Chemical Character Research Articles

The lichen genera Gondwania and Transdrakea gen. nov. (Teloschistaceae) - speciation in three southern continents

Within the lichen family Teloschistaceae, a high number of genera are restricted to the extreme southern part of the Southern Hemisphere. The taxonomy and phylogeny of the southern genus Gondwania have been analyzed based upon fieldwork in Antarctica, Patagonia, New Zealand and Tasmania and subsequent studies including molecular methods. Five species are accepted in the genus Gondwanea including G. inclinans and G. joannae that are combined into the genus. Two species are included in the neighboring new genus Transdrakea, T. alacalufes, a saxicolous species from Patagonia, which is described as new to science and T. schofieldii. Based on molecular data, Austroplaca imperialis is described as a new species to accommodate Patagonian specimens previously named G. regalis. Even though morphologically very similar, the two species are distinct based on molecular and chemical characters and distribution. Gondwania and Transdrakea are chemically homogenous with parietin as the very dominant compound; Transdrakea has a very reduced thallus, whereas Gondwania includes species with crustose thalli, as well as species with fruticulose growth habits. G. inclinans and G. cribrosa are only known from Australia/New Zealand. G. regalis, G. joannae and T. schofieldii are only known from Antarctica. G. sublobulata is confirmed from Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, but Antarctic specimens previously named G. sublobulata belong to G. joannae. G. sejongensis is shown to be a synonym to G. joannae. A key to Gondwania and Transdrakea species is presented.

Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose with Edible Coating on Chemical and physical Characters of Fresh-Cut Green Bean Pods during Cold Storage.

Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose with Edible Coating on Chemical and physical Characters of Fresh-Cut Green Bean Pods during Cold Storage.

The genus Usnea (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in the southern Philippines: a first phylogenetic approach

AbstractA first integrative survey of the genus Usnea in the southern Philippines, taking into account morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular characters, resulted in the recognition of 20 taxa, including three species new to science: Usnea angulata Ach., U. baileyi (Stirt.) Zahlbr., U. bismolliuscula Zahlbr., U. brasiliensis (Zahlbr.) Motyka, U. confusa Asah., U. croceorubescens Stirt., U. dasaea Stirt., U. himalayana C. Bab., U. krogiana P. Clerc, U. longissima Ach., U. nidifica Taylor, U. norsticornuta A. Gerlach & P. Clerc sp. nov. (characterized by a moderately thick cortex and by the presence of norstictic acid), U. paleograndisora A. Gerlach & P. Clerc sp. nov. (characterized by an orange subcortical pigmentation in the medulla, with enlarging soralia and a moderately thick and shiny cortex), U. pectinata Taylor, U. pygmoidea (Asahina) Y. Ohmura, U. rubicunda Stirt., U. rubrotincta (Stirt.) Zahlbr., U. spinulifera (Vain.) Motyka, U. subscabrosa Motyka and U. yoshihitoi P. Clerc & A. Gerlach sp. nov. (characterized by a lax medulla with non-conglutinated hyphae). Usnea krogiana is a new record for Asia; Usnea brasiliensis, Usnea confusa and U. croceorubescens are new records for the Philippines. This is the first phylogenetic study to include DNA sequences of Usnea from the Philippines. Molecular data from the ITS rDNA (76 newly generated sequences) are presented for most taxa except for U. himalayana, U. longissima and U. subscabrosa. At least six further taxa remain unidentified, awaiting the collection of additional specimens.

Paraphyly and cryptic diversity unveils unexpected challenges in the “naked lichens” (Calvitimela, Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota)

