Red-purple Color Research Articles

Identification of Two Novel Pigment Precursors and a Reddish-Purple Pigment Involved in the Blue-Green Discoloration of Onion and Garlic

By using a model reaction system representing blue-green discoloration that occurs when purees of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) are mixed, we isolated two pigment precursors (PPs) and a reddish-purple pigment (PUR-1) and determined their chemical structures. PPs were isolated from a heat-treated solution containing color developer (CD) and either l-valine or l-alanine, and their structures were determined as 2-(3,4-dimethylpyrrolyl)-3-methylbutanoic acid (PP-Val), and 2-(3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrolyl) propanoic acid (PP-Ala), respectively. Next, PUR-1 was isolated from a heat-treated solution containing PP-Val and allicin, and its structure was determined as (1E)-1-(1-((1S)-1-carboxy-2-methylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-prop-1-enylene-3-(1-((1S)-1-carboxy-2-methylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-2-ylidenium). The structure of PUR-1 suggested that PP molecules containing a 3,4-dimethyl pyrrole ring had been cross-linked by an allyl group of allicin to form conjugated pigments. While PUR-1 is a dipyrrole compound exhibiting a reddish-purple color, a color shift toward blue to green can be expected as the cross-linking reaction continues to form, for example, tri- or tetrapyrrole compounds.

A new predatory flatworm (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) from Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia

A new species of Stylochidae flatworm Imogine lateotentare is described from Botany Bay, eastern New South Wales, Australia. This flatworm is distinguished from other species in the same genus mainly by having small, transparent and inconspicuous tentacles, densely packed purplish pink flecks at the posterior of the dorsal surface, distinctive purplish red colour gonopores and continuous bands of numerous frontal and cerebral eyes. Feeding and reproductive behaviour in the laboratory are described. This flatworm was found closely associated with the barnacle Balanus variegatus (Darwin, 1854) on which it fed by extending its pharynx over the barnacle opercular and sucking out the flesh but ejecting the cirri. It consumed one Balanus variegatus in a 14‐day observation period and it was observed feeding exclusively at night.

Morphological Discrimination of Two Genetic Groups of a Japanese Salamander, Hynobius naevius (Amphibia, Caudata)

Hynobius naevius, distributed on western Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu Islands of Japan, includes two genetically distinct groups (Groups A and B) that have never been delimited morphologically. Using specimens from the entire species range, we investigated the possibility of distinguishing these groups morphologically. Multivariate analyses of morphometric characters resulted in recognition of two groups that corresponded well to the two genetic groups. One (Group A) was characterized by larger body, compressed tail, shallower vomerine tooth series, bluish- or reddish-purple ground color, and pale-white lateral markings. In contrast, another (Group B) was characterized by smaller body, cylindrical tail, longer vomerine tooth series, reddish-brown ground color, and white lateral markings. Group A was composed of populations from the Chugoku District of Honshu and northern Kyushu, and could not be divided into subgroups, while Group B encompassed populations from the Chubu and Kinki Districts of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, and was subdivided into three local subgroups that are geographically separated by marine straits. Morphometric differentiation in Group A is presumed to have been less affected by genetic factors than by other factors, such as ecological relationships with other, coexisting species. Differentiation in Group B is assumed to have been enhanced not only by genetic but also by climatological factors.

Restylane Persistent for 23 Months Found during Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Background Restylane (Q-Med, Uppsala, Sweden), a hyaluronic acid (HA) that is microbiologically produced and then cross-linked, is becoming popular as a dermal filler for improvement of facial lines and wrinkles. However, it is currently believed that the clinical and histologic persistence of this filler is from 6 to 9 months. We recently encountered Restylane in tissue where it had been implanted 23 months prior to removal of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the lip, and its presence caused some confusion with HA that surrounds BCC nests. Objective To show and to contrast the histologic dermal appearance of Restylane and its metachromatic staining characteristics with toluidine blue from those of HA that surrounds BCC nests. Method Toluidine blue staining at pH 7.07 was performed on excised tissue containing Restylane and BCC on the upper lip. Results Restylane appeared as reddish-purple amorphous masses, whereas the HA that frames BCC nests appeared redder and more well defined. Conclusion The amorphous metachromatic reddish-purple color staining of Restylane with toluidine blue is due to its HA content. This staining pattern should be differentiated from the well-defined red color of HA that normally borders BCC nests. Restylane may persist in the dermis as long as 23 months after implantation.

