Study biological characteristics related with development and reproduction in Barbus capito on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, Gilan Province

In the present research, a total of 207 pieces of fish from 25 sampling stations in Gilan Province coasts in the years 2001-2002 were biologically studied in terms of their growth and development, reproduction and feeding. The average length and weight of the fishes are increased, as they get older. The highest index of length and weight growth is observed in the years 1 to 2. As the age increases, gradient of length and weight growth diagrams decrease. In studying the relation between length and weight, it was observed that proportionate to the total length, the weight is increased progressively. The fatness coefficient index in the initial years of life and prior to maturity is higher than the post maturity period. As the age increases, the decrease of this index is observable. The fatness coefficient index rate is directly related to index of fullness. The highest Gonadosomatic Index is seen in the months of June and July, i.e. at the times of spawning; and the lowest index rate is observed in the months of November and December. The appropriate temperature for reproduction of these species is from 18 to 22 degree centigrade. The Gonadosomatic Index is higher in spring and summer seasons as compared with autumn and winter. Besides, as the fishes become aged, the amount of the said index increases in a manner that the gradient of it in the years to maturity is less than the maturity time and thereafter. Sexual maturity stages in different months are directly related to Gonadosomatic index, and increase as the age increases. The sexual ratio of male fishes to the female fishes in terms of number is plus one prior to maturity; about one at the time of maturity and minus after maturity. In general the frequency of male fishes as compared with female fishes in all group ages is approximately two times. The fecundity mean, and the diameter and the rate of eggs will substantially increase, as the Gonadosomatic index rises. The maturity age in the male fishes is 3 to 4 years and in female fishes is 4 to 5 years. The spawning of this species in rivers occurs repeatedly and in different time intervals, and do not take place once (Asyncronous). The Gastrosomatic index is directly related to index of fullness and will decrease, as the age increases. The index of fullness is relatively the months of April and May. The underlying reason is the need of the fishes to energy for reproduction. As the spawning time commences, the index of fullness moves down and the downward direction continues. After spa g mg and reduction of the volume of energy in the body, the index of fullness rises, and it will be substantially high until the beginning of fall. In fall and winter as it gets cold, the index of fullness moves downward and the body fat deposits are used. A correlation is shown between the changes in vacuity index and fullness indices. This means that as the fullness index rises, the vacuity index decreases, and vice versa. The Hepatosomatic index prior to the reproduction is at the highest amount and after spawning is at the lowest. No correlation is observed between the fullness and Hepatosomatic indices. In other words reproduction is an inherent and instinct originated matter; and its cycle goes on, alternately and in an orderly manner, upon completion of germinal cells, even when it coincides with reduction or stoppage of somatic cell growth. The rising trend of Hepatosomatic starts in August and will continue until the next July. The volume of fat around digestive tract is severely reduced in early spring and this trend will reach its apex in summer season. In the cold seasons, i.e. the fall and winter, the accumulation of fat around digestive tract increases. Consequently, a meaningful and inverse relation is observed between index of fullness, also the progress of sexual maturity stages and the volume of fat.

Comparisons between 28 Gb/s NRZ, PAM, CAP and optical OFDM systems for datacommunication applications

Theoretical investigations have been performed to analyze and compare the link power budget and power dissipation of a 28 Gb/s datacommunication system for data center switch scenarios using NRZ, PAM-4, CAP-16 and 16-QAM-OFDM modulation schemes. © 2012 IEEE.

