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Photon-photon coincidence counting is a primary standardization technique used for the absolute activity measurement of short half-life radionuclides. In this study, a coincidence spectrometer based on digital signal processing was developed for the absolute standardization of 125I seed Brachytherapy. The spectrometer includes a waveform digitizer that samples at the preamplifier signals directly from two similar 2ʺ × 2ʺ NaI (Tl) detectors. The sampled signals were shaped into trapezoidal signals for pulse height analysis. These detected signals were then recorded in a list file and the software was used to recognize coincidence events. Detailed discussions were included on the formulas for determining absolute activity measurement. The activity of a 125I seed was measured and showed good agreement with the reference values. This presented technique is a quick method for measuring the activity of 125I at nuclear hospitals. The standardized source can also serve as a tracer for measuring the activity of the 109Cd source

Microbial release of CO2 from soils to the atmosphere reflects how environmental conditions affect the stability of soil organic matter (SOM), especially in massive organic-rich ecosystems like the peatlands and grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Radiocarbon (14C) is an important tracer of the global carbon cycle and can be used to understand SOM dynamics through the estimation of time lags between carbon fixation and respiration, often assessed with metrics such as age and transit time. In this study, we incubated peatland and grassland soils at four temperature (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C) and two water-filled pore space (WFPS) levels (60 % and 95 %) and measured the 14C signature of bulk soil and heterotrophic respired CO2. We compared the relation between the Δ14C of the bulk soil and the Δ14CO2 of respired carbon as a function of temperature and WFPS for the two soils. To better interpret our results, we used a mathematical model to analyse how the calculated number of pools, decomposition rates of carbon (k), transfer (α) and partitioning (γ) coefficients affect the Δ14C bulk and Δ14CO2 relation, with their respective mean age and mean transit time. From our incubations, we found that 14C values in bulk and CO2 from peatland were significantly more depleted (old) than from grassland soil. Our results showed that changes in temperature did not affect the Δ14C values of heterotrophic respired CO2 in either soil. However, changes in WFPS had a small effect on the 14CO2 in grassland soils and a significant influence in peatland soils, where higher WFPS levels led to more depleted Δ14CO2. In our models, the correspondence between Δ14C, age and transit time highly depended on the internal dynamics of the soil (k, α, γ and number of pools) as well as on model structure. We observed large differences between slow and fast cycling systems, where low values of decomposition rates modified the Δ14C values in a non-linear pattern due to the incorporation of modern carbon (14C bomb) in the soil. We concluded that the stability of carbon in the peatland and grassland soils of the QTP depends strongly on the direction of change in moisture and how it affects the rates of SOM decomposition, while temperature regulates the number of fluxes. Current land cover modification (desiccation) in Zoigê peatlands and climate change occurring on the QTP might largely increase CO2 fluxes along with the release of old carbon to the atmosphere potentially shifting carbon sinks into sources.

Abstract The merging of quantum information science with the relativity theory presents novel opportunities for understanding the enigmas surrounding the transmission of information in relation to black holes. For this purpose, we study the quantumness near a Schwarzschild black hole in a practical model under decoherence. The scenario we consider in this paper is that a stationary particle in the flat region interacts with its surroundings while another particle experiences free fall in the vicinity of a Schwarzschild black hole’s event horizon. We explore the impacts of Hawking radiation and decoherence on the system under investigation and find that these effects can limit the survival of quantum characteristics, but cannot destroy them completely. Hence, the results of this study possess the potential to yield valuable insights into the comprehension of the quantum properties of a real system operating within a curved space-time framework.

Introduction Barberries are small fruits with appealing colors and tastes, and have a great diversity in Iran. There are numerous indigenous barberry genotypes in Iran, which have remarkable therapeutical and nutritional attributes. Seedless barberry is the most famous genotype which fruits are rich in phytochemicals. Although Iran is one of the main habitats of the barberry species and hybrids and the seedless cultivar is considered as an exclusive crop for our country, a few products are being produced from such valuable crop in food industries. Materials and Methods In present study, fruit biochemical properties of the twelve barberry genotypes (including one seedless genotype and eleven seedy genotypes: 2-2, 4-1, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 8-3, 10-1, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1 and 14-2) of the barberry collection located in Research Institute of Food Science and Technology of Mashhad, were evaluated based on the fruit appearance. For this purpose, fruits were harvested in 2015 harvest time and divided into two parts. One part was dried in room temperature. Then dried fruits were kept in cool and dark place until analyses. The other part was kept fresh for some measurements including TSS, TA, TSS/TA and pH. Before all tests, fruits were deseeded and the properties of the pulp were determined. Biochemical properties included total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, fruit juice pH, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content, protein content, crude fiber, total sugar and minerals including Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu). Data analysis was performed based on completely randomized design by Minitab software version 16 using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences among means were determined for significance at p≤0.05 using Tukey’s range test. Results and Discussion Results showed significant variation in biochemical properties of genotypes. Based on the results, genotype code #13-1 had the highest content of titratable acidity (5.61 g malic acid per 100 g fresh fruit weight) and the highest soluble solids content (5.5 °Brix). The highest amount of crude fiber (54.96%), Fe (138.49 ppm), Mg (1426.39 ppm) was related to genotype code #10-1 and the highest amount of anthocyanin (452.60 mg/100g), protein (4.26%) and Cu (6.80 ppm) belonged to genotype code #14-2. Two genotypes “Bidaneh” and code #5-3 displayed a distinctive content of total carbohydrates with respectively 59.61% and 25.67%. Furthermore, genotype code #11-1 showed the highest amount of Zn (18.85 ppm) among all. Conclusion Up to now, barberry mostly has been consumed as a food seasoning and garnish. All data of this study suggest that barberry, as a functional food, can partially cover the body's daily requirements. Therefore, a comprehensive study should be performed to determine all the capacities and uses associated with each genotype. Overall, genotype code #14-2 can be introduced as the best genotype in terms of flavonoid, anthocyanin, protein and copper content of all the evaluated genotypes. Considering its high content of anthocyanin, producing an edible colorant powder is possible. In conclusion, considering the great diversity, fruits of indigenous barberry genotypes can provide a rich source of minerals and phytochemicals for food purposes. Furthermore, achieving applied science in making products from such indigenous crop could lead into investments and economic development in regions in which barberry is cultivated.

Introduction Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important fruits cultivated in many areas with different climates all over the world. Grape, which is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids, is highly regarded in terms of economic value. Salicylic acid is one of the compounds which have been used in recent years for improving the physicochemical properties of many fruits. The application of salicylic acid increases the shelf life of crops by inhibiting ethylene production and respiration, as well as by reducing the activity of some enzymes which are responsible for softening the cell wall. Furthermore, salicylic acid results in the enhancement of phenolic compound production by increasing the activity of some enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.Materials and Methods The present study was conducted in 2014 on 13-year-old Shahroodi grapes that were grown using a head-training system with a spacing of 2m × 2m in "Shahrood" County, Semnan Province. A total of 60 grapevines with uniform age and growth characteristics were selected for the experiment. Salicylic acid was obtained from Merck and solutions were prepared using a small amount of organic solvent and surfactant to reduce the surface tension of the solutions. For the purpose, the Salicylic acid powder was dissolved in a few drops of ethanol and a few drops of Tween 20 for improving solution penetration to the plants, The solution was prepared at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 2, 3 mM. Then the plants were sprayed two weeks after the fruit set stage (when berries were at the pea-sized stage with a diameter of 4 to 5 mm). The experimental design used in this experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. After harvesting and transporting of fruits to the laboratory, different characteristics were measured:Chlorophyll and carotenoid ContentChlorophyll a, b, and total Chlorophyll and carotenoid content measured according to Arnon (1967) method in grape leaves. The extraction steps were carried out with full precision to minimize contact with heat and light. In order to stabilize the pigments, the samples taken from the central part of the mature leaves were immediately ground in liquid nitrogen. The samples were vortexed two times with an interval of one minute and stored for 1.5 hours at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius in order to dissolve the pigments in cold acetone solvent. After that, they were centrifuged for 15 minutes at a speed of 6000 rpm. The supernatant after centrifugation of the samples was used to measure chlorophyll and total carotenoids. The absorbance of the samples was read at three wavelengths of 470, 645, and 663 nm using a Shimadzu UV (160) spectrophotometer. Using the absorbance of the samples in these three wavelengths and the equations below, the amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids were calculated in terms of milligrams per gram of tissue sample weight.Fruit characteristics Fruit characteristics such as fruit yield, fruit firmness (with magnets-Taylor device), sugar and acid content, and content of phenolic compounds were also measured. The fruit tissue firmness was measured using a firmness tester (model FDKA 32, Wagner) and expressed in Newtons per square centimeter. The characteristics of soluble solids (TSS) were expressed using a handheld refractometer (Ataga, Japan) and expressed in terms of Brix, the pH of the extract was measured using a digital pH meter (Sartorius PP-20, Germany). Titratable acidity or TA was done through the titration of the extract using 0.1 normal sodium until pH 1.8-2.8 and its results were reported using the following formula and under the title of tartaric acid percentage.Total phenol content The amount of total phenol was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method and spectrophotometry. The absorbance of the reaction mixture was measured after 120 minutes of storage in the absence of light at a wavelength of 765 nm using a Shimadzu UV spectrophotometer (160). The amount of total phenol was expressed from the standard curve in terms of mg of gallic acid per 100 grams of extract in three replicates for each sample and standard.Total flavonoid The amount of total flavonoid was measured by aluminum chloride calorimetric method. In this experiment, 50 microliters of methanolic extract from the flesh and fruit skin were combined with 10 microliters of 10% aluminum chloride and 10 microliters of 1 M potassium acetate. Then, 280 microliters of double distilled water were added to the mixture. After the samples were mixed, they were left at room temperature for 40 minutes. The absorbance of the reaction mixture was measured at a wavelength of 415 nm using a Shimadzu UV spectrophotometer (160) in three replicates. A blank containing double distilled water was used for comparison. The amount of total flavonoids was determined based on the standard curve of quercetin and the results were expressed in micrograms of quercetin per gram of fruit skin and flesh weight.Total anthocyanin The amount of total anthocyanin was measured using the difference in pH method. In this method, the absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer at wavelengths of 520 and 700 nm along with potassium chloride and sodium acetate buffers with different pH values of 1 and 4.5.Results The results of the data analysis of variance showed that the application of salicylic acid resulted in significant differences in the measured characteristics. Therefore, the use of this compound improved the physical and biochemical quality of the treated grape clusters.Comparison of treatments means showed that using 2 mM salicylic acid brought about a significant effect on the amount of chlorophyll (a, b and total) and carotenoids compared to other treatments, especially control. Salicylic acid application caused a reduction in pH and soluble solids, and an increase in firmness, 100-berry weight and yield. The results of the study indicated a significant increase in organic acids and a decrease in reducing sugars in the grape clusters treated with salicylic acid. The highest amount of tartaric acid was found in the treatment with 2 mM salicylic acid, with an average of 0.66, while the control treatment had the lowest amount of tartaric acid, with an average of 0.52. This suggests that the use of salicylic acid led to a reduction in transpiration and consumption of organic acids. In terms of reducing sugars, the highest and lowest amounts were observed in the control treatment (14%/74) and the treatment with 2 mM salicylic acid (13%/60), respectively. Increasing the concentration of salicylic acid up to 2 mM resulted in the enhancement of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds contents, but higher concentrations (more than 2 mM) reduced the amounts of these compounds in treated fruits.Conclusion Pre-harvest use of salicylic acid could have a positive effect on the improvement of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of grape cv. Shahroodi. However, further comprehensive studies are needed to be conducted to recommend this compound to the growers of fruit trees.

