Fluorescent Light Research Articles

Organic Matter Source, Fluid Migration, and Geological Significance of Stylolites in Organic-Lean Carbonate Rocks: A Case from the Sichuan Basin

Carbonate rocks exhibit significant heterogeneity as both a source rock and reservoir. Stylolite formation plays a crucial role in the enrichment of organic matter and the migration of geofluids within carbonate rocks. In order to study the enrichment mechanism of organic matter and the geofluid migration mode in the stylolites developed in carbonate rocks, stylolite-bearing core samples from the Dachigan structural belt in the eastern Sichuan Basin were collected. The stylolites and matrix were subjected to the total organic carbon (TOC) test and Rock-Eval pyrolysis, thin-section observation under fluorescent light, whole-rock X-ray diffraction, carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The organic matter occurring in the stylolites is mainly in the form of three types: soluble organic matter, pyrobitumen, and bitumen. This suggests that the organic matter within the stylolites mainly consists of secondary migrated organic matter. The stylolites also exhibit well-developed secondary dolomite and pyrite resulting from late-diagenetic recrystallization. These minerals contribute to the preservation of intercrystalline pore spaces and fractures, providing favorable conditions for oil and gas accumulation and migration. The strong cementation observed at the contact between the stylolites and matrix, along with the presence of secondary minerals nearby, may be attributed to the fractionation of light and heavy oil components during the migration of hydrocarbon fluids from the matrix to the stylolites. The thicknesses of the stylolites vary within the bulk, indicating severe diagenesis in thinner areas. Consequently, this leads to significant fractionation effects. The fractionation of crude oil components by stylolites poses challenges for the study of definitive oil–source correlations. To overcome these challenges, future research could investigate biomarker compounds to attempt oil–source correlations. Additionally, future efforts should take into consideration the spatial variation in the crude oil properties. Understanding the role of stylolites in organic matter enrichment and geofluid migration is crucial for optimizing exploration strategies in the Sichuan Basin, a region of growing importance in the energy industry. Moreover, our findings shed light on the complex interactions within stylolite-bearing rocks, which are not limited to this specific basin. These insights offer valuable contributions to the broader field of geology and reservoir characterization, enhancing our ability to predict and interpret similar geological formations globally.

MAxSIM: multi-angle-crossing structured illumination microscopy with height-controlled mirror for 3D topological mapping of live cells

Mapping 3D plasma membrane topology in live cells can bring unprecedented insights into cell biology. Widefield-based super-resolution methods such as 3D-structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) can achieve twice the axial ( ~ 300 nm) and lateral ( ~ 100 nm) resolution of widefield microscopy in real time in live cells. However, twice-resolution enhancement cannot sufficiently visualize nanoscale fine structures of the plasma membrane. Axial interferometry methods including fluorescence light interference contrast microscopy and its derivatives (e.g., scanning angle interference microscopy) can determine nanoscale axial locations of proteins on and near the plasma membrane. Thus, by combining super-resolution lateral imaging of 2D-SIM with axial interferometry, we developed multi-angle-crossing structured illumination microscopy (MAxSIM) to generate multiple incident angles by fast, optoelectronic creation of diffraction patterns. Axial localization accuracy can be enhanced by placing cells on a bottom glass substrate, locating a custom height-controlled mirror (HCM) at a fixed axial position above the glass substrate, and optimizing the height reconstruction algorithm for noisy experimental data. The HCM also enables imaging of both the apical and basal surfaces of a cell. MAxSIM with HCM offers high-fidelity nanoscale 3D topological mapping of cell plasma membranes with near-real-time ( ~ 0.5 Hz) imaging of live cells and 3D single-molecule tracking.

Combinatorial fluorescent labeling of live anaerobic bacteria via the incorporation of azide-modified sugars into newly synthesized macromolecules.

