UV reflecting vole scent marks attract a passerine, the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor

Diurnal raptors have been shown to use ultraviolet vision and UV-reflecting vole scent marks to find suitable hunting areas. We studied if a passerine species, the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor that uses voles as its primary food, may also detect prey-patches in the same way. We conducted a laboratory experiment with ten shrikes. Each individual shrike had four options to choose from: (1) scent marks with UV light, (2) scent marks without UV light, (3) clean arena with UV light, and (4) clean arena without UV light. The birds preferred the scent-marked arena with UV light as measured by the number of scans and the time spent above it. Therefore, we suggest that great grey shrike probably uses UV cues to gain information on vole locations and abundance.     

Ultraviolet reflecting photonic microstructures in the King Penguin beak

King and emperor penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus and Aptenodytes forsteri) are the only species of marine birds so far known to reflect ultraviolet (UV) light from their beaks. Unlike humans, most birds perceive UV light and several species communicate using the near UV spectrum. Indeed, UV reflectance in addition to the colour of songbird feathers has been recognized as an important signal when choosing a mate. The king penguin is endowed with several highly coloured ornaments, notably its beak horn and breast and auricular plumage, but only its beak reflects UV, a property considered to influence its sexual attraction. Because no avian UV-reflecting pigments have yet been identified, the origin of such reflections is probably structural. In an attempt to identify the structures that give rise to UV reflectance, we combined reflectance spectrophotometry and morphological analysis by both light and electron microscopy, after experimental removal of surface layers of the beak horn. Here, we characterize for the first time a multilayer reflector photonic microstructure that produces the UV reflections in the king penguin beak.     

Design of a UV-C irradiation process for the inactivation of viruses in protein solutions.

The ability of ultraviolet (UV) light to inactivate viruses is well established. However, attempts to apply this to the manufacture of pharmaceutical proteins have been limited by incomplete treatment, low capacity or excessive dilution. Effective processing of large-scale batches of UV-opaque protein solutions has been achieved using a continuous-flow device. The operation of this device has been modelled and a design equation derived to relate the processing conditions and product characteristics to the degree of virus inactivation obtained. Variables included in the model are UV-absorbance at 254 nm (A(254)), hydrodynamic properties of the protein solution, residence time, intensity of UV light and diameter and length of irradiation tube. With this information a specific constant was calculated for each virus which denotes its relative sensitivity to UV and from which the degree of virus inactivation expected can be estimated.     

Effect of short-term exposure to UVA and UVB on potential phytoplankton production in UK coastal waters

The influence of vertical mixing on phytoplankton sensitivityto UV light has been assessed over an annual cycle. Photosynthesisrates of natural assemblages were compared in samples that wereincubated at fixed position in a light gradient and with duplicatesamples that simulated vertical mixing by movement in the samegradient with a periodicity of 4 h. This is the typical time-scaleof vertical mixing in coastal waters in the English Channel.There were clear seasonal differences in the short-term responseof phytoplankton to enhanced UVA+UVB. For most of the year,there was no detectable effect of UV on photosynthetic carbonfixation. But natural assemblages in late winter/early spring,when high UV light may sporadically occur at this latitude,were sensitive to UVA+UVB. In some samples, primary productionwas 40% of that measured in the absence of UV light. At thetime of maximum sensitivity to UV, the phytoplankton assemblagewas dominated by diatoms. Simulated vertical mixing resultedin more inhibition of photosynthesis by UVA+UVB light than whensamples were at constant light with the same time-integratedirradiance. Transient increases in UVA+UVB due to ozone depletion,such as have been observed over Northern Europe, could havea serious impact on coastal phytoplankton production in latewinter/early spring.     

