---

Background and aims: The E2F family of transcription factors is encoded by at least eight genes, E2F1-8. These proteins are important targets of the retinoblastoma protein (RB) contributed in regulation of transcription, cell cycle and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of E2F protein family including E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, E2F8 and RB1 in the lineage negative (Lin-) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) of young and aged black mice using Real Time RT-PCR and western blot techniques. Methods: Lin- HSCs of 4 young (7-10 weeks old) and 3 aged (76 weeks old ) mice have been isolated from their bone marrow cells using MACS column and after RNA extraction of culturing cells and cDNA preparation, samples were then analyzed by Real Time RT- PCR and western blot techniques. Results: The E2F7 and E2F8 expression levels of the Lin- HSCs of old mice were only the transcriptional factors significantly decreased when compared with young mice. In conclusion: It seems the functional roles of important E2F7 and E2F8 transcription factors in moderating potentially destructive activity of E2F1 and regulation of cell cycle have been diminished in Lin- HSCs of aged mice. Hence, the apoptotic activity of the E2F1 would affect to the most HSCs, reinforcing bone marrow to proliferate the HSCs in old mice. However, Real Time RT-PCR data showed that the expression level of the E2F1 in those cells was not increased significantly as expected. This is the first report in this regard and further investigation with more samples need to reconfirm these data.

---

Spotted Amber Ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze, 1777) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important predator of aphids and some other insect pests. Since shape and size variation may affect biological characteristics of an insect, multivariate analysis of shape variations in four geographically isolated populations of H. variegata (Isfahan, Shahrekord, Shiraz, Yasuj) was performed based on eight landmarks of hind wing. According to the analysis, significant difference in weight matrices (as shape variable) was detected. The cluster analysis separated Isfahan population from other populations. According to ANOVA, we found significant difference in centroid size (as size variable), so that the two populations, Isfahan and Shahrekord, had larger wings than the two other populations. Distribution of 80 individuals based on partial warps on the relative warp axis placed Isfahan population in a separate group while the others had overlap and irregular distribution.  

---

The fauna of the superfamily Bombylioidea was studied in Alborz province, Iran during 2012. Two families (Bombyliidae and Mythicomyiidae), eight genera and ten species were identified, of which two species, Exoprospora dispar Loew, 1869; Parageron lutescens (Bezzi, 1925), are new records for the Iranian fauna. An identification key for the species of the family Mythicomyiidae known from Iran is given.

---

After World War II, the concept of human beings became a new place in western philosophy. The issue of the confrontation of man with another human beings has led to the design of the "other" theory as "existential", which ultimately leads to a moral affair. In line with these ethical changes, Emmanuel Levinas poses the reality of the Other and considers his presence in our lives, our identity and our feelings inescapable. This research analyzes the emotional relationships between the characters of two novels :"Madame Bovary"of Gustav Flaubert and "Two Landscapes" by Ghazaleh Alizadeh based on Levinas philosophical opinions. Let's begin by analyzing Levinas's philosophical and theoretical foundations of the "other" question. In the following sections we will find that one of the main themes of Flaubert and Alizadeh's works is the importance of a "other" position in the relationship of characters. Then we will study the various aspects of the concept of "other", such as "face", "sense of responsibility", and "femininity", and finally, by analyzing these dimensions in reviewing the relationships between characters, complete our research. We get In sum, the main focus of this research is to describe how the characters of these two novels encounter each other in their own situation with the "other".

---

Because of information revolution, the whole pattern of human life has been changed. Trade is the one which is being affected the most. The new media (internet) has changed the way of transaction process, even buyer and seller behavior. Therefore marketing concept has changed and it has to be adapted to online situations. In this article, the authors are trying to design a conceptual framework for internet marketing mix. It is considered a new philosophy in marketing named relationship marketing. This model has factors that have impacts on the marketing mix. One of the factors is product life cycle and the other is customer maturity. Elements of the mix are combination of traditional and modern components that are: product, price, place, information gathering, communication, and branding. PLC has four stages and we define that customer maturity has three phases regarding to fuzzy logic. Therefore, in this model, we examine 12 boxes derived of multiplication of four and three. Consequently, the model was confirmed and found 10 integrated Marketing mixes regarding to different situations in product and customer maturity.

---

Wheat starch is the most common type of starch in Iran as well as many other parts of the world with enormous applications in food and non-food products. To improve its physicochemical properties or create new functionalities, starch can be modified by changing its molecular structure. Amongst different methods for starch modification, physical methods have received more attention recently. Pre-gelatinization of starch is a physical method to modify the properties of native starch. The main aim of this research was to study the physicochemical properties of pre-gelatinized wheat starch produced using a small scale industrial twin drum drier. The results indicated that drum drying destroyed native starch granules, degraded molecular structure and reduced the degree of crystallinity of starch. Pre-gelatinized starch (PGS) showed cold water viscosity at 25 ºC, while native wheat starch was not able to increase the viscosity under this condition. It also increased water absorption and swelling of the starch compared to its native counterpart. Pre-gelatinized wheat starch can be used as a thickening agent in instant food products to eliminate heating stage in their production or in manufacturing of the products sensitive to high temperature.