Background: The antioxidant activity of Bane (Pistacia atlantica) has been proved in different researches. This study evaluated the potential of Bane (Pistacia atlantica) essential oil (as a natural antioxidant) on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil. Methods: The essence of Bane was added to sunflower oil at concentrations of 200, 400,600,800, and 1,000 ppm. Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ) was applied as synthetic antioxidant. All samples with the control were stored at 65 ̊C for 20 days. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used for the essence analysis. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, rancimat, p-anisidine value (P-AnVs), and peroxide value (PV) were determined to assess the efficacy of differecnt concentration of essence (200, 400,600,800, and 1,000 ppm). Data were analyzed by Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9 Software. Results: The essential oil yield was 0.1% v/w. The basic components of essence were monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Synthetic antioxidant had the highest scavenging activity, followed by the mixture sample. PVs were in the range of 19.56-20.73 milliequivalents (meq)/kg for the treated samples after 20 days, while it was 38.74 on the 20th day for the control. For all treatments, PV was increased with increasing storage time. P-AnVs were 8.58-17.14 for stabilized samples and 18.02 for control sample on the 20th day of storage. In all stages, control sample had the highest P-AnV. For all samples, P-AnV increased as a subject of storage time. Conclusion: P. atlantica (Bane) essential oil had a stabilizing effect on sunflower oil and can be used as a natural antioxidant to stabilize edible oil during storage. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.10.1.11985

Introduction Barberries are a broad class of spiny evergreen or deciduous shrubs belonging to the Berberidaceae family. They are of great importance due to their different parts' nutritional and medicinal properties and their ornamental applications. Genus Berberis, the biggest genus in Berberidaceae, includes more than 660 species. Barberry grows in Asia and Europe and has been used extensively as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine. In Iranian traditional medicine, several properties, such as antibacterial, antipyretic, antipruritic and antiarrhythmic, have been reported with unknown mechanisms of action. Incredible structural diversity among barberries' active components makes them a valuable source of novel therapeutic compounds. Seedless barberry (Berberis integerrima 'Asperma') is one of Iran's valuable indigenous medicinal plants. Common asexual propagation of this plant over the years and consequently low genetic diversity in populations of the seedless barberry restricts selection outcomes in breeding programs. Utilizing the indigenous wild genotypes of the barberry genus, which are easily able to cross-pollinate, is one of the best methods to increase genetic diversity. Accordingly, several wild seedy barberry genotypes were identified from all over Iran, collected and established in a collection in Mashhad; then, 16 genotypes were selected and their physical properties were studied. Materials and Methods In this study, ripe fruits of sixteen unique genotypes (i.e., Iranian seedless barberry and fifteen seedy genotypes) were harvested in October- November 2015 and kept in a refrigerator in order to measure some of their physical properties in fresh fruits (berry dimension, 100-berry weight, juice content and color indices). For other properties, fruits were dried at room temperature. Fruit cluster length was measured by means of a ruler, the number of berries/cluster and the number of set/aborted seeds in berry by counting, berry dimensions by a digital caliper, weight of fresh and dried 100-berry, percentage of pulp and seed as well as fruit juice content by a scale with 0.001 accuracy. Moisture content was determined using an oven with 75 ºC temperature for 48 hours. Color indices, including L*, a* and b*, were measured using a portable colorimeter (Konica Minolta Chroma Meters CR-410). This study was performed using a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were analyzed by Minitab software version 16 using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences among means were determined for significance at p

It appears that Building Information Modeling with its reported benefits can help solve the inefficiency of Iran's construction industry. However, a review of some previous literature shows that the adoption status is unfavorable. There are various obstacles including legal, financial, technical, and behavioral ones to adopting BIM. One of the behavioral barriers to BIM adoption is cultural factors. Factors that make users resist change and fear new technology include the fear that they will not be able to work with new technology or that their organizational position will be endangered. The dimensions of national culture in each country or organization vary and as a result, the adoption of new technologies that are affected by these dimensions can be different. As a result, the conceptual model of the present study was developed with the aim of explaining the effect of national culture dimensions on BIM adoption in the first-ranked construction companies in Tehran province. In this conceptual model, the effect of five dimensions of national culture on the three variables of BIM adoption (TAM model) was evaluated. In this way, a researcher-made questionnaire was prepared and taken from the variables of the conceptual model and was distributed in four categories: employer, consulting, Design and Build, and contracting company. Analysis of 95 valid samples was performed using SPSS22 and SmartPLS3 software and it was shown that the adoption rate of BIM in construction companies ranked one in Tehran province, being lower than average. Also, the lower the power difference and uncertainty avoidance, individualism, and masculinity, the more members of companies find BIM implementation beneficial. Also, as risk-taking increases, company members find it easier to use BIM and are more eager for its adoption. The findings of the present study help construction companies that intend to adopt BIM technology for the first time to move towards adoption and implementation of BIM with stronger encouragement and support.

Introduction Storage potential is an important characteristic for onion. Annually, a large quantity of worldwide onion production deteriorated during storage. The storage ability of onion is influenced by various endo- and exogenous factors including cultivar and storage conditions specially, temperature. Based on literature, there is considerable genetic variation for onion storability in onion germplasms from different origins. Rivera Martínez et al. (2005) evaluated the storability of 18 local and 4 commercial onion cultivars in Spain. Their results showed that there was significant variation for storability among different onion cultivars, and interstingly the local cultivars had more storability than commercial ones. Onion storage could also affected by environmental conditions such as temperature. Benkeblia et al. (2000) studied the effects of various temperatures on respiratory parameters of onion. Their finding showed onion respiration were raised by increasing temperature. Likewise, the positive effect of higher temperature on enhancing the growth of sprouts and elevating transpiration has been reported (Miedema, 1998; Yoo et al., 1997). Although, Afghanistan is considered to be one of the origins of onion (Brewster, 1994) there are no reports on estimating the storability of Afghan local cultivars under different temperature conditions. So this research has been conducted to study the effects of various temperatures on storability of native onion cultivars of Afghanistan.Materials and Methods In this research, the plant materials consisted of 10 onion cultivars consisting eight local varieties “Hanaaie Harat”, “Zard-e-Harat”, “Ghermrz-e-Harat”, “Mazar-e-Sharif”, “Kabul”, “Sar-e-Pul”, “Ghonduz” and “Balkhaab” originated from Afghanistan, an Iranian cultivar (“Ghermez-e-Azarshahr”), and a commercial cultivar “Sweet Grano”. The cultivars were stored at two different temperature regimes (5 ºC and ambient temperature), during six-time intervals of 20 days. The average temperature of ambient storage was 13 °C ranging from 8-18 °C. The experiment lasted from November 6th, 2011 to March 5th, 2012. This research was performed in a completely randomized design based on split factorial design, with three replications. For each replication, 50 healthy non-sprouted bulbs were packaged in plastic nets. Storage potential related characteristics such as sprouting percentage, weight loss percentage, sprout length, and sprout weight/bulb weight ratio in 20 days intervals were measured. All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS statistical software. Mean comparisons were calculated at 5% probability level using LSD when the F-value was significant (Fisher’s protected LSD).Results and Discussion The results showed that there were significant differences among cultivars for storage characteristics (weight loss percentage, sprouting percentage, length of sprouts and sprout weight/bulb weight ratio). “Ghonduz” and “Ghermrz-e-Harat” local cultivars had the most and least storage ability, 50% of bulb sprouting after 105 and 35 days, respectively. Rivera Martínez et al. (2005) and Ramin (1999) also reported Spanish and Iranian local cultivars had more storability compared to commercial cultivars. In 5 °C, weight loss of onion bulbs followed a linear model during storage period. But, in ambient storage, it was higher at the beginning and the end of storage period, showing the adverse effects of high temperatures on bulbs weight loss during storage. The interaction between cultivar and time was also significant. It showed onion weight loss differs in various intervals. It could be attributed to the genetic variation and morphological difference such as number and thickness of dry scales of onion bulbs. In ambient storage condition, onion sprouting percentage showed a sharp increase in early storage intervals and became stable in the late intervals. Under 5 °C treatment, it raised as a linear model with very slow slope. It seems that weight loss and sprouting of onion bulbs in ambient storage is dependent on temperature and relative humidity of environment. This finding is in agreement with previous reports (Baninasab and Rahemi, 2006; Forudi, 2005). The sprout length and the ratio of sprout weight to bulb weight was lower in 5 ºC than ambient temperature. Abdalla and Mann (1963) and Yoo et al. (1997) also reported that smaller sprouts were observed in lower temperatures. Conclusion In this experiment, the effects of temperature on storability of some local cultivars of onion originated from Afghanistan were studied in different intervals. It was found that the storage potential of onion bulbs could be influenced by genetic factors and environment conditions such as temperature. Findings of this research showed that sprouting percentage, weight loss percentage and onion sprout growth were less under 5 °C treatment than ambient temperature. Therefore, it was concluded that storing onion bulbs in low temperature conditions can reduce the onion spoilage and improve their storage life. Additionally, cultivars showed highly significant variations for all characteristics related to storage ability. Our findings showed that some local cultivars are more storable than commercial cultivars. Among the cultivars, “Ghonduz” cultivar has more storage potent as compared to all studied cultivars. Our results confirmed that local cultivars can be a good source of desirable genes related to storability. Subsequently, they can exploited to broaden the genetic base of breeding matreials.

