A novel self‐assembling peptide with UV‐responsive properties

A novel heptapeptide comprising Ile‐Gln‐Ser‐Pro‐His‐Phe‐Phe (IQSPHFF) identified and found to undergo self‐assembly into microparticles in solution. To understand the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the self‐assembly process, IQSPHFF solutions were exposed to the UV light of 365 nm at room temperature. This exposure was found to have a profound effect on the morphology of the self‐assembled aggregates, converting the microparticles to nanorod shapes. Circular dichroism and FTIR studies indicated distinct structural differences in the arrangements of the peptide moieties before and after UV irradiation. However, Mass spectrum analysis and high performance liquid chromatography of the peptide molecules before and after UV irradiation demonstrated that the chemical structure of IQSPHFF was not changed. UV–visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy studies showed that the absorption peak both increased after UV irradiation. Overall, our data show that the heptapeptide with UV‐responsive properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 272–278, 2014.     

Overcoming the “Light‐Soaking” Issue in Inverted Organic Solar Cells by the Use of Al:ZnO Electron Extraction Layers

A common phenomenon of organic solar cells (OSCs) incorporating metal‐oxide electron extraction layers is the requirement to expose the devices to UV light in order to improve device characteristics – known as the so‐called “light‐soaking” issue. This behaviour appears to be of general validity for various metal‐oxide layers, various organic donor/acceptor systems, and regardless if single junction devices or multi stacked cells are considered. The requirement of UV exposure of OSCs may impose severe problems if substrates with limited UV transmission, UV blocking filters or UV to VIS down‐conversion concepts are applied. In this paper, we will demonstrate that this issue can be overcome by the use of Al doped ZnO (AZO) as electron extraction interlayer. In contrast to devices based on TiO_x and ZnO, the AZO devices show well‐behaved solar cell characteristics with a high fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) even without the UV spectral components of the AM1.5 solar spectrum. As opposed to previous claims, our results indicate that the origin of s‐shaped characteristics of the OSCs is the metal‐oxide/organic interface. The electronic structures of the TiO_x/fullerene and AZO/fullerene interfaces are studied by photoelectron spectroscopy, revealing an electron extraction barrier for the TiO_x/fullerene case and facilitated electron extraction for AZO/fullerene. These results are of general relevance for organic solar cells based on various donor acceptor active systems.     

Aphid orientation and performance in glasshouses under different UV‐A/UV‐B radiation regimes

Visual cues leading to host selection and landing are of major importance for aphids and evidence suggests that flight activity is very dependent on ultraviolet (UV)‐A radiation in the environment. At the same time research on insect plant hosts suggest that the UV‐B component can deter some pests via changes in secondary metabolite chemistry. Here, we examine the potential of UV (UV‐A/UV‐B) radiation to control insect pests in the glasshouse environment. We first examined artificial exposure to UV‐B and the potential to trigger morphological and biochemical modifications in pepper (Capsicum annuum L., Solanaceae) with implications for the fitness of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae). UV‐B caused accumulation of leaf secondary metabolites and soluble carbohydrates, and stimulated photosynthetic pigments. However, UV‐B did not impact on foliar protein content and aphid performance was unaffected. Next, we studied how altering the UV‐A/UV‐B ratio environment affected aphid orientation and spatial distribution over time, either directly or by exposing plants to supplemental UV before insect introduction. Aphids directly settled and dispersed on their host pepper plants more readily in the presence of supplemental UV‐A and UV‐B. In the control treatment with ambient glasshouse UV‐A and UV‐B, insects remained more aggregated. Furthermore, insects were less attracted to peppers pre‐exposed to supplemental UV‐A and UV‐B radiation. Our results suggest that suppression of UV‐A and UV‐B inside the protected environment reduces aphid colonization and dispersal. Furthermore, application of moderate exposure of young pepper plants to supplemental UV‐B radiation could aid in protection from the colonization by phytophagous insects.     

Light signaling and UV‐B‐mediated plant growth regulation

Light plays an important role in plants’ growth and development throughout their life cycle. Plants alter their morphological features in response to light cues of varying intensity and quality. Dedicated photoreceptors help plants to perceive light signals of different wavelengths. Activated photoreceptors stimulate the downstream signaling cascades that lead to extensive gene expression changes responsible for physiological and developmental responses. Proteins such as ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) and CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) act as important factors which modulate light‐regulated gene expression, especially during seedling development. These factors function as central regulatory intermediates not only in red, far‐red, and blue light pathways but also in the UV‐B signaling pathway. UV‐B radiation makes up only a minor fraction of sunlight, yet it imparts many positive and negative effects on plant growth. Studies on UV‐B perception, signaling, and response in plants has considerably surged in recent times. Plants have developed different strategies to use UV‐B as a developmental cue as well as to withstand high doses of UV‐B radiation. Plants’ responses to UV‐B are an integration of its cross‐talks with both environmental factors and phytohormones. This review outlines the current developments in light signaling with a major focus on UV‐B‐mediated plant growth regulation.     

