Determination of Chlorogenic Acid,Geniposide,Total Flavonoids and Total Triterpenes in Wulan-13

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish a method for the determination of chlorogenic acid,geniposide,total flavonoids and total triterpenes in Wulan-13.[Methods]The contents of chlorogenic acid and geniposide were determined by HPLC,and the contents of total flavonoids and total triterpenes were determined by an ultraviolet spectrophotometer.[Results]There was a good linear relation between the mass of chlorogenic acid reference substance and the peak area in the range of 0.05-0.45μg,and the regression equation was Y=2524.1X+3.1943,(r=0.9998).A good linear relationship was found between the mass of gardenoside reference substance and the peak area in the range of 0.776-6.984μg,and the regression equation was Y=1670.5X+64.804,(r=0.9998).There was also a good linear relation between the mass of rutin reference substance and its absorbance in the range of 0.00808-0.04848 mg,and the regression equation was Y=12.916X+0.014,(r=0.999).The mass of oleanolic acid reference substance had a good linear relation with its absorbance in the range of 0.00418-0.0209 mg,and the regression equation was Y=51.89X-0.0839,(r=0.9991).[Conclusions]The content determination method is simple,reliable and reproducible,and suitable for controlling the contents of chlorogenic acid,geniposide,total flavonoids and total triterpenes in Wulan-13.

Visual modeling reveals cryptic aspect in egg mimicry of Himalayan Cuckoo(Cuculus saturatus) on its host Blyth's Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus reguloides)

Brood parasitism and egg mimicry of Himalayan Cuckoo（Cuculus saturatus） on its host Blyth＇s Leaf Warbler（Phylloscopus reguloides） were studied in south-western China from April to July 2009.The cuckoo laid a white egg with fine brown markings on the blunt end.The eggs were conspicuously bigger than the host＇s own,with 2.06 g in mass and 1.91 cm3 in volume.Visual modeling showed that the cuckoo eggs,which from the human eye appeared to mimic the host eggs to a great extent,were completely different from the host eggs in both hue and chroma.The characters of the Himalayan Cuckoo nestling,reported for the first time,included two triangular and black patches on its gape,which appeared from four days old and became darker with age and growth.While this character also exists in nestlings of Oriental Cuckoo（C.optatus）,it has not been found for other Cuculus species.Our results reveal cryptic aspects in the cuckoo-host egg color matching,which are not visible to the naked human eye,and indicate that high mimetic cuckoo eggs rejected by hosts,as determined by human observers in previous studies,might not be mimetic as birds see them.

Occurrence and distribution of metals and porphyrins in Nigerian coal minerals

The metal contents of Nigerian coal minerals were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Calcium, Na, and Fe occurred as the major elements with concentrations ranging from 9 782 μg/g for Ca to 432 μg/g for Na whereas K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cu, which occurred at trace levels ranged from 673.73 μg/g for Mg to 2.97 μg/g for Mn. The results of the quantitative analysis of porphyrins extracted from the coal minerals showed that Onyeama coal has the highest amount of porphyrins (ca～0.96 μg/g) while Okpara has the lowest (ca～0.30 μg/g). The porphyrins were qualitatively characterized by a combination of thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers. The results of the mid infrared analysis (MIR) showed the presence of absorption bands at 3 440 cm～1～3 450 cm-1 and 1 640 cm-1～1 680 cm-1 , which are owing to the stretching vibrations of N ─ H and C─ C of aromatics, with C─ H out of plane (oop) bending vibrations at wavenumbers less than 900 cm-1, all of which are characteristic absorptions of porphyrin free base. The ultraviolet-visible data showed prominent peaks at ～400 nm(Soret band) and at wavelength ranges of 535 nm～550 nm(β-band) and 565 nm～ 600 nm (α-band) for the coal porphyrins analyzed. The geochemical significance of the metals and porphyrins in coal minerals are discussed.