---

  Rheological study of date syrup, date concentrate and date liquid sugar can improve their industrial applications specially for sugar (sucrose) substitution. In this research the rheological behavor of date syrup, date concentrate, date liquid sugar and sucrose solutions was investigated using a Brookfield Viscometer at 50, 55, 60 and 65 °Brix, 25 °C and shear rate of 80-480 s^-1 .The variables were product type and concentration. Moreover, for textural evaluation a texture analyser was used to examine date syrup, date concentrate and date liquid sugar at 50, 60 and 70 °Brix. The results showed that the Power law model was suitable to the rheological behavior of all samples and all concentrations. In date syrup by increasing concentration from 50 to 65 °Brix, consistency coefficient (K) increased, flow behavior index (n) decreased and the sample became more shear thinning. However, all other samples were Newtonian. Therefore a similar flow type behavior for these three samples is expected in food processings. Among all tested concentrations, the date syrup sample with a Brix of 65 had the highest consistency coefficients.  This indcates using date syroup in food formulations, usage level of hydrocolloids can be reduced. These findings were confirmed by texture data.

---

Sour-orange (Citrus aurantium) seed oil was extracted by ultrasound-assisted, heat reflux, and Soxhlet extraction methods and their physical (melting point, viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index, and color) and chemical (acid value, acidity, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, and ester value) properties were investigated. Results showed although that some properties of the sour-orange seed oil such as acid value, acidity, peroxide value, iodine value, melting point, viscosity, and color were affected by the extraction method but its other properties such as saponification value, ester value, specific gravity, and refractive index were not affected by extraction method. In addition, the results of this study indicated that the sour- orange seed oil has some advantages such as low free fatty acid, low acid value, low peroxide value, low melting point, high saponification value, and high ester value. Therefore, the sour-orange seed oil can be introduced as suitable edible oil.

---

In recent years, many advances have been made in improving the biocatalytic activities of enzymes. Interaction of enzymes and macromolecules have important role in stabilization of enzyme’s structure and function. Lysozyme lyses the bacterial cell wall by splitting ß (1–4) linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine of the peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls. Tragacanth is a polysaccharide obtained from exudates of the species of Astragalus. It is a very complex heterogeneous anionic polysaccharide of high molecular weight. Tragacanth consists of two main fractions: a water-insoluble component called bassorin, and a water-soluble component called tragacanthin. The aim of this investigation was to attach tragacanthin (water-soluble component of tragacanth) to lysozyme by Maillard reaction. The covalent attachment of this hydrocolloid with lysozyme was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and ion exchange chromatography. The conjugates exhibited improved solubility, foaming and emulsion properties. In addition, thermal stability of lysozyme in this conjugate was increased significantly. According to these results, attachment of lysozyme to tragacanthin can increase the application of this hydrocolloid as a functional component and lysozyme as a natural antimicrobial component in food and pharmaceutical industry.

---

Verjuice is a popular fruit juice mainly consumed as salad dressing. However, there is very little information regarding its characteristics. The objective of the present study was to determine verjuice and its concentrate physicochemical properties during storage at 4 °C. Firstly, verjuice characteristics such as pH, acidity, specific weight, density, total soluble solids, total solid, reducing sugar content, ash, rare minerals, vitamin C , phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated. In the next phase variation of acidity, pH, total solid and colour parameter (L, a, b) and total phenolic content of pasteurized concentrate verjuice during 6 months storage at 4 °C were assessed. Findings revealed that not only verjuice has a high acidity value but also it is a good source of bioactives such as vitamin C, antioxidant and phenolics components. Storing the concentrate at 4 °C resulted in reduced acidity, phenolic content, parameter L and b but increased value of parameter a, and total solid.

---

In biscuit production, sucrose is one of the major ingredients. Addition of sucrose is not only for the sweet taste it provides, but also for its positive effects on physical properties of the product. Since sucrose consumption is growing worldwide, finding an alternative sugar source other than sugar beet and sugar cane as the main sources of sucrose is necessary. In this research, sucrose was replaced with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% (weight basis) of date syrup and date liquid sugar and the effects on rheological properties of biscuit dough were studied. The results from farinograph showed that the dough consistency and elasticity reduced with increasing the sucrose replacement level. However, no significant difference between the samples made with date liquid sugar and date syrup was not observed. The results of Texture Analyser showed that with reducing the sucrose content dough consistency, energy required for compression, springiness and cohesiveness reduced while adhesiveness increased. The values obtained for energy, consistency and adhesiveness of the samples containing date liquid sugar were higher than those of date syrup, while springiness was lower.  Based on the results the maximum percentage of the sucrose replacement with date liquid sugar was 60% and with date syrup was 40%. At higher percentages the quality of the dough reduced considerably.   