Studies on the ultraviolet light sensitivity of Bloom's syndrome fibroblasts

The sensitivity of Bloom's syndrome (bl/bl) fibroblasts to ultraviolet light (254 nm) has been estimated by 4 criteria: sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) formation, micronucleus production, cell survival, and host-cell reactivation of UV-irradiated adenovirus 2. In general, bl/bl strains did not differ significantly from the normal (+/+) strains in their response to UV treatment by any of the 4 criteria. One bl/bl strain, GM1492, was exceptional: It was abnormally sensitive to UV light in the SCE, micronucleus, and host-cell reactivation assays, but was not sensitive to UV as estimated by colony-forming ability. Thus, although one of the bl/bl strains studied in the experiments was sensitive to UV light as judged by some criteria, UV sensitivity is not a universal characteristic of Bloom's syndrome cells. It is nuclear whether the UV sensitivity of the GM1492 strain reflects genetic diversity within the syndrome or some unrelated property of this strain.     

Evidence for true polarization vision based on a two-channel analyzer system in the eye of the water bug,Notonecta glauca

Summary Water bugs (Notonecta glauca) were set into flight in a room with a homogeneously illuminated ceiling and a light-emitting platform on the floor. In these conditions polarized UV light from the platform was more effective in causing the animals to fly down to the surface of the platform than was unpolarized UV light several times as intense. Experiments with an array of baffles that restricted the directions from which the polarization film on the platform could be seen showed that the polarized UV light is effective in eliciting descent only when the e-vector is perpendicular to the median sagittal plane of the animal (horizontal). It can be concluded that polarized UV light with horizontal e-vector is distinguished, as a special sensory quality, from unpolarized UV light.Notonecta thus provides an example of true polarization vision.The special orthogonal arrangement of the microvilli in the rhabdomeres of the UV visual cells in the ventral part of the eye (cf. Schwind 1983 b and Schwind et al., in press) is suggestive with regard to polarization vision. The microvilli of the two UV visual cells in the ommatidia looking forward and down are horizontal and vertical, respectively, and hence could serve as a two-channel analyzer system capable of distinguishing the polarized UV light reflected by a water surface from unpolarized UV light.     

Analysis of substances issuing from Zajdela ascitic hepatoma cells following exposure to UV radiation of different wavelength. II. Proton release]

The release of protein from the Zaidela ascitic hepatoma cells following irradiation with physiological doses of short-wave (254 nm) and long-wave (300--380 nm) UV light (far and near UV radiation) has been investigated. The amount of protein increases with dose making, upon the maximal radiation damage, 180 and 2 per cent of the protein against, resp., the protein amount releasing from non-treated cells and the total protein of the intact cell. The far UV light is by one order more efficient than the near UV light. Irradiation of cells with the former and the latter results in the release of high and low molecular proteins, resp. The near UV irradiation brings about heavier releasing of proteins than does the far UV light.     

The Spectral Sensitivities of Single Cells in the Median Ocellus of Limulus

The spectral sensitivities of single Limulus median ocellus photoreceptors have been determined from records of receptor potentials obtained using intracellular microelectrodes. One class of receptors, called UV cells (ultraviolet cells), depolarizes to near-UV light and is maximally sensitive at 360 nm; a Dartnall template fits the spectral sensitivity curve. A second class of receptors, called visible cells, depolarizes to visible light; the spectral sensitivity curve is fit by a Dartnall template with λ_max at 530 nm. Dark-adapted UV cells are about 2 log units more sensitive than dark-adapted visible cells. UV cells respond with a small hyperpolarization to visible light and the spectral sensitivity curve for this hyperpolarization peaks at 525–550 nm. Visible cells respond with a small hyperpolarization to UV light, and the spectral sensitivity curve for this response peaks at 350–375 nm. Rarely, a double-peaked (360 and 530 nm) spectral sensitivity curve is obtained; two photopigments are involved, as revealed by chromatic adaptation experiments. Thus there may be a small third class of receptor cells containing two photopigments.     

