Effects of blue light irradiation on human dermal fibroblasts

Previous studies have reported that separately from UV-radiation also blue light influences cellular physiology in different cell types. However, little is known about the blue light action spectrum. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of blue light at distinct wavelengths (410, 420, 453, 480 nm) emitted by well defined light-emitting-diodes on viability, proliferation and antioxidative capacity of human dermal fibroblasts. We found that irradiation with blue light (410, 420 nm) led to intracellular oxidative stress and toxic effects in a dose and wavelength dependent manner. No toxicity was observed using light at 453 nm and 480 nm. Furthermore, blue light (410, 420, 453 nm) at low doses reduced the antioxidative capacity of fibroblasts. At non-toxic doses, irradiations at 410, 420 and 453 nm reduced proliferation indicating a higher susceptibility of proliferating fibroblasts to blue light. Our results show that blue light at different wavelengths may induce varying degrees of intracellular oxidative stress with different physiological outcome, which could contribute to premature skin photoaging. On the other hand, the use of blue light due to its antiproliferative and toxic properties may represent a new approach in treatment and prevention of keloids, hypertrophic scars and fibrotic skin diseases.     

The parton model,duality and deep-inelastic single-particle distributions

Within the quark parton model the two-component duality idea is generalized to single hadron inclusive distributions in deep-inelastic scattering. The discussion is limited to the current fragmentation region. The number of independent distribution functions is reduced. Relations as well as inequalities among the structure functions are obtained. In particular, the excess of π⁺ over π^? in the electroproduction off a proton comes out as a consequence and the differential cross section for e⁺e^? → π+ anything is fully determined by the electroproduction of pions on nucleons.     

Morphological and tissue characterization of the medicinal fungus Hericium coralloides by a structural and molecular imaging platform

In this study the potential of new imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) profiling mass spectrometry ("MALDI Profiling") and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging was evaluated to study morphological and molecular patterns of the potential medicinal fungus Hericium coralloides. For interpretation, the MALDI profiling, FTIR imaging and MRI results were correlated with histological information gained from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Light Microscopy (LM). Additionally we tested several evaluation processes and optimized the methodology for use of complex FTIR images to monitor molecular patterns. It is demonstrated that the combination of these spectroscopic methods enables to gain a more distinct picture concerning morphology and distribution of active ingredients. We were able to obtain high quality FTIR imaging and MALDI-profiling results and to distinguish different tissue types with their chemical ingredients. Beside this, we have created a 3-D reconstruction of a mature Hericium basidioma, based on the MRI dataset: analyses allowed, for the first time, a realistic approximation of the "evolutionary effectiveness" of this bizarrely formed basidioma type, concerning the investment of sterile tissue and its reproductive output (production of basidiospores).     

Operator algebras and a theorem of Dieudonne

LetA be aC*-algebra with second dualA″. Let (φ _n)(n=1,...) be a sequence in the dual ofA such that limφ _n(a) exists for eacha εA. In general, this does not imply that limφ _n(x) exists for eachx εA″. But if limφ _n(p) exists whenever p is the range projection of a positive self-adjoint element of the unit ball ofA, then it is shown that limφ _n(x) does exist for eachx inA″. This is a non-commutative generalisation of a celebrated theorem of Dieudonné. A new proof of Dieudonné’s theorem, for positive measures, is given here. The proof of the main result makes use of Dieudonné’s original theorem.     

Fourier transform infrared imaging analysis in discrimination studies of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

In the present study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging and data analysis methods were combined to study morphological and molecular patterns of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in detail. For interpretation, FTIR imaging results were correlated with histological information gained from light microscopy (LM). Additionally, we tested several evaluation processes and optimized the methodology for use of complex FTIR microscopic images to monitor molecular patterns. It is demonstrated that the combination of the used spectroscopic method with LM enables a more distinct picture, concerning morphology and distribution of active ingredients, to be gained. We were able to obtain high-quality FTIR microscopic imaging results and to distinguish different tissue types with their chemical ingredients.     

Radial oscillations of neutron stars in strong magnetic fields

The eigen frequencies of radial pulsations of neutron stars are calculated in a strong magnetic field. At low densities we use the magnetic BPS equation of state (EOS) similar to that obtained by Lai and Shapiro while at high densities the EOS obtained from the relativistic nuclear mean field theory is taken and extended to include strong magnetic field. It is found that magnetized neutron stars support higher maximum mass whereas the effect of magnetic field on radial stability for observed neutron star masses is minimal.     

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor protein superfamily in obesity and wound repair

The rising number of obese individuals has become a major burden to the healthcare systems worldwide. Obesity includes not only the increase of adipose tissue mass but importantly also the altered cellular functions that collectively lead to a chronic state of adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance and impaired wound healing. Adipose tissue undergoing chronic inflammation shows altered cytokine expression and an accumulation of adipose tissue macrophages (ATM). The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) superfamily consists of MIF and the recently identified homolog D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT or MIF-2). MIF and D-DT, which both bind to the CD74/CD44 receptor complex, are differentially expressed in adipose tissue and have distinct roles in adipogenesis. MIF positively correlates with obesity as well as insulin resistance and contributes to adipose tissue inflammation by modulating ATM functions. D-DT, however, is negatively correlated with obesity and reverses glucose intolerance. In this review, their respective roles in adipose tissue homeostasis, adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance and impaired wound healing will be reviewed.