Abstract Objective Breast cancer is a critical public health issue and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Its early diagnosis and detection can effectively help in increasing the chances of survival rate. For this reason, the diagnosis and classification of breast cancer using Deep learning algorithms have attracted a lot of attention. Therefore, our study aimed to design a computational approach based on deep convolutional neural networks for an efficient classification of breast cancer histopathological images by using our own created dataset. We collected overall 328 digital slides, from 116 of surgical breast specimens diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma of non-specific type, and referred to the histopathology department of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, Morocco. We used two models of deep neural network architectures in order to accurately classify the images into one of three categories: normal tissue-benign lesions, in situ carcinoma or invasive carcinoma. Results Both Resnet50 and Xception models achieved comparable results, with a small advantage to Xception extracted features. We reported high degrees of overall correct classification accuracy (88%), and sensitivity (95%) for detection of carcinoma cases, which is important for diagnostic pathology workflow in order to assist pathologists for diagnosing breast cancer with precision. The results of the present study showed that the designed classification model has a good generalization performance in predicting diagnosis of breast cancer, in spite of the limited size of the data. To our knowledge, this approach can be highly compared with other common methods in the automated analysis of breast cancer images reported in literature.

Online scientific communities are bases that publish books, journals, and scientific papers, and help promote knowledge. The researchers use search engines to find the given information including scientific papers, an expert to collaborate with, and the publication venue, but in many cases due to search by keywords and lack of attention to the content, they do not achieve the desired results at the early stages. Online scientific communities can increase the system efficiency to respond to their users utilizing a customized search. In this paper, using a dataset including bibliographic information of user’s publication, the publication venues, and other published papers provided as a way to find an expert in a particular context where experts are recommended to a user according to his records and preferences. In this way, a user request to find an expert is presented with keywords that represent a certain expertise and the system output will be a certain number of ranked suggestions for a specific user. Each suggestion is the name of an expert who has been identified appropriate to collaborate with the user. In evaluation using IEEE database, the proposed method reached an accuracy of 71.50 percent that seems to be an acceptable result.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is the largest alpine plateau on Earth and plays an important role in global climate dynamics. On the TP, climate change is happening particularly fast, with an increase in air temperature twice the global average. The particular sensitivity of this high mountain environment allows observation and tracking of abiotic and biotic feedback mechanisms. Closed lake systems, such as Nam Co on the central TP, represent important natural laboratories for tracking past and recent climatic changes, as well as geobiological processes and interactions within their respective catchments. This review gives an interdisciplinary overview of past and modern environmental changes using Nam Co as a case study. In the catchment area, ongoing rise in air temperature forces glaciers to melt, contributing to a rise in lake level and changes in water chemistry. Some studies base their conclusions on inconsistent glacier inventories, but an ever-increasing deglaciation and thus higher water availability have persisted over the last few decades. Increasing water availability causes translocation of sediments, nutrients and dissolved organic matter to the lake, as well as higher carbon emissions to the atmosphere. The intensity of grazing has an additional and significant effect on CO2 fluxes, with moderate grazing enhancing belowground allocation of carbon while adversely affecting the C sink potential through reduction of above-surface and subsurface biomass at higher grazing intensities. Furthermore, increasing pressure from human activities and livestock grazing are enhancing grassland degradation processes, thus shaping biodiversity patterns in the lake and catchment. The environmental signal provided by taxon-specific analysis (e.g., diatoms and ostracods) in Nam Co revealed profound climatic fluctuations between warmer–cooler and wetter–drier periods since the late Pleistocene and an increasing input of freshwater and nutrients from the catchment in recent years. Based on the reviewed literature, we outline perspectives to further understand the effects of global warming on geodiversity and biodiversity and their interplay at Nam Co, which acts as a case study for potentially TP-level or even worldwide processes that are currently shaping high mountain areas.

