Hg Line Research Articles

Single-Particle Study on Hg Amalgamation Mechanism and Slow Inward Diffusion in Mesoporous Silica-Coated Gold Nanorods without Structural Deformation.

This paper presents the structural and spectral variations of individual mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs@mSiO2) compared to bare AuNRs upon Hg-Au amalgamation. First, the aspect ratio of AuNRs@mSiO2 exposed to Hg solutions was unchanged because the deformation related to the cores of AuNR was suppressed by the silica shell. Second, dark-field microscopy and spectroscopy revealed a blue shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength peak and strong plasmon damping in the individual AuNRs@mSiO2 scattering spectra, exposed to Hg solutions. Furthermore, we investigated time-dependent adsorption kinetics and spectral changes during the formation of Au-Hg amalgam in single AuNRs@mSiO2 over a long time frame without any disturbance from the structural deformation. The inward Hg diffusion into the AuNR core caused a gradual red shift and line width narrowing of the LSPR peak when AuNRs@mSiO2 were withdrawn from Hg solution. Thus, this paper provides new insights into the relationship among amalgamation process, morphological change, the role of silica shell, Hg inward diffusion, LSPR peak, and line width at the single-particle level.

Development and reactivity of the immune system of Japanese quail lines divergently selected for the shape of the growth curve

ABSTRACT 1. Selection strategies for broilers must balance rapid growth with the welfare and health of animals, strategies must deal with the trade-off with other vital functions. 2. Divergent selection of Japanese quail for high (HG) and low (LG) relative body weight gain between 11 and 28 days of age has been conducted to accelerate linear phase growth without influencing the final adult body weight. Higher body growth rate is often connected with a weakened immune system. Therefore, the present study explored the immunological characterisation of quail from HG and LG lines, which differ substantially in their growth rate. 3. The trial evaluated the maternal investment to immunologically active substances, cell-mediated immunity stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection and the acute phase of the immune response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in three different phases of early postnatal growth. 4. Except for higher lysozyme activity in the LG group when compared to the HG line, the maternal investment did not differ between the two lines. Plasma antibody concentrations responded quickly to any change in growth rate in both lines. Overall, it seems that initial rapid growth of the LG line had long-lasting effects on immune responsiveness, even after the growth rate of the HG line escalated during the linear phase of growth. 5. The study indicated that changes in the growth rate caused by the selection for growth in meat-type Japanese quail can influence the acute phase of the immune response and development of the immune system.

Photoluminescence study of a novel UV emitting phosphor Sr2Mg(BO3)2:Pb2+,Gd3+

Photoluminescence properties of a novel UV emitting phosphor Sr2Mg(BO3)2:Pb2+,Gd3+ with varying concentration of Pb2+ and Gd3+ were studied. Crystal structure and co-ordination of prepared phosphor was confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction and FT-IR. SEM images of prepared powder samples show the irregular grains with agglomeration phenomena. Under the excitation of Hg line of 254nm phosphor materials show two emissions at 313nm and 330nm, which could be applicable in phototherapy for combination therapy of narrowband UVB plus PUVA.

Combining emission and absorption spectroscopy at rare earth spectral lines: plasma temperature measurements in ceramic metal halide lamps

Presently, most high intensity discharge (HID) lamps contain mercury to generate a high pressure buffer gas and thereby an appropriate power input into the arc. Due to its toxicity, the replacement of Hg is of particular interest in recent research on HID lamps. Up to now, the emission coefficient of an atomic Hg double line is widely used to determine the plasma temperature Tpl in HID lamps. Tpl is needed to calculate the total density of atoms and ions of elements inside these lamps. A combination of optical emission and broadband absorption spectroscopy allows us to evaluate Tpl independently of Hg emission lines. The method is required for a determination of Tpl if the Hg line intensity within the investigated lamp is too low, is superimposed by other lines or if environmental-friendly Hg-free lamps are developed.Within this work, phase-resolved plasma temperatures are determined in front of the electrode of Hg-containing MH lamps by emission spectroscopy at atomic Hg lines. Above all, temperatures are measured by a combination of emission and absorption spectroscopy at atomic rare earth lines, namely Dy and Tm. A comparison of Tpl determined by both methods agree within an error margin of <10%. Total phase-resolved rare earth atom densities are obtained by means of the measured ground state densities and Tpl. The combination of emission and absorption spectroscopy is also applied to the bulk plasma of lamps where the intensity of the Hg emission lines is too low for plasma temperature measurements or Hg is absent. It provides the partial rare earth pressure and by comparison with thermodynamic data cold spot temperatures within the lamps.

