Exposure Of Sunlight Research Articles

遺伝子操作を導入した模擬育種法による低層集合住宅配置計画における設計支援の可能性

The aim of this study is to show the possibility of design support for site planning of low-rise housings by the simulated breeding with gene manipulation. The system supports users (architects) with various solutions which satisfy design constraints (building coverage, viable unit plans, accessibility to units, minimum exposure of sunlight, optimum ventilation and densely level). Users are allowed to operate and modify the given solutions if necessary. Through our interactive technique, users and the system could evolve site plan to a better one. Genetic algorithms with immune system form the mechanisms of the tools such as evolutionary calculating, and artificial operations including gene manipulation enables users to improve the breed of solutions. Furthermore, graphics user interface plays an important part in Computer-Human Interaction.

A case of severe hypercalcemia with acute renal failure in sarcoidosis: a diagnostic challenge for the emergency department

We present and discuss the case of a man admitted to our emergency room because of severe hypercalcemia and renal failure with maintained diuresis. We diagnosed a relapse of sarcoidosis, manifesting as hypercalcemia and renal failure, based on a history of lung sarcoidosis. This is a rare complication of sarcoidosis, due to granulomatous production of vitamin D. This mechanism may have been exacerbated by exposure of sunlight. The initial treatment of the patient was directed towards lowering the circulating calcium level through hyperhydration and forced diuresis, with secondary control of granulomatous activity using corticosteroid therapy. The patient was discharged after 7 days with normal levels of serum calcium, urinary calcium excretion and serum creatinine. Recognition of this rare cause of hypercalcemia is a challenge for the emergency physician.

Environmental factors that influence the cutaneous production of vitamin D

All vertebrates, including humans, obtain most of their daily vitamin D requirement from casual exposure to sunlight. During exposure to sunlight, the solar ultraviolet B photons (290-315 nm) penetrate into the skin where they cause the photolysis of 7-dehydrocholesterol to precholecalciferol. Once formed, precholecalciferol undergoes a thermally induced rearrangement of its double bonds to form cholecalciferol. An increase in skin pigmentation, aging, and the topical application of a sunscreen diminishes the cutaneous production of cholecalciferol. Latitude, season, and time of day as well as ozone pollution in the atmosphere influence the number of solar ultraviolet B photons that reach the earth's surface, and thereby, alter the cutaneous production of cholecalciferol. In Boston, exposure to sunlight during the months of November through February will not produce any significant amounts of cholecalciferol in the skin. Because windowpane glass absorbs ultraviolet B radiation, exposure of sunlight through glass windows will not result in any production of cholecalciferol. It is now recognized that vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency are common in elderly people, especially in those who are infirm and not exposed to sunlight or who live at latitudes that do not provide them with sunlight-mediated cholecalciferol during the winter months. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency exacerbate osteoporosis, cause osteomalacia, and increase the risk of skeletal fractures. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency can be prevented by encouraging responsible exposure to sunlight and/or consumption of a multivitamin tablet that contains 10 micrograms (400 IU) vitamin D.

The photoenhanced toxicity of anthracene to juvenile sunfish ( Lepomis spp.)

The acute toxicity of anthracene to juvenile sunfish ( Lepomis spp.) in the presence of simulated sunlight has been assessed. Previously, anthracene was considered not to be acutely toxic to fish. However, in this study 96 h LC 50 values were found to be 190–1800-times less, with concurrent exposure of anthracene and simulated sunlight, than a reported 24-h no-effect anthracene concentration for L. macrochirus derived under standard laboratory conditions. Opercular ventilation rate was significantly increased in UV light-anthracene treated fish, and histological evidence indicated that major structural changes occurred in the gills of these fish as compared to UV light-only controls. The site of toxic action does not appear to be limited to respiratory surfaces, however, since dorsal epidermal structure was also disrupted in UV light-anthracene treated fish as compared to UV light-only controls. A mathematical relationship to estimate the potential toxicity of anthracene to fish is presented which closely predicts the results of toxicity studies conducted under natural sunlight. It is concluded that solar radiation is an important accessory parameter that deserves consideration in the toxicity assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the aquatic environment.