The human gut microbiome modulates physiological functions and pathologies; however, a mechanistic understanding of microbe-host and microbe-microbe interactions remains elusive owing to a lack of suitable approaches to monitor obligate anaerobic bacterial populations. Common genetically encoded fluorescent protein reporters, derived from the green fluorescent protein, require an oxidation step for fluorescent light emission and therefore are not suitable for use in anaerobic microbes residing in the intestine. Fluorescence in situ hybridization is a useful alternative to visualize bacterial communities in their natural niche; however, it requires tissue fixation. We therefore developed an approach for the real-time detection and monitoring of live communities of anaerobic gut commensals in their natural environment. We leverage the bacterial cells' reliance on sugars for macromolecule synthesis in combinatorial click chemistry labeling, where the addition of azide-modified sugars to the culturing media enables the fluorescence labeling of newly synthesized molecules via the addition of combinations of exogenous fluorophores conjugated to cyclooctynes. This process is suitable for labeling communities of live anaerobic gut bacteria with combinations of fluorophores that do not require oxygen to mature and fluoresce, and that can be detected over time in their natural environments. The labeling procedure requires 4-9 d, depending on the varying growth rates of different bacterial strains, and an additional 1-2 d for the detection and monitoring steps. The protocol can be completed by users with basic expertise in bacterial culturing.

Diversity of gene expression responses to light quality in barley

Light quality influence on barley development is poorly understood. We exposed three barley genotypes with either sensitive or insensitive response to two light sources producing different light spectra, fluorescent bulbs, and metal halide lamps, keeping constant light intensity, duration, and temperature. Through RNA-seq, we identified the main genes and pathways involved in the genotypic responses. A first analysis identified genotypic differences in gene expression of development-related genes, including photoreceptors and flowering time genes. Genes from the vernalization pathway of light quality-sensitive genotypes were affected by fluorescent light. In particular, vernalization-related repressors reacted differently: HvVRN2 did not experience relevant changes, whereas HvOS2 expression increased under fluorescent light. To identify the genes primarily related to light quality responses, and avoid the confounding effect of plant developmental stage, genes influenced by development were masked in a second analysis. Quantitative expression levels of PPD-H1, which influenced HvVRN1 and HvFT1, explained genotypic differences in development. Upstream mechanisms (light signaling and circadian clock) were also altered, but no specific genes linking photoreceptors and the photoperiod pathway were identified. The variety of light-quality sensitivities reveals the presence of possible mechanisms of adaptation of winter and facultative barley to latitudinal variation in light quality, which deserves further research.

Identification of Greenish Soybean Seeds through Image Processing, under Different Types of Lighting

A high occurrence of greenish soybean seeds in crops is an issue, these types of seeds have low physiological quality, which can generate seedlings with anomalies, if destined for processing in industries, the presence of chlorophyll is undesirable, requiring additional processes for its removal. This work aimed to evaluate the differentiation of mature and greenish soybean seeds, illuminated with red laser, green laser, red LED, and fluorescent lamp, using image processing. Images of mature and greenish soybean seeds were captured at a resolution of 340x480 pixels, illuminated with red laser, green laser, red LED, and fluorescent lamp. Subsequently, the averages of the gray levels of each image were obtained in the red, green, blue channels and in images converted to grayscale 8-bit. The data were submitted to tests of variance after gray level for image classification. And a validation presented results of 97% of hits for red laser, 94% for fluorescent light and 93.5% for red LED, all in red channel. Keywords: seed classification, agricultural automation, soybean seed quality, computer vision

Shining Light on Photobleaching: An Artifact That Causes Unnecessary Excitation Among Pathologists.

Photobleaching artifact occurs when fluorescence intensity decreases following light exposure. Slides stained with fluorescent techniques may be stored in the dark until primary diagnostics. Experimental evidence suggesting the rate of photobleaching and necessity of dark storage is lacking. To compare photobleaching rate on direct immunofluorescence and Thioflavin T slides stored in ambient room light conditions and exposed to excitatory wavelengths. During 2 iterations of the experiment, 45 slides were prepared, 42 with immunofluorescent antibodies plus 3 with thioflavin, from skin and kidney biopsies. The experimental group was stored in room light conditions in comparison to the control in the dark, at room temperature. Further, 1 immunofluorescence slide and 1 thioflavin slide were exposed to excitatory fluorescent light for several hours. Significant photobleaching was defined as an integer decrease in score (scale, 0-3). Exposure times ranged from 152 to 3034 hours. Nine of the 42 immunofluorescence slides (21%) photobleached after a minimum exposure of 152 hours to room light, with no significant difference between the experimental and control groups (all P values >.05). The immunofluorescence slide exposed to fluorescent light for 4 hours showed marked photobleaching in the exposed field but not elsewhere. No thioflavin slides showed clinically significant photobleaching under any conditions. Clinically significant photobleaching of slides exposed to room light may occur after a few days, but not a few hours (unless exposed to excitatory fluorescent light). Conversely, thioflavin-stained slides did not photobleach when exposed to ambient room air and photobleached only negligibly when exposed to excitatory fluorescent light.