Decolorization of Direct Black 22 by Aspergillus ficuum

The decolorization of Direct Black 22 by Aspergillus ficuum has been studied. It was found that Aspergillus ficuum could effectively decolorize Direct Black 22 especially when grown as pelleted mycelia. Results showed that the media containing Direct Black 22 at 50 mg/L could be decolorized by 98.05% of the initial color in 24 h. The optimum pH and temperature of decolorization are 4.0 and 33 °C respectively. Aeration was quite beneficial to decolorization. Medium composition and the concentration of Direct Black 22 could affect the rate of decolorization. The dye degraded products assayed by UV-visible spectrophotometer and macroscopic observation showed that the decolorization of Direct Black 22 by mycelial pellets includes two important processes: bioadsorption and biodegradation. The degradation experiment agree with the Michaelis-Menten kinetics equation.

Study on the Ternary Heteropolyacids in the Systems of P-Mo-W and As-Mo-W as well as their Application in the Spectrophotometric Determination of Low Tungsten

The colored associated compounds of phosphomolybdotungstate and arsenomolybdotungstate with crystal violet are introduced. Their main characters have been studied. These two associated compounds may be used to determine low tungsten with fairly high sensitivity and selectivity. Their strong point is that the interference of molybdenum can be overcome. In the presence of polyvinyl alcohol, tungsten can be determined directly in the aqueous solution.

Trace amount of chromium（III） in waste water measured by extraction spectrophometry in H2CrO6-n-CsH11OH system

A novel, simple, rapid, economic and hypersensitive method of measuring Cr3＋ is described in this paper. Cr3＋ could be oxidated to H2CrO6, which is extracted by n-C5H11OH, so a trace amount of chromium is measured directly by spectrometers, Sandra sensitivity is S=6.40×10^-3 ug.cm-2.

Effect of drying methods on the discoloration of three major domestic softwood species in Korea

Japanese pine, Korean pine and larch are three major softwood species in Korea. Their colors are relatively light, thus easily discolored due to drying and UV irradiation. In this study, they were dried with five different drying methods, steam treated and exposed to weathering. Their colors were measured using a spectrophotometer and comparisons made both among species and drying methods. For Japanese and Korean pines, high temperature dried and steam-dried specimens showed distinct color differences compared with the controls. Steam treatment discolored the dried specimens of Japanese and Korean pines but did not discolor those of larch. After weathering for 144 days the specimens of Japanese pine showed slight color differences among drying methods.

Selection of Yeast Strains Containing β-Glucosidase for Improving Wine Aroma

Aroma is an important component for characteristic of wine. β-glucosidase is an enzyme for enhancing wine aroma during fermentation and aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate β-glucosidase activities from 17 yeast strains. It was found that strain 71 B-1122 exhibited highest activity of β-glucosidase. The purified enzyme of this strain was characterized. The purified enzyme was added in Muscat must before wine making process. The must and wine were determined for volatile compounds by headspace-SPME/GC-MS and found that the hexyl acetate, linalool, phenethyl, nerol and geraniol compounds were significantly increased after treated with the enzyme. Sensory evaluation of the combined alcoholic fermentation and flavour enrichment of Muscat juice by adding of purified β-glucosidase enzyme showed well oenological properties especially aroma. Therefore, in producing wine, yeast strain selection and addition of β-glucosidase enzyme should be considered because they were important factors affecting wine aroma.

Alteration of chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid in combination with nickel sulfate at different pH solutions in vitro