Purple-Red Dyeing of Silk by Leaves of Indigo Plant

Purple-red dyeing is successfully carried out from leaves of Ryukyu-ai (Stobilanthes Cusia O. Kuntze). Two methods were established for the formation of the source dye indirubin of the color. Indirubin was chemically synthesized by the treatment of the dry and smashed leaves in an acidic solution of isatin and hydrosulfite as reducing reagent and finally addition of calcium hydroxide. In another method, indirubin was prepared by keeping the leaves of Ryukyu-ai at -20 deg in a freezer for 2 weeks and extraction in the boiling water. The reactions in the frozen leaves are discussed. A piece of silk cloth was dipped in the solutions and vat-dyed into purple-red color with the oxidation process.

Preliminary Test for Demonstration of Sweat Stains by Lactic Acid

The color reaction for detection of lactic acid was investigated for application to a preliminary test for demonstration of sweat stains. The detection of lactic acid was employed with the commercially available “Determiner-LA” kit (KYOWA medics). The positive reaction was indicated by the development of a red-purple color. The positive results could be observed in sweat stains and also seminal stains. The weak positive reaction could be seen in only one of 20 salivary stains but all urinary stains gave negative results. Therefore, it is possible to discriminate sweat stains from urinary and salivary stains by using this preliminary test. However, for the distinction between sweat and seminal stains, the acid phosphatase test (SM-test reagent) should be examined. This preliminary test was detectable from sweat stains stored for 6 months at room temperature and from stains of 16-fold diluted human sweat. This preliminary test is very useful for the demonstration of sweat stains in forensic practice.

Colorant and antioxidant properties of red-purple pitahaya (Hylocereussp.)

Introduction. Red-purple pitahaya (Hylocereus sp.) is a promising crop grown commercially in dry regions of Central America. Both its skin and flesh are characterized by being a glowing, deeply red-purple color. Materials and methods. The main physicochemical characteristics of three commercial cultivars of red pitahaya were assessed, including total phenolic compounds contents, total betacyanins, vitamin C and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Thermal stability of betacyanins at different temperature and pH was also assessed. Results and discussion. Pitahaya fruit has a low vitamin C content ranging from (116 to 171) µg·g–1 of fresh pulp without seeds, but it is rich in betacyanins [(0.32 to 0.41) mg·g–1] and phenolic compounds [(5.6 to 6.8) µmol Eq gallic acid·g–1]; it has a high antioxidant ORAC value of (8.8 to 11.3) µmol Eq Trolox·g–1. Visible spectra of aqueous fruit extracts were very similar to that of pure betacyanin. Indeed, the characteristic color of juice diluted to 1% presents a high hue angle (H° = 350o ± 3) and high chroma values (C* = 79 ± 2). Thermal stability of pitahaya betacyanin decreases with pH, but it remains compatible with industrial utilization as a colorant (half-time = 22.6 min at 90 °C at pH = 5 of the fruit) and was found to be very similar to that previously reported for beetroot. Conclusions. Pitahaya juice combines the functional properties of a natural food colorant with high antioxidant potency.

