Photometric measurements of simulated lunar surfaces Quarterly progress report, Jul. 1 - Sep. 30, 1965

Modified photometric analyzer and enlarged beam splitter for studying simulated lunar surfaces and opposition effect on moo

Photometric measurements of simulated lunar surfaces Quarterly progress report no. 2, 1 Oct. - 31 Dec. 1965

Spectral and suspended particle photometry and geometry of backscattering surfaces in study on photometric measurements of simulated lunar surface

Histopathological changes in liver and gill of Acipenser persicus fry in short term exposure to Nodularia spumigena

Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus is a native, commercially important and highly steemed fish species in the Caspian Sea. In this study, effects of Nodularin (NODLN), a cyclic pentapeptide hepatotoxin, on liver and gill tissues of A. persicus were studied. Nodularin was produced in high amounts by Nodularia spumigena, a cyanobacterium species during the algal bloom in the Caspian Sea and was accumulated in biota of the Sea. Persian sturgeon were exposed directly to NODLN as prolonged immersion containing N. spumigena in two different doses (1×104 and 1× 108 cells.ml-1) for 24, 48 and 96 hours to examine its histopathological effects on fish liver and gill. Histopathological examinations revealed loss of liver architecture, degeneration of hepatocytes, nuclear pyknosis, karyolysis and finally necrosis of the cells over the time. Observation of gill tissues following immersion in algal cells treatments showed hypertrophy, fusion of secondary lamellae due to proliferation (hyperplasia) of branchial epithelium in low dose and vacuolization of epithelial and pilar cells, tellangiectasis, fusion of secondary and primary lamellae, complete necrosis and sloughing of secondary lamellar epithelium in high dose

Study on the parasites of Pseudorhombus elevatus, Psettodes erumei and Brachirus orientalis from the Persian Gulf, Iran

The Persian Gulf is of great economical, environmental and political importance, and includes around 205 species of fishes that only some of them have been studied parasitologically. From the order Pleuronectiformes ( ray-finned fishes), Psettodes erumei (Psettodidae), Pseudorhombus elevatus (Bothidae) and Brachirus orientalis (Soleidae) were selected for the survey. One hundred and forty eight fishes including 97 P. erumei, 43 P. elevatus and 8 B. orientalis were provided from two different regions of Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. From P. erumei, 4 species of nematodes, one cestode and one acanthocephal species are reported including: Philometra sp., Contracaecum sp., Pseudoterranova sp., Raphidascaris sp., Dasyrhynchus sp. (Trypanorhyncha) larvae and Serrasentis sagittifer. This is the first report of S. sagittifer in P. erumei from the Persian Gulf. P. elevatus had fewer species of parasites including one nematode, Contracaecum, one copepod, Heterochondria pillai and one digenea metacercaria Stephanostomum sp. Brachirus orientalis harbored one copepod and two digenea species, Allocreadium sp. and Lepocreadioides zebrini. Our research provides evidences that Indian spiny turbots have larger diversity of parasites than the deep flounders

Phylogenetic analyses of bat-associated bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae: Cimicinae and Cacodminae) indicate two new species close to Cimex lectularius

Abstract Background Bats are regarded as the primary (ancestral) hosts of bugs of the family Cimicidae. The historically and economically most important species in the family is the common bedbug (Cimex lectularius), because of its worldwide occurrence and association with humans. This molecular-phylogenetic study was initiated in order to expand the knowledge on the phylogeny of cimicid bugs of bats, by investigating samples from Hungary, Romania (representing central-eastern Europe) and two further countries (South Africa and Vietnam). Results Altogether 216 cimicid bugs were collected (73 Ci. lectularius, 133 Ci. pipistrelli, nine Cacodmus ignotus and one Ca. sparsilis). Members of the Cimex lectularius species group were found both in the environment of bats (only Myotis emarginatus, which is a cave/attic-dwelling species) and on three crevice-dwelling bat species (two pipistrelloid bats and M. bechsteinii). On the other hand, Ci. pipistrelli always occurred off-host (near M. myotis/blythii, which are cave/attic-dwelling species). In addition, two Cacodmus spp. were collected from Pipistrellus hesperidus. The morphological characters of these specimens are illustrated with high resolution pictures. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences generated from 38 samples indicated relative genetic homogeneity of Ci. pipistrelli, while the Ci. lectularius group had two haplotypes (collected from pipistrelloid bats in Hungary and Vietnam) highly divergent from other members of this species group. These results were confirmed with molecular and phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Bat-associated bugs morphologically identified as Ca. ignotus and Ca. sparsilis were different in their cox1, but identical in their ITS2 sequences. Conclusions Molecular evidence is provided here on the existence of two new genotypes, most likely new species, within the Ci. lectularius species group. The relevant specimens (unlike the others) were collected from pipistrelloid bats, therefore the association of Ci. lectularius with different bat host species (pipistrelloid vs myotine bats) should be evaluated further as a possible background factor of this genetic divergence. In addition, Ca. ignotus is reported for the first time in South Africa