A novel drying film culture method applying a natural phenomenon: Increased carotenoid production by Haematococcus sp

Low productivity and high cost remain major bottlenecks for the large-scale production of Haematococcus sp. This study explored biomass production and carotenoid accumulation in Haematococcus sp. (KCTC 12348BP) using drying film culture. The broth-cultured strain (3.2 × 106 cells/mL, 0.83 ± 0.02 mg/mL for a 21 d culture) was cultured under various conditions (different inoculum volumes and mist feeding intervals) in waterless agar plates at 28 ± 0.5 °C, under fluorescent light (12 h light–dark cycle) for 1 month. The maximum biomass obtained was 17.60 ± 0.72 g/m2, while the maximum astaxanthin concentration was 8.23 ± 1.13 mg/g in the culture using 1 mL inoculum and 3 d feeding interval. Drought stress in drying film culture effectively induced the accumulation of carotenoids from β-carotene, facilitating the production of canthaxanthin via the astaxanthin biosynthesis pathway. This cost-effective culture system can increase the biomass and carotenoid pigment production in Haematococcus sp.

Photocatalyst‐Free Visible‐Light‐Promoted C‐3‐Alkylation of Indoles through C−H Functionalizations of N,N‐Dialkylanilines

AbstractVisible‐light, an environmentally benign and sustainable energy source, is considered an ideal condition for green chemical synthesis especially through C−H functionalization which has been a major focus for the synthesis of organic molecules in the last two decades. Here, we report a visible‐light driven photocatalyst‐free C‐3‐alkylation of indoles via C−H functionalizations of N,N‐dialkylanilines. When N,N‐dialkylaniline is reacted with various substituted indoles in DMSO solvent in an open reaction vessel at room temperature (r.t.) under the irradiation of a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL, 27 W), C‐3‐alkylation of indoles occurs. The yield of the resulting product is up to 96 %. This photochemical transformation offers several advantages such as catalyst‐free, aerial oxygen as the sole oxidant, visible‐light promoted, and tolerable for various functional groups in indoles.

Peptide-graphene logic sensing system for dual-mode detection of exosomes, molecular information processing and protection

Peptides with highly sequence-dependent recognition, assembly, and encoding abilities can perform functions similar to DNA or even better, such as biosensing, molecular information processing, coding, or storage. However, the combination of versatile peptides and 2D materials are rarely used for multipurpose integrated applications, including biosensing, information processing and security. Herein, peptide-graphene sensing system was comprehensively used for dual-signal sensing of tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), logic computing, and information protection. The system used fluorescent-labeled CD63-binding peptide CP05 and graphene oxide (GO) to selectively detect CD63 and TDEs by fluorescence and resonance light scattering. From three levels such as matter, energy, and information analysis, the matter and energy changes in GO−CP05 peptide sensing system were transformed into valuable information, which achieve the dual-mode quantitative detection of TDEs and its marker CD63, and the actual serum analysis. This matter-energy interaction network was also informationized, and utilized for parallel and batch logic computing, two kinds of molecular crypto-steganography (based on peptide sequence and Boolean logic relationships), which facilitates development of intelligent sensing and advanced information technology. This work not only provides a new method for sensitive detection of important disease markers, but also provides ideas for integrating molecular sensing and informatization to open molecular digitization.

Prediction of the bacterial shape in urinary tract infections with the Sysmex UF-1000i analyser: technical note.

The aim of our study was to explore the utility of the Sysmex UF-1000i analyzer as a rapid screening tool for urinary tract infections (UTI) and its ability to predict bacterial shape in order to help physicians choose the appropriate empiric treatment. This is a retrospective study, including 1023 urine cytobacteriological examinations. Urines were processed according to the recommendations of the medical microbiology reference system (REMIC). Using the Sysmex Uf-1000i analyzer, the authors evaluated bacteria forward scatter (B_FSC) and fluorescent light scatter (B_FLH) in a preliminary discrimination step for UTI caused by bacilli or cocci bacteria. The authors got 1023 positive samples. Comparing baccili and cocci bacteria, the authors observed a statistically significant difference for B_FSC but not for B_FLH. The values of B_FLH are very close for the four categories of microorganisms compared (bacilli, cocci, bacilli-cocci association, and yeasts). For these same categories, tests show different values for the B_FSC. A separate analysis of the B_FSC values for bacilli shows that their distribution is relatively homogeneous and exhibits a peak between 20 and 30ch. Dimensional parameters of bacteria generated by UF-1000i could be a rapid and useful tool for predicting the bacterial shape causing UTI.

