Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Photometry”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,171 records · Page 65Linked to original sources

Search for Transits of a Short-Period, Sub-Saturn Extrasolar Planet Orbiting HD 46375.

Precise brightness measurements of HD 46375 have been acquired with an automatic telescope to search for transits of its short-period, sub-Saturn extrasolar planet. Transits of the companion do not occur, indicating that the inclination of the orbit i is less than 83 degrees and sini is less than 0.992. This upper limit on sini still preserves the possibility that the mass of the planet is less than Saturn's. Analysis of the photometry for HD 46375 reveals no photometric variability larger than 0.0001+/-0.0002 mag at the orbital period of the planet. This effectively eliminates starspots and stellar pulsations as the cause of the radial velocity variations used to infer the planet's existence.

Journal Article↗

The Mass Assembly and Star Formation Characteristics of Field Galaxies of Known Morphology.

We discuss a new method for inferring the stellar mass of a distant galaxy of known redshift based on the combination of a near-IR luminosity and multiband optical photometry. The typical uncertainty for field galaxies with I<22 in the redshift range 0<z<1 is a factor of 2. We apply this method to a newly constructed sample of 321 field galaxies with redshifts and Hubble Space Telescope morphologies enabling us to construct the stellar mass density associated with various morphologies as a function of redshift. We find a marked decline with time in the stellar mass associated with peculiar galaxies accompanied by a modest rise in that observed for elliptical galaxies. The result suggests that peculiar galaxies decline in abundance because they transform and merge into regular systems. The star formation rate per unit stellar mass indicates that massive systems completed the bulk of their star formation before redshift 1, whereas dwarf galaxies continue to undergo major episodes of activity until the present epoch.

Journal Article↗

X-ray emission analysis of human plasma by proton excitation of thick samples in air.

Thick plasma samples have been irradiated in air by 2.3 MeV protons for trace elemental analysis by proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy. Accurate calibration curves were obtained for Fe, Zn and Sr and detection limits in dry plasma were estimated to be 0.08 PPM for Fe, 0.065 PPM for Zn and 0.12 PPM for Sr. Low temperature ashing of these samples improved the detection limits by a factor of 3 but reduced the precision and resulted in loss of bromine from the plasma. Mass absorption coefficients for low energy X-rays in dry plasma were measured and X-ray attenuation in the sample was found to prevent the detection of trace elements with Z less than 26. The method was used to determine Sr in plasma from a patient with bone disease, the Sr being a non-radioactive bone-seeking tracer element. The results, which were in the 3--13 PPM range, were in good general agreement with the analysis of the same samples by flame photometry.

Air↗

Carotenoids and carotenoids plus vitamin E protect against ultraviolet light-induced erythema in humans.

BACKGROUND: Carotenoids and tocopherols, known to be efficient antioxidants and capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species generated during photooxidative stress, may protect the skin from ultraviolet light-induced erythema. beta-Carotene is widely used as an oral sun protectant but studies on its protective effects are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of oral supplementation with carotenoids and a combination of carotenoids and vitamin E against the development of erythema in humans. DESIGN: A carotenoid supplement (25 mg total carotenoids/d) and a combination of the carotenoid supplement and vitamin E [335 mg (500 IU) RRR-alpha-tocopherol/d] were given for 12 wk to healthy volunteers. Erythema was induced by illumination with a blue-light solar simulator. Serum beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol concentrations and skin carotenoid levels were assessed by HPLC and reflection photometry. RESULTS: Serum beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased with supplementation. Erythema on dorsal skin (back) was significantly diminished (P < 0.01) after week 8, and erythema suppression was greater with the combination of carotenoids and vitamin E than with carotenoids alone. CONCLUSION: The antioxidants used in this study provided protection against erythema in humans and may be useful for diminishing sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Adult↗

