A novel method based on loop shape for simulating knitted fabric using mass spring model

Fabric simulation is result of combining various methods that have been dramatically evolved during the decade. However, there still exist some limitations. One of the limitations in fabric simulation is lack of using fabric properties such as material, weave structure, density and so on in mass spring modeling. In knitted fabrics, this issue is more important due to their different fabric structures. In this paper, a new mesh based on loop shape for simulating 1×1 rib fabric is proposed which is called Loop mesh. By using the Loop and common meshes, 3D model of drape behavior in 18 types of knitted fabric are simulated. Results of simulation are compared with 3D shape of actual drape behavior in fabric samples which are achieved by depth camera. Results show that the Loop mesh is able to predict the drape behavior of knitted fabric with error value of 5 percent as compared with the real result. It can be found that the Loop mesh produced a closest drape shape to the actual fabric drape than other mesh models.     

Basilaphelenchus gorganensis n. sp. (Aphelenchoidea,Tylaphelenchinae) from wood from northern Iran

Basilaphelenchus gorganensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from wood and bark of a dead tree from northern Iran. The new species is characterized by female body length (415–559 µm), three‐lined lateral fields, a sclerotized cephalic vestibule and cephalic framework, thin stylet with three elongate backwardly directed knobs, small spherical to oval metacorpus, with small and posteriorly located valve, simple vulva without any flap apparatus, 59‐ to 79‐µm‐long post‐vulval uterine sac, functional rectum and anus and dorsally convex, ventrally concave, usually ventrally bent conical female tail with a sharp tip. Males are common, apparently functional and characterized by well‐curved spicules, three pairs of small caudal papillae and no bursa at tail tip. Molecular phylogenetic inferences using partial sequences of small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU and LSU rDNA) from different isolates of the new species revealed it differs from currently sequenced species and belongs to the Tylaphelenchinae clade.     

New morphometric ranges for Bursaphelenchus willibaldi Schönfeld et al. 2006 (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) from Iran

Bursaphelenchus willibaldi, associated with trees in two separate locations in forests of northern Iran, are characterized and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The Iranian population of B. willibaldi has a body length of 392–595 μm, stylet length of 12–14 μm, c‐index of 9.0–14.5 and PUS length of 51–82 μm. Males have spicules 15–18 μm long along the arch line. The Iranian population showed morphometric variations compared with the originally described samples. For example, it has a shorter body in females and males, greater c‐index, slightly greater range of V, slightly smaller range of PUS and tail length. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the recovered populations revealed both sequenced isolates forming a clade with one European isolate of the species using Bayesian inference (BI) analysis with full Bayesian posterior probability (BPP).     

Description of Longidorus armeniacae n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae), associated with Prunus armeniaca L. in Semnan province,Iran

European Journal of Plant Pathology - Longidorus armeniacae n. sp. is described and illustrated using morphological and molecular data. It was recovered from the rhizosphere of apricot trees in...     

Landscape-wide changes in land use and land cover correlate with,but rarely explain local biodiversity change

Landscape Ecology - There is an ongoing debate whether local biodiversity is declining and what might drive this change. Changes in land use and land cover (LULC) are suspected to impact local...     

Description and molecular phylogeny of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ditylenchus gilanicus</Emphasis> n. sp. (Nematoda: Anguinidae) from northern forests of Iran

Commercial areas containing Eucalyptus plantations have expanded in recent years due to increased demands for pulp, paper and bioenergy. One of the threats that can reduce Eucalyptus production is the eucalyptus rust disease caused by Austropuccinia psidii, a biotrophic fungus that affects a broad range of Myrtaceae. An accurate diagnosis tool for the early detection of rust disease could be useful in breeding programs for selection of resistant plants against rust, in phytosanitary purposes or in rust epidemics studies. The aim of the present work was to develop a SYBR Green-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for the early detection and quantification of A. psidii in Eucalyptus grandis leaves. Three sets of primers based on the A. psidii ribosomal DNA intergenic space region (IGS), beta-tubulin and elongation factor genes were designed and evaluated. The assays using the IGS primer set resulted in the highest detection efficiency, detecting a lower limit of 0.5 pg of A. psidii DNA. Under artificial inoculation in plants, A. psidii was detected immediately after pathogen inoculation until 240 h post-inoculation using qPCR. In field validation of the method, A. psidii was detected using qPCR in naturally infected leaves with or without rust symptoms. This easy and fast method can be used for an efficient detection of A. psidii in E. grandis leaves. The implications of this tool for rust studies are discussed below.     

Response of Platanus orientalis leaves to urban pollution by heavy metals

Atmospheric pollution is an important concern in urban environments.The impact of urban pollution on the physiological,biochemical and anatomical properties of leaves of oriental plane(Platanus orientalis L.)was studied.The leaves were collected from an urban site(Tehran,Iran)and a non-urban forest park(Chitgar Forest Park).Anatomical(stomata,parenchyma,and cuticle)and physiological(chlorophyll content,enzyme activities)properties were analyzed.The concentrations of Cd(cadmium),Pb(lead),Ni(nickel),and Cr(chromium)in leaves were significantly higher and Zn(zinc)lower at the urban site relative to the forest park.Chlorophyll a,total chlorophyll,and carotenoid content in leaves of the urban site were significantly less than those of the forest park,but there was no significant difference in chlorophyll b.In addition,the activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase,ascorbate peroxidase,and guaiacol peroxidase in urban leaves were significantly higher than in the leaves of the forest park.In the urban area,leaves experienced a significant decrease in leaf surface area,stomata density,stomata pore area,epidermis,and spongy mesophyll thickness,but a significant increase in cuticle and palisade thicknesses relative to forest park leaves.The increase in enzyme activities may indicate that the trees are attempting to cope with increased reactive oxygen species(ROS)because of pollution-induced stress.Our study suggests that oriental plane trees alter their physiological and anatomical properties when living in a polluted urban environment.