Alternate Light Research Articles

In vivo Experiments (Carassius gibelio Bloch) on Copper Homeostasis Alteration After Lead Intoxication and Natural Biologic-active Principles Treatments

Minerals are involved in the most metabolic pathways and are necessary for living organisms in different concentrations. When the concentration of these biominerals is unbalanced due to different factors, the metabolic processes are disturbed and the organism tries to find recovery solutions. Cu is one mineral indispensable for living organism, also for fishes, and its concentration it could be drastically reduced by the presence of high concentration of some heavy metals � like Pb, due to antagonistic effect. Our research evaluates the Pb toxic potential on Carassius gibelio Bloch on Cu distribution in different tissues and two natural solutions for potentiation of antagonistic effect of Pb on Cu. We worked on four different fish groups: control group (C); and for three experimental groups we add 75 ppm Pb � as Pb(NO3)2 x �H2O into the water from aquarium. To potent the Pb toxicity we add into the grounded fish feed 2% lyophilized garlic to E3 group and 2% chlorella to E4 group. Every group had 30 fishes in separate aquarium, the fishes were fed every 2 times a day and had 12h alternate light and dark. After 21 days of experiment the fishes were euthanized with cloves oil and the tissue samples were collected (brain, gill, gonads, intestine, kidney, liver, striated muscle � epaxial myotomes, cardiac muscle, and skin). The samples were analytical prepared for AAS in order to determinate the Cu concentration in all tissue samples. The results presented the best protection of garlic against antagonistic effect of Pb on Cu in brain and testicles, and the lowest protection in muscle-striatal; while chlorella best protection was observed in heart muscle, brain, kidney and liver, and lowest protection in muscle-striatal.

The adaptation of a 360° camera utilising an alternate light source (ALS) for the detection of biological fluids at crime scenes

One of the most important and commonly encountered evidence types that can be recovered at crime scenes are biological fluids. Due to the ephemeral nature of biological fluids and the valuable DNA that they can contain, it is fundamental that these are documented extensively and recovered rapidly. Locating and identifying biological fluids can prove a challenging task but can aid in reconstructing a sequence of events. Alternate light sources (ALS) offer powerful non-invasive methods for locating and enhancing biological fluids utilising different wavelengths of light. Current methods for locating biological fluids using ALS's may be time consuming, as they often require close range searching of potentially large crime scenes. Subsequent documentation using digital cameras and alternate light sources can increase the investigation time and due to the cameras low dynamic range, photographs can appear under or over exposed. This study presents a technique, which allows the simultaneous detection and visualisation of semen and saliva utilising a SceneCam 360° camera (Spheron VR AG), which was adapted to integrate a blue Crime Lite XL (Foster+Freeman). This technique was investigated using different volumes of semen and saliva, on porous and non-porous substrates, and the ability to detect these at incremental distances from the substrate. Substrate type and colour had a significant effect on the detection of the biological fluid, with limited fluid detection on darker substrates. The unique real-time High Dynamic range (HDR) ability of the SceneCam significantly enhanced the detection of biological fluids where background fluorescence masked target fluorescence. These preliminary results are presented as a proof of concept for combining 360° photography using HDR and an ALS for the detection of biological stains, within a scene, in real time, whilst conveying spatial relationships of staining to other evidence. This technique presents the opportunity to presumptively screen a crime scene for biological fluids and will facilitate simultaneous location and visualisation of biological evidence.

Alternate Light Front Quantization Procedure for Scalar Fields

The novel procedure for the light-front (LF) quantization is formulated and applied for models of free scalar fields. The expected well-known results are rediscovered for a single field and new results are obtained for the two fields model. We use fields smeared with a test function on the LF hypersurface as the basic ingredient of our novel quantization procedure.