A proteomic analysis of Helicoverpa armigera adults after exposure to UV light irradiation

Ultraviolet (UV) light (blacklight), which emits UV in the range of 320-400 nm, has been used worldwide in light trapping of insect pests. To gain a better understanding of the response of Helicoverpa armigera adults to UV light irradiation, we carried out a comparative proteomic analysis. Three-day-old adults were exposed to UV light for 1 h. Total proteins were extracted and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. More than 1200 protein spots were reproducibly detected, including 12 that were more abundant and 21 less abundant. Mass spectrometry analysis and database searching helped us to identify 29 differentially abundant proteins. The identified proteins were categorized into several functional groups including signal transduction, RNA processing, protein processing, stress response, metabolisms, and cytoskeleton structure, etc. This study is the first analysis of differentially expressed proteins in phototactic insects under UV light irradiation conditions and gives new insights into the adaptation mechanisms responsive to UV light irradiation stress.     

光照对大豆叶片苯丙氨酸裂解酶(PAL)基因表达及异黄酮合成的调节

异黄酮是大豆体内特别是种子中积累的一类重要的次生代谢产物,它具有特殊的生物效能。本实验在不同水平（RNA/酶/产物）上研究不同光照条件对大豆叶片异黄酮合成过程中的第一个关键酶苯丙氨酸氨基裂解酶（PAL）基因表达的影响。研究发现,在光照条件下pal表达量比黑暗条件下高,而且其影响程度与品种有关系,种子中异黄酮含量低的品种表现更敏感;其mRNA的合成受红光、蓝光、紫外光的促进,其中紫外光最有效;随着处理时间的延长,mRNA的量和酶活性增加;但是在异黄酮的积累水平上,随着紫外光照射时间的延长,表达量有所下降。     

Analysis of the UV-Induced Melanogenesis and Growth Arrest of Human Melanocytes

Cultured human melanocytes derived from different skin types responded to frequent treatment with ultraviolet (UV) light with increased melanin synthesis, decreased proliferation, and morphologic signs of aging. These effects were augmented by increased frequency of irradiation with 15.5 mJ/cm² UV light. Stimulation of melanogenesis by UV light involved an increase in tyrosinase activity, without any change in the amounts of either tyrosinase or tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and a decrease in the amount of TRP-2, as determined by Western blot analysis. These results are different from the mechanisms by which other melanogenic agents, such as cholera toxin and isobutyl methylxanthine, stimulated melanogenesis, whereby the amounts of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 were increased. The decrease in the amount of TRP-2 might be significant in that it might alter the properties of the newly synthesized melanin. The UV irradiation protocol that was followed blocked melanocytes in G₂-M phase of the cell cycle without compromising cellular viability. Following three rounds of UV irradiation, melanocytes could recover from the growth arrest and resume proliferation. Treatment with 0.1 μM α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) postirradiation enhanced the melanogenic effect of UV light and stimulated the melanocytes to proliferate. The effects of α-MSH on the UV induced responses and their implications on photocarcinogenesis are being further investigated. Analyzing the mechanisms by which UV light exposure affects normal melanocytes might lead to a better understanding of how these cells undergo malignant transformation, and why individuals with different skin types differ in their susceptibility to skin cancers.     

光照对大豆叶片苯丙氨酸裂解酶(PAL)基因表达及异黄酮合成的调节

异黄酮是大豆体内特别是种子中积累的一类重要的次生代谢产物,它具有特殊的生物效能。本实验在不同水平（ＲＮＡ／酶／产物）上研究不同光照条件对大豆叶片异黄酮合成过程中的第一个关键酶苯丙氨酸氨基裂解酶（ＰＡＬ）基因表达的影响。研究发现,在光照条件下ｐａｌ表达量比黑暗条件下高,而且其影响程度与品种有关系,种子中异黄酮含量低的品种表现更敏感;其ｍＲＮＡ的合成受红光、蓝光、紫外光的促进,其中紫外光最有效;随着处     

Aspects of photoinduction of carotenogenesis in the fungus Verticillium agaricinum

An action spectrum for light induced carotenogenesis in Verticillium agaricinum (Link) Corda (ATCC 24668) was obtained by exposing mycelial pads to monochromatic radiation. Action maxima occurred at 290 (main peak) and 390 nm, and there was a minor peak at 483 nm. The results also showed interaction between the blue and UV light. Blue light partly reversed the UV light induction of carotenogenesis when given after, but not when given before UV light. This implies that there are at least two photoreceptors involved in carotenogenesis in Verticillium , but phytochrome is not likely to be one of them.     