Objective:To evaluate the alteration of chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid(vitamin C) with metal ion(nickel) at different pH solutions in vitro.Methods:Spectra of pure aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid(E mark) compound and NiSO_4(H_2O)(sigma USA) were evaluated by UV visible spectrophotometer.Spectral analysis of L-ascorbic acid and nickel at various pH(2.0, 7.0,7.4 and 8.6) at room temperature of 29℃ was recorded.In this special analysis,combined solution of L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate at different pH was also recorded.Results:The result revealed that λ_(max)(peak wavelength of spectra) of L-ascorbic acid at pH 2.0 was 289.0 run whereas at neutral pH 7.0,λ_(max) was 29S.4 run.In alkaline pH 8.6,λ_(max) was 295.4 nm and at pH 7.4 the λ_(max) of L-ascorbic acid remained the same as 295.4 nm.Nickel solution at acidic pH 2.0 was 394.5 nm,whereas at neutral pH 7.0 and pH 7.4 were the same as 394.5 nm.But at alkaline pH 8.6,λ_(max) value of nickel sulfate became 392.0 nm.The combined solution of L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate(6 mg/mL each) at pH 2.0 showed 292.5 nm and 392.5 nm,respectively whereas at pH 7.0,L-ascorbic acid showed 296.5 nm and nickel sulfate showed 391.5 nm.At pH 7.4,L-ascorbic acid showed 297.0 nm and nickel sulfate showed 394.0 nm in the combined solution whereas at pH 8.6(alkaline) L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate were showing 297.0 and 393.5 nm,respectively. Conclusions:Results clearly indicate an altered chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid either alone or in combination with nickel sulfate in vitro at different pH.Perhaps oxidation of L-ascorbic acid to L-dehydro ascorbic acid via the free radical(HSc*) generation from the reaction of H,ASc + Ni(Ⅱ) is the cause of such alteration of λ_(max),value of L-ascorbic acid in the presence of metal nickel.

Spectroscopic Analysis of Organophosphorus Pesticides Using Colorimetric Reactions

The UV-Vis and infrared(IR)absorption spectra of organophosphorus(OP)pesticides have been studied.A correlation in spectra was developed to optimize the OP pesticides in the environments.The spectroscopic(UV-Vis and IR)spectrum of OP pesticides like methyl parathion,malathion and parathion has been interpreted in detail.A complete calculation of the normal frequencies and absolute intensities of UV-Vis and IR absorption bands are interpreted with the help of corresponding experimental data.In the colorimetric reactions,the bands appear at 2 077,1 637,1 455,1 015,655cm^(-1) for malathion;2 081,1 639,1 316,1 015,794,683cm^(-1) for parathion;2 078,1 632,1 032,794cm^(-1) for methyl parathion were used for quantitative or qualitative analysis.All these IR spectra were acquired by averaging 100 scans at a resolution of 4cm^(-1).It is determined experimentally in the region 200~450nm for UV-Vis absorption bands and in the region 400~4 000cm^(-1) for IR absorption bands.It is concluded that the mainly optically active groups(P—OH, C=O,P=O, C—O—C,P—O—C, P=S, —OH)present in pesticides which are responsible in change in significant data for quantitative and qualitative analysis.The various optical properties like wavelength,band energy,wave number,and frequency,also are calculated.

PHOTODEGRADATION OF p-NITROCHLORBENZENE(p-NCB)USING NANOMETER-SIZED ZnO PARTICLES PREPARED BY REACTIVE EVAPORATION METHOD

Photocatalytic degradations of p-nitrochlorbenzene (p-NCB) with distilled water wereinvestigated with ZnO crystals (catalyst) of 70nm in diameter under UV irradiation.The suitable experimental conditions are determined as: ZnO 0.25g, pH 7, p-NCBconcentration 30mg/L. These variables in terms of the degradation rate have beendiscussed, which was defined as the rate of the initial degradation to the final degrada-tion of p-NCB. When all of the experimental degradation rate values are plotted as afunction of irradiation time, all of the points appeared on a single line for wide range ofp-NCB degradations. On the basis of these results, it has been concluded that at lowerZnO catalyst amount, much of the light is transmitted through the slurry in the con-tainer beaker, while at higher catalyst amount, all the incident photons are observedby the slurry. Degradation rates of p-NCB were found to decrease with increasingsolution pH. It has been concluded that the maximum degradation rate values of p-NCB under principally the same experimental conditions mentioned above are 97.4%,98.8% and 95.5% at 100min respectively. The results suggest that the photocatalyticdegradation is initiated by an oxidation of the p-NCB through ZnO surface-adsorbedhydroxyl radicals. Absorption spectra are recorded using spectrophotometer before andafter UV-irradiation in the wavelength range 200-400nm at room temperature. Itis found that the variation of irradiation time over the range 20-100min resulted inchange in the form of the spectrum linear absorption and a higher maximum valuewill be obtained at longer irradiation time.