Use of an Alternate Light Source to Detect Tooth and Bone

The aim of this study was to identify the combination of wavelength and filter that best detects tooth and bone, and to determine which biological materials (enamel, dental root or bone) have highest fluorescence intensity when exposed to an alternate light source (ALS). Tooth and bone samples were lighted with ALS and photographed. Adobe Photoshop™ and ImageJ™ softwares were used for image analysis. Data obtained by measuring the photograph pixels were subjected to analysis of variance. The mean values of significant effects were compared by the Tukey test. In all tests, the significance level was set at p≤0.05 and the values calculated by the SAS system. The results showed that the best combination for detecting tooth and bone is an illumination wavelength of 455 nm with an orange filter. The fluorescence of dental root is greater than that of enamel, which in turn is greater than that of bone. The biological material had markedly higher fluorescence than the inert material. This knowledge can help the forensic expert to screen and detect biological materials, for example in situations where there are fragmented teeth and small bones, both at the scene and in the laboratory.

Nutrient and Physiological Requirements for Biomass Production of Pestalotiopsis sp. UMAS P14 and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. UMAS P2005/2592

Fungi are important decomposers in our ecosystem and are useful in metabolite production, bio-degradation and bio-sorption of different substrates and wastes through their mycelial biomass. Fungal species are known to have different preferences for their growth requirements. Two fungal species Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis useful in many biotechnological applications were studied. Nutrient and physiological requirements for mycelial biomass production such as carbon and nitrogen, pH, light and temperature were investigated. Both fungal isolates were grown in liquid basal medium supplemented separately with various carbon and nitrogen source and incubated under different light, pH and temperature conditions for 15 days. In general, Pestalotiopsis sp. and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. showed significant preferences for monosaccharide and disaccharide carbon source as compared to sugar alcohols and polysaccharides, whereas ammonium tartrate was more preferred as a nitrogen source compared to ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate and other ammonium salts. These two fungal species were able to grow and produce good mycelial biomass (223.33 mg for Pseudopestalotiopsis and 136.67 mg for Pestalotiopsis) at temperature range of 15°C to 30°C and (290.00 mg for Pseudopestalotiopsis and 256.67 mg for Pestalotiopsis) on media pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, they showed no significant preferences between constant light, total darkness and alternate light conditions. The results from this study will be very useful for the mycelial biomass production of Pestalotiopsis sp. and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. for their biotechnological applications.

Light-controlled reversible self-assembly of nanorod suprastructures.

Nanorod suprastructures constructed by the coordination of zinc ions with the inclusion complex of 4,4'-dipyridine in β-cyclodextrin can dissociate and rebuild repeatedly via alternate visible light irradiation in the presence of photoacid merocyanine in aqueous solution.

Formulation of an alternate concrete mix for concrete filled GFRG panels

Glass fiber reinforced gypsum panels (GFRG) are hollow panels made from modified gypsum plaster and reinforced with chopped glass fibers. The hollow cores of panels can be filled with in-situ concrete/reinforced concrete or insulation material to increase the structural strength or the thermal insulation, respectively. GFRG panels are unfilled when used as partition walls. As load bearing walls, the panels are filled with M 20 grade concrete (reinforced concrete filling) in order to resist the gravity and lateral loads. The study was conducted in two stages: First stage involves formulation of the alternate light weight mix by conducting experimental investigations to obtain the optimum combination of phosphogypsum and shredded thermocol. In the second stage the alternate mixes are filled in GFRG panels and experimental investigations are conducted to compare the performance against panels filled with conventional M 20 mix.

Validation of alternate light sources for detection of bruises in non-embalmed and embalmed cadavers.

Bruising is frequently documented in cases of violence for use as forensic evidence. However, bruises can be overlooked if they are not visible to the naked eye. Alternate light sources such as ultraviolet, narrow band, and infrared have been used in an attempt to reveal the presence of bruising that is not otherwise apparent. However, there is a significant gap in knowledge surrounding this technique as it has not been validated against histology to confirm that bruising is genuinely being enhanced. A recent study evaluated the ability of alternate light sources to enhance visibility of bruises using a pigskin model. However, histological confirmation of bruising in humans using these light sources has not yet been performed. In this study, embalmed and non-embalmed human cadavers were used. Bodies were surveyed with alternate light sources, and enhanced regions that were unapparent under white light were photographed with the alternate light sources and sampled for histological assessment. Immunohistochemical staining for the red blood cell surface protein glycophorin was used determine if the enhanced area was a bruise (defined by the presence of extravasated erythrocytes). Photographs of areas confirmed to be bruises were analyzed using the program Fiji to measure enhancement, which was defined as an increase in the measured transverse diameter. In the non-embalmed and the embalmed cadavers violet alternate light produced the greatest enhancement of histologically confirmed bruises, followed by blue (both p<0.0001). Regions that were not confirmed as bruises also enhanced, indicating that light sources may not be specific. This suggests that the use of light sources to enhance the visibility of bruising should be undertaken with caution and further studies are required.

