Abstract: Langerhans cells (LCs) are bone marrow (BM)–derived epidermal dendritic cells (DCs) that represent a critical immunologic barrier to the external environment, but little is known about their life cycle Here, we show that in lethally irradiated mice that had received BM transplants, LCs of host origin remained for at least 18 months, whereas DCs in other organs were almost completely replaced by donor cells within 2 months In parabiotic mice with separate organs, but a shared blood circulation, there was no mixing of LCs However, in skin exposed to ultraviolet light, LCs rapidly disappeared and were replaced by circulating LC precursors within 2 weeks The recruitment of new LCs was dependent on their expression of the CCR2 chemokine receptor and on the secretion of CCR2-binding chemokines by inflamed skin These data indicate that under steady-state conditions, LCs are maintained locally, but inflammatory changes in the skin result in their replacement by blood-borne LC progenitors

Abstract: Intense radiation from lasers has opened up many new areas of research in physics and chemistry, and has revolutionized optical technology. So far, most work in the field of nonlinear processes has been restricted to infrared, visible and ultraviolet light, although progress in the development of X-ray lasers has been made recently. With the advent of a free-electron laser in the soft-X-ray regime below 100 nm wavelength, a new light source is now available for experiments with intense, short-wavelength radiation that could be used to obtain deeper insights into the structure of matter. Other free-electron sources with even shorter wavelengths are planned for the future. Here we present initial results from a study of the interaction of soft X-ray radiation, generated by a free-electron laser, with Xe atoms and clusters. We find that, whereas Xe atoms become only singly ionized by the absorption of single photons, absorption in clusters is strongly enhanced. On average, each atom in large clusters absorbs up to 400 eV, corresponding to 30 photons. We suggest that the clusters are heated up and electrons are emitted after acquiring sufficient energy. The clusters finally disintegrate completely by Coulomb explosion.

Abstract: Materials that are good electrical conductors are not in general optically transparent, yet a combination of high conductivity and transparency is desirable for many emerging opto-electronic applications1,2,3,4,5,6. To this end, various transparent oxides composed of transition or post-transition metals (such as indium tin oxide) are rendered electrically conducting by ion doping1,2,3,4,5,6. But such an approach does not work for the abundant transparent oxides of the main-group metals. Here we demonstrate a process by which the transparent insulating oxide 12CaO·7Al2O3 (refs 7–13) can be converted into an electrical conductor. H- ions are incorporated into the subnanometre-sized cages of the oxide by a thermal treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere; subsequent irradiation of the material with ultraviolet light results in a conductive state that persists after irradiation ceases. The photo-activated material exhibits moderate electrical conductivity (∼0.3 S cm-1) at room temperature, with visible light absorption losses of only one per cent for 200-nm-thick films. We suggest that this concept can be applied to other main-group metal oxides, for the direct optical writing of conducting wires in insulating transparent media and the formation of a high-density optical memory.

Abstract: Plants are sessile organisms. Consequently they have to adapt constantly to fluctuations in the environment. Some of these changes involve essential factors such as nutrients, light, and water. Plants have evolved independent systems to sense nutrients such as phosphate and nitrogen. However, many of the environmental factors may reach levels which represent stress for the plant. The fluctuations can range between moderate and unfavorable, and the factors can be of biotic or abiotic origin. Among the biotic factors influencing plant life are pathogens and herbivores. In case of bacteria and fungi, symbiotic interactions such as nitrogen-fixating nodules and mycorrhiza, respectively, may be established. In case of insects, a tritrophic interaction of herbivores, carnivores, and plants may occur mutualistically or parasitically. Among the numerous abiotic factors are low temperature, frost, heat, high light conditions, ultraviolet light, darkness, oxidation stress, hypoxia, wind, touch, nutrient imbalance, salt stress, osmotic adjustment, water deficit, and desiccation. In the last decade jasmonates were recognized as being signals in plant responses to most of these biotic and abiotic factors. Signaling via jasmonates was found to occur intracellularly, intercellularly, and systemically as well as interorganismically. Jasmonates are a group of ubiquitously occurring plant growth regulators originally found as the major constituents in the etheric oil of jasmine, and were first suggested to play a role in senescence due to a strong senescence-promoting effect. Subsequently, numerous developmental processes were described in which jasmonates exhibited hormone-like properties. Recent knowledge is reviewed here on jasmonates and their precursors, the octadecanoids. After discussing occurrence and biosynthesis, emphasis is placed upon the signal transduction pathways in plant stress responses in which jasmonates act as a signal. Finally, examples are described on the role of jasmonates in developmental processes.

