Pale Yellow Research Articles

Simultaneous Detection of Cu2+ and Co2+ by a Water‐Soluble Carboxamide‐Based Colorimetric Chemosensor

AbstractA novel carboxamide‐based colorimetric chemosensor ATA‐Msal ((E)‐3‐((2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)amino)thiophene‐2‐carboxamide) for detecting Cu2+ and Co2+ in aqueous solution was synthesized. Sensor ATA‐Msal could probe Cu2+ and Co2+ by color change from colorless to pale yellow. According to results of Job plot and ESI‐mass, the binding modes of ATA‐Msal to Cu2+ and Co2+ were determined to be a 1 : 1 ratio. The detection limits (0.14 μM and 0.88 μM) of ATA‐Msal for Cu2+ and Co2+ were much lower than WHO standard (31.5 μM for Cu2+) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard (1.70 μM for Co2+). ATA‐Msal can be applicable to real samples and test strips, and F− could be used to distinguish between ATA‐Msal ‐Cu2+ and ATA‐Msal ‐Co2+. The sensing process of Cu2+ and Co2+ by ATA‐Msal was demonstrated by UV‐vis titration, ESI‐mass, EPR, 1H NMR titration, and DFT.

Takayama Test as a Blood Spot Test Tool in Blood Samples Exposed to Freshwater Decomposition Media

In forensic examination, the findings on the inspection of the victim as well as on evidence in the form of spots on both the victim and the scene of the case in any amount can be used to assist the investigation process to help out in clarifying the case. The evidence, which is left behind and can be found and also examined, is blood spots. Blood spots found do not rule out the possibility to be exposed to decomposition media, in this case is water, because one of some efforts to omit an evidence is by disposing it into a watery area. Therefore, besides media decomposition exposure, the duration of exposure will also affect the results of identification of the spots findings. Water exposure as decomposition media will affect the integrity of identification of blood spots for the importance of forensic examination.
 In this research, it was done an identification test of blood spot testing through a confirmation test using Takayama test for blood spots exposed to freshwater decomposition media. The research used true experimental design and analyzed by using descriptive analysis based on observations followed for 30 days.
 The results of observation for 30 days serially in the control and treatment sample showed that blood spots exposed to freshwater decomposition media could still be identified as blood by obtaining hemochromogen crystals. The differences in the results of the control and treatment sample appeared with the presence of differences in color quality, namely pink hemochromogen crystals on the blood spot control and brownish yellow in the sample exposed to water, and could still be identified until exposure to water media on day 20. After day 20 to day 30 the color changed to pale yellow.
 Keywords: identification of blood spots, decomposition media, Takayama test

Bio-fortification of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) with Beta Carotene

Alike other cereals, maize is deficient in certain essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. While lysine is critical in protein synthesis for the growth of tissues and important in the absorption of calcium from the intestinal mucosa, tryptophan is the biological precursor of B-vitamin and niacin. Increasing protein quality alone may have a displacement effect on the efficiency of provitamin A, carotenoid bio-conversion and utilization. The research was designed to improve the quality protein maize with beta carotene in order to further enhance its nutritional content by hybridization, through the conventional method of breeding, using randomize complete block design (RCBD). Materials used were quality protein maize (white endosperm) genotype and yellow (rich in beta carotene) maize. Pollination was manually conducted and controlled, to exclude the possibility of unwanted pollination. Harvested seeds indicated a successful cross of both varieties as seen in the pigmentation of the hybridized maize seeds, which appeared pale yellow. However, the two varieties and their hybrid seeds harvested were subjected to laboratory analysis to compare their nutritional content. All the data collected were subject to statistical analysis using SPSS and mean separated by DMRT at 5% probability level. The result shows that individual varieties were higher in crude protein (13.5%) for yellow maize and Quality protein maize (12.9%), than the hybrid QYM (11.9%). Similarly, hybrid maize seed had higher percentage of lysine (1.37%), tryptophan (0.54%) and methionine (0.85%) than the individual varieties. Also the ear diameter correlated positively to 100 seeds weight.

An Aluminum–Magnesium Variety of Caryopilite from Goethite–Neotocite–Rhodochrosite Ores of the Mazul Manganese Deposit, Krasnoyarsk Krai

A variety of caryopilite enriched in Mg and Al from the goethite–neotocite–rhodochrosite ores of the Mazul manganese deposit in Krasnoyarsk Krai is described. The mineral occurs as sheaf-like and fibrous aggregates of fine-lamellar individuals intimately intergrown with goethite, hematite, rhodochrosite, and neotocite. The optical parameters of caryopilite are: Z = yellow, X = pale yellow, β ≈ 1.60, γ – α ≈ 0.010 – 0.015, and parallel extinction. The average chemical composition corresponds to the empirical formula (Mn1.95Mg1.61$${\text{Fe}}_{{0.63}}^{{2 + }}$$Al0.58◻0.23)5.00[(Si3.88Al0.12)4.00O10](OH)6, where ◻ is vacancy. The unusually high Mg concentration and elevated Al content allow identification of a new aluminum–magnesium variety of caryopilite. It replaces sedimentary neotocite at low temperatures. It is suggested that at increasing temperature this variety of caryopilite loses Mg and Al, which incorporate into Mg–Mn chlorite and spessartine.

