings, despite a prior episiotomy or rupture of the vaginal outlet wall during delivery, supporting its enormous ability to heal even after major trauma. UV-light may provide additional value for the evaluation of physical findings in clinical forensic examinations after sexual assault, and is especially useful in detecting otherwise invisible early submucosal hemorrhages and scars. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of shock waves, ultraviolet light, and electric fields from pulsed discharges in water on inactivation of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Sun, Bing; Xin, Yanbin; Zhu, Xiaomei; Gao, Zhiying; Yan, Zhiyu; Ohshima, Takayuki

2018-04-01

In this work, the bacterial inactivation effects of shock waves, ultraviolet (UV) light, and electric field produced by high-voltage pulsed discharge in liquid with needle-plate configurations were studied. The contributions of each effect on the bacterial killing ratio in the discharge process were obtained individually by modifying reactor type and usage of glass, quartz, and black balloons. The results showed that the location from the discharge center axis significantly influenced the effects of shock waves and electric fields, although the effect of UV light was not affected by the location in the reactor. The effects of shock waves and electric fields were improved by decreasing the distance from the discharge center axis. Under this experimental condition, the effects of shock waves, UV light, and electric fields produced by discharges on bacterial inactivation were approximately 36.1%, 30.8%, 12.7%, respectively. Other contributions seemed to be due to activated species. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

UV/vis and NIR light-responsive spiropyran self-assembled monolayers.

PubMed

Ivashenko, Oleksii; van Herpt, Jochem T; Feringa, Ben L; Rudolf, Petra; Browne, Wesley R

2013-04-02

Self-assembled monolayers of a 6-nitro BIPS spiropyran (SP) modified with a disulfide-terminated aliphatic chain were prepared on polycrystalline gold surfaces and characterized by UV/vis absorption, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS). The SAMs obtained are composed of the ring-closed form (i.e., spiropyran) only. Irradiation with UV light results in conversion of the monolayer to the merocyanine form (MC), manifested in the appearance of an N(+) contribution in the N 1s region of the XPS spectrum of the SAMs, the characteristic absorption band of the MC form in the visible region at 555 nm, and the C-O stretching band in the SERS spectrum. Recovery of the initial state of the monolayer was observed both thermally and after irradiation with visible light. Several switching cycles were performed and monitored by SERS spectroscopy, demonstrating the stability of the SAMs during repeated switching between SP and MC states. A key finding in the present study is that ring-opening of the surface-immobilized spiropyrans can be induced by irradiation with continuous wave NIR (785 nm) light as well as by irradiation with UV light. We demonstrate that ring-opening by irradiation at 785 nm proceeds by a two-photon absorption pathway both in the SAMs and in the solid state. Hence, spiropyran SAMs on gold can undergo reversible photochemical switching from the SP to the MC form with both UV and NIR and the reverse reaction induced by irradiation with visible light or heating. Furthermore, the observation of NIR-induced switching with a continuous wave source holds important consequences in the study of photochromic switches on surfaces using SERS and emphasizes the importance of the use of multiple complementary techniques in characterizing photoresponsive SAMs.

Measuring spatially varying, multispectral, ultraviolet bidirectional reflectance distribution function with an imaging spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongsong; Lyu, Hang; Liao, Ningfang; Wu, Wenmin

2016-12-01

The bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) data in the ultraviolet (UV) band are valuable for many applications including cultural heritage, material analysis, surface characterization, and trace detection. We present a BRDF measurement instrument working in the near- and middle-UV spectral range. The instrument includes a collimated UV light source, a rotation stage, a UV imaging spectrometer, and a control computer. The data captured by the proposed instrument describe spatial, spectral, and angular variations of the light scattering from a sample surface. Such a multidimensional dataset of an example sample is captured by the proposed instrument and analyzed by a k-mean clustering algorithm to separate surface regions with same material but different surface roughnesses. The clustering results show that the angular dimension of the dataset can be exploited for surface roughness characterization. The two clustered BRDFs are fitted to a theoretical BRDF model. The fitting results show good agreement between the measurement data and the theoretical model.

Epidermal Rac1 regulates the DNA damage response and protects from UV-light-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and skin carcinogenesis

PubMed Central

Deshmukh, Jayesh; Pofahl, Ruth; Haase, Ingo

2017-01-01

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of cancer. Increased expression and activity of Rac1, a small Rho GTPase, has been shown previously in NMSC and other human cancers; suggesting that Rac1 may function as an oncogene in skin. DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis studies in mice have shown that Rac1 is required for chemically induced skin papilloma formation. However, UVB radiation by the sun, which causes DNA damage, is the most relevant cause for NMSC. A potential role of Rac1 in UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis has not been investigated so far. To investigate this, we irradiated mice with epidermal Rac1 deficiency (Rac1-EKO) and their controls using a well-established protocol for long-term UV-irradiation. Most of the Rac1-EKO mice developed severe skin erosions upon long-term UV-irradiation, unlike their controls. These skin erosions in Rac1-EKO mice healed subsequently. Surprisingly, we observed development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) within the UV-irradiation fields. This shows that the presence of Rac1 in the epidermis protects from UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis. Short-term UV-irradiation experiments revealed increased UV-light-induced apoptosis of Rac1-deficient epidermal keratinocytes in vitro as well as in vivo. Further investigations using cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase transgenic mice revealed that the observed increase in UV-light-induced keratinocyte apoptosis in Rac1-EKO mice is DNA damage dependent and correlates with caspase-8 activation. Furthermore, Rac1-deficient keratinocytes showed reduced levels of p53, γ-H2AX and p-Chk1 suggesting an attenuated DNA damage response upon UV-irradiation. Taken together, our data provide direct evidence for a protective role of Rac1 in UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis and keratinocyte apoptosis probably through regulating mechanisms of the DNA damage response and repair pathways. PMID:28277539

Epidermal Rac1 regulates the DNA damage response and protects from UV-light-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and skin carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Deshmukh, Jayesh; Pofahl, Ruth; Haase, Ingo

2017-03-09

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of cancer. Increased expression and activity of Rac1, a small Rho GTPase, has been shown previously in NMSC and other human cancers; suggesting that Rac1 may function as an oncogene in skin. DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis studies in mice have shown that Rac1 is required for chemically induced skin papilloma formation. However, UVB radiation by the sun, which causes DNA damage, is the most relevant cause for NMSC. A potential role of Rac1 in UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis has not been investigated so far. To investigate this, we irradiated mice with epidermal Rac1 deficiency (Rac1-EKO) and their controls using a well-established protocol for long-term UV-irradiation. Most of the Rac1-EKO mice developed severe skin erosions upon long-term UV-irradiation, unlike their controls. These skin erosions in Rac1-EKO mice healed subsequently. Surprisingly, we observed development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) within the UV-irradiation fields. This shows that the presence of Rac1 in the epidermis protects from UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis. Short-term UV-irradiation experiments revealed increased UV-light-induced apoptosis of Rac1-deficient epidermal keratinocytes in vitro as well as in vivo. Further investigations using cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase transgenic mice revealed that the observed increase in UV-light-induced keratinocyte apoptosis in Rac1-EKO mice is DNA damage dependent and correlates with caspase-8 activation. Furthermore, Rac1-deficient keratinocytes showed reduced levels of p53, γ-H2AX and p-Chk1 suggesting an attenuated DNA damage response upon UV-irradiation. Taken together, our data provide direct evidence for a protective role of Rac1 in UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis and keratinocyte apoptosis probably through regulating mechanisms of the DNA damage response and repair pathways.

Growth under visible light increases conidia and mucilage production and tolerance to UV-B radiation in the plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum acutatum.

PubMed

de Menezes, Henrique D; Massola, Nelson S; Flint, Stephan D; Silva, Geraldo J; Bachmann, Luciano; Rangel, Drauzio E N; Braga, Gilberto U L

2015-01-01

Light conditions can influence fungal development. Some spectral wavebands can induce conidial production, whereas others can kill the conidia, reducing the population size and limiting dispersal. The plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum acutatum causes anthracnose in several crops. During the asexual stage on the host plant, Colletototrichum produces acervuli with abundant mucilage-embedded conidia. These conidia are responsible for fungal dispersal and host infection. This study examined the effect of visible light during C. acutatum growth on the production of conidia and mucilage and also on the UV tolerance of these conidia. Conidial tolerance to an environmentally realistic UV irradiance was determined both in conidia surrounded by mucilage on sporulating colonies and in conidial suspension. Exposures to visible light during fungal growth increased production of conidia and mucilage as well as conidial tolerance to UV. Colonies exposed to light produced 1.7 times more conidia than colonies grown in continuous darkness. The UV tolerances of conidia produced under light were at least two times higher than conidia produced in the dark. Conidia embedded in the mucilage on sporulating colonies were more tolerant of UV than conidia in suspension that were washed free of mucilage. Conidial tolerance to UV radiation varied among five selected isolates. © 2014 The American Society of Photobiology.

UV-B photoreceptor-mediated protection of the photosynthetic machinery in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

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

Allorent, Guillaume; Lefebvre-Legendre, Linnka; Chappuis, Richard

Life on earth is dependent on the photosynthetic conversion of light energy into chemical energy. However, absorption of excess sunlight can damage the photosynthetic machinery and limit photosynthetic activity, thereby affecting growth and productivity. Photosynthetic light harvesting can be down-regulated by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). A major component of NPQ is qE (energy-dependent nonphotochemical quenching), which allows dissipation of light energy as heat. Photodamage peaks in the UV-B part of the spectrum, but whether and how UV-B induces qE are unknown. Plants are responsive to UV-B via the UVR8 photoreceptor. Here in this paper, we report in the green alga Chlamydomonasmore » reinhardtii that UVR8 induces accumulation of specific members of the light-harvesting complex (LHC) superfamily that contribute to qE, in particular LHC Stress-Related 1 (LHCSR1) and Photosystem II Subunit S (PSBS). The capacity for qE is strongly induced by UV-B, although the patterns of qE-related proteins accumulating in response to UV-B or to high light are clearly different. The competence for qE induced by acclimation to UV-B markedly contributes to photoprotection upon subsequent exposure to high light. Our study reveals an anterograde link between photoreceptor-mediated signaling in the nucleocytosolic compartment and the photoprotective regulation of photosynthetic activity in the chloroplast.« less

UV-B photoreceptor-mediated protection of the photosynthetic machinery in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

DOE PAGES

Allorent, Guillaume; Lefebvre-Legendre, Linnka; Chappuis, Richard; ...

2016-12-05

Life on earth is dependent on the photosynthetic conversion of light energy into chemical energy. However, absorption of excess sunlight can damage the photosynthetic machinery and limit photosynthetic activity, thereby affecting growth and productivity. Photosynthetic light harvesting can be down-regulated by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). A major component of NPQ is qE (energy-dependent nonphotochemical quenching), which allows dissipation of light energy as heat. Photodamage peaks in the UV-B part of the spectrum, but whether and how UV-B induces qE are unknown. Plants are responsive to UV-B via the UVR8 photoreceptor. Here in this paper, we report in the green alga Chlamydomonasmore » reinhardtii that UVR8 induces accumulation of specific members of the light-harvesting complex (LHC) superfamily that contribute to qE, in particular LHC Stress-Related 1 (LHCSR1) and Photosystem II Subunit S (PSBS). The capacity for qE is strongly induced by UV-B, although the patterns of qE-related proteins accumulating in response to UV-B or to high light are clearly different. The competence for qE induced by acclimation to UV-B markedly contributes to photoprotection upon subsequent exposure to high light. Our study reveals an anterograde link between photoreceptor-mediated signaling in the nucleocytosolic compartment and the photoprotective regulation of photosynthetic activity in the chloroplast.« less

Prevention of the adverse photic effects of peripheral light-focusing using UV-blocking contact lenses.

PubMed

Kwok, L Stephen; Kuznetsov, Valerian A; Ho, Arthur; Coroneo, Minas T

2003-04-01

Peripheral light-focusing (PLF) is an occult form of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) hazardous to the human eye. In PLF, obliquely incident light is refracted from the peripheral cornea to concentrated sites inside the anterior segment. In the current study, the directionality of this phenomenon for UVR and whether PLF is established in outdoor settings exposed to sunlight were investigated. The protection provided by a UV-blocking contact lens was also evaluated. UVA and UVB sensors were placed on the nasal limbus of an anatomically based model eye. The temporal limbus was exposed to a UV light source placed at various angles behind the frontal plane. PLF was quantified with the sensor output. The ensemble was mounted in the orbit of a mannequin head and exposed to sunlight in three insolation environments within the region of Sydney, Australia. PLF for UVA and UVB was determined with no eyewear or with sunglasses and commercially available soft contact lenses, with and without UV-blocking capability. The intensity of UVA peaked at approximately 120 degrees incidence, the level at which the UVB response was also at its maximum. The intensification of UVA was up to x18.3. The intensity of PLF for UVA and UVB was reduced by an order of magnitude by a UV-blocking contact lens, whereas a clear contact lenses had a much lesser effect. Only the UV-blocking contact lens achieved a significant effect on UVA and UVB irradiance in the urban, beach, and mountain locales (P < 0.056). The results identify another type of sunlight hazard: the peripheral focusing of obliquely incident light. UVR from albedo (reflected ambient light) is capable of establishing PLF in the anterior segment, but this can be shielded by UV-blocking soft contact lenses. Sunglasses may be unable to shield oblique rays, unless side protection is incorporated. Contact lenses can offer UVR protection against all angles of incidence, including the peak-response angle. They can also protect the eye in settings in which the wearing of sunglasses is not feasible or convenient.

The effects of ultraviolet radiation on growth and bleaching in three species of Hawaiian coral

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

Goodman, G.D.

1990-01-09

Long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation is harmful to many organisms, including hermatypic corals, which obtain much of their nutrition from photosynthetic zooxanthellae. Therefore, increased UV radiation from atmospheric ozone depletion could inhibit growth of such corals. Moreover, coral bleaching, which has been attributed to loss of pigment and/or expulsion of zooxanthellae, may be a specific response to UV light. Does UV-A reduce skeletal growth or influence population density and pigment content of zooxanthellae In addition, do zooxanthellae migrate to shaded areas of the colony to avoid ultraviolet light Using alizarin red stain and suitable filters, I compared the stainmore » and suitable filters, I compared the effects of UV-A (320-400nm) and full-spectrum UV (280-400nm) on the skeletal growth of two Hawaiian corals, Montipora verrucosa, Pocillopora damicornis, in situ. In the perforate corals, M. Verrucosa and Porites compressa, I measured concentration of zooxanthellae and their chlorophyll content to quantify bleaching in response to UV light. Reduction in skeletal growth by the two corals in response to different ranges of UV light appears to be species specific. Bleaching by UV appears to be characterized by an initial loss of pigment followed by the expulsion and migration of the zooxanthellae to shaded areas of the colony. Differences in tolerance and adaptation to decreasing ozone levels and increasing UV light should confer a competitive advantage on various species and morphologies of reef-building corals.« less

Effect of UV irradiation on the aggregation of TiO2 in an aquatic environment: Influence of humic acid and pH.

PubMed

Wang, Peifang; Qi, Ning; Ao, Yanhui; Hou, Jun; Wang, Chao; Qian, Jin

2016-05-01

The behavior of photoactive TiO2 nanoparticles in an aquatic environment under UV irradiation was investigated. When there was no UV light irradiation, the attachment of humic acid (HA) onto the TiO2 nanoparticles improved their stability due to an increase in the electrostatic and steric repulsions between the particles. However, our study demonstrated that UV light clearly influenced the aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles. Half an hour of UV irradiation caused the particles to aggregate from 331.0 nm to 1505.0 nm at a pH of 3.0. Similarly, the particles aggregated from 533.2 nm to 1037.0 nm at a pH of 6.5 and from 319.0 nm to 930.0 nm at a pH of 9.0. The aggregation continued with increased irradiation time, except for the condition at pH 3.0, which demonstrated disaggregation. Furthermore, we determined that the photocatalytic degradation of the HA dominated the behavior of TiO2 in our study. From the results of HA removal and 3DEEM fluorescence spectra data for the solution, a change in the HA was in accordance with the size change of the TiO2. The results illustrated that the UV irradiation affected the behavior of light-active nanomaterial (such as TiO2) in an aquatic system, thus influencing their bioavailability and reactivity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the Effects of Riboflavin/UV-A and Rose-Bengal/Green Light Cross-Linking of the Rabbit Cornea by Noncontact Optical Coherence Elastography

PubMed Central

Singh, Manmohan; Li, Jiasong; Han, Zhaolong; Vantipalli, Srilatha; Liu, Chih-Hao; Wu, Chen; Raghunathan, Raksha; Aglyamov, Salavat R.; Twa, Michael D.; Larin, Kirill V.

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this study was to use noncontact optical coherence elastography (OCE) to evaluate and compare changes in biomechanical properties that occurred in rabbit cornea in situ after corneal collagen cross-linking by either of two techniques: ultraviolet-A (UV-A)/riboflavin or rose-Bengal/green light. Methods Low-amplitude (≤10 μm) elastic waves were induced in mature rabbit corneas by a focused air pulse. Elastic wave propagation was imaged by a phase-stabilized swept source OCE (PhS-SSOCE) system. Corneas were then cross-linked by either of two methods: UV-A/riboflavin (UV-CXL) or rose-Bengal/green light (RGX). Phase velocities of the elastic waves were fitted to a previously developed modified Rayleigh-Lamb frequency equation to obtain the viscoelasticity of the corneas before and after the cross-linking treatments. Micro-scale depth-resolved phase velocity distribution revealed the depth-wise heterogeneity of both cross-linking techniques. Results Under standard treatment settings, UV-CXL significantly increased the stiffness of the corneas by ∼47% (P < 0.05), but RGX did not produce statistically significant increases. The shear viscosities were unaffected by either cross-linking technique. The depth-wise phase velocities showed that UV-CXL affected the anterior ∼34% of the corneas, whereas RGX affected only the anterior ∼16% of the corneas. Conclusions UV-CXL significantly strengthens the cornea, whereas RGX does not, and the effects of cross-linking by UV-CXL reach deeper into the cornea than cross-linking effects of RGX under similar conditions. PMID:27409461

Invisible Security Printing on Photoresist Polymer Readable by Terahertz Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Shin, Hee Jun; Lim, Min-Cheol; Park, Kisang; Kim, Sae-Hyung; Choi, Sung-Wook; Ok, Gyeongsik

2017-12-06

We experimentally modulate the refractive index and the absorption coefficient of an SU-8 dry film in the terahertz region by UV light (362 nm) exposure with time dependency. Consequently, the refractive index of SU-8 film is increased by approximately 6% after UV light exposure. Moreover, the absorption coefficient also changes significantly. Using the reflective terahertz imaging technique, in addition, we can read security information printed by UV treatment on an SU-8 film that is transparent in the visible spectrum. From these results, we successfully demonstrate security printing and reading by using photoresist materials and the terahertz technique. This investigation would provide a new insight into anti-counterfeiting applications in fields that need security.

Is the pulsed xenon ultraviolet light no-touch disinfection system effective on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the absence of manual cleaning?

PubMed

Jinadatha, Chetan; Villamaria, Frank C; Restrepo, Marcos I; Ganachari-Mallappa, Nagaraja; Liao, I-Chia; Stock, Eileen M; Copeland, Laurel A; Zeber, John E

2015-08-01

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been shown to survive on ambient surfaces for extended periods of time. Leftover MRSA environmental contamination in a hospital room places future patients at risk. Manual disinfection supplemented by pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) light disinfection has been shown to greatly decrease the MRSA bioburden in hospital rooms. However, the effect of PX-UV in the absence of manual disinfection has not been evaluated. Rooms that were previously occupied by a MRSA-positive patient (current colonization or infection) were selected for the study immediately postdischarge. Five high-touch surfaces were sampled, before and after PX-UV disinfection, in each hospital room. The effectiveness of the PX-UV device on the concentration of MRSA was assessed employing a Wilcoxon signed-rank test for all 70 samples with MRSA in 14 rooms, as well as by surface location. The final analysis included 14 rooms. Before PX-UV disinfection there were a total of 393 MRSA colonies isolated from the 5 high-touch surfaces. There were 100 MRSA colonies after disinfection by the PX-UV device and the overall reduction was statistically significant (P < .01). Our study results suggest that PX-UV light effectively reduces MRSA colony counts in the absence of manual disinfection. These findings are important for hospital and environmental services supervisors who plan to adapt new technologies as an adjunct to routine manual disinfection. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Tunable UV- and Visible-Light Photoresponse Based on p-ZnO Nanostructures/n-ZnO/Glass Peppered with Au Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Hsu, Cheng-Liang; Lin, Yu-Hong; Wang, Liang-Kai; Hsueh, Ting-Jen; Chang, Sheng-Po; Chang, Shoou-Jinn

2017-05-03

UV- and visible-light photoresponse was achieved via p-type K-doped ZnO nanowires and nanosheets that were hydrothermally synthesized on an n-ZnO/glass substrate and peppered with Au nanoparticles. The K content of the p-ZnO nanostructures was 0.36 atom %. The UV- and visible-light photoresponse of the p-ZnO nanostructures/n-ZnO sample was roughly 2 times higher than that of the ZnO nanowires. The Au nanoparticles of various densities and diameter sizes were deposited on the p-ZnO nanostructures/n-ZnO samples by a simple UV photochemical reaction method yielding a tunable and enhanced UV- and visible-light photoresponse. The maximum UV and visible photoresponse of the Au nanoparticle sample was obtained when the diameter size of the Au nanoparticle was approximately 5-35 nm. On the basis of the localized surface plasmon resonance effect, the UV, blue, and green photocurrent/dark current ratios of Au nanoparticle/p-ZnO nanostructures/n-ZnO are ∼1165, ∼94.6, and ∼9.7, respectively.

Study of UV imaging technology for noninvasive detection of latent fingerprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hong-xia; Cao, Jing; Niu, Jie-qing; Huang, Yun-gang

2013-09-01

Using UV imaging technology, according to the special absorption 、reflection 、scattering and fluorescence characterization of the various residues in fingerprints (fatty acid ester, protein, and carboxylic acid salts etc) to the UV light, weaken or eliminate the background disturbance to increase the brightness contrast of fingerprints with the background, and design、setup the illumination optical system and UV imaging system, the noninvasive detection of latent fingerprints remaining on various object surface are studied. In the illumination optical system, using the 266nm UV Nd:YAG solid state laser as illumination light source, by calculating the best coupling conditions of the laser beam with UV liquid core fiber and analyzing the beam transforming characterizations, we designed and setup the optical system to realize the UV imaging uniform illumination. In the UV imaging system, the UV lens is selected as the fingerprint imaging element, and the UV intensified CCD (ICCD) which consists of a second-generation UV image intensifier and a CCD coupled by fiber plate and taper directly are used as the imaging sensing element. The best imaging conditions of the UV lens with ICCD were analyzed and the imaging system was designed and setup. In this study, by analyzing the factors which influence the detection effect, optimal design and setup the illumination system and imaging system, latent fingerprints on the surface of the paint tin box、plastic、smooth paper、notebook paper and print paper were noninvasive detected and appeared, and the result meet the fingerprint identification requirements in forensic science.

Application of 265-nm UVC LED Lighting to Sterilization of Typical Gram Negative and Positive Bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yong Wook; Yoon, Hyung Do; Park, Jae-Hyoun; Ryu, Uh-Chan

2018-05-01

UV LED lightings have been displacing conventional UV lamps due to their high efficiency, long lifetime, etc. A sterilizing lighting was prepared by assembling a UV LED module composed of 265-nm UVC LEDs and a silica lens array with a driver module comprised of a driver IC controlling pulse width modulation and constant current. The silica lens array was designed and fabricated to focus UV beam and simultaneously to give a uniform light distribution over specimens. Then pasteurizing effect of the lighting was analyzed for four kinds of bacteria and one yeast which are dangerous to people with low immunity. Sterilizing tests on these germs were carried out at the both exposure distances of 10 and 100 mm for various exposure durations up to 600 s.

The Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Attached Wetland Algae and Bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, V. K.; Kuehn, K. A.; Francoeur, S. N.

2005-05-01

Despite the well-known increases in ultraviolet radiation (UV-R) reaching the Earth's surface due to the destruction of the ozone layer, little is known about effects of UV-R on wetland periphyton. To study the effects of UV-R on wetland periphyton, artificial substrata were placed under acrylic mesocosms in the Paint Creek Wetland, Ypsilanti, MI. One treatment mesocosm excluded light in the UV range (<340nm) and the other allowed the passage of full light. Periphyton attached to artificial substrata was collected on 4 dates during August and September 2004 and analyzed for Chlorophyll a, ash-free dry mass (AFDM), bacterial density, colloidal extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and algal community composition. Over the length of the experiment the proportion of dead to live bacteria (p<0.02), EPS accrual (μgram glucose equivalents/cm2) (p=0.046), and the ratio of EPS to AFDM (p=0.027) were significantly greater in the UV-R-exposed treatment. These results suggest that ambient levels of UV-R damage periphytic bacteria and increase EPS production by periphyton.

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

Developmental effects of ambient UV-B light and landfill leachate in Rana blairi and Hyla chrysoscelis.

PubMed

Bruner, M A; Shipman, P A; Rao, M; Bantle, J A

2002-09-01

This study assessed the effects of ambient UV light on the development of two native species of anurans, Rana blairi and Hyla chrysoscelis, during their normal breeding season in Oklahoma. Additionally, the effects of ambient UV light and water contaminated with landfill leachate in Rana blairi were examined. Embryos were collected from the field and distributed equally among replicates of four filter treatments of ambient UV light in experimental tubs filled with either FETAX solution or landfill leachate diluted to 25, 10, and 5% concentrations. Three endpoints (mortality, teratogenesis, and growth) were compared between filter treatments. By itself, UV-B caused no significant effects. Leachate at 10 and 25% concentrations caused 100% mortality across all filter treatments. There was a significant interaction between filter treatment and water toxicity at leachate concentrations of 5% for both malformation and growth. Increased UV-B exposure decreased the malformation rate and increased growth in the leachate treatments.

Reduction of short wavelength reflectance of multi-wall carbon nanotubes through ultraviolet laser irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Michelle S.; Simonds, Brian J.; Yung, Christopher S.; Conklin, Davis; Livigni, David J.; Oliva, Alberto Remesal; Lehman, John H.

2018-05-01

Multi-wall carbon nanotube coatings are used as broadband, low-reflectance absorbers for bolometric applications and for stray light control. They are also used as high emittance blackbody radiators. Irradiation of single wall carbon nanotubes with ultraviolet (UV) laser light has been shown to remove amorphous carbon debris, but there have been few investigations of the interaction of UV light with the more complex physics of multi-wall carbon nanotubes. We present measurements of reflectance and surface morphology before and after exposure of multi-wall carbon nanotube coatings to 248 nm UV laser light. We show that UV exposure reduces the reflectivity at wavelengths below 600 nm and present modeling of the thermal cycling the UV exposure causes at the surface of the carbon nanotubes. This effect can be used to flatten the spectral shape of the reflectivity curve of carbon nanotube absorber coatings used for broadband applications. Finally, we find that the effect of UV exposure depends on the nanotube growth process.

UV LED lighting for automated crystal centring

PubMed Central

Chavas, Leonard M. G.; Yamada, Yusuke; Hiraki, Masahiko; Igarashi, Noriyuki; Matsugaki, Naohiro; Wakatsuki, Soichi

2011-01-01

A direct outcome of the exponential growth of macromolecular crystallography is the continuously increasing demand for synchrotron beam time, both from academic and industrial users. As more and more projects entail screening a profusion of sample crystals, fully automated procedures at every level of the experiments are being implemented at all synchrotron facilities. One of the major obstacles to achieving such automation lies in the sample recognition and centring in the X-ray beam. The capacity of UV light to specifically react with aromatic residues present in proteins or with DNA base pairs is at the basis of UV-assisted crystal centring. Although very efficient, a well known side effect of illuminating biological samples with strong UV sources is the damage induced on the irradiated samples. In the present study the effectiveness of a softer UV light for crystal centring by taking advantage of low-power light-emitting diode (LED) sources has been investigated. The use of UV LEDs represents a low-cost solution for crystal centring with high specificity. PMID:21169682

Deletion of epidermal Rac1 inhibits HPV-8 induced skin papilloma formation and facilitates HPV-8- and UV-light induced skin carcinogenesis

PubMed Central

Deshmukh, Jayesh; Pofahl, Ruth; Pfister, Herbert; Haase, Ingo

2016-01-01

Overexpression and increased activity of the small Rho GTPase Rac1 has been linked to squamous cell carcinoma of the epidermis and mucosa in humans. Targeted deletion of Rac1 or inhibition of Rac1 activity in epidermal keratinocytes reduced papilloma formation in a chemical skin carcinogenesis mouse model. However, a potential role of Rac1 in HPV- and UV-light induced skin carcinogenesis has not been investigated so far, solar UV radiation being an important carcinogen to the skin. To investigate this, we deleted Rac1 or modulated its activity in mice with transgenic expression of Human papilloma virus type-8 (HPV-8) in epidermal keratinocytes. Our data show that inhibition or deletion of Rac1 results in reduced papilloma formation upon UV-irradiation with a single dose, whereas constitutive activation of Rac1 strongly increases papilloma frequency in these mice. Surprisingly, we observed that, upon chronic UV-irradiation, the majority of mice with transgenic expression of HPV-8 and epidermis specific Rac1 deletion developed squamous cell carcinomas. Taken together, our data show that Rac1 exerts a dual role in skin carcinogenesis: its activation is, on one hand, required for HPV-8- and UV-light induced papilloma formation but, on the other, suppresses the development of squamous cell carcinomas. PMID:27506937

Deletion of epidermal Rac1 inhibits HPV-8 induced skin papilloma formation and facilitates HPV-8- and UV-light induced skin carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Deshmukh, Jayesh; Pofahl, Ruth; Pfister, Herbert; Haase, Ingo

2016-09-06

Overexpression and increased activity of the small Rho GTPase Rac1 has been linked to squamous cell carcinoma of the epidermis and mucosa in humans. Targeted deletion of Rac1 or inhibition of Rac1 activity in epidermal keratinocytes reduced papilloma formation in a chemical skin carcinogenesis mouse model. However, a potential role of Rac1 in HPV- and UV-light induced skin carcinogenesis has not been investigated so far, solar UV radiation being an important carcinogen to the skin.To investigate this, we deleted Rac1 or modulated its activity in mice with transgenic expression of Human papilloma virus type-8 (HPV-8) in epidermal keratinocytes. Our data show that inhibition or deletion of Rac1 results in reduced papilloma formation upon UV-irradiation with a single dose, whereas constitutive activation of Rac1 strongly increases papilloma frequency in these mice. Surprisingly, we observed that, upon chronic UV-irradiation, the majority of mice with transgenic expression of HPV-8 and epidermis specific Rac1 deletion developed squamous cell carcinomas. Taken together, our data show that Rac1 exerts a dual role in skin carcinogenesis: its activation is, on one hand, required for HPV-8- and UV-light induced papilloma formation but, on the other, suppresses the development of squamous cell carcinomas.

Photoreactivation in Paramecium tetraurelia under conditions of various degrees of ozone layer depletion.

PubMed

Takahashi, Akihisa; Kumatani, Toshihiro; Usui, Saori; Tsujimura, Ryoko; Seki, Takaharu; Morimoto, Kouichi; Ohnishi, Takeo

2005-01-01

Photoreactivation (PR) is an efficient survival mechanism that helps protect cells against the harmful effects of solar-ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The PR mechanism involves photolyase, just one enzyme, and can repair DNA damage, such as cyclobutane-pyrimidine dimers (CPD) induced by near-UV/blue light, a component of sunlight. Although the balance of near-UV/blue light and far-UV light reaching the Earth's surface could be altered by the atmospheric ozone layer's depletion, experiments simulating this environmental change and its possible effects on life have not yet been performed. To quantify the strength of UVB in sunlight reaching the Earth's surface, we measured the number of CPD generated in plasmid DNA after UVB irradiation or exposure to sunlight. To simulate the increase of solar-UV radiation resulting from the ozone layer depletion, Paramecium tetraurelia was exposed to UVB and/or sunlight in clear summer weather. PR recovery after exposure to sunlight was complete at a low dose rate of 0.2 J/m2 x s, but was less efficient when the dose rate was increased by a factor of 2.5 to 0.5 J/m2 x s. It is suggested that solar-UV radiation would not influence the cell growth of P. tetraurelia for the reason of high PR activity even when the ozone concentration was decreased 30% from the present levels.

Sacrificial hydrogen generation from aqueous triethanolamine with Eosin Y-sensitized Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst in UV, visible and solar light irradiation.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Pankaj; Gomaa, Hassan; Ray, Ajay K

2015-02-01

In this paper, we have studied Eosin Y-sensitized sacrificial hydrogen generation with triethanolamine as electron donor in UV, visible, and solar light irradiation. Aeroxide TiO2 was loaded with platinum metal via solar photo-deposition method to reduce the electron hole recombination process. Photocatalytic sacrificial hydrogen generation was influenced by several factors such as platinum loading (wt%) on TiO2, solution pH, Eosin Y to Pt/TiO2 mass ratio, triethanolamine concentration, and light (UV, visible and solar) intensities. Detailed reaction mechanisms in visible and solar light irradiation were established. Oxidation of triethanolamine and formaldehyde formation was correlated with hydrogen generation in both visible and solar lights. Hydrogen generation kinetics followed a Langmuir-type isotherm with reaction rate constant and adsorption constant of 6.77×10(-6) mol min(-1) and 14.45 M(-1), respectively. Sacrificial hydrogen generation and charge recombination processes were studied as a function of light intensities. Apparent quantum yields (QYs) were compared for UV, visible, and solar light at four different light intensities. Highest QYs were attained at lower light intensity because of trivial charge recombination. At 30 mW cm(-2) we achieved QYs of 10.82%, 12.23% and 11.33% in UV, visible and solar light respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A low-cost, manufacturable method for fabricating capillary and optical fiber interconnects for microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Hartmann, Daniel M; Nevill, J Tanner; Pettigrew, Kenneth I; Votaw, Gregory; Kung, Pang-Jen; Crenshaw, Hugh C

2008-04-01

Microfluidic chips require connections to larger macroscopic components, such as light sources, light detectors, and reagent reservoirs. In this article, we present novel methods for integrating capillaries, optical fibers, and wires with the channels of microfluidic chips. The method consists of forming planar interconnect channels in microfluidic chips and inserting capillaries, optical fibers, or wires into these channels. UV light is manually directed onto the ends of the interconnects using a microscope. UV-curable glue is then allowed to wick to the end of the capillaries, fibers, or wires, where it is cured to form rigid, liquid-tight connections. In a variant of this technique, used with light-guiding capillaries and optical fibers, the UV light is directed into the capillaries or fibers, and the UV-glue is cured by the cone of light emerging from the end of each capillary or fiber. This technique is fully self-aligned, greatly improves both the quality and the manufacturability of the interconnects, and has the potential to enable the fabrication of interconnects in a fully automated fashion. Using these methods, including a semi-automated implementation of the second technique, over 10,000 interconnects have been formed in almost 2000 microfluidic chips made of a variety of rigid materials. The resulting interconnects withstand pressures up to at least 800psi, have unswept volumes estimated to be less than 10 femtoliters, and have dead volumes defined only by the length of the capillary.