Preliminary laboratory-scale model auger installation and testing of carbonated soil-MgO columns

This paper presents details of the installation and performance of carbonated soil-MgO columns using a laboratory-scale model auger setup. MgO grout was mixed with the soil using the auger and the columns were then carbonated with gaseous CO2 introduced in two different ways: one using auger mixing and the other through a perforated plastic tube system inserted into the treated column. The performance of the columns in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), stiffness, strain at failure and microstructure (using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) showed that the soil-MgO columns were carbonated very quickly (in under 1 h) and yielded relatively high strength values, of 2.4-9.4 MPa, which on average were five times that of corresponding 28-day ambient cured uncarbonated columns. This confirmed, together with observations of dense microstructure and hydrated magnesium carbonates, that a good degree of carbonation had taken place. The results also showed that the carbonation method and period have a significant effect on the resulting performance, with the carbonation through the perforated pipe producing the best results. Copyright © 2013 by ASTM International.

Development of EST-SSRs by an efficient FIASCO-based strategy: A case study in rare minnow (Gobiocyrpis rarus)

Type I markers are useful for comparative mapping and other genetic analyses, but relatively difficult to develop. In the present study a microsatellite (SSR)-enriched cDNA library was constructed for the first time using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) method in a small fish, Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). A total of 97.4% of the expressed sequence tags (ESTs) contained targeted CA-repeats, in which 29 unique EST-SSRs were identified. Ten out of the 28 loci for which primer pairs were designed were polymorphic with alleles ranging from three to seven (mean 4.50). Some of these EST-SSRs can be amplified in other species. These results proved that cDNA-FIASCO is an efficient way to isolate novel EST-SSRs in a fish.

Echolocation range of captive and free-ranging baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

The interclick intervals of captive dolphins are known to be longer than the two-way transit time between the dolphin and a target. In the present study, the interclick intervals of free-ranging baiji, finless porpoises, and bottlenose dolphins in the wild and in captivity were compared. The click intervals in open waters ranged up to 100-200 ms, whereas the click intervals in captivity were in the order of 4-28 ms. Echolocation of free-ranging dolphins appears to adapt to various distance in navigation or ranging, sometimes up to 140 m. Additionally, the difference of waveform characteristics of clicks between species was recognized in the frequency of maximum energy and the click duration. (C) 1998 Acoustical Society of America. [S0001-4966(98)06609-0].

X-ray emission of hollow atoms formed by highly charged argon and xenon ions below a beryllium surface

The X-ray emission induced by highly charged argon and xenon ions impinging on a beryllium surface is investigated. It is found that spectra of the X-ray induced by Ar-17,Ar-18+ interacting with the surface are very different from those of the X-ray induced by Ar-17,Ar-18+ interacting with residual gases. The result provides an experimental evidence for the existence of hollow atoms below the surface. Several unexpected X-ray lines are also found in the experiment. Firstly, K X-rays are observed when Ar16+ ions which initially have no K shell holes interact with the surface. Secondly, if there are more than 2 M shell vacancies at the initial time, strong M alpha alpha two-electron-one-photon (TEOP) transitions are found in the collisions of Xe-28+,Xe-29+,Xe-30+ ions with the surface.

Synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of copper(I) complexes containing beta-dialdiminato supporting ligands

Two mononuclear neutral copper(I) complexes, Cu(L-1)PPh3 (1), Cu(L-2)(PPh3)(2) (2) ([L-1](-) = [{N((C6H3Pr2)-Pr-i-2,6)C(H)}(2)CPh](-); [L-2](-) = [{N(C6H5)C(H)}(2)CPh](-)) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. In complex 1, the copper(I) atom is in a distorted three-coordinate trigonal planar environment, whereas in complex 2 with the less sterically hindered beta-dialdiminato ligand, the copper(I) atom is the centre of a four-coordinate distorted tetrahedron. At room temperature complexes 1 and 2 in a film of PMMA exhibit green emission at 543 and 549 nm with lifetimes of 5.28 and 5.32 ns, respectively.

