Picosecond flash photolysis and transient spectral measurements over the entire visible,near ultraviolet and near infrared regions

We have developed a picosecond flash photolysis method together with transient spectral measurements over the entire visible, and some parts of the near UV and near IR regions. S_n ← S₁ absorption spectra of anthracene were obtained as microdensitometer tracings of photographs throughout the region 390–920 nm. Some other results of picosecond studies on the primary processes in exciplexes are also reported briefly.     

Deep ultraviolet and visible crystalloluminescence of sodium chloride

A protocol has been developed for production of intense crystalloluminescence (XTL) from sodium chloride in aqueous solution by selective doping with transition metal salts (Ag(+), Cu(2+), and Dy(3+)). The method was used to record complete, fully dispersed deep UV-visible (200-650 nm) XTL spectra of sodium chloride for the first time. The results show conclusively that the emissions are due to dopant cations in the NaCl lattice, with no evidence for emission directly from NaCl, e.g., by triboluminescence resulting from crystalline fracture. The UV components of the XTL spectrum are attributed to single cation substituents (Ag(+) and Cu(+)), and a strong visible component (~415 nm) of the XTL is attributed to emission from silver-pair centers, (Ag(+))(2). The nature of the electronic transitions of the dopant cations is discussed. The results suggest that the timescale for transformation of a cluster to the crystalline phase is rapid, with efficient relaxation to the lowest excited electronic states of the dopant cation. This transformation is followed by photoemission of the cation in the nascent crystal.     

Comparison of the effects of visible femtosecond laser pulses and continuous wave laser radiation of low average intensity on the clonogenicity of Escherichia coli.

To evaluate the contribution of local pulsed heating of light-absorbing microregions to biochemical activity, irradiation of Escherichia coli was carried out using femtosecond laser pulses (λ = 620 nm, τ_p=3 × 10⁻¹³ s, f_p = 0.5 Hz, E_p = 1.1 × 10⁻³J cm⁻², I_av = 5.5 × 10⁻⁴ W cm⁻², I_p = 10⁹ W cm⁻²) and continuous wave (CW) laser radiation (λ = 632.8 nm, I = 1.3 W cm⁻²). The irradiation dose required to produce a similar biological effect (a 160%–190% increase in the clonogenic activity of the irradiated cells compared with the non-irradiated controls) is a factor of about 10³ lower for pulsed radiation than for CW radiation (3.3 × 10⁻¹ and 7.8 × 10² J cm⁻² respectively). The minimum size of the microregions transiently heated on irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses is estimated to be about 10 Å, which corresponds to the size of the chromophores of hypothetical primary photoacceptors—respiratory chain components.     

Effects of visible and near-infrared lasers on cell cultures.

The effect of 360, 632 and 780 nm light on NIH fibroblast cells was examined. Mitosis counts of irradiated cells at various energy doses were taken. Scanning electron micrographs of these cells were studied. It is suggested that low-level laser therapy in the visible and in the near-infrared region is due to cell respiration stimulation by either the endogenous porphyrins in the cell, or by the cytochromes.     

Computation of ultraviolet and visible spectra for cobalt acetylacetonate

A computation is made for the Co(acac)₃ molecule by the semiempirical method of Mulliken, Helmholz, and Wolfsberg. The results indicate a high degree of covalence in the metal—ligand bond. Analysis of the obtained system of energy levels and oscillator forces for the possible transitions makes it possible to interpret the 1100 nm and 800 nm bands as transitions from the -orbitals of the carbon atoms in the ortho position to the metal to the d orbitals of the metal; the bands in the 400- to 610-nm region are interpreted as d()-d transitions, which cannot be regarded as pure d-d transitions. The bands in the region below 400 nm are attributed to - transitions. The calculation also shows that in complexes with covalent metal-ligand bonds the levels, to which the main contribution is made by the atomic orbitals of the metal and the directly coordinated atoms, are mixed.     

A model of the effects of pressure on the near ultraviolet absorption spectrum of crystalline naphthalene

The variation with pressure of the two components of the electronic origin band of the first singlet-singlet transition in crystalline naphthalene is considered. A model is constructed which gives a satisfactory account of this variation. The splitting contains both Coulomb and overlap-dependent terms and the mean shift contains dispersion terms.     

Calculation of the ultraviolet and visible spectra of copper acetylacetonate

The calculation of the acetylacetonate complex of copper was performed by the Wolfsberg-Helmholz method. An interpretation of the observed absorption bands in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions is given. It is shown that the bands at 200, 250, and 390 mµ belong to spectra with a charge transfer of the ligand-metal type; the 300 mµ band belongs to interligand transition of the ^* type; the 560 and 670 mµ bands are associated with d-d transitions. The effective charges at the atoms and, for some transitions, the oscillator strengths, are calculated.     

The Raman and near ultraviolet spectra of thioanisole

The liquid Raman and vapour phase u.v. absorption spectra of thioanisole have been recorded and vibrational analyses performed. The vibrational structure accompanying the π* ← π electronic transition is similar to that in related monosubstituted benzenes and shows activity in the in-plane ring vibrations 1, 7a, 6a, 6b, 12 and 18b.     

