High sensitivity of melatonin suppression response to evening light in preschool‐aged children

Before the invention of electric lighting, humans were primarily exposed to intense (>300 lux) or dim (<30 lux) environmental light—stimuli at extreme ends of the circadian system’s dose–response curve to light. Today, humans spend hours per day exposed to intermediate light intensities (30–300 lux), particularly in the evening. Interindividual differences in sensitivity to evening light in this intensity range could therefore represent a source of vulnerability to circadian disruption by modern lighting. We characterized individual-level dose–response curves to light-induced melatonin suppression using a within-subjects protocol. Fifty-five participants (aged 18–30) were exposed to a dim control (<1 lux) and a range of experimental light levels (10–2,000 lux for 5 h) in the evening. Melatonin suppression was determined for each light level, and the effective dose for 50% suppression (ED50) was computed at individual and group levels. The group-level fitted ED50 was 24.60 lux, indicating that the circadian system is highly sensitive to evening light at typical indoor levels. Light intensities of 10, 30, and 50 lux resulted in later apparent melatonin onsets by 22, 77, and 109 min, respectively. Individual-level ED50 values ranged by over an order of magnitude (6 lux in the most sensitive individual, 350 lux in the least sensitive individual), with a 26% coefficient of variation. These findings demonstrate that the same evening-light environment is registered by the circadian system very differently between individuals. This interindividual variability may be an important factor for determining the circadian clock’s role in human health and disease.

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Light Pollution, Circadian Photoreception, and Melatonin in Vertebrates

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11226400 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (22) ◽

pp. 6400 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Maja Grubisic ◽

Abraham Haim ◽

Pramod Bhusal ◽

Davide M. Dominoni ◽

Katharina M. A. Gabriel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Sensitivity ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Light Pollution ◽

Natural Ecosystems ◽

Melatonin Suppression ◽

Light Levels ◽

Rigorous Testing ◽

Crucial Information ◽

Lower Light ◽

Available Information

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing exponentially worldwide, accelerated by the transition to new efficient lighting technologies. However, ALAN and resulting light pollution can cause unintended physiological consequences. In vertebrates, production of melatonin—the “hormone of darkness” and a key player in circadian regulation—can be suppressed by ALAN. In this paper, we provide an overview of research on melatonin and ALAN in vertebrates. We discuss how ALAN disrupts natural photic environments, its effect on melatonin and circadian rhythms, and different photoreceptor systems across vertebrate taxa. We then present the results of a systematic review in which we identified studies on melatonin under typical light-polluted conditions in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including humans. Melatonin is suppressed by extremely low light intensities in many vertebrates, ranging from 0.01–0.03 lx for fishes and rodents to 6 lx for sensitive humans. Even lower, wavelength-dependent intensities are implied by some studies and require rigorous testing in ecological contexts. In many studies, melatonin suppression occurs at the minimum light levels tested, and, in better-studied groups, melatonin suppression is reported to occur at lower light levels. We identify major research gaps and conclude that, for most groups, crucial information is lacking. No studies were identified for amphibians and reptiles and long-term impacts of low-level ALAN exposure are unknown. Given the high sensitivity of vertebrate melatonin production to ALAN and the paucity of available information, it is crucial to research impacts of ALAN further in order to inform effective mitigation strategies for human health and the wellbeing and fitness of vertebrates in natural ecosystems.

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Radio Measurements of Coronal Magnetic Fields

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s0252921100024933 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 144 ◽

pp. 21-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

G. B. Gelfreikh

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Field ◽

Magnetic Fields ◽

Solar Corona ◽

Active Regions ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Coronal Magnetic Field ◽

Transverse Magnetic ◽

Radio Sources ◽

Radio Waves ◽

Solar Active Regions

AbstractA review of methods of measuring magnetic fields in the solar corona using spectral-polarization observations at microwaves with high spatial resolution is presented. The methods are based on the theory of thermal bremsstrahlung, thermal cyclotron emission, propagation of radio waves in quasi-transverse magnetic field and Faraday rotation of the plane of polarization. The most explicit program of measurements of magnetic fields in the atmosphere of solar active regions has been carried out using radio observations performed on the large reflector radio telescope of the Russian Academy of Sciences — RATAN-600. This proved possible due to good wavelength coverage, multichannel spectrographs observations and high sensitivity to polarization of the instrument. Besides direct measurements of the strength of the magnetic fields in some cases the peculiar parameters of radio sources, such as very steep spectra and high brightness temperatures provide some information on a very complicated local structure of the coronal magnetic field. Of special interest are the results found from combined RATAN-600 and large antennas of aperture synthesis (VLA and WSRT), the latter giving more detailed information on twodimensional structure of radio sources. The bulk of the data obtained allows us to investigate themagnetospheresof the solar active regions as the space in the solar corona where the structures and physical processes are controlled both by the photospheric/underphotospheric currents and surrounding “quiet” corona.