Investigation of uniformity field generated from freeform lens with UV LED exposure system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciou, F. Y.; Chen, Y. C.; Pan, C. T.; Lin, P. H.; Lin, P. H.; Hsu, F. T.

2015-03-01

In the exposure process, the intensity and uniformity of light in the exposure area directly influenced the precision of products. UV-LED (Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode) exposure system was established to reduce the radiation leakage and increase the energy efficiency for energy saving. It is a trend that conventional mercury lamp could be replaced with UV-LED exposure system. This study was based on the law of conservation of energy and law of refraction of optical field distributing on the target plane. With these, a freeform lens with uniform light field of main exposure area could be designed. The light outside the exposure area could be concentrated into the area to improve the intensity of light. The refraction index and UV transmittance of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is 1.43 at 385 nm wavelength and 85-90%, respectively. The PDMS was used to fabricate the optics lens for UV-LEDs. The average illumination and the uniformity could be obtained by increasing the number of UV-LEDs and the spacing of different arrangement modes. After exposure process with PDMS lens, about 5% inaccuracy was obtained. Comparing to 10% inaccuracy of general exposure system, it shows that it is available to replace conventional exposure lamp with using UV-LEDs.

Pulsed Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes for Advanced Oxidation of Tartrazine

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

a significantly lower amount of energy while lasting considerably longer than the conventional lamp . Recently, an experiment on AOP with a UV LED ...severe damage to these organs, resulting in death (OSHA, 2012). LEDs are promising alternatives for UV energy sources. Contrarily to mercury lamps ...Table 1 UV Lamp Properties Additionally, because LEDs interrupt the DNA of microorganisms without the introduction of added chemicals, there are

Ultraviolet vision in birds: the importance of transparent eye media

PubMed Central

Lind, Olle; Mitkus, Mindaugas; Olsson, Peter; Kelber, Almut

2014-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive visual pigments are widespread in the animal kingdom but many animals, for example primates, block UV light from reaching their retina by pigmented lenses. Birds have UV-sensitive (UVS) visual pigments with sensitivity maxima around 360–373 nm (UVS) or 402–426 nm (violet-sensitive, VS). We describe how these pigments are matched by the ocular media transmittance in 38 bird species. Birds with UVS pigments have ocular media that transmit more UV light (wavelength of 50% transmittance, λT0.5, 323 nm) than birds with VS pigments (λT0.5, 358 nm). Yet, visual models predict that colour discrimination in bright light is mostly dependent on the visual pigment (UVS or VS) and little on the ocular media. We hypothesize that the precise spectral tuning of the ocular media is mostly relevant for detecting weak UV signals, e.g. in dim hollow-nests of passerines and parrots. The correlation between eye size and UV transparency of the ocular media suggests little or no lens pigmentation. Therefore, only small birds gain the full advantage from shifting pigment sensitivity from VS to UVS. On the other hand, some birds with VS pigments have unexpectedly low UV transmission of the ocular media, probably because of UV blocking lens pigmentation. PMID:24258716

Ultraviolet vision in birds: the importance of transparent eye media.

PubMed

Lind, Olle; Mitkus, Mindaugas; Olsson, Peter; Kelber, Almut

2014-01-07

Ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive visual pigments are widespread in the animal kingdom but many animals, for example primates, block UV light from reaching their retina by pigmented lenses. Birds have UV-sensitive (UVS) visual pigments with sensitivity maxima around 360-373 nm (UVS) or 402-426 nm (violet-sensitive, VS). We describe how these pigments are matched by the ocular media transmittance in 38 bird species. Birds with UVS pigments have ocular media that transmit more UV light (wavelength of 50% transmittance, λ(T0.5), 323 nm) than birds with VS pigments (λ(T0.5), 358 nm). Yet, visual models predict that colour discrimination in bright light is mostly dependent on the visual pigment (UVS or VS) and little on the ocular media. We hypothesize that the precise spectral tuning of the ocular media is mostly relevant for detecting weak UV signals, e.g. in dim hollow-nests of passerines and parrots. The correlation between eye size and UV transparency of the ocular media suggests little or no lens pigmentation. Therefore, only small birds gain the full advantage from shifting pigment sensitivity from VS to UVS. On the other hand, some birds with VS pigments have unexpectedly low UV transmission of the ocular media, probably because of UV blocking lens pigmentation.

Photochemical Synthesis of Complex Carbazoles: Evaluation of Electronic Effects in Both UV- and Visible-Light Methods in Continuous Flow.

PubMed

Hernandez-Perez, Augusto C; Caron, Antoine; Collins, Shawn K

2015-11-09

An evaluation of both a visible-light- and UV-light-mediated synthesis of carbazoles from various triarylamines with differing electronic properties under continuous-flow conditions has been conducted. In general, triarylamines bearing electron-rich groups tend to produce higher yields than triarylamines possessing electron-withdrawing groups. The incorporation of nitrogen-based heterocycles, as well as halogen-containing arenes in carbazole skeletons, was well tolerated, and often synthetically useful complementarity was observed between the UV-light and visible-light (photoredox) methods. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Exposure of Metarhizium acridum mycelium to light induces tolerance to UV-B radiation.

PubMed

Brancini, Guilherme T P; Rangel, Drauzio E N; Braga, Gilberto Ú L

2016-03-01

Metarhizium acridum is an entomopathogenic fungus commonly used as a bioinsecticide. The conidium is the fungal stage normally employed as field inoculum in biological control programs and must survive under field conditions such as high ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure. Light, which is an important stimulus for many fungi, has been shown to induce the production of M. robertsii conidia with increased stress tolerance. Here we show that a two-hour exposure to white or blue/UV-A light of fast-growing mycelium induces tolerance to subsequent UV-B irradiation. Red light, however, does not have the same effect. In addition, we established that this induction can take place with as little as 1 min of white-light exposure. This brief illumination scheme could be relevant in future studies of M. acridum photobiology and for the production of UV-B resistant mycelium used in mycelium-based formulations for biological control. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Visible Light Induces Melanogenesis in Human Skin through a Photoadaptive Response

PubMed Central

Randhawa, Manpreet; Seo, InSeok; Liebel, Frank; Southall, Michael D.; Kollias, Nikiforos; Ruvolo, Eduardo

2015-01-01

Visible light (400–700 nm) lies outside of the spectral range of what photobiologists define as deleterious radiation and as a result few studies have studied the effects of visible light range of wavelengths on skin. This oversight is important considering that during outdoors activities skin is exposed to the full solar spectrum, including visible light, and to multiple exposures at different times and doses. Although the contribution of the UV component of sunlight to skin damage has been established, few studies have examined the effects of non-UV solar radiation on skin physiology in terms of inflammation, and limited information is available regarding the role of visible light on pigmentation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of visible light on the pro-pigmentation pathways and melanin formation in skin. Exposure to visible light in ex-vivo and clinical studies demonstrated an induction of pigmentation in skin by visible light. Results showed that a single exposure to visible light induced very little pigmentation whereas multiple exposures with visible light resulted in darker and sustained pigmentation. These findings have potential implications on the management of photo-aggravated pigmentary disorders, the proper use of sunscreens, and the treatment of depigmented lesions. PMID:26121474

Photocarcinogenesis by methoxypsoralen, neutral red, proflavine, and long UV radiation

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

Santamaria, L.; Bianchi, A.; Arnaboldi, A.

1985-01-01

A study of the photosensitizing effects of 8-methoxypsoralen (MOP), neutral red (NR), and proflavine (PF) on the skin of female Swiss albino mice, strain 955, was carried out using fractionated exposure to long ultraviolet light (300-400 nm) and visible light (tungsten emission). The results (1) confirmed MOP photocarcinogenicity, (2) demonstrated that both NR and PF are photocarcinogens, and, further, (3) showed that the above UV light with 2.6% of fluence at 313 nm is a long-term carcinogenic agent even though the total dose of 313 nm was 100 times less than the minimal UV tumorigenic dose in mice. The tumorsmore » were mammary adenocarcinomas, carcinomas of skin appendages, carcino-mixo-sarcomas, lymphomas, and one case of thyroid adenocarcinoma. The implications of the above data regarding the controversy about oncogenic risks in photochemotherapy are discussed.« less

Study of noninvasive detection of latent fingerprints using UV laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hong-xia; Cao, Jing; Niu, Jie-qing; Huang, Yun-gang; Mao, Lin-jie; Chen, Jing-rong

2011-06-01

Latent fingerprints present a considerable challenge in forensics, and noninvasive procedure that captures a digital image of the latent fingerprints is significant in the field of criminal investigation. The capability of photography technologies using 266nm UV Nd:YAG solid state laser as excitation light source to provide detailed images of unprocessed latent fingerprints is demonstrated. Unprocessed latent fingerprints were developed on various non-absorbent and absorbing substrates. According to the special absorption, reflection, scattering and fluorescence characterization of the various residues in fingerprints (fatty acid ester, protein, and carbosylic acid salts etc) to the UV light to weaken or eliminate the background disturbance and increase the brightness contrast of fingerprints with the background, and using 266nm UV laser as excitation light source, fresh and old latent fingerprints on the surface of four types of non-absorbent objects as magazine cover, glass, back of cellphone, wood desktop paintwork and two types of absorbing objects as manila envelope, notebook paper were noninvasive detected and appeared through reflection photography and fluorescence photography technologies, and the results meet the fingerprint identification requirements in forensic science.

CFD modeling of a UV-A LED baffled flat-plate photoreactor for environment applications: a mining wastewater case.

PubMed

Devia-Orjuela, John Steven; Betancourt-Buitrago, Luis Andrés; Machuca-Martinez, Fiderman

2018-06-02

The use of ultraviolet light in photoreactors for wastewater treatment has become popular as an alternative of known chemical oxidative substances. UV LED light represents cheaper, robust, and versatile alternative to traditional UV lamps. In this study, it was designed and evaluated a photoreactor with an approach of chemical fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental validation. The evaluation consisted of (1) CFD velocity profile analysis, (2) characterization of the average light distribution with potassium ferrioxalate actinometry, (3) degradation of a typical recalcitrant metallic cyanocomplex Fe(CN) 6 3- , and (4) scavenger effect analysis in the photodegradation using potassium persulfate. Actinometrical essay concluded that the system was able to receive 1.93 μE/s. The reactor operated under turbulent regime and best result for Fe(CN) 6 3- degradation was obtained at 4 h of operation, using 5-W UV-A LEDs, with pH ~ 7 and 10 mM de S 2 O 8 2- . Baffled photoreactor demonstrated to be useful for this type of illumination and wastewater treatment.

UV absorption and photoisomerization of p-methoxycinnamate grafted silicone.

PubMed

Pattanaargson, Supason; Hongchinnagorn, Nantawan; Hirunsupachot, Piyawan; Sritana-anant, Yongsak

2004-01-01

p-Methoxycinnamate moieties, UV-B-absorptive chromophores of the widely used UV-B filter, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate (OMC), were grafted onto the 7 mol% amino functionalized silicone polymer through amide linkages. Comparing with OMC, the resulting poly [3-(p-methoxycinnamido)(propyl)(methyl)-dimethyl] siloxane copolymer (CAS) showed less E to Z isomerization when exposed to UV-B light. The absorption profiles of the product showed the maximum absorption wavelength to be similar to that of OMC but with less sensitivity to the type of solvent. Poly (methylhydrosiloxane) grafted with 10 mol% p-methoxycinnamoyl moieties was prepared through hydrosilylations of 2-propenyl-p-methoxycinnamate, in which the resulting copolymer showed similar results to those of CAS.

Toward hydrogen detection at room temperature with printed ZnO nanoceramics films activated with halogen lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Van Son; Jubera, Véronique; Garcia, Alain; Debéda, Hélène

2015-12-01

Though semiconducting properties of ZnO have been extensively investigated under hazardous gases, research is still necessary for low-cost sensors working at room temperature. Study of printed ZnO nanopowders-based sensors has been undertaken for hydrogen detection. A ZnO paste made with commercial nanopowders is deposited onto interdigitated Pt electrodes and sintered at 400 °C. The ZnO layer structure and morphology are first examined by XRD, SEM, AFM and emission/excitation spectra prior to the study of the effect of UV-light on the electrical conduction of the semiconductor oxide. The response to hydrogen exposure is subsequently examined, showing that low UV-light provided by halogen lighting enhances the gas response and allows detection at room temperature with gas responses similar to those obtained in dark conditions at 150 °C. A gas response of 44% (relative change in current) under 300 ppm is obtained at room temperature. Moreover, it is demonstrated that very low UV-light power (15 μW/mm2) provided by the halogen lamp is sufficient to give sensitivities as high as those for much higher powers obtained with a UV LED (7.7 mW/mm2). These results are comparable to those obtained by others for 1D or 2D ZnO nanostructures working at room temperature or at temperatures up to 250 °C.

Study of the UV Light Conversion of Feruloyl Amides from Portulaca oleracea and Their Inhibitory Effect on IL-6-Induced STAT3 Activation.

PubMed

Hwang, Joo Tae; Kim, Yesol; Jang, Hyun-Jae; Oh, Hyun-Mee; Lim, Chi-Hwan; Lee, Seung Woong; Rho, Mun-Chual

2016-06-30

Two new feruloyl amides, N-cis-hibiscusamide (5) and (7'S)-N-cis-feruloylnormetanephrine (9), and eight known feruloyl amides were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and the geometric conversion of the ten isolated feruloyl amides by UV light was verified. The structures of the feruloyl amides were determined based on spectroscopic data and comparison with literature data. The NMR data revealed that the structures of the isolated compounds showed cis/trans-isomerization under normal laboratory light conditions. Therefore, cis and trans-isomers of feruloyl amides were evaluated for their convertibility and stability by UV light of a wavelength of 254 nm. After 96 h of UV light exposure, 23.2%-35.0% of the cis and trans-isomers were converted to trans-isomers. Long-term stability tests did not show any significant changes. Among all compounds and conversion mixtures collected, compound 6 exhibited the strongest inhibition of IL-6-induced STAT3 activation in Hep3B cells, with an IC50 value of 0.2 μM. This study is the first verification of the conversion rates and an equilibrium ratio of feruloyl amides. These results indicate that this natural material might provide useful information for the treatment of various diseases involving IL-6 and STAT3.

Ultraviolet reflecting photonic microstructures in the King Penguin beak.

PubMed

Dresp, Birgitta; Jouventin, Pierre; Langley, Keith

2005-09-22

King and emperor penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus and Aptenodytes forsteri) are the only species of marine birds so far known to reflect ultraviolet (UV) light from their beaks. Unlike humans, most birds perceive UV light and several species communicate using the near UV spectrum. Indeed, UV reflectance in addition to the colour of songbird feathers has been recognized as an important signal when choosing a mate. The king penguin is endowed with several highly coloured ornaments, notably its beak horn and breast and auricular plumage, but only its beak reflects UV, a property considered to influence its sexual attraction. Because no avian UV-reflecting pigments have yet been identified, the origin of such reflections is probably structural. In an attempt to identify the structures that give rise to UV reflectance, we combined reflectance spectrophotometry and morphological analysis by both light and electron microscopy, after experimental removal of surface layers of the beak horn. Here, we characterize for the first time a multilayer reflector photonic microstructure that produces the UV reflections in the king penguin beak.

Fish freshness estimation using eye image processing under white and UV lightings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanamori, Katsuhiro; Shirataki, Yuri; Liao, Qiuhong; Ogawa, Yuichi; Suzuki, Tetsuhito; Kondo, Naoshi

2017-05-01

A non-destructive method of estimating the freshness of fish is required for appropriate price setting and food safety. In particular, for determining the possibility of eating raw fish (sashimi), freshness estimation is critical. We studied such an estimation method by capturing images of fish eyes and performing image processing using the temporal changes of the luminance of pupil and iris. To detect subtle non-visible changes of these features, we used UV (375 nm) light illumination in addition to visible white light illumination. Polarization and two-channel LED techniques were used to remove strong specular reflection from the cornea of the eye and from clear-plastic wrap used to cover the fish to maintain humidity. Pupil and iris regions were automatically detected separately by image processing after the specular reflection removal process, and two types of eye contrast were defined as the ratio of mean and median pixel values of each region. Experiments using 16 Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis) at 23° and 85% humidity for 24 hours were performed. The eye contrast of raw fish increase non-linearly in the initial period and then decreased; however, that of frozen-thawed fish decreased linearly throughout 24 hours, regardless of the lighting. Interestingly, the eye contrast using UV light showed a higher correlation with time than that using white light only in the case of raw fish within the early 6- hour period postmortem. These results show the possibility of estimating fish freshness in the initial stage when fish are eaten raw using white and UV lightings.

Visible light neutralizes the effect produced by ultraviolet radiation in proteins.

PubMed

Espinoza, J Horacio; Mercado-Uribe, Hilda

2017-02-01

The damage produced by UV-C radiation (100-280nm) in organisms and cells is a well known fact. The main reactions of proteins to UV-C radiation consist in the alteration of their secondary structures, exposure of hydrophobic residues, unfolding and aggregation. Furthermore, it has been found that electromagnetic radiation of lower energy (visible light, where wavelengths are between 400 and 750nm) also induces different disturbances in biomolecules. For instance, it has been observed that blue visible light from emitting diodes (LEDs) produces severe damage in murine cone photoreceptor-derived cells, and it can be even more harmful for some organisms than UV radiation. Recently, it has been found that the exposure of proteins to green and red light produces conformational changes, considerably increasing their cohesion enthalpies. This is presumably due to the strengthening of the hydrogen bonds and the formation of new ones. Therefore, it seems that visible light acts contrary to what it is observed for UV-C: instead of unfolding the proteins it folds them further, halting the damage produced by UV-C. This can be understood if we consider the modification of the folding energy-landscape; visible light induces the descent of the proteins into deeper states impeding the unfolding produced by UV-C. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tunable Spectrum Selectivity for Multiphoton Absorption with Enhanced Visible Light Trapping in ZnO Nanorods.

PubMed

Tan, Kok Hong; Lim, Fang Sheng; Toh, Alfred Zhen Yang; Zheng, Xia-Xi; Dee, Chang Fu; Majlis, Burhanuddin Yeop; Chai, Siang-Piao; Chang, Wei Sea

2018-04-17

Observation of visible light trapping in zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) correlated to the optical and photoelectrochemical properties is reported. In this study, ZnO NR diameter and c-axis length respond primarily at two different regions, UV and visible light, respectively. ZnO NR diameter exhibits UV absorption where large ZnO NR diameter area increases light absorption ability leading to high efficient electron-hole pair separation. On the other hand, ZnO NR c-axis length has a dominant effect in visible light resulting from a multiphoton absorption mechanism due to light reflection and trapping behavior in the free space between adjacent ZnO NRs. Furthermore, oxygen vacancies and defects in ZnO NRs are associated with the broad visible emission band of different energy levels also highlighting the possibility of the multiphoton absorption mechanism. It is demonstrated that the minimum average of ZnO NR c-axis length must satisfy the linear regression model of Z p,min = 6.31d to initiate the multiphoton absorption mechanism under visible light. This work indicates the broadening of absorption spectrum from UV to visible light region by incorporating a controllable diameter and c-axis length on vertically aligned ZnO NRs, which is important in optimizing the design and functionality of electronic devices based on light absorption mechanism. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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.

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.

Empirical corroboration of an earlier theoretical resolution to the UV paradox of insect polarized skylight orientation.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Gao, Jun; Fan, Zhiguo

2014-02-01

It is surprising that many insect species use only the ultraviolet (UV) component of the polarized skylight for orientation and navigation purposes, while both the intensity and the degree of polarization of light from the clear sky are lower in the UV than at longer (blue, green, red) wavelengths. Why have these insects chosen the UV part of the polarized skylight? This strange phenomenon is called the "UV-sky-pol paradox". Although earlier several speculations tried to resolve this paradox, they did this without any quantitative data. A theoretical and computational model has convincingly explained why it is advantageous for certain animals to detect celestial polarization in the UV. We performed a sky-polarimetric approach and built a polarized skylight sensor that models the processing of polarization signals by insect photoreceptors. Using this model sensor, we carried out measurements under clear and cloudy sky conditions. Our results showed that light from the cloudy sky has maximal degree of polarization in the UV. Furthermore, under both clear and cloudy skies the angle of polarization of skylight can be detected with a higher accuracy. By this, we corroborated empirically the soundness of the earlier computational resolution of the UV-sky-pol paradox.

Empirical corroboration of an earlier theoretical resolution to the UV paradox of insect polarized skylight orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin; Gao, Jun; Fan, Zhiguo

2014-02-01

It is surprising that many insect species use only the ultraviolet (UV) component of the polarized skylight for orientation and navigation purposes, while both the intensity and the degree of polarization of light from the clear sky are lower in the UV than at longer (blue, green, red) wavelengths. Why have these insects chosen the UV part of the polarized skylight? This strange phenomenon is called the "UV-sky-pol paradox". Although earlier several speculations tried to resolve this paradox, they did this without any quantitative data. A theoretical and computational model has convincingly explained why it is advantageous for certain animals to detect celestial polarization in the UV. We performed a sky-polarimetric approach and built a polarized skylight sensor that models the processing of polarization signals by insect photoreceptors. Using this model sensor, we carried out measurements under clear and cloudy sky conditions. Our results showed that light from the cloudy sky has maximal degree of polarization in the UV. Furthermore, under both clear and cloudy skies the angle of polarization of skylight can be detected with a higher accuracy. By this, we corroborated empirically the soundness of the earlier computational resolution of the UV-sky-pol paradox.

Effectiveness of UV-C light irradiation on disinfection of an eSOS(®) smart toilet evaluated in a temporary settlement in the Philippines.

PubMed

Zakaria, Fiona; Harelimana, Bertin; Ćurko, Josip; van de Vossenberg, Jack; Garcia, Hector A; Hooijmans, Christine Maria; Brdjanovic, Damir

2016-01-01

Ultraviolet germicidal (short wavelength UV-C) light was studied as surface disinfectant in an Emergency Sanitation Operation System(®) smart toilet to aid to the work of manual cleaning. The UV-C light was installed and regulated as a self-cleaning feature of the toilet, which automatically irradiate after each toilet use. Two experimental phases were conducted i.e. preparatory phase consists of tests under laboratory conditions and field testing phase. The laboratory UV test indicated that irradiation for 10 min with medium-low intensity of 0.15-0.4 W/m(2) could achieve 6.5 log removal of Escherichia coli. Field testing of the toilet under real usage found that UV-C irradiation was capable to inactivate total coliform at toilet surfaces within 167-cm distance from the UV-C lamp (UV-C dose between 1.88 and 2.74 mW). UV-C irradiation is most effective with the support of effective manual cleaning. Application of UV-C for surface disinfection in emergency toilets could potentially reduce public health risks.

Melanin determination by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for K. marxianus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ultraviolet light (UV) mutated K. marxianus was found to turn dark brown during a growth assay. This brown color was hypothesized to be melanin overproduction influenced by the UV exposure. Cell cultures were oxidized and HPLC analyzed to determine melanin concentrations. The resulting melanin con...

INTERACTIONS OF LIGHT AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT: KINETIC AND MECHANISTIC ASPECTS

EPA Science Inventory

Changes in the ozone layer over the past two decades have resulted in increases in solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the surface of aquatic environments. Recent studies have demonstrated that these UV increases cause changes in photochemical reactions that affect the...

PAH phototoxicity: Identification of sensitive marine infaunal crustaceans and the effects of alkylation

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

Boese, B.; Swartz, R.; Lamberson, J.

1995-12-31

The toxicity of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been shown to be greatly enhanced in the presence of UV light. The objectives of the research were to: (1) test for PAH phototoxicity using seven marine infaunal crustacean species, (2) determine if the sensitivity to PAH phototoxicity was related to their potential exposure to sunlight in nature, and (3) determine if alkylation alters PAH phototoxicity. The first objective was accomplished by exposing test species to fluoranthene in 4-day, water-only bioassays. Survivors of the tests were then exposed to UV light in an exposure chamber for one hour. The differences betweenmore » EC50s (the ability to bury in sediment) before and after UV exposure were used to access phototoxicity. The results indicated that species having the greatest potential for natural exposure to sunlight were the least sensitive UV-enhanced fluoranthene toxicity. The amphipod, Rhepoxynius abronius, which in nature has the least potential for exposure to sunlight among the organisms tested, was the most sensitive. Rhepoxynius abronius was subsequently used in a series of tests to determine if alkylation of PAHs alters phototoxicity. This was done by conducting standard 10-day sediment bioassay using alkylated and unalkylated PAHs. As in the water-only tests, EC{sub 50}s were determined before and after UV light exposures. The results indicated that alkylation of PAHs, in general, did not alter phototoxicity.« less

UV/blue light-induced fluorescence for assessing apple maturity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noh, Hyun Kwon; Lu, Renfu

2005-11-01

Chlorophyll fluorescence has been researched for assessing fruit post-harvest quality and condition. The objective of this preliminary research was to investigate the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy for measuring apple fruit quality. Ultraviolet (UV) and blue light was used as an excitation source for inducing fluorescence in apples. Fluorescence spectra were measured from 'Golden Delicious' (GD) and 'Red Delicious' (RD) apples by using a visible/near-infrared spectrometer after one, three, and five minutes of continuous UV/blue light illumination. Standard destructive tests were performed to measure fruit firmness, skin and flesh color, soluble solids and acid content from the apples. Calibration models for each of the three illumination time periods were developed to predict fruit quality indexes. The results showed that fluorescence emission decreased steadily during the first three minutes of UV/blue light illumination and was stable within five minutes. The differences were minimal in the model prediction results based on fluorescence data at one, three or five minutes of illumination. Overall, better predictions were obtained for apple skin chroma and hue and flesh hue with values for the correlation coefficient of validation between 0.80 and 0.90 for both GD and RD. Relatively poor predictions were obtained for fruit firmness, soluble solids content, titrational acid, and flesh chroma. This research demonstrated that fluorescence spectroscopy is potentially useful for assessing selected quality attributes of apple fruit and further research is needed to improve fluorescence measurements so that better predictions of fruit quality can be achieved.

Scattered light in the IUE spectra of Epsilon Aurigae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aitner, B.; Chapman, R. D.; Kondo, Y.; Stencel, R. E.

1985-01-01

As a result of this work it was found that light scattered from the longer wavelengths constitutes a small but non-negligible, wavelength and time dependent fraction of the measured flux in the far UV. The reality of the UV excess has not been unambigiously ruled out. However, it is noted that there are still uncertainties in the assumed scattering profile. New measurements of the scattering properties of the cross disperser grating are planned in order to verify the results of Mount and Fastie and extend the wavelength coverage into the far wings of the profile. The results of these measurements will no doubt reduce some of these uncertainties. For the present, it is felt that the BCH approach is a significant improvement over the methods heretofore available for the treatment of scattered light in IUE spectra.

Spectral properties of identified polarized-light sensitive interneurons in the brain of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria.

PubMed

Kinoshita, Michiyo; Pfeiffer, Keram; Homberg, Uwe

2007-04-01

Many migrating animals employ a celestial compass mechanism for spatial navigation. Behavioral experiments in bees and ants have shown that sun compass navigation may rely on the spectral gradient in the sky as well as on the pattern of sky polarization. While polarized-light sensitive interneurons (POL neurons) have been identified in the brain of several insect species, there are at present no data on the neural basis of coding the spectral gradient of the sky. In the present study we have analyzed the chromatic properties of two identified POL neurons in the brain of the desert locust. Both neurons, termed TuTu1 and LoTu1, arborize in the anterior optic tubercle and respond to unpolarized light as well as to polarized light. We show here that the polarized-light response of both types of neuron relies on blue-sensitive photoreceptors. Responses to unpolarized light depended on stimulus position and wavelength. Dorsal unpolarized blue light inhibited the neurons, while stimulation from the ipsilateral side resulted in opponent responses to UV light and green light. While LoTu1 was inhibited by UV light and was excited by green light, one subtype of TuTu1 was excited by UV and inhibited by green light. In LoTu1 the sensitivity to polarized light was at least 2 log units higher than the response to unpolarized light stimuli. Taken together, the spatial and chromatic properties of the neurons may be suited to signal azimuthal directions based on a combination of the spectral gradient and the polarization pattern of the sky.

Science of photobiology

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

Smith, K.C.

1974-01-01

Formation of the American Society for Photobiology for meeting the needs of investigators studying the effects of light on man and other organisms is described. The scientific program of the first meeting of the society included discussions of the followiug topics: detrimental effects of excessive exposure to sunlight and artificial uv radiation; repair of uv-induced damage to cells; the roles of light in the human environnnent; photochemistry in photobiology; effects of near uv light; photosynthesis; bioluminescence; light perception without eyes; chronobiology; the ultraviolet world of insects; vision; and solar energy conversion. (HLW)

Effect of UV radiation on habitat selection by Girella laevifrons and Graus nigra (Kyphosidae).

PubMed

Pulgar, J; Lagos, P; Maturana, D; Valdés, M; Aldana, M; Pulgar, V M

2015-02-01

The effect of UV radiation on habitat use of two species of intertidal fishes that inhabit the same pools but exhibit different activity levels and diets was measured: the highly active omnivorous Girella laevifrons and the cryptic carnivorous Graus nigra. Individuals of each species were acclimated to a tank divided in three sections with different illumination; no light (NL), ultraviolet light (UV) and white light (WL), and the time spent and number of visits to each section were recorded. Although both species preferred the NL section, G. laevifrons spent more time in UV and less time in WL compared with G. nigra; G. laevifrons also displayed higher number of visits to UV, suggesting a different tendency in space use in response to UV exposure in intertidal fishes. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Transmission of light in deep sea water at the site of the ANTARES neutrino telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ANTARES Collaboration; Aguilar, J. A.; Albert, A.; Amram, P.; Anghinolfi, M.; Anton, G.; Anvar, S.; Ardellier-Desages, F. E.; Aslanides, E.; Aubert, J.-J.; Azoulay, R.; Bailey, D.; Basa, S.; Battaglieri, M.; Becherini, Y.; Bellotti, R.; Beltramelli, J.; Bertin, V.; Billault, M.; Blaes, R.; Blanc, F.; Bland, R. W.; de Botton, N.; Boulesteix, J.; Bouwhuis, M. C.; Brooks, C. B.; Bradbury, S. M.; Bruijn, R.; Brunner, J.; Bugeon, F.; Burgio, G. F.; Cafagna, F.; Calzas, A.; Caponetto, L.; Carmona, E.; Carr, J.; Cartwright, S. L.; Cecchini, S.; Charvis, P.; Circella, M.; Colnard, C.; Compère, C.; Croquette, J.; Cooper, S.; Coyle, P.; Cuneo, S.; Damy, G.; van Dantzig, R.; Deschamps, A.; de Marzo, C.; Destelle, J.-J.; de Vita, R.; Dinkelspiler, B.; Dispau, G.; Drougou, J.-F.; Druillole, F.; Engelen, J.; Favard, S.; Feinstein, F.; Ferry, S.; Festy, D.; Fopma, J.; Fuda, J.-L.; Gallone, J.-M.; Giacomelli, G.; Girard, N.; Goret, P.; Gournay, J.-F.; Hallewell, G.; Hartmann, B.; Heijboer, A.; Hello, Y.; Hernández-Rey, J. J.; Herrouin, G.; Hößl, J.; Hoffmann, C.; Hubbard, J. R.; Jaquet, M.; de Jong, M.; Jouvenot, F.; Kappes, A.; Karg, T.; Karkar, S.; Karolak, M.; Katz, U.; Keller, P.; Kooijman, P.; Korolkova, E. V.; Kouchner, A.; Kretschmer, W.; Kudryavtsev, V. A.; Lafoux, H.; Lagier, P.; Lamare, P.; Languillat, J.-C.; Laubier, L.; Legou, T.; Le Guen, Y.; Le Provost, H.; Le van Suu, A.; Lo Nigro, L.; Lo Presti, D.; Loucatos, S.; Louis, F.; Lyashuk, V.; Magnier, P.; Marcelin, M.; Margiotta, A.; Maron, C.; Massol, A.; Mazéas, F.; Mazeau, B.; Mazure, A.; McMillan, J. E.; Michel, J.-L.; Millot, C.; Milovanovic, A.; Montanet, F.; Montaruli, T.; Morel, J.-P.; Moscoso, L.; Nezri, E.; Niess, V.; Nooren, G. J.; Ogden, P.; Olivetto, C.; Palanque-Delabrouille, N.; Payre, P.; Petta, C.; Pineau, J.-P.; Poinsignon, J.; Popa, V.; Potheau, R.; Pradier, T.; Racca, C.; Randazzo, N.; Real, D.; van Rens, B. A. P.; Réthoré, F.; Ripani, M.; Roca-Blay, V.; Romeyer, A.; Rollin, J.-F.; Romita, M.; Rose, H. J.; Rostovtsev, A.; Ruppi, M.; Russo, G. V.; Sacquin, Y.; Saouter, S.; Schuller, J.-P.; Schuster, W.; Sokalski, I.; Suvorova, O.; Spooner, N. J. C.; Spurio, M.; Stolarczyk, T.; Stubert, D.; Taiuti, M.; Thompson, L. F.; Tilav, S.; Usik, A.; Valdy, P.; Vallage, B.; Vaudaine, G.; Vernin, P.; Virieux, J.; Vladimirsky, E.; de Vries, G.; de Witt Huberts, P.; de Wolf, E.; Zaborov, D.; Zaccone, H.; Zakharov, V.; Zavatarelli, S.; de Zornoza, J. D.; Zúñiga, J.

2005-02-01

The ANTARES neutrino telescope is a large photomultiplier array designed to detect neutrino-induced upward-going muons by their Cherenkov radiation. Understanding the absorption and scattering of light in the deep Mediterranean is fundamental to optimising the design and performance of the detector. This paper presents measurements of blue and UV light transmission at the ANTARES site taken between 1997 and 2000. The derived values for the scattering length and the angular distribution of particulate scattering were found to be highly correlated, and results are therefore presented in terms of an absorption length λabs and an effective scattering length λscteff. The values for blue (UV) light are found to be λabs ≃ 60(26) m, λscteff≃265(122)m, with significant (˜15%) time variability. Finally, the results of ANTARES simulations showing the effect of these water properties on the anticipated performance of the detector are presented.

Impact of Room Location on UV-C Irradiance and UV-C Dosage and Antimicrobial Effect Delivered by a Mobile UV-C Light Device.

PubMed

Boyce, John M; Farrel, Patricia A; Towle, Dana; Fekieta, Renee; Aniskiewicz, Michael

2016-06-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiance, UV-C dosage, and antimicrobial effect achieved by a mobile continuous UV-C device. DESIGN Prospective observational study. METHODS We used 6 UV light sensors to determine UV-C irradiance (W/cm2) and UV-C dosage (µWsec/cm2) at various distances from and orientations relative to the UV-C device during 5-minute and 15-minute cycles in an ICU room and a surgical ward room. In both rooms, stainless-steel disks inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Clostridium difficile spores were placed next to sensors, and UV-C dosages and log10 reductions of target organisms achieved during 5-minute and 15-minute cycles were determined. Mean irradiance and dosage readings were compared using ANOVA. RESULTS Mean UV-C irradiance was nearly 1.0E-03 W/cm2 in direct sight at a distance of 1.3 m (4 ft) from the device but was 1.12E-05 W/cm2 on a horizontal surface in a shaded area 3.3 m (10 ft) from the device (P4 to 1-3 for MRSA, >4 to 1-2 for VRE and >4 to 0 log10 for C. difficile spores, depending on the distance from, and orientation relative to, the device with 5-minute and 15-minute cycles. CONCLUSION UV-C irradiance, dosage, and antimicrobial effect received from a mobile UV-C device varied substantially based on location in a room relative to the UV-C device. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:667-672.