Abstract: A thiol monomer is shown to copolymerize with vinyl ether, allyl, acrylate, methacrylate, and vinylbenzene monomers. These thiol−ene polymerizations are photoinitiated without the use of photoinitiator molecules. It is seen that the polymerization proceeds more readily when initiatorless samples are irradiated with light centered around 254 nm as compared to 365 nm light. To demonstrate resistance to oxygen inhibition, thin polymer films of 3−15 μm are polymerized while exposed to ambient air. Without photoinitiator molecules present, light is attenuated only by the monomer and polymer. This feature leads to greater penetration of ultraviolet light and allows for the polymerization of extremely thick polymers. Thick cures of up to 25 in. are obtained using a thiol−vinyl ether system.

Abstract: Preface. Introduction: Laboratory Operations and Safety: Hand Washing. PART I. GENERAL MICROSCOPY AND ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE. 1. Laboratory Safety: Introduction to the Microscope. 2. Transfer and Isolation Techniques. Microbes in the Environment. PART II. MICROBIAL MORPHOLOGY, DIFFERENTIAL STAINS. 3. Cultural and Cellular Morphology. 4. Bacterial Growth. 5. Gram Stain. Acid-Fast Stain. 6. Endospore Stain. Capsule Stain. Hanging Drop Technique. 7. Fungi. 8. Viruses-Visualization and Enumeration. 9. Parasitology. PART III. MICROBIAL CONTROL AND BIOCHEMISTRY. 10. Microbial Sensitivity Testing: Ultraviolet Light Sensitivity. Heat Sensitivity. Chemical Sensitivity. Antibiotic Sensitivity: Kirby-Bauer Technique. 11. Bacterial Biochemistry. 12. Gas Requirements of Microorganisms. 13. Specialized Media. PART IV. MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY. 14. Genetics. 15. Epidemiology. 16. Speciman-Handling Protocols. 17. Specific Laboratory Tests. 18. Serology. 19. Identification of Enteric Pathogens: Traditional Methods. 20. Identification of Enteric Pathogens: Rapid Identification Methods. 21. Identification of a Bacterial Unknown: The Gram-Negative Unknown. 22. Identification of a Bacterial Unknown: The Gram-Positive Cocci. PART V. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY. 23. Identification and Quantification of Microbial Numbers in a Water Sample. 24. Identification of Microbes in Beef and Poultry and the Quantification of Microbial Numbers. 25. Soil Microbiology. Photographic Atlas. 26. Microbial Ecology. 27. Biofilms. Bibliography. Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Appendix 3. Credits. Index.

Abstract: We report a new scheme for attachment of functionalized organic molecules to polycrystalline diamond films. In this scheme, ultraviolet light is used to cause a local reaction between a hydrogen-terminated diamond surface and organic molecules present as a thin overlayer liquid film. Comparison of functionalized alkenes and alkanes shows that alkenes attach more efficiently. By attaching organic molecules with suitable protecting groups and then deprotecting after attachment to the surface, it is possible to prepare diamond surfaces terminated with carboxylic acid groups or with primary amine groups. These functional groups may serve as an attractive starting point for further chemical modification of diamond surfaces.

Abstract: A dithienylethene (DTE)−porphyrin (P)−fullerene (C60) triad molecule in which intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer is controlled by the photochromic DTE moiety has been prepared. Irradiation of the molecule with visible light gives the open form of the dithienylethene (DTEo). Excitation of the porphyrin gives DTEo-1P-C60, which undergoes photoinduced electron transfer with a time constant of 25 ps to generate DTEo-P•+-C60•-. Irradiation with ultraviolet light produces the closed form of the dithienylethene (DTEc). Excitation of DTEc-P-C60 yields DTEc-1P-C60, whose porphyrin first excited singlet state is quenched in 2.3 ps by singlet−singlet energy transfer to DTEc, generating 1DTEc-P-C60 and precluding significant photoinduced electron transfer. Such highly reversible photonically controlled intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer may eventually be useful in the design of photonic or optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treatment of skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the treatment of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to inhibit the activity of the oil gland and eliminate acne bacteria. The treatment method of the present invention may be futher augmented by enhancing the penetration of the topical composition into the oil gland and surrounding tissue through the use of procedures including enzyme peeling, microderm abrasion, or ultrasound.