Experimental Investigation on Use of Shredded Thermocol to Formulate a Light Weight Concrete Mix for Concrete Filled GFRG Panels

Glass fiber reinforced gypsum panels (GFRG) are hollow panels made from modified gypsum plaster and reinforced with chopped glass fibers. The hollow cores inside the walls can be filled with in-situ concrete/reinforced concrete or insulation material to increase the structural strength or the thermal insulation, respectively. GFRG panels can be unfilled when used as partition walls, but when used as load bearing walls, it is filled with M20 grade concrete (reinforced concrete filling) in order to resist the gravity and lateral loads. The study was conducted in two stages: First stage involves formulation of an alternate light weight mix to be used in the GFRG panels in lieu of M20 grade concrete by partial replacement of cement with phosphogypsum and fine aggregate with shredded thermocol and thereby conducting experimental investigations to obtain the optimum combination. In the second stage the above formulated mix is filled in GFRG panels and experimental investigations are conducted to evaluate the strength parameters and the results are compared with the panels filled with conventional M20 concrete mix. The results of the first stage of experimental investigations are presented in this paper.

Validation of ultraviolet, infrared, and narrow band light alternate light sources for detection of bruises in a pigskin model.

Alternate light sources such as ultraviolet, narrow band, and infrared have been used in an attempt to reveal the presence of bruising that is not otherwise apparent (inapparent). The following study evaluates the ability of alternate light sources to enhance visibility of bruises by employing an objective assessment of digital photography images in conjunction with histology. A pigskin model was employed with bruises created by injection of blood to be not visible or barely visible (inapparent) under white light. The pigskin was photographed using alternate light source illumination. Images were assessed using the program Fiji® to measure enhancement in terms of bruise length (cm). Photography results were compared with histology to confirm the presence of bruising. Violet and blue light sources produced the greatest enhancement, both with a p<0.0001. Regions that were not bruises were also enhanced with light sources in this study, indicating that light sources are not specific, and that their use to enhance the visibility of bruising should be undertaken with caution.

Application of forensic photography for the detection and mapping of Egyptian blue and madder lake in Hellenistic polychrome terracottas based on their photophysical properties

Two of the oldest synthetically produced and most widespread pigments employed in the decoration of ancient polychrome artifacts are Egyptian blue, a vitreous blue compound, and madder lake, a hybrid organic-inorganic composite. Both of these pigments are known to be photoluminescent after electronic excitation by photons in the visible and re-emission of photons in the near infrared (NIR) and visible (Vis) respectively. The emissions of Egyptian blue are typically due to d-d electronic bands and for madder lake generally due to π-π* type transitions. In this research, the photophysical properties of these two pigments were examined by means of forensic photography. The usefulness of this type of imaging is based on the properties of Egyptian blue and madder lake in exhibiting characteristic near infrared and visible emissions when excited by red and green light respectively providing reliable fingerprint markers for their identification and mapping. To probe and capture the characteristic excitation and emission photon energies of Egyptian blue and madder lake an alternate light source (ALS) and a modified digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera with suitable optical filters were employed in the examination and analysis of two Canosa polychrome terracotta vases from the J. Paul Getty Museum collection dated to the third century BCE. Reference materials and supplementary analysis by fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy were used for verification.

Veterinary Forensic Pathology of Animal Sexual Abuse.