Ultraviolet light (UV) and UV-ozone interventions reduce shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) on contaminated fresh beef

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Although numerous chemical interventions have been implemented and validated to decontaminate meat and meat products during the harvesting process, more novel technologies are under development. UV light ionizing irradiation has been used extensively in pharmaceutical and medical device companies to...

Physicochemcial characteristic of CdS-anchored porous WS2 hybrid in the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet under UV and visible light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vattikuti, S. V. Prabhakar; Ngo, Ich-Long; Byon, Chan

2016-11-01

In this work, we report the synthesis of CdS-incorporated porous WS2 by a simple hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the samples were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible spectrometry. The photocatalytic activities were established for degradation of crystal violet (CV) under UV and visible light irradiation. The CdS-incorporated porous WS2 hybrid demonstrated high photocatalytic activity for degradation of CV pollutant compared to pure CdS nanoparticles and porous WS2 sheets. This result implies that the CdS-incorporated porous WS2 promoted more electron-hole pair transformation under UV and visible light irradiation. This significant enhancement of photocatalytic efficiency of CdS-incorporated porous WS2 photocatalyst under visible light can be ascribed to the presence of CdS nanospheres on the meshed-like WS2 sheets which potentially improves absorption in the visible range enabled by surface plasmon resonance effect of CdS nanospheres. The photostability and reusability of the CdS-porous WS2 were examined through recycling experiments.

Conducting polymer networks synthesized by photopolymerization-induced phase separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Yuki; Komori, Kana; Murata, Tasuku; Nakanishi, Hideyuki; Norisuye, Tomohisa; Yamao, Takeshi; Tran-Cong-Miyata, Qui

2018-03-01

Polymer mixtures composed of double networks of a polystyrene derivative (PSAF) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were alternatively synthesized by using ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light. The PSAF networks were generated by UV irradiation to photodimerize the anthracene (A) moieties labeled on the PSAF chains, whereas PMMA networks were produced by photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer and the cross-link reaction using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) under Vis light irradiation. It was found that phase separation process of these networks can be independently induced and promptly controlled by using UV and Vis light. The characteristic length scale distribution of the resulting co-continuous morphology can be well regulated by the UV and Vis light intensity. In order to confirm and utilize the connectivity of the bicontinuous morphology observed by confocal microscopy, a very small amount, 0.1 wt%, of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was introduced into the mixture and the current-voltage (I-V) relationship was subsequently examined. Preliminary data show that MWCNTs are preferentially dispersed in the PSAF-rich continuous domains and the whole mixture became electrically conducting, confirming the connectivity of the observed bi-continuous morphology. The experimental data obtained in this study reveal a promising method to design various scaffolds for conducting soft matter taking advantages of photopolymerization-induced phase separation.

Multiomics in Grape Berry Skin Revealed Specific Induction of the Stilbene Synthetic Pathway by Ultraviolet-C Irradiation1

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Mami; Nakabayashi, Ryo; Ogata, Yoshiyuki; Sakurai, Nozomu; Tokimatsu, Toshiaki; Goto, Susumu; Suzuki, Makoto; Jasinski, Michal; Martinoia, Enrico; Otagaki, Shungo; Matsumoto, Shogo; Saito, Kazuki; Shiratake, Katsuhiro

2015-01-01

Grape (Vitis vinifera) accumulates various polyphenolic compounds, which protect against environmental stresses, including ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light and pathogens. In this study, we looked at the transcriptome and metabolome in grape berry skin after UV-C irradiation, which demonstrated the effectiveness of omics approaches to clarify important traits of grape. We performed transcriptome analysis using a genome-wide microarray, which revealed 238 genes up-regulated more than 5-fold by UV-C light. Enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology terms showed that genes encoding stilbene synthase, a key enzyme for resveratrol synthesis, were enriched in the up-regulated genes. We performed metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and 2,012 metabolite peaks, including unidentified peaks, were detected. Principal component analysis using the peaks showed that only one metabolite peak, identified as resveratrol, was highly induced by UV-C light. We updated the metabolic pathway map of grape in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and in the KaPPA-View 4 KEGG system, then projected the transcriptome and metabolome data on a metabolic pathway map. The map showed specific induction of the resveratrol synthetic pathway by UV-C light. Our results showed that multiomics is a powerful tool to elucidate the accumulation mechanisms of secondary metabolites, and updated systems, such as KEGG and KaPPA-View 4 KEGG for grape, can support such studies. PMID:25761715

Multiomics in grape berry skin revealed specific induction of the stilbene synthetic pathway by ultraviolet-C irradiation.

PubMed

Suzuki, Mami; Nakabayashi, Ryo; Ogata, Yoshiyuki; Sakurai, Nozomu; Tokimatsu, Toshiaki; Goto, Susumu; Suzuki, Makoto; Jasinski, Michal; Martinoia, Enrico; Otagaki, Shungo; Matsumoto, Shogo; Saito, Kazuki; Shiratake, Katsuhiro

2015-05-01

Grape (Vitis vinifera) accumulates various polyphenolic compounds, which protect against environmental stresses, including ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light and pathogens. In this study, we looked at the transcriptome and metabolome in grape berry skin after UV-C irradiation, which demonstrated the effectiveness of omics approaches to clarify important traits of grape. We performed transcriptome analysis using a genome-wide microarray, which revealed 238 genes up-regulated more than 5-fold by UV-C light. Enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology terms showed that genes encoding stilbene synthase, a key enzyme for resveratrol synthesis, were enriched in the up-regulated genes. We performed metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and 2,012 metabolite peaks, including unidentified peaks, were detected. Principal component analysis using the peaks showed that only one metabolite peak, identified as resveratrol, was highly induced by UV-C light. We updated the metabolic pathway map of grape in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and in the KaPPA-View 4 KEGG system, then projected the transcriptome and metabolome data on a metabolic pathway map. The map showed specific induction of the resveratrol synthetic pathway by UV-C light. Our results showed that multiomics is a powerful tool to elucidate the accumulation mechanisms of secondary metabolites, and updated systems, such as KEGG and KaPPA-View 4 KEGG for grape, can support such studies. © 2015 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

Spatial and directional control of self-assembled wrinkle patterns by UV light absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kortz, C.; Oesterschulze, E.

2017-12-01

Wrinkle formation on surfaces is a phenomenon that is observed in layered systems with a compressed elastic thin capping layer residing on a viscoelastic film. So far, the properties of the viscoelastic material could only be changed replacing it by another material. Here, we propose to use a photosensitive material whose viscoelastic properties, Young's modulus, and glass transition temperature can easily be adjusted by the absorption of UV light. Employing UV lithography masks during the exposure, we gain additionally spatial and directional control of the self-assembled wrinkle pattern formation that relies on a spinodal decomposition process. Inspired by the results on surface wrinkling and its dependence on the intrinsic stress, we also derive a method to avoid wrinkling locally by tailoring the mechanical stress distribution in the layered system choosing UV masks with convex patterns. This is of particular interest in technical applications where the buckling of surfaces is undesirable.

High-sensitivity silicon ultraviolet p+-i-n avalanche photodiode using ultra-shallow boron gradient doping

DOE PAGES

Xia, Zhenyang; Zang, Kai; Liu, Dong; ...

2017-08-21

Photo detection of ultraviolet (UV) light remains a challenge since the penetration depth of UV light is limited to the nanometer scale. Therefore, the doping profile and electric field in the top nanometer range of the photo detection devices become critical. Traditional UV photodetectors usually use a constant doping profile near the semiconductor surface, resulting in a negligible electric field, which limits the photo-generated carrier collection efficiency of the photodetector. Here, we demonstrate, via the use of an optimized gradient boron doping technique, that the carrier collection efficiency and photo responsivity under the UV wavelength region have been enhanced. Moreover,more » the ultrathin p+-i-n junction shows an avalanche gain of 2800 and an ultra-low junction capacitance (sub pico-farad), indicating potential applications in the low timing jitter single photon detection area.« less

High-sensitivity silicon ultraviolet p+-i-n avalanche photodiode using ultra-shallow boron gradient doping

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

Xia, Zhenyang; Zang, Kai; Liu, Dong

Photo detection of ultraviolet (UV) light remains a challenge since the penetration depth of UV light is limited to the nanometer scale. Therefore, the doping profile and electric field in the top nanometer range of the photo detection devices become critical. Traditional UV photodetectors usually use a constant doping profile near the semiconductor surface, resulting in a negligible electric field, which limits the photo-generated carrier collection efficiency of the photodetector. Here, we demonstrate, via the use of an optimized gradient boron doping technique, that the carrier collection efficiency and photo responsivity under the UV wavelength region have been enhanced. Moreover,more » the ultrathin p+-i-n junction shows an avalanche gain of 2800 and an ultra-low junction capacitance (sub pico-farad), indicating potential applications in the low timing jitter single photon detection area.« less

Simulation of photons from plasmas for the applications to display devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hae June; Yoon, Hyun Jin; Lee, Jae Koo

2007-07-01

Numerical modeling of the photon transport of the ultraviolet (UV) and the visible lights are presented for plasma based display devices. The transport of UV lights which undergo resonance trapping by ground state atoms is solved by using the Holstein equation. After the UV lights are transformed to visible lights at the phosphor surfaces, the visible lights experience complicated traces inside the cell and finally are emitted toward the viewing window after having some power loss within the cell. A three-dimensional ray trace of the visible lights is calculated with a radiosity model. These simulations for the photons strengthen plasma discharge modeling for the application to display devices.

UV Nano-Lights - Nonlinear Quantum Dot-Plasmon Coupling

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-20

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2016-0072 UV Nano-Lights - Nonlinear Quantum Dot- Plasmon Coupling Eric Waclawik QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Final Report 06...Final 3.  DATES COVERED (From - To)  03 Feb 2014 to 02 Feb 2016 4.  TITLE AND SUBTITLE UV Nano-Lights - Nonlinear Quantum Dot- Plasmon Coupling 5a...in the form of the localised surface plasmon resonance of the gold component of nanoparticle hybrids could enhance nonlinear emission by several

UV Nano Lights - Nonlinear Quantum Dot-Plasmon Coupling

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-20

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2016-0072 UV Nano-Lights - Nonlinear Quantum Dot- Plasmon Coupling Eric Waclawik QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Final Report 06...Final 3.  DATES COVERED (From - To)  03 Feb 2014 to 02 Feb 2016 4.  TITLE AND SUBTITLE UV Nano-Lights - Nonlinear Quantum Dot- Plasmon Coupling 5a...in the form of the localised surface plasmon resonance of the gold component of nanoparticle hybrids could enhance nonlinear emission by several

UV-B photoreceptor-mediated signalling in plants.

PubMed

Heijde, Marc; Ulm, Roman

2012-04-01

Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) is a key environmental signal that is specifically perceived by plants to promote UV acclimation and survival in sunlight. Whereas the plant photoreceptors for visible light are rather well characterised, the UV-B photoreceptor UVR8 was only recently described at the molecular level. Here, we review the current understanding of the UVR8 photoreceptor-mediated pathway in the context of UV-B perception mechanism, early signalling components and physiological responses. We further outline the commonalities in UV-B and visible light signalling as well as highlight differences between these pathways. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Swift UVOT Grism Observations of Nearby Type Ia Supernovae - I. Observations and Data Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Y.-C.; Foley, R. J.; Filippenko, A. V.; Kuin, N. P. M.

2018-05-01

Ultraviolet (UV) observations of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are useful tools for understanding progenitor systems and explosion physics. In particular, UV spectra of SNe Ia, which probe the outermost layers, are strongly affected by the progenitor metallicity. In this work, we present 120 Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory UV spectra of 39 nearby SNe Ia. This sample is the largest UV (λ < 2900 Å) spectroscopic sample of SNe Ia to date, doubling the number of UV spectra and tripling the number of SNe with UV spectra. The sample spans nearly the full range of SN Ia light-curve shapes (Δm15(B) ≈ 0.6-1.8 mag). The fast turnaround of Swift allows us to obtain UV spectra at very early times, with 13 out of 39 SNe having their first spectra observed ≳ 1 week before peak brightness and the earliest epoch being 16.5 days before peak brightness. The slitless design of the Swift UV grism complicates the data reduction, which requires separating SN light from underlying host-galaxy light and occasional overlapping stellar light. We present a new data-reduction procedure to mitigate these issues, producing spectra that are significantly improved over those of standard methods. For a subset of the spectra we have nearly simultaneous Hubble Space Telescope UV spectra; the Swift spectra are consistent with these comparison data.

Photovoltaic powered ultraviolet and visible light-emitting diodes for sustainable point-of-use disinfection of drinking waters.

PubMed

Lui, Gough Yumu; Roser, David; Corkish, Richard; Ashbolt, Nicholas; Jagals, Paul; Stuetz, Richard

2014-09-15

For many decades, populations in rural and remote developing regions will be unable to access centralised piped potable water supplies, and indeed, decentralised options may be more sustainable. Accordingly, improved household point-of-use (POU) disinfection technologies are urgently needed. Compared to alternatives, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection is very attractive because of its efficacy against all pathogen groups and minimal operational consumables. Though mercury arc lamp technology is very efficient, it requires frequent lamp replacement, involves a toxic heavy metal, and their quartz envelopes and sleeves are expensive, fragile and require regular cleaning. An emerging alternative is semiconductor-based units where UV light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are powered by photovoltaics (PV). Our review charts the development of these two technologies, their current status, and challenges to their integration and POU application. It explores the themes of UV-C-LEDs, non-UV-C LED technology (e.g. UV-A, visible light, Advanced Oxidation), PV power supplies, PV/LED integration and POU suitability. While UV-C LED technology should mature in the next 10 years, research is also needed to address other unresolved barriers to in situ application as well as emerging research opportunities especially UV-A, photocatalyst/photosensitiser use and pulsed emission options. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Ultraviolet Irradiation of the Implant Surface on Progression of Periimplantitis--A Pilot Study in Dogs.

PubMed

Ishii, Kouken; Matsuo, Masato; Hoshi, Noriyuki; Takahashi, Shun-Suke; Kawamata, Ryota; Kimoto, Katsuhiko

2016-02-01

The objective of this study was to investigate morphologically the progression of periimplantitis around an ultraviolet (UV)-light-irradiated implant in dogs. Pure titanium implants (3.3 mm in diameter and 8 mm long) were placed into dog jawbone bilaterally. Implants on one side were irradiated with UV light for 15 minutes using a photodevice immediately before placement (UV group), whereas those on the other side were not irradiated (non-UV group). Osseointegration was confirmed 90 days after implant placement by radiography. Experimental periimplantitis was induced by the application of dental floss over 90 days. Clinical and radiographic examination and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) were performed after 90 and 180 days, and bone resorption was measured. The bone-implant interface in tissue sections was examined by light microscopy. Bone resorption around the UV-irradiated implant was less pronounced than around the non-UV-irradiated implant in the ligature-induced periimplantitis model. Tissue section images revealed no contact and partial destruction at the bone-implant interface. Within the limitations of this preliminary investigation, it is suggested that UV-light-irradiated implants suppress spontaneous progression of periimplantitis.

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.

Investigation of polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol-titanium dioxide composite films for photo-catalytic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Shaoqiang; Zhang, Hongyang; Song, Yuanqing; Zhang, Jianling; Yang, Haigang; Jiang, Long; Dan, Yi

2015-07-01

Polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol-titanium dioxide (PPy/PVA-TiO2) composite films used as photo-catalysts were fabricated by combining TiO2 sol with PPy/PVA solution in which PPy was synthesized by in situ polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and loaded on glass. The prepared photo-catalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and photoluminescence (PL). The results indicate that the composites have same crystal structure as the TiO2 and extend the optic absorption from UV region to visible light region. By detecting the variation ratio, detected by ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy, of model pollutant rhodamine B (RhB) solution in the presence of the composite films under both UV and visible light irradiation, the photo-catalytic performance of the composite films was investigated. The results show that the PPy/PVA-TiO2 composite films show better photo-catalytic properties than TiO2 film both under UV and visible light irradiation, and the photo-catalytic degradation of RhB follows the first-order kinetics. The effects of the composition of composite films and the concentration of RhB on the photo-catalytic performance, as well as the possible photo-catalytic mechanism, were also discussed. By photo-catalytic recycle experiments, the structure stability of the PPy/PVA-TiO2 composite film was investigated and the results show that the photo-catalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation have no significant decrease after four times of recycle experiments, suggesting that the photo-catalyst film is stable during the photo-catalytic process, which was also confirmed by the XRD pattern and FT-IR spectra of the composite film before and after photo-catalytic.

Egg hatching response to a range of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation doses for four predatory mites and the herbivorous spider mite Tetranychus urticae.

PubMed

Koveos, Dimitrios S; Suzuki, Takeshi; Terzidou, Anastasia; Kokkari, Anastasia; Floros, George; Damos, Petros; Kouloussis, Nikos A

2017-01-01

Egg hatchability of four predatory mites-Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Iphiseius [Amblyseius] degenerans Berlese, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, and Euseius finlandicus Oudemans (Acari: Phytoseiidae)-and the spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) was determined under various UV-B doses either in constant darkness (DD) or with simultaneous irradiation using white light. Under UV-B irradiation and DD or simultaneous irradiation with white light, the predator's eggs hatched in significantly lower percentages than in the control non-exposed eggs, which indicates deleterious effects of UV-B on embryonic development. In addition, higher hatchability percentages were observed under UV-B irradiation and DD in eggs of the predatory mites than in eggs of T. urticae. This might be caused by a higher involvement of an antioxidant system, shield effects by pigments or a mere shorter duration of embryonic development in predatory mites than in T. urticae, thus avoiding accumulative effects of UV-B. Although no eggs of T. urticae hatched under UV-B irradiation and DD, variable hatchability percentages were observed under simultaneous irradiation with white light, which suggests the involvement of a photoreactivation system that reduces UV-B damages. Under the same doses with simultaneous irradiation with white light, eggs of T. urticae displayed higher photoreactivation and were more tolerant to UV-B than eggs of the predatory mites. Among predators variation regarding the tolerance to UV-B effects was observed, with eggs of P. persimilis and I. degenerans being more tolerant to UV-B radiation than eggs of A. swirskii and E. finlandicus.

An Experimental Evaluation of Cross-Vane Panel Traps for the Collection of Sylvatic Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

PubMed

Updyke, Erin Allmann; Allan, Brian F

2018-02-28

Due to the limited understanding of the sylvatic cycle of Chagas disease transmission, an efficient method to attract and capture sylvatic triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is essential to monitor human exposure risk. Current collection methods for sylvatic species, though effective, are labor- and time-intensive. This study evaluated whether modified cross-vane panel traps (commonly used in forest entomology) can be used to attract and capture flying life-stages of sylvatic triatomines and whether a commercially available lure is effective in attracting sylvatic triatomines in the field. We evaluated four trap treatments in both the wet and dry seasons in central Panama: a cross-vane panel trap fitted with an ultraviolet (UV) light, a cross-vane panel trap fitted with a commercially available human-volatile lure, a cross-vane panel trap fitted with both a UV light and a human-volatile lure, and a white sheet fitted with a UV light (a standard collection method) as a control. A total of 45 adult Rhodnius pallescens Barber were captured across 10 nights of trapping representing 112 trap-nights. There was a significant overall effect of trap type on collection success; sheet traps collected more triatomines than lure traps, and there were no differences between the sheet trap and the UV trap, nor between the sheet trap and the UV + lure trap. The lure-only trap did not capture any triatomines in this study. These results indicate that cross-vane panel traps with a UV light are as effective as a sheet trap but offer the advantage of requiring less time and effort to maintain and monitor.

CHALLENGES OF COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW DISINFECTION BY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IRRADIATION

EPA Science Inventory

This article examines the performance and effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation for disinfection of combined sewer overflow (CSO). Due to the negative impact of conventional water disinfectants on aquatic life, new agents (e.g., UV light) are being investigated for ...

Fundamental Characteristics of Deep-UV Light-Emitting Diodes and Their Application To Control Foodborne Pathogens

PubMed Central

Shin, Joo-Yeon; Kim, Soo-Ji; Kim, Do-Kyun

2015-01-01

Low-pressure mercury UV (LP-UV) lamps have long been used for bacterial inactivation, but due to certain disadvantages, such as the possibility of mercury leakage, deep-UV-C light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs) for disinfection have recently been of great interest as an alternative. Therefore, in this study, we examined the basic spectral properties of DUV-LEDs and the effects of UV-C irradiation for inactivating foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, on solid media, as well as in water. As the temperature increased, DUV-LED light intensity decreased slightly, whereas LP-UV lamps showed increasing intensity until they reached a peak at around 30°C. As the irradiation dosage and temperature increased, E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium experienced 5- to 6-log-unit reductions. L. monocytogenes was reduced by over 5 log units at a dose of 1.67 mJ/cm2. At 90% relative humidity (RH), only E. coli O157:H7 experienced inactivation significantly greater than at 30 and 60% RH. In a water treatment study involving a continuous system, 6.38-, 5.81-, and 3.47-log-unit reductions were achieved in E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes, respectively, at 0.5 liter per minute (LPM) and 200 mW output power. The results of this study suggest that the use of DUV-LEDs may compensate for the drawbacks of using LP-UV lamps to inactivate foodborne pathogens. PMID:26162872

Visible laser and UV-A radiation impact on a PNP degrading Moraxella strain and its rpoS mutant.

PubMed

Nandakumar, Kanavillil; Keeler, Werden; Schraft, Heidi; Leung, Kam T

2006-07-05

The role of stationary phase sigma factor gene (rpoS) in the stress response of Moraxella strain when exposed to radiation was determined by comparing the stress responses of the wild-type (WT) and its rpoS knockout (KO) mutant. The rpoS was turned on by starving the WT cultures for 24 h in minimal salt medium. Under non-starved condition, both WT and KO planktonic Moraxella cells showed an increase in mortality with the increase in duration of irradiation. In the planktonic non-starved Moraxella, for the power intensity tested, UV radiation caused a substantially higher mortality rate than did by the visible laser light (the mortality rate observed for 15-min laser radiation was 53.4 +/- 10.5 and 48.7 +/- 8.9 for WT and KO, respectively, and 97.6 +/- 0 and 98.5 +/- 0 for 25 s of UV irradiation in WT and KO, respectively). However, the mortality rate decreased significantly in the starved WT when exposed to these two radiations. In comparison, rpoS protected the WT against the visible laser light more effectively than it did for the UV radiation. The WT and KO strains of Moraxella formed distinctly different types of biofilms on stainless steel coupons. The KO strain formed a denser biofilm than did the WT. Visible laser light removed biofilms from the surfaces more effectively than did the UV. This was true when comparing the mortality of bacteria in the biofilms as well. The inability of UV radiation to penetrate biofilms due to greater rates of surface absorption is considered to be the major reason for the weaker removal of biofilms in comparison to that of the visible laser light. This result suggests that high power visible laser light might be an effective tool for the removal of biofilms. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The production of a key floral volatile is dependent on UV light in a sexually deceptive orchid

PubMed Central

Falara, Vasiliki; Amarasinghe, Ranamalie; Poldy, Jacqueline; Pichersky, Eran; Barrow, Russell A.; Peakall, Rod

2013-01-01

Background and Aims Plants use a diverse range of visual and olfactory cues to advertize to pollinators. Australian Chiloglottis orchids employ one to three related chemical variants, all 2,5-dialkylcyclohexane-1,3-diones or ‘chiloglottones’ to sexually attract their specific male pollinators. Here an investigation was made of the physiological aspects of chiloglottone synthesis and storage that have not previously been examined. Methods The location of chiloglottone production was determined and developmental and diurnal changes by GC-MS analysis of floral tissue extracts was monitored in two distantly related Chiloglottis species. Light treatment experiments were also performed using depleted flowers to evaluate if sunlight is required for chiloglottone production; which specific wavelengths of light are required was also determined. Key Results Chiloglottone production only occurs in specific floral tissues (the labellum calli and sepals) of open flowers. Upon flower opening chiloglottone production is rapid and levels remain more or less stable both day and night, and over the 2- to 3-week lifetime of the flower. Furthermore, it was determined that chiloglottone production requires continuous sunlight, and determined the optimal wavelengths of sunlight in the UV-B range (with peak of 300 nm). Conclusions UV-B light is required for the synthesis of chiloglottones – the semiochemicals used by Chiloglottis orchids to sexually lure their male pollinators. This discovery appears to be the first case to our knowledge where plant floral odour production depends on UV-B radiation at normal levels of sunlight. In the future, identification of the genes and enzymes involved, will allow us to understand better the role of UV-B light in the biosynthesis of chiloglottones. PMID:23091095

Impact of nanostructured thin ZnO film in ultraviolet protection

PubMed Central

Sasani Ghamsari, Morteza; Alamdari, Sanaz; Han, Wooje; Park, Hyung-Ho

2017-01-01

Nanoscale ZnO is one of the best choices for ultraviolet (UV) protection, not only because of its antimicrobial properties but also due to its potential application for UV preservation. However, the behavior of nanostructured thin ZnO films and long-term effects of UV-radiation exposure have not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the UV-protection ability of sol gel-derived thin ZnO films after different exposure times. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV-visible optical spectroscopy were carried out to study the structure and optical properties of the ZnO films as a function of the UV-irradiation time. The results obtained showed that the prepared thin ZnO films were somewhat transparent under the visible wavelength region and protective against UV radiation. The UV-protection factor was 50+ for the prepared samples, indicating that they were excellent UV protectors. The deposited thin ZnO films demonstrated promising antibacterial potential and significant light absorbance in the UV range. The experimental results suggest that the synthesized samples have potential for applications in the health care field. PMID:28096668

Impact of nanostructured thin ZnO film in ultraviolet protection.

PubMed

Sasani Ghamsari, Morteza; Alamdari, Sanaz; Han, Wooje; Park, Hyung-Ho

2017-01-01

Nanoscale ZnO is one of the best choices for ultraviolet (UV) protection, not only because of its antimicrobial properties but also due to its potential application for UV preservation. However, the behavior of nanostructured thin ZnO films and long-term effects of UV-radiation exposure have not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the UV-protection ability of sol gel-derived thin ZnO films after different exposure times. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV-visible optical spectroscopy were carried out to study the structure and optical properties of the ZnO films as a function of the UV-irradiation time. The results obtained showed that the prepared thin ZnO films were somewhat transparent under the visible wavelength region and protective against UV radiation. The UV-protection factor was 50+ for the prepared samples, indicating that they were excellent UV protectors. The deposited thin ZnO films demonstrated promising antibacterial potential and significant light absorbance in the UV range. The experimental results suggest that the synthesized samples have potential for applications in the health care field.

Low-Dose, Long-Wave UV Light Does Not Affect Gene Expression of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Wong, Darice Y.; Ranganath, Thanmayi; Kasko, Andrea M.

2015-01-01

Light is a non-invasive tool that is widely used in a range of biomedical applications. Techniques such as photopolymerization, photodegradation, and photouncaging can be used to alter the chemical and physical properties of biomaterials in the presence of live cells. Long-wave UV light (315 nm–400 nm) is an easily accessible and commonly used energy source for triggering biomaterial changes. Although exposure to low doses of long-wave UV light is generally accepted as biocompatible, most studies employing this wavelength only establish cell viability, ignoring other possible (non-toxic) effects. Since light exposure of wavelengths longer than 315 nm may potentially induce changes in cell behavior, we examined changes in gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells exposed to light under both 2D and 3D culture conditions, including two different hydrogel fabrication techniques, decoupling UV exposure and radical generation. While exposure to long-wave UV light did not induce significant changes in gene expression regardless of culture conditions, significant changes were observed due to scaffold fabrication chemistry and between cells plated in 2D versus encapsulated in 3D scaffolds. In order to facilitate others in searching for more specific changes between the many conditions, the full data set is available on Gene Expression Omnibus for querying. PMID:26418040

UV-A/Blue-Light responses in algae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senger, Horst; Hermsmeier, Dieter

1994-01-01

All life on earth depends on light. A variety of photoreceptors capture the light for a wide range of reactions. Photosynthetic organisms absorb the light necessary for energy transformation and charge separation facilitating photosynthesis. In addition to the bulk pigments there is a great diversity of photoreceptors present in minute concentrations that control development, metabolism and orientation of plants and microorganisms. Based on its spectral absorbance, the well-studied phytochrome system acts in the RL (red light) region as well as in the UV-A/BL (blue light) region where the above mentioned reactions are mediated by a variety of photoreceptors whose natures are largely unknown. Phyllogenetically the UV-A/BL photoreceptors seem to be more ancient pigments that eventually were replaced by the phytochrome system. However, there are many reports that suggest a coaction between the UV-A/BL receptors and the phytochrome system. In several cases the UV-A/BL activation is the prerequisite for the phytochrome reaction. Historically it was the German botanist Julius Sachs who first discovered in 1864 that phototropism in plants was due to BL reactions. It took over 70 years until Bunning (1937) and Galston and Baker (1949) rediscovered the BL response. Since then, an ever-increasing attention has been paid to this effect. In this contribution, the general aspect of UV-A/BL responses and especially the responsiveness of algae will be covered.

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

Pern, F.J.; Glick, S.H.; Czanderna, A.W.

The stabilization effects of various superstrate materials against UV-induced EVA discoloration and the effect of photocurrent enhancement by white light-reflecting substrates are summarized. Based on the results, some alternative PV module encapsulation schemes are proposed for improved module performance, where the current or modified formulations of EVA encapsulants still can be used so that the typical processing tools and conditions need not to be changed significantly. The schemes are designed in an attempt to eliminate or minimize the EVA yellow-browning and to increase the module power output. Four key experimental results from the studies of EVA discoloration and encapsulation aremore » to employ: (1) UV-absorbing (filtering) glasses as superstrates to protect EVA from UV-induced discoloration, (2) gas-permeable polymer films as superstrates and/or substrates to prevent EVA yellowing by permitting photobleaching reactions, (3) modified EVA formulations, and (4) internal reflection of the light by white substrates. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}« less

All-photonic drying and sintering process via flash white light combined with deep-UV and near-infrared irradiation for highly conductive copper nano-ink

PubMed Central

Hwang, Hyun-Jun; Oh, Kyung-Hwan; Kim, Hak-Sung

2016-01-01

We developed an ultra-high speed photonic sintering method involving flash white light (FWL) combined with near infrared (NIR) and deep UV light irradiation to produce highly conductive copper nano-ink film. Flash white light irradiation energy and the power of NIR/deep UV were optimized to obtain high conductivity Cu films. Several microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the Cu nano-films. Optimally sintered Cu nano-ink films produced using a deep UV-assisted flash white light sintering technique had the lowest resistivity (7.62 μΩ·cm), which was only 4.5-fold higher than that of bulk Cu film (1.68 μΩ•cm). PMID:26806215

All-photonic drying and sintering process via flash white light combined with deep-UV and near-infrared irradiation for highly conductive copper nano-ink.

PubMed

Hwang, Hyun-Jun; Oh, Kyung-Hwan; Kim, Hak-Sung

2016-01-25

We developed an ultra-high speed photonic sintering method involving flash white light (FWL) combined with near infrared (NIR) and deep UV light irradiation to produce highly conductive copper nano-ink film. Flash white light irradiation energy and the power of NIR/deep UV were optimized to obtain high conductivity Cu films. Several microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the Cu nano-films. Optimally sintered Cu nano-ink films produced using a deep UV-assisted flash white light sintering technique had the lowest resistivity (7.62 μΩ·cm), which was only 4.5-fold higher than that of bulk Cu film (1.68 μΩ•cm).

Interactive lethal and mutagenic effects of ultraviolet light and bleomycin in yeast: synergism or antagonism?

PubMed

Lillo, O L; Severgnini, A A; Nunes, E M

1997-11-01

The mutagenic interactions of ultraviolet light and bleomycin in haploid populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were analyzed. Survival and mutation frequency as a function of different bleomycin concentrations after one conditioning dose of UV radiation were determined. Furthermore, corresponding interaction functions and sensitization factors were calculated. A synergistic interaction between UV light and bleomycin was shown for both lethal and mutagenic events when the cells were in nutrient broth during the treatments. Conversely, the interaction between UV light and bleomycin was antagonistic when the cells were in deionized water during the treatment. The magnitude of lethal and mutagenic interactions depends on dose, and thus presumably on the number of lesions. The observed interactions between UV light and bleomycin suggest that the mechanism that is most likely involved is the induction of repair systems with different error probabilities during the delay of cell division.

Treatment of blood with a pathogen reduction technology using UV light and riboflavin inactivates Ebola virus in vitro

PubMed Central

Cap, Andrew P.; Pidcoke, Heather F.; Keil, Shawn D.; Staples, Hilary M.; Anantpadma, Manu; Carrion, Ricardo; Davey, Robert A.; Frazer-Abel, Ashley; Taylor, Audra L.; Gonzales, Richard; Patterson, Jean L.; Goodrich, Raymond P.

2018-01-01

BACKGROUND Transfusion of plasma from recovered patients after Ebolavirus (EBOV) infection, typically called ‘convalescent plasma,’ is an effective treatment for active disease available in endemic areas, but carries the risk of introducing other pathogens, including other strains of EBOV. A pathogen reduction technology using ultraviolet light and riboflavin (UV + RB) is effective against multiple enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that are similar in structure to EBOV. We hypothesized that UV + RB is effective against EBOV in blood products without activating complement or reducing protective immunoglobulin titers that are important for the treatment of ebolavirus disease (EVD). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Four in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of UV + RB on green fluorescent protein EBOV (EBOV-GFP), wild-type EBOV in serum and whole blood, respectively, and on immunoglobulins and complement in plasma. Initial titers for Experiments 1–3 were: 4.21 log10 GFP units/mL, 4.96 log10 infectious units per mL, and 4.23 log10 plaque forming units per mL (PFU/mL). Conditions tested in the first three experiments included: 1. EBOV-GFP + UV + RB; 2. EBOV-GFP + RB only; 3 EBOV-GFP + UV only; 4. EBOV-GFP without RB or UV; 5. Virus-free control + UV only; and 6. Virus-free control without RB or UV. RESULTS UV + RB reduced EBOV titers to non-detectable levels in both non-human primate serum (≥ 2.8 to 3.2 log reduction) and human whole blood (≥ 3.0 log reduction) without decreasing protective antibody titers in human plasma. CONCLUSION Our in vitro results demonstrate that the UV + RB treatment efficiently reduces EBOV titers to below limits of detection in both serum and whole blood. In vivo testing to determine whether UV + RB can improve convalescent blood product safety is indicated. PMID:27001363

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT DISINFECTION OF COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW (NEW ORLEANS)

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of this state-of-the-art review is to examine the performance and effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection for combined sewer overflow (CSO) applications. Topics presented include the use of UV light as a disinfecting agent, its practical applications, d...

Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation and Risk of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in a Multinational European Study

PubMed Central

Surdu, Simona; Fitzgerald, Edward F.; Bloom, Michael S.; Boscoe, Francis P.; Carpenter, David O.; Haase, Richard F.; Gurzau, Eugen; Rudnai, Peter; Koppova, Kvetoslava; Févotte, Joëlle; Leonardi, Giovanni; Vahter, Marie; Goessler, Walter; Kumar, Rajiv; Fletcher, Tony

2013-01-01

Background Studies suggest that ambient sunlight plays an important role in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). However, there is ongoing controversy regarding the relevance of occupational exposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation (UV) radiation. Objectives We investigated potential associations between natural and artificial UV radiation exposure at work with NMSC in a case-control study conducted in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Methods Occupational exposures were classified by expert assessment for 527 controls and 618 NMSC cases (515 basal cell carcinoma, BCC). Covariate information was collected via interview and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess associations between UV exposure and NMSC. Results Lifetime prevalence of occupational exposure in the participants was 13% for natural UV radiation and 7% for artificial UV radiation. Significant negative associations between occupational exposure to natural UV radiation and NMSC were detected for all who had ever been exposed (odds ratio (OR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.80); similar results were detected using a semi-quantitative metric of cumulative exposure. The effects were modified by skin complexion, with significantly decreased risks of BCC among participants with light skin complexion. No associations were observed in relation to occupational artificial UV radiation exposure. Conclusions The protective effect of occupational exposure to natural UV radiation was unexpected, but limited to light-skinned people, suggesting adequate sun-protection behaviors. Further investigations focusing on variations in the individual genetic susceptibility and potential interactions with environmental and other relevant factors are planned. PMID:23638051

Effect of UV-B light and different cutting styles on antioxidant enhancement of commercial fresh-cut carrot products

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The results of the present study show that exposing five commercial fresh-cut carrot products (baby carrots, carrot sticks, shredded carrots, crinkle cut coins, and oblong chips) to UV-B radiation can significantly increase the antioxidant capacity of carrots. Optimization of the nutritional benefic...

The Effect of Photon Source on Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol by a Silica-Titania Composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coutts, Janelle L.; Levine, Lanfang H.; Richards, Jeffrey T.; Mazyck, David W.

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to distinguish the effect of photon flux (i.e., photons per unit time reaching a surface) from that of photon energy (i.e., wavelength) of a photon source on the silica-titania composite (STC)-catalyzed degradation of ethanol in the gas phase. Experiments were conducted in a bench-scale annular reactor packed with STC pellets and irradiated with either a UV-A fluorescent black light blue lamp ((gamma)max=365 nm) at its maximum light intensity or a UV-C germicidal lamp ((gamma)max=254 nm) at three levels of light intensity. The STC-catalyzed oxidation of ethanol was found to follow zero-order kinetics with respect to CO2 production, regardless of the photon source. Increased photon flux led to increased EtOH removal, mineralization, and oxidation rate accompanied by lower intermediate concentration in the effluent. The oxidation rate was higher in the reactor irradiated by UV-C than by UV-A (38.4 vs. 31.9 nM/s) at the same photon flux, with similar trends for mineralization (53.9 vs. 43.4%) and reaction quantum efficiency (i.e., photonic efficiency, 63.3 vs. 50.1 nmol CO2 (mu)mol/photons). UV-C irradiation also led to decreased intermediate concentration in the effluent . compared to UV-A irradiation. These results demonstrated that STC-catalyzed oxidation is enhanced by both increased photon flux and photon energy.

Effect of TiO2 calcination temperature on the photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous NH3.

PubMed

Wu, Hongmin; Ma, Jinzhu; Zhang, Changbin; He, Hong

2014-03-01

Carbon-modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared by a sol-gel method using tetrabutyl titanate as precursor, with calcination at various temperatures, and tested for the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of gaseous NH3 under visible and UV light. The test results showed that no samples had visible light activity, while the TiO2 calcined at 400°C had the best UV light activity among the series of catalysts, and was even much better than the commercial catalyst P25. The catalysts were then characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption analysis, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry coupled with mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. It was shown that the carbon species residuals on the catalyst surfaces induced the visible light adsorption of the samples calcined in the low temperature range (< 300°C). However, the surface acid sites played a determining role in the PCO of NH3 under visible and UV light over the series of catalysts. Although the samples calcined at low temperatures had very high SSA, good crystallinity, strong visible light absorption and also low PL emission intensity, they showed very low PCO activity due to their very low number of acid sites for NH3 adsorption and activation. The TiO2 sample calcined at 400°C contained the highest number of acid sites among the series of catalysts, therefore showing the highest performance for the PCO of NH3 under UV light. Copyright © 2014 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transfer the multiscale texture of crystalline Si onto thin-film micromorph cell by UV nanoimprint for light trapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Daiming; Wang, Qingkang; Wang, Qing

2018-05-01

Surface texturing is of great significance in light trapping for solar cells. Herein, the multiscale texture, consisting of microscale pyramids and nanoscale porous arrangement, was fabricated on crystalline Si by KOH etching and Ag-assisted HF etching processes and subsequently replicated onto glass with high fidelity by UV nanoimprint method. Light trapping of the multiscale texture was studied by spectral (reflectance, haze ratio) characterizations. Results reveal the multiscale texture provides the broadband reflection reducing, the highlighted light scattering and the additional self-cleaning behaviors. Compared with bare cell, the multiscale textured micromorph cell achieves a 4% relative increase in power conversion efficiency. This surface texturing route paves a promising way for developing low-cost, large-scale and high-efficiency solar applications.

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

Qiao, Li-Na; Wang, H.C.; Shen, Y.

Nanostructured lead chalcogenides (PbX, X = Te, Se, S) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. The powder samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, SAED and DRS. Phase composition and microstructure analysis indicate that these samples are pure lead chalcogenides phases and have similar morphologies. These lead chalcogenides display efficient absorption in the UV-visible light range. The photocatalytic properties of lead chalcogenides nanoparticles were evaluated by the photodegradation of Congo red under UV-visible light irradiation in air atmosphere. The Congo red solution can be efficiently degraded under visible light in the presence of lead chalcogenides nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities ofmore » lead chalcogenides generally increase with increasing their band gaps and shows no appreciable loss after repeated cycles. Our results may be useful for developing new photocatalyst systems responsive to visible light among narrow band gap semiconductors.« less

Ultraviolet safety assessments of insect light traps.

PubMed

Sliney, David H; Gilbert, David W; Lyon, Terry

2016-01-01

Near-ultraviolet (UV-A: 315-400 nm), "black-light," electric lamps were invented in 1935 and ultraviolet insect light traps (ILTs) were introduced for use in agriculture around that time. Today ILTs are used indoors in several industries and in food-service as well as in outdoor settings. With recent interest in photobiological lamp safety, safety standards are being developed to test for potentially hazardous ultraviolet emissions. A variety of UV "Black-light" ILTs were measured at a range of distances to assess potential exposures. Realistic time-weighted human exposures are shown to be well below current guidelines for human exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These UV-A exposures would be far less than the typical UV-A exposure in the outdoor environment. Proposals are made for realistic ultraviolet safety standards for ILT products.

Development of colour and firmness in strawberry crops is UV light sensitive, but colour is not a good predictor of several quality parameters.

PubMed

Ordidge, Matthew; García-Macías, Paulina; Battey, Nicholas H; Gordon, Michael H; John, Philip; Lovegrove, Julie A; Vysini, Eleni; Wagstaffe, Alexandra; Hadley, Paul

2012-06-01

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne var. Elsanta) plants were grown in polytunnels covered with three polythene films that transmitted varying levels of ultraviolet (UV) light. Fruit were harvested under near-commercial conditions and quality and yield were measured. During ripening, changes in the colour parameters of individual fruit were monitored, and the accuracy of using surface colour to predict other quality parameters was determined by analysing the correlation between colour and quality parameters within UV treatments. Higher exposure to UV during growth resulted in the fruit becoming darker at harvest and developing surface colour more quickly; fruit were also firmer at harvest, but shelf life was not consistently affected by the UV regime. Surface colour measurements were poorly correlated to firmness, shelf life or total phenolics, anthocyanins and ellagic acid contents. Although surface colour of strawberry fruits was affected by the UV regime during growth, and this parameter is an important factor in consumer perception, we concluded that the surface colour at the time of harvest was, contrary to consumer expectations, a poor indicator of firmness, potential shelf life or anthocyanin content. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

Induction of sister chromatid exchange in preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro by /sup 3/H-thymidine or ultraviolet light in combination with caffeine

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

Mueller, W.U.S.; Spindle, A.

1986-01-01

Preimplantation mouse embryos were exposed in vitro to /sup 3/H-thymidine (25, 100, or 250 Bq/ml) or ultraviolet (UV) light (1.35 or 4.05 J/m2), either alone or in combination with caffeine (1 mM with /sup 3/H-thymidine and 0.5 mM with UV light). Exposure to /sup 3/H-thymidine lasted for 2 days, from the two-cell stage to the late morula/early blastocyst stage, and UV radiation was applied acutely at the late morula/early blastocyst stage. The effects were quantified by the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay. All three agents induced SCEs when used singly. /sup 3/H-thymidine was effective in inducing SCEs only at 250more » Bq/ml, whereas UV light was effective at both fluences. Although caffeine did not induce SCEs when it was added before exposure to bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), which is used to visualize SCEs, it did induce SCEs when present during the entire culture period (/sup 3/H-thymidine experiments) or during incubation in BrdUrd (UV experiments). Caffeine markedly enhanced the SCE-inducing effect of UV light but did not influence the effect of /sup 3/H-thymidine.« less

Inspection of feasible calibration conditions for UV radiometer detectors with the KI/KIO3 actinometer.

PubMed

Qiang, Zhimin; Li, Wentao; Li, Mengkai; Bolton, James R; Qu, Jiuhui

2015-01-01

UV radiometers are widely employed for irradiance measurements, but their periodical calibrations not only induce an extra cost but also are time-consuming. In this study, the KI/KIO3 actinometer was applied to calibrate UV radiometer detectors at 254 nm with a quasi-collimated beam apparatus equipped with a low-pressure UV lamp, and feasible calibration conditions were identified. Results indicate that a washer constraining the UV light was indispensable, while the size (10 or 50 mL) of a beaker containing the actinometer solution had little influence when a proper washer was used. The absorption or reflection of UV light by the internal beaker wall led to an underestimation or overestimation of the irradiance determined by the KI/KIO3 actinometer, respectively. The proper range of the washer internal diameter could be obtained via mathematical analysis. A radiometer with a longer service time showed a greater calibration factor. To minimize the interference from the inner wall reflection of the collimating tube, calibrations should be conducted at positions far enough away from the tube bottom. This study demonstrates that after the feasible calibration conditions are identified, the KI/KIO3 actinometer can be applied readily to calibrate UV radiometer detectors at 254 nm. © 2014 The American Society of Photobiology.

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

Facile synthesis of light harvesting semiconductor bismuth oxychloride nano photo-catalysts for efficient removal of hazardous organic pollutants

PubMed Central

Seddigi, Zaki S.; Baig, Umair; Ahmed, Saleh A.; Abdulaziz, M. A.; Danish, Ekram Y.; Khaled, Mazen M.; Lais, Abul

2017-01-01

In the present work, bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles–a light harvesting semiconductor photocatalyst–were synthesized by a facile hydrolysis route, with sodium bismuthate and hydroxylammonium chloride as the precursor materials. The as-synthesized semiconductor photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The crystal structure, morphology, composition, and optical properties of these facile synthesized bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles (BiOCl NPs) were compared to those of traditional bismuth oxychloride. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs and traditional BiOCl, as applied to the removal of hazardous organic dyes under visible light illumination, is thoroughly investigated. Our results reveal that facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs display strong UV-Vis light adsorption, improved charge carrier mobility and an inhibited rate of charge carrier recombination, when compared to traditional BiOCl. These enhancements result in an improved photocatalytic degradation rate of hazardous organic dyes under UV-Vis irradiance. For instance, the facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs attained 100% degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes in approximately 30 mins under UV-Vis irradiation, against 55% degradation for traditional BiOCl under similar experimental conditions. PMID:28245225

Facile synthesis of light harvesting semiconductor bismuth oxychloride nano photo-catalysts for efficient removal of hazardous organic pollutants.

PubMed

Seddigi, Zaki S; Gondal, Mohammed A; Baig, Umair; Ahmed, Saleh A; Abdulaziz, M A; Danish, Ekram Y; Khaled, Mazen M; Lais, Abul

2017-01-01

In the present work, bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles-a light harvesting semiconductor photocatalyst-were synthesized by a facile hydrolysis route, with sodium bismuthate and hydroxylammonium chloride as the precursor materials. The as-synthesized semiconductor photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The crystal structure, morphology, composition, and optical properties of these facile synthesized bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles (BiOCl NPs) were compared to those of traditional bismuth oxychloride. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs and traditional BiOCl, as applied to the removal of hazardous organic dyes under visible light illumination, is thoroughly investigated. Our results reveal that facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs display strong UV-Vis light adsorption, improved charge carrier mobility and an inhibited rate of charge carrier recombination, when compared to traditional BiOCl. These enhancements result in an improved photocatalytic degradation rate of hazardous organic dyes under UV-Vis irradiance. For instance, the facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs attained 100% degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes in approximately 30 mins under UV-Vis irradiation, against 55% degradation for traditional BiOCl under similar experimental conditions.

Field-Grown Grapevine Berries Use Carotenoids and the Associated Xanthophyll Cycles to Acclimate to UV Exposure Differentially in High and Low Light (Shade) Conditions

PubMed Central

Joubert, Chandré; Young, Philip R.; Eyéghé-Bickong, Hans A.; Vivier, Melané A.

2016-01-01

Light quantity and quality modulate grapevine development and influence berry metabolic processes. Here we studied light as an information signal for developing and ripening grape berries. A Vitis vinifera Sauvignon Blanc field experiment was used to identify the impacts of UVB on core metabolic processes in the berries under both high light (HL) and low light (LL) microclimates. The primary objective was therefore to identify UVB-specific responses on berry processes and metabolites and distinguish them from those responses elicited by variations in light incidence. Canopy manipulation at the bunch zone via early leaf removal, combined with UVB-excluding acrylic sheets installed over the bunch zones resulted in four bunch microclimates: (1) HL (control); (2) LL (control); (3) HL with UVB attenuation and (4) LL with UVB attenuation. Metabolite profiles of three berry developmental stages showed predictable changes to known UV-responsive compound classes in a typical UV acclimation (versus UV damage) response. Interestingly, the berries employed carotenoids and the associated xanthophyll cycles to acclimate to UV exposure and the berry responses differed between HL and LL conditions, particularly in the developmental stages where berries are still photosynthetically active. The developmental stage of the berries was an important factor to consider in interpreting the data. The green berries responded to the different exposure and/or UVB attenuation signals with metabolites that indicate that the berries actively managed its metabolism in relation to the exposure levels, displaying metabolic plasticity in the photosynthesis-related metabolites. Core processes such as photosynthesis, photo-inhibition and acclimation were maintained by differentially modulating metabolites under the four treatments. Ripe berries also responded metabolically to the light quality and quantity, but mostly formed compounds (volatiles and polyphenols) that have direct antioxidant and/or “sunscreening” abilities. The data presented for the green berries and those for the ripe berries conform to what is known for UVB and/or light stress in young, active leaves and older, senescing tissues respectively and provide scope for further evaluation of the sink/source status of fruits in relation to photosignalling and/or stress management. PMID:27375645

Energy efficiency for the removal of non-polar pollutants during ultraviolet irradiation, visible light photocatalysis and ozonation of a wastewater effluent.

PubMed

Santiago-Morales, Javier; Gómez, María José; Herrera-López, Sonia; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R; García-Calvo, Eloy; Rosal, Roberto

2013-10-01

This study aims to assess the removal of a set of non-polar pollutants in biologically treated wastewater using ozonation, ultraviolet (UV 254 nm low pressure mercury lamp) and visible light (Xe-arc lamp) irradiation as well as visible light photocatalysis using Ce-doped TiO2. The compounds tracked include UV filters, synthetic musks, herbicides, insecticides, antiseptics and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Raw wastewater and treated samples were analyzed using stir-bar sorptive extraction coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (SBSE-CG × GC-TOF-MS). Ozone treatment could remove most pollutants with a global efficiency of over 95% for 209 μM ozone dosage. UV irradiation reduced the total concentration of the sixteen pollutants tested by an average of 63% with high removal of the sunscreen 2-ethylhexyl trans-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), the synthetic musk 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyltetrahydronaphthalene (tonalide, AHTN) and several herbicides. Visible light Ce-TiO2 photocatalysis reached ~70% overall removal with particularly high efficiency for synthetic musks. In terms of power usage efficiency expressed as nmol kJ(-1), the results showed that ozonation was by far the most efficient process, ten-fold over Xe/Ce-TiO2 visible light photocatalysis, the latter being in turn considerably more efficient than UV irradiation. In all cases the efficiency decreased along the treatments due to the lower reaction rate at lower pollutant concentration. The use of photocatalysis greatly improved the efficiency of visible light irradiation. The collector area per order decreased from 9.14 ± 5.11 m(2) m(-3) order(-1) for visible light irradiation to 0.16 ± 0.03 m(2) m(-3) order(-1) for Ce-TiO2 photocatalysis. The toxicity of treated wastewater was assessed using the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Ozonation reduced the toxicity of treated wastewater, while UV irradiation and visible light photocatalysis limited by 20-25% the algal growth due to the accumulation of reaction by-products. Three transformation products were identified and tracked along the treatments. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Light Converting Inorganic Phosphors for White Light-Emitting Diodes

PubMed Central

Chen, Lei; Lin, Chun-Che; Yeh, Chiao-Wen; Liu, Ru-Shi

2010-01-01

White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) have matched the emission efficiency of florescent lights and will rapidly spread as light source for homes and offices in the next 5 to 10 years. WLEDs provide a light element having a semiconductor light emitting layer (blue or near-ultraviolet (nUV) LEDs) and photoluminescence phosphors. These solid-state LED lamps, rather than organic light emitting diode (OLED) or polymer light-emitting diode (PLED), have a number of advantages over conventional incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps, such as high efficiency to convert electrical energy into light, reliability and long operating lifetime. To meet with the further requirement of high color rendering index, warm light with low color temperature, high thermal stability and higher energy efficiency for WLEDs, new phosphors that can absorb excitation energy from blue or nUV LEDs and generate visible emissions efficiently are desired. The criteria of choosing the best phosphors, for blue (450−480 nm) and nUV (380−400 nm) LEDs, strongly depends on the absorption and emission of the phosphors. Moreover, the balance of light between the emission from blue-nUV LEDs and the emissions from phosphors (such as yellow from Y3Al5O12:Ce3+) is important to obtain white light with proper color rendering index and color temperature. Here, we will review the status of phosphors for LEDs and prospect the future development.

Effects of climate change and UV-B on materials.

PubMed

Andrady, Anthony L; Hamid, Halim S; Torikai, Ayako

2003-01-01

The outdoor service life of common plastic materials is limited by their susceptibility to solar ultraviolet radiation. Of the solar wavelengths the UV-B component is particularly efficient in bringing about photodamage in synthetic and naturally occurring materials. This is particularly true of plastics, rubber and wood used in the building and agricultural industries. Any depletion in the stratospheric ozone layer and resulting increase in the UV-B component of terrestrial sunlight will therefore tend to decrease the service life of these materials. The extent to which the service life is reduced is, however, difficult to estimate as it depends on several factors. These include the chemical nature of the material, the additives it contains, the type and the amount of light-stabilizers (or protective coatings) used, and the amount of solar exposure it receives. Concomitant climate change is likely to increase the ambient temperature and humidity in some of the same regions likely to receive increased UV-B radiation. These factors, particularly higher temperatures, are also well known to accelerate the rate of photodegradation of materials, and may therefore further limit the service life of materials in these regions. To reliably assess the damage to materials as a consequence of ozone layer depletion, the wavelength sensitivity of the degradation process, dose-response relationships for the material and the effectiveness of available stabilizers need to be quantified. The data needed for the purpose are not readily available at this time for most of the commonly used plastics or wood materials. Wavelength sensitivity of a number of common plastic materials and natural biopolymers are available and generally show the damage (per photon) to decrease exponentially with the wavelength. Despite the relatively higher fraction of UV-A in sunlight, the UV-B content is responsible for a significant part of light-induced damage of materials. The primary approach to mitigation relies on the effectiveness of the existing light stabilizers (such as hindered amine light stabilizers, HALS) used in plastics exposed to harsh solar UV conditions coupled with climate change factors. In developing advanced light-stabilizer technologies, more light-resistant grades of common plastics, or surface protection technologies for wood, the harsh weathering environment created by the simultaneous action of increased UV-B levels due to ozone depletion as well as the relevant climate change factors need to be taken into consideration. Recent literature includes several studies on synergism of HALS-based stabilizers, stabilizer effectiveness in the new m-polyolefins and elucidation of the mechanism of stabilization afforded by titania pigment in vinyl plastics.

Reversible photoinduced spectral change in Eu2O3 at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochizuki, Shosuke; Nakanishi, Tauto; Suzuki, Yuya; Ishi, Kimihiro

2001-12-01

When Eu2O3 powder compact and film are irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) laser light in a vacuum, their photoluminescence (PL) spectra change from a red sharp-line structure to a white broad band, which can be clearly seen with the naked eye. After removing the UV laser light, the white PL continues for more than several months at room temperature under room light, in spite of any changes of atmosphere. By irradiating with the same UV laser light at room temperature under O2 gas atmosphere, the original red PL state reappears. Such a reversible phenomenon may well yield materials for white-light-emitting devices and erasable optical storage.

Stability of the Stevia-Derived Sweetener Rebaudioside A in Solution as Affected by Ultraviolet Light Exposure.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiewen; Bell, Leonard N

2017-04-01

Rebaudioside A is a natural noncaloric high-potency sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. With rebaudioside A use increasing in foods, understanding the factors affecting its stability is necessary. This project evaluated the degradation rate constants of rebaudioside A in water, 0.1 M phosphate buffer, and 0.1 M citrate buffer at pH 3 and 7 as a function of ultraviolet (UV) light intensity (365 nm, 0 μW/cm 2 for dark conditions, 27 μW/cm 2 for low intensity, and 190 μW/cm 2 for high intensity) at 32.5 °C. Rebaudioside A stability was adversely affected by light exposure. The pseudo-1st-order degradation rate constants increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing light intensity in all solutions. Under dark conditions, rebaudioside A in phosphate buffers was more susceptible to breakdown than in water and citrate buffers at both pH levels. However, exposure to UV light resulted in rebaudioside A degradation occurring approximately 10 times faster in citrate than in phosphate buffers at both pH levels. The sensitivity of rebaudioside A to UV light was greater in citrate buffers than in water or phosphate buffers. The use of light-protective packaging for beverages containing rebaudioside A will improve its stability. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Sun and Sjogren's Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... California, for authoring this Patient Education Sheet. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from the sun and other light ... autoantibody SSA/or Ro. To avoid reactions to UV light, try the following tips: Protect your skin ...

Novel sanitization approach based on synergistic action of UV-A light and benzoic acid: Inactivation mechanism and a potential application in washing fresh produce.

PubMed

Ding, Qiao; Alborzi, Solmaz; Bastarrachea, Luis J; Tikekar, Rohan V

2018-06-01

Antimicrobial activity of the simultaneous UV-A light and benzoic acid (BA) treatment against stationary phase Escherichia coli O157:H7 was investigated. While 15 mM BA or UV-A light exposure for 30 min alone caused < 1 logarithmic reduction in the bacterial population, > 5 logarithmic reductions were induced by the simultaneous application of UV-A and 15 mM BA in 30 min, demonstrating a synergistic antimicrobial effect. Due to its ability to increase cell membrane permeability, addition of EDTA (1 mM) was able to decrease the required concentration of BA in the simultaneous treatment from 15 to 8 mM. Microbial inactivation was a result of simultaneous membrane damage, intracellular acidification, and intracellular oxidative stress. The simultaneous treatment was effective in the presence of organic load of up to 500 mg/L of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and was able to lower cross-contamination risk during simulated washing of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) without adversely affecting its color. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved photoluminescence efficiency in UV nanopillar light emitting diode structures by recovery of dry etching damage.

PubMed

Jeon, Dae-Woo; Jang, Lee-Woon; Jeon, Ju-Won; Park, Jae-Woo; Song, Young Ho; Jeon, Seong-Ran; Ju, Jin-Woo; Baek, Jong Hyeob; Lee, In-Hwan

2013-05-01

In this study, we have fabricated 375-nm-wavelength InGaN/AlInGaN nanopillar light emitting diodes (LED) structures on c-plane sapphire. A uniform and highly vertical nanopillar structure was fabricated using self-organized Ni/SiO2 nano-size mask by dry etching method. To minimize the dry etching damage, the samples were subjected to high temperature annealing with subsequent chemical passivation in KOH solution. Prior to annealing and passivation the UV nanopillar LEDs showed the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency about 2.5 times higher than conventional UV LED structures which is attributed to better light extraction efficiency and possibly some improvement of internal quantum efficiency due to partially relieved strain. Annealing alone further increased the PL efficiency by about 4.5 times compared to the conventional UV LEDs, while KOH passivation led to the overall PL efficiency improvement by more than 7 times. Combined results of Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggest that annealing decreases the number of lattice defects and relieves the strain in the surface region of the nanopillars whereas KOH treatment removes the surface oxide from nanopillar surface.

Development of a ginkgo biloba fingerprint chromatogram with UV and evaporative light scattering detection and optimization of the evaporative light scattering detector operating conditions.

PubMed

van Nederkassel, A M; Vijverman, V; Massart, D L; Vander Heyden, Y

2005-09-02

A fingerprint chromatogram of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract is developed on a monolithic silica column using a ternary gradient containing water, iso-propanol and tetrahydrofuran. For the detection, UV and evaporative light scattering (ELS) detectors are used, the latter allowing detection of the poor UV absorbing compounds as ginkgolides (A-C and J) and bilobalide in the extract. The complementary information between the UV and ELS fingerprint is evaluated. The ELS detector used in this study can operate in an impactor 'on' or 'off' mode. For each mode, the operating conditions such as the nebulizing gas flow rate, the drift tube temperature and the gain are optimized by use of three-level screening designs to obtain the best signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in the final ELS fingerprint chromatogram. In both impactor modes, very similar S/N ratios are obtained for the nominal levels of the design. However, optimization of the operating conditions resulted, for both impactor modes, in a significant increase in S/N ratios compared to the initial evaluated conditions, obtained from the detector software.

In-vivo data on the influence of tobacco smoke and UV light on murine skin.

PubMed

Pavlou, P; Rallis, M; Deliconstantinos, G; Papaioannou, G; Grando, S A

2009-01-01

Inhaled tobacco smoke comes in direct contact with few organs such as mouth, lungs, and stomach. Cigarette smoke (CS) in lungs has been extensively studied. However, limited data exist on its effect on skin, and there are no long-term experimental studies suggesting toxic effects on skin. Even though it is generally accepted that CS is among the main factors of skin aging, the number of experimental studies showing this aging effect is limited. We hereby studied the effect of long-term exposure to CS on the skin of hairless mice in combination with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, we investigated potential skin protection by a potent antioxidant namely procyanidine-rich French maritime pine bark extract (PBE) pycnogenol. Male and female hairless SKH-2 mice were exposed for 10 months to tobacco smoke and/or UV light in vivo, and their effects on skin were investigated. Some biophysical parameters such as development of erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin elasticity were measured. The results show that UV and CS may be acting synergistically, as shown by the enhanced TEWL, erythema values, epitheliomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) observed, whereas PBE seems to protect skin against SCC.

UV dose measurements of photosensitive dermatosis patients by polycrystalline GaN-based portable self-data-acquisition UV monitors.

PubMed

Yagi, Shigeru; Iwanaga, Takeshi; Kojima, Hiroshi; Shoji, Yoshio; Suzuki, Seiji; Seno, Kunihiro; Mori, Hisayoshi; Tokura, Yoshiki; Takigawa, Masahiro; Moriwaki, Shin-Ichi

2002-12-01

We have developed a UV monitor with polycrystalline (poly-) gallium nitride (GaN) UV sensors and evaluated its performance from the viewpoint of its effectiveness for use with photosensitive dermatosis patients. The poly-GaN UV sensor is sensitive to UV light from 280 to 410 nm even without optical filters. The UV monitor is a portable self-data-acquisition instrument with a minimum detection level (defined as average UV intensity over 290 to 400 nm) of 2 microW/cm2 and can store UV dose data for 128 days. It allows easy measurement of four orders of magnitude of ambient UV intensity and dose from indoor light to direct solar radiation in summer. Trial use of the UV monitor by five xeroderma pigmentosum patients started in June 2000 and was carried out for 1 year. It was demonstrated that the UV monitor was useful in improving their quality of life.

Inactivation of indigenous coliform bacteria in unfiltered surface water by ultraviolet light.

PubMed

Cantwell, Raymond E; Hofmann, Ron

2008-05-01

This study examined the potential for naturally occurring particles to protect indigenous coliform from ultraviolet (UV) disinfection in four surface waters. Tailing in the UV dose-response curve of the bacteria was observed in 3 of the 4 water samples after 1.3-2.6-log of log-linear inactivation, implying particle-related protection. The impact of particles was confirmed by comparing coliform UV inactivation data for parallel filtered (11 microm pore-size nylon filters) and unfiltered surface water. In samples from the Grand River (UVT: 65%/cm; 5.4 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) and the Rideau Canal (UVT: 60%/cm; 0.84 NTU), a limit of approximately 2.5 log inactivation was achieved in the unfiltered samples for a UV dose of 20 mJ/cm2 while both the filtered samples exhibited >3.4-log inactivation of indigenous coliform bacteria. The results suggest that particles as small as 11 microm, naturally found in surface water with low turbidity (<3NTU), are able to harbor indigenous coliform bacteria and offer protection from low-pressure UV light.

Radiation-induced mitotic and meiotic aneuploidy in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Parry, J M; Sharp, D; Tippins, R S; Parry, E M

1979-06-01

A number of genetic systems are described which in yeast may be used to monitor the induction of chromosome aneuploidy during both mitotic and meiotic cell division. Using these systems we have been able to demonstrate the induction of both monosomic and trisomic cells in mitotically dividing cells and disomic spores in meiotically dividing cells after both UV light and X-ray exposure. The frequency of UV-light-induced monosomic colonies were reduced by post-treatment with photoreactivity light and both UV-light- and X-ray-induced monosomic colonies were reduced by liquid holding post-treatment under non-nutrient conditions. Both responses indicate an involvement of DNA-repair mechanisms in the removal of lesions which may lead to monosomy in yeast. This was further confirmed by the response of an excision-defective yeast strain which showed considerably increased sensitivity to the induction of monosomic colonies by UV-light treatment at low doses. Yeast cultures irradiated at different stages of growth showed variation in their responses to both UV-light and X-rays, cells at the exponential phase of growth show maximum sensitivity to the induction of monosomic colonies at low doses whereas stationary phase cultures showed maximum induction of monosomic colonies at high does. The frequencies of X-ray-induced chromosome aneuploidy during meiosis leading to the production of disomic spores was shown to be dependent upon the stage of meiosis at which the yeast cells were exposed to radiation. Cells which had proceeded beyond the DNA synthetic stage of meiosis were shown to produce disomic spores at considerably lower radiation doses than those cells which had only recently been inoculated into sporulation medium. The results obtained suggest that the yeast sustem may be suitable for the study of sensitivities of the various stages of meiotic cell division to the induction of chromosome aneuploidy after radiation exposure.

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

Photoelectrolysis of water at high current density - Use of laser light excitation of semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wrighton, M. S.; Bocarsley, A. B.; Bolts, J. M.

1978-01-01

In the present paper, some results are given for UV laser light irradiation of the photoanode (SnO2, SrTiO3, or TiO2) in a cell for the light-driven electrolysis of H2O, at radiation intensities of up to 380 W/sq cm. The properties of the anode material are found to be independent of light intensity. Conversion of UV light to stored chemical energy in the form of 2H2/O2 from H2O was driven at a rate of up to 30 W/sq cm. High O2 evolution rates at the irradiated anodes without changes in the current-voltage curves are attributed to the excess oxidizing power associated with photogenerated holes. A test for this sort of hypothesis for H2 evolution at p-type materials is proposed.

Luminescence- and nanoparticle-mediated increase of light absorption by photoreceptor cells: Converting UV light to visible light.

PubMed

Li, Lei; Sahi, Sunil K; Peng, Mingying; Lee, Eric B; Ma, Lun; Wojtowicz, Jennifer L; Malin, John H; Chen, Wei

2016-02-10

We developed new optic devices - singly-doped luminescence glasses and nanoparticle-coated lenses that convert UV light to visible light - for improvement of visual system functions. Tb(3+) or Eu(3+) singly-doped borate glasses or CdS-quantum dot (CdS-QD) coated lenses efficiently convert UV light to 542 nm or 613 nm wavelength narrow-band green or red light, or wide-spectrum white light, and thereby provide extra visible light to the eye. In zebrafish (wild-type larvae and adult control animals, retinal degeneration mutants, and light-induced photoreceptor cell degeneration models), the use of Tb(3+) or Eu(3+) doped luminescence glass or CdS-QD coated glass lenses provide additional visible light to the rod and cone photoreceptor cells, and thereby improve the visual system functions. The data provide proof-of-concept for the future development of optic devices for improvement of visual system functions in patients who suffer from photoreceptor cell degeneration or related retinal diseases.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON CORALS HEALTH: INTERACTIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SOLAR RADIATION WITH BLEACHING

EPA Science Inventory

Coral bleaching and declines in coral reef health in recent years have been attributed in part to processes driven by UV and/or visible light. For coral assemblages, exposure to UV light is often an unavoidable consequence of having access to visible (photosynthetically active) ...

Studies on the performance of TiO{sub 2} thin films as protective layer to chlorophyll in Ocimum tenuiflorum L from UV radiation

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

Malliga, P.; Selvi, B. Karunai; Pandiarajan, J.

Thin films of TiO{sub 2} were prepared on glass substrates using sol-gel dip coating technique. The films with 10 coatings were prepared and annealed at temperatures 350°C, 450°C and 550°C for 1 hour in muffle furnace. The annealed films were characterized by X – Ray diffraction (XRD), UV – Visible, AFM, Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and EDAX studies. Chlorophyll has many health benefits due to its structural similarity to human blood and its good chelating ability. It has antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. UV light impairs photosynthesis and reduces size, productivity, and quality in many of the crop plantmore » species. Increased exposure of UV light reduces chlorophyll contents a, b and total content in plants. Titanium Dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) is a wide band gap semiconductor and efficient light harvester. TiO{sub 2} has strong UltraViolet (UV) light absorbing capability. Here, we have studied the performance of TiO{sub 2} thin films as a protective layer to the chlorophyll contents present in medicinal plant, tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L) from UV radiation. The study reveals that crystallite size increases, transmittance decreases and chlorophyll contents increases with increase in annealing temperature. This study showed that TiO{sub 2} thin films are good absorber of UV light and protect the chlorophyll contents a, b and total content in medicinal plants.« less

Preliminary evidence on photoreactivation of Frankia spores with visible light after exposure to UV-C radiation.