Molecular phylogenetics has revolutionized the taxonomy of crustose lichens and revealed an extensive amount of cryptic diversity. Resolving the relationships between genera in the crustose lichen family Tephromelataceae has proven difficult and the taxon limits within the genus Calvitimela are only partly understood. In this study, we tested the monophyly of Calvitimela and investigated phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic levels using an integrative taxonomic approach. We performed a global sampling of all species currently assigned to Calvitimela and conducted additional sampling of C. melaleuca sensu lato across Norway. We included 108 specimens and produced more than 300 sequences from five different loci (ITS, LSU, MCM7, mtSSU, TEF1-α). We inferred phylogenetic relationships and estimated divergence times in Calvitimela. Moreover, we analyzed chemical and morphological characters to test their diagnostic values in the genus. Our molecular phylogenetic results show evolutionarily old and deeply divergent lineages in Calvitimela. The morphological characters are overlapping between divergent subgenera within this genus. Chemical characters, however, are largely informative at the level of subgenera, but are often homoplastic at the species level. The subgenus Calvitimela is found to include four distinct genetic lineages. Detailed morphological examinations of C. melaleuca s. lat. reveal differences between taxa previously assumed to be morphologically cryptic. Furthermore, young evolutionary ages and signs of gene tree discordance indicate a recent divergence and possibly incomplete lineage sorting in the subgenus Calvitimela. Phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations revealed that C. austrochilensis and C. uniseptata are extraneous to Calvitimela (Tephromelataceae). We also found molecular evidence supporting C. septentrionalis being sister to C. cuprea. In the subgenus Severidea, one new grouping is recovered as a highly supported sister to C. aglaea. Lastly, two fertile specimens were found to be phylogenetically nested within the sorediate species C. cuprea. We discuss the need for an updated classification of Calvitimela and the evolution of cryptic species. Through generic circumscription and species delimitation we propose a practical taxonomy of Calvitimela.

Pandemic-Related Anthropogenic Influences on the Dissolved Organic Matter Chemical Character in São Paulo State Wet Deposition by Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Pandemic-Related Anthropogenic Influences on the Dissolved Organic Matter Chemical Character in São Paulo State Wet Deposition by Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Production of Mineral-Carbon Composites and Activated Carbons as a Method of Used Gear Oil, Ashes, and Low-Quality Brown Coals Management.

The main objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of the low-quality brown coal, ash obtained as a result of its combustion, as well as used gear oil for the production of mineral-carbon adsorbents. The adsorbents were characterized in terms of textural parameters, acidic-basic character of the surface, mineral matter contribution to the structure, as well as their suitability for drinking water purification. Adsorption tests were carried out against two synthetic dyes-methylene blue and methyl orange. In order to understand the nature of the organic pollutants adsorption, the effect of the initial dye concentration, temperature, and pH of the system as well as the phase contact time were investigated. The obtained mineral-carbon composite and activated carbons significantly differed not only in terms of the elemental composition and chemical character of the surface (from slightly acidic to strongly alkaline), but also showed a very diverse degree of specific surface development (from 21 to 656 m2/g) and the type of porous structure generated (from micro/mesoporous to typically mesoporous). Adsorption tests showed that the efficiency of organic dye removal from aqueous solutions primarily depends on the type of the adsorbent and adsorbate applied, and, to a lesser extent, on the temperature and pH of the system. In turn, kinetic studies have shown that the sorption of dyes on such materials is consistent with a pseudo-second-order kinetics model, regardless of the type of adsorbed dye.

Investigation of the applicability of the zebrafish model for the evaluation of aristolochic acid-related nephrotoxicity