`GolfStar', a Turf, Ornamental, and Reclamation Cultivar of North American Native Idaho Bentgrass

‘GolfStar Idaho bentgrass (Agrostis idahoensis Nash.) is a novel cultivar released in Sept. 1999 by the J.R. Simplot Company. ‘GolfStar is the fi rst recognized cultivar of this fi ne-bladed Rocky Mountain bentgrass species, indigenous from New Mexico to Alaska (Hitchcock, 1951). Idaho bentgrass is distinct from the introduced exotic species of creeping (A. stolonifera L.) and colonial (A. tenuis Sibth.) bentgrass, and most closely resembles dryland bentgrass (A. castellana Boiss. & Reuter). Idaho bentgrass has 28 chromosomes and can be distinguished by its seed and fl owering characteristics, and its lack of rhizomes and stolons. ‘GolfStar averages 10,650 seeds/g, intermediate between redtop (A. gigantea Roth) and creeping bentgrass, and its seed characteristically lacks a palea. Plants of ‘GolfStar fl ower in mid-July (in Idaho) at a height of 0.5 m, with a brilliant purplish-red color.

키토산 발효사료의 첨가가 비육돈의 도체특성 및 육질에 미치는 영향

처리구 당 돼지 10마리씩을 선발하여 비육후기에 0.2%, 0.5%의 키토산 발효사료를 첨가하여 6주간(43일) 급여한 사양시험 결과는 증체량에 있어서는 0.2% 처리구가 가장 높았으며(p<0.05) 사료요구율에 있어서는 0.5% 처리구가 가장 낮게 나타났다. 0.2% 수준에서의 첨가는 사료의 효율을 증가시키고 증체량을 개선하였다. pH값은 등심의 경우에 있어서 대조구가 5.27로서 가장 낮았고 0.2%와 0.5% 처리구는 각각 5.47과 5.54를 나타내었으며 처리구간에 있어서 유의한 차이를 보여 주었다(p<0.05). 등심의 경우 L*값이 0.2%와 0.5%의 두 처리구에 있어서 대조구보다 유의하게(p<0.05) 낮게 나타났으며, 목심의 경우에는 0.5% 처리구가 다른 처리구보다 유의하게(p<0.05) 낮은 것으로 나타났다. 3가지 처리에 따른 등심부위의 지방산 조성을 보면 현저한 차이를 발견할 수는 없으나 키토산 발효사료 처리구에는 C12:0 이나 C16:0과 같은 포화지방산의 비율이 높아진 반면 탄소수가 18개의 불포화 지방산 함량은 다소 낮아 진 것을 알 수 있다(대조구 : 30.15%, 0.2% 처리구 : 26.03%, 0.5% 처리구 : 26.94%). 관능검사항목 중에서 다즙성의 경우에만 처리구간별로 유의한 차이를 나타내었으며, 0.5% 처리구가 가장 높은 것으로 나타났다(p<0.05). 또한 연도에 있어서도 0.5% 처리구가 가장 부드러운 것으로 나타났다. 삽겹살에 대해서는 다즙성, 풍미 그리고 기호성을 조사한 바, 풍미와 기호성 측면에서도 0.5% 처리구가 가장 높은 것으로 나타났다(p<0.05). This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of fermented chitosan additive(FCA) as a probiotics in finishing pig. The levels of 0.2% and 0.5% of FCA powder was added to the regular feed. A total of 30 pigs were used to evaluate the growing performance. Those FCA supplemented feeds were supplied to the pigs at 17 weeks of age for 6 weeks. After slaughtering, 4 pigs of each treatment were used to compare the physico-chemical characteristics and sensory evaluation. Addition of 0.2% of FCA improved the average daily weight gain and feed efficiency. The pH of the FCA treated loin was slightly higher than control. The L*, a*, b* values of the treatment groups were generally low compared to control group. So the effect of FCA to meat color was expression of purplish red color. Juiciness of the pork shoulder treated with 0.5% FCA was significantly(p<0.05) higher than the other groups. Flavor and overall preference scores for bacon treated with 0.5% of FCA were significantly(p<0.05) higher than the other groups.