PubMed

Sayed, W F

2011-06-01

Spores of four Frankia strains, the nitrogen-fixing actinomycete, were exposed to short wavelength UV-C radiation of 254 nm at 1 lux cm(2) (0.24 mw cm2 of energy) for 10 min. The used strains were HFP020203, UGL020604, UGL020602q and ORS021001. Exposure to UV was followed by reactivation with visible white light at 327.4 lux cm(2) for the same period of time. Spore germination percentage, spore protein content, and cell growth were damaged by this treatment. The lower and higher percentages of reduction in spore germination were 32 and 63% and, for the same strains, the recovery by white light was 7.2 and 37%. The lower percentages of UV damage and subsequent low recovery were recorded for strain ORS021001 that is considered more resistant to UV than the other strains. The higher percentages were recorded for strain HFP020203 that is more sensitive to UV but having more efficient repairing mechanisms. All the tested strains showed repairing activity induced by white light as indicated from the increase in their spore germination, protein content and almost restoring the normal shape of Frankia hyphae, after being damaged, as revealed by scanning electron microscope. This is the first evidence that photo-repairing systems are present in Frankia strains although there are variations in their response to both UV-C and photoreactivation by white light.

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.

An Ultraviolet/Optical Atlas of Bright Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcum, Pamela M.; O'Connell, Robert W.; Fanelli, Michael N.; Cornett, Robert H.; Waller, William H.; Bohlin, Ralph C.; Neff, Susan G.; Roberts, Morton S.; Smith, Andrew M.; Cheng, K.-P.; Collins, Nicholas R.; Hennessy, Gregory S.; Hill, Jesse K.; Hill, Robert S.; Hintzen, Paul; Landsman, Wayne B.; Ohl, Raymond G.; Parise, Ronald A.; Smith, Eric P.; Freedman, Wendy L.; Kuchinski, Leslie E.; Madore, Barry; Angione, Ronald; Palma, Christopher; Talbert, Freddie; Stecher, Theodore P.

2001-02-01

We present wide-field imagery and photometry of 43 selected nearby galaxies of all morphological types at ultraviolet and optical wavelengths. The ultraviolet (UV) images, in two broad bands at 1500 and 2500 Å, were obtained using the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) during the Astro-1 Spacelab mission. The UV images have ~3" resolution, and the comparison sets of ground-based CCD images (in one or more of B, V, R, and Hα) have pixel scales and fields of view closely matching the UV frames. The atlas consists of multiband images and plots of UV/optical surface brightness and color profiles. Other associated parameters, such as integrated photometry and half-light radii, are tabulated. In an appendix, we discuss the sensitivity of different wavebands to a galaxy's star formation history in the form of ``history weighting functions'' and emphasize the importance of UV observations as probes of evolution during the past 10-1000 Myr. We find that UV galaxy morphologies are usually significantly different from visible band morphologies as a consequence of spatially inhomogeneous stellar populations. Differences are quite pronounced for systems in the middle range of Hubble types, Sa through Sc, but less so for ellipticals or late-type disks. Normal ellipticals and large spiral bulges are fainter and more compact in the UV. However, they typically exhibit smooth UV profiles with far-UV/optical color gradients which are larger than any at optical/IR wavelengths. The far-UV light in these cases is probably produced by extreme horizontal branch stars and their descendants in the dominant, low-mass, metal-rich population. The cool stars in the large bulges of Sa and Sb spirals fade in the UV while hot OB stars in their disks brighten, such that their Hubble classifications become significantly later. In the far-UV, early-type spirals often appear as peculiar, ringlike systems. In some spiral disks, UV-bright structures closely outline the spiral pattern; in others, the disks can be much more fragmented and chaotic than at optical wavelengths. Contributions by bright active galactic nuclei (AGNs) to the integrated UV light in our sample range from less than 10% to nearly 100%. A number of systems have unusual UV-bright structures in their inner disks, including rings, compact knots, and starburst nuclei, which could easily dominate the UV light in high-redshift analogs. A significant but variable fraction of the far-UV light in spiral disks is diffuse rather than closely concentrated to star-forming regions. Dust in normal spiral disks does not control UV morphologies, even in some highly inclined disk systems. The heaviest extinction is apparently confined to thin layers and the immediate vicinity of young H II complexes; the UV light emerges from thicker star distributions, regions evacuated of dust by photodestruction or winds, or by virtue of strong dust clumpiness. Only in cases where the dust layers are disturbed does dust appear to be a major factor in UV morphology. The UV-bright plume of M82 indicates that dust scattering of UV photons can be important in some cases. In a companion paper, we discuss far-UV data from the Astro-2 mission and optical comparisons for another 35 galaxies, emphasizing face-on spirals.

Effects of ultraviolet radiation on photosynthetic performance and N2 fixation in Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS 101

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Xiaoni; Hutchins, David A.; Fu, Feixue; Gao, Kunshan

2017-10-01

Biological effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280-400 nm) on marine primary producers are of general concern, as oceanic carbon fixers that contribute to the marine biological CO2 pump are being exposed to increasing UV irradiance due to global change and ozone depletion. We investigated the effects of UV-B (280-320 nm) and UV-A (320-400 nm) on the biogeochemically critical filamentous marine N2-fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium (strain IMS101) using a solar simulator as well as under natural solar radiation. Short exposure to UV-B, UV-A, or integrated total UVR significantly reduced the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) and photosynthetic carbon and N2 fixation rates. Cells acclimated to low light were more sensitive to UV exposure compared to high-light-grown ones, which had more UV-absorbing compounds, most likely mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). After acclimation under natural sunlight, the specific growth rate was lower (by up to 44 %), MAA content was higher, and average trichome length was shorter (by up to 22 %) in the full spectrum of solar radiation with UVR, than under a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) alone treatment (400-700 nm). These results suggest that prior shipboard experiments in UV-opaque containers may have substantially overestimated in situ nitrogen fixation rates by Trichodesmium, and that natural and anthropogenic elevation of UV radiation intensity could significantly inhibit this vital source of new nitrogen to the current and future oligotrophic oceans.

Photochemical Study of Silver Nanoparticles Formed from the Reduction of Silver Ions by Humic Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leslie, Renee M.

This study focuses on the ability of silver ions and humic acid to form silver nanoparticles in the presence of UV and visible light. Silver nanoparticles have a number of industrial applications due primarily to their antimicrobial properties, but these properties pose an environmental threat. Silver nanoparticles can directly disrupt sensitive ecosystems by harming bacteria. Consumption of silver nanoparticles results in silver ions and silver nanoparticles entering waterways; the presence of silver ions raises the question of whether nanoparticles can reform in environmental waters. As our data show, silver nanoparticles can form from the reduction of silver ions by humic acid after irradiation with UV and visible light. In order to better understand the mechanism of these naturally synthesized silver nanoparticles, we investigated the effects of reactant concentration, experimental conditions and presence of ions/reactive species. We monitored silver nanoparticle growth with UV-visible spectroscopy. The evolution in time of nanoparticle size was monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Comparative assessment of chlorine, heat, ozone, and UV light for killing Legionella pneumophila within a model plumbing system.

PubMed Central

Muraca, P; Stout, J E; Yu, V L

1987-01-01

Nosocomial Legionnaires disease can be acquired by exposure to the organism from the hospital water distribution system. As a result, many hospitals have instituted eradication procedures, including hypercholorination and thermal eradication. We compared the efficacy of ozonation, UV light, hyperchlorination, and heat eradication using a model plumbing system constructed of copper piping, brass spigots, Plexiglas reservoir, electric hot water tank, and a pump. Legionella pneumophila was added to the system at 10(7) CFU/ml. Each method was tested under three conditions; (i) nonturbid water at 25 degrees C, (ii) turbid water at 25 degrees C, and (iii) nonturbid water at 43 degrees C. UV light and heat killed L. pneumophila most rapidly and required minimal maintenance. Both UV light and heat (60 degrees C) produced a 5 log kill in less than 1 h. In contrast, both chlorine and ozone required 5 h of exposure to produce a 5 log decrease. Neither turbidity nor the higher temperature of 43 degrees C impaired the efficacy of any of the disinfectant methods. Surprisingly, higher temperature enhanced the disinfecting efficacy of chlorine. However, higher temperature accelerated the decomposition of the chlorine residual such that an additional 120% volume of chlorine was required. All four methods proved efficacious in eradicating L. pneumophila from a model plumbing system. Images PMID:3566272

Preparation and characterization of a photocrosslinkable bioadhesive inspired by marine mussel.

PubMed

Xue, Jie; Wang, Tao; Nie, Jun; Yang, Dongzhi

2013-02-05

Synthetic adhesives inspired by marine mussel have attracted great attention due to its excellent water-resistance and good biocompatibility. In this study, a photocrosslinkable bioadhesive containing 3,4-Dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (DOPA) functional group, which is central to curing mussel adhesive proteins, was prepared by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of a new photocurable monomer ethylene glycol acrylate methacrylate-dopamine (EGAMA-DOPA) and a UV photocrosslinkable crosslinking agent poly(vinyl alcohol) (UV-PVA) derivative. The chemical structures of EGAMA-DOPA and UV-PVA were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection (FTIR) and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, respectively. The effects of UV light intensity, content of photoinitiator, EGAMA-DOPA and UV-PVA on the photopolymerization kinetics were studied, and the effects of the content of UV-PVA and temperature on the adhesive strength were also investigated. It was found that the higher UV light intensity, the faster polymerization rate and the higher final conversion that was the same as the trend of photoinitiator, EGAMA-DOPA and UV-PVA. And the adhesion strength measurement showed that, for gels with 30wt.% EGAMA-DOPA, the adhesion strength was obviously improved by about 150% with 3.0wt.% UV-PVA instead of pure PVA, and for gels containing 40wt.% EGAMA-DOPA, the adhesion strength sharply enhanced by 123% with increasing the content of UV-PVA from 1.0wt.% to 3.0wt.%. Cell attachment results showed good cell viability of L929 cell on the EGAMA-DOPA/UV-PVA adhesive gels. Thanks to its strong adhesion strength and good biocompatibility, such photocrosslinkable gels could be applied to the areas of biomedical field. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heuristic optimization of a continuous flow point-of-use UV-LED disinfection reactor using computational fluid dynamics.

PubMed

Jenny, Richard M; Jasper, Micah N; Simmons, Otto D; Shatalov, Max; Ducoste, Joel J

2015-10-15

Alternative disinfection sources such as ultraviolet light (UV) are being pursued to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, while simultaneously reducing the risk of exposure to carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water. UV-LEDs offer a UV disinfecting source that do not contain mercury, have the potential for long lifetimes, are robust, and have a high degree of design flexibility. However, the increased flexibility in design options will add a substantial level of complexity when developing a UV-LED reactor, particularly with regards to reactor shape, size, spatial orientation of light, and germicidal emission wavelength. Anticipating that LEDs are the future of UV disinfection, new methods are needed for designing such reactors. In this research study, the evaluation of a new design paradigm using a point-of-use UV-LED disinfection reactor has been performed. ModeFrontier, a numerical optimization platform, was coupled with COMSOL Multi-physics, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package, to generate an optimized UV-LED continuous flow reactor. Three optimality conditions were considered: 1) single objective analysis minimizing input supply power while achieving at least (2.0) log10 inactivation of Escherichia coli ATCC 11229; and 2) two multi-objective analyses (one of which maximized the log10 inactivation of E. coli ATCC 11229 and minimized the supply power). All tests were completed at a flow rate of 109 mL/min and 92% UVT (measured at 254 nm). The numerical solution for the first objective was validated experimentally using biodosimetry. The optimal design predictions displayed good agreement with the experimental data and contained several non-intuitive features, particularly with the UV-LED spatial arrangement, where the lights were unevenly populated throughout the reactor. The optimal designs may not have been developed from experienced designers due to the increased degrees of freedom offered by using UV-LEDs. The results of this study revealed that the coupled optimization routine with CFD was effective at significantly decreasing the engineer's design decision space and finding a potentially near-optimal UV-LED reactor solution. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Blue light and solar UV radiation accelerate spring and autumn phenology in temperate deciduous tree species.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brelsford, C.; Robson, T. M.

2017-12-01

Trees utilise multiple cues to time their bud-burst and leaf out in spring so that they can exploit favorable conditions for photosynthesis but minimize the risk of damage, and time their leaf senescence come autumn to extend the period of carbon assimilation and remobilize nutrients as efficiently as possible. Whilst the effects of temperature and photoperiod on phenology have been well studied, the effect of light quality is not often considered. The amount and proportion of blue light (BL 400-500nm), UV-A (325-400nm), and UV-B (290-320nm) reaching the ground changes with latitude, day length and the time of year, and yet little is known about how this affects the phenology of plants. We hypothesize that these compositional changes can be exploited by temperate deciduous tree species as cues for bud-burst and leaf senescence via blue and UV photoreceptors. To test this hypothesis, we measured the days until bud-burst of dormant branches from trees of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, and Quercus robur when grown under a broad spectrum, either including or without BL, but of equivalent PAR. We also monitored the spring and autumn leaf phenology of Acer platanoides seedlings growing under forest canopies in southern Finland, under filter treatments attenuating UV-A radiation, UV-A + UV-B radiation or BL and UV-A and UV-B radiation, and a transparent control filter. In controlled conditions, BL advanced bud-burst by 3.3 days in branches of B.pendula, 6 days in A.glutinosa, and 6.3 days in Q.robur. In the field experiment, BL promoted bud burst of A.platanoides seedlings by 3 days. Leaf senescence was promoted by up to 16 days with BL, and by at least 3 days by UV-A and UV-B. The effect of BL in reducing the number of days until bud burst was greatest in later successional species. Furthermore, both blue light and UV advanced leaf senescence in autumn. Further research is needed to identify the photoreceptor mechanisms that underpin these physiological processes, and to incorporate the interaction of light quality with other environmental cues into models allowing us to predict phenology under climate scenarios. In conclusion, we found that blue light advances bud-burst in several temperate tree species, and that both BL and UV radiation advance leaf senescence in A.platanoides.

Ultraviolet light-responsive photorheological fluids: as a new class of smart fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Min-Young; Kim, Ji-Sik; Choi, Hyoung Jin; Choi, Seung-Bok; Kim, Gi-Woo

2017-05-01

We present a comprehensive introduction to the photorheological (PR) fluids whose rheological behavior can be changed by ultraviolet (UV) light with a wavelength of 365 nm. When the PR fluid was exposed to UV light, the viscosity of the fluid decreased, while the viscosity recovered to its initial value when UV light was turned off, indicating that the viscosity of these types of fluids can be reversible and tunable by UV light. Contrary to conventional smart fluids, such as electrorheological and magnetorheological fluids, PR fluid does not suffer from a phase splitting problem because it exists in a single-phase solution. Additionally, the PR fluid does not require any contact component, such as electrodes, and electric wires that are essential components for conventional smart fluids. In this work, the PR fluids were synthesized by doping lecithin/sodium deoxycholate reverse micelles with a photo-chromic spiropyran compound. It is demonstrated that the viscosity changes of PR fluids can be induced by UV light, and their rheological properties are examined in detail. In addition, an example of tailoring rheological properties using photoluminescence was introduced for improved response time. One of the potential applications, such as microfluidic flow control using the PR fluids, is also briefly presented.

Vacuum ultraviolet imagery of the Virgo cluster region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onaka, T.; Tanaka, W.; Watanabe, T.; Watanabe, J.; Yamaguchi, A.; Nakagiri, M.; Kodaira, K.; Nakano, M.; Sasaki, M.; Tsujimura, T.; Yamashita, K.

1989-07-01

The results are reported of an experiment using the UV imager aboard an attitude-controlled S520 type sounding rocket. The total UV fluxes of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster as well as the flux level of the diffuse UV background around the cluster were measured. The data on NGC 4486 and NGC 4472 confirm the variation in the degree of the 'turnup' below 200 nm in the energy spectrum of the total light of elliptical galaxies. At two-color diagram of galaxies of visual/near-UV/vacuum UV indicates that colors of spiral galaxies are distributed within a strip and well-correlated with the morphological type, while elliptical galaxies are located differently from spiral galaxies.

Nanocrystalline semiconductor doped rare earth oxide for the photocatalytic degradation studies on Acid Blue 113: A di-azo compound under UV slurry photoreactor.

PubMed

Suganya Josephine, G A; Mary Nisha, U; Meenakshi, G; Sivasamy, A

2015-11-01

Preventive measures for the control of environmental pollution and its remediation has received much interest in recent years due to the world-wide increase in the contamination of water bodies. Contributions of these harmful effluents are caused by the leather processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, agricultural and other chemical industries. Nowadays, advanced oxidation processes considered to be better option for the complete destruction of organic contaminants in water and wastewater. Acid Blue 113 is a most widely used di-azo compound in leather, textile, dying and food industry as a color rending compound. In the present study, we have reported the photo catalytic degradation of Acid Blue 113 using a nanocrystalline semiconductor doped rare earth oxide as a photo catalyst under UV light irradiation. The photocatalyst was prepared by a simple precipitation technique and were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS and FE-SEM analysis. The experimental results proved that the prepared photo catalyst was nanocrystalline and highly active in the UV region. The UV-DRS results showed the band gap energy was 3.15eV for the prepared photo catalyst. The photodegradation efficiency was analyzed by various experimental parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, variation of substrate concentration and effect of electrolyte addition. The photo degradation process followed a pseudo first order kinetics and was continuously monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The experimental results proved the efficacy of the nanocrystalline zinc oxide doped dysprosium oxide which are highly active under UV light irradiations. It is also suggested that the prepared material would find wider applications in environmental remediation technologies to remove the carcinogenic and toxic moieties present in the industrial effluents. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oxygen vacancy induced Bi2WO6 for the realization of photocatalytic CO2 reduction over the full solar spectrum: from the UV to the NIR region.

PubMed

Kong, Xin Ying; Choo, Yen Yee; Chai, Siang-Piao; Soh, Ai Kah; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman

2016-12-06

Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction over the UV-Vis-NIR broad spectrum was realized for the first time. The presence of surface oxygen vacancy defects on Bi 2 WO 6 resulted in significant photocatalytic enhancement over the pristine counterpart under UV and visible light irradiation. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic responsiveness of Bi 2 WO 6 -OV was successfully extended to the NIR region.

Fundamental Characteristics of Deep-UV Light-Emitting Diodes and Their Application To Control Foodborne Pathogens.

PubMed

Shin, Joo-Yeon; Kim, Soo-Ji; Kim, Do-Kyun; Kang, Dong-Hyun

2016-01-01

Low-pressure mercury UV (LP-UV) lamps have long been used for bacterial inactivation, but due to certain disadvantages, such as the possibility of mercury leakage, deep-UV-C light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs) for disinfection have recently been of great interest as an alternative. Therefore, in this study, we examined the basic spectral properties of DUV-LEDs and the effects of UV-C irradiation for inactivating foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, on solid media, as well as in water. As the temperature increased, DUV-LED light intensity decreased slightly, whereas LP-UV lamps showed increasing intensity until they reached a peak at around 30°C. As the irradiation dosage and temperature increased, E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium experienced 5- to 6-log-unit reductions. L. monocytogenes was reduced by over 5 log units at a dose of 1.67 mJ/cm(2). At 90% relative humidity (RH), only E. coli O157:H7 experienced inactivation significantly greater than at 30 and 60% RH. In a water treatment study involving a continuous system, 6.38-, 5.81-, and 3.47-log-unit reductions were achieved in E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes, respectively, at 0.5 liter per minute (LPM) and 200 mW output power. The results of this study suggest that the use of DUV-LEDs may compensate for the drawbacks of using LP-UV lamps to inactivate foodborne pathogens. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Impacts of varying light regimes on phycobiliproteins of Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 and Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 isolated from diverse habitats.

PubMed

Kannaujiya, Vinod K; Sinha, Rajeshwar P

2015-11-01

The adaptability of cyanobacteria in diverse habitats is an important factor to withstand harsh conditions. In the present investigation, the impacts of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400-700 nm), ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 280-315 nm), and PAR + UV-B radiations on two cyanobacteria viz., Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 and Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 inhabiting diverse habitats such as hot springs and rice fields, respectively, were studied. Cell viability was about 14 % in Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 and <10 % in Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 after 48 h of UV-B exposure. PAR had negligible negative impact on the survival of both cyanobacteria. The continuous exposure of UV-B and PAR + UV-B showed rapid uncoupling, bleaching, fragmentation, and degradation in both phycocyanin (C-PC) and phycoerythrin (C-PE) subunits of phycobiliproteins (PBPs). Remarkable bleaching effect of C-PE and C-PC was not only observed with UV-B or PAR + UV-B radiation, but longer period (24-48 h) of exposure with PAR alone also showed noticeable negative impact. The C-PE and C-PC subunits of the rice field isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 were severely damaged in comparison to the hot spring isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 with rapid wavelength shifting toward shorter wavelengths denoting the bleaching of both the accessory light harvesting pigments. The results indicate that PBPs of the hot spring isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 were more stable under various light regimes in comparison to the rice field isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 that could serve as a good source of valuable pigments to be used in various biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Influence of dimethyl dicarbonate on the resistance of Escherichia coli to a combined UV-Heat treatment in apple juice

PubMed Central

Gouma, Maria; Gayán, Elisa; Raso, Javier; Condón, Santiago; Álvarez, Ignacio

2015-01-01

Commercial apple juice inoculated with Escherichia coli was treated with UV-C, heat (55°C) and dimethyl dicarbonate – DMDC (25, 50, and 75 mg/L)-, applied separately and in combination, in order to investigate the possibility of synergistic lethal effects. The inactivation levels resulting from each treatment applied individually for a maximum treatment time of 3.58 min were limited, reaching 1.2, 2.9, and 0.06 log10 reductions for UV, heat, and DMDC (75 mg/L), respectively. However, all the investigated combinations resulted in a synergistic lethal effect, reducing the total treatment time and UV dose, with the synergistic lethal effect being higher when larger concentrations of DMDC were added to the apple juice. The addition of 75 mg/L of DMDC prior to the combined UV-C light treatment at 55°C resulted in 5 log10 reductions after only 1.8 min, reducing the treatment time and UV dose of the combined UV-Heat treatment by 44%. PMID:26042117

Listeria monocytogenes survival of UV-C radiation is enhanced by presence of sodium chloride, organic food material and by bacterial biofilm formation.

PubMed

Bernbom, N; Vogel, B F; Gram, L

2011-05-14

The bactericidal effect on food processing surfaces of ceiling-mounted UV-C light (wavelength 254 nm) was determined in a fish smoke house after the routine cleaning and disinfection procedure. The total aerobic counts were reduced during UV-C light exposure (48 h) and the number of Listeria monocytogenes positive samples went from 30 (of 68) before exposure to 8 (of 68). We therefore in a laboratory model determined the L. monocytogenes reduction kinetics by UV-C light with the purpose of evaluating the influence of food production environmental variables, such as presence of NaCl, organic material and the time L. monocytogenes was allowed to adhere to steel before exposure. L. monocytogenes grown and attached in tryptone soy broth (TSB) with glucose were rapidly killed (after 2 min) by UV-C light. However, bacteria grown and adhered in TSB with glucose and 5% NaCl were more resistant and numbers declined with 4-5 log units during exposure of 8-10 min. Bacteria grown in juice prepared from cold-smoked salmon were protected and numbers were reduced with 2-3 log when UV-C light was used immediately after attachment whereas numbers did not change at all if bacteria had been allowed to form a biofilm for 7 days before exposure. It is not known if this enhanced survival is due to physiological changes in the attached bacterial cells, a physical protection of the cells in the food matrix or a combination. In conclusion, we demonstrate that UV-C light is a useful extra bacteriocidal step and that it, as all disinfecting procedures, is hampered by the presence of organic material. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of ultraviolet- and visible-light one-shot spectral domain optical coherence tomography and in situ measurements of human skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirayama, Heijiro; Nakamura, Sohichiro

2015-07-01

We have developed ultraviolet (UV)- and visible-light one-shot spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) that enables in situ imaging of human skin with an arbitrary wavelength in the UV-visible-light region (370-800 nm). We alleviated the computational burden for each color OCT image by physically dispersing the irradiating light with a color filter. The system consists of SD-OCT with multicylindrical lenses; thus, mechanical scanning of the mirror or stage is unnecessary to obtain an OCT image. Therefore, only a few dozens of milliseconds are necessary to obtain single-image data. We acquired OCT images of one subject's skin in vivo and of a skin excision ex vivo for red (R, 650±20 nm), green (G, 550±20 nm), blue (B, 450±20 nm), and UV (397±5 nm) light. In the visible-light spectrum, R light penetrated the skin and was reflected at a lower depth than G or B light. On the skin excision, we demonstrated that UV light reached the dermal layer. We anticipated that basic knowledge about the spectral properties of human skin in the depth direction could be acquired with this system.

Development of ultraviolet- and visible-light one-shot spectral domain optical coherence tomography and in situ measurements of human skin.

PubMed

Hirayama, Heijiro; Nakamura, Sohichiro

2015-07-01

We have developed ultraviolet (UV)- and visible-light one-shot spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) that enables in situ imaging of human skin with an arbitrary wavelength in the UV-visible-light region (370-800 nm). We alleviated the computational burden for each color OCT image by physically dispersing the irradiating light with a color filter. The system consists of SD-OCT with multicylindrical lenses; thus, mechanical scanning of the mirror or stage is unnecessary to obtain an OCT image. Therefore, only a few dozens of milliseconds are necessary to obtain single-image data. We acquired OCT images of one subject's skin in vivo and of a skin excision ex vivo for red (R, 650 ± 20 nm), green (G, 550 ± 20 nm), blue (B, 450 ± 20 nm), and UV (397 ± 5 nm) light. In the visible-light spectrum, R light penetrated the skin and was reflected at a lower depth than G or B light. On the skin excision, we demonstrated that UV light reached the dermal layer. We anticipated that basic knowledge about the spectral properties of human skin in the depth direction could be acquired with this system.

Photocatalytic antibacterial effects on TiO2-anatase upon UV-A and UV-A/VIS threshold irradiation.

PubMed

Wu, Yanyun; Geis-Gerstorfer, Jürgen; Scheideler, Lutz; Rupp, Frank

2016-01-01

Photocatalysis mediated by the anatase modification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) has shown antibacterial effects in medical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of expanding the excitation wavelengths for photocatalytic antibacterial effects from ultraviolet (UV) into the visible light range. After deposition of salivary pellicle and adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii on anatase, different irradiation protocols were applied to induce photocatalysis: ultraviolet A (UV-A) > 320 nm; ultraviolet/visible (UV-A/VIS) light > 380 nm and > 390 nm; and VIS light 400-410 nm. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) tests and microscopic examination were used to observe the photoinduced antibacterial effects. Salivary pellicle could be photocatalytically decomposed under all irradiation protocols. In contrast, effective photocatalytic attack of bacteria could be observed by UV-A as well as by UV-A/VIS at 380 nm < λ < 390 nm only. Wavelengths above 380 nm show promise for in situ therapeutic antifouling applications.

Integrated photocatalytic filtration array for indoor air quality control.

PubMed

Denny, Frans; Permana, Eric; Scott, Jason; Wang, Jing; Pui, David Y H; Amal, Rose

2010-07-15

Photocatalytic and filtration technologies were integrated to develop a hybrid system capable of removing and oxidizing organic pollutants from an air stream. A fluidized bed aerosol generator (FBAG) was adapted to prepare TiO(2)-loaded ventilation filters for the photodegradation of gas phase ethanol. Compared to a manually loaded filter, the ethanol photodegradation rate constant for the FBAG coated filter increased by 361%. Additionally, the presence of the photogenerated intermediate product, acetaldehyde, was reduced and the time for mineralization to CO(2) was accelerated. These improvements were attributed to the FBAG system providing a more uniform distribution of TiO(2) particles across the filter surface leading to greater accessibility by the UV light. A dual-UV-lamp system, as opposed to a single-lamp system, enhanced photocatalytic filter performance demonstrating the importance of high light irradiance and light distribution across the filter surface. Substituting the blacklight blue lamps with a UV-light-emitting-diode (UV-LED) array led to further improvement as well as suppressed the electrical energy per order (EE/O) by a factor of 6. These improvements derived from the more uniform distribution of light irradiance as well as the higher efficiency of UV-LEDs in converting electrical energy to photons.

Suppressing spontaneous polarization of p-GaN by graphene oxide passivation: Augmented light output of GaN UV-LED

PubMed Central

Jeong, Hyun; Jeong, Seung Yol; Park, Doo Jae; Jeong, Hyeon Jun; Jeong, Sooyeon; Han, Joong Tark; Jeong, Hee Jin; Yang, Sunhye; Kim, Ho Young; Baeg, Kang-Jun; Park, Sae June; Ahn, Yeong Hwan; Suh, Eun-Kyung; Lee, Geon-Woong; Lee, Young Hee; Jeong, Mun Seok

2015-01-01

GaN-based ultraviolet (UV) LEDs are widely used in numerous applications, including white light pump sources and high-density optical data storage. However, one notorious issue is low hole injection rate in p-type transport layer due to poorly activated holes and spontaneous polarization, giving rise to insufficient light emission efficiency. Therefore, improving hole injection rate is a key step towards high performance UV-LEDs. Here, we report a new method of suppressing spontaneous polarization in p-type region to augment light output of UV-LEDs. This was achieved by simply passivating graphene oxide (GO) on top of the fully fabricated LED. The dipole layer formed by the passivated GO enhanced hole injection rate by suppressing spontaneous polarization in p-type region. The homogeneity of electroluminescence intensity in active layers was improved due to band filling effect. As a consequence, the light output was enhanced by 60% in linear current region. Our simple approach of suppressing spontaneous polarization of p-GaN using GO passivation disrupts the current state of the art technology and will be useful for high-efficiency UV-LED technology. PMID:25586148

Suppressing spontaneous polarization of p-GaN by graphene oxide passivation: augmented light output of GaN UV-LED.

PubMed

Jeong, Hyun; Jeong, Seung Yol; Park, Doo Jae; Jeong, Hyeon Jun; Jeong, Sooyeon; Han, Joong Tark; Jeong, Hee Jin; Yang, Sunhye; Kim, Ho Young; Baeg, Kang-Jun; Park, Sae June; Ahn, Yeong Hwan; Suh, Eun-Kyung; Lee, Geon-Woong; Lee, Young Hee; Jeong, Mun Seok

2015-01-14

GaN-based ultraviolet (UV) LEDs are widely used in numerous applications, including white light pump sources and high-density optical data storage. However, one notorious issue is low hole injection rate in p-type transport layer due to poorly activated holes and spontaneous polarization, giving rise to insufficient light emission efficiency. Therefore, improving hole injection rate is a key step towards high performance UV-LEDs. Here, we report a new method of suppressing spontaneous polarization in p-type region to augment light output of UV-LEDs. This was achieved by simply passivating graphene oxide (GO) on top of the fully fabricated LED. The dipole layer formed by the passivated GO enhanced hole injection rate by suppressing spontaneous polarization in p-type region. The homogeneity of electroluminescence intensity in active layers was improved due to band filling effect. As a consequence, the light output was enhanced by 60% in linear current region. Our simple approach of suppressing spontaneous polarization of p-GaN using GO passivation disrupts the current state of the art technology and will be useful for high-efficiency UV-LED technology.

Glass-Based Transparent Conductive Electrode: Its Application to Visible-to-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Lee, Tae Ho; Kim, Kyeong Heon; Lee, Byeong Ryong; Park, Ju Hyun; Schubert, E Fred; Kim, Tae Geun

2016-12-28

Nitride-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) are promising replacements for conventional UV lamps. However, the external quantum efficiency of UV LEDs is much lower than for visible LEDs due to light absorption in the p-GaN contact and electrode layers, along with p-AlGaN growth and doping issues. To minimize such absorption, we should obtain direct ohmic contact to p-AlGaN using UV-transparent ohmic electrodes and not use p-GaN as a contact layer. Here, we propose a glass-based transparent conductive electrode (TCE) produced using electrical breakdown (EBD) of an AlN thin film, and we apply the thin film to four (Al)GaN-based visible and UV LEDs with thin buffer layers for current spreading and damage protection. Compared to LEDs with optimal ITO contacts, our LEDs with AlN TCEs exhibit a lower forward voltage, higher light output power, and brighter light emission for all samples. The ohmic transport mechanism for current injection and spreading from the metal electrode to p-(Al)GaN layer via AlN TCE is also investigated by analyzing the p-(Al)GaN surface before and after EBD.

Employing the conventional edge-lighting technology into ultraviolet-range: a preliminary study by optical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Linchao; Belloni, Paola; Möller, Knut

2011-10-01

Within the framework of a project conducted together with an industrial partner, a self-disinfecting operation interface with a glass panel is being developed. The concept of self-disinfection is based on the exploitation of the photocatalytical effect induced by a TiO2-coating on the glass surface under UV(A) light, which would make the touch screen antimicrobial. High-power UV-LEDs instead of conventional UV-lamps have been employed as light source. The main goal and challenge of the optical design is to generate an efficient and preferably homogeneous UV field on the TiO2-coated side while keeping the UV-LEDs concealed, i.e. invisible to the user. Therefore common backlighting systems have been used as reference and modified to meet the concrete requirements. Primary analysis and optical simulations have been performed with the software LightTools®. Several patterns for light redirection (i.e. 3D-spherical texture, 3D-rectangular texture and 2D-circular serigraph) have been investigated, compared and evaluated. Finally the pattern design which both fulfills all the predefined boundary conditions and simultaneously reduces the costs has been chosen.

A comparison of commercial light-emitting diode baited suction traps for surveillance of Culicoides in northern Europe.

PubMed

Hope, Andrew; Gubbins, Simon; Sanders, Christopher; Denison, Eric; Barber, James; Stubbins, Francesca; Baylis, Matthew; Carpenter, Simon

2015-04-22

The response of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to artificial light sources has led to the use of light-suction traps in surveillance programmes. Recent integration of light emitting diodes (LED) in traps improves flexibility in trapping through reduced power requirements and also allows the wavelength of light used for trapping to be customized. This study investigates the responses of Culicoides to LED light-suction traps emitting different wavelengths of light to make recommendations for use in surveillance. The abundance and diversity of Culicoides collected using commercially available traps fitted with Light Emitting Diode (LED) platforms emitting ultraviolet (UV) (390 nm wavelength), blue (430 nm), green (570 nm), yellow (590 nm), red (660 nm) or white light (425 nm - 750 nm with peaks at 450 nm and 580 nm) were compared. A Centre for Disease Control (CDC) UV light-suction trap was also included within the experimental design which was fitted with a 4 watt UV tube (320-420 nm). Generalised linear models with negative binomial error structure and log-link function were used to compare trap abundance according to LED colour, meteorological conditions and seasonality. The experiment was conducted over 49 nights with 42,766 Culicoides caught in 329 collections. Culicoides obsoletus Meigen and Culicoides scoticus Downes and Kettle responded indiscriminately to all wavelengths of LED used with the exception of red which was significantly less attractive. In contrast, Culicoides dewulfi Goetghebuer and Culicoides pulicaris Linnaeus were found in significantly greater numbers in the green LED trap than in the UV LED trap. The LED traps collected significantly fewer Culicoides than the standard CDC UV light-suction trap. Catches of Culicoides were reduced in LED traps when compared to the standard CDC UV trap, however, their reduced power requirement and small size fulfils a requirement for trapping in logistically challenging areas or where many traps are deployed at a single site. Future work should combine light wavelengths to improve trapping sensitivity and potentially enable direct comparisons with collections from hosts, although this may ultimately require different forms of baits to be developed.

Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of sulphonated diazo dye C.I. Reactive Green 19 using ceramic-coated TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Rastegar, M; Shadbad, K Rahmati; Khataee, A R; Pourrajab, R

2012-01-01

Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Reactive Green 19 (RG 19) under UV light irradiation using ceramic-coated TiO2 nanoparticles in a continuous circulation rectangular photoreactor was studied. The used catalyst was TiO2 Millennium PC-500 (crystallite mean size 8 nm) immobilized on ceramic plates. A central composite design was used for optimization of the UV/TiO2 process. Predicted values of decolorization efficiency were found to be in good agreement with experimental values (R2 = 0.97 and Adj-R2 = 0.91). Optimization results showed that maximum decolorization efficiency was achieved at the optimum conditions of: initial dye concentration 10 mg/L, UV light intensity 47.2 W/m2, flow rate 150 mL/min and reaction time 240 min. Photocatalytic mineralization of RG 19 was monitored by chemical oxygen demand (COD) decrease and changes in the UV-Vis spectrum.

Hydrothermal preparation of silver telluride nanostructures and photo-catalytic investigation in degradation of toxic dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholamrezaei, Sousan; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud; Ghanbari, Davood; Bagheri, Samira

2016-01-01

Different morphologies of Ag2Te nanostructures were synthesized using TeCl4 as a new precursor and hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent by a hydrothermal method. Various parameters that affect on morphology and purity of nanostructures were optimized. According to our experiments the best time and temperature for preparation of this nanostructure are 12 h and 120 °C. The photo-catalytic behaviour of nanostructures in presence of UV- visible light for degradation of methyl orange was investigated. Results show that the presence of UV light is necessary for an efficient degradation of dye in aqueous solution. On the other hand, as observations propose the Ag2Te reveal a strong photoluminescence peak at room temperature that could be attributed to high level transition in the semiconductor. Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques and UV-visible scanning spectrometer (UV-Vis).

Can the RUVIS reflected UV imaging system visualize fingerprint corrosion on brass cartridge casings postfiring?

PubMed

Leintz, Rachel; Bond, John W

2013-05-01

Comparisons are made between the visualization of fingerprint corrosion ridge detail on fired brass cartridge casings, where fingerprint sweat was deposited prefiring, using both ultraviolet (UV) and visible (natural daylight) light sources. A reflected ultraviolet imaging system (RUVIS), normally used for visualizing latent fingerprint sweat deposits, is compared with optical interference and digital color mapping of visible light, the latter using apparatus constructed to easily enable selection of the optimum viewing angle. Results show that reflected UV, with a monochromatic UV source of 254 nm, was unable to visualize fingerprint ridge detail on any of 12 casings analyzed, whereas optical interference and digital color mapping using natural daylight yielded ridge detail on three casings. Reasons for the lack of success with RUVIS are discussed in terms of the variation in thickness of the thin film of metal oxide corrosion and absorption wavelengths for the corrosion products of brass. © 2013 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Fabrication of 3D nano-structures using reverse imprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Kang-Soo; Hong, Sung-Hoon; Kim, Kang-In; Cho, Joong-Yeon; Choi, Kyung-woo; Lee, Heon

2013-02-01

In spite of the fact that the fabrication process of three-dimensional nano-structures is complicated and expensive, it can be applied to a range of devices to increase their efficiency and sensitivity. Simple and inexpensive fabrication of three-dimensional nano-structures is necessary. In this study, reverse imprint lithography (RIL) with UV-curable benzylmethacrylate, methacryloxypropyl terminated poly-dimethylsiloxane (M-PDMS) resin and ZnO-nano-particle-dispersed resin was used to fabricate three-dimensional nano-structures. UV-curable resins were placed between a silicon stamp and a PVA transfer template, followed by a UV curing process. Then, the silicon stamp was detached and a 2D pattern layer was transferred to the substrate using diluted UV-curable glue. Consequently, three-dimensional nano-structures were formed by stacking the two-dimensional nano-patterned layers. RIL was applied to a light-emitting diode (LED) to evaluate the optical effects of a nano-patterned layer. As a result, the light extraction of the patterned LED was increased by about 12% compared to an unpatterned LED.

Fabrication of 3D nano-structures using reverse imprint lithography.

PubMed

Han, Kang-Soo; Hong, Sung-Hoon; Kim, Kang-In; Cho, Joong-Yeon; Choi, Kyung-Woo; Lee, Heon

2013-02-01

In spite of the fact that the fabrication process of three-dimensional nano-structures is complicated and expensive, it can be applied to a range of devices to increase their efficiency and sensitivity. Simple and inexpensive fabrication of three-dimensional nano-structures is necessary. In this study, reverse imprint lithography (RIL) with UV-curable benzylmethacrylate, methacryloxypropyl terminated poly-dimethylsiloxane (M-PDMS) resin and ZnO-nano-particle-dispersed resin was used to fabricate three-dimensional nano-structures.UV-curable resins were placed between a silicon stamp and a PVA transfer template, followed by a UV curing process. Then, the silicon stamp was detached and a 2D pattern layer was transferred to the substrate using diluted UV-curable glue. Consequently, three-dimensional nano-structures were formed by stacking the two-dimensional nano-patterned layers. RIL was applied to a light-emitting diode (LED) to evaluate the optical effects of a nano-patterned layer. As a result, the light extraction of the patterned LED was increased by about 12% compared to an unpatterned LED.

Exciplex formation and electroluminescent absorption in ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qi; Zhang, Hao; Zhang, Xiao-Wen; Xu, Tao; Wei, Bin

2015-02-01

We investigated the formation of exciplex and electroluminescent absorption in ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodes (UV OLEDs) using different heterojunction structures. It is found that an energy barrier of over 0.3 eV between the emissive layer (EML) and adjacent transport layer facilitates exciplex formation. The electron blocking layer effectively confines electrons in the EML, which contributes to pure UV emission and enhances efficiency. The change in EML thickness generates tunable UV emission from 376 nm to 406 nm. In addition, the UV emission excites low-energy organic function layers and produces photoluminescent emission. In UV OLED, avoiding the exciplex formation and averting light absorption can effectively improve the purity and efficiency. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.2% with a UV emission peak of 376 nm is realized. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61136003 and 61275041) and the Guangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China (Grant No. 2012GXNSFBA053168).

Imaging camera system of OYGBR-phosphor-based white LED lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobashi, Katsuya; Taguchi, Tsunemasa

2005-03-01

The near-ultraviolet (nUV) white LED approach is analogous to three-color fluorescent lamp technology, which is based on the conversion of nUV radiation to visible light via the photoluminescence process in phosphor materials. The nUV light is not included in the white light generation from nUV-based white LED devices. This technology can thus provide a higher quality of white light than the blue and YAG method. A typical device demonstrates white luminescence with Tc=3,700 K, Ra > 93, K > 40 lm/W and chromaticity (x, y) = (0.39, 0.39), respectively. The orange, yellow, green and blue OYGB) or orange, yellow, red, green and blue (OYRGB) device shows a luminescence spectrum broader than of an RGB white LED and a better color rendering index. Such superior luminous characteristics could be useful for the application of several kinds of endoscope. We have shown the excellent pictures of digestive organs in a stomach of a dog due to the strong green component and high Ra.

A Cs(x)WO3/ZnO nanocomposite as a smart coating for photocatalytic environmental cleanup and heat insulation.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaoyong; Yin, Shu; Xue, Dongfeng; Komarneni, Sridhar; Sato, Tsugio

2015-10-28

A novel CsxWO3/ZnO smart coating was proposed to achieve multiple functions, such as heat insulation, photodecomposition of toxic NO gas, blocking of harmful UV light, etc. In this composite coating, CsxWO3 nanorods were used as a NIR and UV light shielding material while ZnO nanoparticles were utilized as a photocatalyst and a material to enhance visible light transmittance and block UV light. When the mass ratio of CsxWO3/ZnO was 1, the composite coating possessed a very good visible light transmittance of over 80% and an excellent UV-shielding ability. This novel coating showed heat insulation that is superior to the ITO coating and photocatalytic decontamination of NO gas that is superior to the standard TiO2 (P25). The proposed CsxWO3/ZnO smart coating is a promising material not only for energy saving but also for environmental cleanup.

Faster DNA Repair of Ultraviolet-Induced Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers and Lower Sensitivity to Apoptosis in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells than in Epidermal Keratinocytes

PubMed Central

Mallet, Justin D.; Bastien, Nathalie; Gendron, Sébastien P.; Rochette, Patrick J.

2016-01-01

Absorption of UV rays by DNA generates the formation of mutagenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and pyrimidine (6–4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PP). These damages are the major cause of skin cancer because in turn, they can lead to signature UV mutations. The eye is exposed to UV light, but the cornea is orders of magnitude less prone to UV-induced cancer. In an attempt to shed light on this paradox, we compared cells of the corneal epithelium and the epidermis for UVB-induced DNA damage frequency, repair and cell death sensitivity. We found similar CPD levels but a 4-time faster UVB-induced CPD, but not 6-4PP, repair and lower UV-induced apoptosis sensitivity in corneal epithelial cells than epidermal. We then investigated levels of DDB2, a UV-induced DNA damage recognition protein mostly impacting CPD repair, XPC, essential for the repair of both CPD and 6-4PP and p53 a protein upstream of the genotoxic stress response. We found more DDB2, XPC and p53 in corneal epithelial cells than in epidermal cells. According to our results analyzing the protein stability of DDB2 and XPC, the higher level of DDB2 and XPC in corneal epithelial cells is most likely due to an increased stability of the protein. Taken together, our results show that corneal epithelial cells have a better efficiency to repair UV-induced mutagenic CPD. On the other hand, they are less prone to UV-induced apoptosis, which could be related to the fact that since the repair is more efficient in the HCEC, the need to eliminate highly damaged cells by apoptosis is reduced. PMID:27611318

The response of mammalian cells to UV-light reveals Rad54-dependent and independent pathways of homologous recombination.

PubMed

Eppink, Berina; Tafel, Agnieszka A; Hanada, Katsuhiro; van Drunen, Ellen; Hickson, Ian D; Essers, Jeroen; Kanaar, Roland

2011-11-10

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced DNA lesions can be efficiently repaired by nucleotide excision repair (NER). However, NER is less effective during replication of UV-damaged chromosomes. In contrast, translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) and homologous recombination (HR) are capable of dealing with lesions in replicating DNA. The core HR protein in mammalian cells is the strand exchange protein RAD51, which is aided by numerous proteins, including RAD54. We used RAD54 as a cellular marker for HR to study the response of mammalian embryonic stem (ES) cells to UV irradiation. In contrast to yeast, ES cells lacking RAD54 are not UV sensitive. Here we show that the requirement for mammalian RAD54 is masked by active NER. By genetically inactivating NER and HR through disruption of the Xpa and Rad54 genes, respectively, we demonstrate the contribution of HR to chromosomal integrity upon UV irradiation. We demonstrate using chromosome fiber analysis at the individual replication fork level, that HR activity is important for the restart of DNA replication after induction of DNA damage by UV-light in NER-deficient cells. Furthermore, our data reveal RAD54-dependent and -independent contributions of HR to the cellular sensitivity to UV-light, and they uncover that RAD54 can compensate for the loss of TLS polymerase η with regard to UV-light sensitivity. In conclusion, we show that HR is important for the progression of UV-stalled replication forks in ES cells, and that protection of the fork is an interplay between HR and TLS. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improvement of electrical and optical properties of p-GaN Ohmic metals under ultraviolet light irradiation annealing processes

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

Chae, S.W.; Yoon, S.K.; Kwak, J.S.

2006-05-15

We report the improvement of electrical and optical properties of p-GaN Ohmic metals, ZnNi(10 nm)/Au(10 nm), by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. After UV light irradiation, the specific contact resistance of p-GaN decreased slightly from 2.99x10{sup -4} to 2.54x10{sup -4} {omega} cm{sup 2}, while the transmittance of the contact layer increased form 75% to 85% at a wavelength of 460 nm. In addition, the forward voltage of InGaN/GaN light-emitting diode chip at 20 mA decreased from 3.55 to 3.45 V, and the output power increased form 18 to 25 mW by UV light irradiation. The low resistance and high transmittance ofmore » the p-GaN Ohmic metals are attributed to the reduced Shottky barrier by the formation of gallium oxide and the increased oxidation of p-Ohmic metals, respectively, due to ozone generated form oxygen during UV light irradiation.« less

REPRESSOR OF ULTRAVIOLET-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS function allows efficient phototropin mediated ultraviolet-B phototropism in etiolated seedlings.

PubMed

Vanhaelewyn, Lucas; Schumacher, Paolo; Poelman, Dirk; Fankhauser, Christian; Van Der Straeten, Dominique; Vandenbussche, Filip

2016-11-01

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) light is a part of the solar radiation which has significant effects on plant morphology, even at low doses. In Arabidopsis, many of these morphological changes have been attributed to a specific UV-B receptor, UV resistance locus 8 (UVR8). Recent findings showed that next to phototropin regulated phototropism, UVR8 mediated signaling is able of inducing directional bending towards UV-B light in etiolated seedlings of Arabidopsis, in a phototropin independent manner. In this study, kinetic analysis of phototropic bending was used to evaluate the relative contribution of each of these pathways in UV-B mediated phototropism. Diminishing UV-B light intensity favors the importance of phototropins. Molecular and genetic analyses suggest that UV-B is capable of inducing phototropin signaling relying on phototropin kinase activity and regulation of NPH3. Moreover, enhanced UVR8 responses in the UV-B hypersensitive rup1rup2 mutants interferes with the fast phototropin mediated phototropism. Together the data suggest that phototropins are the most important receptors for UV-B induced phototropism in etiolated seedlings, and a RUP mediated negative feedback pathway prevents UVR8 signaling to interfere with the phototropin dependent response. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infectivity of Giardia duodenalis Cysts from UV Light-Disinfected Wastewater Effluent Using a Nude BALB/c Mouse Model

PubMed Central

dos Santos, Luciana Urbano; Alves, Delma Pegolo; Guaraldo, Ana Maria Aparecida; Cantusio Neto, Romeu; Durigan, Mauricio; Franco, Regina Maura Bueno

2013-01-01

Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan of public health interest that causes gastroenteritis in humans and other animals. In the city of Campinas in southeast Brazil, giardiasis is endemic, and this pathogen is detected at high concentrations in wastewater effluents, which are potential reservoirs for transmission. The Samambaia wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the city of Campinas employs an activated sludge system for sewage treatment and ultraviolet (UV) light for disinfection of effluents. To evaluate this disinfection process with respect to inactivating G. duodenalis cysts, two sample types were investigated: (i) effluent without UV disinfection (EFL) and (ii) effluent with UV disinfection (EFL+UV). Nude immunodeficient BALB/c mice were intragastrically inoculated with a mean dose of 14 cysts of G. duodenalis recovered from effluent from this WWTP, EFL, or EFL+UV. All animals inoculated with G. duodenalis cysts developed the infection, but animals inoculated with UV-exposed cysts released a lower average concentration of cysts in their faeces than animals inoculated with cysts that were not UV disinfected. Trophozoites were also observed in both groups of animals. These findings suggest that G. duodenalis cysts exposed to UV light were damaged but were still able to cause infection. PMID:27335858

Proton NMR spectral study of UV treated live Escherichia coli Bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorokopud, Michael

The lethal effects of ultraviolet radiation on microorganisms have been known and utilized for many years. In sufficiently high photon fluences, light and in particular, UV light, is an effective and subtle means of killing or at least immobilizing most, if not all cells and micro-organisms. Because of their small size, light can penetrate the enclosing protective walls and enter the inner volumes where it can break organic bonds in components that are vital to cell function. Despite the fact that a very low dose of UV light (1-9 mJ/cm2) has been shown to inactivate many micro-organisms, there remains a dearth of biological information about light induced effects in molecules and their interactions within living microbial systems. The use of 1H NMR as a spectroscopic tool was chosen to undertake an examination of the possible effects resulting from exposing E. coli to lethal fluencies of UV radiation. Once sample preparation, treatment, and NMR mounting methods were optimized, the high sensitivity and high resolution capabilities of the method produced reproducible results for a series of experiments. These results reveal significant changes in the ratio of the 1H NMR spectra of the treated to untreated E.coli samples when the treated sample was exposed to a lethal fluence of 275nm light. Photons at the 275nm wavelength, used in this study, have enough energy to break all of the principle bonds in an organic molecule. The difference spectrum between treated to untreated samples appears to be fitted well using specific component spectra from these groups of compounds. Increases in NMR peak amplitudes are observed and appear to be correlated with the spectral locations of several amino acids, membrane components and several sugars/saccharides. Increases in peak intensities of 4-8% were observed in the 0.8-1.1 ppm chemical shift region, characteristic of lipid and amino acid groups. A 3.5-4% increase was observed in the 2 ppm and 3.4-4 ppm region characteristic of various sugars and possibly amino acid components.

Effects of GaN/AlGaN/Sputtered AlN nucleation layers on performance of GaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes

PubMed Central

Hu, Hongpo; Zhou, Shengjun; Liu, Xingtong; Gao, Yilin; Gui, Chengqun; Liu, Sheng

2017-01-01

We report on the demonstration of GaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) emitting at 375 nm grown on patterned sapphire substrate (PSS) with in-situ low temperature GaN/AlGaN nucleation layers (NLs) and ex-situ sputtered AlN NL. The threading dislocation (TD) densities in GaN-based UV LEDs with GaN/AlGaN/sputtered AlN NLs were determined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed that the TD density in UV LED with AlGaN NL was the highest, whereas that in UV LED with sputtered AlN NL was the lowest. The light output power (LOP) of UV LED with AlGaN NL was 18.2% higher than that of UV LED with GaN NL owing to a decrease in the absorption of 375 nm UV light in the AlGaN NL with a larger bandgap. Using a sputtered AlN NL instead of the AlGaN NL, the LOP of UV LED was further enhanced by 11.3%, which is attributed to reduced TD density in InGaN/AlInGaN active region. In the sputtered AlN thickness range of 10–25 nm, the LOP of UV LED with 15-nm-thick sputtered AlN NL was the highest, revealing that optimum thickness of the sputtered AlN NL is around 15 nm. PMID:28294166

Tanning preparations.

PubMed

Levy, S B

2000-10-01

Increasing consumer awareness as to the hazards of UV light should fuel ongoing interest in self-tanning products. As a result of the benign toxicologic profile of DHA, products containing DHA represent a safe alternative to UV-induced tanning. The results obtained with these products depend on the final formulation, the individual application technique, and the consumer's complexion type. Greater experience in formulation combined with increasing sophistication on the part of the consumer should lead to continuing growth in interest and satisfaction with the use of DHA-containing sunless or self-tanning products. Individuals need to be informed that these products do not offer significant protection against UV-B. If formulated with standard sunscreens, consumers should be cautioned that the duration of UV protection is more short-lived than the color change.

Ultraviolet-B component of sunlight stimulates photosynthesis and flavonoid accumulation in variegated Plectranthus coleoides leaves depending on background light.

PubMed

Vidović, Marija; Morina, Filis; Milić, Sonja; Zechmann, Bernd; Albert, Andreas; Winkler, Jana Barbro; Veljović Jovanović, Sonja

2015-05-01

We used variegated Plectranthus coleoides as a model plant with the aim of clarifying whether the effects of realistic ultraviolet-B (UV-B) doses on phenolic metabolism in leaves are mediated by photosynthesis. Plants were exposed to UV-B radiation (0.90 W m(-2) ) combined with two photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensities [395 and 1350 μmol m(-2)  s(-1) , low light (LL) and high light (HL)] for 9 d in sun simulators. Our study indicates that UV-B component of sunlight stimulates CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance, depending on background light. UV-B-specific induction of apigenin and cyanidin glycosides was observed in both green and white tissues. However, all the other phenolic subclasses were up to four times more abundant in green leaf tissue. Caffeic and rosmarinic acids, catechin and epicatechin, which are endogenous peroxidase substrates, were depleted at HL in green tissue. This was correlated with increased peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activities and increased ascorbate content. The UV-B supplement to HL attenuated antioxidative metabolism and partly recovered the phenolic pool indicating stimulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. In summary, we propose that ortho-dihydroxy phenolics are involved in antioxidative defence in chlorophyllous tissue upon light excess, while apigenin and cyanidin in white tissue have preferentially UV-screening function. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A reversible conductivity modulation of azobenzene-based ionic liquids in aqueous solutions using UV/vis light.

PubMed

Li, Zhiyong; Yuan, Xiaoqing; Feng, Ying; Chen, Yongkui; Zhao, Yuling; Wang, Huiyong; Xu, Qingli; Wang, Jianji

2018-05-09

Photo-induced conductivity modulation of stimuli-responsive materials is of great importance from the viewpoint of fundamental research and technology. In this work, 5 new kinds of azobenzene-based photo-responsive ionic liquids were synthesized and characterized, and UV/vis light modulation of their conductivity was investigated in an aqueous solution. The factors affecting the conductivity modulation of the photo-responsive fluids, such as photo-isomerization efficiency, photo-regulation aggregation, concentration and chemical structure of the ionic liquids, were examined systematically. It was found that the conductivity of the ionic liquids in water exhibited a significant increase upon UV light irradiation and the ionic liquids with a shorter alkyl spacer in the cation showed a more remarkable photo-induced conductivity enhancement with a maximum increase of 150%. In addition, the solution conductivity was restored (or very close) to the initial value upon an alternative irradiation with visible light. Thus, the solution conductivity can be modulated using alternative irradiation with UV and visible light. Although the reversible photo-isomerization of the azobenzene group under UV/vis irradiation is the origin of the conductivity modulation, the photo-regulated aggregation of the ionic liquid in water is indispensable for the maximum degree of conductivity modulation because UV irradiation can weaken, even break the aggregated cis-isomers of the ionic liquids in an aqueous solution.

Enhanced photo-activated luminescence for screening polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and other related chlorinated compounds

DOEpatents

Vo-Dinh, Tuan

1994-01-01

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls and other chlorinated compounds in a sample is determined by treating the sample with a photo-activator and then exposing the treated sample to a UV light source. The UV light produces a photo-product complex, which is subsequently excited with UV light to cause luminescence of the complex. The luminescence is detected and characteristics of the luminescence spectra are used to determine the presence of chlorinated compounds and also the quantity of the chlorine in the compounds

Enhanced photo-activated luminescence for screening polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and other related chlorinated compounds

DOEpatents

Vo-Dinh, Tuan

1993-01-01

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls and other chlorinated compounds in a sample is determined by treating the sample with a photo-activator and then exposing the treated sample to a UV light source. The UV light produces a photo-product complex, which is subsequently excited with UV light to cause luminescence of the complex. The luminescence is detected and characteristics of the luminescence spectra are used to determine the presence of chlorinated compounds and also the quantity of the chlorine in the compounds.

Enhanced photo-activated luminescence for screening polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and other related chlorinated compounds

DOEpatents

Vo-Dinh, T.

1994-06-07

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls and other chlorinated compounds in a sample is determined by treating the sample with a photo-activator and then exposing the treated sample to a UV light source. The UV light produces a photo-product complex, which is subsequently excited with UV light to cause luminescence of the complex. The luminescence is detected and characteristics of the luminescence spectra are used to determine the presence of chlorinated compounds and also the quantity of the chlorine in the compounds. 14 figs.

Enhanced photo-activated luminescence for screening polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and other related chlorinated compounds

DOEpatents

Tuan Vodinh.

1993-12-21

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls and other chlorinated compounds in a sample is determined by treating the sample with a photo-activator and then exposing the treated sample to a UV light source. The UV light produces a photo-product complex, which is subsequently excited with UV light to cause luminescence of the complex. The luminescence is detected and characteristics of the luminescence spectra are used to determine the presence of chlorinated compounds and also the quantity of the chlorine in the compounds. 14 figures.

Why is it advantageous for animals to detect celestial polarization in the ultraviolet? Skylight polarization under clouds and canopies is strongest in the UV.

PubMed

Barta, András; Horváth, Gábor

2004-02-21

The perception of skylight polarization in the ultraviolet (UV) by many insect species for orientation purposes is rather surprising, because both the degree of linear polarization and the radiance of light from the clear sky are considerably lower in the UV than in the blue or green. In this work we call this the "UV-sky-pol paradox". Although in the past, several attempts have been made to resolve this paradox, none of them was convincing. We present here a possible quantitative resolution to the paradox. We show by a model calculation that if the air layer between a cloud and a ground-based observer is partly sunlit, the degree of linear polarization p of skylight originating from the cloudy region is highest in the UV, because in this spectral range the unpolarized UV-deficient cloudlight dilutes least the polarized light scattered in the air beneath the cloud. Similarly, if the air under foliage is partly sunlit, p of downwelling light from the canopied region is maximal in the UV, because in this part of spectrum the unpolarized UV-deficient green canopylight dilutes least the polarized light scattered in the air beneath the canopy. Therefore, the detection of polarization of downwelling light under clouds or canopies is most advantageous in the UV, in which spectral range the risk is the smallest that the degree of polarization p is lower than the threshold p(tr) of polarization sensitivity in animals. On the other hand, under clear skies there is no favoured wavelength for perception of celestial polarization, because p of skylight is high enough (p > p(tr)) at all wavelengths. We show that there is an analogy between the detection of UV skylight polarization and the polarotactic water detection in the UV. However, insects perceive skylight polarization by UV or blue or green receptors. The question, why they differ in the spectral channel used for the detection of celestial polarization cannot be answered at the present time, because data are insufficient. Nevertheless, we present here one possible atmospheric optical reason why certain visual systems involved in detecting celestial polarization, are specifically tuned to the UV part of the spectrum.

Efficacy of ultraviolet light exposure against survival of Listeria monocytogenes on conveyor belts.

PubMed

Morey, Amit; McKee, Shelly R; Dickson, James S; Singh, Manpreet

2010-06-01

Listeria monocytogenes has been repeatedly isolated from foods and food-processing facilities including food contact surfaces such as conveyor belts (CB). CBs are often difficult to clean and require rigorous sanitation programs for decontamination. Ultraviolet (UV) light has exhibited microbicidal properties on food contact surfaces and this study was conducted to determine the efficacy of UV against L. monocytogenes on CB made of different materials. A four-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes (serotypes 3A, 4A, 4B, and 4C) was made to give a suspension of approximately 10(7) CFU/mL. CBs made from four different types of materials, (1) Ropanyl DM 8/2 A2 + 04 (belt 1), (2) Volta FRMW-3.0 (belt 2), (3) Volta FRMB-3.0 (belt 3), and (4) Ropanyl DM (belt 4), were inoculated with 1 mL of the four-strain cocktail (approximately 10(7) CFU/mL) of the bacterial suspension. CBs were treated with UV light (254 nm) for 1 and 3 sec at 5.53 and 5.95 mW/cm(2). Three replications of the experiments were conducted. Two-way analysis of variance of survival populations of L. monocytogenes showed that bacterial counts were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) on all belt types irrespective of UV light intensities and times of exposure. L. monocytogenes populations were reduced (p < 0.05) to below detection limits on belts 1, 2, and 3 after exposure to 5.95 mW/cm(2) UV light intensity for 3 sec. L. monocytogenes-inoculated CBs that were exposed to 5.53 mW/cm(2) showed higher (p < 0.05) survival populations of L. monocytogenes compared with 5.95 mW/cm(2) on all the four CBs. Belt 4 showed survival populations of L. monocytogenes ranging from 1.42 to 1.73 log(10) CFU/cm(2) after UV light treatment for 1 and 3 sec. UV light can be effectively used to reduce L. monocytogenes contamination on CBs.

Responses of He-Ne laser on agronomic traits and the crosstalk between UVR8 signaling and phytochrome B signaling pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana subjected to supplementary ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress.

PubMed

Gao, Limei; Li, Yongfeng; Shen, Zhihua; Han, Rong

2018-05-01

UV-B acclimation effects and UV-B damage repair induced by a 632.8-nm He-Ne laser were investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana plants in response to supplementary UV-B stress. There was an increasing trend in growth parameters in the combination-treated plants with He-Ne laser and UV-B light compared to those stressed with enhanced UV-B light alone during different developmental stages of plants. The photosynthetic efficiency (Pn) and survival rates of seedlings were significantly higher in the combination treatments than UV-B stress alone. The expression of UVR8, phytochrome B (PhyB), and their mediated signal responsive genes such as COP1, HY5, and CHS were also significantly upregulated in plants with the laser irradiation compared with other groups without the laser. Levels of flavonol accumulation in leaves and capsule yield of He-Ne laser-treated plants were increased. The phyB-9 mutants were more sensitive to enhanced UV-B stress and had no obvious improvements in plant phenotypic development and physiological damage caused by enhanced UV-B stress after He-Ne laser irradiation. Our results suggested that UVR8 and its mediated signaling pathway via interaction with COP1 can be induced by He-Ne laser, and these processes were dependent on cytoplasmic PhyB levels in plant cells, which might be one of the most important mechanisms of He-Ne laser on UV-B protection and UV-B damage repair. These current data have also elucidated that the biostimulatory effects of He-Ne laser on Arabidopsis thaliana plants would happen not only during the early growth stage but also during the entire late developmental stage.

The influence of light quality on the accumulation of flavonoids in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves.

PubMed

Fu, Bo; Ji, Xiaoming; Zhao, Mingqin; He, Fan; Wang, Xiaoli; Wang, Yiding; Liu, Pengfei; Niu, Lu

2016-09-01

Flavonoids are important secondary metabolites in plants regulated by the environment. To analyze the effect of light quality on the accumulation of flavonoids, we performed a rapid analysis of flavonoids in extracts of tobacco leaves using UHPLC-QTOF. A total of 12 flavonoids were detected and identified in tobacco leaves, which were classified into flavonoid methyl derivatives and flavonoid glycoside derivatives according to the groups linked to the flavonoid core. Correlation analysis was further conducted to investigate the effect of different wavelengths of light on their accumulation. The content of flavonoid methyl derivatives was positively correlated with the proportions of far-red light (FR; 716-810nm) and near-infrared light (NIR; 810-2200nm) in the sunlight spectrum and negatively correlated with the proportion of ultraviolet (UV-A; 350-400nm) and the red/far-red ratio (R/FR). By contrast, the content of flavonoid glycoside derivatives was positively correlated with the proportion of UV-A and the R/FR, and negatively correlated with FR and NIR. The results indicated that light quality with higher proportions of FR and NIR increases the activity of flavonoid methyltransferases but suppresses the activity of flavonoid glycoside transferases. While a high proportion of UV-A and a high R/FR can increase flavonoid glycoside transferase activity but suppress flavonoid methyltransferase activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bio-industrial waste silk fibroin protein and carbon nanotube induced carbonized growth of one dimensional ZnO based bio-nanosheets and their enhanced optoelectronic properties.

PubMed

Saravanan, Adhimoorthy; Huang, Bohr-Ran; Kathiravan, Deepa

2018-06-01

High performance UV/visible photodetectors are successfully fabricated from ZnO/fibroin protein-carbon nanotube (ZFPCNT) composites using a simple hydrothermal method. The as-fabricated ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) and ZFPCNT nanostructures were measured under different light illuminations. The measurements showed the UV-light photoresponse of the as-fabricated ZFPCNT nanostructures (55,555) to be approximately 26454% higher than that of the as-prepared ZnO NRs (210). This photodetector can sense photons with energies considerably smaller (2.75 eV) than the band gap of ZnO (3.22 eV). It was observed that the finest distribution of fibroin and CNT into 1D ZnO resulted in rapid electron transportation and hole recombination via carbon/nitrogen dopants from the ZFPCNT. Carbon dopants create new energy levels on the conduction band of the ZFPCNT, which reduces the barrier height to allow for charge carrier transportation under light illumination. Moreover, the nitrogen dopants increase the adsorptivity and amount of oxygen vacancies in the ZFPCNT so that it exhibits fast response/recovery times both in the dark and under light illumination. The selectivity of UV light among the other types of illumination can be ascribed to the deep-level energy traps (ET) of the ZFPCNT. These significant features of ZFPCNT lead to the excellent optical properties and creation of new pathways for the production of low-cost semiconductors and bio-waste protein based UV/visible photodetectors. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of the light emitted by artificial illumination systems.

PubMed

De Flora, Silvio

2013-03-01

The light delivered by artificial illumination systems, and in particular by halogen quartz bulbs, contains UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation, is genotoxic to both bacterial and human cells and is potently carcinogenic to hairless mice. Since IARC has classified UV radiation in Group 1, any source of UV light poses a carcinogenic hazard to humans. Suitable regulations would be needed in order to control the safety of the light emitted by artificial light sources.

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.

Enhanced light extraction in tunnel junction-enabled top emitting UV LEDs

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Yuewei; Allerman, Andrew A.; Krishnamoorthy, Sriram; ...

2016-04-11

The efficiency of ultra violet LEDs has been critically limited by the absorption losses in p-type and metal layers. In this work, surface roughening based light extraction structures are combined with tunneling based p-contacts to realize highly efficient top-side light extraction efficiency in UV LEDs. Surface roughening of the top n-type AlGaN contact layer is demonstrated using self-assembled Ni nano-clusters as etch mask. The top surface roughened LEDs were found to enhance external quantum efficiency by over 40% for UV LEDs with a peak emission wavelength of 326 nm. The method described here can enable highly efficient UV LEDs withoutmore » the need for complex manufacturing methods such as flip chip bonding.« less

Stability assessments on luminescent down-shifting molecules for UV-protection of perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheno, Alexandre; Trigaud, Thierry; Bouclé, Johann; Audebert, Pierre; Ratier, Bernard; Vedraine, Sylvain

2018-01-01

In this work the use of a S-tetrazine (NITZ) molecule with down-shifting capability to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells is reported. Indeed perovskite solar cells are known to present a high sensitivity to UV light and one strategy to overcome this issue is to actually supress the UV from the illumination light. The NITZ down-shifting molecule is well suited for this application since it has the particularity to be excited in the near-UV region and to emit into the visible light spectrum, giving the possibility to recycle UV photons for additional current generation. Through current-voltage curves, incident-photon-to-electron conversion efficiency, and photoluminescence spectroscopy characterization we show that NITZ presents an emission quantum yield of 30% which allows to reduce the loss of JSC induced by the use of a conventional UV filter, even if a net gain in photocurrent is not achieved in our case. We also present a simple prediction of the ability of a down-shifting molecule to efficiently perform for a specific active material. Moreover, we finally discuss the possibility to improve using such down-shifting strategy, the performance of some perovskite solar cells based on alternatives electron-transporting layers such as WO3, which are known to alter the active layer performance following UV light absorption.

EPR investigation of UV light effect on calcium carbonate powders with different grain sizes.

