Ultraviolet B Wavelength Dependence for the Regulation of Two Major Matrix-Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitor TIMP-1 in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Abstract— The wavelength dependence for the regulation of two major matrix-metalloproteinases, interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) and stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), and their major inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), was studied in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Monochromatic irradiation at 302, 307, 312 and 317 nm with intensities ranging from 20 to 300 J/m² increased MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA steady-state levels and the secretion of the corresponding proteins up to 4.4-fold, whereas almost no increase was observed at wavelengths <290 nm. In contrast, the synthesis of TIMP-1 increased only marginally. This unbalance may contribute to the severe connective tissue damage related to photoaging of the skin. The wavelengths responsible for MMP-1 and MMP-3 induction reported here are distinct from the absorption spectrum of DNA and are different from results previously reported in the literature. Importantly, they overlap with wavelengths whose intensity is predicted to increase on the earth's surface upon ozone depletion. Intensities and particular wavelengths used in our studies in vitro can be absorbed readily by fibroblasts within the skin in vivo and, thus, are relevant for risk assessment and development of protective agents.     

Photoconductivity of C60‐doping benzocarbazole‐substituted polysiloxanes on an operating wavelength of 633 nm

A novel polysiloxane having benzo[a]carbazole, benzo[a,i]carbazole, and benzo[a,g]carbazole pendant groups has been synthesized and characterized. We studied the electric‐field‐induced xerographic properties, the photogeneration efficiency, and the photoconductivity of C₆₀‐doping polymeric composites at a wavelength of 633 nm. C₆₀‐doping with benzo[a,g]carbazole‐substituted polysiloxane shows a photogeneration efficiency of 56.55 × 10^?5 and a photoconductivity of 52.2 pS/cm at E = 100 V/µm, which was found to be higher than that of the other benzocarbazole‐substituted polysiloxane composites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Remarkable Change in Fluorescence Emission of Poly(diphenylacetylene) Film via in situ Desilylation Reaction: Correlation with Variations in Microporous Structure,Chain Conformation,and Lamellar Layer Distance

Fluorescence (FL) emission properties, microporous structures, energy‐minimized chain conformations, and lamellar layer structures of the silicon‐containing poly(diphenylacetylene) derivative of p‐PTMSDPA before and after desilylation were investigated. The nitrogen‐adsorption isotherms of p‐PTMSDPA film before and after desilylation were typical of type I, indicating microporous structures. The BET surface area and pore volume of the p‐PTMSDPA film were significantly reduced after the desilylation reaction, simultaneously, its FL emission intensity remarkably decreased. The theoretical calculation on both model compounds of p‐PTMSDPA and its desilylated polymer, PDPA, showed a remarkable difference in chain conformation: The side phenyl rings of p‐PTMSDPA are discontinuously arranged in a zig‐zag pattern, while the PDPA is continuously coiled in a helical manner. The lamellar layer distance (LLD) in the p‐PTMSDPA film significantly decreased after the desilylation reaction.

     

Bioconversion of cellulose into ethanol by nonisothermal simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

The kinetic characteristics of cellulase and beta-glucosidase during hydrolysis were determined. The kinetic parameters were found to reproduce experimental data satisfactorily and could be used in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) system by coupling with a fermentation model. The effects of temperature on yeast growth and ethanol production were investigated in batch cultures. In the range of 35-45 degrees C, using a mathematical model and a computer simulation package, the kinetic parameters at each temperature were estimated. The appropriate forms of the model equation for the SSF considering the effects of temperature were developed, and the temperature profile for maximizing the ethanol production was also obtained. Briefly, the optimum temperature profile began at a low temperature of 35 degrees C, which allows the propagation of cells. Up to 10 h, the operating temperature increased rapidly to 39 degrees C, and then decreased slowly to 36 degrees C. In this nonisothermal SSF system with the above temperature profile, a maximum ethanol production of 14.87 g/L was obtained.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(1,4‐bis((E)‐2‐(3‐dodecylthiophen‐2‐yl)vinyl)benzene) derivatives

New amorphous semiconducting copolymers, poly(9,9‐dialkylfluorene)‐alt‐(3‐dodecylthienyl‐divinylbenzene‐3‐dodecylthienyl) derivatives (PEFTVB and POFTVB), were designed, synthesized, and characterized. The structure of copolymers was confirmed by H NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. The copolymers showed very good solubility in organic solvents and high thermal stability with high T_g of 178–185 °C. The weight average molecular weight was found to be 107,900 with polydispersity of 3.14 for PEFTVB and 76,700 with that of 3.31 for POFTVB. UV–vis absorption studies showed the maximum absorption at 428 nm (in solution) and 435 nm (in film) for PEFTVB and at 430 nm (in solution) and 436 nm (in film) for POFTVB. Photoluminescence studies showed the emission at 498 nm (in solution) and 557 nm (in film) for PEFTVB and at 498 nm (in solution) and 536 nm (in film) for POFTVB. The solution‐processed thin‐film transistors showed the carrier mobility of 2 × 10^?4 cm² V^?1 s^?1 for PEFTVB‐based devices and 2 × 10^?5 cm² V^?1 s^?1 for POFTVB‐based devices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3942–3949, 2010