Validated spectrophotometric methods for the determination of amlodipine besylate in drug formulations using 2,3-dichloro 5,6-dicyano 1,4-benzoquinone and ascorbic acid

Two simple and sensitive spectrophotometric methods have been proposed for the determination of amlodipine besylate either in pure form or in pharmaceutical formulations. The first method is based on the charge transfer complexation reaction of the drug with 2,3-dichloro 5,6-dicyano 1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) to give coloured product having maximum absorbance at 580 nm. The second procedure depends on the measurement of purple red colour produced by the interaction of drug with ascorbic acid in N, N-dimethylformamide medium (DMF) which absorbed maximally at 530 nm. Under the optimized experimental conditions, Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration ranges of 1–125 and 10–140 μg ml −1 with DDQ and ascorbic acid, respectively. Both the methods were applied successfully for the analysis of amlodipine besylate in dosage forms. Results of analyses were validated statistically and through recovery studies.

Screening and mass-spectral confirmation of betalains in cactus pears

The presence of betalain pigments in fruits ofOpuntia stricta, Opuntia undulata andOpuntia ficus-indica has been studied. Cultivars of deep red-purple colour, with high betacyanin content, were choosen for this investigation. The total betacyanin content was estimated spectrophotometrically E1cm1%=1120) and the results obtained indicated a higher betacyanin content inO. stricta (70 mg · 100 g−1 fresh fruit), than inO. undulata andO. ficus-indica (14–19 mg · 100 g−1 fresh fruit). Individual pigment analysis by HPLC with photodiode array detection revealed substantial differences between these species. In cactus pears fromO. stricta only betanin and isobetanin were detected. However, in cactus pears fromO. undulata andO. ficus-indica the predominant pigments were betanin and indicaxanthin, with very low levels of isobetanin. The identity of all these pigments was confirmed by mass-spectral analysis. The presence of neobetanin was not detected in fruits of any of the three species considered.

Differences in development of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops and pod fractions within a crop : I. Seed growth and maturity

Two experiments with common bean cultivars Rosecoco and Mwezi Moja aimed at increasing insight into differences in development with time of seeds from pods of different earliness classes within a crop. Pods were divided into three earliness classes (early, medium, and late) in relation to the fourth class, the overall crop. In all pod classes, cultivars and seasons, seeds achieved physiological maturity (PM: maximum dry weight) when fresh weight was at its maximum. PM was achieved at 58% seed moisture content in seeds from all pod classes and cultivars. Seeds from earlier pods tended to reach PM earlier than those from other classes. The time when seeds developed their final red purple colour pattern was a reasonable indicator of PM, though not completely accurate. Harvest maturity (HM: 20% seed moisture content) was reached earlier in earlier pods in cv. Rosecoco, but the timing was the same for all pod classes in cv. Mwezi Moja. The period for seeds to dry down from 58 to 20% moisture content was longer in seeds from earlier pods in cv. Mwezi Moja, but not in cv. Rosecoco. The course of decline in moisture content between 58 and 20% differed between pod earliness classes, but was not systematically affected by earliness. The timing of seed development in the overall crop could be explained by the timing of seed development in pods of different earliness classes. Relationships among seed moisture content and seed or pod colour in whole crops differed from those in pods of individual earliness classes.

Four-Year Evaluation of Five Cultivars of Pyrus Calleryana

In November 1995, five cultivars of Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana: 'Aristocrat', 'Capital', 'Chanticleer', 'Redspire', and 'Whitehouse') were planted within parkinglot traffic islands at Livingston College, a Piscataway campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. During the next four years, the trees were observed each spring from bud break to flowering, and again each fall. Measurements of growth patterns as well as observational attributes of the cultivars were recorded. 'Aristocrat' flushed growth a few days earlier than the others, occasionally suffering frost damage to flowers. Its vertical growth was slower when compared to the other cultivars, with a wider branch angle, a distinctly lower, broader crown, and a deep purple-red fall color in contrast to the orange-reds of the other cultivars. 'Aristocrat' was the only cultivar in the study to display branch angle attachments necessary for storm resistance and growth success. 'Chanticleer' grew the fastest of the five and had the narrowest branch angles. 'Redspire' was intermediate in growth, somewhat open, with fairly narrow branch angles. 'Capital' and 'Whitehouse' were comparatively dense and heavy blooming; it was difficult to distinguish between them.