BackgroundThe risk of compounds/drugs, including aristolochic acid-induced nephrotoxicity remains high and is a significant public health concern. Therefore, it is particularly important to select reasonable animal models for rapid screening and evaluation of different samples with complex chemical systems. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been used to study chemical-induced renal toxicity. However, most of the published literature was performed on individual components or drugs, and the key evidence confirming the applicability of zebrafish larvae for the evaluation of aristolochic acid-related nephrotoxicity in complex chemical systems, such as in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), was insufficient. MethodsHigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the content of aristolochic acid (AA) in herbs and Chinese patent medicines. The zebrafish larvae at 4 days post-fertilization (dpf) were used to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of various samples, respectively, based on the phenotype of the kidney and histological, and biochemical. Transcriptome technology was used to investigate the related signaling pathways and potential mechanisms after treatment with AA, which was verified by RT-PCR technology. ResultsThe results showed that the total amounts of AAI, AAII, and ALI ranged from 0.0004 to 0.1858 g·g-1( %) from different samples, including Aristolochia debilis, Fibraurea recisa, Asarum, Wantongjingu tablets, Jiuweiqianghuo granules, and Xiaoqinglong granules in descending order. Moreover, compared with the negative/blank control, substantial changes in phenotype, histomorphology and biochemical parameters of renal function were observed in the groups challenged with the sublethal concentration of drugs. The transcriptomics results showed the upregulation of most genes in PERK/ATF4/CHOP, ATM/Chk2/p53, Caspase/Bax/Bcl-2a, TGF/Smad/ERK, PI3K/Akt, induced by aristolochic acid analogues, which were essentially consistent with those of the q-RT-PCR experiments, highlighting the similar toxicity response to the previously published article with the other traditional evaluation model. ConclusionThe stability, accuracy and feasibility of the zebrafish larval model in screening and evaluating the nephrotoxicity of TCM were validated for the first time on the AAs-related drugs in a unified manner, confirming and promoting the applicability of zebrafish in assessing nephrotoxicity of samples with complex chemical character.

Impact of Storage Methods and Periods on Physical, Biological, Chemical Characters and Nutritional Value of Yellow Maize Grains

Impact of Storage Methods and Periods on Physical, Biological, Chemical Characters and Nutritional Value of Yellow Maize Grains

Sulphate durability of low carbon cements with high contents of calcined clay. Reasons for the resistant phenomenon

In this research, the resistance against to sulphate ion of several cements which could be included in the current European cement standard EN 197–1:2011 (CEM type IV/A-SR and IV/B-SR). To confirm the initial hypothesis of this research three Portland cements with different crystalline compositions were used, (from 0% to 14% of C3A phase, approximately) and a thermally activated clay with a reactive alumina content known. In all the blended cements prepared, the amount of calcined clay present was greater than 40% and less than 80% by weight. Three series of blended cements were carried out: in the case of the first one, the setting regulator content was adjusted to 7% SO3 in the cement, the second, without additional contribution of gypsum to change the hydration reactions, and the last one, prepared with extra calcium hydroxide content. Each blended cement and the three Portland cements (PC1, PC2 and PC3) were submitted to the Le Chatelier–Anstett test.In the first place, the results obtained confirm the decrease in sulphate resistance of all of the Portland cements when they are replaced by calcined clay. This performance found is a consequence of the chemical effect from the pozzolanic activity of the reactive alumina of the calcined clay selected in this research. An opposite behaviour was detected when the sustituion levels of calcined clay in blended cements was higher than 50%, due to an important decrease in dissolved portlandite levels of paste liquid phase oh these cement pastes that produce the sulphate resistance phenomenon. This lower amount of portlandite prevented the formation of all the rapid formation ettringite amounts of calcined clay. With the external addition of portlandite, the calcined clay was able to show its true chemical character and behaviour against the attack of sulphates.

Antibiotics modified by hydrophobic ion-pairing – A solution world's problems with resistant bacteria?

Resistance to antibiotics is one of the greatest dangers to the humanity, according to the World Health Organization. To reduce the amount of used antibiotics, various targeted drug delivery is considered, e.g., biopolymeric micro- or nanoparticles, electrospun nanofibers, or self-emulsifying drug delivery systems. In the case of hydrophilic antibiotics, there is an issue of relatively low encapsulation efficiencies and too rapid release, due to chemical character impairment (hydrophobic carrier – hydrophilic antibiotic). It results in not only lower clinical success rate, but also in creating a huge antibiotic waste when the manufacturing process is converted to the industrial conditions. A possible solution to overcome these problems is changing the chemical character of the antibiotics by a simple reaction of ion pairing with either cationic or ionic surfactants that may decrease water solubility of antibiotics without any loss, or with even better, bactericidal properties. This approach increases encapsulation efficiency up to nearly 100%. As the result, lower doses of antibiotics can be used in drug delivery systems that provide a more sustainable release. However, there is a risk of a higher toxicity due to the presence of surfactants and the origin of improved antibacterial properties have not yet been fully explained. Herein, we present the review of the current achievements in the field of antibiotics hydrophobized by hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) for various drug delivery systems with the special regard to the antibacterial properties and biocompatibility.