Photo-induced unfolding and inactivation of bovine carbonic anhydrase in the presence of a photoresponsive surfactant

Photoreversible changes in the conformation and enzymatic activity of bovine carbonic anhydrase have been investigated as a function of photoresponsive surfactant concentration and light conditions. The light-responsive surfactant undergoes a photoisomerization from the relatively hydrophobic trans isomer under visible light to the relatively hydrophilic cis isomer upon UV illumination, providing a means to photoreversibly control enzyme–surfactant interactions. Small-angle neutron scattering and dynamic light scattering measurements, along with fluorescence spectroscopy, indicate that carbonic anhydrase unfolds upon addition of the surfactant under visible light, while only a small degree of unfolding is observed under UV light. Therefore, the enzyme is completely inactivated in the presence of the trans surfactant, while 40% of the native activity is preserved under UV light, providing a photoreversible “on/off switch” of enzyme activity. Small-angle neutron scattering data provide details of the in vitro conformational changes of the enzyme in response to the photosurfactant and light, with the enzyme found to aggregate as a result of photosurfactant-induced unfolding. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy further provides information on the secondary structure changes of the protein in the presence of photosurfactant.     

Perithecial Formation in Gelasinospora reticulispora VII: Action Spectra in UV Region for the Photoinduction and the Photoinhibition of Photoinductive Effect Brought by Blue Light

An action spectrum for photoinduction of perithecial formationafter a prior 72 h dark growth period was determined in theUV region with apically growing mycelia of a sordariaceous fungus,Gelasinospora reticulispora. The spectrum exhibited a peak at280 nm. Quantum effectiveness of 280 nm irradiation was ca.1.7 times higher than that of 450 nm light. The number of peritheciainduced by UV radiation was saturated at a lower level as comparedwith blue light. UV radiation having a fluence greater thanthe saturation level decreased the number of induced perithecia.UV radiation that was given after a saturating exposure to inductiveblue light inhibited the inductive effect of blue light. Anaction spectrum for this inhibition exhibited a peak between260 and 270 nm. Monochromatic light beyond 350 nm had no inhibitoryeffect. Inhibitory effects of UV radiation given after inductiveblue light irradiation were observed in the fluence range wherephotoinductive effects of UV radiation became obvious. Therefore,the true height of the UV peak in the photoinduction actionspectrum,when free of distortion from the inhibitory effect, should behigher than the peak obtained in this study. (Received August 20, 1983; Accepted November 4, 1983)     

In situ control of cell adhesion using photoresponsive culture surface

A photoresponsive culture surface (PRCS) allowing photocontrol of cell adhesion was prepared with a novel polymer material composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) having spiropyran chromophores as side chains. Cell adhesion of the surface was drastically enhanced by the irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light (wavelength: 365 nm); after subsequent cooling and washing on ice, many cells remained in the irradiated region, whereas most cells were removed from the nonirradiated region. The cell adhesion of the PRCS, which had been enhanced by previous UV irradiation, was reset by the visible light irradiation (wavelength 400-440 nm) and the annealing at 37 degrees C for 2 h. Also it was confirmed that the regional control of cell adhesion was induced several times by repeating the same series of operations. Further, living cell patterning with the 200 microm line width was produced readily by projecting UV light along a micropattern on the PRCS on which the living cells had been seeded uniformly in advance. By using a fluorescent probe that stains living cells only, it was confirmed that the cells maintained sufficient viability even after UV light irradiation followed by cooling and washing.     

