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SIGNIFICANCE: Information about the spatial organization of fibers within a nerve is crucial to our understanding of nerve anatomy and its response to neuromodulation therapies. A serial block-face microscopy method [three-dimensional microscopy with ultraviolet surface excitation (3D-MUSE)] has been developed to image nerves over extended depths ex vivo. To routinely visualize and track nerve fibers in these datasets, a dedicated and customizable software tool is required. AIM: Our objective was to develop custom software that includes image processing and visualization methods to perform microscopic tractography along the length of a peripheral nerve sample. APPROACH: We modified common computer vision algorithms (optic flow and structure tensor) to track groups of peripheral nerve fibers along the length of the nerve. Interactive streamline visualization and manual editing tools are provided. Optionally, deep learning segmentation of fascicles (fiber bundles) can be applied to constrain the tracts from inadvertently crossing into the epineurium. As an example, we performed tractography on vagus and tibial nerve datasets and assessed accuracy by comparing the resulting nerve tracts with segmentations of fascicles as they split and merge with each other in the nerve sample stack. RESULTS: We found that a normalized Dice overlap ( Dice norm ) metric had a mean value above 0.75 across several millimeters along the nerve. We also found that the tractograms were robust to changes in certain image properties (e.g., downsampling in-plane and out-of-plane), which resulted in only a 2% to 9% change to the mean Dice norm values. In a vagus nerve sample, tractography allowed us to readily identify that subsets of fibers from four distinct fascicles merge into a single fascicle as we move ∼ 5    mm along the nerves length. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we demonstrated the feasibility of performing automated microscopic tractography on 3D-MUSE datasets of peripheral nerves. The software should be applicable to other imaging approaches. The code is available at https://github.com/ckolluru/NerveTracker.

ABSTRACT With the rapid emergence of pufferfish aquaculture and processing industries, fish skin is underutilized as a byproduct of processing, leading to resource waste. In this study, Takifugu bimaculatus skin collagen (TBSC) was extracted by acetic acid solubilization and its physicochemical properties were analyzed. The effects of TBSC and the TBSC hydrolysate (TBSCH) on ultraviolet (UV) irradiation‐induced photoaging were investigated using a mouse model. The purity of TBSC was 90.02%. Electrophoresis and Fourier infrared spectroscopy characterization of TBSC showed that the type of collagen in TBSC was typical standard type I. The degree of hydrolysis was selected to optimize the hydrolysis conditions for TBSC. The papain enzyme dosage, temperature, pH, and hydrolysis duration of 51,000 U/g, 48.03°C, 5.35, and 4 h have been demonstrated to be the optimum hydrolysis conditions for TBSCH. Oral administration of either TBSC or TBSCH ameliorated UV‐induced skin erythema and hyperkeratosis. TBSC and TBSCH treatment increased collagen content and had an inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐3 expression, whereas MMP‐9 expression was significantly reversed only in the TBSCH‐treated groups. The expression of the c‐Jun protein was much lower in these groups, suggesting that TBSCH had a greater alleviating effect on collagen degradation and extracellular matrix breakdown. Therefore, it is proposed that TBSCH has the potential to be used as a nutricosmetic agent with protective attributes against UV‐induced skin damage and concurrent collagen depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast all-optical control has been a subject of wide-spread attention as a method of manipulating optical fields using light excitation on extremely short time scales. As a fundamental form of ultrafast all-optical control, all-optical switching has achieved sub-picosecond switch speeds in the visible, infrared, and terahertz spectral regions. However, due to the lack of suitable materials, ultrafast all-optical control in the ultraviolet range remains in its early stages. We demonstrate sub-picosecond all-optical switching in the ultraviolet wavelength by designing a Si3N4-ITO Fabry–Pérot resonance aligns with the edge of the interband transition region of ITO. The response time of 500 fs achieved at a pump fluence as low as 0.17 mJ/cm2. Notably, unlike conventional binary switches (0, 1), this biphasic all-optical switch enables the modulation of optical intensity with positive, zero, and negative ΔR/R (0, 1, −1) at the same wavelength, all achieved with a switching speed of 680 fs at a pump fluence of 0.45 mJ/cm2. This work establishing a new pathway for all-optical control in the ultraviolet spectrum, the biphasic switch provides an extra degree of freedom for all-optical modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-Acanthamoeba properties of riboflavin and its enhanced amoebicidal effects when combined with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation were investigated in vitro. The viability of cultured Acanthamoeba castellanii was assessed by adding varying concentrations (0 ~ 0.2% w/v) of riboflavin to the culture medium or after combined riboflavin and UVA treatment (30 min, 3 mW/cm2) over 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured following a 30-minute exposure to riboflavin. Additionally, the cysticidal effects of riboflavin, UVA, and their combination were evaluated. Gene transcription in Acanthamoeba was analyzed using RNA-seq. Riboflavin demonstrated dose-dependent toxicity on Acanthamoeba, accompanied by an increase in intracellular ROS. Exposure to 0.2% riboflavin reduced Acanthamoeba viability by over 50% within one day. UVA treatment alone also reduced viability by over 50%. Combined treatment with 0.2% riboflavin decreased trophozoite survival by more than 80%, and approximately 60% of cysts were killed when 0.1% riboflavin was combined with UVA. RNA-seq analysis indicated significant changes in gene expression after exposure to riboflavin, UVA, and their combination, particularly affecting oxidoreductase activity, cystathionine β synthase, and serine-threonine kinase activity. These findings indicate that riboflavin exhibits dose-dependent toxicity in Acanthamoeba, primarily through increased ROS generation. Combining riboflavin and UVA did not fully eradicate trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba, but was able to partially inactivate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) resides in various organs such as the skin, prostate, eye, nose, stomach, and intestine, indicating the possibility of extensive crosstalk between this bacterium and the human body. C. acnes strains are classified into three subspecies based on phylogenetics and distinguishable phenotypes. Among them, C. acnes subsp. defendens strains are characterized by anti-inflammatory features, raising expectations for their potential as future microbiome therapeutics. However, the heterogeneity of C. acnes subsp. defendens and its corresponding immunological functions have not been clearly addressed. Methods: The genetic diversity of the strains was assessed using single- and multi-locus sequence typing. Their immune-modulatory functions were evaluated in vitro using 2D and 3D assays with immune and epithelial cells. The anti-inflammatory effects were further confirmed in vivo using a rosacea-like mouse model. Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to uncover mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive activity of the strains. Results: We demonstrated that the newly isolated C. acnes subsp. defendens strains, exhibiting phenotypic heterogeneity, are distinctly clustered using single- and multi-locus sequence typing methods. These strains showed strong immune-regulatory functions in immune and epithelial cell-based 2D and 3D in vitro assays. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory role was functionally confirmed in vivo using a rosacea-like mouse model, where they alleviated skin lesions characterized by hyperplasia and dermal inflammation. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that these strains may exert their immunosuppressive effects through the enhanced expression of acnecins and transcriptional variation in envelope stress regulators (specifically the two-component systems, CesSR homologs). Additionally, we propose that these C. acnes type II strains produce anti-inflammatory metabolites or peptides smaller than 3 kDa, which are associated with elevated pyrimidine and reduced L-arginine biosynthesis. Discussion: The newly isolated C. acnes subsp. defendens strains demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo , suggesting their potential as microbiome-based therapeutics. Their unique genomic and transcriptomic profiles, including the production of small bioactive compounds and specific transcriptomic patterns, underpin their immunosuppressive capabilities. These findings provide a foundation for developing novel treatments for inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a low-cost photometer for experimental teaching designed to determine hexavalent chromium in aqueous solutions based on the detection of yellow chromate ions with ultraviolet light at 373 nm. This procedure replaces the colorimetric method that uses a spectrophotometer for the detection of the red-violet 1.5-diphenylcarbazide complex at 540 nm. To demonstrate the operation of the photometer, the Beer-Lambert law was evaluated using the linear regression technique, and the absorbance values obtained by the photometer were compared with those of a Shimadzu UV-2600 series UV-Vis spectrophotometer in five samples of hexavalent chromium in the range of 1 - 25 mg L-1. The experimental results demonstrated the linearity required by the Beer-Lambert law with a determination coefficient of 0.9988, and similarity between both analytical instruments with a relationship of 1.0041 between the absorbance values with a determination coefficient of 0.9993. In conclusion, the low-cost photometer is an excellent proposal for teaching the Beer-Lambert law in the classroom because it reduces the formation of waste, and dispenses with the reagents of the colorimetric method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of an AlGaN‐based deep‐ultraviolet laser diode during operation is studied. A rapid increase in threshold current without any facet mirror damage under direct current stress below the threshold current is observed, which is considered to limit the lifetime of continuous wave lasing to the level of seconds. The evolution of current–light and current–voltage characteristics suggests that the dominant mechanism of degradation is the increased loss of carriers before they can reach the active layer, i.e., the decrease in carrier injection efficiency. The decrease in emission intensity, which is more pronounced at lower current densities, and subsequent increase in sub‐threshold current indicate the increase in defect density under current stress, which is similar to the well‐analyzed degradation mechanism found in AlGaN‐based light‐emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can result in skin photoaging, which is primarily characterized by dryness, roughness, pigmentation, and a loss of elasticity. However, the clinical drugs commonly employed to treat photoaged skin often induce adverse effects on the skin. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are water-soluble pigments occurring abundantly in various flowers, fruits, vegetables, and grains and exhibiting a range of biological activities. Studies have demonstrated that ACNs contribute to the repair of photoaged skin due to their diverse biological characteristics and minimal side effects. Evidence suggests that the stability of ACNs can be enhanced through encapsulation or combination with other substances to improve their bioavailability and permeability, ultimately augmenting their efficacy in repairing photoaged skin. A growing body of research utilizing cell lines, animal models, and clinical studies has produced compelling data demonstrating that ACNs mitigate skin photoaging by reducing oxidative stress, alleviating the inflammatory response, improving collagen synthesis, alleviating DNA damage, and inhibiting pigmentation. This review introduces sources of ACNs while systematically summarizing their application forms as well as mechanisms for repairing photoaged skin. Additionally, it explores the potential role of ACNs in developing functional foods. These findings may provide valuable insight into using ACNs as promising candidates for developing functional products aimed at repairing photoaged skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have demonstrated that ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation impacts both skin and hepatic functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of UVB irradiation on cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Hairless mice were exposed to UVB (1.6 J/cm2) irradiation. Dorsal skin and liver samples were collected 24 h after exposure. Total RNA was extracted from the skin and liver tissues, and used for DNA microarray analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hepatic mRNA expression of Cyp7a1 revealed a 4.4‐fold decrease in the UVB (+) group compared to that in the UVB (−) group. No differences were observed in the expression of the other genes related to cholesterol metabolism. Additionally, the level of hepatic total cholesterol in the UVB (+) group was significantly higher than in the UVB (−) group. These findings suggest that acute UVB irradiation increases total cholesterol levels and decreases Cyp7a1 expression in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment measuring the solar far-ultraviolet-ultraviolet (FUV-UV) irradiance with spectral resolution better than 0.1 nm in the wavelength range from 170 to 400 nm was carried out by the "HongHu-6" high-altitude balloon that flew to the bottom region of the near-space in September 2022. This experiment was based on the fact that solar FUV-UV penetrates through a complex cross-section window of the upper atmosphere, from outer to near space. The solar FUV-UV deposits energy in the upper atmosphere, which provides a key to answer scientific questions on the most important energy contributor to overall heating sources of the near space and how the near-space environment responds to solar activities. In the wavelength range between 150 and 210 nm, irradiance maps from active regions of the solar corona, the comparative small cross-section of molecular oxygen allows certain wavelengths of the band to arrive at altitudes between 20 and 30 km above the ground, indicating solar flares could directly impact the bottom region of the near space. Solar UV irradiance in the wavelength range 210 – 400 nm is absorbed by the upper atmosphere as a function of wavelength, and energy is deposited vertically in the lower regions of the near space. This experiment historically provides measurement data to fill a gap in the wavelength shorter than 280 nm in the lower regions of the near space. The solar FUV-UV spectrometer (SUVS) is a compact instrument based on improved Roland circle optics to adapt to the "HongHu-6" balloon payload platform. In this paper, we introduce the scientific goals of the solar FUV-UV spectrum measurement experiment, provide information on the SUVS instrument preflight calibration, and present the first results from the flight data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Extreme ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) is one of three instruments onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). This paper focuses on using the "A" channel on the Multiple EUV Grating Spectrographs (MEGS-A) on EVE, which measures wavelengths of 5 – 37 nm, to improve the wavelength scale accuracy and spectral resolution during solar flares. EVE's least processed (Level 0B) data product is used to create updated wavelength scales that are shown, through this analysis, to make more precise spectral measurements compared to EVE Level 2 data. An X2.2 class flare that occurred on 15 February 2011, SOL2011-02-15T0156, was used to derive the pixel-to-wavelength scales. An improvement range of 5.21% to 11.35% was found in the emission line widths. In the future, these measurements can be used for improved Doppler velocity calculations of the accelerated plasma of various temperatures during solar flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary factor in skin photoaging, leading to wrinkles, reduced elasticity, and pigmentation changes due to damage to cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids. Glycoproteins from sesame cake (SPE) have potential protective effects against UV-induced skin aging. This study investigated the anti-photoaging effects of SPE on UV-induced damage in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and SKH-1 hairless mice. Methods: SPE was evaluated for its ability to mitigate UV-induced damage in HaCaT cells by assessing MMP-1 protein and mRNA expression levels, as well as the activity of transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κB. The phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK pathways was also analyzed. In vivo, SKH-1 hairless mice were exposed to UV radiation, and the effects of SPE on wrinkle formation and skin structure were assessed by measuring wrinkle length, area, and volume. Results: SPE significantly inhibited UV-induced MMP-1 protein and mRNA expression in HaCaT cells, indicating suppression of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors involved in MMP-1 production. Additionally, SPE reduced UV-induced phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK pathways. In SKH-1 hairless mice, SPE treatment led to significant reductions in wrinkle length, area, and volume, preserving skin structure in UV-exposed mice. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that SPE has protective effects against UV-induced photoaging by inhibiting key molecular pathways associated with skin aging. SPE shows promise as a natural anti-photoaging agent, providing a foundation for future skincare product development. Further studies are warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms in detail and to validate these effects through clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Traditional sun‐drying aquatic products are popular and recognized by customers, owing to their unique flavor and long‐term preservation. However, the product quality and production efficiency cannot be guaranteed. Cololabis saira is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are susceptible to hyperoxidation during the drying process. This study aimed to make clear the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in flavor formation during drying processes of Cololabis saira to develop a modern drying technology. RESULTS: Lipid oxidation analysis revealed that moderate hydrolytic oxidation occurred in the UV‐assisted cold‐air drying group due to the combined influence of UV and cold‐air circulation, resulting in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value being higher than that of cold‐air drying group but lower than the natural drying group. Hexanal, heptanal, cis‐4‐heptenal, octanal, nonanal, (trans,trans)‐2,4‐heptadienal, (trans,trans)‐2,6‐nonanedial, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, heptanol, 2,3‐pentanedione, 3,5‐octadien‐2‐one and trimethylamine were identified as the characteristic flavor odor‐active compounds present in all Cololabis saira samples. Yet, during the natural drying process, sunlight promoted the lipid oxidation, resulting in the highest degree of lipid oxidation among three drying methods. Light and heat promoted lipid oxidation in Cololabis saira prepared through natural drying process, leading to a large accumulation of volatile compounds, such as 3‐methylbutyraldehyde, 2,3‐pentanedione, 1‐propanol, and 3‐pentanone. Cold air circulation inhibited lipid oxidation to some extent, resulting in a blander flavor profile. More cis‐4‐heptenal, cis‐2‐heptenal, octanal and 2‐ethylfuran accumulated during the UV‐assisted cold‐air drying process, enriching its greasy flavor and burnt flavor. CONCLUSION: UV‐assisted cold‐air drying could promote moderate lipid oxidation, which is beneficial for improving product flavor. To sum up, UV radiation played a crucial role in the flavor formation during the drying process of Cololabis saira. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We integrate in the framework of the semilocal trace formula two recent discoveries on the spectral realization of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function by introducing a semilocal analogue of the prolate wave operator. The latter plays a key role both in the spectral realization of the low lying zeros of zeta—using the positive part of its spectrum—and of their ultraviolet behavior—using the Sonin space which corresponds to the negative part of the spectrum. In the archimedean case the prolate operator is the sum of the square of the scaling operator with the grading of orthogonal polynomials, and we show that this formulation extends to the semilocal case. We prove the stability of the semilocal Sonin space under the increase of the finite set of places which govern the semilocal framework and describe their relation with Hilbert spaces of entire functions. Finally, we relate the prolate operator to the metaplectic representation of the double cover of SL (2 , R) with the goal of obtaining (in a forthcoming paper) a second candidate for the semilocal prolate operator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in pet cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) living in their home environments. Thirty client-owned cockatiels were allocated to an intervention group, consisting of exposure to a commercial coil fluorescent bulb, or a control group, with no exposure to supplemental lighting. Blood samples were collected at baseline (Day 0) and 6 months after simple randomization for measurement of 25(OH)D (Day 180). A linear mixed model was used to determine if serum 25(OH)D concentrations were influenced by time, group, age, or sex. At baseline, median 25(OH)D concentration for the whole study population was 13 nmol/L (range, 0.0–15.0 nmol/L). At the end of the study, median 25(OH)D concentration for the whole study population was 6.5 nmol/L (0.0–15.0 nmol/L), for the control group was 3 nmol/L (0.0–8.0 nmol/L) and for the UVB group was 7.5 nmol/L (6.0–11.0 nmol/L). There was a statistically significant 50% reduction in 25(OH)D concentrations from the baseline to the final sampling period for the overall population, but no differences by group, age, or sex. The addition of a UVB bulb for 6 months to the enclosures of cockatiels did not increase their serum 25(OH)D concentrations. There was an unexplained decrease in both groups when comparing Day 0 to the Day 180 sampling period. The 50% attenuation in the UVB lighting group, although not statistically significant, may be clinically relevant and deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study determined the optimal ultraviolet (UV)-B dose of major vegetable seedlings in a plant factory with artificial light for labor saving. Four vegetable seedlings, cucumber, watermelon, tomato, and pepper, were used as test crops. UV-B irradiation was conducted at four different UV-B doses of 1.08, 2.16, 3.24, and 4.32 kJ·m−2 d−1 for 3 h a day for 3 days after graft-take and temporary planting of fruit vegetable seedlings. After UV-B irradiation, seedlings were moved to a greenhouse and exposed to ultraviolet rays of sunlight; growth was observed; and chlorophyll fluorescence was measured. When subjected to UV-B irradiation, minimal changes in external traits of fruit vegetable seedlings were observed at doses below 2.16 kJ·m−2·d−1, while at higher intensities, issues such as chlorosis emerged. When UV-B was irradiated at 4.32 kJ·m−2·d−1, cucumber exhibited a decrease in hypocotyl length by 6.4 cm, and watermelon by 1.7 cm compared with the control. Additionally, cucumber and watermelon both showed a decrease in leaf area by 75.6 cm2 and 49.8 cm2, respectively, indicating a tendency of growth inhibition. For tomatoes and peppers, when UV-B was irradiated at 1.08 kJ·m−2·d−1, they exhibited an improvement in compactness by 5 and 2.5 mg·cm−1, respectively, compared with the control. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters indicated a positive correlation between ABS/RC and DIO/RC with increasing UV-B doses, while FV/FM and PIABS showed a negative correlation. Using UV-B during the seedling acclimation period, seedlings can adapt to external UV radiation, thereby suppressing excessive growth and promoting the production of robust seedlings. Moreover, the utilization of UV-B within a plant factory allows for conducting the acclimation process within the facility, reducing the need for seedlings to be transported to conventional nurseries and offering potential benefits in terms of operational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalyzed hydrosilication has the advantages of high reaction efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, the cost of photosensitive platinum catalysts is very high, hindering their applications. In this work, a novel and cost-effective photosensitive platinum catalyst is synthesized and can effectively catalyze the hydrosilylation reaction under ultraviolet light. It is found that Pt catalysts exhibit catalytic activity under ultraviolet light when the ratio of Platinum chloride bonding and cyclopentadienyl (Pt-Cl:Cp) is higher than 1:1.2. The cost is reduced by 50%. The structure of this platinum catalyst is characterized using FTIR and NMR techniques. Under ultraviolet light, the new photosensitive platinum catalyst's catalytic efficiency increases from approximately 5% to 60%. The viscosity of prepared silicone rubber was measured. Results show that the prepared silicone rubber has a storing time of over 30 days in shaded environments, and can be completely cured within 2 min under ultraviolet light. The thermal decomposition residual mass of photocured silicone rubber products is as high as 70%, having good thermal stability. As