Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is increasingly recognized especially in immunocompromised patients, but early diagnosis remains a problem. Fungal elements in clinical specimens can be directly stained with an optical brightener. The high intensity of the elicited fluorescence allows for rapid and reliable microscopic screening. In the present study the authors aimed to validate this met...

Stilbene-derived optical brighteners can markedly enhance the insecticidal activity of certain baculoviruses. We evaluated the influence of an optical brightener on the rate at which Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) developed resistance to nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV). Two laboratory colonies of S. frugiperda were inoculated with an LC50 of SfMNPV, in the absence or ...

The synthesis and characterization of a novel fluorophore(1), with potential application as an optical brightener are reported. This compound was prepared by reacting 4,4-diaminostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid with cyanuric chloride in the presence of Na2CO3 followed by the addition of trityl aniline. Solution and solid state fluorescence demonstrated a strong blue/purple emission centered at 450 ...

The presence and location of cellulose in different stages of the life cycles of the cellular slime molds can be demonstrated by use of the disodium salt of 4,4'-bis(4-anilino-6-bis (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-s-triazin-2-ylamino)-2,2' -stilbene disulfonic acid, a fluorescent brightener. It may be used successfully as a direct stain at a concentration of 0.1% in half-normal saline at pH 6; and it ma...

This article discusses the expert system (ES) project champion by examining the experiences of Ciba-Geigy Corporation with an ES project, impeded by the departure of the project champion. The OpBright Expert System, developed to support the identification of appropriate optical brightener products by sales representatives, was intended to provide a competitive advantage through superior custome...

The effects of a nutrient-based feeding stimulant, Coax, and a stilbene-based optical brightener, Blankophor P167, on the activity of the nucleopolyhedrovirus of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (SfMNPV) on transgenic sweet corn, Zea mays L., expressing a CryIA(b) toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner), were studied in the laboratory. Both Coax and Blankophor P167 in...

In this work, photostability, absorption and emission intensity of coated polycarbonate (PC) sheets with optical brightener (OB) as a wavelength converter material have been investigated. In addition, this coated sheet was used as a wall for microalgae culture flask, as a small scale photobioreactor, for studying the spectral conversion of UV-A radiation to blue light region and its effect ...