A functional decision support system for management of Graphiola leaf spot (Graphiola phoenicis) disease during hardening of date palm tissue cultured plants in a greenhouse

A functional decision support system (DSS) was developed through optimising values of parameters favour faster growth and development of tissue cultured plantlets of date palm and suppression of disease infection. The programming of control devices was further managed based on the ambient environmental conditions, which required variable simulation periods and a plan for controlling of all systems for maintaining the greenhouse environment. During the process of plant hardening, the plants were infected by Graphiola leaf spot (Graphiola phoenicis). The moderate temperature, and high humidity inside the greenhouse, accompanied by short days and frequent occurrence of fog during winter months, favoured the development of smut infection. It is required to manage an extended photoperiod for 16 hours with 15000 lux light intensity provided by white fluorescent tube lights and incandescent bulbs inside the greenhouse. The integrated practices of enhanced photoperiod and light intensity under the greenhouse in combination with fungicides application to plants were found very effective in suppressing the intensity of the disease and its adverse effects on the plants. Using this decision support system (DSS), the tissue cultured date palm plants cv. Barhee has been successfully hardened and managed disease and transplanted in the field for further studying establishment, survival, plant growth and fruiting-related parameters.

Light-emitting diode-induced ellagic acid production in Drosera tokaiensis inhibits advanced glycation end-product formation

Drosera tokaiensis (DT) is an insectivorous plant that effectively inhibits advanced glycation end products (AGEs) generated from non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and protein amino groups using phenolic compounds, including ellagic acid, myricitrin, and quercitrin. The accumulation of AGEs increases during the pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and nephropathy. Therefore, the extracts of Drosera species could have preventive effects against such diseases. The development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and their use in plant cultivation and tissue culture can enhance secondary metabolite production by controlling the wavelength of light in which plants are cultivated. We evaluated how LEDs affected the production of AGE-inhibitory compounds in extracts isolated from DT tissue cultures. DT was cultured for two months in different light wavelengths under unified photosynthetic photon flex density and the resulting extracts were used to examine changes in phenolic compound content and the inhibition of AGE formation. Cultivation in monochromatic light from LEDs had no significant effect on plant weight compared to conventional fluorescent cultivation, except for red LED light. Ellagic acid content increased regardless of LED coloration and the production and accumulation of myricitrin and quercitrin were inhibited. The extracts isolated from plantlets cultured under LEDs showed the same level of AGE inhibition as those cultured under fluorescent light. Therefore, for anti-glycation activity, DT can be grown stably and at a low cost using LED lights when compared to conventional culture methods.

Fluoropolymer Coated DNA Nanoclews for Volumetric Visualization of Oligonucleotides Delivery and Near Infrared Light Activated Anti-Angiogenic Oncotherapy.

The potential of microRNA regulation in oncotherapy is limited by the lack of delivery vehicles. Herein, it is shown that fluoropolymer coated DNA nanoclews (FNCs) provide outstanding ability to deliver oligonucleotide through circulation and realize near infrared (NIR) light activated angiogenesis suppression to abrogate tumors. Oligonucleotides are loaded in DNA nanoclews through sequence specific bindings and then a fluorinated zwitterionic polymer is coated onto the surface of nanoclews. Further incorporating quantum dots in the polymer coating endows the vectors with NIR-IIb (1500-1700nm) fluorescence and NIR light triggered release ability. The FNC vector can deliver oligonucleotides to cancer cells systemically and realize on-demand cytosolic release of the cargo with high transfection efficiency. Taking advantage of the NIR-IIb emission, the whole delivery process of FNCs is visualized volumetrically in vivo with a NIR light sheet microscope. Loaded by FNCs, an oligonucleotide can effectively silence the target miRNA when activated with NIR light, and inhibit angiogenesis inside tumor, leading to complete ablation of cancer. These findings suggest FNCs can be used as an efficient oligonucleotide delivery platform to modulate the expression of endogenous microRNA in gene therapy of cancer.