the content of the platinum catalyst increases from 20 to 100 ppm, the reaction conversion rate of the hydrosilylation reaction increases from 43 to 60%. The hardness of the silicone rubber also increases from the initial 11 degrees to 20 degrees. This novel photosensitive platinum catalyst has potential applications in 3D printing and electronic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation influences development and genome stability in organisms; however, its impact on meiosis, a special cell division essential for the delivery of genetic information across generations in eukaryotes, has not yet been elucidated.In this study, by performing cytogenetic studies, we reported that UV radiation does not damage meiotic chromosome integrity but attenuates centromere‐mediated chromosome stability and induces unreduced gametes in Arabidopsis thaliana.We showed that functional centromere‐specific histone 3 (CENH3) is required for obligate crossover formation and plays a role in the protection of sister chromatid cohesion under UV stress. Moreover, we found that UV specifically alters the orientation and organization of spindles and phragmoplasts at meiosis II, resulting in meiotic restitution and unreduced gametes. We determined that UV‐induced meiotic restitution does not rely on the UV Resistance Locus8‐mediated UV perception and the Tapetal Development and Function1‐ and Aborted Microspores‐dependent tapetum development, but possibly occurs via altered JASON function and downregulated Parallel Spindle1.This study provides evidence that UV radiation influences meiotic genome stability and gametophytic ploidy consistency in flowering plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar materials play a crucial role in numerous essential fields; however, efficiently synthesizing them remains a significant challenge. In this study, a viable approach is proposed to enhance the probability of discovering polar materials by developing new functional basic units (FBUs) with strong polarity and high configurational entropy. To validate this approach, a site‐modification strategy is applied to the high configurational entropy flexible (C3H2O4)2− FBU, resulting in the development of four new polar‐enhancing FBUs: (C3(CH3)2O4)2−, (C3F2O4)2−, (C3H(OH)O4)2−, and (C3HFO4)2−. Moreover, 11 new compounds through temperature‐driven conformational changes in FBUs are successfully synthesized. Among these, the proportion of polar structures reaches an impressive 54%. Remarkably, all of these novel polar compounds exhibit outstanding nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. The [Li2C3(CH3)2O4]2·3H2O demonstrates the rare coexistence of a moderate birefringence (0.071@514 nm), short UV cutoff edge (210 nm), and the strongest second harmonic generation (SHG) effect (6.5 × KDP) among ionic‐organic fourth harmonic generation crystals. Preliminary laser experiments have also proven its potential practical value as a fourth harmonic generation crystal. This research not only discovers a variety of exceptional UV NLO crystals but also provides a feasible method to increase the likelihood of finding polar materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation-induced photoaging of the skin is characterized by amplified expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and reduced collagen fibers, both of which contribute to skin wrinkle formation. Edible natural products can protect against skin photoaging. Here, we investigate the protective effect of Dolichos lablab Linne (DLL) water extract against UVB radiation-prompted skin damage and attempt to uncover its fundamental mechanisms in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and HR-1 hairless mouse. We found DLL extract rescued the reduction in cell viability associated with UVB exposure without any associated cytotoxic effects. It also protected against skin photoaging by inhibiting mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, thereby preventing the UVB-associated increase in MMP-1 and -9 expression. DLL extract also increased the expression of both superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (CAT). We identified chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A as bioactive components of DLL. Although we have not yet identified the mechanisms by which these compounds reduce the effects of photoaging, we have demonstrated that chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A reduce MMP-1, MMP-9, p–c-Fos, and p–c-Jun expression, while also avoiding any cytotoxicity. We found oral administration of DLL extract effectively alleviated dorsal epidermal thickening and skin dehydration in HR-1 hairless mouse visible to UVB. DLL extract also prevents UVB-induced activation of the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of MMPs in dorsal mouse skin. Our results indicate that chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A are bioavailable components of DLL extract that can reduce UVB-induced skin damage via MMPs by deactivating the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway. These findings suggest DLL extract can be used as a skin anti-photoaging agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Superradiance is the phenomenon of many identical quantum systems absorbing and/or emitting photons collectively at a higher rate than any one system can individually. This phenomenon has been studied analytically in idealized distributions of electronic two-level systems (TLSs), each with a ground and excited state, as well as numerically in realistic photosynthetic nanotubes and cytoskeletal architectures. Methods: Superradiant effects are studied here in idealized toy model systems and realistic biological mega-networks of tryptophan (Trp) molecules, which are strongly fluorescent amino acids found in many proteins. Each Trp molecule acts as a chromophore absorbing in the ultraviolet spectrum and can be treated approximately as a TLS, with its 1La excited singlet state; thus, organized Trp networks can exhibit superradiance. Such networks are found, for example, in microtubules, actin filaments, and amyloid fibrils. Microtubules and actin filaments are spiral-cylindrical protein polymers that play significant biological roles as primary constituents of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton, while amyloid fibrils have been targeted in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. We treat these proteinaceous Trp networks as open quantum systems, using a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian to describe interactions of the chromophore network with the electromagnetic field. We numerically diagonalize the Hamiltonian to obtain its complex eigenvalues, where the real part is the energy and the imaginary part is its associated enhancement rate. We also consider multiple realizations of increasing static disorder in either the site energies or the decay rates. Results: We obtained the energies and enhancement rates for realistic microtubules, actin filament bundles, and amyloid fibrils of differing lengths, and we use these values to calculate the quantum yield, which is the ratio of the number of photons emitted to the number of photons absorbed. We find that all three of these structures exhibit highly superradiant states near the low-energy portion of the spectrum, which enhances the magnitude and robustness of the quantum yield to static disorder and thermal noise. Conclusion: The high quantum yield and stable superradiant states in these biological architectures may play a photoprotective role in vivo, downconverting energetic ultraviolet photons -- absorbed from those emitted by reactive free radical species -- to longer, safer wavelengths and thereby mitigating biochemical stress and photophysical damage. Contrary to conventional assumptions that quantum effects cannot survive in large biosystems at high temperatures, our results suggest that macropolymeric collectives of TLSs in microtubules, actin filaments, and amyloid fibrils exhibit increasingly observable and robust effects with increasing length, up to the micron scale, due to quantum coherent interactions in the single-photon limit. Superradiant enhancement and high quantum yield exhibited in neuroprotein polymers could thus play a crucial role in information processing in the brain, the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and related dementias, and a wide array of other pathologies characterized by anomalous protein aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ApotecaChemo chemotherapy preparation robot consists of an integrated ultraviolet light disinfection system. The objective is to evaluate the sporicidal effectiveness using Geobacillus Sterarothermophilis cups. Three cycles of twenty-one sampling points were carried out. The results show a correlation between distance of