Measuring the pressure in ultrahigh-pressure mercury arcs

Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) mercury lamps are important as high-brightness light sources for digital projection. Hg pressures are usually above 20 MPa and difficult to measure. We have built special UHP lamps with a liquid Hg condensate in a temperature-controlled reservoir, allowing us to tune the Hg vapor pressure p between 14 and 30 MPa. As a simple measure for p, we recorded the width Δλ of the 546 nm Hg line while varying p and also the lamp current I and voltage U. The data define a function p(Δλ,I,U) that will deliver p to better than 3% from simple measurements of Δλ, I, and U for most UHP lamps in the important 100–200 W power range. The method is applied to sample lamps, yielding pressures up to 26 MPa and demonstrating how filled Hg amount, burning position, arc gap, and lamp power affect the pressure. The effective temperature of typical UHP lamps is found to be 2400 K. We also derive an improved characteristic U(d,p,I) for the dependence of the arc voltage on arc gap, pressure, and current for e...

Divergent selection for shape of growth curve in Japanese quail. 5. Growth pattern and low protein level in starter diet

1. The effect of crude protein (CP) concentration in starter diet (259 or 216 g CP and 11·7 MJ ME/kg, fed from 0 to 21 d of age) on postnatal growth pattern (from hatching to 70 d of age) was analysed in Japanese quail lines divergently selected for high (HG) and low (LG) relative gain of body weight (BW) between 11 and 28 d of age, and constant BW at 49 d of age. 2. Males and females of both lines fed on the low CP diet showed a transient BW retardation between 7 and 28 d of age, and 7 and 35 d of age, respectively, when compared with their counterparts receiving the standard CP diet. 3. Although the negative effect of low CP concentration on growth rate was observed in both lines, a lower tolerance of young HG vs. LG quail to the reduction of CP level in food was evident from their (i) stronger BW retardation at 14 d of age (16 vs. 7%), (ii) more delayed onset of compensatory growth (21 vs. 7 d of age) and (iii) greater prolongation of the acceleration growth phase (3 vs. 1 d of age) following insufficient dietary CP. 4. The line differences in early growth rate were accompanied by significant differences in food intake. The LG line consumed more food than the HG line on both CP diets and consumption was not influenced by food quality. In contrast, HG quail reduced food intake with the decrease of dietary CP concentration. On both CP diets, this was associated with a higher body fatness of LG vs. HG quail. 5. The protein-deficient food could thus represent an important factor contributing to the selection advantage of developmentally accelerated genotypes during the selection for high BW in young age categories.

Novel polymer as liquid crystal alignment material for plastic substrates

Implementation of the roll-to-roll (R2R) process and printable organic electronics realizes the cost reduction potential of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) on plastic substrates. These innovative technologies put a strong limitation on the chemistry and temperature treatment of the LC alignment material applied at the solid–liquid interface inside the LCD. Alignment material is the last uniform layer deposited on each of the substrates before assembling and sealing of the whole display sandwich. Deposition from an aggressive solvent, vacuum deposition or a high baking temperature can not only destroy the complex composite structure of the electronics but can also affect the material properties of the substrate. We developed a new type of polymer alignment material, B-15, which can be deposited from a non-aggressive solvent (ethyl/butyl acetate) on top of the wide range of organic layers (including UV-curable materials and TAC films of plastic polarizer) without barrier layers for chemical protection. B-15 is suitable for the R2R process for only short-time treatment operations: 5 min baking at 90 °C is sufficient to remove the residual solvent and hard baking is not required. First, the rubbing process produces an alignment direction on the surface with the azimuthal anchoring energy over 10−4 J m−2. Next, non-polarized light exposure with a 254 nm Hg line induces photopolymerization, which also shifts the absorption peak far below the 300 nm wavelength. Thus B-15 is a highly photostable alignment material possessing null absorption in both the UV-A and the VIS ranges.