Fully Plastic Dye Solar Cell Devices by Low‐Temperature UV‐Irradiation of both the Mesoporous TiO2 Photo‐ and Platinized Counter‐Electrodes

The application of UV irradiation processes are successfully proposed for the first time in the fabrication of both of the two plastic electrodes in flexible dye solar cells (DSCs) and modules. For the realization of the photo‐electrode, a customized TiO₂ paste formulation and UV processing method was developed which yields 134% (48%) performance enhancement with respect to the same (binder‐free) paste treated at 120 °C. UV treatment induces both complete removal of organic media and more efficient charge collection. Significantly, highly catalytic platinized flexible counter‐electrodes are also obtained via UV photo‐induced reduction of screen‐printed platinum precursor pastes based on hexachloroplatinic acid. Using both UV‐processed electrodes, a fully plastic DSC is fabricated with a conversion efficiency of 4.3% under 1 Sun (semitransparent) and 5.3% under 0.2 Sun (opaque). Performance is within 10% of the efficiency of a glass‐based DSC prepared with the same materials but with conventional high temperature processes. The material formulations and processes are simple, and easily up‐scaled over large areas, even directly and simultaneously applicable to the preparation of both the photo‐and counter‐electrode on the same substrate which enabled us to demonstrate the first module on plastic realized with a W series interconnection.     

Interaction of COP1 and UVR8 regulates UV‐B‐induced photomorphogenesis and stress acclimation in Arabidopsis

The ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) portion of the solar radiation functions as an environmental signal for which plants have evolved specific and sensitive UV‐B perception systems. The UV‐B‐specific UV RESPONSE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) and the multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) are key regulators of the UV‐B response. We show here that uvr8‐null mutants are deficient in UV‐B‐induced photomorphogenesis and hypersensitive to UV‐B stress, whereas overexpression of UVR8 results in enhanced UV‐B photomorphogenesis, acclimation and tolerance to UV‐B stress. By using sun simulators, we provide evidence at the physiological level that UV‐B acclimation mediated by the UV‐B‐specific photoregulatory pathway is indeed required for survival in sunlight. At the molecular level, we demonstrate that the wild type but not the mutant UVR8 and COP1 proteins directly interact in a UV‐B‐dependent, rapid manner in planta. These data collectively suggest that UV‐B‐specific interaction of COP1 and UVR8 in the nucleus is a very early step in signalling and responsible for the plant's coordinated response to UV‐B ensuring UV‐B acclimation and protection in the natural environment.     

Experimental stress during molt suggests the evolution of condition‐dependent and condition‐independent ornaments in the king penguin

Sexual selection and social selection are two important theories proposed for explaining the evolution of colorful ornamental traits in animals. Understanding signal honesty requires studying how environmental and physiological factors during development influence the showy nature of sexual and social ornaments. We experimentally manipulated physiological stress and immunity status during the molt in adult king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), and studied the consequences of our treatments on colourful ornaments (yellow‐orange and UV beak spots and yellow‐orange auricular feather patches) known to be used in sexual and social contexts in this species. Whereas some ornamental features showed strong condition‐dependence (yellow auricular feather chroma, yellow and UV chroma of the beak), others were condition‐independent and remained highly correlated before and after the molt (auricular patch size and beak UV hue). Our study provides a rare examination of the links between ornament determinism and selection processes in the wild. We highlight the coexistence of ornaments costly to produce that may be honest signals used in mate choice, and ornaments for which honesty may be enforced by social mediation or rely on genetic constraints.     

Testing for Effects of UV‐B Radiation on Anti‐Predator Behavior in Amphibians: A Critique and Some Suggestions

In a recent paper, Kats et al. (2000) reported three experiments intended to test for effects of UV‐B radiation (hereafter, UV‐B) on predator‐avoidance behaviors in three amphibian species. They introduced their study in the context of concern about increasing penetration of solar UV‐B to ground level, owing to loss of stratospheric ozone, and its possible effects on amphibian populations. Kats et al. concluded from their results: `ultraviolet exposure may have important sub‐lethal effects in amphibians that could adversely effect (sic) their fitness'. As Kats et al. cited field studies that apparently demonstrated lethal effects of ambient levels of UV‐B on amphibians, their conclusion that sub‐lethal effects may occur is not obviously contentious. Furthermore, their experiments appear to be based on accepted methods. Nevertheless, I contend that the conclusions drawn by Kats et al. are not justified by the results they reported. Here, I discuss some problems with their study and suggest some possible improvements for future studies.     