ultraviolet lamps and efficiency. The system cannot be qualified as sporicide, and the results are unequal on the different points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a numerical analysis of a very thin concentric octagonal elliptical ring resonator (CORR) with a cylindrical rod optical nano-metamaterial absorber (ONMMA) that is designed to absorb solar energy in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet ranges. The ONMMA is made of gold and nickel resonators on a quartz substrate with a gold plate ground material. The absorption rate of the ONMMA is over 90% from 593.84–829.28 THz, with an average absorption rate of 93.891%. This means that the ONMMA can absorb more than 80% of the energy in the infrared, visible, and a small portion of the ultraviolet range. It also has an absorption rate of over 75% from 226.64–853.04 THz, with an average absorption rate of 88.945%. This covers the entire visible spectrum, with a small portion in the infrared and ultraviolet regions. The design has an operational bandwidth of 200–920 THz, with an average absorption rate of 86.424%. The ONMMA achieves a maximum absorption rate of 99.866% at 705.44 THz. The design of the octagonal ONMMA ensures that it is not affected by the polarization of the incident light and can absorb energy even at oblique angles up to 60 degrees. The study also analyzed the effects of different materials and geometrical parameters on the absorption characteristics, as well as the distribution of surface current, magnetic field, electric field, and power loss. The proposed ONMMA has promising applications in infrared detection, solar cells, and multicolor imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no reports on the stability of autofluorescence, although lignins and their solutions are known to exhibit autofluorescence. An aim of this study is to investigate spectral change of lignin autofluorescence under prolonged excitation with ultraviolet (UV). Both fluorescence spectra of softwood milled wood lignin (MWL) and kraft lignin (SKL) in propylene glycol significantly changed upon an UV irradiation at 280 nm under O2 and Ar atmospheres even for 10 min. By the further irradiation, the autofluorescence intensities were remarkably changed together with the emission wavelengths. However, no tendency in the autofluorescence change was observed. The change varied between lignin preparations and gas atmosphere. These phenomena should be caused by autoxidation upon UV irradiation, and the reaction resulted in not only photodegradation but also photopolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and atmospheric pollution are both independently implicated in skin diseases such as cancer and premature aging. UVA wavelengths, which penetrate in the deep layers of the skin dermis, exert their toxicity mainly through chromophore photosensitization reactions. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon originating from the incomplete combustion of organic matter, could act as a chromophore and absorb UVA. We and other groups have previously shown that BaP and UVA synergize their toxicity in skin cells, which leads to important oxidation. Even if mitochondria alterations have been related to premature skin aging and other skin disorders, no studies have focused on the synergy between UV exposure and pollution on mitochondria. Our study aims to investigate the combined effect of UVA and BaP specifically on mitochondria in order to assess the effect on mitochondrial membranes and the consequences on mitochondrial activity. We show that BaP has a strong affinity for mitochondria and that this affinity leads to an important induction of lipid peroxidation and membrane disruption when exposed to UVA. Co-exposure to UVA and BaP synergizes their toxicity to negatively impact mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial metabolism and the mitochondrial network. Altogether, our results highlight the implication of mitochondria in the synergistic toxicity of pollution and UV exposure and the potential of this toxicity on skin integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation below 300 nm may control powdery mildew in numerous crops. Depending on disease pressure, wavelength, and crop growth stage, one to three applications of 100–200 J/m2 per week at night are as effective or better than the best fungicides. Higher doses may harm the plants and reduce yields. Although red light alone or in combination with UV has a suppressive effect on powdery mildew, concomitant or subsequent exposure to blue light or UV-A strongly reduces the efficacy of UV treatments. To be effective, direct exposure of the pathogen/infection sites to UV/red light is important, but there are clear indications for the involvement of induced resistance in the host. Other pathogens and pests are susceptible to UV, but the effective dose may be phytotoxic. Although there are certain limitations, this technology is gradually becoming more used in both protected and open-field commercial production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the development of eye and face protection standards against biological hazards, it is important to consider that the eye and face protectors may be used in the outdoor environment, where ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun is much higher than indoors. Workers affected include paramedics, ambulance officers and clinical testing personnel. Methods: Spectral transmittances (280–780 nm) were measured on eight face shields and one goggle of the types used in hospital and clinical environments, three overhead projector sheets and an occupational impact protective goggle. The UV and luminous transmittances were calculated according to the international and two national sunglass standards, and compared with the compliance requirements. Results: All the face shields and goggle lenses were made of variants of the same material. All the samples, including the overhead projector sheets, complied with the requirements of the sunglass standards (for normal conditions, in the case of the American standard). Conclusion: Since all the lenses complied with the sunglass standards for UV protection, and there appears to be uniformity in the choice of materials in this product type, there is no need to make provision, as is the case for occupational eye and face protection standards, for protectors that do not provide UV protection. This makes labelling and advice to end users from eyecare and safety professionals much simpler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the ultraviolet (UV)-induced controlled radical polymerization facilitated by titanium dioxide nanoparticles and trithiocarbonate derivatives, serving as photocatalysts and chain transfer agents, respectively. The polymerization proceeded through a reversible addition- fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process. The resulting polymers exhibited well-controlled molecular weights and relatively low polydispersity. Additionally, the chain extension reaction via UV-induced RAFT polymerization using titanium dioxide nanoparticles yielded higher molecular weight polymer products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract The anti-Acanthamoeba properties of riboflavin and its enhanced amoebicidal effects when combined with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation were investigated in vitro. The viability of cultured Acanthamoeba castellanii was assessed by adding varying concentrations (0 ~ 0.2% w/v) of riboflavin to the culture medium or after combined riboflavin and UVA treatment (30 min, 3 mW/cm2) over 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured following a 30-minute exposure to riboflavin. Additionally, the cysticidal effects of riboflavin, UVA, and their combination were evaluated. Gene transcription in Acanthamoeba was analyzed using RNA-seq. Riboflavin demonstrated dose-dependent toxicity on Acanthamoeba, accompanied by an increase in intracellular ROS. Exposure to 0.2% riboflavin reduced Acanthamoeba viability by over 50% within one day. UVA treatment alone also reduced viability by over 50%. Combined treatment with 0.2% riboflavin decreased trophozoite survival by more than 80%, and approximately 60% of cysts were killed when 0.1% riboflavin was combined with UVA. RNA-seq analysis indicated significant changes in gene expression after exposure to riboflavin, UVA, and their combination, particularly affecting oxidoreductase activity, cystathionine β synthase, and serine-threonine kinase activity. These findings indicate that riboflavin exhibits dose-dependent toxicity in Acanthamoeba, primarily through increased ROS generation. Combining riboflavin and UVA did not fully eradicate trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba, but was able to partially inactivate them.