Brewster angle reflection measurements of Hg density and laser deflection (Schlieren) measurements of Hg density gradients in an ultra-high pressure arc lamp

A Brewster angle reflection measurement is used to determine the Hg vapor density at the arc tube wall of an ultra-high pressure lamp. The density measurement in combination with the wall temperature yields a pressure of 201 ± 11 bar. This lamp pressure in combination with an arc core temperature measurement yields an arc core Hg vapor density of 1.78 × 1020 cm−3, which agrees with the density from resonance collisional line broadening measurements of the 1014 nm Hg line. These density results are combined with Abel inverted laser deflection or schlieren measurements to determine a density/temperature map of the Hg vapor in the lamp. The laser deflection technique is sensitive in the arc core and mantle, unlike emission techniques which are sensitive only in the arc core.

Imaging of Emitting Mercury Atom Spatial Distributions in a Capillary Discharge Lamp by Using Tomography Approach

A tomographic reconstruction of emitting mercury atom spatial profiles in a capillary lamp with an inner diameter of 1 mm has been made for the first time in this work. Measurements of emission intensity have been performed for the capillary lamp in a xenon-mercury mixture in dependence on the operation position. Intensities were measured for the 546.1-nm Hg line for vertically and horizontally operated lamps. We have found that the emitting mercury atoms in the state 7 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> S <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sub> (the upper state of the 546.1-nm transition) are differently distributed within the lamp in the vertical and horizontal lamp positions.

Divergent selection for shape of growth curve in Japanese quail. 3. Onset of sexual maturity and basic characteristics of early lay

1. The onset of lay, quality of eggs during early lay and gonadal development of both sexes were analysed in meat-type lines of Japanese quail, HG and LG divergently selected for high and low relative weight gain between 11 and 28 d of age, respectively, and constant body weight (BW) at 49 d of age. 2. The LG line was sexually mature at an earlier age and lower BW than the HG line. This corresponded with the trend during embryonic and early postnatal development. 3. Analysis of gonads also confirmed earlier sexual development in the LG than in the HG line. In both lines, the growth of testes was detected about one week earlier than the growth of ovary. 4. Despite the different age and BW at onset of lay, HG and LG quail commenced lay at the same degree of maturity (about 90% of adult BW). This implied that the onset of sexual maturity could be identified as a point on the growth curve which terminates the linear phase. 5. When compared with the LG line, the HG line was characterised by a longer acceleration and shorter retardation phase of the growth curve. This difference is seen as an important determinant of line differences in growth and reproductive performance.

Intercomparison of ultraviolet photometry and gas‐phase titration techniques for ozone reference standards at ambient levels

Intercomparison experiments were made between two independent techniques for ozone (O3) reference standards often used as the primary standards in air quality monitoring networks. These techniques include ultraviolet absorption photometry of O3 at the 253.7‐nm Hg line and gas‐phase titration of O3 with excess NO. For ultraviolet photometry, a well‐designed and maintained standard reference photometer (SRP) built by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA) was employed. For gas‐phase titration (GPT), an existing system was significantly modified by the National Institute for Environmental Studies (Japan) by using gravimetric NO/N2 standard gases, accurate flow measurement systems based on laminar flow elements, and two chemiluminescence NO detectors to minimize uncertainty in the measurements, which had previously been a major shortcoming of this method. Uncertainty in the improved GPT system was reduced to less than 0.4% above 100 nmol mol−1 O3 mole fraction. A series of comparison runs between the two methods over the course of 13 months from August 2004 to August 2005 showed a significant discrepancy, which cannot be explained by the measurement uncertainties attributed to either SRP or GPT in the range of 80–800 nmol mol−1 O3, where GPT was about 2% higher than SRP. This result indicates possible biases in the currently existing O3 reference standards and warrants further studies to identify and characterize possible sources of the systematic discrepancy.