PubMed

Kabacińska, Zuzanna; Krzyminiewski, Ryszard; Dobosz, Bernadeta

2014-06-01

This study is based on investigation of calcium carbonate powders with different grain sizes exposed to UV light. Calcium carbonate is widely used in many branches of industry, e.g. as a filler for polymer materials; therefore, knowing its properties, among them also its reaction to UV light, is essential. Samples of powdered calcium carbonate with average grain sizes of 69 and 300 nm and 2.1, 6, 16, 25 µm were used in this investigation. Measurements were performed at room temperature using EPR X-band spectrometer, and they have shown the additional signals induced by the light from Hg lamp. The effect of annealing of the micro-grain samples was also studied. The spectra of four micro-grain samples after irradiation are similar, but there are differences between them and the other two powders, which could be related to the different sizes of their grains. Further studies based on these preliminary results may prove useful in research of photodegradation of CaCO3-filled materials, as well as helpful in increasing the accuracy of dating of archaeological and geological objects. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Relationships of microRNA expression in mouse lung with age and exposure to cigarette smoke and light.

PubMed

Izzotti, Alberto; Calin, George A; Steele, Vernon E; Croce, Carlo M; De Flora, Silvio

2009-09-01

MicroRNAs provide a formidable tool not only in cancer research but also to investigate physiological mechanisms and to assess the effect of environmental exposures in healthy tissues. Collectively, cigarette smoke and sunlight have been estimated to account for 40% of all human cancers, and not only smoke but also, surprisingly, UV light induced genomic and postgenomic alterations in mouse lung. Here we evaluated by microarray the expression of 484 microRNAs in the lungs of CD-1 mice, including newborns, postweanling males and females, and their dams, either untreated or exposed to environmental cigarette smoke and/or UV-containing light. The results obtained highlighted age-related variations in microRNA profiles, especially during the weanling period, due to perinatal stress and postnatal maturation of the lung. UV light alone did not affect pulmonary microRNAs, whereas smoke produced dramatic changes, mostly in the sense of down-regulation, reflecting both adaptive mechanisms and activation of pathways involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases. Both gender and age affected smoke-related microRNA dysregulation in mice. The data presented provide supporting evidence that microRNAs play a fundamental role in both physiological and pathological changes occurring in mouse lung.

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of a UV-B photoreceptor gene, MdUVR8 (UV Resistance Locus 8), from apple.

PubMed

Zhao, Cheng; Mao, Ke; You, Chun-Xiang; Zhao, Xian-Yan; Wang, Shu-Hui; Li, Yuan-Yuan; Hao, Yu-Jin

2016-06-01

UVR8 (UV Resistance Locus 8) is an ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 280-315nm) light receptor that is involved in regulating many aspects of plant growth and development. UV-B irradiation can increase the development of flower and fruit coloration in many fruit trees, such as grape, pear and apple. Previous investigations of the structure and functions of UVR8 in plants have largely focused on Arabidopsis. Here, we isolated the UVR8 gene from apple (Malus domestica) and analyzed its function in transgenic Arabidopsis. Genomic and protein sequence analysis showed that MdUVR8 shares high similarity with the AtUVR8 protein from Arabidopsis, including the conserved seven-bladed β-propeller, the C27 region, the 3 "GWRHT" motifs and crucial amino-acid residues (14 Trps, 2 Args). A point mutation prediction and three-dimensional structural analysis of MdUVR8 indicated that it has a similar structure to AtUVR8 and that the crucial residues are also important in MdUVR8. In terms of transcript levels, MdUVR8 expression was up-regulated by UV-B light, which suggests that its expression follows a 24-h circadian rhythm. Using heterologous expression of MdUVR8 in both uvr8-1 mutant and wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis, we found that MdUVR8 regulates hypocotyl elongation and gene expression under UV-B light. These data provide functional evidence for a role of MdUVR8 in controlling photomorphogenesis under UV-B light and indicate that the function of UVR8 is conserved between Arabidopsis and apple. Furthermore, we examined the interaction between MdUVR8 and MdCOP1 (constitutive photomorphogenic1) using a yeast two-hybrid assay and a co-immunoprecipitation assay. This interaction provides a direction for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of the UV-B-light pathway in apple. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bluish-green color emitting Ba2Si3O8:Eu2+ ceramic phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Xiao, F; Xue, Y N; Zhang, Q Y

2009-10-15

This paper reports on the structural and optical properties of Eu(2+) activated Ba(2)Si(3)O(8) ceramic phosphors synthesized by a sol-gel method. The ceramic phosphors have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and fluorescence measurements. The structural characterization results suggest that the as-prepared phosphors are of single phase monoclinic Ba(2)Si(3)O(8) with rod-like morphology. A broad excitation band ranging from 300 to 410 nm matches well with the ultraviolet (UV) radiation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Upon 380 nm UV light excitation, these phosphors emit bluish-green emission centered at 500 nm with color coordination (x=0.25, y=0.40). All the obtained results indicate that the Ba(2)Si(3)O(8):Eu(2+) ceramic phosphors are promising bluish-green candidates for the phosphor-converted white LEDs.

Modulated grayscale UV pattern for uniform photopolymerization based on a digital micromirror device system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Jinsik; Kim, Kibeom; Park, Wook

2017-07-01

We present an essential method for generating microparticles uniformly in a single ultraviolet (UV) light exposure area for optofluidic maskless lithography. In the optofluidic maskless lithography process, the productivity of monodisperse microparticles depends on the size of the UV exposure area. An effective fabrication area is determined by the size of the UV intensity profile map, satisfying the required uniformity of UV intensity. To increase the productivity of monodisperse microparticles in optofluidic maskless lithography, we expanded the effective UV exposure area by modulating the intensity of the desired UV light pattern based on the premeasured UV intensity profile map. We verified the improvement of the uniformity of the microparticles generated by the proposed modulation technique, providing histogram analyses of the conjugated fluorescent intensities and the sizes of the microparticles. Additionally, we demonstrated the generation of DNA uniformly encapsulated in microparticles.

Ultraviolet radiation as an ant repellent

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

Thorvilson, H.G.; Russell, S.A.; Green, B.

1996-12-31

In an effort to repel red imported fire ants (RIFA) from electrical devices, such as transformers, ultraviolet (UV) light was tested. Initial tests determined if RIFA`s tolerate a UV-irradiated environment when given a choice between UV-irradiated and non-irradiated. All replications in this test indicated that RIFA`s are intolerant of UV-irradiation and sought to escape it. RIFA`s moved to shaded environments and transported their brood out its well. A second test sought to determine if long-term UV-irradiation of the entire colonies cause increased RIFA mortality. Queenright colonies were exposed to UV irradiation of 254nm constantly for 115 days and colonies hadmore » a higher mortality rate than did a control colony. RIFA`s attempted to escape UV light and had increased rate when exposed to UV (254nm), but a practical application of this technique may be detrimental to insulation on electrical wiring.« less

Irradiation of skin with visible light induces reactive oxygen species and matrix-degrading enzymes.

PubMed

Liebel, Frank; Kaur, Simarna; Ruvolo, Eduardo; Kollias, Nikiforos; Southall, Michael D

2012-07-01

Daily skin exposure to solar radiation causes cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are a primary factor in skin damage. Although the contribution of the UV component to skin damage has been established, few studies have examined the effects of non-UV solar radiation on skin physiology. Solar radiation comprises <10% of UV, and thus the purpose of this study was to examine the physiological response of skin to visible light (400-700 nm). Irradiation of human skin equivalents with visible light induced production of ROS, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression. Commercially available sunscreens were found to have minimal effects on reducing visible light-induced ROS, suggesting that UVA/UVB sunscreens do not protect the skin from visible light-induced responses. Using clinical models to assess the generation of free radicals from oxidative stress, higher levels of free radical activity were found after visible light exposure. Pretreatment with a photostable UVA/UVB sunscreen containing an antioxidant combination significantly reduced the production of ROS, cytokines, and MMP expression in vitro, and decreased oxidative stress in human subjects after visible light irradiation. Taken together, these findings suggest that other portions of the solar spectrum aside from UV, particularly visible light, may also contribute to signs of premature photoaging in skin.

Noise analysis for CCD-based ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry.

PubMed

Davenport, John J; Hodgkinson, Jane; Saffell, John R; Tatam, Ralph P

2015-09-20

We present the results of a detailed analysis of the noise behavior of two CCD spectrometers in common use, an AvaSpec-3648 CCD UV spectrometer and an Ocean Optics S2000 Vis spectrometer. Light sources used include a deuterium UV/Vis lamp and UV and visible LEDs. Common noise phenomena include source fluctuation noise, photoresponse nonuniformity, dark current noise, fixed pattern noise, and read noise. These were identified and characterized by varying light source, spectrometer settings, or temperature. A number of noise-limiting techniques are proposed, demonstrating a best-case spectroscopic noise equivalent absorbance of 3.5×10(-4)  AU for the AvaSpec-3648 and 5.6×10(-4)  AU for the Ocean Optics S2000 over a 30 s integration period. These techniques can be used on other CCD spectrometers to optimize performance.

Efficacy of Ultraviolet (UV-C) Light in a Thin-Film Turbulent Flow for the Reduction of Milkborne Pathogens.

PubMed

Crook, Jennifer A; Rossitto, Paul V; Parko, Jared; Koutchma, Tatiana; Cullor, James S

2015-06-01

Nonthermal technologies are being investigated as viable alternatives to, or supplemental utilization, with thermal pasteurization in the food-processing industry. In this study, the effect of ultraviolet (UV)-C light on the inactivation of seven milkborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella Senftenberg, Yersinia enterocolitica, Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) was evaluated. The pathogens were suspended in ultra-high-temperature whole milk and treated at UV doses between 0 and 5000 J/L at a flow rate of 4300 L/h in a thin-film turbulent flow-through pilot system. Of the seven milkborne pathogens tested, L. monocytogenes was the most UV resistant, requiring 2000 J/L of UV-C exposure to reach a 5-log reduction. The most sensitive bacterium was S. aureus, requiring only 1450 J/L to reach a 5-log reduction. This study demonstrated that the survival curves were nonlinear. Sigmoidal inactivation curves were observed for all tested bacterial strains. Nonlinear modeling of the inactivation data was a better fit than the traditional log-linear approach. Results obtained from this study indicate that UV illumination has the potential to be used as a nonthermal method to reduce microorganism populations in milk.

Damage repair effect of He-Ne laser on wheat exposed to enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation.

PubMed

Yang, Liyan; Han, Rong; Sun, Yi

2012-08-01

We explored the use of He-Ne laser on alleviating the effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light on winter wheat development. Triticum aestivum L. cv. Linyuan 077038 seeds were irradiated with either UV-B (10.08 kJ m(-2) d(-1)) (enhanced UV-B) or a combination of UV-B light and the He-Ne laser (5.43 mW mm(-2)). Plants also were exposed to the He-Ne laser alone. Our results showed that enhanced UV-B produced negative effects on seed germination and seedling development. Germination rate and shoot growth decreased compared with the control. Root development was inhibited, and root length was decreased. Chlorophyll content and expression of peroxidase (POD) isozymes and their activity decreased. Seedling height and shoot biomass dropped significantly compared to the control. Implementing the He-Ne laser partially alleviated the injury of enhanced UV-B radiation, because germination rate and shoot growth were enhanced together with root development. Chlorophyll content and POD expression and activity increased. Seedling height and shoot biomass were increased. Furthermore, the use of the He-Ne laser alone showed a favorable effect on seedling growth compared with the control. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Specific action of T4 endonuclease V on damaged DNA in xeroderma pigmentosum cells in vivo. [UV radiation

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

Tanaka, K.; Hayakawa, H.; Sekiguchi, M.

1977-07-01

The specific action of T4 endonuclease V on damaged DNA in xeroderma pigmentosum cells was examined using an in vivo assay system with hemagglutinating virus of Japan (Sendai virus) inactivated by uv light. A clear dose response was observed between the level of uv-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis of xeroderma pigmentosum cells and the amount of T4 endonuclease V activity added. The T4 enzyme was unstable in human cells, and its half-life was 3 hr. Fractions derived from an extract of Escherichia coli infected with T4v/sub 1/, a mutant defective in the endonuclease V gene, showed no ability to restore themore » uv-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis of xeroderma pigmentosum cells. However, fractions derived from an extract of T4D-infected E. coli with endonuclease V activity were effective. The T4 enzyme was effective in xeroderma pigmentosum cells on DNA damaged by uv light but not in cells damaged by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide. The results of these experiments show that the T4 enzyme has a specific action on human cell DNA in vivo. Treatment with the T4 enzyme increased the survival of group A xeroderma pigmentosum cells after uv irradiation.« less

Inactivation of avirulent Yersinia pestis on food and food contact surfaces by ultraviolet light and freezing.

PubMed

Sommers, Christopher H; Sheen, Shiowshuh

2015-09-01

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, can occasionally be contracted as a naso-pharyngeal or gastrointestinal illness through consumption of contaminated meat. In this study, the use of 254 nm ultraviolet light (UV-C) to inactivate a multi-isolate cocktail of avirulent Y. pestis on food and food contact surfaces was investigated. When a commercial UV-C conveyor was used (5 mW/cm(2)/s) 0.5 J/cm(2) inactivated >7 log of the Y. pestis cocktail on agar plates. At 0.5 J/cm(2), UV-C inactivated ca. 4 log of Y. pestis in beef, chicken, and catfish, exudates inoculated onto high density polypropylene or polyethylene, and stainless steel coupons, and >6 log was eliminated at 1 J/cm(2). Approximately 1 log was inactivated on chicken breast, beef steak, and catfish fillet surfaces at a UV-C dose of 1 J/cm(2). UV-C treatment prior to freezing of the foods did not increase the inactivation of Y. pestis over freezing alone. These results indicate that routine use of UV-C during food processing would provide workers and consumers some protection against Y. pestis. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Degradation in PV Encapsulation Transmittance: An Interlaboratory Study Toward a Climate-Specific Test

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

Miller, David C.; Hacke, Peter L.; Kempe, Michael D.

2015-06-14

Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulation resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation has frequently been identified as a cause of decreased PV module performance through the life of installations in the field. The present module safety and qualification standards, however, apply short UV doses only capable of examining design robustness or 'infant mortality' failures. Essential information that might be used to screen encapsulation through product lifetime remains unknown. For example, the relative efficacy of xenon-arc and UVA-340 fluorescent sources or the typical range of activation energy for degradation is not quantified. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide the understanding thatmore » will be used towards developing a climate- and configuration-specific (UV) weathering test. Five representative, known formulations of EVA were studied in addition to one TPU material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens are being examined at 14 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including Xe, UVA-340, and metal-halide light sources) or field aging. The solar-weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut-off wavelength, determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance, are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (lamp type) and temperature used in accelerated UV aging tests. Index Terms -- reliability, durability, thermal activation.« less

Degradation in PV Encapsulation Transmittance: An Interlaboratory Study Towards a Climate-Specific Test: Preprint

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

Miller, David C.; Annigoni, Eleonora; Ballion, Amal

2015-08-12

Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulants resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation has frequently been identified as a cause of decreased PV module performance through the life of service in the field. The present module safety and qualification standards, however, apply short UV doses only capable of examining design robustness or 'infant mortality' failures. Essential information that might be used to screen encapsulation through product lifetime remains unknown. For example, the relative efficacy of xenon-arc and UVA-340 fluorescent sources or the typical range of activation energy for degradation is not quantified. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide the understanding thatmore » will be used towards developing a climate- and configuration-specific (UV) weathering test. Five representative, known formulations of EVA were studied in addition to one TPU material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens are being examined at 14 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including Xenon, UVA-340, and metal-halide light sources) or field aging. The solar-weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut-off wavelength, determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance, are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (lamp type) and temperature used in accelerated UV aging tests.« less

Degradation in PV Encapsulation Transmittance: An Interlaboratory Study Towards a Climate-Specific Test

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

Miller, David C.; Annigoni, Eleonora; Ballion, Amal

2015-06-14

Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulants resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation has frequently been identified as a cause of decreased PV module performance through the life of service in the field. The present module safety and qualification standards, however, apply short UV doses only capable of examining design robustness or 'infant mortality' failures. Essential information that might be used to screen encapsulation through product lifetime remains unknown. For example, the relative efficacy of xenon-arc and UVA-340 fluorescent sources or the typical range of activation energy for degradation is not quantified. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide the understanding thatmore » will be used towards developing a climate- and configuration-specific (UV) weathering test. Five representative, known formulations of EVA were studied in addition to one TPU material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens are being examined at 14 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including Xenon, UVA-340, and metal-halide light sources) or field aging. The solar-weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut-off wavelength, determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance, are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (lamp type) and temperature used in accelerated UV aging tests.« less

Invisible ink mark detection in the visible spectrum using absorption difference.

PubMed

Lee, Joong; Kong, Seong G; Kang, Tae-Yi; Kim, Byounghyun; Jeon, Oc-Yeub

2014-03-01

One of popular techniques in gambling fraud involves the use of invisible ink marks printed on the back surface of playing cards. Such covert patterns are transparent in the visible spectrum and therefore invisible to unaided human eyes. Invisible patterns can be made visible with ultraviolet (UV) illumination or a CCD camera installed with an infrared (IR) filter depending on the type of ink materials used. Cheating gamers often wear contact lenses or eyeglasses made of IR or UV filters to recognize the secret marks on the playing cards. This paper presents an image processing technique to reveal invisible ink patterns in the visible spectrum without the aid of special equipment such as UV lighting or IR filters. A printed invisible ink pattern leaves a thin coating on the surface with different refractive index for different wavelengths of light, which results in color dispersion or absorption difference. The proposed method finds the differences of color components caused by absorption difference to detect invisible ink patterns on the surface. Experiment results show that the proposed scheme is effective for both UV-active and IR-active invisible ink materials. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of UV light on calcium metabolism in ball pythons (Python regius).

PubMed

Hedley, J; Eatwell, K

2013-10-12

Despite the popularity of keeping snakes in captivity, there has been limited investigation into the effects of UV radiation on vitamin D levels in snakes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UV-b radiation on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and ionised calcium concentrations in ball pythons (Python regius). Blood samples were taken from 14 ball pythons, which had never been exposed to UV-b light, to obtain baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and ionised calcium concentrations. Blood samples were then taken again from the same snakes 70 days later after one group (Group 1, n=6 females) were exposed to UV-b radiation daily, and the other group (Group 2, n=5 males and 3 females) were exposed to no UV-b radiation. Mean±sd 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels on day 0 in Group 1 were 197±35 nmol/l, and on day 70 were 203.5±13.8 nmol/l. Mean±sd 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in Group 2 on day 0 were 77.7±41.5 nmol/l, and on day 70 were 83.0±41.9 nmol/l. Mean±sd ionised calcium levels at day 0 were 1.84±0.05 mmol/l for Group 1, and on day 70 were 1.78±0.07 mmol/l. Mean±sd ionised calcium levels at day 0 were 1.79±0.07 mmol/l for Group 2, and on day 70 were 1.81±0.05 mmol/l. No association was demonstrated between exposure to UV-b radiation and plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and ionised calcium concentrations. These results may provide baseline parameters for future studies in this and other snake species to determine ability to utilise UV-b light for vitamin D production.

An Ultraviolet Excess in the Superluminous Supernova Gaia16apd Reveals a Powerful Central Engine

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

Nicholl, M.; Berger, E.; Blanchard, P. K.

Since the discovery of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) in the last decade, it has been known that these events exhibit bluer spectral energy distributions than other supernova subtypes, with significant output in the ultraviolet. However, the event Gaia16apd seems to outshine even the other SLSNe at rest-frame wavelengths below ∼3000 Å. Yan et al. have recently presented HST UV spectra and attributed the UV flux to low iron-group abundance in the outer ejecta, and hence reduced line blanketing. Here, we present UV and optical light curves over a longer baseline in time, revealing a rapid decline at UV wavelengths despite amore » typical optical evolution. Combining the published UV spectra with our own optical data, we demonstrate that Gaia16apd has a much hotter continuum than virtually any SLSN at maximum light, but it cools rapidly thereafter and is indistinguishable from the others by ∼10–15 days after peak. Comparing the equivalent widths of UV absorption lines with those of other events, we show that the excess UV continuum is a result of a more powerful central power source, rather than a lack of UV absorption relative to other SLSNe or an additional component from interaction with the surrounding medium. These findings strongly support the central-engine hypothesis for hydrogen-poor SLSNe. An explosion ejecting M {sub ej} = 4.8(0.2/ κ ) M {sub ⊙}, where κ is the opacity in cm{sup 2} g{sup −1}, and forming a magnetar with spin period P = 2 ms, and B = 2 × 10{sup 14} G (lower than other SLSNe with comparable rise times) can consistently explain the light curve evolution and high temperature at peak. The host metallicity, Z = 0.18 Z {sub ⊙}, is comparable to other SLSNe.« less

[UV spectrum of natural light and tanning equipment. How can physical damage be prevented?].

PubMed

Stickl, H A

1990-12-20

Health-related problems of cosmetic tanning are presented and discussed on the basis of our own studies and the latest state of our knowledge in this field. Whenever tanning lamps are employed for cosmetic tanning with UV light, a controlled light spectrum ranging from 340 to 440 nm should be applied.

Correlations between Colonization of Onion Thrips and Leaf Reflectance Measures across Six Cabbage Varieties

PubMed Central

Bálint, János; Nagy, Balázs Vince; Fail, József

2013-01-01

The main purpose of this study was to reveal if the UV-A, and visible light reflection of leaves of white cabbage varieties is correlated to resistance against onion thrips. The antixenotic resistance (AR) against onion thrips and thrips damage differed between varieties Balashi, Bloktor, Riana – considered resistant – and Green Gem, Hurricane, Quisor – considered susceptible. The solar UV-A (340–400 nm) and visible (401–650 nm) light reflection of white cabbage leaves were recorded. Correlation between AR against onion thrips and reflection of leaves in UV-A and visible range of the studied white cabbage varieties were computed. According to the AR evaluation onion thrips density was always higher on susceptible than on resistant varieties. The UV-A light reflection of head forming leaves and the contrast between head and exterior leaves (H/E) was negatively correlated with onion thrips host preference at an early stage of cabbage head formation. The visible light reflection of both head forming and exterior leaves was also negatively correlated with onion thrips host preference. Susceptible varieties had greater damage ratings at harvest than resistant ones and positive correlations were observed between AR and damage. AR against onion thrips may be affected by differences in reflection of cabbage leaves at an early growth stage. It is suggested that more intensive reflection of leaves and/or higher contrast values between the reflectance intensity of head versus outer leaves made the resistant varieties less attractive to onion thrips. Our results reported here provide the first evidence of negative correlation between UV-A and visible reflection of leaves and AR of white cabbage against a dangerous insect pest, opening new perspectives for understanding the role of reflection by plant leaves in pest management. PMID:24040093

Study on oligomerization of glutamate decarboxylase from Lactobacillus brevis using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) with light scattering techniques.

PubMed

Choi, Jaeyeong; Lee, Seungho; Linares-Pastén, Javier A; Nilsson, Lars

2018-01-01

In this work, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with UV/Vis, multi-angle light scattering (MALS), and differential refractive index (dRI) detectors (AF4-UV-MALS-dRI) was employed for analysis of glutamate decarboxylase (LbGadB) from Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis). AF4 provided molecular weight (MW) (or size)-based separation of dimer, hexamer, and aggregates of LbGadB. The effect of pH on oligomerization of LbGadB was investigated, and then AF4 results were compared to those from molecular modeling. The MWs measured by AF4-UV-MALS-dRI for dimeric and hexameric forms of LbGadB were 110 and 350 kDa, respectively, which are in good agreements with those theoretically calculated (110 and 330 kDa). The molecular sizes determined by AF4-UV-MALS-dRI were also in good agreement with those obtained from molecular modeling (6 and 10 nm, respectively, for dimeric and hexameric from AF4-UV-MALS-dRI and 6.4 × 7.6 and 7.6 × 13.1 nm from molecular modeling). The effects of temperature, salt type, and salt concentration on oligomerization of LbGadB were also investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). It was found that the hexameric form of LbGadB was most stable at pH 6 and in presence of NaCl or KCl. The results indicate that AF4, in combination of various online detectors mentioned above, provides an effective tool for monitoring of oligomerization of LbGadB under different conditions, such as temperature, pH, type of salts, and salt concentrations.

Antiproliferative effects of ZnO, ZnO-MTCP, and ZnO-CuMTCP nanoparticles with safe intensity UV and X-ray irradiation

PubMed Central

Sadjadpour, Susan; Safarian, Shahrokh; Zargar, Seyed Jalal; Sheibani, Nader

2016-01-01

In photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer both the light and the photosensitizing agent are normally harmless, but in combination they could result in selective tumor killing. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with the amino acid cysteine to provide an adequate arm for conjugation with porphyrin photosensitizers (meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin [MTCP] and CuMTCP). Porphyrin-conjugated nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, and UV–vis, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure cell viability in the presence or absence of porphyrin conjugates following UV and X-ray irradiation. The uptake of the porphyrin-conjugated ZnO nanoparticles by cells was detected using fluorescence microscopy. Our results indicated that the survival of T-47D cells was significantly compromised in the presence of ZnO-MTCP-conjugated nanostructures with UV light exposure. Exhibition of cytotoxic activity of ZnO-MTCP for human prostate cancer (Du145) cells occurred at a higher concentration, indicating the more resistant nature of these tumor cells. ZnO-CuMTCP showed milder cytotoxic effects in human breast cancer (T-47D) and no cytotoxic effects in Du145 with UV light exposure, consistent with its lower cytotoxic potency as well as cellular uptake. Surprisingly, none of the ZnO-porphyrin conjugates exhibited cytotoxic effects with X-ray irradiation, whereas ZnO alone exerted cytotoxicity. Thus, ZnO and ZnO-porphyrin nanoparticles with UV or X-ray irradiation may provide a suitable treatment option for various cancers. PMID:25581219

UV Light Illumination Can Improve the Sensing Properties of LaFeO₃ to Acetone Vapor.

PubMed

Zhang, Heng; Qin, Hongwei; Gao, Chengyong; Zhou, Guangjun; Chen, Yanping; Hu, Jifan

2018-06-21

The synthesized LaFeO₃ nanocrystalline sensor powders show positive response to sensing acetone vapor at 200 °C. The responses to acetone vapor (at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 ppm) are 1.18, 1.22, 1.89, 3.2 and 7.83. To make the sensor operate at a lower optimum temperature, UV light illumination 365 nm is performed. Response of the sensor has a larger improvement under 365 nm UV light illumination than without it. The responses to acetone vapor (at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 ppm) are 1.37, 1.85, 3.16, 8.32 and 14.1. Furthermore, the optimum operating temperature is reduced to 170 °C. As the relative humidity increases, the resistance and sensitivity of sensor are reduced. The sensor shows good selectivity toward acetone when compared with other gases. Since the detection of ultralow concentrations of acetone vapor is possible, the sensor can be used to preliminarily judge diabetes in the general public, as a high concentration of acetone is exhaled in breath of diabetic patients. The sensor shows a good stability, which is further enhanced under UV light illumination. The sensor shows better stability when under 365 nm UV light illumination. Whether under light illumination or not. The LaFeO₃ material shows good performance as a sensor when exposed to acetone vapor.

Influence of the UV Environment on the Synthesis of Prebiotic Molecules.

PubMed

Ranjan, Sukrit; Sasselov, Dimitar D

2016-01-01

Ultraviolet radiation is common to most planetary environments and could play a key role in the chemistry of molecules relevant to abiogenesis (prebiotic chemistry). In this work, we explore the impact of UV light on prebiotic chemistry that might occur in liquid water on the surface of a planet with an atmosphere. We consider effects including atmospheric absorption, attenuation by water, and stellar variability to constrain the UV input as a function of wavelength. We conclude that the UV environment would be characterized by broadband input, and wavelengths below 204 nm and 168 nm would be shielded out by atmospheric CO2 and water, respectively. We compare this broadband prebiotic UV input to the narrowband UV sources (e.g., mercury lamps) often used in laboratory studies of prebiotic chemistry and explore the implications for the conclusions drawn from these experiments. We consider as case studies the ribonucleotide synthesis pathway of Powner et al. (2009) and the sugar synthesis pathway of Ritson and Sutherland (2012). Irradiation by narrowband UV light from a mercury lamp formed an integral component of these studies; we quantitatively explore the impact of more realistic UV input on the conclusions that can be drawn from these experiments. Finally, we explore the constraints solar UV input places on the buildup of prebiotically important feedstock gasses like CH4 and HCN. Our results demonstrate the importance of characterizing the wavelength dependence (action spectra) of prebiotic synthesis pathways to determine how pathways derived under laboratory irradiation conditions will function under planetary prebiotic conditions.

PAR and UV effects on vertical migration and photosynthesis in Euglena gracilis.

PubMed

Richter, Peter; Helbling, Walter; Streb, Christine; Häder, Donat-P

2007-01-01

Recently it was shown that the unicellular flagellate Euglena gracilis changes the sign of gravitaxis from negative to positive upon excessive radiation. This sign change persists in a cell culture for hours even if subsequently transferred to dim light. To test the ecological relevance of this behavior, a vertical column experiment was performed (max. depth 65 cm) to test distribution, photosynthetic efficiency and motility in different horizons of the column (surface, 20, 40 and 65 cm). One column was covered with a UV cut-off filter, which transmits photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) only, the other with a filter which transmits PAR and UV. The columns were irradiated with a solar simulator (PAR 162 W m(-2), UV-A 32.6 W m(-2), UV-B 1.9 W m(-2)). The experiment was conducted for 10 days, normally with a light/dim light cycle of 12 h:12 h, but in some cases the light regime was changed (dim light instead of full radiation). Under irradiation the largest fraction of cells was found at the bottom of the column. The cell density decreased toward the surface. Photosynthetic efficiency, determined with a pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer, was negligible at the surface and increased toward the bottom. While the cell suspension showed a positive gravitaxis at the bottom, the cells in the 40 cm horizon were bimodally oriented (about the same percentage of cells swimming upward and downward, respectively). At 20 cm and at the surface the cells showed negative gravitaxis. Positive gravitaxis was more pronounced in the UV + PAR samples. At the surface and in the 20 and 40 cm horizons photosynthetic efficiency was better in the PAR-only samples than in the PAR + UV samples. At the bottom photosynthetic efficiency was similar in both light treatments. The data suggest that high light reverses gravitaxis of the cells, so that they move downward in the water column. At the bottom the light intensity is lower (attenuation of the water column and self shading of the cells) and the cells recover. After recovery the cells swim upward again until the negative gravitaxis is reversed again.

Surface exciton emission of MgO crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuang, Wen-Jian; Li, Qing; Chen, Yu-Xiang; Hu, Kai; Wang, Ning-Hui; Xing, Fang-Li; Yan, Qun; Sun, Shuai-Shuai; Huang, Yan; Tao, Ye; Tolner, Harm

2013-09-01

MgO crystals have been exposed to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation from a synchrotron, with energies up to 9 eV, and the emitted light, at wavelengths above 200 nm, was observed. It is concluded that bulk excitons, play an important role in the diffusion of energy inside MgO crystals, resulting in 5.85 eV (212 nm) emission from the MgO terraces of large (0.2-2 µm) MgO : F crystals. In the case of aliovalent impurity doping, then the bulk exciton energy is also transferred to the Vk centres and 5.3 eV (235 nm) light is emitted. Both fluorine and silicon doping appear to promote UV surface emission, acting similarly to an ns2 ion inside MgO, while strong scandium doping is killing the surface emission completely. The 212 nm surface UV emission and the 235 nm bulk UV emission can be excited only at the bandgap edge. Broadband visible light, centred around 400 nm, is also emitted. Contrary to the UV emission, this is not generated when excited at the bandgap edge; instead, we find that it is only excited at sub-bandgap energies, with a maximum at the 5C surface excitation energy of 5.71 eV (217 nm) for the MgO terraces.

Novel, bio-based, photoactive arsenic sorbent: TiO₂-impregnated chitosan bead.

PubMed

Miller, Sarah M; Zimmerman, Julie B

2010-11-01

A novel sorbent for arsenic, TiO(2)-impregnated chitosan bead (TICB), has been synthesized and successfully tested. Kinetic plots, pH dependence, isotherm data, and bead morphology are reported. Equilibrium is achieved after 185 h in batch experiments with exposure to UV light. The TICB system performs similarly to the mass equivalent of neat TiO(2) nanopowder. The point of zero charge (pzc) for TICB was determined to be 7.25, and as with other TiO(2)-based arsenic removal technologies, the optimal pH range for sorption is below this pH(pzc). Without exposure to UV light, TICB removes 2198 μg As(III)/g TICB and 2050 μg As(V)/g TICB. With exposure to UV light, TICB achieves photo-oxidation of As(III) to As(V), the less toxic and more easily sequestered arsenic form. UV irradiation also results in enhanced arsenic removal, reaching sorption capacities of 6400 μg As/g TICB and 4925 μg As/g TICB, where arsenic is initially added as As(III) and As(V), respectively. Because the TICB system obviates filtration post-treatment, TICB is superior to TiO(2) nanopowder from the perspective of implementation for decentralized water treatment. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Weathering of a carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite under UV light and in water bath: impact on abraded particles.

PubMed

Schlagenhauf, Lukas; Kianfar, Bahareh; Buerki-Thurnherr, Tina; Kuo, Yu-Ying; Wichser, Adrian; Nüesch, Frank; Wick, Peter; Wang, Jing

2015-11-28

Weathering processes can influence the surface properties of composites with incorporated nanoparticles. These changes may affect the release behavior of nanoparticles when an abrasion process is applied. Therefore, the influence of two different weathering processes, immersion in water and exposure to UV light, on the properties of abraded particles from a carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated. The investigation included the measurement of the weathering impact on the surface chemistry of the exposed samples, the particle size of abraded particles, the quantity of exposed CNTs in the respirable part of the abraded particles, and the toxicity of abraded particles, measured by in vitro toxicity tests using the THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. The results showed that weathering by immersion in water had no influence on the properties of abraded particles. The exposure to UV light caused a degradation of the epoxy on the surface, followed by delamination of an approx. 2.5 μm thick layer. An increased quantity of exposed CNTs in abraded particles was not found; on the contrary, longer UV exposure times decreased the released fraction of CNTs from 0.6% to 0.4%. The toxicity tests revealed that abraded particles from the nanocomposites did not induce additional acute cytotoxic effects compared to particles from the neat epoxy.

Neuronal Representation of Ultraviolet Visual Stimuli in Mouse Primary Visual Cortex

PubMed Central

Tan, Zhongchao; Sun, Wenzhi; Chen, Tsai-Wen; Kim, Douglas; Ji, Na

2015-01-01

The mouse has become an important model for understanding the neural basis of visual perception. Although it has long been known that mouse lens transmits ultraviolet (UV) light and mouse opsins have absorption in the UV band, little is known about how UV visual information is processed in the mouse brain. Using a custom UV stimulation system and in vivo calcium imaging, we characterized the feature selectivity of layer 2/3 neurons in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). In adult mice, a comparable percentage of the neuronal population responds to UV and visible stimuli, with similar pattern selectivity and receptive field properties. In young mice, the orientation selectivity for UV stimuli increased steadily during development, but not direction selectivity. Our results suggest that, by expanding the spectral window through which the mouse can acquire visual information, UV sensitivity provides an important component for mouse vision. PMID:26219604

Determining the Location of DNA Modification and Mutation Caused by UVB Light in Skin Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

we obtain cleavage patterns consistent with the administered UV dosage and that sequencing libraries generated for both yeast and human cells show...understanding the mutations they cause. 15. SUBJECT TERMS UV DNA modification, HeLa cells, Skin Cancer 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...of mutations that are caused by UV light in cells and correlate them to modification frequencies. Understanding the initial chemical changes

Effect of ultraviolet radiation A and B on growth and mycotoxin production by Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus parasiticus in grape and pistachio media.