Animal sexual abuse (ASA) involves harm inflicted on animals for the purposes of human sexual gratification and includes such terms as bestiality, zoophilia, zoosadism, animal sexual assault, and others. The prevalence of ASA is not known, although it may be more common than is currently perceived. Veterinarians have the skills required to identify and document cases of ASA. This article reviews the terminology, legal definitions and forms of ASA, and its social and psychological context. An investigative approach is outlined, including an alternate light source examination; collection of swabs for DNA analysis; sampling vaginal washes, rectal washes, and toenails for trace evidence and biologic analyses; radiographic studies; and a complete forensic necropsy, including histopathology. Gross lesions identified in ASA victims include injuries to the anus, rectum, penis, scrotum, nipples, and vagina; the presence of foreign bodies; and abrasions, bruising, and other evidence of nonaccidental injury. Specialized procedures, including examination using alternate light sources and screening tests to identify human seminal fluid within samples from ASA victims, are of potential value but have not been validated for use in animals.

Alternate Light Source Findings of Common Topical Products.

One of the important roles of a forensic clinician is to perform examinations of patients who are victims and suspects of crime. Alternate light source (ALS) is a tool that can improve evidence collection and enhance visualization of injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine if commonly used topical products fluoresce or absorb when examined with an ALS. Second, we aimed to identify patient and examination variables that may impact findings. A convenience sample of 81 subjects was used. After the application of 14 over-the-counter products, researchers observed the participants' skin with an ALS under 18 combinations of wavelengths and colored filters. Of the 14 products viewed (n = 1458 observations per product), six were found to fluoresce under alternate light in more than 40% of observations, five fluoresced in 1%-10% of observations, and three fluoresced less than 1% of the time. One product (a makeup product) absorbed ALS light consistently (81%), and a second (a sunscreen product) absorbed in 7%, whereas the remaining 12 products produced absorption findings in less than 1% of observations. In generalized mixed linear models, absorption findings were more commonly identified in participants with light or medium skin tones when compared with those with dark skin tones. These results suggest that the presence of topical products may impact ALS findings. A thorough forensic clinical assessment should include a documented history, including assessment of potential sources of findings, to aid in interpretation.

Alternate Light Source Findings of Common Topical Products.

Alternate Light Source Findings of Common Topical Products.

The Effect of Time on Bone Fluorescence: Implications for Using Alternate Light Sources to Search for Skeletal Remains.

Bones fluoresce when exposed to certain wavelengths of shortwave light, and this property can be useful in locating and sorting skeletal remains in forensic contexts. The proteins in bone collagen are largely responsible for its fluorescent properties, but these proteins degrade and denature over time. This study examined the fluorescence of bones from four temporal groups (recent, semi-recent, ancient, and historic) ranging from 0 to 1064 years before present. Specimens were photographed under 490 nm wavelength light, and fluorescence was quantified by converting intensity to a gray scale value based on the RGB color model using ImageJ(®) software. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in mean fluorescence between all four temporal groups, and a 0.324 coefficient of correlation indicates a significant (inverse) relationship between fluorescence and time. Bone fluorescence decreases with time, but some fluorescence is retained even in older samples. Fluorescence can therefore be reliably used in many modern skeletal remains searches.

The application of imaging technologies in the detection of trace evidence in forensic medical investigation

In a country notorious for violent crime, it seems that South African medico-legal laboratories make minimal application of technology in the death investigation process and little attention is given to trace evidence. Non-destructive, non-invasive, portable and cost-effective tools are required. This study was conducted at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory. The surface area of the bodies and clothing of victims of fatal interpersonal violence were examined using a torch, magnifying lamp, portable digital microscope and alternate light source to gauge their potential for trace evidence detection. Most studies apply these and similar tools to inert surfaces, with few focusing on their application to human skin. There was a statistically significant difference in the detection of many of the evidence types between the naked-eye observation of the pathologists and the technologies. The different imaging technologies were compared as to their cost, evidence detection ability and ease of use. The most common evidence types discovered on the bodies and clothing of victims of fatal interpersonal violence, as well as the propensity of each tool to detect these, was evaluated in order to devise the best option for incorporation into the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory routine. The digital microscope performed best overall followed by the magnifying lamp, torch and the Polilight®. This study aimed to justify the investment of more time, effort and funding into trace evidence recovery in the South African mortuary environment.