Abstract The oral administration of antioxidants may suppress UV-B-induced skin damage. HITHION YH-15, the extract of Torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii), is rich in cysteine-containing peptides such as reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-Glu-Cys), and cysteinylglycine (Cys-Gly). These four constituents are termed cysteine peptides. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of cysteine peptides against UV-B in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study. A total of 90 healthy males and females aged 30–59 years were enrolled and randomized into two groups of 45 individuals each (cysteine peptides (48 mg/day) and placebo). Changes in UV-B-induced erythema and pigmentation were compared between groups after 5 weeks of test food intake. The minimal erythema dose (MED) significantly increased (*p = 0.019) in the cysteine peptides group compared to that in the placebo group, indicating suppression of UV-B-induced erythema. ΔL* value significantly increased (***p

Abstract Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation-induced photoaging of the skin is characterized by amplified expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and reduced collagen fibers, both of which contribute to skin wrinkle formation. Edible natural products can protect against skin photoaging. Here, we investigate the protective effect of Dolichos lablab Linne (DLL) water extract against UVB radiation-prompted skin damage and attempt to uncover its fundamental mechanisms in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and HR-1 hairless mouse. We found DLL extract rescued the reduction in cell viability associated with UVB exposure without any associated cytotoxic effects. It also protected against skin photoaging by inhibiting mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, thereby preventing the UVB-associated increase in MMP-1 and -9 expression. DLL extract also increased the expression of both superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (CAT). We identified chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A as bioactive components of DLL. Although we have not yet identified the mechanisms by which these compounds reduce the effects of photoaging, we have demonstrated that chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A reduce MMP-1, MMP-9, p–c-Fos, and p–c-Jun expression, while also avoiding any cytotoxicity. We found oral administration of DLL extract effectively alleviated dorsal epidermal thickening and skin dehydration in HR-1 hairless mouse visible to UVB. DLL extract also prevents UVB-induced activation of the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of MMPs in dorsal mouse skin. Our results indicate that chikusetsusaponin IVa, soyasaponin Bb, and sandosaponin A are bioavailable components of DLL extract that can reduce UVB-induced skin damage via MMPs by deactivating the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway. These findings suggest DLL extract can be used as a skin anti-photoaging agent.

The removal of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from simulated water is going to be a critical environmental issue. The aims of the present study are to synthesise the Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and evaluate its efficiency for the removal of MTBE by UV/O3/Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 combined process (CP) from water. The MNPs were synthesised via modified method and characterised using XRD, SEM and EDS. Then, the effects of initial ozone concentration, pH, MNP concentration, initial MTBE concentration (C0) and irradiation time were evaluated. The findings depicted that the performance of CP is better than separate processes. The optimum condition with initial ozone concentration of 150 mg/L, pH of 8, MNP concentration of 0.1 g/L and C0 of 10 mg/L at 60 min irradiation time results in maximum degradation of MTBE up to 91.65%. Also, the mineralisation rate of MTBE was achieved 68% removal at the same condition. Kinetic profile presented that the reduction of MTBE was fitted into second-order kinetics model for all the runs. The findings illustrate the capabilities of CP as a reliable technology to remove MTBE contained in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato pomace (TP), which is a by-product of the production of tomato paste, was dried in a novel custom-designed daylight simulated photovoltaic assisted dryer (DPVD). The different light applications (daylight, UV light, daylight + UV light, and without light), different air velocities (1.5 and 2 m/s), and different heating source modes (hot air and infrared) were applied to dry TP having a moisture content of 80.60 ± 0.73% to the moisture content of 7.66 ± 1.72%. The average water activity values of all dried samples were measured as 0.52 ± 0.08. Analysis was conducted to compare sun drying with the effects of process conditions on the quality (color properties, lycopene, β-carotene, and total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count) and performance (energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, specific moisture evaporation rate, and improvement potential) characteristics of TP. The effects of process conditions for each heating source mode were determined separately, and the improvement of the system performance for each mode was investigated. The effect of the process conditions on total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) count was similar in general. In the infrared heating mode, the loss in lycopene and β-carotene contents was 59.55 ± 2.22 and 57.87 ± 2.51 minimum for 1.5 m/s air velocity without light application and for 2 m/s with ultraviolet + daylight application. In general, the performance of the system decreased in case of using ultraviolet light. The retention in the lycopene and β-carotene contents was higher in the infrared mode with light applications compared to hot air mode without light. The optimum drying conditions were air velocity of 2 m/s with "daylight" assistance in the hot air heating mode and with "ultraviolet + daylight" assistance in the infrared heating mode. All the energy and the daylight source used in drying applications were obtained from the sun, a renewable energy source, thanks to the photovoltaic panel and the solar tube units in the novel custom-designed drying system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The unintended co‐extraction of chlorophylls during the recovery of polyphenols from plant sources yields green‐coloured phenolic extracts with limited use in colour‐sensitive foods. This study aimed at decolourizing the ethanolic extracts of sugar beet leaves using a UV‐A treatment (390 nm). RESULTS: Exposure of the phenolic extracts to 30 UV‐A LEDs at 8.64 J m−2 radiation dose decreased the total chlorophyll content by 69.23% and reduced the greenness parameter (−a*) significantly (P < 0.05) from 27.33 ± 0.32 to 8.64 ± 0.16. Additionally, UV‐A treatment increased the content of most individual phenolic compounds (e.g. gallic acid, ferulic acid, etc.) significantly, resulting in an increase in the overall phenolic content in the extracts from 900.56 ± 14.11 μg g−1 fresh weight (FW) to a maximum of 975.09 ± 9.62 μg g−1 FW at 0.67 J m−2. However, rutin content had a significant decrease at the highest radiation dose (8.64 J m−2). The soluble sugar content (i.e. glucose and fructose) increased simultaneously with phenolic compounds after the UV‐A treatment. Although the UV treatment reduced the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, it had no significant effect on the ferrous chelating activity and the extract's ability to delay lipid oxidation in corn oil. The antioxidant activity index of the treated extract was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant. CONCLUSION: Key findings of this study include successful decolourization of the extract, decomposition of bound polyphenols to their free form, and maintaining the antioxidant activity of the extract in the oil system after UV‐A exposure. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of studying particulate matter lies in its detrimental impact on human health and the environment. Industrial emissions often carry substantial dust content, necessitating the reduction of their environmental release. This study introduced a laboratory-scale photoelectric precipitator to assess its effectiveness in curbing particle emissions under varying temperature, humidity, and residence time conditions. This device operates in two stages: firstly, it charges particles by exposing copper wire surfaces to ultraviolet rays, generating photoelectrons in the airflow; secondly, it utilizes a positively charged collector surface for absorption and collection. Assessment under different temperature, residence time, and humidity conditions revealed that the system designed for 10 μm diameter particles displayed the highest efficiency. At 150℃, the removal efficiency was 39.55%, rising to 41.34% at 60% humidity and 43.58% with an 18-second residence time. Furthermore, increasing energy consumption from 144 j/l to 720 j/l resulted in a 10.93% efficiency increase, highlighting the correlation between energy input and system efficiency. High particulate matter levels diminish visibility, harm the climate, ecosystems, materials, and contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. These findings underline the photoelectric precipitator's potential in mitigating particulate matter's adverse effects on health and the environment. However, further research is warranted to optimize system design and explore additional parameters' impact on performance, ensuring its effectiveness in industrial processes to reduce particulate matter emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this in vivo study on hairless mice, we examined the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) treatment applied prior to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. We found that pre-treating with LED improved skin morphological and histopathological conditions compared to those only exposed to UVB irradiation. In our study, histological evaluation of collagen and elastic fibers after LED treatment prior to UVB irradiation showed that this pretreatment significantly enhanced the quality of fibers, which were otherwise poor in density and irregularly arranged due to UV exposure alone. This suggests that LED treatment promotes collagen and elastin production, leading to improved skin properties. Additionally, we observed an increase in Claudin-1 expression and a reduction in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression within the LED-treated skin tissues, suggesting that LED therapy may modulate key skin barrier proteins and oxidative stress markers. These results demonstrate that pretreatment with LED light can enhance the skin’s resistance to UVB-induced damage by modulating gene regulation associated with skin protection. Further investigations are needed to explore the broader biological effects of LED therapy on other tissues such as blood vessels. This study underscores the potential of LED therapy as a non-invasive approach to enhance skin repair and counteract the effects of photoaging caused by UV exposure.