A-209 Application of Bilirubin Oxidase for Improvement of False Positive Error Caused by Bilirubin on Cholesterol Efflux Capacity Assay by Immobilize Liposome-Bound Gel Beads method

Abstract Background High density lipoprotein (HDL) exerts various atheroprotective functions including cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). HDL can attenuate lipid burden at atherosclerotic lesion by CEC. Based on the HDL`s role for moderate atherosclerosis, HDL-cholesterol level which indicates the amount of HDL has been evaluated to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, many clinical studies demonstrated that HDL-cholesterol level does not always reflect the risk of CVD, and CEC which represents the quality of HDL is considered as surrogate biomarker for CVD. CEC is prospective biomarker for CVD risk assessment, however, CEC measurement encounters barriers for clinical application because of its requirements of cultured cell and radioactive substance for conventional CEC assay. To overcome these problems, we invented a novel CEC assay called immobilized liposome-bound gel beads (ILG) method. This method is cell-free assay and utilizes a fluorescence substance as cholesterol tracer. Although the ILG method is useful assay for clinical application, previous study revealed that bilirubin caused false positive error on CEC value. Hence, current ILG method might produce incorrect CEC evaluation for patients with hyperbilirubinemia and even healthy subjects within the range of biological variation of bilirubin. In this study, we improved the influence of bilirubin for ILG method by using bilirubin oxidase (BOD). Methods BOD (Asahi Kasei Corp.) was added to 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) containing 150 mM of NaCl and 1 mM of Na2EDTA (Buffer A). Bilirubin from ‘Interference check A Plus’ (Sysmex Inc.) was added to serum (free-: 10 mg/dL, conjugated-:9.7 mg/dL), and apoB-depleted serum (BDS) was derived from the bilirubin additive serum using polyethylene glycol. After the prepared bilirubin additive BDS was incubated with BOD-containing Buffer A for 16 h, the absorbance spectrum was analyzed. In addition, the time course of bilirubin decrement was monitored during 16 h-incubation. We further measured the fluorescence intensity of bilirubin additive BDS incubated with BOD-containing Buffer A. Using the newly developed BOD-containing Buffer A for ILG method, CEC of bilirubin additive serum was evaluated. Finally, we measured CEC of 4 healthy individuals by conventional and the improved ILG method. The CEC value was standardized by fluorescence intensity of reference sample which was measured in every assay. Results BOD contained in Buffer A could convert bilirubin to biliverdin from results of absorbance spectrum. According to the time course of bilirubin decrement, both free- and conjugated-bilirubin were oxidized to biliverdin in approximately 6 h. By converting bilirubin to biliverdin, fluorescence light was weakened greatly. We confirmed that there was no significant difference of CEC values between non bilirubin-additive serum and bilirubin additive serum. Compared healthy individual CEC values measured by conventional and improved ILG method, all subjects showed significant decrease of CEC values from the improved method, and false positive error caused by bilirubin was ameliorated. Conclusion In this study, we achieved to improve the positive error caused by bilirubin on CEC assay using ILG method. This improvement would contribute to more accurate CEC assessment by ILG method and advance the clinical application of this method.