One new species and three new records in the genus Porpidia from China

AbstractFour species of Porpidia are newly reported from China, including one species new to science (Porpidia crystallina) and three records (Porpidia umbonifera, P. seakensis and P. cf. contraponenda) new to China. Porpidia crystallina is characterized by a macrocarpa-type exciple containing crystals, a Cinereorufa-green epihymenium, large ascospores and a lack of secondary metabolites. Morpho-anatomical, chemical and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to elucidate the placement of the species and to support the delimitation of the new taxon. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, ecological and chemical characters, and illustrations are provided for each species. A key to all known Chinese Porpidia species is also provided.

Photocatalytic Upcycling of Plastic Waste: Mechanism, Integrating Modus, and Selectivity

Plastics are ubiquitous and indispensable in our daily life because of their low cost, portability, durability, and processability. However, due to the overuse, short service life, and chemical inert character, the accumulated discarded plastics pose a great threat to the sustainable development of ecology and environment. Photocatalysis represents highly promising technology in transforming plastic wastes into value‐added products via green and mild method. In this perspective, the advantages of photocatalysis are discussed and compared with other catalysis technologies including thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, and enzyme catalysis. Then the possible photocatalytic upcycling path of plastic wastes is clarified under different experimental conditions. The types of plastic wastes that can be upcycled by photocatalysis, the integrating modus between plastic wastes and the photocatalysts as well as the modulation of the product selectivity are also emphasized. Finally, the challenges and insights into the future development of photocatalytic plastic waste upcycling fields are presented. It is expected that this timely and critical review provides the instructive guidance for the design of photocatalysts with high efficiency and high selectivity toward plastic waste upcycling.

Seasonal controls override forest harvesting effects on the composition of dissolved organic matter mobilized from boreal forest soil organic horizons

Abstract. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) mobilized from the organic (O) horizons of forest soils is a temporally dynamic flux of carbon (C) and nutrients, and the fate of this DOM in downstream pools is dependent on the rate and pathways of water flow as well as its chemical composition. Here, we present observations of the composition of DOM mobilized weekly to monthly from O horizons in mature forest and adjacent harvested treatment plots. The study site was experimentally harvested, without replanting, 10-years prior to this study. Thus, the treatments differ significantly in terms of forest stand and soil properties, and they interact differently with the regional hydrometeorological conditions. This presented an opportunity to investigate the role of forest structure relative to environmental variation on soil DOM mobilization. On an annual basis, fluxes of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) were largest from the warmer and thinner O horizons of the harvested (H) treatment compared to the forest (F) treatment; however, neither phosphate nor ammonium fluxes differed by treatment type. On a short-term basis in both H and F treatments, all fluxes were positively correlated to water input, and all concentrations were positively correlated to soil temperature and negatively correlated to water input. Soil moisture was negatively correlated to the C : N of DOM. These results suggest common seasonal controls on DOM mobilization regardless of harvesting treatment. Optical characterization of seasonally representative samples additionally supported a stronger control of season over harvesting. The chemical character of DOM mobilized during winter and snowmelt: lower C : N, higher specific ultraviolet absorbance and lower molecular weight of chromophoric DOM (CDOM; higher spectral slope ratio) were representative of relatively more decomposed DOM compared to that mobilized in summer and autumn. This shows that the decomposition of soil organic matter underneath a consistently deep snowpack is a key determinant of the composition of DOM mobilized from O horizons during winter and the hydrologically significant snowmelt period regardless of harvesting impact. Despite the higher proportion of aromatic DOM in the snowmelt samples, its lower molecular weight and rapid delivery from O to mineral horizons suggests that the snowmelt period is not likely to be a significant period of DOM sequestration by mineral soil. Rather, the higher-molecular-weight, high-C : N DOM mobilized during slow and relatively infrequent delivery during summer and rapid, frequent delivery during autumn are more likely to support periods of mineral soil sequestration and increased export of fresher terrestrial DOM, respectively. These observed seasonal dynamics in O horizon DOM suggest the predicted decreases in winter and spring snowfall and increasing autumn and winter rainfall with climate warming in this region will enhance mobilization of DOM that is more reactive to mineral interactions in deeper soil, but also more biological and photoreactive in the aquatic environment. Understanding the downstream consequences of this mobilized DOM in response to these shifts in precipitation timing and form can improve our ability to predict and manage forest C balance but requires understanding the response of landscape hydrology to these changing precipitation regimes.