Assembly of a New Family of Mercury(II) Zwitterionic Thiolate Complexes from a Preformed Compound [Hg(Tab)2](PF6)2 [Tab = 4-(Trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate

Reactions of Hg(OAc)2 with 2 equiv of TabHPF6 [TabH = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiol] in MeCN/MeOH afforded a mononuclear linear complex [Hg(Tab)2](PF6)2 (1). By using 1 as a precursor, a new family of mercury(II) zwitterionic thiolate complexes, [Hg2(Tab)6](PF6)4.2MeCN (2.2MeCN), [Hg(Tab)2(SCN)](PF6) (3), [Hg(Tab)2(SCN)2] (4), [Hg(Tab)I2] (5), {[Hg(Tab)2]4[HgI2][Hg2I6]}(PF6)2(NO3)4 (6), [Hg(Tab)2][HgI4] (7), [Hg(Tab)2][HgCl2(SCN)2] (8), [Tab-Tab]2[Hg3Cl10] (9), and [Hg2(Tab)6]3(PF6)Cl11 (10), were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, 1H NMR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The [Hg2(Tab)6]4+ tetracation of 2 or 10 contains an asymmetrical Hg2S2 rhomb with an inversion center lying on the midpoint of the Hg...Hg line. The Hg atom of the [Hg(Tab)2]2+ dication of 3 is coordinated to one SCN-, forming a rare T-shaped coordination geometry, while in 4, the Hg atom of [Hg(Tab)2]2+ is coordinated to two SCN-, forming a seesaw-shaped coordination geometry. Through weak secondary Hg...S coordinations, each cation in 3 is further linked to afford a one-dimensional zigzag chain. The trigonal [Hg(Tab)I2] molecules in 5 are held together by weak secondary Hg...I and Hg...S interactions, forming a one-dimensional chain structure. In 6, the four [Hg(Tab)2]2+ dications, one HgI2 molecule, one [Hg2I6]2- dianion, one PF6-, and four NO3- anions are interconnected by complicated secondary Hg...I and Hg...O interactions, forming a scolopendra-like chain structure. The secondary Hg...I interactions, [Hg(Tab)2]2+ and [HgI4]2- in 7, are combined to generate a one-dimensional chain structure, while [Hg(Tab)2]2+ and [HgCl2(SCN)2]2- in 8 are interconnected by secondary Hg...N interactions to form a one-dimensional zigzag chain structure. Compound 9 consists of two [Tab-Tab]2+ dications and one [Hg3Cl10]4- tetraanion. The facile approach to the construction of 2-8 and 10 from 1 may be applicable to the mimicking of a coordination sphere of the Hg sites of metallothioneins.

Divergent selection for shape of growth curve in Japanese quail. 2. Embryonic development and growth

1. Embryonic growth and development were analysed using meat type lines of Japanese quail, HG and LG, divergently selected for shape of the growth curve. A total of 1020 embryos of generations 9, 10 or 13 were used for analysis. 2. Considerable inter-line differences were observed in the rate of embryonic development. When compared to HG, LG embryos appeared to be developmentally accelerated during the first 42 h of incubation (larger blastoderm diameter, more somites and higher frequency of more advanced Hamburger–Hamilton stages) as well as at the end of the prenatal period (more embryos with the yolk sac inside the body cavity, shorter incubation period). This corresponded with the trend in postnatal development. 3. Embryonic growth of both lines exhibited an exponential trend. However, considerable inter-line differences were noted in the rate of embryonic growth. Initial growth retardation compensated subsequently by a higher growth rate of HG vs LG quail, characterised the lines after hatching. The same growth pattern repeated three times during the prenatal period (between d 0 and 3, 3 and 8, and 8 and 16). 4. The repeated occurrence of transient decreases in growth rate of the developmentally delayed HG line could be associated with a delayed onset of genetically determined physiological functions mediating utilisation of nutrient supply. 5. Hence, different shapes of growth curves in two genotypes with similar growth potential reveal inter-line differences in physiological age persisting during the whole ontogenesis.