First Report of Aspergillus parasiticus on Barley Grain in Serbia

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a secondary grain crop in Serbia used commercially for animal feed, seed, and human food applications. The production of barley in the 2016 to 2017 growing season reached a record yield of almost 400,000 metric tons (USDA 2017). Aspergillus contamination has been rare in the agroecological conditions of cereal-growing areas in Serbia. Changes in climatic factors, such as occurrence of high temperatures and prolonged droughts, increased frequency of Aspergillus spp. Species Aspergillus parasiticus was isolated from maize grain for the first time in Serbia in 2012 and from wheat grains in 2017 (Nikolic et al. 2018). We hypothesized that these pathogens can also be present in barley fields in Serbia. Barley spikes exhibiting bleaching were sampled at the beginning of June 2017 grown in northern Serbia. In severe infections, barley spikes get a dry look with awns that stand upright and firm. The incidence of the disease of the bleached spiked in the field was 15 to 20%. From each representative sample, 100 shriveled grains were collected. After surface sterilization with bleach/distilled water 1:3, 100 grains per sample (10 per Petri dish) were placed on potato dextrose agar and incubated at 25°C for 7 days. After isolation, 50% of isolates were identified as Alternaria spp., 20% as Fusarium spp., approximately 15% as Aspergillus spp. In order to reliably identify individual species of fungi, the fragments of colonies were transferred to malt extract agar (MEA) and Czapek yeast agar (CYA) and incubated in the dark for 7 days. The fungal colonies were dark green. The reverse side was pale yellow. The average colony diameter was 65 mm. Conidia were spherical and rough with thick walls. The average size of conidia was 5.1 µm. Colonies were floccose and thin on MEA and CYA. Based on growth and morphological characteristics, isolates were determined as A. parasiticus (Pitt and Hocking 2009). Molecular detection of Aspergillus species was done by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the aflR-aflJ (genes for aflatoxin biosynthesis) intergenic spacer. The restriction enzyme BglII was able to cut the PCR product of A. parasiticus at one restriction site, resulting in two fragments of 363 and 311 bp (El Khoury et al. 2011). A. parasiticus CBS 100926 was used as a reference isolate. The pathogenicity of 20 isolates was verified on a group of 20 randomly selected spikes in four replicates (Mesterhazy et al. 1999). A 7-day-old culture of each isolate was used for the preparation of the spore suspension (1 × 10⁶ spores/ml). Inoculation was carried out after 50% of plants reached the anthesis stage. Groups of 20 selected spikes were sprayed from all sides with 20 ml of fungal spore suspension. Control spikes were inoculated by applying an equal amount of sterile distilled water. The infection rate was estimated after 3 weeks on a 1 to 7 scale, with 1 = 0 to 5%, 2 = 5 to 15%, 3 = 15 to 30%, 4 = 30 to 50%, 5 = 50 to 75%, 6 = 75 to 90%, and 7 = 90 to 100% infected spike area. The average infection rate was 3.2. The pathogen was reisolated from the inoculated spikes and identified as A. parasiticus, with the aim to confirm Koch’s postulates. Developed symptoms were similar to those observed on spikes collected from the field. Control spikes did not show any symptoms of the disease. These results confirmed the pathogenicity of A. parasiticus on H. vulgare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of A. parasiticus on barley grain in Serbia. Because A. parasiticus is known to be a severe aflatoxin producer and climatic changes can increase the frequency of this fungus, further studies are necessary to improve strategies for food safety and quality.

A new species of fossorial natricid snakes of the genus Trachischium Günther, 1858 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Himalayas of northeastern India

A new species of natricid snakes, Trachischium apteii sp. nov. is described from the northeastern Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. The new species differs from its congeners in the following suite of characters: dorsal scales in 15:15:15 rows, SVL 293–299mm, higher ventral count 143–150, very faint dorsal longitudinal lines, absence of yellow patch on the neck and the belly being pale yellow. Preliminary discussion on the phylogenetic position of the members of the genus Trachischium is presented. This discovery of a new snake species advocates the need for dedicated surveys to document biodiversity across Arunachal Pradesh and the neighbouring States of northeastern India.

Mechanisms of color formation in drug substance and mitigation strategies for the manufacture and storage of therapeutic proteins produced using mammalian cell culture

Abstract Drug substance (DS) appearance is an important quality attribute that is tested before product release. Color variation in DS batches or color change during storage can be indicative of the presence of contaminants, impurities or degradation products and may be linked to the manufacturing process, DS formulation or the stability of the therapeutic proteins. Atypical DS color other than colorless or pale yellow has been recently observed and may result in rejected manufacturing batches and financial loss due to concerns on product quality and visually matching placebo in clinical trials. This review focuses on the origins of atypical color and changes in DS during manufacturing processes using mammalian cell culture and storage. The purposes here are to understand the link between changes in the DS color and various process parameters and to provide necessary information to our readers regarding product quality control strategies with respect to DS color.