Microsporidia and Candida spores: their discrimination by Calcofluor, trichrome‐blue and methylene‐blue combination staining

Summary Faeces of immunocompromised patients are often contaminated with the chitin‐containing spores of microsporidia and Candida, which exclude the use of the chitin‐specific fluorescent brightener Calcofluor white M2R for the identification of microsporidian spores. We developed a combination staining of Calcofluor white M2R with modified trichrome‐blue staining and subsequent methylene‐blue incubation which permits discrimination between these two types of spores. As a basis for diagnosis, a difference in the fluorescence pattern (365–440 nm) is combined with a difference in the light microscopic staining pattern. Under fluorescence conditions microsporidia spores have a spotted, brilliant white Calcofluor fluorescence and can easily be identified, while Candida spores show a reddish purple colour. Under the light microscope microsporidian spores show a light red colour with nonstained vacuole spots or strips in contrast to the yeast spores with their red‐brown colour. This combination technique offers a highly specific means for the diagnosis of microsporidia spores in faeces.

Microsporidia and Candida spores: their discrimination by Calcofluor, trichrome-blue and methylene-blue combination staining.

Faeces of immunocompromised patients are often contaminated with the chitin-containing spores of microsporidia and Candida, which exclude the use of the chitin-specific fluorescent brightener Calcofluor white M2R for the identification of microsporidian spores. We developed a combination staining of Calcofluor white M2R with modified trichrome-blue staining and subsequent methylene-blue incubation which permits discrimination between these two types of spores. As a basis for diagnosis, a difference in the fluorescence pattern (365-440 nm) is combined with a difference in the light microscopic staining pattern. Under fluorescence conditions microsporidia spores have a spotted, brilliant white Calcofluor fluorescence and can easily be identified, while Candida spores show a reddish purple colour. Under the light microscope microsporidian spores show a light red colour with nonstained vacuole spots or strips in contrast to the yeast spores with their red-brown colour. This combination technique offers a highly specific means for the diagnosis of microsporidia spores in faeces.

226 Juvenile and Adult Growth Characteristics of Newly Planted Euonymus fortunei `Coloratus'

Euonymous fortunei `Coloratus' (Turcz.) Hand.-Mazz. (purpleleaf wintercreeper euonymus) is a groundcover species commonly grown in the landscape and known for its characteristic purplish-red color in the fall. This species is dimorphic, having both juvenile and adult forms present in established plants. Young plants, planted from 5.7-cm containers, were grown under full sun and 60% shade and evaluated for 1 year from May 1998. Four fertilizer treatments, up to four applications, were applied over the year. Data collected included the percent of adult and juvenile plants per plot, percent canopy cover, plant quality, and fresh and dry weights of pruned plant material and whole plants. Results showed that 73% of Euonymus planted in the shade were “adult-like” in form, while only 44% of Euonymus planted in the sun were “adult-like” in form. These results were analyzed with the percentage canopy cover determined for March, April, and May 1999 and showed no interaction of the two variables. By the end of the study, the mean percent of canopy cover was 77% under the shade and 74% under the sun. These values were not significantly different. While it appeared that the maturity of the plant did not effect the percent of groundcover coverage in a plot, the more mature or “adult-like” plants were visually undesirable within a plot of juvenile plants, and vice versa due to morphological differences.

Color Modification of Chromium-Tin Pink Pigment by Substitution of Ti for Sn.

In the aim of the understanding of the coloration mechanism in Cr-doped inorganic pink pigments, the valences of Cr dopant in sphene-type (CaTiSiO5-CaSnSiO5), perovskite-type (CaTiO3-CaSnO3) and rutile-type (TiO2-SnO2) matrices were investigated by use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The valences of chromium were directly related to the color of the pigments. The valences were dependent on the Ti/Sn ratio in the mother crystals. Results of XPS showed that chromium ions doped in CaSnSiO5 and CaSnO3 matrices existed Cr4+, causing reddish purple color. With substitution of Ti for Sn in these matrices, the fraction of trivalent chromium increased and the color changed from reddish purple through purple red, red brown and finally to brown. A similar valence change of chromium was observed in the rutile-type pigments that changed lilac through brown to ocar colors. Purple red color was achieved in 2mol% Cr-doped sphene- and perovskite-type pigments containing 20mol%Ti.