M‌a‌n‌y a‌r‌r‌a‌n‌g‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t‌s o‌f b‌e‌a‌m-c‌o‌l‌u‌m‌n c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n c‌o‌n‌s‌i‌d‌e‌r‌e‌d s‌i‌n‌c‌e t‌h‌e s‌t‌a‌r‌t o‌f s‌t‌e‌e‌l c‌o‌n‌s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n. I‌n t‌h‌e e‌a‌r‌l‌y t‌i‌m‌e‌s o‌f s‌t‌e‌e‌l c‌o‌n‌s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n, e‌n‌g‌i‌n‌e‌e‌r‌s p‌r‌o‌v‌i‌d‌e‌d b‌o‌l‌t‌e‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s w‌i‌t‌h d‌i‌f‌f‌e‌r‌e‌n‌t d‌e‌t‌a‌i‌l‌i‌n‌g o‌f p‌i‌n‌n‌e‌d a‌n‌d f‌i‌x‌e‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s. I‌n t‌h‌e l‌a‌t‌e 1950s w‌e‌l‌d‌e‌d-f‌l‌a‌n‌g‌e-b‌o‌l‌t‌e‌d-w‌e‌b c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s r‌e‌p‌l‌a‌c‌e‌d e‌a‌r‌l‌i‌e‌r c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s. S‌p‌e‌e‌d o‌f e‌r‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n a‌n‌d c‌o‌s‌t-e‌f‌f‌i‌c‌i‌e‌n‌c‌y w‌e‌r‌e a‌m‌o‌n‌g t‌h‌e r‌e‌a‌s‌o‌n‌s t‌h‌a‌t l‌e‌d t‌o w‌i‌d‌e u‌s‌e o‌f t‌h‌i‌s c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n d‌e‌t‌a‌i‌l. P‌r‌i‌o‌r t‌o t‌h‌e m‌a‌j‌o‌r e‌a‌r‌t‌h‌q‌u‌a‌k‌e o‌f N‌o‌r‌t‌h‌r‌i‌d‌g‌e, w‌e‌l‌d‌e‌d-f‌l‌a‌n‌g‌e-b‌o‌l‌t‌e‌d-w‌e‌b c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s w‌e‌r‌e c‌o‌n‌s‌i‌d‌e‌r‌e‌d t‌h‌e m‌o‌s‌t s‌e‌i‌s‌m‌i‌c r‌e‌s‌i‌s‌t‌a‌n‌t d‌e‌t‌a‌i‌l o‌f a‌n‌y b‌e‌a‌m-c‌o‌l‌u‌m‌n c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n b‌a‌s‌e‌d o‌n e‌x‌p‌e‌r‌i‌m‌e‌n‌t‌a‌l w‌o‌r‌k c‌o‌n‌d‌u‌c‌t‌e‌d a‌t L‌e‌h‌i‌g‌h U‌n‌i‌v‌e‌r‌s‌i‌t‌y a‌n‌d U‌n‌i‌v‌e‌r‌s‌i‌t‌y o‌f C‌a‌l‌i‌f‌o‌r‌n‌i‌a a‌t B‌e‌r‌k‌e‌l‌e‌y w‌h‌i‌c‌h p‌r‌o‌v‌e‌d t‌h‌e‌i‌r g‌o‌o‌d c‌y‌c‌l‌i‌c b‌e‌h‌a‌v‌i‌o‌u‌r. T‌h‌e e‌x‌p‌e‌r‌i‌m‌e‌n‌t‌a‌l w‌o‌r‌k s‌h‌o‌w‌e‌d t‌h‌a‌t t‌h‌i‌s c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n c‌a‌n w‌i‌t‌h‌s‌t‌a‌n‌d h‌i‌g‌h p‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c r‌o‌t‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s, e‌s‌p‌e‌c‌i‌a‌l‌l‌y f‌o‌r w‌e‌l‌d‌e‌d-f‌l‌a‌n‌g‌e-w‌e‌l‌d‌e‌d-w‌e‌b c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n. T‌h‌e‌s‌e r‌e‌s‌u‌l‌t‌s l‌e‌d t‌o w‌i‌d‌e‌s‌p‌r‌e‌a‌d u‌s‌e o‌f w‌e‌l‌d‌e‌d-f‌l‌a‌n‌g‌e-b‌o‌l‌t‌e‌d-w‌e‌b c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s i‌n t‌h‌e 1980s. T‌h‌e N‌o‌r‌t‌h‌r‌i‌d‌g‌e e‌a‌r‌t‌h‌q‌u‌a‌k‌e c‌a‌u‌s‌e‌d e‌x‌t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌v‌e d‌a‌m‌a‌g‌e t‌o m‌a‌n‌y s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e‌s a‌n‌d c‌h‌a‌n‌g‌e‌d t‌h‌e g‌e‌n‌e‌r‌a‌l i‌d‌e‌a a‌b‌o‌u‌t s‌t‌e‌e‌l s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e‌s.T‌h‌e o‌b‌s‌e‌r‌v‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n o‌f t‌h‌e d‌a‌m‌a‌g‌e t‌o t‌h‌e c‌o‌n‌s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌n 1994, w‌i‌t‌h t‌h‌e N‌o‌r‌t‌h‌r‌i‌d‌g‌e e‌a‌r‌t‌h‌q‌u‌a‌k‌e, r‌e‌v‌e‌a‌l‌e‌d t‌h‌a‌t, u‌n‌l‌i‌k‌e t‌h‌e e‌x‌p‌e‌c‌t‌e‌d b‌e‌h‌a‌v‌i‌o‌r, i‌n m‌a‌n‌y c‌a‌s‌e‌s, t‌h‌e b‌r‌i‌t‌t‌l‌e f‌a‌i‌l‌u‌r‌e i‌n t‌h‌e c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s I‌t h‌a‌p‌p‌e‌n‌e‌d a‌t t‌h‌e o‌f t‌h‌e P‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c r‌o‌t‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s w‌a‌s m‌u‌c‌h l‌o‌w‌e‌r t‌h‌a‌n t‌h‌e r‌e‌q‌u‌i‌r‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t, a‌n‌d i‌n s‌o‌m‌e c‌a‌s‌e‌s, e‌v‌e‌n w‌h‌e‌n t‌h‌e e‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e‌s H‌a‌v‌e r‌e‌m‌a‌i‌n‌e‌d. A‌c‌c‌o‌r‌d‌i‌n‌g t‌o t‌h‌e d‌a‌m‌a‌g‌e‌s, t‌h‌e r‌e‌s‌e‌a‌r‌c‌h‌e‌r‌s p‌r‌o‌p‌o‌s‌e‌d n‌e‌w c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s, o‌n‌e o‌f c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s i‌s t‌h‌e p‌o‌s‌t-t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌e‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n. P‌o‌s‌t-t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌e‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n‌s i‌n‌c‌l‌u‌d‌e h‌i‌g‌h-s‌t‌r‌e‌n‌g‌t‌h s‌t‌e‌e‌l s‌t‌r‌a‌n‌d‌s f‌o‌r s‌e‌l‌f-c‌e‌n‌t‌e‌r‌i‌n‌g a‌n‌d e‌n‌e‌r‌g‌y d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n t‌o c‌o‌n‌t‌r‌o‌l p‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c d‌e‌f‌o‌r‌m‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n.I‌n t‌h‌i‌s s‌t‌u‌d‌y, t‌h‌e n‌u‌m‌e‌r‌i‌c‌a‌l m‌o‌d‌e‌l‌i‌n‌g o‌f t‌h‌e p‌o‌s‌t-t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌e‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n w‌a‌s p‌e‌r‌f‌o‌r‌m‌e‌d u‌s‌i‌n‌g A‌b‌a‌q‌u‌s f‌i‌n‌i‌t‌e e‌l‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t s‌o‌f‌t‌w‌a‌r‌e. I‌n a‌d‌d‌i‌t‌i‌o‌n t‌o v‌e‌r‌i‌f‌y‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e a‌c‌c‌u‌r‌a‌c‌y o‌f t‌h‌e m‌o‌d‌e‌l‌i‌n‌g w‌i‌t‌h t‌h‌e e‌x‌p‌e‌r‌i‌m‌e‌n‌t‌a‌l r‌e‌s‌u‌l‌t‌s, 3 s‌a‌m‌p‌l‌e‌s o‌f t‌h‌e c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n w‌e‌r‌e m‌o‌d‌e‌l‌e‌d a‌n‌d W‌a‌s i‌n‌v‌e‌s‌t‌i‌g‌a‌t‌e‌d t‌h‌e e‌f‌f‌e‌c‌t o‌f s‌o‌m‌e p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r‌s o‌n t‌h‌e c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n b‌e‌h‌a‌v‌i‌o‌r u‌n‌d‌e‌r c‌y‌c‌l‌i‌c l‌o‌a‌d‌i‌n‌g, t‌h‌i‌s p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r‌s i‌n‌c‌l‌u‌d‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e u‌s‌e A‌n‌g‌l‌e a‌n‌d r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌e‌d p‌l‌a‌t‌e w‌i‌t‌h g‌r‌e‌a‌t‌e‌r l‌e‌n‌g‌t‌h a‌n‌d w‌i‌d‌t‌h, t‌h‌e l‌a‌r‌g‌e‌r p‌o‌s‌t-t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌i‌n‌g f‌o‌r‌c‌e, u‌s‌e t‌h‌e w‌e‌b a‌n‌g‌l‌e. I‌n t‌h‌e r‌a‌n‌g‌e o‌f m‌o‌d‌e‌l‌s o‌f t‌h‌i‌s p‌a‌p‌e‌r, t‌h‌e r‌e‌s‌u‌l‌t‌s s‌h‌o‌w t‌h‌a‌t i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e a‌n‌g‌l‌e l‌e‌n‌g‌t‌h a‌n‌d t‌h‌e w‌i‌d‌t‌h o‌f t‌h‌e r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌i‌n‌g p‌l‌a‌t‌e i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e‌s t‌h‌e f‌l‌e‌x‌u‌r‌a‌l s‌t‌r‌e‌n‌g‌t‌h, e‌n‌e‌r‌g‌y d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n, a‌n‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n s‌t‌i‌f‌f‌n‌e‌s‌s. I‌n a‌d‌d‌i‌t‌i‌o‌n, a‌n i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e o‌f 20 k‌n o‌f p‌o‌s‌t-t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌i‌n‌g f‌o‌r‌c‌e l‌e‌a‌d‌s t‌o a‌n I‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n p‌o‌w‌e‌r i‌n t‌h‌e l‌a‌t‌e‌r‌a‌l f‌o‌r‌c‌e b‌e‌a‌r‌i‌n‌g t‌o 6\%. U‌s‌e w‌e‌b a‌n‌g‌l‌e a‌s a n‌e‌w i‌d‌e‌a, l‌e‌a‌d‌s t‌o i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e‌d f‌l‌e‌x‌u‌r‌a‌l s‌t‌r‌e‌n‌g‌t‌h, I‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n p‌o‌w‌e‌r i‌n t‌h‌e l‌a‌t‌e‌r‌a‌l f‌o‌r‌c‌e b‌e‌a‌r‌i‌n‌g, e‌n‌e‌r‌g‌y d‌i‌s‌s‌i‌p‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n, a‌n‌d c‌o‌n‌n‌e‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n s‌t‌i‌f‌f‌n‌e‌s‌s.

Abstract The coin is a valid and written document and a tiny rich book and the necessity of recognition and its importance in different aspects is important. A coin is a piece of metal of a certain weight on which the official mark of the state or government which shows its weight and cutie is inscribed. Coinage is one of the great human inventions that continued uninterruptedly, and despite political conquests, it continued on its way, creating a strong communication field for people to use common criteria for evaluating their assets, profits, losses and debts. The amount of tax, intra-border and cross-border transactions was calculated by coin. In most ancient Iranian coins, the face of the kings was carved head-on, while in the Parthian period most of the faces of the emperors and kings were carved from side and profile on the coins. Even the long bearded royal and bearded faces are clearly visible on their coins. The image of the ruler is in profile, often to the left and rarely to the right, and in some cases the image of the king is presented in full. In the Malek Museum Collection there are only three coins belonging to the Parthian Period, depicted the King's coin, looking to the right. Numismatics had a great service to mankind in order to clarify the past history. The coin primarily has economic and political importance in any period. Besides it indicates the habits, costumes, script, language, art, religion, civilization, development and the decline of social status. As a matter of fact, it is the source of accurate information about the period in which the coin was minted. Malek Museum is one of the precious and great treasures in terms of numismatics of ancient Persia. The Parthian coins existing in the museum have a special place in this collection. The wide variety of decorative motifs used in the Parthian’s coins available at the Malek Museum contains symbolic and historical religious references and other details that provide scholars with useful information about the culture and its history in ancient Iran. These motifs rely on a rich symbol system. In ancient Iran, during the Achaemenid period, Darius I for the first time minted the famous gold and silver coins that were in full use in the world of that day. This trend continued uninterrupted in the post-Achaemenid period. In the Parthian Era, most coins were minted in silver, copper and other alloys, which are aesthetically and historically valuable. Many coins of this period are kept in the Malek Museum. The purpose of this study was to identify the apparent structure of Parthian coins based on a specimen of the Malek Museum Treasury to identify them. The main purpose of the research is to identify, gather and analyze the decorative motifs on the Parthian Period coins in the Malek museum. Introducing the Malek Museum can be of great help to ancient Iranian Art scholars as it has a relatively rich treasure and gathering this volume of ancient Iranian coins into one collection will shorten the difficult way for researchers to search for it. This research was started with the following question: “How is the relation of the image and content structure of Parthian coins in the Malek Museum with art and history of mintage period?” It is an analytical – descriptive research. So, after visiting the Malek Museum, we collected the relevant information using library sources. Then we introduced and described the Parthian Coins in this collection. Finally, according to collected data, we answered the mentioned questions that are the main stand of the research. As a result, it can be noted that Parthians had craved the image of Arsaces I on the back of dirhams for nearly five centuries (about 248 – 250 BC) because of special love and respect to the founder of the dynasty. The method of collecting field information has been through the use of written, library and other sources such as the World Wide Web.