First Report of Shoot Blight on Cryptomeria japonica Caused by Pestalotiopsis neglecta in China

Cryptomeria japonica D. Don is widely distributed in Japan and China (Hosoo 2007). However, during a general survey conducted in 2012, many C. japonica trees showing symptoms of shoot blight were observed in Jiangsu and Yunnan provinces of China. Field observations were conducted from January 2013 to October 2014 in the two provinces. All of the 240 surveyed trees showing shoot blight were observed in the investigated areas. Diseased trees were characterized by the presence of green needles fading to yellow, with brown spots then developing on the needles, resulting in a brown to reddish-brown discoloration and wilt at the base or tip portion of the needles. A black halo developed at the junction between the diseased and healthy tissues. The needles withered and then the blight spread to the shoots, which finally died. There were abundant black acervuli present on the surface of the blight needles and shoots. Symptomatic tissues were collected from each site for isolation of the causative organism. Symptomatic tissues (0.5 cm) were surface disinfected in 0.1% HgCl₂ for 3 min and rinsed in distilled water three times, and three to five pieces of disinfected tissue were transferred onto a plate of potato dextrose agar (PDA) acidified with 0.2% (v/v) lactic acid; the plates were incubated in the dark at 25°C for 5 days. A species of fungus was consistently isolated from the symptomatic plants at all investigated sites. The colonies on PDA appeared with abundant white, aerial mycelia at first and showed wheel striations, but later the colonies turned pale yellow. The acervulus conidiomata (approximately 1 to 3 mm long) were covered by the mycelia at first and then broke out to reveal black scattered bodies with water droplets on the surface. The conidia were characterized as consisting of five cells, with a single hyaline basal appendage and two to five hyaline apical appendages. The conidia were fusiform, erect or slightly bent, thick-walled, 5.0 to 7.5 μm wide, and 20.0 to 27.0 μm long. The three median conidial cells were light to dark brown in color. Therefore, it was identified as Pestalotiopsis sp., based on the colony and conidial characteristics and morphology (Ge et al. 2009). Subsequently, it was used for inoculation of 8-year-old potted C. japonica trees. Ten wounded (by pricking with a sterile needle) and 10 unwounded shoots were inoculated (by spraying onto the canopy) separately with 10 ml of a conidial suspension (10⁶ conidia/ml). Ten wounded and 10 unwounded shoots of control trees were inoculated with sterile distilled water. Each group had three replicates. Each inoculated shoot was then covered with a piece of sterile plastic film for 48 h. All the inoculated trees were then transferred to and kept in a greenhouse at 25°C and 90% relative humidity. Observations were made every 2 days to score any symptoms of infection. Seven days after inoculation with Pestalotiopsis sp., 83.3% of the wounded and 76.7% of the nonwounded shoots appeared to show shoot blight symptoms similar to those of the naturally infected C. japonica trees in the field. None of the shoots in the control groups exhibited any symptoms. Pestalotiopsis sp. was reisolated from all the infected tissues of the inoculated shoots and identified as previously described, thus fulfilling Koch’s postulates. For further identification of the Pestalotiopsis sp., the internal transcribed spacer region was amplified with the primers ITS1/ITS4 as described by White et al. (1990). The polymerase chain reaction product was submitted to GenBank under the accession number MK305944. The phylogenetic relationship showed that the new sequence clustered with Pestalotiopsis neglecta, forming a separate clade distinct from other species in the Pestalotiopsis genus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that P. neglecta causes shoot blight on C. japonica.

STUDY OF EXUDATIVE PLEURAL EFFUSION IN THE AGE GROUP OF 15-40 YEARS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ADENOSINE DEAMINASE AND TUBERCULIN SKIN TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOUS ETIOLOGY