UV‐Rearranged PIM‐1 Polymeric Membranes for Advanced Hydrogen Purification and Production

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) have been known for their super high permeability but average selectivity for medium‐size gas pairs. They have unimpressive selectivity for H₂ and CO₂ separation (i.e., α (H₂/CO₂) = 0.6). For the first time, we have discovered that ultraviolet (UV)‐rearranged polymers of PIM‐1 membranes can be used for H₂/CO₂ separation with far superior separation performance to others in literatures. The PIM‐1 membrane after UV radiation for 4 hours shows H₂ permeability of 452 barrer with H₂/CO₂ selectivity of 7.3. Experimental data and molecular simulation reveal that the polymer chains of PIM‐1 undergo 1,2‐migration reaction and transform to close‐to‐planar like rearranged structure after UV radiation. As a result, the UV‐irradiated PIM‐1 membrane shows considerable drops in both fractional free volume (FFV) and size of micro‐pores. Positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) results have confirmed the chemical and structural changes, suggesting the FFV and pore size drops are mainly ascribed to the destructed spiro‐carbon centre during UV radiation. Sorption and x‐ray diffractor (XRD) analyses indicate that the impressive H₂/CO₂ selectivity arises from the significantly enhanced diffusivity selectivity induced by UV radiation, followed by molecular rearrangement, conformation change and chain packing.     

Sub‐lethal UV‐C radiation induces callose,hydrogen peroxide and defence‐related gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana

Exposure of plants to UV‐C irradiation induces gene expression and cellular responses that are commonly associated with wounding and pathogen defence, and in some cases can lead to increased resistance against pathogen infection. We examined, at a physiological, molecular and biochemical level, the effects of and responses to, sub‐lethal UV‐C exposure on Arabidopsis plants when irradiated with increasing dosages of UV‐C radiation. Following UV‐C exposure plants had reduced leaf areas over time, with the severity of reduction increasing with dosage. Severe morphological changes that included leaf glazing, bronzing and curling were found to occur in plants treated with the 1000 J·m^?2 dosage. Extensive damage to the mesophyll was observed, and cell death occurred in both a dosage‐ and time‐dependent manner. Analysis of H₂O₂ activity and the pathogen defence marker genes PR1 and PDF1.2 demonstrated induction of these defence‐related responses at each UV‐C dosage tested. Interestingly, in response to UV‐C irradiation the production of callose (β‐1,3‐glucan) was identified at all dosages examined. Together, these results show plant responses to UV‐C irradiation at much lower doses than have previously been reported, and that there is potential for the use of UV‐C as an inducer of plant defence.     

Seasonality of carotenoid‐based plumage coloration: modelling wavelength‐specific change through spectral reconstruction

Plumage coloration has provided important model systems for research on signal expression. Whilst it had previously been assumed that moulting provided the only mechanism to change plumage coloration, recent studies have shown plumage colours to be seasonally dynamic, with implications both for the quantification of expression and for any signalling role. However, the mechanistic processes underlying such change remain uncertain. Here, we describe within‐moult shifts in expression of a carotenoid‐based colour trait – the yellow ventral plumage of the great tit Parus major – over a nine‐month timespan. We report that plumage chromaticity (‘colour’) – but not achromaticity (‘brightness’) – exhibits a marked seasonal decline, independent of sex, age or body condition, and at a constant rate across twelve environmentally heterogeneous plots within our study site. To gain a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying this change we employed a spectral reconstruction approach, that generates predicted spectra for any timepoint within the sampling period. By comparing spectra for both early and late in the moult we show that the seasonal decline in chromaticity is driven by both a marked reduction in ultraviolet (UV) reflectance and, to a lesser extent, loss of active carotenoid pigments. Thus, our study shows that seasonal loss of chromaticity in the great tit is driven by altered reflectance primarily in the UV section of the spectrum, a finding made possible by the use of spectral compartmentalisation and multi‐parallel modelling to produce reconstructed spectra. Whether change in plumage coloration influences signal function will depend on the dynamics of the signalling system but it could clearly inflate patterns such as assortative mating and should be considered in studies of colour expression.     

Infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopic surface analysis of bovine‐tail intervertebral discs after UV‐light‐activated riboflavin‐induced collagen cross‐linking

The tensile strength of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is mainly maintained by collagen cross‐links. Loss of collagen cross‐linking combined with other age‐related degenerative processes contributes to tissue weakening, biomechanical failure, disc herniation and pain. Exogenous collagen cross‐linking has been identified as an effective therapeutic approach for restoring IVD tensile strength. The current state‐of‐the‐art method to assess the extent of collagen cross‐linking in tissues requires destructive procedures and high‐performance liquid chromatography. In this study, we investigated the utility of infrared attenuated total reflection (IR‐ATR) spectroscopy as a nondestructive analytical strategy to rapidly evaluate the extent of UV‐light‐activated riboflavin (B2)‐induced collagen cross‐linking in bovine IVD samples. Thirty‐five fresh bovine‐tail IVD samples were equally divided into five treatment groups: (a) untreated, (b) cell culture medium Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium only, (c) B2 only, (d) UV‐light only and (e) UV‐light‐B2. A total of 674 measurements have been acquired, and were analyzed via partial least squares discriminant analysis. This classification scheme unambiguously identified individual classes with a sensitivity >91% and specificity >92%. The obtained results demonstrate that IR‐ATR spectroscopy reliably differentiates between different treatment categories, and promises an excellent tool for potential in vivo, nondestructive and real‐time assessment of exogenous IVD cross‐linking.     

UV‐radiation and elevated temperatures induce formation of reactive oxygen species in gametophytes of cold‐temperate/Arctic kelps (Laminariales,Phaeophyceae)

Enhanced UV‐radiation (UVR) through stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming are crucial stressors to marine macroalgae. Damages may arise through formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in gametophytes of ecologically important kelps, brown algae of the order Laminariales, Such stress‐induced damages may have a negative impact on their fitness and further impact their following life stages. In our study, gametophytes of three kelp species Alaria esculenta (L.) Grev., Laminaria digitata (Huds.) Lamour., Saccharina latissima (L.) Lane, Mayes, Druehl, Saunders from the Arctic, and of L. hyperborea (Gunnerus) Foslie from the North Sea were exposed to photosynthetically active radiation, UV‐A, and UV‐B radiation and four temperatures (2–18°C). ROS are formed predominantly in the peripheral cytoplasm and in chloroplasts especially after exposure to UVR. Superoxide (O₂*^‐) is additionally formed in small, globular cytoplasmic structures, possibly mitochondria. In the surrounding medium O₂*^‐‐concentration increased markedly at elevated temperatures and under UV stress in some cases. Ultrastructural damage was negligible pointing to a high stress tolerance of this developmental stage. Our data indicate that stress tolerant gametophytes of three Arctic kelp species should sustain their crucial function as seed bank for kelp populations even under prospective rising environmental perturbations.     

Different physiological responses of cyanobacteria to ultraviolet‐B radiation under iron‐replete and iron‐deficient conditions: Implications for underestimating the negative effects of UV‐B radiation

Iron deficiency has been considered one of the main limiting factors of phytoplankton productivity in some aquatic systems including oceans and lakes. Concomitantly, solar ultraviolet‐B radiation has been shown to have both deleterious and positive impacts on phytoplankton productivity. However, how iron‐deficient cyanobacteria respond to UV‐B radiation has been largely overlooked in aquatic systems. In this study, physiological responses of four cyanobacterial strains (Microcystis and Synechococcus), which are widely distributed in freshwater or marine systems, were investigated under different UV‐B irradiances and iron conditions. The growth, photosynthetic pigment composition, photosynthetic activity, and nonphotochemical quenching of the different cyanobacterial strains were drastically altered by enhanced UV‐B radiation under iron‐deficient conditions, but were less affected under iron‐replete conditions. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron content increased and decreased, respectively, with increased UV‐B radiation under iron‐deficient conditions for both Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB 912 and Synechococcus sp. WH8102. On the contrary, intracellular ROS and iron content of these two strains remained constant and increased, respectively, with increased UV‐B radiation under iron‐replete conditions. These results indicate that iron‐deficient cyanobacteria are more susceptible to enhanced UV‐B radiation. Therefore, UV‐B radiation probably plays an important role in influencing primary productivity in iron‐deficient aquatic systems, suggesting that its effects on the phytoplankton productivity may be underestimated in iron‐deficient regions around the world.