Abstract: Introduction Historical: Use of UV Light in Drinking Water Treatment Present State of Standards and Regulations Definition of Ultraviolet Light: Range and Natural Sources Solar Radiant Energy Available Lamp (or Burner) Technologies General Mercury Emission Lamps Currently Available Commercial Lamp Technologies Available Lamp Technologies Special Lamp Technologies Preliminary Guidelines for Choice of Lamp Technology UV Emission Yields and Mode of Control Zonal Distribution of Emitted Light Use of Ultraviolet Light for Disinfection of Drinking Water Introduction Germicidal Action Dose-Efficiency Concept Representative Test Organisms Competitive Effects in Disinfection with UV-Light Multihit, Multisite, and Step-by-Step Killing Concepts Design Factors for Reactor Geometry Mixing Conditions in UV-Water Treatment Operational Control of Efficiency Tentative Design Questionnaire for UV-Based Disinfection Units for Drinking Water Examples Use of UV in Photochemical Synergistic Oxidation Processes in Water Sanitation Basic Principles Combinations of Hydrogen Peroxide and UV-Light Synergism of Ozone and UV in Water Sanitation UV-Catalytic Processes Tentative Design Rules for UV-Synergistic Oxidation Processes Use of UV Light for Sanitation of Wastewater Regulations and Guidelines for Disinfection of Treated Wastewater General Characteristics of Effluents in Relation to Disinfection by UV-Light Aftergrowth and Photorepair after Exposure to UV Disinfection of Wastewater Applied UV Doses in Wastewater Disinfection Choice of Lamp Technology in Wastewater Disinfection Toxicity and Formation of By-Products Preliminary Conclusions on Wastewater Disinfection with UV Example General Conclusions Glossary References Index

Abstract: An interior illuminating apparatus for a vehicle includes an interior rear-view minor which is connected and fixed to an interior ceiling of the vehicle for observing the rear. An LED is provided in a vicinity of the interior rear-view mirror at a forward position in a traveling direction of the vehicle and radiates ultraviolet light on a center part of an instrument panel. An operating unit adapted to receive the ultraviolet light from the LED is provided in the center part of the instrument panel. The apparatus includes a starting switch for actuating the LED on and off. The operating unit has fluorescent layers coated thereon and containing a substance which emits fluorescence when irradiated with the ultraviolet light from the LED.

Abstract: Epidemiological evidence suggests a potential role for vitamin D in colon cancer prevention. Vitamin D, absorbed from the intestine or derived from solar ultraviolet light, is metabolized in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D(3)). Previous studies examining effects of vitamin D upon carcinogenesis have focused upon the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)(2) D(3)], which interacts with nuclear vitamin D receptors in several organs. Until recently, the metabolism of 25-OH D(3) to 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) was believed to occur only in the kidney, but more recent studies have shown that 25-OH D(3) conversion to 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) can occur in other tissues. We examined the association between fasting levels of 25-OH D(3), 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3), and BsmI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene with indices of colonic epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation in a chemoprevention study, after giving vitamin D or calcium and taking rectal biopsies that were incubated with bromodeoxyuridine. Vitamin D receptor polymorphism was determined by genotyping of the 3' BsmI polymorphism in intron eight of the VDR gene. No significant changes in cell proliferation or in differentiation were found in subjects between study start and end. However, fasting serum levels of 25-OH D(3) showed a highly significant decrease with whole crypt labeling index and the size of the proliferative compartment (phi h). There was no correlation between serum levels of 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) and the proliferative parameters. Calcium supplementation induced a significant effect upon the relationship between serum 25-OH D(3) and rectal epithelial cell labeling index and phi h when studied by covariance analysis without a relationship with 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) levels. VDR genotype did not influence the effects of serum 25-OH D(3) or serum 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) levels upon proliferation. These data suggest that there might be a local effect of 25-OH D(3) on colonic epithelial cells through conversion of 25-OH D(3) to 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3). Subsequent studies have demonstrated the presence of 1alpha-hydroxylase mRNA in normal colorectal epithelium and in colorectal cancer. Thus, vitamin D may have an important role in determining the effects of calcium on colorectal epithelial proliferation and may explain some of the discrepancies found previously in studies that examine the direct role of calcium on the colorectal epithelium.