Synthesis, structure and luminescence properties of zinc (II) complexes with terpyridine derivatives as ligands

Five zinc (II) complexes (1-5) with 4 '-phenyl-2,2 ':6 ',2 ''-terpyridine (ptpy) derivatives as ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized. The para-position of phenyl in ptpy is substituted by the group (R), i.e. tert-butyl (t-Bu), hexyloxy (OHex), carbazole-9-yl (Cz), naphthalen-1-yl-phenyl-amine-N-yl (NPA) and diphenyl amine-N-yl (DPA), with different electron-donating ability. With increasing donor ability of the R, the emission color of the complexes in film was modulated from violet (392 nm) to reddish orange (604 nm). The photoexcited luminescence exhibits significant solvatochromism because the emission of the complexes involves the intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT) excited state. The electrochemical investigations show that the complexes with stronger electro-donating substituent have lower oxidation potential and then higher HOMO level. The electroluminescence (EL) properties of these zinc (II) complexes were studied with the device structure of ITO/PEDOT/Zn (II) complex: PBD:PMMA/BCP/AlQ/ LiF/Al. Complexes 3, 4 and 5 exhibit EL wavelength at 552, 600 and 609 nm with maximum current efficiency of 5.28, 2.83 and 2.00 cd/A, respectively.

Synthesis and properties of polyquinolines and polyanthrazolines containing pyrrole units in the main chain

A series of eight new polyquinolines and polyanthrazolines with pyrrole isomeric units in main chain were synthesized and characterized. The new polymers showed high glass transition temperatures (T-g = 242-339 degreesC) and excellent thermal stability (T-5% = 398-536 degreesC in air, TGA). Compared to the series of polyanthrazolines, the series of polyquinolines exhibited higher thermal stability, better solubility in common organic solvents, and lower maximum absorption wavelengths (lambda(max)(a)). Polyanthrazolines with 2,5-pyrrole linkage showed an unusually high lambda(max)(a) (565 nm) and small band gap (2.02 eV). All polymers in solution had low photoluminescence quantum yields between 10(-2%) and 10(-5%) and excited-state lifetimes of 0.28-1.29 ns. The effects of molecular structure, especially pyrrole linkage structures, on the electronic structure, thermodynamics, and some of the optical properties of the polymers were explored. A model of hydrogen bonds in the main chain of the polymers was suggested to explain the difference in the properties of the isomer polymers. In addition, a polyquinoline (PBM) was chosen to examine the proton conductivity; the result indicated that the PBM/H3PO4 complex exhibited a high conductivity of 1.5 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) at 157 degreesC.

Synthesis, structure, electrochemistry, photophysics and electroluminescence of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based ortho-metalated iridium(III) complexes

Four new iridium(III) complexes 1-4, with 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative as cyclometalated ligand for the first time, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by NMR, EA, MS and X-ray diffraction analysis (except 1). The stronger ligand field strength of the dithiolate ancillary ligands results in higher oxidation potentials and lower HOMO energy levels of complexes than acetylacetone. The absorption spectra of these complexes display low-energy metal-to-ligand charge transfer transition ranging from 350 to 500 nm. Complexes with dithiolate ancillary ligand emit at maximum wavelengths of ca. 500 nm, blue shifting 17 and 11 nm with respect to their counterpart with acetylacetone ligand. The electrophosphorescent devices with 2-4 as phosphorescent dopant in emitting layer have been fabricated. All devices have a low turn-on voltage in the range of 4.5 and 4.9 V. A high-efficiency green emission with maximum luminous efficiency of 5.28 cd/A at current density of 1.37 mA/cm(2) and a maximum brightness of 2592 cd/m(2) at 15.2 V has been achieved in device using 2 as emitter.