Predictors of optical density of lutein and zeaxanthin in retinas of older women in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle, diet, and physical and health predictors of xanthophyll carotenoids in the retina are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the predictors of the density of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of the retina. DESIGN: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry. Relations to dietary lutein and zeaxanthin and to other predictors were measured in 1698 women aged 53-86 y. The women were members of observational study cohorts of the Women's Health Initiative at Iowa City, IA, Madison, WI, or Portland, OR, and participated in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (2001-2004). RESULTS: MPOD at 0.5 degrees from the foveal center was 30% higher in women in the highest quintile for lutein and zeaxanthin intake [x (+/-SD): 0.40 +/- 0.21] than in women in the lowest quintile (0.31 +/- 0.21) and 20% higher after adjustment for other predictors. Dietary intake of lutein, zeaxanthin, fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (% of energy) together explained 3% of the variability in MPOD. Higher waist circumference and diabetes, which are related to lower MPOD, together with study site explained an additional 5% of variation. The total explained variability increased to 12% when lutein and zexanthin concentrations obtained from the serum, which were collected 4-7 y earlier, were added to the model. CONCLUSIONS: MPOD is directly related to dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin but even more strongly to serum concentrations, which may reflect unmeasured physical and medical factors that influence the uptake, distribution, and utilization of lutein and zeaxanthin. Higher abdominal body fat and diabetes are related to lower MPOD. Unknown predictors of retinal carotenoids remain.

Aged↗

Evaluation of the ASTRA 4 new microprocessor-controlled electrolyte analyzer.

A new programmable microprocessor-controlled multichannel chemistry analyzer, the Bechman ASTRA 4, was evaluated in an electrolyte configuration including sodium, potassium, chloride, and CO2. Sodium and potassium are analyzed with ion-selective electrodes, CO2 by differential rate pH measurement, and chloride by proportional coulometric titration, Day-to-day reproducibility studies yielded coefficients of variation of 0.8% for Na+, 1.2% for K+, 0.9% for Cl-, and 5.9% for CO2. Linearity was 100-200 mmol/l for Na+, 1.0-10.0 mmol/l for K+, 50-150 mmol/l for Cl+, and 5-50 mmol/l for CO2. There was excellent correlation between the ASTRA 4 and the comparison laboratory methodologies consisting of flame photometry, coulometry, and Beckman Chlorie/CO2 titrator. Performance of the ASTRA 4 was judged acceptable relative to requirements of medical usefulness. The instrument can be used as a routine electrolyte analyzer with a throughput of 60 samples an hour or as a stat analyzer with results obtained within 8.5 minutes. Each sample can be programmed for any combination of tests, and reagent is only consumed on those tests selected. Sample size is approximately 130 microliter for all four tests or reduced accordingly if fewer tests are selected.

Carbon Dioxide↗

Measurement of circulating Clq precipitable immune complexes by a nephelometric type assay after polyethylene glycol extraction in model system.

Clq precipitins were assayed in a model system by absorption nephelometry. Polyethylene glycol was used to extract immune complexes so that sufficient sensitivity with minimal interference could be achieved. Using a double beam spectrophotometer, we found that the reaction of immune complexes with Clq occurred rapidly and plateaued between 5-20 minutes. The optimal concentration of sodium in the reaction mixture was between 0.155-0.165 M, while chloride and EDTA did not affect the reaction significantly. Standard curves generated from heated aggregated gamma globulin showed a high degree of linearity, between 12.5-400 mg/L. Need for conductivity meters, radioisotopes, and other special equipment was eliminated because highly purified Clq is not required for nephelometric assay, and all necessary parameters can be monitored by flame photometry and electrophoresis, which are available in most clinical laboratories. Day to day reproducibility showed CVs of 5.4, 9.5, and 11.4% at control levels of 210, 160, and 70 mg/ L of immune complexes, respectively. Twelve patients with elevated levels of immune complexes by other methods were differentiated from normals by the present method. Nephelometry may offer a simplified approach for testing immune complexes and may become more widespread in clinical laboratories.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Computer graphics as a tool in cytogenetic research and education.

Scanning microscope photometry has been extensively used for image analysis of nuclei and chromosomes and for automated karyotyping. Color graphics terminals, software development and appropriate data manipulation have expanded the scope of scanning microphotometry so that it is now particularly useful for the quantitative analysis of cell components. We have developed application software for displaying nuclear and chromosome densities on a computer terminal of in the form of pixeled images and pseudo-three-dimensional graphic diagrams, as well as for image transformation, object illumination and rotation to enhance chromatin features. The system allowed the microphotometrical scanning of human G-, R-, C-, T-banded chromosomes and sister chromatid exchanges, the measurement of nuclear heterochromatic segments, the detection of minute chromosome structures and the distribution of high staining densities in chromosomes which are difficult to observe with simple light microscopy. The new quantitative visual information given by our interactive graphic method contributes to a better understanding of the nuclear and chromosome structure for the students engaged in cytogenetic research and teaching. The analytical perspective of computer graphics in cytogenetic research and education is briefly discussed.

Animals↗

Dissociation of changes in metabolic rate and blood pressure with erythrocyte Na-K pump activity in older men after endurance training.