Uncertainty and bias of surface ozone measurements at selected Global Atmosphere Watch sites

The Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program currently coordinates 22 ground‐based atmospheric background monitoring stations of global scope. The GAW World Calibration Centre for Surface Ozone, Carbon Monoxide and Methane (WCC‐EMPA) is responsible for tracing surface ozone measurements at these stations to the designated reference within the GAW program, the Standard Reference Photometer SRP 2 maintained at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The recommended method for surface ozone measurements is based on UV absorption at 254 nm (Hg line). Repeated and regular intercomparisons of station instruments are necessary to achieve and maintain high and known data quality. In this paper, the traceability chain is explained, and standard uncertainties for each element are evaluated. Data of 26 intercomparisons performed at 14 stations between 1996 and 2002 are analyzed. On 23 occasions, the instruments passed the audit with “good” agreement, in one case with “sufficient” agreement. On 2 occasions, both first audits at the site, the audited instrument did not comply with the minimal data quality requirements. The best instruments in use exhibit a median absolute bias of approximately 0.32 ppbv and a standard uncertainty of approximately 0.8 ppbv (0–100 ppbv). The quantitative improvement of data quality as a result of repeated audits can be demonstrated with several stations.

On the elemental abundance and isotopic mixture of mercury in HgMn stars

Optical region spectra of 31 HgMn stars have been studied for the abundance and isotope mixture of mercury. In the course of the investigation the lines Hg  λ4358 and Hg  λλ3984,6149 have been studied, with abundances established for all three lines in several HgMn stars. The mercury isotope mixture has been determined from high resolution spectra of the λ3984 line. Possible signs of an ionization anomaly have been detected by the comparison of the abundance derived from the Hg  line and the Hg  lines in seven of the observed HgMn stars. A possible correlation of the mercury abundance with Teff has been detected. Possible signs of a weak anticorrelation of the manganese and mercury abundance in HgMn stars have been found, which could be interpreted as a sign of inhomogeneous surface distribution of these elements. For a number of the HgMn stars in this study the mercury abundance and isotope mixture are reported for the first time.

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

Digital images of autofluorescence excited with 366 nm Hg line were recorded in a narrow 475 nm band for 408 pigmented lesions of the skin (90 melanomas, 205 common melanocytic and dysplastic naevi, 113 lesions of different kinds) and analysed photometrically with respect to spatial distribution of intensity to differentiate between melanomas and other melanocytic lesions. Earlier reports describing patterns of intensity distributions characteristic for melanomas have not been confirmed in this study. However, our evaluations showed that an algorithm based on ratios of maximum intensity recorded outside the lesions and minimum intensity found within them, allows melanomas to be detected with a sensitivity of 82.5%, a specificity of 78.6% and a positive predictive value of 58.9% (melanomas versus common and dysplastic naevi) or 76.7% (melanomas versus other pigmented lesions). The method is now being tested in a multicentre study involving three groups in three different cities in Poland.

Direct and correlated responses to three S1-recurrent selection strategies for increasing protein yield in oat

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of S1-recurrent selection for increasing groat (caryopsis)-protein yield in oat (Avena sativa L.) and to compare the effects of three selection strategies on correlated responses in groat yield and groat-protein concentration. Three S1-recurrent selection programs were conducted for five cycles. Selection criteria in each program (line of descent) emphasized different components of protein yield; high grain yield in HG, both high grain yield and high groat-protein concentration in HP, and protein yield per se in HGP. Thirty to sixty random S0-derived lines from each cycle and ten check lines were evaluated in one year at two locations to estimate the response to selection. Groat-protein yield increased 4.4% cycle-1 in HG, 3.4% cycle-1 in HP, and 2.2% cycle-1 in HGP. Gains in groat yield were 7% cycle-1 in HG, 1% cycle-1 in HP, and 3% cycle-1 in HGP. Mean groat-protein yield and groat yield in the cycle 5 (C5) populations of all three lines of descent were equal to or slightly higher than those of high yielding cultivars. The HG line of descent showed a significant decrease from 193 to 175 g kg-1 groat protein, while the HP line of descent showed a significant increase from 202 to 218 g kg-1. The HGP line of descent showed a small but significant decline in groat protein from 200 to 192 g kg-1. In comparison, the high-protein commercial cultivars contained about 210 g kg-1 groat protein. The C5 population of the HP line of descent had a unique combination of high groat yield and high groat-protein concentration. Genotypic variances for groat-protein yield, groat yield, and groat-protein concentration were not always significant in the various cycles of the three lines of descent, but in no instance was there a consistent change from C0 to C5. S1-recurrent selection was effective for increasing groat-protein yield of oat, and with the proper germplasm and selection strategy both groat yield and groat-protein concentration can be improved simultaneously.