Floral Nectar Production of Jaltomata grandiflora, a Rare Mexican Nightshade

Understanding morphological, phenological, or chemical characters that promote reproduction, or limit it, is particularly important for rare plants. Jaltomata grandiflora is a rare member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) from Mexico. In floral nectar, the mean cumulative sugar content per flower was 0.9 mg during the pistillate phase (day 1) and was significantly higher (1.25 mg) during the hermaphroditic phase (day 2). The mean cumulative nectar volume per flower was 0.99 µL during the pistillate phase and was higher (1.36 µL) but not significantly higher during the hermaphroditic phase. The mean sugar concentration (oBrix) was 67.8 during the pistillate phase and slightly higher (70.3) but not significantly higher during the hermaphroditic phase.

The Turkish Art of Marbling (Ebru) on Textile Fabrics: Investigation of Thickening Agent, Mordant and Fixation Temperature

Ebru is a mysterious art and briefly described as the art of paper decoration. Turkish “Ebru” or “Marbling Art” was included in the list of world cultural heritage by UNESCO in November 2014. Today, people use marbling mainly for fabrics and papers in many ways. From a technical viewpoint, the marbling process depends on the balance of relations between the chemical character and particle size of the color pigments and their relation between the viscosity and surface tension phenomena of the marbling bath upon the surface. This study investigates the surface tension, pH and conductivity of the sizing baths and acrylic dyes, compares carrageenan and sodium alginate as thickeners for the marbling bath. Then it also explores the effect of self-fixation, fixation temperature and alum application on the fastness properties and print durability results for cotton and polyester fabric. It was seen that pattern transferring ability of carrageenan bath was better than sodium alginate bath, marbling paints have some self-crosslinking ability, alum application do not have an influence on the print durability and fastness properties, whereas, only fixation temperature of 150oC had a slight effect.

Analysis of The Relationship Between Community Behavior on Physical-Chemical Conditions of Waters in The Waterways of Debegan Village

People’s behavior correlates with the quality of water in rivers such as activities household, agriculture, and unprocessed industry. In Debegan Village, the condition of the waterways can be seen invisibly and there is a decrease in water quality in the waterways. This study aims to determine the value of water’s physical and chemical character from waterways in Debegan Village, which is then connected with community behavior regarding their anthropogenic activities. The research method used in this study is a combination of descriptive quality and quantitative analysis methods. Analysis of water quality status Referring to the Decree of the Minister of Environment Number 115 of 2003 concerning Determination of Water Quality Status, one of the methods used to determine the level of pollution relative to several parameters of water quality is the Pollution Index (PI). The results of the analysis showed that the waterways in Debegan Village were proven to be lightly polluted with mildly polluted status. the values of temperature, turbidity, pH, DO, and salinity showed a number that not accordance the quality threshold, there was a linkages between existing pollution and community behavior, especially in aspects of actions against the background of tofu industry activities. The problem suggestion of this condition is to develop a community-based concept that emphasizes public participation, community education, and sustainability.

Studies on Some Physical and Chemical Characters on Diversity of Some Local Jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels) Genotypes

The experiment was conducted by selecting 15 different jamun genotypes from Sriniketan and adjoining villages (viz. Andrews Pally, Rathindra Pally, Ballavpur, Bahadurpur Pashchim, Sonajhuri) and jamun fruits were brought to record their physical as well as bio-chemical character at laboratory of Department of Horticulture & post-harvest technology. Present study reveals a wide and significant variation in physical and bio-chemical characters of fruits has been observed among 15 different jamun genotypes. Among all genotypes G-14 was superior on the basis of fruit weight (3.16g), fruit diameter (17.46mm), and greater pulp content (2.34g) and average total sugar (16.26%) content. Owing to moderate fruit size (21.89mm in length and 15.64mm in diameter) G-4 genotype is also superior on the basis of higher TSS (25.90⁰B), total sugar (13.65%) and reducing sugar (8.23%). So, the overall findings of the present study conclude that genotypes G-14 and G-4 are superior over the 15 local jamun genotypes.