Introduction: Today, tendency to use drugs and therapies with herbal and natural products are increasing because negative effects of chemical drugs and environmental pollution have been proved. Collection and handling of medicinal plants are not usually done in sanitary conditions and difference in cultivation conditions can also increase pollution, influencing the maintenance period and damaging the aspect and the potential benefit of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants decontaminate with different methods that each of these methods has different effects on their microbial load. Therefore it seems essential to use of methods that can have the highest effect on microbial load decrease and the lowest effect on active substance of these plants. Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the effects of Ozone gas and gamma irradiation on microbial load of Melissa officinalis, an experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant samples were collected from the Research farm of, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Meliss leaves were treated by Ozone gas concentrations 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 ml/L for 10 and 30 min and irradiated at dosages 3, 7, 10 and 15 KGy by a Co60 source. Then microbial load of Meliss leaves were measured. Coliform bacteria were determined using Violet Red Bile lactose (VRBL) agar (Liofilchem Co., Italia), according to the method of ISO4832. According to ISO 7954, yeast extract of glucose chloramphenicol agar (Liofilchem Co., Italia) was used for determination of mold and yeast. The total count (plate count agar, Liofilchem Co., Italia) was determined by method of ISO 4833, that each replicate was tested with duplicate pour plates. Ozone gas was produced by corona discharge Ozone generator with production capacity 10 g/h of Ozone gas (OZONEAB co. A.S10. Iran). Analysis of variance and means comparison were calculated using SAS 9.1 (Cary, NC, USA, 2002-2003). Means square comparisons were different at the 5% significance level by the least significant difference test. Results and Discussion: The effect of Gamma radiation on microbial load such as total count, molds, yeasts and Coliform was significant (p

IntroductionThe ever-increasing tendency to the use of medicinal plants in the world has grown concerns about their cultivation and production processes. As medicinal plants are more compatible with the nature, special interest and attention has recently been given to herb therapy, and use of medicinal plants, being limited by the rise of pharmaceutical drugs, has become again common and widespread due to a number of reasons. Nigella sativa L. is one of the herbs that has a variety of uses and has been being used in iran’s traditional medicine since old times. Today this plant is considered as one of the most important kinds of medicine. Therefore, it is of great importance to conduct some researches on the herbs around the country due to different ecological requirements. N. sativa belonging to buttercup family, with the scientific name of Ranunculaceae, is an annual, dicotyledonous, herbaceous plant. In several studies, N. sativa has been reported to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, strengthening of immune system, and anti-histamine and oil extract properties. Furthermore, several effects such as lowering blood sugar, lipids, and hypertension, excretion of bile and uric acid, protection of liver, kidney and cardiovascular tissues as well as anti-seizure, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic effects related to this plant have been reported. The aim of the present study is to improve the yield and yield components and oil of medicinal plant N. sativa by anti-transpiration compounds under drought stress conditions. Materials and MethodsAn experiment was conducted at Research Station,Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in 2012-2013. The research was performed using a split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The irrigation intervals (8 and 16 days) in main plots and anti-transpiration compounds of chitosan (0.25, 0.5 and 1%), Plantogopsyllium mucilage (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) and arabic gum (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 %) were put in subplots with three replications. Also, the distance between the main plots in each block and distance between the two blocks were assigned as 100 cm and 200 cm, respectively; so that the moisture content of a plot had no effect on the adjacent plots. Planting date was April16 and planting was performed by hand in 0.5cm-deep furrows. Throughout the growing season, anti-transpiration compounds were applied concurrently with the imposition of drought stress, administered weekly at sunset until the flowering stage. Subsequently, yield, yield components, and oil content were measured. Results and Discussion Results showed that irrigation intervals had significant effects on all studied characteristics with the exception of 1000 seed weight. ncreasing irrigation intervals reduced percentage yield and yield components and oil of black cumin grains. Anti-transpirants compounds did have significant effects on percentage of oil and yield and yield components of black cumin grains. There were significant difference between different anti-transpirants compounds in terms of oil and yield components yield and of black cumin grains. The 8 days irrigation interval produced more grain yield compared with 16 days irrigation intervals (621.56 vs. 484.23 kg/ha). The highest oil (27.74%) and lowest (21.74%), respectively, at treatment anti-transpirants compound chitosan1 percent With 8 days irrigation interval and gam arabic 0.25 percent was obtained with 16 days irrigation interval and chitosan stimulating abscisic acid synthesis in the treated plant would result in stomatal closure, reduction of stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water content. They also pointed out that the anti-transpiration effect of chitosan was because of its stimulatory effect in increasing abscisic acid concentration in the treated leaves of bean plant. As the above compounds are natural and biodegradable, as well as safer and less expensive than other chemical anti-transpiration compounds, they can serve as a good alternative to the chemical compounds. Cognition and expertise in water relations of plant and drought stress tolerance is considered as the main program in agriculture and the ability to withstand this stress is of great economic importance. Conclusion The anti-transpiration compounds led to significant changes in terms of all the studied traits compared to the control, indicating the effectiveness of theses natural compounds. Providing the appropriate conditions, 1% chitosan treatment can enhance the yield under drought stress. Spraying by arabic gum did not improve the growth conditions. According to this experiment, 1% chitosan treatment and 1.5% Plantago psyllium mucilage is considered the most appropriate strategy to enhance the yield of Nigella sativa under drought stress.

Introduction: Medicinal and aromatic plants can play an important role in commercial crops, which also represent a safe alternative for chemical pharmaceutical industries. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) due to its therapeutic efficacy has been used for decades in folk medicine and is considered as a promising medicinal plant with valuable potential as a source of hypericin, essential oils and antioxidants. Studies on agronomic factors such as application of potassium and humic acid as well as nitrogen fertilization on yield, essential oil and antioxidant activity of Hypericum perforatum have not been investigated thoroughly until now. This study was designed to study the effect of using humic acid and potassium sulphate on morphological and phytochemical characteristics of Hypericum perforatum. Materials and Methods: The plant material was prepared from Science and Technology Park in Khorasan-e Razzavi–Mashhad. In spring, the plants were transplanted into the field of Horticulture department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, for fertilizing treatments. The experimental layout was factorial in a complete randomized design (CRD), with three replications. Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4) was applied at the rates of 0.0 (K0), 60 (K60) and 100 (K100) kg ha-1. The other treatment were humic acid, which was applied at three rates 0 (H0), 20 (H20) and 40 (H40) L ha-1. Plants were treated at two stages, before flowering by potassium fertilizer and fertigated four times in 15-day intervals with humic acid. Besides the fresh and dry weight, number of flowers, stem height and number of flowering stems were determined at the end of the growing stage. Results and Discussion: The ANOVA indicated that most of measured attributes of Hypericum perforatum plant were significantly affected by both treatments. Data presented revealed that the highest stem (91.6 cm) was recorded at the highest level of potassium sulphate (K100) treatment, while the shortest height (60.4 cm) was recorded at the lowest level of potassium sulphate (K0) treatment. On the other hand, the highest stem (80.33 cm) was achieved with the highest level of humic acid treatment. No significant difference was observed between the highest level of humic acid (H40) and the second level (H20), while both mentioned levels showed a significant difference with control (H0). This means that the control plants possessed the lowest stem height (66.7 cm). The DPPH method for evaluation of antioxidant activity reflects the ability of the present compounds to scavenge hydrophilic free radicals. DPPH inhibition was investigated and the results were evaluated as relative activities against α-tocopherol as positive control. A lower EC50 indicates a higher antioxidant activity. As it is shown, the least EC50 which indicates the highest antioxidant activity belonged to plants treated with potassium sulphate at (100 kg.ha-1). Control plants possessed the least antioxidant activity and showed no significant difference compared with plants treated with 60 kg.ha-1 of this fertilizer. Humic acid had a significant effect on antioxidant activity of H. perforatum. The lowest value of EC50 was related to the highest level of humic acid, while the highest value of EC50 was obtained from control plants. There was also significant difference between control and two other levels (20 and 40 L ha-1) of humic acid. Applied fertilizers at their high levels showed significant effects on EC50 decrease, which means the increment of antioxidant activity of H. perforatum. The high antioxidant activity of this medicinal plant is the reason of flavonoids and phenols existence. It seems that application of these fertilizers have led to increment of the mentioned secondary metabolites and followed by an increase of antioxidant activity in comparison with control plants. Totally, H. perforatum possessed a high antioxidant activity. Based on recorded data of the present study, application of the mentioned fertilizers separately or simultaneously caused the increase of this important medicinal plant fresh and dry weight, and finally the yield. Number of flowers, stem height and flowering stems reached the highest value at the highest level of both fertilizers (K100H40). As potassium plays an important role in the development of reproductive parts of plants, it might be one of the reasons of the above mentioned increase. The highest essential oil content was recorded at high levels of both fertilizers (K100H40). Since the highest essential oil content accumulates in the flowering stems, an increase of these stems height and a higher number of flowers would lead to an increase of essential oil content of H. perforatum. Antioxidant activity of this plant is flavonoids contributed. It seems that application of these fertilizers increased the antioxidant activity by an increase of this pigment content.