We examined whether changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and blood pressure in older normotensive men in response to endurance training were associated with alterations in the Na-K pump activity of plasma-bathed erythrocytes. Eleven men performed cycling exercise three times a week for 8 weeks, and six other men served as controls. Measurements included: RMR by indirect calorimetry, supine blood pressure, body composition by underwater weighing, plasma and erythrocyte Na and K parameters using flame photometry and ouabain. Peak VO2 increased 12% (p < .001), RMR increased 10% (p < .01), mean blood pressure decreased 5% (p < .05), erythrocyte K increased 5% (p < .01), plasma K decreased 7% (p < .001), and plasma Na decreased by 4% (p < .001) in response to training. Erythrocyte Na and Na-K pump rate did not change, nor did the individual changes correlate with changes in RMR or mean blood pressure. Exercise training increases RMR and reduces blood pressure in older men, but these changes are dissociated with erythrocyte Na-K pump activity.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Interaction of Haemophilus influenzae with mucus, cilia, and respiratory epithelium.

One nontypeable laboratory strain and five nontypeable clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae from sputum were investigated. Bacteria replicated from 10(4) to 10(8) cfu/ml over 24 h in an organ culture of human respiratory mucosa with only the intact mucosal surface exposed. By transmission electron microscopy, bacteria were not seen in association with normal respiratory epithelium, even after incubation for 24 h. H. influenzae infection caused patchy and occasionally confluent damage to epithelium, and the bacteria associated only with structurally damaged cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed increased mucus, and slowed ciliary beat frequency was measured by photometry. Fimbriation of H. influenzae increased buccal cell adherence but did not facilitate association with normal or damaged respiratory epithelium or increase epithelial damage, indicating that adhesins other than fimbriae are present. Interactions with mucus, cilia, and epithelium are likely to be important in the pathogenesis of H. influenzae respiratory infections.

Cilia↗

Prompt non-stacking binding of actinomycin D to hairpin oligonucleotide HP1 and slow redistribution from HP1 to DNA.

Complexes of actinomycin D (AMD) and 7-amino-actinomycin D (7AAMD) with model hairpin oligonucleotide HP1 and various types of DNA in aqueous solutions were investigated by steady-state, polarized, time-resolved and stopped-flow fluorimetry, and photometry. Prompt non-stacking binding of the actinomycins inside HP1 was observed. No energy transfer from nucleotides to 7AAMD in the complex was detected, most likely because of the absence of stacking intercalation. Complex formation of AMD or 7AAMD and HP1 was followed by the transition from a random flexible conformation of the hairpin to a more compact rigid structure, and subsequently to hypochromism. Strong competition between AMD and 7AAMD for a cavity in HP1 was observed. The decrease in the 7AAMD emission after addition of DNA to the 7AAMD/HP1 complex indicates that actinomycins can be redistributed from HP1 to DNA, i.e. hairpin oligonucleotides can serve as molecular carriers of actinomycins.

DNA↗

Sodium removal and sodium concentration during peritoneal dialysis: effects of three methods of sodium measurement.

BACKGROUND: Sodium removal (NaR) may have a major impact on the survival of peritoneal dialysis patients. The dialysate/plasma sodium concentration ratio (D/P(Na)) is an indirect index of transcellular water transport by aquaporin channels, and thus of ultrafiltration. Sodium concentration can be assessed by means of flame photometry (F), and direct (D-ISE) or indirect ion-selective electrodes (I-ISE), but these methods have different properties. I-ISE is being used increasingly in clinical laboratories. The aim of this study was to evaluate NaR and D/P(Na) using the three different measurement methods. METHODS: We performed peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) in 44 peritoneal dialysis patients and calculated the NaR. We also calculated D/P(Na) during the test; plasma and dialysate sodium concentrations were measured by F, D-ISE and I-ISE. RESULTS: NaR was lower (P<0.001) with D-ISE (69+/-29 mmol) than with F (81+/-29 mmol) or I-ISE (79+/-28 mmol). D/P(Na) was also lower at baseline (0.92+/-0.02 vs 0.95+/-0.02 and 0.95+/-0.02; P<0.001), after 60 min (0.87+/-0.03 vs 0.90+/-0.03 and 0.90+/-0.03; P<0.001) and at the end of PET (0.88+/-0.04 vs 0.92+/-0.04 and 0.92+/-0.04; P<0.001) when measured by D-ISE in comparison with F and I-ISE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NaR and D/P(Na) were lower when measured by the D-ISE method compared with the F and I-ISE methods. NaR and D/P(Na) were similar when measured by F or I-ISE. I-ISE can be used reliably in the evaluation of NaR and D/P(Na) in everyday clinical practice of peritoneal dialysis.