Textural and Chemical Characters of Lean Grade Placer Monazite of Bramhagiri Coast, Odisha, India

The present study aims to investigate the textural, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of lean grade placer monazite from the Bramhagiri beach sand deposit to assess the possibility for its use in industrial applications. The bulk back dune sand deposit with 18 samples showed the elements uranium and thorium in traces, phosphorus and calcium in minor amounts, and alumina, silica and titanium in major amounts. Since apatite was absent in this placer deposit, P and Ca were attributed to monazite only. Based on the chemical analysis, it was established that the monazite mineral exists in this deposit. The monazite is generally below the −150- to +90-micron size range, and the concentration of the monazite mineral in the bulk back dune sand is around 0.01% by weight. The structural data and complete chemical analysis established that the monazite is Ce-monazite. The monazites with other heavy mineral sands of the Bramhagiri beach placer deposits were derived from the Eastern Ghats, which closely resembles the mineralogical composition of khondalite, charnockite, leptynite and pegmatite groups of rocks. The Eastern Ghats’ provenance appears to be the primary source for the heavy mineral assemblages of the Bramhagiri placer deposit. Thus, these monazite sands are derived from the granulite facies of metamorphic rocks such as khondalites and charnockites from the Eastern Ghats group of rocks. Garnet is the major mineral, following ilmenite and sillimanite. Zircon, rutile and monazite are minor minerals in the deposit. All these minerals are well liberated and have uniform shapes with variable densities and size ranges, with different magnetic, electrical and surface properties. Hence, the occurrences of these heavy minerals are of economic importance. Further, these minerals can be recovered individually for industrial applications.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and quality assessment of groundwater resources in the Upper-Doab region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study tries to delineate groundwater zones in the Upper-Doab region of Uttar Pradesh, India based on its suitability for the use of domestic and irrigation purposes considering the physico-chemical parameters of groundwater samples (n ∼ 70) using Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) and Composite Groundwater Quality Index for Irrigation (CGQII) methods, respectively. The Upper-Doab region of Uttar Pradesh is bounded by the mighty rivers of Ganga and Yamuna in the east and west respectively. In the southwest, the region shares the boundary with the national capital of Delhi, which has led to an increase in the growth of urbanization and industrialization in the region. These factors have a visible negative impact on the groundwater scenario of the region. Hydrogeochemical investigation reveals that the ionic dominance in the groundwater samples is in the order of HCO3 > Cl > SO4 > NO3 > F and Na > Mg > Ca > K. Chemical history of groundwater samples using piper-trilinear diagram shows that Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Ca-Na-HCO3 type of groundwater is mostly found in this region. Gibb’s plot reveals that rock-water interaction was dominantly controlling the ionic composition of the groundwater in the unconfined aquifer environment. Further, the bivariate plot of (SO4 + HCO3) vs. (Ca + Mg) reveals that the weathering of calcite and dolomite minerals present in the aquifer environment has largely attributed chemical character to the groundwater of the region. The groundwater zoning concerning its domestic and agricultural use reveals that the groundwater of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts have poorer quality of groundwater due to high electrical conductivity and higher concentration of nitrate which has a higher anthropogenic link. The evaluation of groundwater quality for irrigation using a single index value i.e., CGQII makes this study different from the other hydrochemical investigations under similar hydrogeolocal aquifer conditions in the region. The study suggests that corrective measures like, strict implementation of untreated discharge of industrial effluents to the water or groundwater directly, creating awareness among farmers for lesser use of chemical fertilizers, and regular groundwater monitoring systems for quality analysis must be considered for a sustainable future of the region.

The effects of foliar application of chitosan on the morphological and chemical characters of French lavender against water deficiency

The effects of foliar application of chitosan on the morphological and chemical characters of French lavender against water deficiency