Synthesis and characterization of tris(cyclopentylcyclopentadienyl)lanthanide complexes (C5H9C5H4)(3)NdBrLi(THF)(3) and (C5H9C5H4)(3)SmTHF

(C5H9C5H4)(3)NdBrLi(THF)(4)(1)(C5H9=cyclopentyl) was obtained from the reaction of NdCl3 with C5H9C5H4Na and LiBr (Nd:Na:Li=1:2:1 molar ratio) in THE X-ray crystallography showed that the ten-coordinated neodymium atom is bonded to three cyclopentylcyclopentadienyl(eta(5)) rings and a single bromine atom bridging a lithium which is bonded to three THF molecules. Complex 1 is triclinic, P1 space group with unit dimensions of a= 12.048(2), b= 13.498(3), c= 13.831(3)Angstrom, a = 104.16(3), beta = 104.07(3), gamma =95.96(3)degrees, V=2083.3(7)Angstrom(3), Z=2, D-c=1.35Mg/m(3) and F(000)=874. (C5H9C5H4)(3)SmTHF (2) was synthesized by reaction of anhydrous SmCl3 with C5H9C5H4Na at a molar ratio of 1:3. The structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The ten-coordinated samarium atom is bonded to three cycloperrtylcyclopentadienyl rings and one oxygen of THF molecule to form a pseudo-tetrahedron. Complex 2 is orthorhombic, Fdd2 space group with unit cell dimensions of a =28.175(5)Angstrom, b =46.24(2) Angstrom, c =9.167(4) Angstrom(3), V=11943(8)Angstrom(3), Z= 16, D-c = 1.38Mg/m(3) and F(000)=5136.

Influence of intraperitoneal injection of rare earth compounds on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the level of lipid peroxidation in mice livers

Following intraperitoneal injection of lanthanum and terbium chloride and their complexes of diethyltriaminopentagacetic acid (DTPA) to adult mice with a dose of 0.28 mmol/kg body weight/day for three days. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of lipid end product, malonaldehyde (MDA) in the mice livers have been assayed respectively. The results show that the activity of SOD was increased and the content of MDA was reduced for LaCl3 treated mice and the two targets were not changed for TbCl3, but the activity of GSH-Px was reduced markedly for both LaCl3 and TbCl3 while the above three targets were not changed for La-DTPA and Tb-DTPA complexes.

STUDY OF THE ELECTRODE PROCESS OF HEMOGLOBIN AT A POLYMERIZED AZURE A FILM ELECTRODE

The electrochemically polymerized azure A film electrode is reported. The resulting film on a platinum electrode surface was analyzed with electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The heterogeneous electron transfer processes of hemoglobin at the polymerized azure A film electrode have been investigated using in situ UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry. The formal potential (E-degrees') and electron transfer number (n) of hemoglobin were calculated as E = 0.088 V versus NHE (standard deviation +/- 0.5, N = 4) and n = 1.8 (standard deviation +/- 0.5, N = 4). Exhaustive reduction and oxidation electrolysis are achieved in 80 and 380 seconds, respectively, during a potential step between -0.3 and +0.3 V. A formal heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant (k(sh)) of 3.54(+/- 0.12) X 10(-6) cm/s and a transfer coefficient (alpha) of 0.28(+/- 0.01) were obtained by cyclic voltabsorptometry, which indicated that the poly-azure A film electrode is able to catalyze the direct reduction and oxidation of hemoglobin.

COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS OF GLYCOPROTEIN AND GLYCOLIPID COMPOSITION OF VIRULENT AND AVIRULENT STRAIN MEMBRANES OF MYCOPLASMA-HYOPNEUMONIAE

The glycoproteins and glycolipids from membranes of virulent strain Z and avirulent strain M of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae have been compared. The proteins and the glycoproteins were identified by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and concanavalin A-biotin labeling, respectively. The membrane preparation contained approximately 34 protein bands with molecular weights between 20 KD and 100 KD. The concanavalin A-biotin system reacted with a glycoprotein of a molecular weight of approximately 28,000 from avirulent strain M and did not react with the correspondent band from virulent strain Z. The membrane glycolipids of both strains consisted of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), and the percentages of 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 fatty acids comprised more than 80% of the total fatty acids of membrane glycolipids. The 18:0 fatty acid of MGDG in avirulent strain M was twofold higher than that of virulent strain Z.