The photodissociation of NO(2) by visible and ultraviolet light

We present velocity map images of the NO, O((3)P(J)) and O((1)S(0)) photofragments from NO(2) excited in the range 7.6 to 9.0 eV. The molecule was initially pumped with a visible photon between 2.82-2.95 eV (440-420 nm), below the first dissociation threshold. A second ultraviolet laser with photon energies between 4.77 and 6.05 eV (260-205 nm) was used to pump high-lying excited states of neutral NO(2) and/or probe neutral photoproducts. Analysis of the kinetic energy release spectra revealed that the NO photofragments were predominantly formed in their ground electronic state with little kinetic energy. The O((3)P(J)) and O((1)S(0)) kinetic energy distributions were also dominated by kinetically 'cold' fragments. We discuss the possible excitation schemes and conclude that the unstable photoexcited states probed in the experiment were Rydberg states coupled to dissociative valence states. We compare our results with recent time-resolved studies using similar excitation and probe photon energies.     

541—Evolution with time of the zero-current potential of a gold electrode in escherichia coli cultures supplied with lipoic acid: Part II. Properties of the model and their application to investigations on drug effects on bacterial activity

In agreement with the in vivo time-courses of the gold electrode zero-current potential, the computer-simulated potential-time curves could be conveniently described by simple geometric magnitudes. We have investigated the influence exerted by the theoretical parameters of the model on these magnitudes.The lag time necessary for the sudden shift of potential to appear at low (10^?5M) initial concentration of exogenic LA was decreased by simulating an increase of the reductive activity of cultures. The slope of the potential-time curves at low and high (2 × 10^?4M) LA initial concentration changed in opposition with the lag time.These properties have suggested comparative in vivo potential-time measurements in the presence of drugs affecting bacterial activity. From the experimental modifications of the potential-time curves, the theoretical parameter(s) affected by the drug could be identified and discussed in relation to known results of molecular and cellular biology.Some illustrative examples of such an application have been developed. The effect of insulin on the potenlial-time curves has been attributed to a hormonal action at the bacterial cell membrane level. Marked differences in the effects of two different antibiotics (ampicillin and lividomycin) on the time evolutions of potential have also been analyzed and discussed within the frame of the theory.     

Inhibition of immediate type hypersensitivity reaction by combined irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light

Recently we found that ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in erythematous doses significantly inhibited the immediate type hypersensibility reaction in the skin. In the present study we investigated the effects of different wavelengths on the skin prick test reaction (SPT). The forearm of ragweed allergic patients was irradiated with increasing doses of ultraviolet A (UVA), visible light (VIS) or combined UVB, UVA and VIS light, referred to as mUV/VIS. SPTs were performed 24 h after irradiation both on irradiated and non-irradiated control skin areas using ragweed extract. UVA and VIS irradiation led to a slight, not significant inhibition of allergen-induced wheal formation. Mixed irradiation with mUV/VIS light resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the allergen-induced wheal formation. The inhibition was significant already at suberythematous doses. As there is a good correlation between SPT and the nasal symptoms in patients with hay fever these data suggest that phototherapy with mUV/VIS light might be an effective and safe treatment modality for immediate type hypersensibility reactions in the skin and nasal mucosa.     

Partial purification of active delta and epsilon subunits of the membrane ATPase from escherichia coli.

We have partially purified active delta and epsilon subunits of the E. coli membrane-bound Mg2+-ATPase (ECF1). Treating purified ECF1 with 50% pyridine precipitates the major subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) of the enzyme, but the two minor subunits (delta and epsilon), which are present in relatively small amounts, remain in solution. The delta and epsilon subunits were then resolved from one another by anion exchange chromatography. The partially purified epsilon strongly inhibits the hydrolytic activity of ECF1. The epsilon fraction inhibits both the highly purified five-subunit ATPase and the enzyme deficient in the delta subunit. The latter result indicates that the delta subunit is not required for inhibition by epsilon. By contrast, two-subunit enzyme, consisting chiefly of the alpha and beta subunits, was insensitive to the ATPase inhibitor, suggesting that the gamma subunit may be required for inhibition by epsilon. The partially purified delta subunit restored the capacity of ATPase deficient in delta to recombine with ATPase-depleted membranes and to reconstitute ATP-dependent transhydrogenase. Previously we reported (Biochem, Biophys. Res. Commun. 62:764 [1975]) that a fraction containing both the delta and epsilon subunits of ECF1 restored the capacity of ATPase missing delta to recombine with depleted membranes and to function as a coupling factor in oxidative phosphorylation and for the energized transhydrogenase. These reconstitution experiments using isolated subunits provide rather substantial evidence that the delta subunit is essential for attaching the ATPase to the membrane and that the epsilon subunit has a regulatory function as an inhibitor of the ATPase activity of ECF1.     

Photocatalysis of Au25-modified TiO2 under visible and near infrared light

Visible light-driven photocatalysis of Au₂₅-modified TiO₂ was investigated. It induces oxidation of phenol derivates and ferrocyanide and reduction of Ag⁺, Cu²⁺ and dissolved oxygen. Thermodynamically uphill reactions such as oxidation of phenol accompanied by reduction of Cu²⁺ are also driven. The photocatalysis, which is based on the excitation of Au₂₅, is observed even under 860 nm light.     