A new method for artificial breeding of Acipenser stellatus

A new formulation of GnRH and synthetic compound of anti-dopamine domperidone was used for the first time in Iran to determine suitable physiological indexes for reproduction and to resolve the present problems of artificial reproduction in stellate sturgeon Acipenser stellatus. The study was conducted on 60 breeder Acipensers including 40 female and 20 male specimens. The fish were caught at stations in the vicinity of the SefidRud River in Guilan Province. Male spawners were treated using single injection method while females received dual injection (Bio-physiological control). Propylene glycole (PG) was administered after the muscular injection near the second dorsal suite to increase theviscosity of the solution during absorption. Depending on the stage of sexual maturity in the fish, GnRH at doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 mg I kg BW was used in combination with a dose of I or 2 mg I kg of domperidone. The position of GV was used as an index to determine sexual maturity in females while in males sexual maturity was determined on the basis of testis and sperm quality. The female fish showed GV in a range of 3.64 to 1430. The results indicated that reduction of stress during catch, transportation, maintenance and handling and selection of breeders with suitable morphology will result in increased reproduction success. It was also found that male breeders given a dose of 20 and 30 ;_tg I kg BW GnRH along with I and 2 mg I kg of domperidone respectively were the most successful in spermiation. For female breeders, those received a dose of 10, 15 and 20 lig I kg BW GnRH along with 2 mg I kg of domperidone exhibited the most suitable conditions in ovulation. These females responded well to artificial breeding provided they possessed GV in the range of 3.64 to 1430 depending on the water temperature until the germinal vesicle broke down (in vivo). Alleviating stress during capture, handling, transport and confinement, selecting breeders with suitable morphology and identifying correct stage of sexual maturity are the factors that help achieve higher production by substituting GnRH with a combination of GnRH and domperidone. Therefore, this compound is recommended as a suitable substitute for pituitary extract and other gonadotrophic analogues in the artificial breeding of Acipenser stellatus

Determination of suitable age and size for releasing of Salmo trutta caspius by evaluation of osmotic

This study was carried out to determine the appropriate size of Caspian trout (Salmo trutta caspius Kessler, 1877) juveniles for releasing to South Caspian Sea or possibility of cage culture in Caspian Sea water. 1611 specimens were exposed in 4 weight groups of 5, 10, 15 and 20 g, in 3 salinity trials: Caspian Water (11- 11.5), inshore water (7) and fresh water (control). Each trial was done in 3 replicates. The blood samples and tissue fixations carried out from juveniles of control group (in fresh water) and 3, 6, 12, 24, 72, 168, 240 hours after exposure of fish in different treatments. Plasma osmolal ity, Na^+ and Cl^- concentrations, were measured by osmometer, flame photometer, RA1000 respectively. Plasma cortisol level was determined by using RIA (radio immunochemical assay). Na^+, K^+-ATPase activity in homogenates of gills was estimated by phosphate released from ATP. Histological indicators including chloride cell diameter and nephron morphometric parameters were assessed using classic preparation and optic microscope with digital camera. Results of osmolality and ions measuring concurrently show that all weight groups can live in salinity of 7 and they maintain the osmolality and ion concentrations. In the Caspian water, weight groups excluding 5 g juveniles show same result. Mean plasma osmolality of 20, 15, 10 and 5 gr juveniles in control group (time of 0) were calculated 331.3±8.7, 307.7±6, 334.7±14.6 and 301±8.7 mosml/l. This parameter in the above weight groups after 240 hours exposure in the Caspian Sea water were measured 329±0.53, 321±9, 325.3±6.7 and 346.5±13.6 respectively. The observation of kidney glomeruli in histological sections shows that the diameter of glomeruli in 5, 10, 15 g weight groups in 7 and all groups in Caspian water decreased after 72 h adaptation period (p0.05) for 5g juveniles, whereas within weight groups of 10, 15 and 20 g in Caspian Sea water and groups of 15, 20 g in water of 7 salinity, the increase (p0.05), although in other groups, a significant increase of this parameter was detected during experiments. Na^+ ,K^+ -ATPase activity in juveniles of 5g weight group in 7 salinity and Caspian water was low (3.2 6.1 mol Pi /mg protein/ h). The enzyme activities in all weight groups were higher under the exposure in Caspian Sea water than that in water of 7 salinity. In group of 10 g juveniles at start time (control in freshwater) the activity of Na^+, K^+ -ATPase was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in 20g group. It is may be related to some metabolic changes and transforming to parr-smolt

Comparison of growth, morphometric and meristic parameters of hybrids produced by crossing between Beluga (Huso huso) and Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

Reciprocal crosses betvveen Beluga and Persian Sturgeon in four treatments and three replications were conducted and reproduction metrics including number of eggs per gram, percentage of fertilization, and survival rate were assessed. Also, we measured 32 morphomeiric and meristic attributes of brood stocks, hybrids and controls. To compare the growth rate of hybrids and controls, fingerlings were grown for 18 months in 2000 liter fiberglass tanks and fed by pellets. During rearing period, 17 samples were taken in 15-30 days interval and total weight and length of the specimens were measured. Average weight and length, standard deviation, analysis of variance, Duncan test and Heterosis were calculated. We found a significant difference (130.001) between controls and treatments in terms of fertilization rate (in stage 4 and 35), number and mortality rate of larvae during active feeding and final stages. Hybrid and control fingerlings showed different growth performances. After an 18 months rearing period, the highest growth was found in Beluga (975±10 grams), with hybrid of female of Beluga and male Persian sturgeon coming next (840±143 grams), hybrid of male Beluga with female Persian sturgeon being the third (681.152$1 grams). The slowest growth rate was seen in control Persian sturgeon with an average growth of 535.15±131 grams. Daily growth rate of hybrids produced from crossing of female Beluga with male Persian sturgeon was higher than control Beluga during second and third rearing period each taking six months. We observed significant differences (p<0.05) in 31 morphometric and meristic parameters from a total of 32 attributes. The percentage of heterosis was variable, being -73.76 in early growth period and 0.79 at the final rearing stage with an average heterosis of -32.69. The hybrid produced from female Beluga and male Persian Sturgeon showed a very good o growth performance. However, with the inadequacy of female Beluga in the Caspian Sea and the priority of restocking Beluga, it is suggested that the hybrid production be conducted using male • Beluga and female Persian Sturgeon