Determination of Essential &Toxic Metal and Its Transversal Pattern from Soil to Tea Brew

The soil pH of tea garden was acidic (4.6 - 5.3) with organic contents ranging between 0.91% - 1.09%. Available po- tassium concentration was predominantly found in the range of 167 - 208 mg/kg followed by the nitrogen (150 - 189 mg/ha) and phosphorus (42 - 169 mg/kg). The Fe content was the one of the predominant heavy metal in soil (5494 - 5627 mg/kg) followed by Mn (245 - 435 mg/kg), Zn (30 - 111 mg/kg) and Cu (22 - 51 mg/kg). The concentration of toxic heavy metals Pb, Ni, and Cd in tea leaves, made tea and its infusions were too low. The level of most abundant essential heavy metals in tea infusion was Zn ranging from 0.09 - 0.52 mg/kg followed by Mn 0.10 - 0.42 mg/kg. The level of Fe and Cu was ranging from 0.068 - 0.073 mg/kg and 0.007 - 0.04 mg/kg in tea infusion respectively. The levels of all es- sential and the toxic metals were thus obtained were compared well with the other parts of the world.

Assessment of Long Term UV Radiation Measured by the Brewer Spectrophotometer in Hong Kong during 1995-2005

Time series of daily UV radiation measured by the ground-based Brewer spectrophotometer #115 in Hong Kong during 1995-2005 were studied through statistics analysis, with focus on the variability and long term changes in relation to total ozone, clouds and AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth). The 11-year mean UV daily dose is 2644±262 J/m2, with maxima(3311 J/m2) in 2000 and minima (2415 J/m2) in 2002. The data were compared with that from TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer) Version 8 and show general agreement between the two. However, the Brewer UV measurement is about 10% lower compared to TOMS data. Apart from the common-known strong seasonal cycle, 26 month periodical was resolved by use of wavelet analysis, which was believed to be associated with quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) of general circulation. In cloudy days, the annual mean UV daily dose decrease 3.5% to 44.5% compared to clear days. It was also found that surface UV irradiance has close relation to air pollution. Under clear sky condition, 1% AOD increase will lead to 0.2% UV decrease. While global UV radiation increase due to the worldwide observed ozone depletion, investigations indicate that this trend is not significant in Hong Kong during the last 11 years. The possible causes can be attributed to the compensative effect from two aspects. One is the increase of UV resulting from the reduction of clouds with rate of 0.56/10 yr. The other is the decrease of UV due to the enhancement of total ozone and AOD with a rate of 4.23 DU/10 yr and 0.33/10 yr, respectively.

Evaluation of Teeth Discoloration Induced by Endomethasone, AH+, Canason and Apexit Paste

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the color changes of the teeth, induced by endodontic sealers. Materials and Methods: Forty-five mature maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, extracted for periodontal reasons, were collected. After the chemo-mechanical instrumentation of the root canal, teeth were filled with four endodontic sealers (Endomethason, AH+, Canason and Apexit). Depending on canal sealers and the CEJ (Cement Enamel Junction), teeth were divided into 8 experimental groups (n = 5) and one control group/CG (n = 5). Teeth color changes (L*a*b*/CIE Commission Internationaled’ Eclaraige) were determinated by a spectrophotometer Vita Easyshade in 4 stages (Baseline, Week 0, 4 and 12). Results: Between the EOCEJ and CG for the parameter L*, there was a statistical significance (p 0.05). The L*a*b* results were: L* (83.6 ± 4.8 → 83.6 ± 4.9);a* (﹣2.68 ± 1.02 → ﹣1.12 ± 0.72) and b* (20.2 ± 4.5 → 24.4 ± 4.2). Conclusions: All endodontic sealers may cause teeth discoloration.