Background: A tubercular pleural effusion can either be a sequel to a primary infection acquired 3 to 6 month previously or represent reactivation tuberculousis.
 Two different pathogenic mechanism can lead to tuberculous pleural effusion. By far the more common is the entry of only a few M. tuberculosis into the pleural space; in the presence of specific cell mediated immunity, tubercle bacilli provoke an intense hypersensitivity reaction and outpouring of fluid. Chest radiograph may or may not reveal associated parenchymal involvement. In the second variety, a subpleural caseous focus or cavity rupture into the pleural space and results in a pleural effusion. In this case chest radiograph nearly always shows parenchymal abnormalities.
 A definitive diagnosis of TBPE can be difficult to make because of the low sensitivity and / or specificity of noninvasive traditional diagnostic tools.
 In most series of patients with TBPE the result of pleural fluid staining for acid fast bacilli are virtually always negative and pleural fluid cultures are positive for mycobacteria in <35% of cases. Without underlying lung parenchymal lesion sputum examination may be positive in 4% to 11% of patient with TBPE. On the other hand, pleural biopsy specimen will demonstrate granulomatous pleuritis in 50% to 80% of patients.
 This study was taken whether pleural fluid ADA and tuberculin skin test has any role in the diagnosis of tubercular pleural effusion.
 Methods and Materials: In the present study 120 cases of exudative pleural effusion in the age group of 15-40 years of varying etiology are taken who attended the pulmonary medicine department of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.
 The study was conducted the period of March 2017 to February 2018 apart from relevant history taking a detail clinical examination, full investigation were done to reach a complete and final diagnosis.
 Result: In our study 120 patient of aged 15-40 years were taken. Different aetiological groups and there frequency as diagnosed by various mean were Tuberculous – 85%, Paraneumonic effusion – 10 %, Malignant effusion – 10%.
 There was male preponderance in all groups of pleural effusion. History of contact was present in 34 % cases of tuberculous effusion. Sputum for AFB was found 10.78% cases of tuberculous effusion. These patients also had pulmonary lesions. 80.39% cases of tuberculous effusion had pale yellow coloured effusion but 13.72 % cases had haemorrhagic fluid. 66.66% malignant effusion had haemorrhagic fluid and 33.37% of malignant effusion had pale yellow coloured fluid. Pleural fluid for malignant cell was positively 66.67% of malignant effusion. Pleural fluid for Z-N stain detect 1.96% cases tubercle bacilli in TBPE group. Plural biopsy was found positive in 68.18% cases of TBPE and 60% cases of MPE.
 Pleural fluid ADA level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in patients of tuberculous effusion than non-tuberculous effusion. Taking a cut off value of 70 U/L sensitivity and specificity is 95.09% and 33.33%. But when parapneumonic effusion was excluded, the specificity increases. Lymphocytic pleural effusion below the age group of 40 years with cut off value of ADA <40 U/L can be used as a screening test for malignant effusion.
 In TBPE tuberculin skin test was positive in 74.50% cases. Taking a cut off value of 10 mm or more induration of tuberculin skin test, "P" value is less than 0.001. Sensitivity and specificity of tuberculin skin test in tuberculous pleural effusion is 74.50% and 50%.
 If we compare the efficacy of ADA > 70 U/L and tuberculin skin test positivity to diagnose tuberculous pleural effusion the former is superior statistically to the later (P value is less than 0.01) specificity of tuberculin skin test is low because it may be positive with infection with NTM and prior BCG vaccination.
 Conclusion: Maximum incidence of tuberculous pleural effusion occurs in the age group of 20-30 years. Malignant pleural effusion is less likely below the age group of 30 years.
 Increased ADA level >70 U/L in pleural fluid is a sensitive, minimally invasive, cost effective, easy method for diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion.
 Lower level of pleural fluid ADA level (<40 U /L) is a sensitive, specific, minimally invasive, cost effective easy method for suspecting malignant effusion. Its value is much more important when younger patients (<40 years of age) present with malignant effusion, especially so when the pleural fluid is also appeared pale yellow. A low ADA level will guide us to look for malignancy in this age group.
 Tuberculin skin testing with intermediate strength PPD has a high sensitivity in patients with pleural tuberculosis. It was seen negative in 1/3rd cases of TBPE. This negative tuberculin skin test in TBPE may be due to recent tuberculous infection or may be due to sequestration of PPD reactive T-lymphocytes in the pleural space or patient may be anergic. Our study is insufficient to comment this negative result. More precise study need to comment.

First Report of Leaf Brown Spot Caused by Epicoccum sorghinum on Digitaria sanguinalis in China

Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. is a cosmopolitan malignant weed that infests autumn harvest crops and vegetable fields. In September 2017, leaf spots were observed on more than 70% of leaves from D. sanguinalis in a paddy bund located in Chaohu city, Anhui. The spots were primarily circular or elliptical, straw colored, and had brown well-defined margins. Small pieces of symptomatic leaf tissue were surface sterilized with 0.5% NaClO for 2 min, rinsed three times with sterile water, plated on quarter-strength potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, and cultured in the dark at 28°C. The fungal colonies were transferred to PDA medium after 2 days of cultivation. The colonies were villose and regular and initially white to pale yellow. The colonies then turned gray and had chlamydospore formation at the colony surface. The chlamydospores were gray and nearly spherical, unicellular or multicellular, ranging from 11 to 27 × 10 to 23 μm. The mycelium could secrete pigment and caused the medium to eventually turn crimson. Scratched fungal colonies grown on PDA medium that were irradiated under an 8-W ultraviolet lamp for 12 h at a distance of 30 cm could be induced to produce numerous pycnidia. The pycnidia were brown, spherical, had a cylindrical or coniform ostiole, and ranged from 110 to 183 × 80 to 143 μm. The conidia were hyaline, ellipsoidal, unicellular, aseptate, and ranged from 4.6 to 5.4 × 1.9 to 2.3 μm. These morphological characteristics were consistent with the characteristics described for Epicoccum sorghinum (Sacc.) Aveskamp (Zhou et al. 2018). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA, actin (ACT), and β-tubulin (TUB) genes were amplified with the primers ITS1/ITS4, ACT512F/ACT783R, and TUB2FD/TUB4RD (Aveskamp et al. 2009; Carbone and Kohn 1999; White et al. 1990), respectively. The sequence results were submitted to GenBank (ITS, MK039445; ACT, MK044832; TUB, MK044833). BLAST analysis showed that the sequences of the three genes showed 99 to 100% identity with the existing sequences of E. sorghinum in GenBank (MF948994.1, MF987526.1, and MF987525.1). Based on these morphological and molecular analyses, this pathogen was identified as E. sorghinum. Pathogenicity tests were performed on a five-leaf-stage D. sanguinalis plant. For inoculation with mycelium discs, 5-mm-diameter mycelium discs that were cut from the edge of a 5-day-old E. sorghinum colony were inoculated on 10 healthy leaves from D. sanguinalis. Each leaf was inoculated with one disc. Sterile PDA disks of the same size were inoculated as a control. In addition, mycelium suspensions were sprayed on potted D. sanguinalis plants (25 to 30 plants per pot). Control plants were mock inoculated with sterile water, and five pots were used for each treatment. The tests were performed under laboratory conditions of 25 ± 2°C, 90% relative humidity, and 12-h light/dark photoperiod. Obvious lesions were observed 24 h after mycelium disc inoculation, whereas control leaves remained asymptomatic for the next 3 days. Severe symptoms developed on whole plants that were sprayed with the mycelium suspension 5 days later, whereas control plants remained healthy. The same E. sorghinum strain was consistently reisolated from inoculated symptomatic leaves, confirming Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. sorghinum causing leaf brown spots on D. sanguinalis in China. This pathogen could be considered as a potential biocontrol fungus to control D. sanguinalis pending further study.

A thiol-containing colorimetric chemosensor for relay recognition of Cu2+ and S2− in aqueous media with a low detection limit

A thiol-containing chemosensor MPT was prepared and used to relay recognition of Cu2+ and S2−. Addition of Cu2+ to MPT caused the obvious appearance of a red-shifted absorption with a color change from colorless to pale yellow. MPT for detecting Cu2+ could be used in real samples and test strips. Sequentially, MPT-Cu2+ recognized S2− through the appearance of a blue-shifted absorption with a color change from pale yellow to colorless. Detection limits for copper(II) ion and sulfide turned out to be 0.11 μM and 0.23 μM, which were significantly below WHO standards (31.4 μM for Cu2+ and 14.8 μM for S2−) for drinking water. The binding processes of MPT toward copper(II) ion and sulfide were demonstrated by UV-visible, ESI-mass, FT-IR and 1H NMR titrations, and understood by DFT calculations.

Transcriptome and chemical analysis reveal putative genes involved in flower color change in Paeonia ‘Coral Sunset’

The flower color of Paeonia ‘Coral Sunset’ and ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ changes from coral to pink to pale yellow during flowering, which confers high ornamental value to these two cultivars. However, the molecular mechanism underlying flower color change is still unclear. In this study, flavonoids in petals of Paeonia ‘Coral Sunset’ and ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ at seven flowering stages were analyzed to explore the effects of the flavonoid component on changes in flower color. In addition, four cDNA libraries of ‘Coral Sunset’ during the critical blooming stages were constructed and the transcriptome was sequenced to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying changes to flower color. Two anthocyanins (cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside and peonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside) were detected in both cultivars. Total anthocyanin content in both cultivars accumulated continuously from stages 1–3 and then decreased sharply. Correlation analysis showed that the change in flower color from coral to pink to pale yellow is due to a significant decrease in anthocyanin content. A total of 91,583 Unigenes were obtained in ‘Coral Sunset’, 33,962 (37.08%) of which were annotated to major databases. Based on the enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, eight structural genes (CHS, F3H, F3′H, FLS, DRF, ANS, ANR and UFGT) and 13 transcription factors (five MYB, three bHLH, one WD40, one HY5, one PIF3, one COP1 and two PHY) related to flavonoid biosynthesis were screened. The qRT-PCR results were generally consistent with the high-throughput sequencing results. This research will provide a foundation to clarify the mechanisms underlying changes in flower color of herbaceous peony.