Abstract: The imaging of surfaces by means of photoexcitation electron emission microscopy (PEEM) has recently received considerable interest. This is mainly due to the extended use and availability of brilliant synchrotron radiation in the soft x-ray regime which generally facilitates studies with surface specificity and chemical selectivity. The most popular application of the x-ray PEEM (XPEEM) technique concerns studies of magnetic systems and phenomena. By exploiting the high degree of circular or linear polarization of the synchrotron light, the magnetic microstructure in both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets can be visualized. In this contribution we demonstrate the unique potential and the versatility of the PEEM approach, and review the current status with a certain emphasis on experiments with soft x-ray excitation. In some cases, the high-energy excitation studies can be complemented by laboratory experiments employing threshold photoemission with ultraviolet light (UV-PEEM). Current limitations and future developments and perspectives of the PEEM technique applied to magnetic systems are discussed.

Abstract: BACKGROUND. Photorejuvenation involves the use of lasers or light sources to reverse signs of photoaging. Multiple devices have been shown to be effective over the short-term. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the long-term clinical results on the face, neck and chest at 4 years using filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of photoaging changes of telangiectasias, dyspigmentation, and rough skin texture. METHODS. A chart review of 80 randomly selected patients with skin types I-IV who were treated by IPL during 1996 and 1997 was performed. Photos and patient self-assessment were graded for features of textural smoothness, telangiectasia severity, and blotchy pigmentation into four categories of worse, no change, slightly better (less than 50% improvement) and much better (greater than 50% improvement). RESULTS. At 4 years following initial treatment, skin textural improvement was noted in 83% of the subjects. Telangiectasias were improved in 82% of subjects, while pigmentation remained improved in 79%. The median number of treatments was 3. The face responded slightly better than the chest or neck. Most common side-effects included temporary mild crusting (19%), erythema (15%) and purpura (6%). CONCLUSION. Signs of photoaging including telangiectasias and mottled pigmentation of the face, neck, and chest, can be improved by IPL with a long-lasting result. Minimal or no downtime with minimal adverse effects can be achieved with the settings reported. Skin textural smoothing, although not easily quantified, is an additional benefit observed long-term. THIS STUDY WAS PRESENTED IN PART AT THE 2000 ASDS ANNUAL MEETING IN DENVER. THE AUTHORS ARE CONSULTANTS AND PRECEPTORS FOR LUMENIS. THE DEVICES USED IN THIS STUDY WERE PURCHASED AT A DISCOUNT. NO DIRECT FUNDING WAS PROVIDED FOR THIS STUDY. THE APPEARANCE of aging skin due to chronic exposure to ultraviolet light can be distinguished from chronologically or intrinsically aging skin. l Photoaging, resulting from chronic exposure to UV light, includes wrinkling of the skin, rough texture, dyspigmentation, and loss of elasticity. 2,3 These findings are explained by histologic evidence of epidermal thinning but more importantly, dermal changes of disorganized collagen bundles and clumping of elastic fibers. Changes within the matrix of the dermis and at the dermal-epidermal junction include reductions in procollagens I and III, collagen VII, and the fibrillin-rich microfibrillar apparatus at the dermo-epidermal junction.4 Photoaged skin displays prominent alterations in the cellular component and the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue with an accumulation of disorganized elastin and a severe loss of interstitial collagens.5 Similar changes may also affect superficial capillaries which can become skin surface telangiectasias. A variety of treatments to reverse this photodamage aging process have been employed. On one side of the

Abstract: The quantity of ultraviolet light (IL) incident on a projection optical system (PL) is measured by means of an integrator sensor ( 9 ), and the quantity of ultraviolet pulse light (IL) that has passed through the projection optical system (PL) is measured by means of an irradiation monitor ( 32 ). The quantity of transmitted light is divided by the quantity of incident light to calculate the proportion at which the ultraviolet pulse light (IL) is attenuated in the projection optical system (PL), or an attenuation factor. The attenuation factor is determined as a function of the integrated value of the quantity of incident light. During exposure, the integrated value as quantity measured by means of the integrator sensor ( 9 ) is substituted into the function to estimate the transmissivity (attenuation factor) of the projection optical system (PL). The output of an excimer laser source ( 1 ) is controlled according to this attenuation factor to control the exposure thereby preventing lowering of exposure control precision due to illumination variations (or pulse energy variations) on the substrate caused by attenuation variations (transmissivity variations) in the projection optical system.