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Backscattered Electron Imaging of GaAs/AlGaAs Super Lattice Structures with an Ultra-High- Resolution SEM

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100103103 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 204-205

Author(s):

Kazumichi Ogura ◽

Michael M. Kersker

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Layer Structure ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Beam Current ◽

Electron Beam Current ◽

Lattice Structures ◽

Super Lattice ◽

Different Types ◽

Backscattered Electron ◽

Electron Imaging

Backscattered electron (BE) images of GaAs/AlGaAs super lattice structures were observed with an ultra high resolution (UHR) SEM JSM-890 with an ultra high sensitivity BE detector. Three different types of super lattice structures of GaAs/AlGaAs were examined. Each GaAs/AlGaAs wafer was cleaved by a razor after it was heated for approximately 1 minute and its crosssectional plane was observed.First, a multi-layer structure of GaAs (100nm)/AlGaAs (lOOnm) where A1 content was successively changed from 0.4 to 0.03 was observed. Figures 1 (a) and (b) are BE images taken at an accelerating voltage of 15kV with an electron beam current of 20pA. Figure 1 (c) is a sketch of this multi-layer structure corresponding to the BE images. The various layers are clearly observed. The differences in A1 content between A1 0.35 Ga 0.65 As, A1 0.4 Ga 0.6 As, and A1 0.31 Ga 0.69 As were clearly observed in the contrast of the BE image.

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An x-ray microprobe based upon a close-coupled focal-spot / glass capillary arrangement

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100133424 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 1758-1759

Author(s):

D. A. Carpenter ◽

M. A. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Imaging Techniques ◽

Fluorescence Analysis ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Specimen Preparation ◽

X Rays ◽

Glass Capillary ◽

Close Coupling ◽

X Ray ◽

Point To Point ◽

Beam Damage

The development of intense sources of x rays has led to renewed interest in the use of microbeams of x rays in x-ray fluorescence analysis. Sparks pointed out that the use of x rays as a probe offered the advantages of high sensitivity, low detection limits, low beam damage, and large penetration depths with minimal specimen preparation or perturbation. In addition, the option of air operation provided special advantages for examination of hydrated systems or for nondestructive microanalysis of large specimens.The disadvantages of synchrotron sources prompted the development of laboratory-based instrumentation with various schemes to maximize the beam flux while maintaining small point-to-point resolution. Nichols and Ryon developed a microprobe using a rotating anode source and a modified microdiffractometer. Cross and Wherry showed that by close-coupling the x-ray source, specimen, and detector, good intensities could be obtained for beam sizes between 30 and 100μm. More importantly, both groups combined specimen scanning with modern imaging techniques for rapid element mapping.

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Ultrastructural identification of three types of sensory setae on copepod antennae

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100141159 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 956-957

Author(s):

T. M. Weatherby ◽

P.H. Lenz

Keyword(s):

Phase Locking ◽

Membrane Surface ◽

Reaction Times ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Structural Features ◽

Calanoid Copepods ◽

Marine Food Webs ◽

Dendritic Membrane ◽

Ultrastructural Characterization

Crustaceans, as well as other arthropods, are covered with sensory setae and hairs, including mechanoand chemosensory sensillae with a ciliary origin. Calanoid copepods are small planktonic crustaceans forming a major link in marine food webs. In conjunction with behavioral and physiological studies of the antennae of calanoids, we undertook the ultrastructural characterization of sensory setae on the antennae of Pleuromamma xiphias.Distal mechanoreceptive setae exhibit exceptional behavioral and physiological performance characteristics: high sensitivity (<10 nm displacements), fast reaction times (<1 msec latency) and phase locking to high frequencies (1-2 kHz). Unusual structural features of the mechanoreceptors are likely to be related to their physiological sensitivity. These features include a large number (up to 3000) of microtubules in each sensory cell dendrite, arising from or anchored to electron dense rods associated with the ciliary basal body microtubule doublets. The microtubules are arranged in a regular array, with bridges between and within rows. These bundles of microtubules extend far into each mechanoreceptive seta and terminate in a staggered fashion along the dendritic membrane, contacting a large membrane surface area and providing a large potential site of mechanotransduction.