Plant Growth Regulator and Irrigation Effects on Physiological and Harvest Maturity of Red Clover in Relation to Seed Quality

Core Ideas Trinexapac‐ethyl, a plant growth regulator, does not affect the quality of red clover seeds if applied at a rate of up to 700 g a.i. ha–1. Seeds reach maximum quality at harvest maturity, when seed moisture content is approximately 140 g kg–1. Visual indicators of physiological maturity of red clover include flower heads contain light brown petals and brownish‐green sepals, whereas seeds are pale green to pale yellow. At harvest maturity, heads contain dark brown petals and sepals, whereas seeds range from yellow to yellow‐dark grayish purple. A single irrigation application of water at the first flowering stage increased yield by approximately 9% in a 2‐yr study. Application of trinexapac‐ethyl at a rate of 560 g a.i. haw in the stem elongation stage increased seed yield by 16% in 1 of a 2‐yr study. Seed moisture content at physiological maturity of red clover ranges from 340 to 540 gkg–1 and approximately 140 g kg–1 at harvest maturity. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and irrigation affect seed yield of red clover (Trifolium pretense L.). However, the effects of these factors on physiological maturity (PM), harvest maturity (HM), and seed quality are unknown. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) PGR and irrigation on PM, HM, and seed viability and vigor on the most common red clover variety in Oregon over 2 yr. Five TE rates, ranging from 0 to 700 g a.i. ha−1, were applied at stem elongation and bud emergence stages. Irrigation was applied at the first flowering stage. Physiological and visual indicators were recorded to determine PM and HM. Standard germination (SG), tetrazolium (TZ) and cold (CT) tests were conducted to evaluate seed quality at weekly intervals starting from seed formation until HM. Irrigation resulted in a 4‐d delay in PM compared to the non‐irrigated treatment, but TE applications did not affect timing of seed maturation. At PM, flower heads contained light brown petals and brownish‐green sepals, whereas seeds were pale green to pale yellow. At HM, heads contained dark brown petals and sepals, whereas seeds ranged from yellow to yellow‐dark grayish purple. Seed dry weight did not change from PM to HM. Seed moisture content at PM ranged from 340 to 540 g kg−1 and decreased to below 140 g kg−1 at HM. At HM, seeds reached maximum quality as viability ranged from 92 to 98% by TZ and SG, and vigor ranged from 90 to 94% by CT.

я глиноземДельталюмит — новая природная модификациа со шпинелеподобной структурой

The new mineral deltalumite, an analogue of the spinel-type synthetic δ-Al 2 O 3 , the second, after corundum α-Al 2 O 3 , natural modification of alumina, was found in products of two eruptions of the Ploskiy Tolbachik Volcano (Kamchatka, Russia). It occurs in pores of basalt lava and basalt scoria altered by fumarolic gas. The mineral forms roundish aggregations up to 0.2 mm across which consist of blocky, coarse prismatic individuals up to 0.03 mm in size. Deltalumite is pale yellowish, pale beige or white, translucent, with vitreous lustre. The mineral is brittle. D calc = 3.663 g cm –3 . Deltalumite is optically uniaxial (–), ω = 1.654(2), e = 1.653(2) (λ = 589 nm). Chemical composition (electron microprobe) is: Al 2 O 3 99.74, SiO 2 0.04, total 99.78 wt %. The strongest reflections of powder X-ray diffraction pattern [ d ,A( I )( hkl )] are: 2.728(61)(202), 2.424(51)(212), 2.408(49)(213), 2.281(42)(206), 1.993(81)(1.0.11, 220, 221), 1.954(48)(0.0.12) and 1.396(100)(327, 400, 2.1.14). The mineral is tetragonal, space group P -4 m 2 (by analogy with synthetic δ-Al 2 O 3 ), unit-cell dimensions are: a = 5.608(1), c = 23.513(7) A, V = 739.4(4) A 3 and Z = 16. Deltalumite belongs to the spinel subgroup within the oxyspinel group, its structural formula can be written as (Al 0.67 □ 0.33 )Al 2 O 4 in which □ means vacancy. The new mineral can be clearly distinguished from other modifications of alumina using powder X-ray diffraction pattern or IR spectrum.

Yield, Quality and Composition of Cumin Essential Oil as Affected by Storage Period

Essential oils from newly produced (2017) and previous season crop (2016) of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds collected from local farmers in Dongla area, north Sudan were extracted and analyzed to determine the effect of storage period on volatile oil yield and quality. The essential oil was extracted using hydro distillation method. Identification of the volatile compounds was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results revealed that oil obtained from cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) was pale yellow. With respect to oil characteristics, the specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, ester value and other quality characters were not significantly different between the stored and newly harvested seeds. Thirty-eight compounds were separated and identified in cumin seeds essential oil in both seasons with some minor differences in some components between 2016 and 2017 samples. Major effective components of cumin seeds volatile oil were cumin alcohol (4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol), cumin aldehydes as 4-Isopropylbenzaldehyd and 7,7-dimethylbicyclo (4.1.0) hept-3-ene-4-carbaldehyde known as carenal, terpinenes as γ-terpinene and α-terpinene (1,4-Cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl) and 1,3-cyclohexadine-1-methanol, 4(1-methethyle)-), β-pinene, o-cymene and p-menthadienol in both stored and newly harvested samples. Differences between the samples season wise were very minor with respect to type of volatile components but percentage oil yield was largely decreased by storage period.