Abstract: A combined experimental and numerical analysis technique for velocity profiles in liquid microchannel flows is described. The working fluids employed are aqueous solutions with caged fluorescent dyes. A sheet of fluorescent dye is photo-injected by briefly exposing a cross-section of the fluid to ultraviolet light. The transport of the resulting ‘band’ of fluorescent dye is imaged onto a CCD camera using an epi-illumination fluorescent microscope system. The velocity profile is calculated from images acquired and processed after each uncaging event. The analysis technique utilizes several images, to provide velocity data with an increased signal-to-noise ratio. This combined experimental/numerical technique can provide velocity data in the near-wall region as well as in the bulk. Results are shown to compare favorably to analytical solutions in both pressure-driven and electroosmotic flow in circular cross-section capillaries of 205μm and 102μm inner diameters, respectively. Near-wall resolution is verified through application to electroosmotic flows with thin electrical double layers.© 2002 ASME

Abstract: The photocatalytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy is a potentially clean and renewable source for hydrogen fuel. The first photocatalysts suitable for water splitting, or for activating hydrogen production from carbohydrate compounds made by plants from water and carbon dioxide, were developed several decades ago. But these catalysts operate with ultraviolet light, which accounts for only 4% of the incoming solar energy and thus renders the overall process impractical. For this reason, considerable efforts have been invested in developing photocatalysts capable of using the less energetic but more abundant visible light, which accounts for about 43% of the incoming solar energy. However, systems that are sufficiently stable and efficient for practical use have not yet been realized. Here we show that doping of indium-tantalum-oxide with nickel yields a series of photocatalysts, In(1-x)Ni(x)TaO(4) (x = 0-0.2), which induces direct splitting of water into stoichiometric amounts of oxygen and hydrogen under visible light irradiation with a quantum yield of about 0.66%. Our findings suggest that the use of solar energy for photocatalytic water splitting might provide a viable source for 'clean' hydrogen fuel, once the catalytic efficiency of the semiconductor system has been improved by increasing its surface area and suitable modifications of the surface sites.

Abstract: A portable data collection device is provided for reading fluorescent indicia, such as barcodes. The device includes a housing with a pivotable image capture module. The image capture module includes an adjustable aperture, a color detector array for imaging light received through the aperture, and a removable flash module to provide ultraviolet light. Optics in the image capture module focus the light received through the aperture onto the detector array, in which the detector array is movable with respect to the lens to provide proper focus of an image onto the detector array. The adjustable aperture has an iris wheel to control the amount of light received by the detector array. A programmed controller is provided in the housing which operates responsive to a user interface to image and decode indicia, or capture color digital images in memory. A display on the housing shows images received by the detector array in a non-fluorescent imaging mode to target indicia to be imaged and decoded, where the controller automatically adjusts the focus of the image by adjusting the focal distance between the detector array and the lens. In response to user actuation via the user interface, the controller energizes the flash module to emit light, including the excitation wavelength(s), which enable the indicia to fluoresce, and the detector array receives fluorescent light to capture an image frame of the indicia. The duration of the flash is in accordance with the amount of light measured by a light sensor in the image capture module. The indicia in the image frame is then decoded by the controller to provide data representative of the indicia.

Abstract: Vitiligo is a common cutaneous disorder that has significant biological and social consequences for those affected. It is characterized by a loss of melanocytes from the epidermis, which results in the absence of melanin, i.e. depigmentation. There are numerous hypotheses about the etiology of vitiligo, but no data to definitively prove one theory over another. It is likely that there are numerous causes for the loss of these melanocytes. One way to approach the identification of the etiology is to determine the mechanism by which the melanocytes are destroyed. The two known mechanisms for the destruction of cells are necrosis and apoptosis. One purpose of this paper is to review the extant data that might suggest which of the two mechanisms is operative against melanocytes in patients with vitiligo. The histological data, and some laboratory data, support apoptosis, rather than necrosis, as the mechanism for removal of melanocytes. Apoptosis can be induced by a variety of factors, including immune cytokines, some environmental chemicals (for example substituted hydroquinones such as monobenzone) or other molecular mechanisms. Current therapies, such as corticosteroids and ultraviolet light, do affect apoptosis in a variety of ways. Confirmation of apoptosis as a mechanism, and identification of how apoptosis is initiated to produce vitiligo, can serve as a basis for devising medications that might stop the progression of the disorder. The problem of vitiligo would be essentially solved if there was a medication that is well tolerated in children, adults and pregnant women, and that would halt the progression of the depigmentation. The study of apoptosis, mechanisms of its induction, and the ways to block apoptosis, is one possible way to find both the causes of depigmentation and medications to prevent its progression.