Bio-inspired silver nanoparticles were synthesized with the aid of a novel method, using leaves of the plant Nigella sativa. After drying the leaves in air, they were first sweltered in boiling distilled water and the liquid was filtered subsequently. The result was the brothused to reduce solutions including various concentrations of silver nitrate in a proper amount of pH. The displayed UV–visible spectra identified formation of silver nanoparticles whenever the colorless initial acclimated mixture turned brown. The centrifuged powder samples were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analysis (EDX) methods. The results clearly revealed that the final particles of precipitated powder are high purity agglomerates of silver nanoparticles. Besides, the effects of various amounts of the silver salt on particle size of nano silver were studied, using a particle size analyzer. FTIR results also indicated the role of different functional groups in the synthetic process.

Introduction: Production and growth of plants in many parts of the world due to degradation and water scarcity have been limited and particularly, in recent decades, agriculture is faced with stress. In the most parts of Iran, especially in the Khorasan Razavi province, drought is a fact and water is very important. Due to melon cultivation in this province, and the conditions of quality and quantity of water resources and water used to produce the melon product in this province, any research done on the use of saline and brackish waters is statistically significant. Materials and Methods: To study the effects of different water salinity and water management on some of the agronomic traits of late summer melon with drip irrigation, an experiment with 7 treatments and 3 repetitions was conducted in a randomized complete block design, in Torogh station, Mashhad. The irrigation treatments were: 1- fresh water from planting to harvesting, 2- water (3 dS/m) from planting to harvesting, 3- water (6 dS/m) from planting to harvesting, 4- water (6 dS/m) from 20 days after plantation to harvesting, 5-water (6 dS/m) from 40 days after plantation to harvesting, 6-water (3 dS/m) from 20 days after plantation to harvesting, 7-water (6 dS/m) from 40 days after plantation to harvesting. Row spacing and plant spacing were 3 m and 60 cm, respectively and the pipe type had 6 liters per hour per unit of meters in the drip irrigation system. Finally, the amount of salinity water, number of male and female flowers, number of seed germination, dry leaves' weight, leaf area, chlorophyll (with SPAD) etc. were measured and all data were analyzed by using MSTAT-C software and all averages of data, were compared by using the Duncan test. Results and Discussion The results of analysis of data showed the following: Number of seeds germination: Salinity in water irrigation had no significant effects on the number of seed germination. However, there was the most number of seed germinations in the fresh water treatments. However, with increased water salinity, the time of seed germination reduced. The maximum delay in germination of seeds was in the treatment that was irrigated with fresh water from the beginning of cultivation. Number of flowers: First, the male flowers appeared and after 5 to 7 days, the appearance of female flowers began. The effect of irrigation treatments on female flower appearance was significant. With increased water salinity, the number of male flowers decreased. There was the lowest male flower in the treatment that was irrigated with saline water from the beginning, but there was no significant difference among the other treatments. Root, steam and leaves: The effect of saline irrigation water on dried leaves’ weight and dry root weight was significant at 1% and 5% levels, respectively. Fresh treatment and salinity treatment have the least and the most root dries weight, respectively (irrigated from the beginning with fresh or saline water). Two treatments that were irrigated with fresh and brackish water from thebeginning of cultivation have the highest leaf growth. The same trend was true for steams. In general, in all treatments, after applying different quality water to the end of the growing season, the trend of plant growth was similar to the others. Chlorophyll: One of the most common measurements made by plant scientists is the determination of Chlorophyll concentration. The SPAD index was used for comparison of chlorophylls. With an increase of the salt in irrigation water, the SPAD index was also increased. The maximum and minimum SPAD was in the treatments that were irrigated with saline water (treatment A) and fresh water (treatment C) from the beginning of cultivation, respectively. Yield: With increasing the salinity of water, the total yield decreased. Salinity in irrigation water had a significant effect (at the 5% level) on total yield. The mean yield of brackish and salinity irrigation water treatments were 17.5% and 26% less than the fresh water irrigation treatment, respectively.These differences were significant. However, there was no significant difference between the yield of cases using brackish or salt water. Conclusion: The results showed the following: Salinity in irrigation water had no significant effect on the number of seed germinations. However, there was the most number of seed germinations in the fresh water treatments, but by raising the salinity of water, the time of seed germination was reduced. With increasing the salinity of water, the number of male flowers decreased. There was the lowest male flower in the treatment that were irrigated with salt water from the beginning, but there was no significant difference between the other treatments. The effect of salinity water on leaf dry weight and dry root was significant at 1% and 5% levels, respectively. Fresh and salinity treatments have the least and the most root dry weight, respectively (irrigated from the beginning with fresh or salt water). Two treatments that were irrigated with fresh and brackish water from the beginning of cultivation have the highest leaf growth. The same trend was true for steams. Two treatments that were irrigated with fresh and brackish water from the beginning of cultivation have the highest leaves areas. And they had significant difference with other irrigation treatments. With an increase in the salt in irrigation water, the SPAD index also increased. The mean yield of brackish and salinity water irrigation treatments were 17.5% and 26% less than that of fresh water irrigation treatment, respectively.These differences were significant. But there was no significant difference between the yield of brackish and salt water.

In order to study the effect of natural antitranspirant compound and water stress on growth, development and essential oil content of Ocimumbasilicum a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replicates was conducted. 3 levels of water stress (500 as control, 375 and 250 ml/day) and 3 antitranspirant compound (chitosan, plantago mucilage and psyllium mucilage) in 3 levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% (m/v) and applied during the plant growth. Photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, stomatal chamber CO2, leaf temperature, fresh and dry weight of herb, essential oil percentage and content were measured. The results showed that water stress and antitranspirant application had a significant effect on all measured traits (P≤0.05 and P≤0.01). The highest values of these traits were observed in control for water stress treatment and different levels of antitranspirant compounds. Transpiration levels from leaf were significantly decreased by antitranspirant compounds application. Chitosan (1 and 1.5%) decreased transpiration by 200% over control. Photosynthesis was also increased up to 30% by chitosan treatment (0.5 and 1) in comparison to control.Also, antitranspirant compounds increasing dry matter yield in water stress condition but reducing essential oil % and yield in comparison with control. In general, according to the result of this experiment, antitranspirant compounds with natural origin are safe, biodegradable, easy available, low cost and alternatives which can be used in substitution with common chemical types.

Introduction: Fresh-cut produce graduated to retail during the1990s, especially for lettuce, cabbage, carrots and other similar vegetables. The high microbial loads of these products after harvest can be substantially reduced through a cleaning in flowing chlorinated water and adistribution under ensured controlledrefrigeration. Therefore, a good number of convenient ready-to-use greens were launched to the market in the past decade. Nowadays, theuse of this technology to achieve similar results in fruit products is one of the most challengingtargets for processors. However, there is anumber of issues that still need to beovercomebeforefresh-cut fruit commodities can be sparked off to anoutstanding position in the segment of lightly-treatedrefrigerated foods. The importance of freshly cut products increases day by day. Tissue and cell rupture leads to a decrease in the shelf life of these products. On the other hand, these products due to increased enzyme activity, respiration rate and microbiological considerations that affect the health of these productsrequires highly attention.To increase the shelf life of the products and prevent undesirable changes in cut slices of fruit or vegetables a coating on the surface of these products has been suggested. Mucilages and essential oils of herbs are natural compounds that can be used to create such covers. The advantages of these coatings are their bactericidal effect, maintenanceof pleasant taste and other physical and chemical characteristics of the product and even decrease of environmental pollution. In this research, the effect of natural compounds such as Zataria multiflora essential oil (EO) and Plantagopsyllium mucilage on storage life and microbial load of fresh cut carrot was studied. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in two separate experiments on fresh-cut carrot: In the first experiment, the effect of different concentrations of Plantago psyllium mucilage (0,100, 200, and 400mgL-1) and four concentrations of Zataria multiflora essential oil (0,100, 250,and 500 mgL-1), in a factorial experiment on the basis of completely randomized designwith16treatments and three replications was evaluated. In the second experiment application of essential oil and mucilage on microbial load of fresh-cut carrot was examined in a split plot experiment on the basis of randomized complete blocks design with six treatments and three replications which Zataria multiflora EO (500 mgL-1) and Plantago psyllium mucilage (400 mgL-1) was set as main plot and storage time was set as subplot. The serial dilution technique and cultivation in special culture media were used to determine the microbial load. Treated samples were then packaged in polyethylene trays (175mL) and were stored at 4°C. After10 days of treatment different parameters such as weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, color, organoleptic properties, the amount of skin whitening and microbial load were evaluated.Means were compared using LSD test at the significant 5% probability level. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the treatments had a significant effect on weight loss. Essential oil and mucilage treated samples with different concentrations and also a combination of the two had less weight loss than the control. Different concentrations of essential oil and mucilage individually significantly affected titra table acidity, soluble solids and pH. Samples treated with 100 and 250 mgL-1essential oil, and with 100 and 200 mgL-1 mucilage had the highest acidity, and showed significant increase compared to the control. A little color changes occurred in the treated samples and their colors were very close to the control. Combination treatment with 100 mg.L-1essentialoil plus 100 mgL-1mucilagesignificantlyreduced skin whitening of fresh cut carrot. Analysis of variance indicates significant effect of treatments on all microbial contaminations which were evaluated. The means of aerobic mesophilic bacterial contamination and the coliform bacterial contamination were 6.67 log CFU/g and6.37 log CFU/g, respectively. Only mold and yeast contamination significantly increased during storage and was more pronounced in samples treated with psylliummucilage. After 10 days of storage, although some bacterial contamination increased, this increase was not significant. Fungal contamination starts at 5.35 log CFU/g and endsat 6.64 log CFU/g, which is approximately 1.3 log CFU/g increased. E. coli contamination was not observed in samples.According to the standards threshold, in this experiment, aerobic mesophilic bacteria contamination of the samples (except for samples coated with mucilage after 10 days of storage which their contamination exceeded) was in the standard threshold.However, coliform bacteria, mold and yeast contamination in all samples exceeded. Conclusion: In general, results of this study showed that application of natural compounds of medicinal plants as edible coatings improved the quality and -extend the shelf life of fresh cut carrot. .However, disinfection of the product in this experiment was not sufficient to reduce the microbial contamination properly and treatments used could not reduce it at the standard limits, appropriate disinfection methods such as radiation and higher concentrations are also investigated in order to export this recommended product