First Report of Rust Caused by Aecial Stage of Puccinia klugkistiana on Ligustrum japonicum in Korea

Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. (Oleraceae), called Japanese privet or waxleaf privet, is native to Japan and southern Korea. Owing to its attractive evergreen foliage, it is widely cultivated in other regions with warm temperate climates. This shrub is also naturalized in California and in the southeastern United States from Texas to Virginia (https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/). In June 2016, hundreds of L. japonicum shrubs were found affected by a rust at a disease incidence of 50% in a public garden in Daegu (35°53′25″N; 128°35′01″E), Korea. Similar symptoms with typical rust pustules on this plant species were also found in Jinju (35°10′46″N; 128°05′48″E), Korea. Examination of an affected plant revealed that orange-yellow rust pustules were formed on the lower leaf surface with corresponding yellowish to chlorotic lesions on the upper surface. Four representative voucher specimens have been deposited in the Korea University herbarium (KUS-F29287, F29290, F29781, and F29797), Seoul, Korea. Morphological characteristics of the aecial stage were as follows. Spermogonia were epiphyllous, aggregated, initially yellow and becoming brown, subepidermal, and flask shaped. Aecia were hypophyllous, densely clustered, on leaves and occasionally also on branches, causing distortion and hypertrophy of the host, cupulate, deeply immersed in host mesophyll, 120 to 200 µm diameter, and yellowish. Peridia were prominent, easily splitting vertically, peridial cells oblong to polygonal, 22 to 36 × 16 to 22 µm, inner wall 4 to 6 µm thick, verrucose, outer wall 6 to 10 µm thick, smooth to finely verrucose. Aeciospores were angularly globose to ellipsoid, densely and minutely verrucose, subhyaline to pale yellowish, 16 to 28 × 16 to 22 µm, walls 1 to 2 µm thick. Morphological characteristics of the collections were in good agreement with the aecial stage of Puccinia klugkistiana (Dietel) J.X. Ji & Kakish. (Hiratsuka et al. 1992; Ji et al. 2017). To confirm the identification, genomic DNA was extracted from aeciospores of two dried herbarium specimens. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of rRNA gene were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified using specific primer pairs ITS5u/ITS4rust and universal primers LR0R/LR6 as described by Beenken et al. (2017). PCR products were sequenced and deposited in GenBank (MH644179 and MH644180 for ITS; MH644181 and MH644182 for LSU). No ITS sequence of P. klugkistiana is available in the NCBI database, because this this the first sequence data for ITS of this rust species. LSU sequences from two representative isolates had 100% homology with that of Aecidium klugkistianum (HQ699078) from China. The aecial stage of P. klugkistiana has been reported on eight species/varieties of Ligustrum from East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea (Farr and Rossman 2018; Hiratsuka et al. 1992). In Korea, L. ibota and L. obtusifolium have been recorded as host plants of the aecial stage of P. klugkistiana (Hiratsuka 1942). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the aecial stage of P. klugkistiana on L. japonicum in Korea. Rust infection caused necrotic lesions, greatly detracting from the beauty of the glossy leaves.

Inheritance Of Shape And Kernel Color In Sweet Corn Using JM2 And JM4 Populations

Corn kernel is one of the most important characters that correlate with corn yield and quality. Sweet corn kernels can be distinguished by its color which is either yellow and white or pale yellow. Sweet corn breeding by crossing genotypes with different kernel colors will affect the inheritance pattern of kernel color. The aims of this research were to understand the inheritance pattern in sweet corn kernel color by crossing yellow and pale yellow color with red and purple corn kernels using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Genetic materials consisted of P1 (JM2 and JM4) and P2 (Red and Purple) and F1, F2, F3, and F1 reciprocals. P1 consists of JM2 and JM4 with flint shape with yellow and pale yellow color; P2 consists of Red and purple with non-yellow colored kernel and flint shape. The results showed maternal effect influenced the kernel color, but did not affect the kernel shape. Epistatic effects were found in kernel shape but it was co-dominant on kernel color inheritance. Broad-sense heritability values were high for all quantitative variables. Keywords : color, heritability, pale yellow, purple, red, shape

Phenolphthalein – inhalable fraction. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