Prediction of phenolic compounds in red wine fermentations by visible and near infrared spectroscopy

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used to simultaneously predict the concentrations of malvidin-3-glucoside (M3G), pigmented polymers (PP) and tannins (T) in red wine. A total of 495 samples from 32 commercial scale red wine fermentations over two vintages using two grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz), and also including as additional variables two types of fermenters, two different yeasts, and three fermentation temperatures were used. Samples were scanned in transmission mode (400-2500 nm) using a monochromator instrument (NIRSystems6500). Calibration equations were developed from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and NIR data using partial least squares (PLS) regression with internal cross validation. Using PLS regression, very good calibration statistics (R_cal²>0.80) were obtained for the prediction of M3G, PP and T with standard deviation (S.D.)/standard error in cross validation (SECV) ratio (residual predictive deviation, RPD)) ranging from 1.8 to 5.8. It was concluded that near infrared spectroscopy could be used as rapid alternative method for the prediction of the concentration of phenolic compounds in red wine fermentations.     

Infrared, visible and ultraviolet absorptions of transition metal doped ZnS crystals with spin-polarized bands

The formation energies, electronic structures and optical properties of TM:ZnS systems (TM=Cr²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺) are investigated by using the first principles method. It is found that the wurtzite and zinc-blende structures have about the same stability, and thus can coexist in the TM:ZnS system. From the wurtzite TM:ZnS, especially, a partially filled intermediate band (IB) is obtained at TM=Cr²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Fe²⁺, while it is absent at TM=Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺. The additional absorptions are obtained in infrared, visible and ultraviolet (UV) regions, due to the completely spin-polarized IB at Fermi level. The results are very helpful for both the designs and applications of TM:ZnS opto-electronics devices, such as solar-cell prototype.     

Sublethal effects of ultraviolet A radiation on Enterobacter cloacae

We report the sublethal effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) on Enterobacter cloacae in comparison with those produced in Escherichia coli. UVA-induced sublethal effects were investigated in either bacterial membrane and at tRNA level. Limited dependence on oxygen concentration for photoinduced inhibition of biochemical membrane functions and low levels of oxidative damage during the irradiation period were found in En. cloacae. On the other hand, ultraviolet spectroscopy and reversed-phase HPLC analysis of hydrolysed tRNA showed that radio induced damage to tRNA is similar in En. cloacae and E. coli. Nevertheless, growth delay induced by UVA in En. cloacae was shorter than that found in E. coli submitted to the same experimental conditions. A limited post-irradiation ppGpp accumulation and the absence of any influence of the membrane damage on the growth delay extent seem to be responsible for the shortness of this effect in En. cloacae. Most of the differences between En. cloacae and E. coli could be attributed to an increased ability of En. cloacae to overcome oxidative stress during UVA exposure.     

Comparison of the effects of visible femtosecond laser pulses and continuous wave laser radiation of low average intensity on the clonogenicity of Escherichia coli

To evaluate the contribution of local pulsed heating of light-absorbing microregions to biochemical activity, irradiation of Escherichia coli was carried out using femtosecond laser pulses (λ = 620 nm, τ_p=3 × 10⁻¹³ s, f_p = 0.5 Hz, E_p = 1.1 × 10⁻³J cm⁻², I_av = 5.5 × 10⁻⁴ W cm⁻², I_p = 10⁹ W cm⁻²) and continuous wave (CW) laser radiation (λ = 632.8 nm, I = 1.3 W cm⁻²). The irradiation dose required to produce a similar biological effect (a 160%–190% increase in the clonogenic activity of the irradiated cells compared with the non-irradiated controls) is a factor of about 10³ lower for pulsed radiation than for CW radiation (3.3 × 10⁻¹ and 7.8 × 10² J cm⁻² respectively). The minimum size of the microregions transiently heated on irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses is estimated to be about 10 Å, which corresponds to the size of the chromophores of hypothetical primary photoacceptors—respiratory chain components.     

An all-solid photoelectrochemical cell for the photooxidation of organic vapours under ultraviolet and visible light illumination

An all-solid photoelectrochemical cell has been tested in the photooxidation of methanol vapours as a proof-of-concept for the application of electrochemically enhanced photocatalysis in air treatment. The cell was based on a Nafion^®-impregnated microporous membrane that served as the solid polymer electrolyte. The working and reference electrodes (a TiO₂/WO₃-coated stainless steel mesh and AgCl-coated Ag wire, respectively) were adhered with the addition of a Nafion^® solution onto one face of the membrane, while the counter electrode (a plain stainless steel mesh) was attached to its opposite face. The use of an electrosynthesized TiO₂/WO₃ photoelectrode allowed the utilization of both UV and visible light. The device was tested by constant potential photoamperometry in air streams saturated with water or water–methanol vapours and the obtained photocurrent increased with increasing methanol levels, confirming the photoelectrochemical oxidation of methanol vapours under UV and visible light illumination.