Ratio of the mutation spectrum to the physiological state of the Penicillium chrysogenum cell. Auxotrophic mutations induced by N-nitroso-N-methylbiuret in exposure at different stages of DNA replication

The effect of UV light on activated conidia of Penicillium chrysogenum, strain 39 was studied. It was found that the spectrum of the auxotrophic mutations induced by UV light during replication of DNA changed with the dose of the mutagen and was specific to every dose. The schemes of predominating mutation induction during DNA replication under the effect of 2 doses of UV light were developed.     

Molecular and functional analysis of the (6-4) photolyase from the hexactinellid Aphrocallistes vastus

The hexactinellid sponges (phylum Porifera) represent the phylogenetically oldest metazoans that evolved 570-750 million years ago. At this period exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light exceeded that of today and it may be assumed that this old taxon has developed a specific protection system against UV-caused DNA damage. A cDNA was isolated from the hexactinellid Aphrocallistes vastus which comprises high sequence similarity to genes encoding the protostomian and deuterostomian (6-4) photolyases. Subsequently functional studies were performed. It could be shown that the sponge gene, after transfection into mutated Escherichia coli, causes resistance of the bacteria against UV light. Recombinant sponge photolyase was prepared to demonstrate that this protein binds to DNA treated with UV light (causing the formation of thymine dimers). Finally, it is shown that the photolyase gene is strongly expressed in the upper part of the animals and not in their middle part or their base. It is concluded that sponges not only have an excision DNA repair system, as has been described earlier by us, but also a photolyase-based photo-reactivating system.     

Mechanism of the Synergistic Inactivation of Escherichia coli by UV-C Light at Mild Temperatures

UV light only penetrates liquid food surfaces to a very short depth, thereby limiting its industrial application in food pasteurization. One promising alternative is the combination of UV light with mild heat (UV-H), which has been demonstrated to produce a synergistic bactericidal effect. The aim of this article is to elucidate the mechanism of synergistic cellular inactivation resulting from the simultaneous application of UV light and heat. The lethality of UV-H treatments remained constant below ∼45°C, while lethality increased exponentially as the temperature increased. The percentage of synergism reached a maximum (40.3%) at 55°C. Neither the flow regimen nor changes in the dose delivered by UV lamps contributed to the observed synergism. UV-H inactivation curves of the parental Escherichia coli strain obtained in a caffeic acid selective recovery medium followed a similar profile to those obtained with uvrA mutant cells in a nonselective medium. Thermal fluidification of membranes and synergistic lethal effects started around 40 to 45°C. Chemical membrane fluidification with benzyl alcohol decreased the UV resistance of the parental strain but not that of the uvrA mutant. These results suggest that the synergistic lethal effect of UV-H treatments is due to the inhibition of DNA excision repair resulting from the membrane fluidification caused by simultaneous heating.     

Ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) trap the West Indian sweet potato weevil, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euscepes postfasciatus</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The West Indian sweet potato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) is a troublesome pest insect of sweet potato that originally came from the Caribbean, but is now expanding its distribution into the Pacific Islands. Although sterile insect techniques have been used against this pest in a demonstration experiment on Kume Island [Ohno et al. (2006) Kontyu to Shizen 41:25–30], effective methods of monitoring E. postfasciatus are scarce. It is necessary to detect the weevils at an early stage of invasion in uninvaded areas, and an attractant trap can be used to achieve this. Thus, we developed an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode trap, invented a method for diffusing the light to attract more insects, and investigated the attractiveness of the light trap to E. postfasciatus under laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that diffused UV light has a higher potential to attract E. postfasciatus than direct UV light. Furthermore, sweet potato is an effective bait to use to capture the weevils attracted by UV light. Thus, E. postfasciatus can be trapped using diffused UV light and sweet potato bait.