Simultaneous spectrophotometric and volumetric determinations of amoxycillin, ampicillin and cloxacillin in drug formulations: reaction mechanism in the base catalysed hydrolysis followed by oxidation with iodate in dilute acid solution

A method for the analysis of degraded products of amoxycillin, ampicillin and cloxacillin in drug formulations, obtained as a result of their base hydrolysis is described. Simultaneous spectrophotometric and volumetric determinations of the antibiotic is based on the neutralization of the degraded product by dilute hydrochloric acid to get a pH ∼2 to be conducive for redox titration using potassium iodate as titrant. A red purple colour is developed in carbon tetrachloride at the end point. Spectrophotometry is done after separating the organic layer and measuring the absorbance of red-purple colour at λ max 520 nm. The pathways of different degraded products and their oxidation mechanism is described on IR, TLC and UV spectroscopic studies.

Paramagnetic Zinc(II) Complexes of a Bis(catechol): Dependence of Product Spin State on Tautomerization of the Bis(catechol) Ligand.

We report the preparation and characterization of zinc(II) hydrotris(3-cumenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate (LZn) complexes, (LZn)(2)()1'-H and (LZn)(2)()1, of a bis(catechol) ligand. The formation of (LZn)(2)()1'-H, an S = (1)/(2) complex, rather than (LZn)(2)()1, an S = 1 complex, is observed due to tautomerization of a reaction intermediate. The biradical complex, (LZn)(2)()1, can be prepared from (LZn)(2)()1'-H by oxidation, a conversion that is accompanied by a blue-green to red-purple color change and an increase in spin from (1)/(2) to 1. The frozen solution EPR spectrum of the biradical complex (LZn)(2)()1 exhibits zero-field splitting and a Deltam(s)() = 2 transition characteristic of a triplet state. The temperature dependence of the EPR signal intensity is consistent with high-spin coupling of the unpaired electrons of the ligand.

Genotypic Diversity of Anthocyanin Content and Composition in Purple-Fleshed Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)

Sweet potato is one of the ten most important crops for human consumption in the world. Recently, due to the detection of radical scavenging and antioxidative properties, it has been considered that commercial varieties of purple-fleshed sweet potato may play a role in the preservation of health in hunran beings. In this study, anthocyanin content and composition of 19 purple-fleshed sweet potato clones were investigated to identify the genetic factors responsible for the variation in paste color ranging from reddish purple to bluish purple. The paste color was evaluated based on the color reflectance value L* (related to brightness) and b*/a* ratio (index for red blue color). Sweet potato clones were classified into two groups based on the b*/a* ratio of the paste:(1) a blue dominant group with a ratio below -1.4, and (2) a red- dominant group with a ratio above -1.1. Analysis of the anthocyanins extracted from steamed roots by spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed considerable differences in the color value and anthocyanin composition among the clones. Based on the peonidin/cyanidin ratio, the sweet potato clones were classified into two groups: cyanidin and peonidin types. The reflectance value L* of the paste was negatively correlated with the color value, while no correlation was found between the b*/a* ratio and the color value. Furthermore, a significant posittve correlation was observed between the L* value, b*/a* ratio and peonidin/cyanidin ratio. Especially, the blue domi-nant clones showing a b*/a* ratio below -1.4 all belonged to the cyanidin type. These results indicate that in the peonidin types the increase in the peonidin/cyanidin ratio increased the degree of redness of the paste, and in the cyanidin type, the blue color predominated. These findings suggest that it is possible to predict the anthocyanin content and composition roughly by the analysis of the paste color without HPLC investigations. The b*/a* ratio of the paste could be used for the selection of the peonidin type, to obtain a paste with a bright and reddish purple color in sweet potato.