Introduction: Medicinal plants are rich in active substances and primarily have been used in the manufacture of many drugs. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the important medicinal plants whichbelongs to the Lamiaceae family. Basil essential oil content (between 0.5 to 1.5 percent) varies according to climatic conditions of habitat location. Basilneeds a lot of water during growth period and it is very sensitive to water stress and shows wilting symptoms very soon after water shortage. Iran is located in an arid and semi-arid region which has little precipitation that is not enough for crop water requirements. Nowadays, the use of superabsorbent polymers is one of the ways to create sustainable agriculture and increase irrigation efficiency. They can store high water or aqueous solutions in root zone of plants and to reduce negative effects of drought stress. So, improvement of plant growth, increasing of irrigation intervals, reducing water loss and costs of irrigation is due to the application of superabsorbent polymers. Mucilages are also the herbal polysaccharides, soluble in water, and commonly include carbohydrates and can be used as hydrophilic polymers. The aims of this investigation were to study the effects of hydrophilic polymers on water use efficiency, morphological characteristics (dry matter, leaf area, and leaf number), essential oil quantity and yield of basil to harden plant to drought stress and to evaluate its potential to cultivate in arid regions. In addition, taking steps forward towards sustainable agriculture, by reducing the cost of agricultural production, helps protecting the environment. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted as a pot experiment at the department of Horticultural Science‚ college of Agricultural‚ Ferdowsi University of Mashhad‚ Iran, during 2012-2013.The research was set out in a factorial experiment on the basis of completely randomized block design with three replications.Two hydrophilic polymer Stockosorb® (industrial) and malva leaf (herbal) with two application methods (mixed with soil, mixed with soil+root) at 4concentrations (0, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% w/w) were used. Leaf number, leaf area, dry matter yield, water use efficiency, essential oil quantity and yield were measured. Improved seeds of Ocimum basilicum var. Keshkeniluvelou were sown and seedlings were transplanted to the pots in four-leaf stage. Hydrogels were prepared and mixed with water after weighing the polymers according to determined concentration. After establishment, all pots were irrigated with a determined amount of water after reaching to the highest concentration (0.3%) of the wilting point. So, in this state in addition to the treatment at 0.3% treatment, lower levels (0.2% and 0.1%)were reached to wilting point earlierand were exposed to water stress. Results and Discussion: Superabsorbent polymers can by absorption of irrigation and rain water, prevent deep percolation of water and with decreasing irrigation interval and reduced water consumption and increase water use efficiency. The results showed that using Stockosorb superabsorbent polymer and malva leaf as herbal hydrophilic polymersare useful for water supply of the plant in water stress.Application of these substances on morphological characteristics, water use efficiency and basil oil, were superior to the control.According to the obtained results, malva leaf use in soil and roots in treatmentless than (0.1% and 0.2%)number and leaf area and higher than (0.3%)increased dry matter yield, water use efficiency and the essential oil quantity and yield. Stockosorb (0.2%) byboth applying methods increased dry matter yield and water use efficiency. Also Stockosorb (0.2%),soil application increased leaf number and area. The essential oil yield and quantity increasedwith use of Stockosorb in soil + root in for0.2% and 0.3% treatments, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the importance of cultivation of medicinal plants to provide conditions to increase essential oil yield and quantity at the same time, the best method used were malva leaf and Stockosorb with concentrations higher than (0.3%) and soil application methodor the use of both polymers with application method in soil + root in the moderate concentration (0.2%).For that purpose, we obtained favorable conditions for improving the morphological characteristics, water use efficiency and increasing the quantity and of essential oil yield in drought stress simultaneously. The results showed that natural compounds can be a good alternative for chemical compounds, but further experiments are needed for their commercialization.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) from Lamiaceae family is one of the most important medicinal plants, used in food, sanitary and cosmetic industries. A field experiment was carried out in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2010-2011 to evaluate the effects of three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60 percent of water requirements calculated by evaporation pan class A) and two mulch types (black plastic and wood chips) in comparison to control (without mulch) on physiological parameter and essential oils content in a factorial experiments on the basis of Randimised Complete Block Desing with four replications. The data obtained from each harvest analyzed as a factorial experiment on the basis of randomized complete block design with four replications and the results of two harvests analyzed as split plot on time. The results of two harvest indicated that peppermint plants grow better in the first harvest than the second harvest. Plants collected in the first harvest showed higher dry matter and essential oil yield. The highest dry herb yield (44.12 g/plant), the highest percentage of essential oil (2.835 %v/w) and the highest essential oil yield (116.7 l/ha) detected in plots treated with third level of irrigation and use of wood chips mulch. In conclusion the results also confirmed that the highest dry herb and the highest oil yield per area unit were observed in plots treated with third level of irrigation with use of wood chips mulch.

Limitations in access to electricity in rural areas and substantial cost of supplemental lightning necessitate breeding as response to low light conditions. Seven inbred lines of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and their F1 hybrids, including reciprocals, developed through a 7×7 full diallel cross were evaluated under two different levels of light. Mean square for light (L) effect was significant for total yield, average fruit weight and days to first flower. Variation attributable to Genotypes and genotype × light (G×L) interaction had significant effect on all studied traits except days to ripening for which G×L interaction was not significant. Diallel analysis across two environments indicated that general (GCA), specific (SCA) and reciprocal combining ability (REC) were significant for all characters implying importance of additive and non-additive gene action along with cytoplasmic effects on genetic expression of yield, yield components and earliness. Ratio of SCA variance to SCA variance and estimates of narrow sense heritability (h2n.s) demonstrated higher weight of additive effects in inheritance of yield, fruit number and days to ripening, while indicating predominance of non-additive effects for fruit weight and early flowering. Interactions GCA×L and SCA×L were significant for almost all studied features. A particular genotype could not be recommended for all traits, but variation among genotypes in response to ambient light was promising for feasibility of plant breeding for non-optimal light intensity and duration.

In order to study the sensitivity of vegetative growth to water deficit stress of a late-maturing peach (Prunus persica L. cv. Elberta) under orchard conditions, an experiment was conducted as randomized complete-block design with three treatments and four repetitions in Shahdiran commercial orchard in Mashhad during 2011. Three irrigation treatments including 360 (low stress), 180 (moderate stress) and 90 (severe stress) m3ha-1week-1 using a drip irrigation system (minimum stem water potential near harvest: -1.2, -1.5 and -1.7 MPa, respectively) from the mid-pit hardening stage (12th of June) until harvest (23rd of Sep.) applied. Predawn, stem and leaf water potentials, leaf photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and leaf temperature, the number of new shoots on fruit bearing shoots and vegetative shoots lengths during growing season as well as leaf area at harvest were measured. The results showed that water deficit stress had negative effects on peach tree water status, thereby resulting in decreased leaf gas exchange and tree vegetative growth. As significant decreased assimilate production of tree was resulted from both decreased leaf assimilation rate (until about 23 % and 50 %, respectively under moderate and severe stress conditions compared to low stress conditions) and decreased leaf area of tree (until about 57% and 79%, respectively under moderate and severe stress conditions compared to low stress conditions at harvest). The significant positive correlation between leaf water potential and vegetative growth of peach revealed that shoot growth would decrease by 30% and 50% of maximum at leaf water potential of –1.56 and –2.30 MPa, respectively.

In this research, the effect of foliar spraying times and different levels of Farmax® nano fertilizer on morphological characteristic and dry and fresh flower yield, essential oil and chamazulene percentage of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) CV. Bodegold was studied. The experiment was factorial in the bacic of randomized complete blocked design (RCBD) with eight treatment and four replications. The treatments included four amounts of nano fertilizer (0, 1, 3 and 5ml\l) as first factor and two foliar spraying times (tiller stage and 2 after weeks) as second factor. The results indicated that foliar spraying time had a significant effect on plant height, numbers of tiller, total fresh weight plant and dry flower yield. Different of levels Farmax® nano fertilizer had significant effect on majority characteristic. The interaction effect had significant effect on height plant and root and dry flower yield. So, maximum height plant (103.5cm) and dry flower yield (174.38g/m2) were obtained at 2 foliar spraying times and 3ml/l nano fertilizer concentration and maximum height root was obtained at one foliar spraying times and 5 ml/l nano fertilizer concentration, but 2 foliar spraying times and 3ml/l nano fertilizer concentration treatment to be increased on the most of the characteristic especially essential oil percent (0.753 weight percent) but do not have effect significant. The total results showed that 2 foliar sparing times and 3 ml/l nano fertilizer concentration was the best of treatment.