Abstract: It is well documented that ultraviolet (UV) light-induced immune suppression and oxidative stress play an important role in the induction of skin cancers. Earlier, we have shown that topical treatment of silymarin, a plant flavonoid from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), to mouse skin prevents photocarcinogenesis, but the preventive mechanism of photocarcinogenesis in vivo animal system by silymarin is not well defined and understood. To define the mechanism of prevention, we employed immunostaining, analytical assays and ELISA which revealed that topical treatment of silymarin (1 mg/cm2 skin area) to C3H/HeN mice inhibits UVB (90 mJ/cm2)-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response to contact sensitizer dinitrofluorobenzene. Prevention of UVB-induced suppression of CHS by silymarin was found to be associated with the inhibition of infiltrating leukocytes, particularly CD11b+ cell type, and myeloperoxidase activity (50-71%). Silymarin treatment also resulted in significant reduction of UVB-induced immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 producing cells and its production (58-72%, p<0.001). Topical treatment of silymarin also resulted in significant reduction of the number of UVB-induced H2O2 producing cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressing cells concomitant with decrease in H2O2 (58-65%, p<0.001) and nitric oxide (65-68%, p<0.001) production. Together, these data suggest that prevention of UVB-induced immuno-suppression and oxidative stress by silymarin may be associated with the prevention of photocarcinogenesis in mice. The data obtained from this study also suggest: i) phase-I clinical trial of silymarin in high skin cancer risk human population and ii) development of sunscreen containing silymarin as an antioxidant (chemopreventive agent) or silymarin can be supplemented in skin care products.

Abstract: We have fabricated high-power ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs). Epi-layers of UV LEDs were grown on high-quality GaN templates with sapphire substrates, and then the GaN templates and the sapphire substrates were removed by using laser-induced liftoff and polishing techniques in order to reduce the absorption of UV light by the GaN layer. As a result, we obtained the GaN-free UV LEDs. When this UV LED was operated at a forward-bias pulsed current of 500 mA at room temperature (RT), the peak wavelength, the output power (Po), the operating voltage (Vf) and the external quantum efficiency (ηex) were 365 nm, 118 mW, 4.9 V and 6.9%, respectively. On the other hand, at a forward-bias direct current of 500 mA at RT, Po, Vf and ηex were 100 mW, 4.6 V and 5.9%, respectively.

Abstract: Coronatine-inducible tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), which catalyses the transamination from tyrosine to p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, is the first enzyme of a pathway leading via homogentisic acid to plastoquinone and tocopherols, the latter of which are known to be radical scavengers in plants. TAT can be also induced by the octadecanoids methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and methyl-12-oxophytodienoic acid (MeOPDA), as well as by wounding, high light, UV light and the herbicide oxyfluorfen. In order to elucidate the role of octadecanoids in the process of TAT induction in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., the jasmonate-deficient mutant delayed dehiscence (dde1) was used, in which the gene for 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductase 3 is disrupted. The amount of immunodetectable TAT was low. The enzyme was still fully induced by coronatine as well as by MeJA although induction by the latter was to a lesser extent and later than in the wild type. Treatment with MeOPDA, wounding and UV light, however, had hardly any effects. Tocopherol levels that showed considerable increases in the wild type after some treatments were much less affected in the mutant. However, starting levels of tocopherol were higher in non-induced dde1 than in the wild type. We conclude that jasmonate plays an important role in the signal transduction pathway regulating TAT activity and the biosynthesis of its product tocopherol.

Abstract: The nonbreeding distribution of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) was documented using 19 data sets from 13 sites along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the Americas. Western Sandpipers showed latitudinal segregation with regard to sex and age. Females wintered farther south than males. A “U” shaped pattern was found with respect to age, with juveniles occurring at higher proportions at both the northern and southern ends of the range. Distribution of sexes might be affected by differences in bill length and a latitudinal trend in depth distribution of prey. For age class distribution, two different life-history tactics of juveniles might exist that are related to the higher cost of feather wear for juveniles compared to adults. Most juveniles complete three long-distance migrations on one set of flight feathers whereas adults complete two. Juveniles may winter either far north, thereby reducing feather wear induced by ultraviolet light, migration, or both, or far south and spend the summer o...

Abstract: A method employing a photolithography mask for producing microtextured antireflective surfaces is disclosed. The photolithography mask is used during the exposure of photoresist to a pattern of ultraviolet light. The exposed photoresist is subsequently processed to obtain a microtextured surface possessing antireflective properties. The antireflective surface profile comprises an array of sub-micron protuberances that may reside in a periodic arrangement, a quasiperiodic arrangement, or in an arbitrary non-periodic arrangement. The antireflective surface is designed for visible light. It may be scaled-up to large areas, and is suitable for replication into inexpensive polymer materials.