While plastic water bottles are known to potentially release various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when exposed to light, existing knowledge in this field remains limited. In this study, we systematically examined the composition, yield, and toxicity of VOCs released from six plastic containers obtained from different continents under UV-A and solar irradiation. After light exposure, all containers released VOCs, including alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, aromatics, etc. The 1#, 3#, 4#, 5#, and 6# containers exhibited 35, 32, 19, 24 and 37 species of VOCs, respectively. Specifically, the 2# container released 28 and 32 series of VOCs after 1-day (short-term) and 7-day (long-term) UV-A irradiation, respectively, compared to 30 and 32 species under solar irradiation. Over half of the VOCs identified were oxidized compounds alongside various short-chain hydrocarbons. Significant differences in VOC compositions among the containers were observed, potentially originating from light-induced aging and degradation of the polyethylene terephthalate structure in the containers. Toxicological predictions unveiled distinctive toxic characteristics of VOCs from each container. For example, among the various VOCs produced by the 2# container, straight-chain alkanes like n-hexadecane (544-76-3) were identified as the most toxic compounds. After long-term irradiation, the yield of these toxic VOCs from the 2# container ranged from 0.11 ng/g to 0.79 ng/g. Considering the small mass of a single bottle, the volatilization of VOCs from an individual container would be insignificant. Even after prolonged exposure to light, the potential health risks associated with inhaling VOCs when opening and drinking bottled water appear manageable.

Multi‐mode emissive materials with stimuli‐responsive producing invisible signals are very attractive for advanced security applications, but development of such materials remains highly challenging. In this work, oxygen‐doped carbon nitrides (O‐CNs) are prepared via microwave‐assisted heating of urea, which exhibit ultraviolet (UV) solid‐state fluorescence (SSFL), visible room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and thermal‐stimuli production of invisible UV delayed fluorescence (DF) properties. Further studies confirmed that the SSFL and RTP could be attributed to the introduction of oxygen functional group (e. g., C=O) in the skeleton of O‐CNs, thus minimizing the aggregation caused quenching effect, facilitating intersystem crossing, and stabilizing the excited triplet states. The specific thermal‐stimuli production of UV DF is deemed to be the relatively large energy gap between ground and excited singlet states as well as an effective triplet‐triplet annihilation. Notably, the emission maximum of UV DF locates at ~310 nm with an ultra‐narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) down to 19 nm, so it is completely invisible to the naked eyes, but detectable by a UV camera. To employ the unique characteristics of O‐CNs, security protection strategies with superior concealment by virtue of the thermal‐stimuli quenching visible RTP and meanwhile producing invisible UV DF are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive UV exposure can lead to skin roughness, wrinkles, pigmentation, and reduced elasticity, with severe cases potentially causing skin cancer. Nowadays, various anti-photoaging strategies have been developed to maintain skin health. Among them, dietary supplements with anti-photoaging properties are gaining increasing attention. Yak whey protein (YWP) possesses multiple benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, effectively protecting the skin. This study used a mixed UVA and UVB light source to irradiate a nude mouse model, exploring the advantages of YWP in anti-photoaging and regulating gut microbiota. The results indicated that YWP alleviated UV-induced skin damage, wrinkles, dryness, and reduced elasticity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammatory factors (IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12), thereby increasing the levels of elastin, type I collagen, and type III collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, YWP significantly improved the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in the gut microbiota of mice, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_torques_group, and Clostridia_UCG_014, mitigating the dysbiosis caused by photoaging. These findings underscore the potential of YWP in anti-photoaging and gut microbiota improvement, highlighting it as a promising functional food for enhancing skin and gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light, as a crucial environmental determinant, profoundly influences the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plant metabolism. This study investigated the impacts of the red light combined with ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) treatments on phenolic acid biosynthesis in black wheat seedlings. The results demonstrate that the red light combined with UV-A and UV-B treatments significantly enhanced the levels of phenolic acids in black wheat seedlings, at 220.4 μg/seedling and 241.5 μg/seedling, respectively. The content of bound phenolic acids in black wheat seedlings increased by 36.0% under the UV-B treatment. The application of the UV-A/UV-B treatments markedly enhanced the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-coumarate CoA ligase, and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase in black wheat seedlings while also promoting the expression levels of genes related to phenolic acid synthesis. The expression levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase and NADP-malic enzyme related to photosynthesis were significantly upregulated. This resulted in an augmentation in the chlorophyll content, thereby enhancing photosynthesis in black wheat seedlings. Nevertheless, the UV-A and UV-B treatments also had a significant constraining effect on the growth and development of black wheat seedlings. In addition, the UV-A and UV-B treatments increased the activity and gene expression levels of antioxidant enzymes while significantly increasing the contents of total flavonoids and anthocyanins, activating the antioxidant system. The findings reveal that light-source radiation serves as an effective method for promoting the biosynthesis of phenolic acids in black wheat seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sun is a major source of energy for the planetary system in our solar system. The solar output shows variations in timescales from a few days (Bartel's 27-day solar rotation cycle) to several years (the 11-year solar cycle and longer timescales). This variability can be seen in the magnetic field, particle flux, and electromagnetic radiation flux behavior. Several indicators, such as the sunspot number and the Mg II index, have been used as solar activity proxies. Further, direct measurements in radio at centimeter wavelengths have been conducted since 1947 (the F10.7 index). This work uses multiscale techniques to study the relations between these solar indexes and their long-term variations through multiscale techniques. The monthly averages of these indexes from 1979 to 2022 are analyzed using wavelet scalogram, global wavelet spectrum, wavelet cross-correlation, and wavelet entropy techniques. As a result, some nonlinear multiscale aspects in the long-term variations of these solar indexes are identified. The major scales at which these indexes vary are found to be, in order of decreasing energy: sunspots (130.1, 253.9, 11.7, 5.0, and 2.0 months); F10.7 (130.1, 253.9, 39.1, 10.9, 9.9, and 5.4 months), and Mg II (132.9, 39.0, and 10.3 months). Thus, all three indexes present the nearly 11-year solar cycle period as the strongest signal. The three indexes are correlated with a coefficient higher than 0.85 and vary in phase for scales near the 11-year solar cycle, with slight and large deviations from it for longer and shorter scales, respectively. The wavelet entropy analysis shows that the F10.7 and sunspot number values are comparable, while Mg II entropy values are much lower. The entropy also indicates that the minimum values for all the indexes occur close to the solar minimum. However, after the last solar maximum in 