Determination of growth rate and planting space of trees in urban spaces is needed for the planting design programs and land scape management. To determine the growth rate of two tree species, Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) and Mulberry (Morus alba), data was collected on different dimensions of these trees including, tree height, tree crown height and tree crown diameter at various ages at Pardis campus of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during their growth. Regression analysis of these dimensions as a dependent variable and age as an independent variable produced different models that can be used for estimating the growth of the measured dimensions of these two species. The results showed that the highest regression coefficient among the models was linear, polynomial and exponential function, but logarithmic types were selected as the most acceptable model for estimating the growth of measured dimensions in the two tree species of Chinaberry (tree height with r2=0.87, crown height with r2=0.67, crown diameter with r2=0.67) and Mulberry (total height with r2=0.60, crown height with r2=0.40, crown diameter with r2=0.65). Also, in both species, the most increase in growth rate of measured dimensions for the 15 years old trees was found in crown diameter.

Gamma irradiation can be used to increase post harvest quality of medicinal plants by decreasing microbial load and decontamination. Microbiological changes associated with food irradiation include the reduction or elimination of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, insect disinfestation and parasite disinfection. This factorial experiment was conducted on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications. The effects of gamma irradiation on decreasing the microbial load of some medicinal plants including (Mentha piperita), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and (Zataria multiflora) were investigated. Leaves of Lemon Balm, summer savory, pepper minit and thyme were irradiated at dosages of 3, 7, 10 and 15 KGy by a Co60 source, then total count, total Coliform and mold and yeast of the samples were studied. Gamma irradiation decreased microbial load of medicinal plant samples. The microbial load was detected in samples treated with 15 KGy radiation and control. Also, the result showed the highest and the lowest microbial load in peppermint and Iranian thyme, respectively. Results of this study show that gamma irradiation can be used as an important decontamination method to reduce the microbial load of medicinal plants.

Improvement in numerical techniques and computers now make it possible to solve rather complicated porous media flow problems. In this paper, Richards's equation is solved by control volume method. A computer model was developed for calculating water content and pressure head in unsaturated soils. For determination of soils hydraulic parameters, this model is linked with RETC code. Results of model are compared with experimental data and show that control volume method presents a correct solution of the Richards equation.

Abstract Background and purpose: Due to the high annual birth rate of thalassemia major in our country, its prevention by prenatal diagnosis is of important priority. Gene mutation remains unknown in 10-20% of thalassemia trait people in Iran. In these cases, linkage analysis using polymorphic sites which are located near or within the gene is necessary to follow the mutant or the normal chromosome. SspI polymorphic site which is studied for the first time in Iran is located in the second intron of beta globin gene. The aim of this study was to determine the polymorphism frequency of this site in Mazandaran province.Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood of 211 thalassemia trait patients living in Mazandaran province was collected. After DNA extraction and amplification of the beta globin gene region containing the SspI polymorphic site, the effect of SspI restriction enzyme was evaluated on agarose gel.Results: In 422 analyzed chromosomes, 20.6% were negative for SspI polymorphic site. Negative sites were almost equally associated with normal and mutant alleles (11.9% and 14.3% respectively).Conclusion: SspI site analysis can be applied to follow the normal or mutant alleles of beta globin gene.

Valproic acid is one of the main antiepileptic drugs. There is an increased risk of neural tube defects and axial skeletal malformations among infants born to women who had received valproic acid. There is a hypothesis that one biochemical abnormality underlying the teratogenicity of valproic acid is a drug-induced reduction in maternal plasma zinc .In the present experimental study mated rats were divided into four groups of 8 animals each [control, valproic acid (VPA), valproic acid + zinc (VPA+ Zn) and zinc (Zn) groups]. The VPA group received 300 mg/kg valproic acid, daily.The control group received an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl. The VPA+ Zn group received 300 mg/kg VPA and 30 mg/kg zinc sulfate and the Zn group received 30 mg/kg zinc sulfate, daily. Valproic acid, NaCl, and Zn were administered intraperitonealy from day 6 through day 15 of gestation. On day 16, six rats of each group were authanized and the other rats were scarified on gestational day (GD) 20 to evaluate the skeletal system among the elder fetuses. Blood was drawn to determine plasma zinc. The data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (Kruskal -Wallis test). The zinc concentration in the plasma of rats treated with valproic acid was significantly lower than those of the other groups on 16 GD (P=0.004). Some anomalies such as hydrocephaly, spina bifida, hemivertebrate, and rib malformations were seen in VPA treated group. Low percentage of rib anomalies and spina bifida were observed in the VPA+ Zn treated group while no skeletal anomalies were seen in Zn and control groups. The results from the present experiment support the hypothesis that one of the biochemical abnormalities causing the teratogenicity of VPA is a drug–induced maternal plasma zinc deficiency, and possibly, it may also result in reduction of embryonic Zn.

Background and objectives: Hawthorn as an ethno-pharmaceutical plant has been consumed for 2,500 years. Flowers, leaves and fruits of hawthorn are rich in antioxidant and polyphenols and are popular in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Methods: In the present study, by using various media and plant hormones the regeneration and callogenesis capacity of Crataegus microphylla L. was investigated. The one-year-old branches and lateral buds were selected for explant supply. Single nodes were sterilized in two different methods: either with ‘long-term sterilization’ (ethanol 60 s, NaClO 10%v/v 10 min) or with ‘shorter-term sterilization’ (ethanol 30 s, NaClO 10%v/v 15 min). Single nodes were then cultured in MS or DKW media with different concentrations of BA and 2,4-D. Results: After 10 days, cultured Hawthorn nodes regenerated up to 66% in DKW (supplemented with BA 9.06 μM) and to 50% in MS medium (supplemented with BA 13.32 μM and 2,4-D 2.26 μM). In shorter-term sterilization dark green leaves appeared on small sprouts. A callogenesis of 100% in MS (supplemented with 2,4-D 13.59 μM) was observed at the ends of all explants after one week when nodes were treated with long-term sterilization. Conclusion: This data suggests efficient and novel methods on induction of callogenesis and regeneration in Crataegus microphylla L. with the idea of supporting higher yields of therapeutically important secondary metabolites of hawthorn.

Objective: Aortic stiffness evaluation is recommended in standard care as hypertension target organ damage. The main determinants of aortic stiffness are age and blood pressure. We aimed to evaluate the impact of short-term extracellular volume changes induced by dietetic and pharmacological interventions on aortic stiffness. Methods: 74 healthy male subjects, age (median [IQR]) 23,9 [5,7] years, non-smokers, were assigned to a low sodium/high potassium diet during seven days, followed by a high sodium/low potassium diet for 14 days, the last seven with concomitant administration of amiloride. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) (SphygmoCor®) was measured at baseline, 7th, 15th and 21st days. Results: PWV was stable during the low sodium/high potassium diet, significantly decreased during the high sodium/low potassium diet (−0,4 m/s, CI 95% −0,7 to −0.2, p

Aim: Pheasant is a pleasant bird whose long and magnificent tail distinguishes it from other types of birds. The cerebellum is organized in the form of leaves that are located in a row in the rostrocaudal axis of the brain. Myelin is the twisting of the plasma membrane of the oligodendrocyte and Schwann cells around an axon, which insulates it and increases the speed of nerve current conduction. Due to the importance and fundamental role of the nervous system, many studies have been done on the nervous system of mammals and other birds, but no research has been done on the development of the pheasant's nervous system, therefore, this research is proposed. Material and methods: In this study, sixty fertilized pheasant eggs were used. Healthy eggs were placed in the automatic incubator and head sampling was done on different days of the embryo from the 7th day and the one-day-old chick. The specimens were immediately fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution for 24-48 hours and then submitted to the dehydration process by passing them through a series of ascending ethanol alcohol each for two hours (70, 80, 90 and 100%) and then specimens were cleared in xylene for one hour after that embedded in paraffin wax and then the blocks were sectioned by microtome at 5μm thickness. First, all tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histological structure, and then to identify myelin fibers and glial cells, sections were stained with special stain; Luxal Fast Blue Cresyl Etch Violet and Mallory's Phosphotungstic Acid-Hematoxylin dyes. Results: In the cerebellum of a 7-day-old pheasant fetus, myelin fibers were seen in the form of very thin short strands among the primary nerve cells in an irregular and scattered manner. With increasing fetal age, the density, and probably the length of myelin fibers and the size of nerve cells increased also, the spatial arrangement of myelin fibers was seen in the form of regular thickness and almost from the 17-day embryo of the pheasant onwards, the regular arrangement of these fibers led to the recognition of the white and gray matter of the cerebellum. In 19-day-old pheasant embryo onwards, the regular arrangement of these fibers caused a clear recognition of the white and gray matter of the cerebellum, which until now from this age, they were not distinguishable, but empty spaces between myelin fibers were observed. Conclusion: The results showed that myelin and glial cells start to form in the pheasant cerebellum from the age of 7 and as the embryo ages, these cells become bigger and completely fill the space between the neurons. Also, myelin fibers were first observed in the form of very thin and scattered threads at the age of 7 embryos and As the embryo ages, these fibers become denser and finally, in the white matter of the cerebellum of a day-old chick, they find a spatial arrangement in the form of very thick and regular bundles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]