Characterization of melanoidins by IR spectroscopy—I. Galactose-glycine melanoidins

A comparative IR spectral study was conducted with synthetic melanoidins which were prepared from various ratios of sugars and amino acids and a pseudomelanoidin which was prepared from sugar only. A significant resemblance was observed between the pseudomelanoidin and the melanoidin prepared from a high (9:1) sugar ratio (type 1). Another series of melanoidins (type 2) consists of those prepared from an “excess” of amino acid (9:1 and 1:1).Type 1 showed the presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups as well as aromatic vibrations. The same groups were detected in the spectrum of the pseudomelanoidin. These features were observed in a very low concentration in the type 2 melanoidins.Carboxylic groups are present in pseudomelanoidin and in both types of the melanoidins. However, the acid strength of this group is high in melanoidin of type 2, but low in type 1 and in the pseudomelanoidin.The nitrogen atom which is involved in the melanoidin structure is present as a tertiary amine.Heat treatment of KBr discs containing glycine, galactose and a mixture thereof revealed that galactose was converted into pseudomelanoidin; a mixture of galactose-glycine yielded the corresponding melanoidin of type 2; no reaction was observed with glycine.     

<Emphasis Type="Bold">Paleoproterozoic Boninite-Like Rocks in an Intracratonic Setting from Northern Bastar Craton,Central India</Emphasis> by D.V. Subba Rao,V. Balaram,K. Naga Raju and D.N. Sridhar. Jour. Geol. Soc. India,v.72, 2008, pp.373–380

Discussion

Paleoproterozoic Boninite-Like Rocks in an Intracratonic Setting from Northern Bastar Craton, Central India by D.V. Subba Rao, V. Balaram, K. Naga Raju and D.N. Sridhar. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.72, 2008, pp.373–380     

Geochemistry of natural waters – The legacy of V.I. Vernadsky and his students

The geochemist, Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky has only recently become recognised internationally, despite being regarded as one of the greatest names in science of the 20th century in his homeland Russia. There are several reasons for his lack of renown in the west, but mainly because his most important work “The Biosphere” was only fully translated into English in 1997. This book and the ideas it contains are now becoming regarded as one of the pioneering works of the last century. It defines the biosphere as a unifying, holistic concept for the earth system at a time when reductionism was the driving motivation in scientific research. Above all, for earth scientists, Vernadsky regarded life as the driving geological force. However another, as yet unpublished work (in three volumes) entitled “The History of Natural Waters” also deserves similar attention. This book explores many concepts in hydrogeology, geochemistry, geofluid circulation and especially biology in which water is described as an integral part of the biosphere.     

Discussion on “A rapid loess flowslide triggered by irrigation in China” by D. Zhang,G. Wang,C. Luo,J. Chen,and Y. Zhou

Catastrophic debris flows hit many areas in the world. Surprisingly, the features of the materials which are involved are often very similar as well as the causes of rupture and the mechanics of resulting movement. A continuous exchange of ideas among people involved in studies and investigations could be highly beneficial in the setting up of reliable criteria for risk mitigation.     

Replies to Comment by K. Bratvedt,E. Bølviken,T. Gimse,H. Holden,L. Holden,and R. Knarud

Mathematical Geosciences -     

<Emphasis Type="Bold">Synplutonic Mafic Dykes from Late Archaean Granitoids in the Eastern Dharwar Craton,Southern India</Emphasis> by M. Jayananda,T. Miyazaki,R.V. Gireesh,N. Mahesha and T. Kano. Jour. Geol. Soc. India,v.73, 2009, pp.117–130

Discussion

Synplutonic Mafic Dykes from Late Archaean Granitoids in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, Southern India by M. Jayananda, T. Miyazaki, R.V. Gireesh, N. Mahesha and T. Kano. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.73, 2009, pp.117–130