2014, the entropy increased even in the declining phase of the cycle, during the 2015 – 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behaviors of two bridge steels (Q345q and Q500q) under simulated ultraviolet irradiation and a wet–dry alternating (UVWD) environment were studied. Weight loss measurement, stereomicroscope observation, SEM, XRD, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed to investigate the influence of the coupled environment. The results revealed that the corrosion rates of Q345q and Q500q were significantly accelerated by the synergistic effect of UV light exposure and alternating wet–dry conditions. Numerous voids and cracks could be observed throughout the thickened rust layers, enabling the corrosive substances to easily penetrate through the rust layer. Q500q exhibited better corrosion resistance than Q345q due to the addition of Mo, Cr, and Ni as corrosion-resistant elements, which tended to transform the rust layer into α-FeOOH rather than γ-FeOOH during later stages of corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent type of skin cancer, accounting for a significant number of cases globally each year. Most BCCs develop on the face, and, therefore, the cosmetic outcome of excision is particularly important. Early diagnosis allows for easier removal of smaller lesions, while precise excision reduces the likelihood of recurrence. This study aimed to assess the utility of a novel non-invasive imaging approach, the ultraviolet-enhanced fluorescence dermoscopy (UVFD), for imaging of BCCs. Based on the analysis of a group of 163 BCCs, we found that UVFD may provide additional valuable clues, especially in the case of tumors located on the face, small BCCs (<5 mm), non-pigmented variants and nodular subtypes. Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. The aim of the current study was to analyze the ultraviolet-enhanced fluorescence dermoscopy (UVFD) characteristics of BCCs. Methods: BCCs were evaluated under polarized dermoscopy (PD) and UVFD. The findings in PD were described using predefined parameters for dermoscopic evaluation in dermato-oncology. UVFD characteristics were determined based on personal observations, and included interrupted follicle pattern, absence of pink-orange or blue-green fluorescence, well-demarcated borders, and dark silhouettes. Results: In total, 163 BCCs were analyzed. Under UVFD, the interrupted follicle pattern (p < 0.001), absence of pink-orange fluorescence (p = 0.005) and well-demarcated borders (p = 0.031) were more frequently noted in BCCs < 5 mm than in bigger tumors. Lesions on the face showed clearly defined borders (p = 0.031) and interrupted follicle pattern (p < 0.001) more frequently than tumors located beyond the face. Nodular BCCs displayed interrupted follicle pattern (p = 0.001) and absence of pink-orange fluorescence (p < 0.001) more commonly than superficial subtypes. Non-pigmented BCCs more frequently showed lack of blue-green fluorescence (p = 0.007) and interrupted follicle pattern (p = 0.018) compared to pigmented variants. Conclusions: UVFD may be a valuable, complementary to PD, tool in the diagnosis of BCC, particularly in small tumors, lesions located on the face and nodular or non-pigmented subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard of care for disinfecting needleless connectors (NCs) of central venous catheters includes alcohol-containing caps or up to a 15-second scrub with alcohol or chlorhexidine. Due to the clinical impact and high cost of treating Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), reducing the incidence of CLABSI is a priority for public health and of the Centers for Disease Control. Alcohol-containing caps have been demonstrated to disinfect external NC surfaces, but not the internal surface. Ultraviolet light (UV-C) is a strategy for disinfection of NC internal and external surfaces. Four clinically relevant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Candida albicans were inoculated on NCs. Disinfection efficacy was measured after exposure to one second of 285 nm UV-C light at 48 mW/cm2 in a proprietary handheld device and UV-C transparent NC or standard of care. Disinfection of internal and external surfaces of NC inoculated with S aureus using alcohol caps, and UV-C was also compared. A 4-log reduction in colony forming units (CFUs) on the interior and exterior surfaces of the UV-transparent NC of clinically relevant pathogens was observed with UV-C light at this power for 1 second. We demonstrated the efficacy of UV-C for the disinfection of NCs in one second using the UV-C device in benchtop studies. This device holds promise for reducing CLABSI, and clinical studies are planned. • Needleless connectors for catheters can be disinfected with UV-C light. • One second of 48 mW/cm2 UV-C was sufficient for disinfection. • UV-C allows the disinfection of \UV-transparent needleless connectors. • The speed and simplicity of UV-C disinfection could improve compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, affecting nucleotide excision repair against ultraviolet radiation. This genodermatosis (a hereditary skin disorder) is distinguished by photosensitivity, alterations in cutaneous pigmentation, premature aging of the skin, and the typically observed onset of cutaneous and internal malignancies towards the conclusion of the first decade of life. In this article, we present a case involving a 4-year-old girl from North India who was born to non-consanguineous parents and developed an extensive fungating growth on her face. Subsequent diagnosis revealed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, resulting in significant facial disfigurement. While xeroderma pigmentosum is a recognized condition, its occurrence in India, particularly in the northern region, is relatively rare. This report also underscores a noteworthy observation—the emergence of a cutaneous malignancy at such a tender age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient exposure to sunlight increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertensive left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy exacerbates the risks of myocardial ischemia, ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure. This study aimed to determine the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on LV hypertrophy and mitochondrial morphology. Eighteen 7‐week‐old Dahl salt‐sensitive (Dahl S) rats were categorized into three groups (n = 6 each) and fed sodium chloride (NaCl) diets, as follows: UV‐irradiated [UVB+A (+), 8% NaCl], non‐UV‐irradiated [UV (−), 8% NaCl], and control [UV (−), 0.3% NaCl]. UV irradiation was administered at a low intensity of 100 mJ/cm2 for 6 days per week. Echocardiography and mitochondrial analyses were performed to evaluate LV hypertrophy and cardiomyocytes, and skin tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to assess the pathological abnormalities at 12 weeks of age. LV mass was significantly reduced in the UVB+A (+) and control groups compared to that in the UV (−) group. Mitochondrial structural abnormalities in cardiomyocytes were observed only in the UV (−) group, but not in the UVB+A (+) or control group. Pathological skin abnormalities were not observed in any of the three groups. These findings suggest the potential benefits of UV irradiation in hypertensive models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the contact characteristics of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) formed on n‐type GaN semiconductors are investigated. Blue‐luminescent GQDs prepared using a hydrothermal method are sprayed onto a GaN wafer, and the electrical and optical properties of the fabricated contacts are investigated. The GQD/GaN contacts exhibit rectifying behavior with a typical Schottky barrier height of 0.64 eV. A metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) photodiode with interdigitated GQD contacts on n‐type GaN is fabricated and provides an extremely low dark current. The spectral photoresponse of the GQD/GaN MSM photodiode includes a sharp increase in responsivity at wavelengths shorter than 375 nm. The responsivity of the MSM photodiode is remarkably improved with increasing the GQD reduction temperature (up to 800 °C), showing a good photoresponse in the ultraviolet region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]