Clinical Chemistry Tests↗

Some characteristics of the fluorescence lifetime of reduced pyridine nucleotides in isolated mitochondria, isolated hepatocytes, and perfused rat liver in situ.

By extensively examining the experimental conditions for time-resolved spectrophotometry of non-transparent light scattering systems, we demonstrated the feasibility of quantitative analysis of both the fluorescence lifetime and intensity of reduced pyridine nucleotides in living tissues, suspensions of isolated liver mitochondria, and hepatocytes, as well as hemoglobin-free perfused rat liver being used systematically for measurements. The fluorescence decay was analyzed by the maximum likelihood method with a 4-component decay model. The lifetime of NADH observed in mitochondria (mean: 2.8 +/- 0.2 ns) was much longer than that of the free form in an aqueous solution (mean: 0.43 +/- 0.01 ns), and it was characterized as a protein-bound form. The lifetime was not affected by either aerobic or anaerobic conditions nor by the energy state, though the intensity changed markedly. The decay curves of isolated hepatocytes under normal aerobic conditions were the same as those of isolated mitochondria, though cytosolic NADH and NADPH were superimposed. Under the conditions of "unphysiological" acidosis, the mean lifetime became about 1.5 times longer than that under normal conditions. With perfused liver, the relative contributions of cytosolic NADH and NADPH were determined by infusing lactate and tert-butylhydroperoxide. Cytosolic NADH did not contribute to the overall fluorescence of pyridine nucleotides. In contrast, about 70% of the total fluorescence intensity was due to cytosolic NADPH, but its decay parameters were essentially the same as those of mitochondrial NADH. No free form of either NADH or NADPH was detected in the cytosolic and mitochondrial spaces. We concluded that the changes in fluorescence intensity observed under the various conditions can be simply explained by a change in the amount of reduced pyridine nucleotides in tissues, rather than by changes in the microscopic environment. The wide applicability of time-resolved fluorescence photometry to in vivo studies is well documented.

Aerobiosis↗

Stimulated rise in neuronal calcium is faster and greater in the nucleus than the cytosol.

Calcium is an important regulator of a variety of neuronal activities including gene expression. However, it is not clear how Ca2+ influx affects intracellular Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) in the nucleus. We have taken advantage of laser photometry, the Ca2(+)-sensitive dye Indo-1 that allows ratio imaging, and confocal microscopy to eliminate the influences of unequal cell geometry and dye distribution. We show that Ca2+ influx into sympathetic neurons causes a significantly greater and faster increase in [Ca2+]i in the nucleus than in the cytosol. The differential increase in nuclear [Ca2+]i was apparent when Ca2+ entered from the extracellular medium during K+ depolarization, ionomycin or acetylcholine treatment, and brief periods of electrical stimulation. When intracellular Ca2+ was mobilized by caffeine the rise in nuclear [Ca2+]i was again greater than in any other region of the neuron. The increased nuclear Ca2+ levels were uniform throughout the nucleus and not associated with the nuclear envelope. The differential rise in nuclear Ca2+ was eliminated by acridine orange binding to nucleic acids. Nonexcitable cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and fibroblasts) did not show differential distribution of Ca2+ after ionomycin treatment. These results support the idea that activity-dependent gene regulation in sympathetic neurons may be mediated by changes in Ca2+ concentration at the level of the chromatin material.

Animals↗

Percutaneous recording of muscle nerve sympathetic activity during propofol, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane anesthesia in humans.