P23 Curing the nail

Abstract Introduction Ultraviolet light is a well known trigger for inducing cutaneous flares in people who are predisposed or have been diagnosed with cutaneous lupus, it may have far reaching implications, triggering organ threatening disease Ultraviolet light could be from various sources including the sun, light bulbs and drying lamps used in nail salons to “cure the nails”. Curing the nails is a term used in the manicure world where UVA type 2 light is used to facilitate complete and quick drying of the nail polish: these type of UV light have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus. Case description This is the case of a 41 year old lady of African descent diagnosed with discoid lupus at the age of 33. Symptoms include hair loss, hypopigmented lesions on her ear, urticarial rash, fatigue, joint stiffness. Prior history of pregnancy loss at 14 weeks noted, and her sister also suffers from lupus. On examination she was found to have scarring alopecia with hyperkeratotic erythematous lesions at the periungual area with acrylic nails. Blood work showed lymphopenia, positive ANA, positive dsDNA by ELISA, RO+, positive anti smith antibody, normal complements and no evidence of kidney involvement. She was treated with topical therapy and then escalated in turns to hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, rituximab and methotrexate. She had developed a rash on hydroxychloroquine leading to it's discontinuation. The periungual lesions were resistant to all of the above treatment including intralesional steroid. She had recurrent flares of the lesions which resulted in episodes of infection, pus drainage, and treatment with antibiotics. Nifedipine was introduced but did not ameliorate symptoms A causal link was eventually made between her exposure to UV light at the nail salon and the periungual lesion. She was advised to discontinue using the UV light and possibly resort to traditional nail polish and air drying. The periungual lesions significantly improved on cessation of using the UV lights. Discussion Gel/acrylic manicures are becoming increasingly popular as they are more aesthetically pleasing and long lasting compared to traditional nail polish which uses air drying method, however we should be aware of the risk of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure which is used to dry the nails. UV light stimulates keratinocytes to express more small nuclear ribonucleoproteins thereby secreting IL-1,1L-6, IL-3, GM-CSF which lead to tissue damage and increased autoantibody production, this can result in development of cutaneous lupus, worsening of cutaneous lupus or in some cases can precipitate organ threatening systemic lupus. As clinicians we should be aware of the risks and educate our patients on the implication to their disease, they should be encouraged not to use this method of manicure but rather resort to the traditional nail polish which uses air drying technique rather than UV light. Other options may include applying sun protection cream to the fingers before manicure or the use of UV protective gloves, these measures though may not provide adequate coverage to the periungual area. We should be aware and educate our patients on avoidance of other sources of UV light including avoidance of fluorescent light, tanning beds, surgical lamps and measures to reduce exposure. Key learning points Consider other sources of UV light exposure in patients with hard to treat skin disease. It is critical that we educate our patients on the possible side effects of UV exposure and counsel on strategies to minimise exposure

Formation of di-Tyrosine in pasteurized milk during shelf storage

Formation of the protein crosslink di-Tyrosine was studied in PET-bottled pasteurized milk exposed to fluorescent light in a commercial display cabinet. An HPLC method with fluorescence detection was developed and intra-laboratory validated using pure di-Tyrosine synthesized on purpose. Di-Tyrosine was detected after 1-day lightening and increased up to 7 days, reaching around 250 and 320 µg/g protein in whole and partly skimmed milk, respectively. Afterward, a progressive decrease occurred. By transmission electron microscopy with specific immune gold labelling, presence of di-Tyrosine was observed for the first time on the surface of casein micelles of lightened milk. The crosslink formation, however, did not bring to protein aggregation phenomena detectable by laser light scattering measurements. Exposure to light also induced degradation of riboflavin and decrease of yellowness index. Di-Tyrosine proved to be a suitable indicator to evaluate the progress of protein oxidation in pasteurized milk during storage on the market.

Impact of varying light spectral compositions on photosynthesis, morphology, chloroplast ultrastructure, and expression of light-responsive genes in Marchantia polymorpha

Marchantia polymorpha is a convenient model for studying light of different spectral compositions on various physiological and biochemical processes because its photoreceptor system is vastly simplified. The influence of red light (RL, 660 nm), far-red light (FRL, 730 nm), blue light (BL, 450 nm), and green light (GL, 525 nm) compared to white light (high-pressure sodium light (HPSL), white LEDs (WL 450 + 580 nm) and white fluorescent light (WFL) on photosynthetic and transpiration rates, photosystem II (PSII) activity, photomorphogenesis, and the expression of light and hormonal signaling genes was studied. The ultrastructure of the chloroplasts in different tissues of the gametophyte M. polymorpha was examined. FRL led to the formation of agranal chloroplasts (in the epidermis and the chlorenchyma) with a high starch content (in the parenchyma), which led to a reduced intensity of photosynthesis. BL increased the transcription of genes for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites - chalcone synthase (CHS), cellulose synthase (CELL), and L-ascorbate peroxidase (APOX3), which is consistent with the increased activity of low-molecular weight antioxidants. FRL increased the expression of phytochrome apoprotein (PHY) and cytokinin oxidase (CYTox) genes, but the expression of the phytochrome interacting factor (PIF) gene decreased, which was accompanied by a significant change in gametophyte morphology. Analysis of crosstalk gene expression, and changes in morphology and photosynthetic activity was carried out.