Phenolphthalein is a colorless and odorless crystalline solid; in a powdered form white or pale yellow. It is non-volatile, practically insoluble in water, but it dissolves in ethanol. Phenolphthalein is not known to occur as a natural product. The synthetic substance is used as a pH indicator in laboratories, during work on metal surfaces in galvanizing plants as well as for measuring the saturation of concrete with carbon dioxide. Until the end of the 20th century, it was widely used as a component of non-prescription laxatives – in 1999 FDA removed phenolphthalein from the list of substances considered safe. In 2016 in Poland 255 enterprises were reported to work with phenolphthalein (mainly laboratories) and there were 2500 occupationally exposed people. Phenolphthalein used in therapeutic doses was well tolerated. Only a few side effects were reported: abdominal discomfort, nausea, reduced blood pressure and weakness. Chronic use of phenolphthalein resulted in widening of the colon, reduced thickness of the lining of the mucosa, gastric disorders, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In a 13-week study in which phenolphthalein was administered to laboratory animals with diets, mice turned out to be a more sensitive species from rats. Changes in testes and epididymides were observed in males and hypoplasia and bone marrow necrosis in males and females. The results of genotoxicity studies indicated that phenolphthalein acts as a promutagen and exerts a clastogenic effect after metabolic activation. Studies on the effect of phenolphthalein on the reproduction of animals indicated its harmful effect on reproductive functions of males. In the EU, phenolphthalein is classified as a category-2 mutagen and category-2 reproductive toxicant (due to its effect on fertility). A small increase in the risk of colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer was observed in case-control studies in patients using phenolphthalein-based laxatives (especially with intensive use of these agents), but the relationship was not statistically significant. In a 2-year NTP carcinogenicity study a significant increase in the number of benign phaeochromocytomas and adenomas of renal tubular epithelium was observed in male rats. There was also a significant increase in histiocytic sarcomas in mice of both sexes and in malignant lymphomas (of all types) and thymic lymphomas and benign ovarian tumors in females. Based on these experiments phenolphthalein has been identified as a substance reasonably anticipated as human carcinogen (NTP R). The experiment on heterozygous p53 (+/-) mice of both sexes confirmed an increase in lymphoma cases. Phenolphthalein is classified by European Union experts as a category-1B of carcinogenic substances, i.e. known or presumed human carcinogens, however the classification is largely based on animal evidence. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identified phenolphthalein as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Based on the NTP test results, the additional risk of malignant lymphoma at 8.25 mg/m3 occupational exposure to phenolphthalein for 40 years is 10-4. A concentration of 8 mg/m3 was proposed as the MAC-TWA value for phenolphthalein. Since phenolphthalein is a poorly water-soluble solid, only dust exposure of the substance will occur in the work environment, hence the proposed MAC value should concern the inhalable fraction of the substance. It is proposed to label phenolphthalein as "Carc. 1B" indicating that phenolphthalein is a category-1B carcinogen and "Ft" due to reprotoxicity. There are no bases for establishing the short-term exposure limit value (STEL) and the limit value in biological material (BEI).

Kinetic Isotherm Studies of Azo Dyes by Metallic Oxide Nanoparticles Adsorbent

We reported the synthesis of Cu4O3 nanoparticles fabricated by Camellia Sinensis (green tea) leaves extract as reducing and stabilizing agent and studied the azo dyes removal efficiency. The formation of copper oxide nanoparticles was confirmed after change in solution of salt and plant extract from green to pale yellow. Subsequently, the above said nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV spectrophotometer for size and morphology. The average particle size of copper oxide nanoparticle was found to be 17.26nm by XRD shrerrer equation, average grain diameter by SEM was calculated 8.5×10-2mm with spherical and oval shaped. UV spectroscopy range was between 200-400nm. These copper oxide nanoparticles were applied as azo dyes (Congo red and malachite green) degradation. Effect of reaction parameters were studied for optimum conditions. Kinetic models like Langmuir, Freundlich and elovich models were applied. Finally, concluded that these particles are effective degradation potential of azo dyes at about 70-75% from aqueous solution.

Colorimetric Determination of Hypochlorite Based on the Oxidative Leaching of Gold Nanorods.

Hypochlorite plays a critical role in killing microorganisms in the water. However, it can also cause cardiovascular diseases, neuron degeneration, and cancer to humans. Although traditional methods feature excellent sensitivity and reliability in detecting hypochlorite, the expensive instruments and strict determination conditions have limited their application in environmental analysis to some extent. Thus, it is necessary and urgent to propose a cheap, facile, and quick analytical assay for hypochlorite. This paper proposes a colorimetric assay for hypochlorite utilizing gold nanorods (AuNRs) as the nanoreactor and color reader. The AuNRs were acquired via a reported seed-mediated method. NaClO with strong oxidation property can cause the etching of gold from the longitudinal tips of AuNRs, which could shorten the aspect ratio of AuNRs, decrease the absorption in the UV–Vis spectrum and also induce the solution color changing from red to pale yellow. Thus, according to the solution color change and the absorbance of longitudinal surface plasmon resonance of AuNRs, we established the calibration curve of NaClO within 0.08 μM to 125 μM (∆Abs = 0.0547 + 0.004 CNaClO, R2 = 0.9631). Compared to traditional method, we obtained the conversion formula between the concentration of residual-chlorine in tap water and the concentration of hypochlorite detected by the proposed colorimetric assay, which is Cresidual-chlorine = 0.24 CNaClO. Finally, the real application of the colorimetric assay in tap water was successfully performed, and the accuracy of the colorimetric method can reach from −6.78% to +8.53%.