Visualisation of Latent Fingerprint on Wild Bird Eggshells by Alternate Light Sources Following Superglue Fuming

The theft of the eggs of endangered or protected species of bird, and subsequent reduction in wildlife population, is a significant problem worldwide. Detection rates are comparatively low towards this type of crime and fingerprinting of egg shells is infrequently utilised due to the technical barrier. This paper explores a novel technique using cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming in conjunction with fluorescent dye to visualise latent fingerprints upon avian eggshells assisted with alternate light sources. A systematic investigation of experimental parameters has also been carried out to optimise the condition for the fingerprint visualisation. This research project has successfully developed latent fingerprints upon smooth wild bird eggshells but was less successful on developing prints on more textured, porous eggshells.

Role of Light and Dark Cycle and Different Temperatures in the Regulation of Growth and Protein Expression in Oscillatoria agardhii Strain

The cyanobacterium Oscillatoria agardhii was isolated from the fresh water Mawatha lake, Jaipur and was grown in Zarrouk's medium at 25 ± 2°C, illuminated with white fluorescent light at the intensity of 2 500 lux with 12:12 h light and dark photoperiod. The effects of photoperiod and temperature on the growth and protein expression by Oscillatoria agardhii were studied under different controlled culture conditions (ALR, ALC, CLR, CLC, and NDL), measuring optical density, cell count and dry weight. Protein content was measured quantitatively by Bradford assay and qualitatively by SDS-PAGE. The densitometric analysis was also carried out for the measurement of the expression level of different proteins/peptides under different culture conditions. Maximum growth and protein content were observed in ALR condition while minimum was in the CLC. Alternate light and dark periods proved efficient as contrasting banding patterns were observed with many new unique polypeptides such as 32, 36.3, 47.9, 60.8, and 67.0 kDa, whereas, expressions of three polypeptides of 57.2, 110.1, and 117.3 kDa were inhibited in constant light cultures.

A novel cryptochrome-dependent oscillator in Neurospora crassa.

Several lines of evidence suggest that the circadian clock is constructed of multiple molecular feedback oscillators that function to generate robust rhythms in organisms. However, while core oscillator mechanisms driving specific behaviors are well described in several model systems, the nature of other potential circadian oscillators is not understood. Using genetic approaches in the fungus Neurospora crassa, we uncovered an oscillator mechanism that drives rhythmic spore development in the absence of the well-characterized FRQ/WCC oscillator (FWO) and in constant light, conditions under which the FWO is not functional. While this novel oscillator does not require the FWO for activity, it does require the blue-light photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME (CRY); thus, we call it the CRY-dependent oscillator (CDO). The CDO was uncovered in a strain carrying a mutation in cog-1 (cry-dependent oscillator gate-1), has a period of ∼1 day in constant light, and is temperature-compensated. In addition, cog-1 cells lacking the circadian blue-light photoreceptor WC-1 respond to blue light, suggesting that alternate light inputs function in cog-1 mutant cells. We show that the blue-light photoreceptors VIVID and CRY compensate for each other and for WC-1 in CRY-dependent oscillator light responses, but that WC-1 is necessary for circadian light entrainment.

Occurrence and induction of a ultraviolet‐absorbing substance in the cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola TISTR8215

SummaryThe filamentous cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola TISTR8215 was tested for the presence of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) and their induction by UV radiation. Reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatographic coupled with photodiode‐array detection studies revealed the presence of a MAA having an absorption maximum at 332 nm and a retention time of around 16.1 min. Based on absorption maximum, the compound was designated as M‐332. This is the first report for the occurrence of a MAA and its inducibility as influenced by UV radiation in Fischerella strains studied so far. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) had no significant impact on MAA induction. PAR + UV‐A radiation significantly induced the synthesis of M‐332; however, PAR + UV‐A + UV‐B radiation conferred highest impact on MAA synthesis. The cultures exposed to alternate light and dark conditions showed the induction of M‐332 synthesis mostly during the light period in contrast to the decreased levels of M‐322 during the dark period suggesting a circadian induction of its synthesis. Overall results indicate that F. muscicola may protect itself from deleterious short wavelength UV radiation by synthesizing the photoprotective compounds particularly during summer time in its natural brightly‐lit habitats.