Radiation efficiency of Hg-Ar surface wave discharges

The radiation efficiency of Hg-Ar low-pressure surface wave (SW) discharges has been measured in a broad range of Ar pressures (40 mTorr-12 Torr), Hg partial pressures ( approximately 1-100mTorr) and excitation frequencies (200-1000 MHz). Gas filling and tube geometry (26 mm outer diameter) were chosen to allow a comparison with the conventionally excited Hg-Ar low-pressure discharge used for general lighting purposes in the well known fluorescent lamp. The study focuses on the quantitative measurement of the two Hg UV resonance lines at 185 and 254 nm. The RF power input into the plasma column extending outside the surfatron coupling structure was determined quantitatively. This was done by measuring the power dissipated in the part of the plasma column hidden within the surfatron by a calorimetric method. The measurements of the Hg UV radiation efficiency are supplemented by radial scan experiments of a visible Hg line, and by the study of phenomena occurring at a higher power density such as saturation and standing wave formation.

Correlated Response to Selection for Protein Yield in Oats After Three Cycles of Recurrent Selection

AbstractThree oat (Avena saliva L.) populations (i.e., lines of descent), high grain yield (HG), high protein content (HP), and high protein yield per se (HGP), each developed by three cycles of S, recurrent selection, were evaluated for the effect of selection for groat‐protein yield upon other agronomic traits. Selections making up the HG line of descent had high protein yield primarily due to high grain yield, and those selected for HP had high protein yield due to both high protein content and high grain yield. Selection in HGP was on the basis of protein yield per se. Selection caused increases in bundle weight, harvest index, vegetative growth rate, and seed number in all lines of descent. Heading date, plant height, and seed weight were unaffected, whereas groat percentage and test weight were decreased in HP and HGP. Heritabilities were high for heading date, plant height, test weight, and seed weight, moderate for harvest index and bundle weight, and low for groat percentage. Genetic variability generally declined from CO to C3 for all traits.Groat‐protein yield and amount of protein per groat increased in all lines of descent. In HG, the increase in groat weight was due primarily to increases in the nonprotein fraction, with groat‐protein content actually decreasing. In HGP, groat weight increased due to increases in protein and nonprotein fractions, and groat protein content remained constant. In HP, groat weight and amount of nonprotein per groat decreased, thus increasing groat‐protein content.Three cycles of recurrent selection resulted in oat lines with groat‐protein yields significantly higher than the highest lines from CO. Utilization of index selection may be desirable to obtain populations of greater breeding value.

Collagen-induced arthritis in Biozzi mice. Joint involvement is not correlated with collagen II IgG2a autoantibodies nor restricted to only H-2q and H-2r.

High (H) and low (L) immune responder "Biozzi" mice, obtained by four different selections, were investigated for their ability to develop collagen-induced arthritis. Both LI and LII lines--characterized by their low antibody responses to a wide variety of Ag--developed arthritis though they do not bear the susceptible H-2q and H-2r haplotypes. Out of the two lines (HI and HII) selected for their high antibody responses and bearing H-2q, only one (HI) developed arthritis. Both the lines with amplified high or low antibody responses (HG and LG), and the lines differing in the levels of cell-mediated immunity (Hpha and Lpha), failed to develop arthritis. Collagen II autoantibodies were found in all the lines: the responses being high (HI and HG), low (LI, LII and LG), or intermediate (HII, Hpha and Lpha). The level of IgG2a autoantibodies, presumed to be the most pathogenic, was low in two (HI and LII) of the three arthritic lines, and was high in the unaffected HG line. These results show that this arthritis is not solely restricted to H-2q and H-2r haplotypes, and argue against a correlation between collagen autoantibody levels and disease incidence.