The effects of propofol, nitrous oxide, and/or isoflurane on efferent activity of sympathetic muscle nerve fibers (MSA) were studied using percutaneous microneurographic recordings from the peroneal nerve. Eight ASA Physical Status 1 patients (30-70 yr of age) scheduled for otorhinolaryngeal surgery entered the study. The effects of propofol (2-2.5 mg.kg-1.min-1) induction, tracheal intubation, and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane (0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.2% end-tidal concentrations) and/or 70% nitrous oxide were studied with respect to MSA, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and indices of skin blood flow (laser doppler photometry and finger pulse plethysmography). Induction of anesthesia with propofol decreased MSA to 34 +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM) (P less than 0.05), and subsequent tracheal intubation increased MSA rapidly to 151 +/- 23% (P less than 0.05) of the control level. Isoflurane administration both with and without nitrous oxide led to a decrease of MSA (P less than 0.05). However, during nitrous oxide/isoflurane anesthesia (1.0 MAC) MSA was 76 +/- 38% higher than when isoflurane was used alone, although this implied a decrease in anesthetic depth to 0.5 MAC. This indicates that nitrous oxide and isoflurane have opposite effects on sympathetic outflow. During undisturbed propofol, nitrous oxide, and/or isoflurane administration (up to 1.0 MAC), MSA retained its normal pulse synchronous pattern, indicating that modulation of sympathetic outflow from arterial baroreceptors was still present. Skin blood flow increased sevenfold to tenfold in association with propofol induction (P less than 0.05) and was maintained at an 11- to 19-fold increase during nitrous oxide and/or isoflurane anesthesia, without any difference between the two anesthetics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Ca2+i:K+i ratio and total intracellular calcium in essential and renal hypertension.

The calcium ion (Ca2+) and potassium ion (K+) content in the ashed material from red blood cells was determined by flame photometry in 61 essential hypertensives, 11 renal hypertensives and in 47 normotensive controls, and intracellular K+ concentration was measured in the haemolysate. The ratio between Ca2+ and K+ content in ashed red blood cells (Ca2+i:K+i) was 2.07 +/- 0.91 X 10(-3) in normotensives, 4.91 +/- 2.17 X 10(-3) in essential hypertensives (P less than 0.01) and 3.48 +/- 2.04 X 10(-3) in renal hypertensives (P less than 0.05). Intracellular K+ concentration was 94.3 +/- 3.1 mmol/l in normotensives, 94.7 +/- 3.8 mmol/l in essential hypertensives and 93.8 +/- 3.9 mmol/l in renal hypertensives. Therefore intracellular total Ca2+ concentration is increased in the red blood cells from essential hypertensives and, to a lesser extent, in the red blood cells from renal hypertensives. The use of Ca2+i:K+i ratios in red blood cells may thus be useful in assessing cellular Ca2+ content in hypertension.

Adult↗

Different patterns of cellular sodium turnover in essential hypertension.

Erythrocyte sodium turnover was studied in 22 men aged 56 years who had been treated for hypertension for 7 years. Investigations were performed during treatment, and 1 and 4 weeks after withdrawal of therapy, and when hypertension had returned (blood pressure greater than or equal to 170/105 mmHg). Hypertension returned early in 11 patients (group A) and late in 11 patients (group B). There was no difference in blood pressure, therapy, body weight or peripheral resistance between the groups, but group A had a greater left ventricular mass. Intra-erythrocyte sodium was determined by flame photometry. Sodium influx and the rate constant of sodium efflux were calculated from uptake values of 22Na. In group B the return of hypertension was accompanied by a tendency for an increase in intra-erythrocyte sodium and a decrease in sodium efflux. In group A opposing changes were seen, so that significant differences occurred in sodium efflux and intra-erythrocyte sodium between the groups occurred at the reappearance of hypertension. The results are compatible with the appearance of a membrane abnormality in patients with a slow return of hypertension, whereas other mechanisms, e.g. increased sympathetic activity, may be associated with the more rapid rise in blood pressure in the other group.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Blood pressure response to acute changes in dietary sodium in young Zimbabwean men.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of acute alterations in sodium intake upon the blood pressure and hormone levels of young Zimbabwean men. DESIGN: Blood pressure, 24-h urinary electrolyte excretion and plasma concentrations of angiotensin II, aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic peptide were measured in normotensive black medical students. Three sets of measurements were taken: (1) during free access to sodium (baseline); (2) after 4 days on a low-sodium diet (10 mmol/day); and (3) after 4 days on a high-sodium diet (800 mmol/day). METHODS: Blood pressure was measured by random zero sphygmomanometry, hormone levels by radioimmunoassay, and urinary electrolytes by flame photometry. RESULTS: The low-sodium diet caused the range of pulse pressure to narrow, with a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and an increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). With the introduction of the high-sodium diet, SBP increased and DBP decreased. Mean arterial pressure did not change. At the same time, angiotensin II and aldosterone decreased. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide did not change. A subgroup of the men on the high-sodium diet also received 100 mmol potassium/day. The increase in SBP associated with high sodium was significantly attenuated by the presence of added potassium. CONCLUSIONS: SBP of young black Zimbabwean men is lowered by dietary sodium restriction and rises with a large increase in dietary sodium for a short duration, but mean arterial pressure does not change due to the opposing decreases in DBP.

Adult↗