PubMed

García-Cela, Esther; Marin, Sonia; Sanchis, Vicente; Crespo-Sempere, Ana; Ramos, Antonio J

2015-01-01

The effects of two exposure times per day (6 and 16 h) of UV-A or UV-B radiation, combined with dark and dark plus light incubation periods during 7-21 d on fungal growth and mycotoxins production of Aspergillus species were studied. Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus parasiticus were inoculated on grape and pistachio media under diurnal and nocturnal temperatures choosing light photoperiod according to harvest conditions of these crops in Spain. Ultraviolet irradiation had a significant effect on A. carbonarius and A. parasiticus colony size (diameter, biomass dry weight, and colony density) and mycotoxin accumulation, although intraspecies differences were observed. Inhibition of A. carbonarius fungal growth decreased when exposure time was reduced from 16 h to 6 h, but this was not always true for ochratoxin A (OTA) production. OTA reduction was higher under UV-A than UV-B radiation and the reduction increased along time conversely to the aflatoxins (AFs). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was the main toxin produced by A. parasiticus except in the UV-B light irradiated colonies which showed a higher percentage of AFG than AFB. Morphological changes were observed in colonies grown under UV-B light. Copyright © 2014 The British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High UV light performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye by synthesized Bi2S3ZnO nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangareswari, M.; Meenakshi Sundaram, M.

2017-05-01

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organics in water and wastewater by large band gap semiconductors has offered an attractive alternative for environmental remediation. Zinc oxide is a very fast and efficient catalyst because of its wide band gap and large exciton binding energy. In this study, an efficient Bi2S3ZnO was synthesized by sonochemical method. The obtained product was further characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR and UV-DRS analysis. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that Bi2S3ZnO has flower-like structure. The synthesized flower-like Bi2S3ZnO nanocomposites were more efficient than commercial ZnO for the degradation of organic contaminants under UV light irradiation. The prepared material shows enhanced photocatalytic activity on Rhodamine B dye solution under UV light irradiation. The percentage removal of dye was calculated by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. In addition, Bi2S3ZnO showed tremendous photocatalytic stability after seven cycles under UV light irradiation. A possible mechanism for the photocatalytic oxidative degradation was also discussed. It is concluded that the Bi2S3ZnO nanocomposite acts as an excellent photocatalyst for the decomposition of RhB and it could be a potential material for essential wastewater treatment.

UV-visible light photocatalytic properties of NaYF4:(Gd, Si)/TiO2 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavengere, Shielah; Kim, Jung-Sik

2018-06-01

In this study, a new novel composite photocatalyst of NaYF4:(Gd, Si)/TiO2 phosphor has been synthesized by two step method of solution combustion and sol-gel. The photocatalyst powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the anatase TiO2 phase which remarkably increased with existence of yttrium silicate compounds between 800 cm-1 and 900 cm-1. Double-addition of Gd3+-Si4+ ions in NaYF4 host introduced sub-energy band levels with intense absorption in the ultraviolet (UV) light region. Photocatalytic activity was examined by exposing methylene blue (MB) solutions mixed with photocatalyst powders to 254 nm UV-C fluorescent lamp and 200 W visible lights. The UV and visible photocatalytic reactivity of the NaYF4:(Gd, 1% Si)/TiO2 phosphor composites showed enhanced MB degradation efficiency. The coating of NaYF4:(Gd, 1% Si) phosphor with TiO2 nanoparticles creates energy band bending at the phosphor/TiO2 interfaces. Thus, these composites exhibited enhanced absorption of UV/visible light and the separation of electron and hole pairs for efficient photocatalysis.

Modularized and water-cooled photo-catalyst cleaning devices for aquaponics based on ultraviolet light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Henglong; Lung, Louis; Wei, Yu-Chien; Huang, Yi-Bo; Chen, Zi-Yu; Chou, Yu-Yang; Lin, Anne-Chin

2017-08-01

The feasibility of applying ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED's) as triggering sources of photo-catalyst based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-coating specifically for water-cleaning process in an aquaponics system was designed and proposed. The aquaponics system is a modern farming system to integrate aquaculture and hydroponics into a single system to establish an environmental-friendly and lower-cost method for farming fish and vegetable all together in urban area. Water treatment in an aquaponics system is crucial to avoid mutual contamination. we proposed a modularized watercleaning device composed of all commercially available components and parts to eliminate organic contaminants by using UV-LED's for TiO2 photo-catalyst reaction. This water-cleaning module consisted of two coaxial hollowed cylindrical pipes can be submerged completely in water for water treatment and cooling UV-LED's. The temperature of the UV-LED after proper thermal management can be reduced about 16% to maintain the optimal operation condition. Our preliminary experimental result by using Methylene Blue solution to simulate organic contaminants indicated that TiO2 photo-catalyst triggered by UV-LED's can effectively decompose organic compound and decolor Methylene Blue solution.

Preparation and optical characteristics of layered perovskite-type lead-bromide-incorporated azobenzene chromophores

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

Sasai, Ryo, E-mail: rsasai@riko.shimane-u.ac.jp; Shinomura, Hisashi

Lead bromide-based layered perovskite powders with azobenzene derivatives were prepared by a homogeneous precipitation method. From the diffuse reflectance (DR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the hybrid powder materials, the present hybrids exhibited sharp absorption and PL peaks originating from excitons produced in the PbBr{sub 4}{sup 2-} layer. When the present hybrid powder was irradiated with UV light at 350 nm, the absorption band from the trans-azobenzene chromophore, observed around 350 nm, decreased, while the absorption band from the cis-azobenzene chromophore, observed around 450 nm, increased. These results indicate that azobenzene chromophores in the present hybrid materials exhibit reversible photoisomerization.more » Moreover, it was found that the PL intensity from the exciton also varied due to photoisomerization of the azobenzene chromophores in the present hybrid. Thus, for the first time we succeeded in preparing the azobenzene derivative lead-bromide-based layered perovskite with photochromism before and after UV light irradiation. - Graphical abstract: For the first time, we succeeded in preparing the azobenzene derivative lead-bromide-based layered perovskite with photochromism before and after UV light irradiation. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PbBr-based layered perovskite with azobenezene derivatives could be synthesized by a homogeneous precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Azobenzene derivatives incorporated the present hybrid that exhibited reversible photoisomerization under UV and/or visible light irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PL property of the present hybrid could also be varied by photoisomerization.« less

Assessing the effectiveness of low-pressure ultraviolet light for inactivating Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) micro-organisms

EPA Science Inventory

Aims: To assess low-pressure ultraviolet light (LP-UV) inactivation kinetics of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) strains in a water matrix using collimated beam apparatus. Methods and Results: Strains of M. avium (n = 3) and Mycobacterium intracellulare (n = 2) were exposed t...

AND logic-like pH- and light-dual controlled drug delivery by surface modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zhao, Junwei; He, Zhaoshuai; Li, Biao; Cheng, Tanyu; Liu, Guohua

2017-04-01

Recently, the controlled drug delivery system has become a potential platform for biomedical application. Herein, we developed a pH and light-dual controlled cargo release system exhibiting AND logic based on MCM-41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which was surface modified using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with imine bond and azobenzene derivative. The complex of β-CD and azobenzene derivative effectively blocked the cargo delivery in pH=7.0 phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution without 365nm UV light irradiation. The cargo was fully released when both factors of acidic environment (pH=5.0 PBS) and 365nm UV light irradiation were satisfied, meanwhile only very little cargo was delivered if one factor was satisfied. The result also demonstrates that the opening/closing of the gate and the release of the cargo in small portions can be controlled. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoactive energetic materials

DOEpatents

Chavez, David E.; Hanson, Susan Kloek; Scharff, Robert Jason; Veauthier, Jacqueline Marie; Myers, Thomas Winfield

2018-02-27

Energetic materials that are photoactive or believed to be photoactive may include a conventional explosive (e.g. PETN, nitroglycerine) derivatized with an energetic UV-absorbing and/or VIS-absorbing chromophore such as 1,2,4,5-tetrazine or 1,3,5-triazine. Absorption of laser light having a suitably chosen wavelength may result in photodissociation, decomposition, and explosive release of energy. These materials may be used as ligands to form complexes. Coordination compounds include such complexes with counterions. Some having the formula M(L).sub.n.sup.2+ were synthesized, wherein M is a transition metal and L is a ligand and n is 2 or 3. These may be photoactive upon exposure to a laser light beam having an appropriate wavelength of UV light, near-IR and/or visible light. Photoactive materials also include coordination compounds bearing non-energetic ligands; in this case, the counterion may be an oxidant such as perchlorate.

The role of graphene formed on silver nanowire transparent conductive electrode in ultra-violet light emitting diodes

PubMed Central

Seo, Tae Hoon; Lee, Seula; Min, Kyung Hyun; Chandramohan, S.; Park, Ah Hyun; Lee, Gun Hee; Park, Min; Suh, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Myung Jong

2016-01-01

This paper reports a highly reliable transparent conductive electrode (TCE) that integrates silver nanowires (AgNWs) and high-quality graphene as a protecting layer. Graphene with minimized defects and large graphene domains has been successfully obtained through a facile two-step growth approach. Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) were fabricated with AgNWs or hybrid electrodes where AgNWs were combined with two-step grown graphene (A-2GE) or conventional one-step grown graphene (A-1GE). The device performance and reliability of the UV-LEDs with three different electrodes were compared. The A-2GE offered high figure of merit owing to the excellent UV transmittance and reduced sheet resistance. As a consequence, the UV-LEDs made with A-2GE demonstrated reduced forward voltage, enhanced electroluminescence (EL) intensity, and alleviated efficiency droop. The effects of joule heating and UV light illumination on the electrode stability were also studied. The present findings prove superior performance of the A-2GE under high current injection and continuous operation of UV LED, compared to other electrodes. From our observation, the A-2GE would be a reliable TCE for high power UV-LEDs. PMID:27387274

The role of graphene formed on silver nanowire transparent conductive electrode in ultra-violet light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Tae Hoon; Lee, Seula; Min, Kyung Hyun; Chandramohan, S.; Park, Ah Hyun; Lee, Gun Hee; Park, Min; Suh, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Myung Jong

2016-07-01

This paper reports a highly reliable transparent conductive electrode (TCE) that integrates silver nanowires (AgNWs) and high-quality graphene as a protecting layer. Graphene with minimized defects and large graphene domains has been successfully obtained through a facile two-step growth approach. Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) were fabricated with AgNWs or hybrid electrodes where AgNWs were combined with two-step grown graphene (A-2GE) or conventional one-step grown graphene (A-1GE). The device performance and reliability of the UV-LEDs with three different electrodes were compared. The A-2GE offered high figure of merit owing to the excellent UV transmittance and reduced sheet resistance. As a consequence, the UV-LEDs made with A-2GE demonstrated reduced forward voltage, enhanced electroluminescence (EL) intensity, and alleviated efficiency droop. The effects of joule heating and UV light illumination on the electrode stability were also studied. The present findings prove superior performance of the A-2GE under high current injection and continuous operation of UV LED, compared to other electrodes. From our observation, the A-2GE would be a reliable TCE for high power UV-LEDs.

The effect of selenium and UV radiation on leaf traits and biomass production in Triticum aestivum L.

PubMed

Golob, Aleksandra; Kavčič, Jan; Stibilj, Vekoslava; Gaberščik, Alenka; Vogel-Mikuš, Katarina; Germ, Mateja

2017-02-01

UV radiation as an evolutionarily important environmental factor, significantly affects plants traits and alters the effects of other environmental factors. Single and combined effects of ambient UV radiation, its exclusion, and Se foliar treatments on Si concentrations and production of Si phytoliths in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. 'Reska' were studied. The effects of these treatments on growth parameters of the plants, structural and biochemical traits of the leaves, and interactions of the leaves with light, as Si incrustation is the first barrier to light at the leaf surface were also examined. Under ambient UV radiation and foliar treatment with 10mgL -1 sodium selenate solution, there was a trade-off between the plant investment in primary and secondary metabolism, as the production of UV-absorbing compounds was enhanced while photosynthetic pigment levels were reduced. Independent of Se treatment, ambient UV radiation lowered respiratory potential, Ca concentration, and leaf thickness, and increased Si concentration, Si phytoliths formation, and cuticle thickness. The Se treatment has little effect on plant traits and biomass production but it increased Se concentrations in the plants by >100-fold, independent of UV radiation. In combination with UV radiation Se strengthen the protection of plants against stress by increasing the amount of UV absorbing compounds, light reflectance and transmittance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Graphene Oxide Transparent Hybrid Film and Its Ultraviolet Shielding Property.

PubMed

Xie, Siyuan; Zhao, Jianfeng; Zhang, Bowu; Wang, Ziqiang; Ma, Hongjuan; Yu, Chuhong; Yu, Ming; Li, Linfan; Li, Jingye

2015-08-19

Herein, we first reported a facile strategy to prepare functional Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hybrid film with well ultraviolet (UV) shielding property and visible light transmittance using graphene oxide nanosheets as UV-absorber. The absorbance of ultraviolet light at 300 nm can be up to 97.5%, while the transmittance of visible light at 500 nm keeps 40% plus. This hybrid film can protect protein from UVA light induced photosensitive damage, remarkably.

AC electrical characterisation and insight to charge transfer mechanisms in DNA molecular wires through temperature and UV effects.

PubMed

Kassegne, Sam; Wibowo, Denni; Chi, James; Ramesh, Varsha; Narenji, Alaleh; Khosla, Ajit; Mokili, John

2015-06-01

In this study, AC characterisation of DNA molecular wires, effects of frequency, temperature and UV irradiation on their conductivity is presented. λ-DNA molecular wires suspended between high aspect-ratio electrodes exhibit highly frequency-dependent conductivity that approaches metal-like behaviour at high frequencies (∼MHz). Detailed temperature dependence experiments were performed that traced the impedance response of λ-DNA until its denaturation. UV irradiation experiments where conductivity was lost at higher and longer UV exposures helped to establish that it is indeed λ-DNA molecular wires that generate conductivity. The subsequent renaturation of λ-DNA resulted in the recovery of current conduction, providing yet another proof of the conducting DNA molecular wire bridge. The temperature results also revealed hysteretic and bi-modal impedance responses that could make DNA a candidate for nanoelectronics components like thermal transistors and switches. Further, these experiments shed light on the charge transfer mechanism in DNA. At higher temperatures, the expected increase in thermal-induced charge hopping may account for the decrease in impedance supporting the 'charge hopping mechanism' theory. UV light, on the other hand, causes damage to GC base-pairs and phosphate groups reducing the path available both for hopping and short-range tunneling mechanisms, and hence increasing impedance--this again supporting both the 'charge hopping' and 'tunneling' mechanism theories.

Effect of Sterilization Methods on Electrospun Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) Fiber Alignment for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Valente, T A M; Silva, D M; Gomes, P S; Fernandes, M H; Santos, J D; Sencadas, V

2016-02-10

Medically approved sterility methods should be a major concern when developing a polymeric scaffold, mainly when commercialization is envisaged. In the present work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fiber membranes were processed by electrospinning with random and aligned fiber alignment and sterilized under UV, ethylene oxide (EO), and γ-radiation, the most common ones for clinical applications. It was observed that UV light and γ-radiation do not influence fiber morphology or alignment, while electrospun samples treated with EO lead to fiber orientation loss and morphology changing from cylindrical fibers to ribbon-like structures, accompanied to an increase of polymer crystallinity up to 28%. UV light and γ-radiation sterilization methods showed to be less harmful to polymer morphology, without significant changes in polymer thermal and mechanical properties, but a slight increase of polymer wettability was detected, especially for the samples treated with UV radiation. In vitro results indicate that both UV and γ-radiation treatments of PLA membranes allow the adhesion and proliferation of MG 63 osteoblastic cells in a close interaction with the fiber meshes and with a growth pattern highly sensitive to the underlying random or aligned fiber orientation. These results are suggestive of the potential of both γ-radiation sterilized PLA membranes for clinical applications in regenerative medicine, especially those where customized membrane morphology and fiber alignment is an important issue.

XRD and spectral dataset of the UV-A stable nanotubes of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine derivative of tyrosine.

PubMed

Govindhan, R; Karthikeyan, B

2017-10-01

The data presented in this article are related to the research entitled of UV-A stable nanotubes. The nanotubes have been prepared from 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine derivative of tyrosine (BTTP). XRD data reveals the size of the nanotubes. As-synthesized nanotubes (BTTPNTs) are characterized by UV-vis optical absorption studies [1] and photo physical degradation kinetics. The resulted dataset is made available to enable critical or extended analyzes of the BTTPNTs as an excellent light resistive materials.

Influence of daylight on the fate of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles in natural aquatic environments.

PubMed

Odzak, Niksa; Kistler, David; Sigg, Laura

2017-07-01

Nanoparticles, such as silver (Ag-NP) and zinc oxide (ZnO-NP), are increasingly used in many consumer products. These nanoparticles (NPs) will likely be exposed to the aquatic environment (rain, river, lake water) and to light (visible and UV) in the products where they are applied, or after those products are discharged. Dissolution of Ag-NP and ZnO-NP is an important process because the dissolved Ag + and Zn 2+ are readily available and toxic for aquatic organisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of daylight (UV and visible) for the fate of engineered Ag-NP and ZnO-NPs in different types of natural waters. Ag-NP and ZnO-NP were exposed to rainwater, river Rhine, and lake waters (Greifen, Lucerne, Cristallina, Gruère) under different light conditions (no light, UV 300-400 nm and visible light 400-700 nm) for up to 8 days. Stronger agglomeration of Ag-NP was observed in the waters with higher ionic strength in comparison to those with lower ionic strength. Visible light tended to increase the dissolution of Ag-NP under most natural water conditions in comparison to dark conditions, whereas UV-light led to decreased dissolved Ag + after longer exposure time. These effects illustrate the dynamic interactions of Ag-NP with light, which may lead both to increased oxidation and to increased reduction of Ag + by organic compounds under UV-light. In the case of ZnO-NP, agglomeration occurred at higher ionic strength, but the effects of pH were predominant for dissolution, which occurred up to concentrations close to the solubility limit of ZnO(s) at pH around 8.2 and to nearly complete dissolution of ZnO-NP at lower pH (pH 4.8-6.5), with both visible and UV-light facilitating dissolution. This study thus shows that light conditions play an important role in the dissolution processes of nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Penetration of UV Radiation in the Earth's Oceans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, B. Greg; Lubin, Dan

2005-01-01

This project was a collaboration between SIO/UCSD and NASA/GSFC to develop a global estimation of the penetration of UV light into open ocean waters, and into coastal waters. We determined the ocean UV reflectance spectra seen by satellites above the atmosphere by combining existing sophisticated radiative transfer models with in situ UV Visible data sets to improve coupled radiance estimates both underwater and within the atmosphere. Results included improved estimates of surface spectral irradiance, 0.3-1.0 micron, and estimates of photosynthetic inhibition, DNA mutation, and CO production. Data sets developed under this proposal have been made publicly available via submission to the SeaWiFS Bio-Optical Archive and Storage System. Numerous peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings and abstracts resulted from the work supported by this research award.

Lighting considerations in controlled environments for nonphotosynthetic plant responses to blue and ultraviolet radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caldwell, M. M.; Flint, S. D.

1994-01-01

This essay will consider both physical and photobiological aspects of controlled environment lighting in the spectral region beginning in the blue and taken to the normal limit of the solar spectrum in the ultraviolet. The primary emphasis is directed to questions of plant response to sunlight. Measurement and computations used in radiation dosimetry in this part of the spectrum are also briefly treated. Because of interest in the ozone depletion problem, there has been some activity in plant UV-B research and there are several recent reviews available. Some aspects of growth chamber lighting as it relates to UV-B research were covered earlier. Apart from work related to the blue/UV-A receptor, less attention has been given to UV-A responses.

Formation of the center of ignition in a CH3Cl-Cl2 mixture under the action of UV light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begishev, I. R.; Belikov, A. K.; Komrakov, P. V.; Nikitin, I. S.

2016-07-01

The dependence of temperature on time is investigated using a microthermocouple at different distances from a UV light source in a mixture of chlorine and chloromethane. These relationships give an idea of the size and location of a center of photoignition. It is found that if the size of the reaction vessel in the direction of the luminous flux is much greater than the dimensions of the ignition center, the thermal expansion of a reacting gas mixture has a huge impact on such photoignition parameters as the critical concentration limits and the critical intensity of UV radiation. It is found that by increasing the length of the vessel, some chlorinated combustible mixtures lose the ability to ignite when exposed to UV light.

Lighting considerations in controlled environments for nonphotosynthetic plant responses to blue and ultraviolet radiation

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

Caldwell, M.M.; Flint, S.D.

1994-12-31

This essay will consider both physical and photobiological aspects of controlled environment lighting in the spectral region beginning in the blue and taken to the normal limit of the solar spectrum in the ultraviolet. The primary emphasis is directed to questions of plant response to sunlight. Measurement and computations used in radiation dosimetry in this part of the spectrum are also briefly treated. Because of interest in the ozone depletion problem, there has been some activity in plant UV-B research and there are several recent reviews available. Some aspects of growth chamber lighting as it relates to UV-B research weremore » covered earlier. Apart from work related to the blue/UV-A receptor, less attention has been given to UV-A responses.« less

UV response on dielectric properties of nano nematic liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Kamal Kumar; Tripathi, Pankaj Kumar; Misra, Abhishek Kumar; Manohar, Rajiv

2018-03-01

In this work, we investigate the effect of UV light irradiation on the dielectric parameters of nematic liquid crystal (5CB) and ZnO nanoparticles dispersed liquid crystal. With addition of nanoparticles in nematic LC are promising new materials for a variety of application in energy harvesting, displays and photonics including the liquid crystal laser. To realize many applications, however we optimize the properties of liquid crystal and understand how the UV light irradiation interact the nanoparticles and LC molecules in dispersed/doped LC. The dielectric permittivity and loss factor have discussed the pure nematic LC and dispersed/doped system after, during and before UV light exposure. The dielectric relaxation spectroscopy was carried out in the frequency range 100 Hz-10 MHz in the nematic mesophase range.

Conformational Effects of UV Light on DNA Origami.

PubMed

Chen, Haorong; Li, Ruixin; Li, Shiming; Andréasson, Joakim; Choi, Jong Hyun

2017-02-01

The responses of DNA origami conformation to UV radiation of different wavelengths and doses are investigated. Short- and medium-wavelength UV light can cause photo-lesions in DNA origami. At moderate doses, the lesions do not cause any visible defects in the origami, nor do they significantly affect the hybridization capability. Instead, they help relieve the internal stress in the origami structure and restore it to the designed conformation. At high doses, staple dissociation increases which causes structural disintegration. Long-wavelength UV does not show any effect on origami conformation by itself. We show that this UV range can be used in conjunction with photoactive molecules for photo-reconfiguration, while avoiding any damage to the DNA structures.

Induction and prevention of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in cultured human lymphocytes exposed to the light of halogen tungsten lamps.

PubMed

D'Agostini, F; Caimo, A; De Filippi, S; De Flora, S

1999-07-01

Previous studies have shown that the light emitted by halogen tungsten lamps contains UV radiation in the UV-A, UV-B and UV-C regions, induces mutations and irreparable DNA damage in bacteria, enhances the frequency of micronuclei in cultured human lymphocytes and is potently carcinogenic to the skin of hairless mice. The present study showed that the light emitted by an uncovered, traditional halogen lamp induces a significant, dose-related and time-related increase not only in micronuclei but also in chromosome-type aberrations, such as breaks, and even more in chromatid-type aberrations, such as isochromatid breaks, exchanges and isochromatid/chromatid interchanges, all including gaps or not, in cultured human lymphocytes. All these genotoxic effects were completely prevented by shielding the same lamp with a silica glass cover, blocking UV radiation. A new model of halogen lamp, having the quartz bulb treated in order to reduce the output of UV radiation, was considerably less genotoxic than the uncovered halogen lamp, yet induction of chromosomal alterations was observed at high illuminance levels.

Theoretical and experimental luminous characteristics of white LEDs composed of multiphosphors and near-UV LED for lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, Yuji; Taguchi, Tsunemasa

2003-07-01

We have performed theoretical studies on the luminous characeristics of white LED light source which composed of multi phosphors and near ultraviolet (UV) LED for general lighting. White LED source for general lighting applications requires the conditions that have high-flux, high luminous efficacy of radiation (> 100 lm/W) in addition to high color rendering index (Ra > 90) and variable color temperatures. Recently, we have proposed a novel type white LED based on multi phosphors and near UV LED system in order to high-Ra (>93). We will describe the excellent luminescence properties of white LED consisting of orange (O), yellow (Y), green (G) and blue (B) phosphor materials, and near UV LED. The color spectral contributions of individual phosphor-coated LED are theoretically analyzed using our multi LED lighting theory calculated the maximum luminous efficacy can be estimated to be approximately 300 lm/W having a high Ra of about 90 taking into account individual radiation spectrum. Illuminance distribution of white LED is in fairly good agreement with the experimental data.

Investigation of interface property in Al/SiO2/ n-SiC structure with thin gate oxide by illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, P. K.; Hwu, J. G.

2017-04-01

The reverse tunneling current of Al/SiO2/ n-SiC structure employing thin gate oxide is introduced to examine the interface property by illumination. The gate current at negative bias decreases under blue LED illumination, yet increases under UV lamp illumination. Light-induced electrons captured by interface states may be emitted after the light sources are off, leading to the recovery of gate currents. Based on transient characteristics of gate current, the extracted trap level is close to the light energy for blue LED, indicating that electron capture induced by lighting may result in the reduction of gate current. Furthermore, bidirectional C- V measurements exhibit a positive voltage shift caused by electron trapping under blue LED illumination, while a negative voltage shift is observed under UV lamp illumination. Distinct trapping and detrapping behaviors can be observed from variations in I- V and C- V curves utilizing different light sources for 4H-SiC MOS capacitors with thin insulators.

Nanocomplexes of Photolabile Polyelectrolyte and Upconversion Nanoparticles for Near-Infrared Light-Triggered Payload Release.

PubMed

Xiang, Jun; Ge, Feijie; Yu, Bing; Yan, Qiang; Shi, Feng; Zhao, Yue

2018-06-07

A new approach to encapsulating charged cargo molecules into a nanovector and subsequently using near-infrared (NIR) light to trigger the release is demonstrated. NIR light-responsive nanovector was prepared through electrostatic interaction-driven complexation between negatively charged silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP@silica, 87 nm hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index ∼0.05) and a positively charged UV-labile polyelectrolyte bearing pendants of poly(ethylene glycol) and o-nitrobenzyl side groups; whereas charged fluorescein (FLU) was loaded through a co-complexation process. By controlling the amount of polyelectrolyte, UCNP@silica can be covered by the polymer, whereas remaining dispersed in aqueous solution. Under 980 nm laser excitation, UV light emitted by UCNP is absorbed by photolytic side groups within polyelectrolyte, which results in cleavage of o-nitrobenzyl groups and formation of carboxylic acid groups. Such NIR light-induced partial reversal of positive charge to negative charge on the polyelectrolyte layer disrupts the equilibrium among UCNP@silica, polyelectrolyte, and FLU and, consequently, leads to release of FLU molecules.

Critical dimensional linewidth calibration using UV microscope and laser interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qi; Gao, Si-tian; Li, Wei; Lu, Ming-zhen; Zhang, Ming-kai

2013-10-01

In order to calibrate the critical dimensional (CD) uncertainty of lithography masks in semiconductor manufacturing, NIM is building a two dimensional metrological UV microscope which has traceable measurement ability for nanometer linewidths and pitches. The microscope mainly consists of UV light receiving components, piezoelectric ceramics (PZT) driven stage and interferometer calibration framework. In UV light receiving components they include all optical elements on optical path. The UV light originates from Köhler high aperture transmit/reflect illumination sources; then goes through objective lens to UV splitting optical elements; after that, one part of light attains UV camera for large range calibration, the other part of light passes through a three dimensional adjusted pinhole and is collected by PMT for nanoscale scanning. In PZT driven stage, PZT stick actuators with closed loop control are equipped to push/pull a flexural hinge based platform. The platform has a novel designed compound flexural hinges which nest separate X, Y direction moving mechanisms within one layer but avoiding from mutual cross talk, besides this, the hinges also contain leverage structures to amplify moving distance. With these designs, the platform can attain 100 μm displacement ranges as well as 1 nm resolution. In interferometer framework a heterodyne multi-pass interferometer is mounted on the platform, which measures X-Y plane movement and Z axis rotation, through reference mirror mounted on objective lens tube and Zerodur mirror mounted on PZT platform, the displacement is traced back to laser wavelength. When development is finished, the apparatus can offer the capability to calibrate one dimensional linewidths and two dimensional pitches ranging from 200nm to 50μm with expanded uncertainty below 20nm.

A visible light-curable yet visible wavelength-transparent resin for stereolithography 3D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Hong Key; Shin, Mikyung; Kim, Bongkyun; Park, Jin Woo; Lee, Haeshin

2018-04-01

Herein, a new polymeric resin for stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional printing (SLA-3DP) is reported. An ultraviolet (UV) or visible (VIS) light source is critical for SLA printing technology. UV light can be used to manufacture 3D objects in SLA-3DP, but there are significant occupational safety and health issues (particularly for eyes). These issues prevent the widespread use of SLA-3DP at home or in the office. Through the use of VIS light, the safety and health issues can largely be solved, but only non-transparent 3D objects can be manufactured, which prevents the application of 3DP to the production of various common transparent consumer products. For these reasons, we developed a VIS light-curable yet visibly transparent resin for SLA-3DP, which also retains UV curability. The key was to identify the photoinitiator diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (DPTBP). DPTBP was originally designed as a UV photoinitiator, but we found that VIS light irradiation is sufficient to split DPTBP and generate radicals due to its slight VIS light absorption up to 420 nm. The cured resin displays high transparency and beautiful transparent colors by incorporating various dyes; additionally, its mechanical properties are superior to those of commercial resins (Arario 410) and photoinitiators (Irgacure 2959).

Air Purification Pavement Surface Coating by Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westergreen, Joe; Pedrow, Patrick; Shen, Shihui; Jobson, Bertram

2011-10-01

This study develops an atmospheric pressure cold plasma (APCP) reactor to produce activated radicals from precursor molecules, and to immobilize nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder to substrate pavement materials. TiO2 has photocatalytic properties and under UV light can be used to oxidize and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the atmosphere. Although TiO2 treated paving materials have great potential to improve air quality, current techniques to adhere TiO2 to substrate materials are either not durable or reduce direct contact of TiO2 with UV light, reducing the photocatalytic effect. To solve this technical difficulty, this study introduces APCP techniques to transportation engineering to coat TiO2 to pavement. Preliminary results are promising and show that TiO2 can be incorporated successfully into an APCP environment and can be immobilized at the surface of the asphalt substrate. The TiO2 coated material with APCP shows the ability to reduce nitrogen oxides when exposed to UV light in an environmental chamber. The plasma reactor utilizes high voltage streamers as the plasma source.

An LED Approach for Measuring the Photocatalytic Breakdown of Crystal Violet Dye

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, Robert E.; Underwood, Lauren W.; ONeal, Duane; Pagnutti, Mary; Davis, Bruce A.

2009-01-01

A simple technique to assess the reactivity of photocatalytic coatings sprayed onto transmissive glass surfaces was developed. This new method uses ultraviolet (UV) gallium nitride (GaN) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to drive a photocatalytic reaction (the photocatalytic breakdown of a UV-resistant dye applied to a surface coated with the semiconductor titanium dioxide); and then a combination of a stabilized white light LED and a spectrometer to track the dye degradation as a function of time. Simple, standardized evaluation techniques that assess photocatalytic materials over a variety of environmental conditions, including illumination level, are not generally available and are greatly needed prior to in situ application of photocatalytic technologies. To date, much research pertaining to this aspect of photocatalysis has been limited and has focused primarily on laboratory experiments using mercury lamps. Mercury lamp illumination levels are difficult to control over large ranges and are temporally modulated by line power, limiting their use in helping to understand and predict how photocatalytic materials will behave in natural environmental settings and conditions. The methodology described here, using steady-state LEDs and time series spectroradiometric techniques, is a novel approach to explore the effect of UV light on the photocatalytic degradation of a UV resistant dye (crystal violet). GaN UV LED arrays, centered around 365 nm with an adjustable DC power supply, are used to create a small, spatially uniform light field where the steady state light level can be varied over three to four orders of magnitude. For this study, a set of glass microscope slides was custom coated with a thinly sprayed layer of photocatalytic titanium dioxide. Crystal violet was then applied to these titanium-dioxide coated slides and to uncoated control slides. The slides were then illuminated at various light levels from the dye side of the slide by the UV LED array. To monitor dye degradation on the slides over time, a temperature-stabilized white light LED was used to illuminate the opposite side of the slides. As the dye degraded, the amount of light from the white light LED transmitted through the slide was monitored with a spectrometer and subsequently analyzed to determine and compare the rate of dye degradation for photocatalytically coated versus uncoated slide surfaces. The long-term stability of the spectrometer/white light LED combination, which required only a single reference spectra to be taken for a time series sequence of several hours, enabled accurate measurements of transmitted light over time. Time series transmission curves were generated and results demonstrated that over time the transmission increased much more rapidly on the coated slides than on the control slides. This experimental configuration and methodology for photocatalytic activity measurement minimizes many external variable effects and allows low light level studies to be performed. This study also compares the advantages of this novel LED light source design to traditional mercury lamp systems and non-LED lamp approaches that have conventionally been used. The methodology and experimental design research summarized in this abstract is partly funded by the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, and by the NASA Stennis Space Center Innovative Partnerships Program.

LED deep UV source for charge management of gravitational reference sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ke-Xun; Allard, Brett; Buchman, Saps; Williams, Scott; Byer, Robert L.

2006-04-01

Proof mass electrical charge management is an important functionality for the ST-7-LTP technology demonstration flight and for LISA. Photoemission for charge control is accomplished by using deep ultraviolet (UV) light to excite photoelectron emission from an Au alloy. The conventional UV source is a mercury vapour lamp. We propose and demonstrate charge management using a deep UV light emitting diode (LED) source. We have acquired selected AlGaN UV LEDs, characterized their performance and successfully used them to realize charge management. The UV LEDs emit at a 257 nm central wavelength with a bandwidth of ~12 nm. The UV power for a free-space LED is ~120 µW, and after fibre coupling is ~16 µW, more than sufficient for LISA applications. We have directly observed the LED UV light-induced photocurrent response from an Au photocathode and an Au-coated GRS/ST-7 proof mass. We demonstrated fast switching of UV LEDs and associated fast changes in photocurrent. This allows modulation and continuous discharge to meet stringent LISA disturbance reduction requirements. We propose and demonstrate AC charge management outside the gravitational wave signal band. Further, the megahertz bandwidth for UV LED switching allows for up to six orders of magnitude dynamic power range and a number of novel modes of operations. The UV LED based charge management system offers the advantages of small-size, lightweight, fibre-coupled operation with very low power consumption. Presented at 'Amaldi6', Poster 73, Space Detector, 6th Edoardo Almadi Conference on Gravitational Waves, 20-24 June 2005.