Reduction-Responsive Cationic Vesicles from Bolaamphiphiles with Ionizable Amino Acid or Dipeptide Polar Heads.

This paper presents a study of the aggregation of cationic bolaamphiphilic molecules into vesicles. These molecules are based on a cystamine core with protonated terminal dipeptide groups. The study found that vesicles can be formed at pH 4 for all of the dipeptide-terminated bolaamphiphiles containing different combinations of l-valine, l-phenylalanine, and l-tryptophan. The concentration for aggregation onset was determined by using pyrene as a fluorescent probe or light dispersion for compounds with tryptophan. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that the vesicles have diameters ranging from 140 to 500 nm and show the capability of loading hydrophobic cargos, such as Nile red, and their liberation in reductive environments. Furthermore, the bolaamphiphiles are only fully protonated and prone to vesicle formation at acidic pH, making them a promising alternative for gastrointestinal delivery.

Efficient non-doped sky-blue fluorescent organic light emitting devices based on cyanopyridine-containing anthracene derivatives

Two new cyanopyridine-containing anthracene derivatives with asymmetrical donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) molecule structure have been successfully synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction, namely 4-(10-(9-phenyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)anthracen -9-yl)benzonitrile (3CzAnPyCN) and 4-(10-(4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)anthracen -9-yl)benzonitrile (pCzAnPyCN). The non-doped organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) using 3CzAnPyCN and pCzAnPyCN as emitters simultaneously achieved high efficiency stable sky-blue luminescence, corresponding to the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 8.07% and 8.13% with the Commission International de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.18, 0.35) and (0.16, 0.24), respectively. In addition, extremely low efficiency roll-offs were also evaluated in this work. The EQE values remained as high as 7.80% and 7.88% at the luminance of 1000 cd/m2, 7.31% and 6.95% at the luminance of 10000 cd/m2 for 3CzAnPyCN and pCzAnPyCN, respectively. It is found, by photophysical experiments and density functional theory analysis, that the excited state property of the luminogens revealed that the “hot excitons” induced reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) played a crucial role in improving efficiency. Such an excellent electroluminescence (EL) performance achieved in these non-doped OLEDs is among the highest values based on sky-blue fluorescent materials, potential for future optical applications.

Evaluation of the solar-powered Silver Bullet 2.1 (Lumin 8) light trap for sampling malaria vectors in western Kenya

BackgroundCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps are widely used for sampling mosquitoes. However, this trap, manufactured in the USA, poses challenges for use in sub-Saharan Africa due to procurement costs and shipping time. Traps that are equally efficient than the CDC light trap, but which are amenable for use in remote African settings and made in Africa, are desirable to improve local vector surveillance. This study evaluated a novel solar-powered light trap made in South Africa (Silver Bullet trap; SB), for its efficiency in malaria vector sampling in western Kenya.MethodsLarge cage (173.7 m3) experiments and field evaluations were conducted to compare the CDC-incandescent light trap (CDC-iLT), CDC-UV fluorescent tube light trap (CDC-UV), SB with white diodes (SB-White) and SB with UV diodes (SB-UV) for sampling Anopheles mosquitoes. Field assessments were done indoors and outdoors following a Latin square design. The wavelengths and absolute spectral irradiance of traps were compared using spectrometry.ResultsThe odds of catching a released Anopheles in the large cage experiments with the SB-UV under ambient conditions in the presence of a CDC-iLT in the same system was three times higher than what would have been expected when the two traps were equally attractive (odds ratio (OR) 3.2, 95% confidence interval CI 2.8–3.7, P < 0.01)). However, when the white light diode was used in the SB trap, it could not compete with the CDC-iLT (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.48–0.66, p < 0.01) when the two traps were provided as choices in a closed system. In the field, the CDC and Silver Bullet traps were equally effective in mosquito sampling. Irrespective of manufacturer, traps emitting UV light performed better than white or incandescent light for indoor sampling, collecting two times more Anopheles funestus sensu lato (s.l.) (RR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7–3.8) and Anopheles gambiae s.l. (RR 2.5; 95% 1.7–3.6). Outdoor collections were lower than indoor collections and similar for all light sources and traps.ConclusionsThe solar-powered SB trap compared well with the CDC trap in the field and presents a promising new surveillance device especially when charging on mains electricity is challenging in remote settings.