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Slow-Scan CCD Observation of Backscattering Patterns in SEM

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100131176 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 1308-1309

Author(s):

F. Ouyang ◽

D. A. Ray ◽

O. L. Krivanek

Keyword(s):

Electron Beam ◽

Electron Microscope ◽

Scanning Electron Microscope ◽

Dynamic Range ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Lens System ◽

Wide Dynamic Range ◽

Peltier Cooler ◽

Diffraction Patterns ◽

Scanning Electron

Electron backscattering Kikuchi diffraction patterns (BKDP) reveal useful information about the structure and orientation of crystals under study. With the well focused electron beam in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), one can use BKDP as a microanalysis tool. BKDPs have been recorded in SEMs using a phosphor screen coupled to an intensified TV camera through a lens system, and by photographic negatives. With the development of fiber-optically coupled slow scan CCD (SSC) cameras for electron beam imaging, one can take advantage of their high sensitivity and wide dynamic range for observing BKDP in SEM.We have used the Gatan 690 SSC camera to observe backscattering patterns in a JEOL JSM-840A SEM. The CCD sensor has an active area of 13.25 mm × 8.83 mm and 576 × 384 pixels. The camera head, which consists of a single crystal YAG scintillator fiber optically coupled to the CCD chip, is located inside the SEM specimen chamber. The whole camera head is cooled to about -30°C by a Peltier cooler, which permits long integration times (up to 100 seconds).

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Exit-surface wave reconstruction using a focal series

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100129577 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 988-989

Author(s):

W.J. de Ruijter ◽

M.R. McCartney ◽

David J. Smith ◽

J.K. Weiss

Keyword(s):

Surface Wave ◽

Spherical Aberration ◽

Data Extraction ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Geometric Distortion ◽

Variation Method ◽

Objective Lens ◽

Immediate Reconstruction ◽

Exit Surface ◽

Electron Microscopes

Further advances in resolution enhancement of transmission electron microscopes can be expected from digital processing of image data recorded with slow-scan CCD cameras. Image recording with these new cameras is essential because of their high sensitivity, extreme linearity and negligible geometric distortion. Furthermore, digital image acquisition allows for on-line processing which yields virtually immediate reconstruction results. At present, the most promising techniques for exit-surface wave reconstruction are electron holography and the recently proposed focal variation method. The latter method is based on image processing applied to a series of images recorded at equally spaced defocus.Exit-surface wave reconstruction using the focal variation method as proposed by Van Dyck and Op de Beeck proceeds in two stages. First, the complex image wave is retrieved by data extraction from a parabola situated in three-dimensional Fourier space. Then the objective lens spherical aberration, astigmatism and defocus are corrected by simply dividing the image wave by the wave aberration function calculated with the appropriate objective lens aberration coefficients which yields the exit-surface wave.

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Observation of surface morphology by reflection electron holography

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100154652 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 47 ◽

pp. 536-537

Author(s):

N. Osakabe ◽

J. Endo ◽

T. Matsuda ◽

A. Tonomura

Keyword(s):

Phase Shift ◽

Surface Morphology ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

High Energy ◽

Path Difference ◽

Transmission Mode ◽

Electron Holography ◽

Dynamical Process ◽

High Vertical Resolution ◽

Amplification Technique

Progress in microscopy such as STM and TEM-TED has revealed surface structures in atomic dimension. REM has been used for the observation of surface dynamical process and surface morphology. Recently developed reflection electron holography, which employes REM optics to measure the phase shift of reflected electron, has been proved to be effective for the observation of surface morphology in high vertical resolution ≃ 0.01 Å.The key to the high sensitivity of the method is best shown by comparing the phase shift generation by surface topography with that in transmission mode. Difference in refractive index between vacuum and material Vo/2E≃10-4 owes the phase shift in transmission mode as shownn Fig. 1( a). While geometrical path difference is created in reflection mode( Fig. 1(b) ), which is measured interferometrically using high energy electron beam of wavelength ≃0.01 Å. Together with the phase amplification technique , the vertivcal resolution is expected to be ≤0.01 Å in an ideal case.

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Development of imaging plate for a TEM and its characteristics

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100152471 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 47 ◽

pp. 100-101

Author(s):

N. Mori ◽

T. Oikawa ◽

Y. Harada ◽

J. Miyahara ◽

T. Matsuo

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Range ◽

Protective Layer ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Imaging Plate ◽

Phosphor Layer ◽

Imaging Device ◽

X Ray Imaging ◽

New Type ◽

Basic Characteristics ◽

Reading System

The Imaging Plate (IP) is a new type imaging device, which was developed for diagnostic x ray imaging. We have reported that usage of the IP for a TEM has many merits; those are high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and good linearity. However in the previous report the reading system was prototype drum-type-scanner, and IP was also experimentally made, which phosphor layer was 50μm thick with no protective layer. So special care was needed to handle them, and they were used only to make sure the basic characteristics. In this article we report the result of newly developed reading, printing system and high resolution IP for practical use. We mainly discuss the characteristics of the IP here. (Precise performance concerned with the reader and other system are reported in the other article.)Fig.1 shows the schematic cross section of the IP. The IP consists of three parts; protective layer, phosphor layer and support.

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