Self-Assembling Peptide as a Candidate Carrier for 5-Fluorouracil

The potential application of a designed self-assembly peptide CH3CO-Pro-Thr-Phe-CysPhe-Lys-Phe-Glu-Pro-NH2（named as P1） as a carrier of 5-Fluorouracil（5-Fu） for controlled release in vitro was studied. 5-Fluorouracil（5-Fu） was selected as a representative anticancer drug due to its extensive use in treating digestive system cancer and breast cancer. The interaction between P1 and 5-Fu was detected by fluorescent quenching experiments and atomic force microscopy（AFM）. The quenching mechanism of 5-Fu and P1 system was dynamic by performing fluorescent quenching experiments at different temperatures. The thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the interaction between 5-Fu and P1 was hydrophobic interaction. The complexes prepared by the interaction between peptide and 5-Fu appeared as large granular particles of about 20 nm in height under AFM（denoted as5-Fu-P1）, 24 times larger than the original 5-Fu particles. According to the results, an interaction model was proposed. Furthermore, 5-Fu-P1 complexes exhibited an efficient controlled release of 5-Fu in vitro. The research suggested that P1 might be a candidate carrier for drug delivery, providing a substitution agent for 5-Fu.

Comparative studies of elemental composition in leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus growing in Bangladesh

Objective:To investigate the elemental composition of the leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus(C.roseus) due to the plant's wide application in the indigenous medicinal system and its chemical constituents' importance.Methods:The atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for quantitative analysis of various elements.Results:Total 13 important elements were analyzed in leaves and flowers of C.roseus.Results indicated the presence of Na,K,Ca,Mg,Cr,Fe,Zn,Al,Cu,Ni,Pb,Cd and Mn in both leaves and flowers.The most important finding of the work was that,leaves of C.roseus showed high concentration of all elements except K and Zn while flowers of C.roseus showed higher concentration of K and Zn.Conclusions:The elemental composition in both leaves and flowers of C.roseus were found to be different.Therefore,different parts of this medicinal plant are enriched in some micro and macro nutrients like Fe,Ca,Na,K,Zn,which are very important for biological metabolic system as well as human health.

Comparative Study of Visual and Instrumental Analyses of Shade Selection

The difference between visual and instrumental analyses of a shade selection on natural teeth was investigated. With visual analysis, five prosthodontist examined the middle third of the unrestored maxillary right central incisor of a patient using VITAPEN classical and Vita Toothguide 3D-MASTER tooth shade guide. In instrumental analysis, one prosthodontist examined the same teeth using a spectrophotometer （ShadepilotTM, Degudent, Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany, software 2.40）. Overall, instrumental analysis is more accurate and reproducible than a visual assessment. However, the difference is clinically acceptable.

Application of Modern Colour Measurement Dervices in Coloration Industries

In colour measurement ralated industry, reflectance spectrophotometer is the one of the popular measuring machine for measutring colour and quality control. Colour communications is frequently confusing. This is because the colour appearance is subject to the influence of at least three different phenomena: the light source, the object and the visual system. The variation in either the radiant quantity or the spectral distribution of the source can alter the observed colour. Because of this reason,the objective quantitative tool, colour measurement equipment and communication method; become more important in evaluating of the colour. In fact, based on the advanced in computer system and electronic device,the colour measurement becomes more and more accuracy, especiany in spectrophotometer measurement.In this paper, we will focus on the review of modern spectrophotometers in coloration industries.

A Novel Chip-based Spectrophotometer for Online Detection

A chip-based spectrophotometer integrated with optical fiber is successfully demonstrated.Grade concentration of lactate solution flowed through the chip to perform an online detection.The response time (100s)and Limit of Detection (LOD, 50mg/L)of the device were measured.This device shows comparable performance with traditional commercial instrument, while greatly decreases the sample requirement per detection and reduces the size of total system,introducing a novel method for real-time detection.