We report the use of carrot, a new and inexpensive biomaterial source, for preparing high quality carbon dots (CDs) instead of semi-conductive quantum dots for bioimaging application. The as-derived CDs possessing down and up-conversion photoluminescence features were obtained from carrot juice by commonly used hydrothermal treatment. The corresponding physiochemical and optical properties were investigated by electron microscopy, fluorescent spectrometry, and other spectroscopic methods. The surfaces of obtained CDs were highly covered with hydroxyl groups and nitrogen groups without further modification. The quantum yield of as-obtained CDs was as high as 5.16%. The cell viability of HaCaT cells against a purified CD aqueous solution was higher than 85% even at higher concentration (700 μg mL−1) after 24 h incubation. Finally, CD cultured cells exhibited distinguished blue, green, and red colors, respectively, during in vitro imaging when excited by three wavelength lasers under a confocal microscope. Offering excellent optical properties, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and good cellular imaging capability, the carrot juice derived CDs are a promising candidate for biomedical applications.

We have constructed a non-spherical model for the hot oxygen corona of Mars by including the effects of planetary rotation and diurnal variation of the Martian ionosphere. Exospheric oxygen densities are calculated by integrating ensemble of ballistic and escaping oxygen atoms from the exobase over the entire planet. The hot oxygen atoms are produced by dissociative recombination of O+2, the major ion in the Martian ionosphere. The densities of hot oxygen atoms at the exobase are estimated from electron densities which have been measured to vary with solar zenith angle. Our model shows that the density difference of hot oxygen atoms between noon and terminator is about two orders of magnitude near the exobase, but reduces abruptly around altitudes of 2000 km due to lateral transport. The diurnal variation of hot oxygen densities remains significant up to the altitude of 10000 km. The diurnal variation of the hot oxygen corona should thus be considered when the upcoming Nozomi measurements are analyzed. The non-spherical model of the hot oxy-gen corona may contribute to building sophisticate solar wind interaction models and thus result in more accurate escaping rate of oxygens from Mars.

Most of recommended potato varieties in Korea are white skin colored. Purple skinned potatoes have been recognized as being effective in the prevention of gastric disease. A new variety “Jaseo” has dark purple skin and white flesh colors, and attractive r

‘Jowon’ is a new early-maturing potato variety for table use. It has spreading growth habit with narrow oval leaves. Its tubers are attractively round with white skin and light yellow flesh color. The yielding ability of Jowon is similar to Superior. Jowo