---

Erosion by wind is one of the most important factors in desert environment. Prevailing winds can shift sand dunes and affect their accumulation. Also, wind regime determines the direction of sand dune mobility. The aim of this research was to investigate sand drift potential using sand movement models. For this research, wind data between 1986 and 2005 from the meteorological station of Yazd were acquired to examine sand drift potential (DP), and erosive storm winds through different methods. The sand drift potential values show that the resultant drift direction (RDD) is from southwest-west towards northeast-east. The unidirectional index value is 0.47. The Yazd – Ardakan plain is under the influence of a low energy wind regime (DP< 200 VU). The DP index should be considered for planning and development projects and conservation work. Calculations show that under a low energy wind regime, the amount of sand drift flow is 15.74 m3 m-1 year-1. The angular direction of RDD is 77°, measured clockwise from the geographical north. The trend of sand movement is observed following a clockwise pattern. With regard to the monthly sand rose, it is seen that the resultant drift potential is low in September and October (1.91-2.1) while the highest resultant drift potential occurs in May. The results obtained from the analysis of wind rose data indicated that the direction of prevailing winds in the Yazd basin is generally from west to north-west, and the storm winds have been generally directed northwest, and the frequency of winds of a velocity less than 6 m s-1 (threshold velocity) is 93.79% as observed from Yazd meteorological station.

---

Abstract
This study aims at extracting, classifying and analyzing the functions of describing the buildings in the novel “The Year of Turmoil” by Abbas Maroufi. Then it explores these functions in the formation of structure, as a result of its subsequent effects on the text and its relation with the reader. The findings of the study indicate that the architecture and the presence of buildings play the role as active elements in various dimensions of this novel. These functions can be categorized as follows: the realistic function of buildings in the story; the effect of buildings on the plot of the story; the role of buildings in space and scenery; the sympathetic and nostalgic effect of describing the buildings; the effect on developing characters and characterization; architecture; the regulative element of events and event; the identity-creator element of architecture. This case study not only examines the narrative style of such famous authors like Maroufi and the role of architecture in his works, but also it can unfold the relation between architecture and literature which is extensively represented in a Persian fiction.

Extended Abstract
This study aims at extracting, classifying and analyzing the functions of describing the buildings in the novel “The Year of Turmoil” by Abbas Maroufi. Then it explores these functions in the formation of structure, as a result of its subsequent effects on the text and its relation with the reader.
One of the materials utilized by storytellers is the architectural elements in the complex structure of the story. This usage has been manifested in various forms in narrative texts, including the creation of atmosphere, as an effective element in identifying or developing characters, and sometimes even as a component of the narrative plot and as an element of verification.
Architecture is widely used in Abbas Maroufi's novel “The Year of Turmoil”; therefore, it was chosen as a case to probe into the capacities and functions of describing buildings in Persian fiction. As exposing the codes and the elements of the intertwined structure of this novel with architecture is being discussed, the aim is to achieve a model to conduct a comprehensive research on the relationship between architecture and literature, a relationship which is overlooked by the researchers despite its significance.
This article is an interdisciplinary comparative study that analyzes atmosphere and architectural elements and their effect on the elements of the story using a qualitative and inductive method. To understand the function of describing the buildings in this work and consequently in fiction, first the types of buildings in various sorts of stories based on the relationship between the text and the real world were discussed: 1. using a real building in a real story; 2. using a real building in a fictional story; 3. using an imaginary building in a real story; and 4. using an imaginary building in a fictional story. According to this classification, the events, characters, and the buildings in “The Year of Turmoil” are all imaginary. Therefore, “Maroufi” is the omnipotent creator of the world of his narration, and thus, the architect of the buildings in this novel.
Based on the analysis, the functions of the description of the building and interior spaces in the novel “The Year of Turmoil” are as follows:
1. Using the building for verification by describing the exterior and interior spaces of the building to reflect the historical and cultural background of the assumed society and to imagine the events of the story as real by relying on the reader’s experience of the elements of the traditional atmosphere;
2. The effect of buildings on the plot of the story due to the effect of place and buildings on the causal relationship with other elements;
3. The role of buildings in creating atmosphere and crafting scenes; as the author in this novel, relying on his own spatial experience and also his reader’s, has made the sequence of the events understandable and accessible by depending on atmosphere creating and scene crafting and using buildings and architectural space;
4. Studying the influence on character development and characterization as in the relationship between the individual and the atmosphere in which they live or to which they react;
5. Influencing the reader by creating a sympathetic and nostalgic sense for a better understanding of the atmosphere and empathy with the characters of the novel;
6. Using descriptions, the author creates a relationship between events and atmosphere through a pattern of repetition of events, which is used to embed the critical points of the story, and using atmosphere as a place at which various and sometimes unusual events occur can be justified. Identifying the real place by using the building and imaginary events are also other functions of describing the building in this story.

---

In this research, seeds of Iranian carob trees grown wild in Kazeroon city (Fars Province) were used to extract Iranian locust bean gum as a seed galactomannan. Chemical composition, solubility, and rheological properties of crude and purified gums were investigated and compared with a commercial (Sigma) locust bean gum (LBG) sample. Chemical composition of the purified Iranian LBG was similar to the commercial LBG, however, the protein content of Iranian crude LBG was higher. Solubility data showed that the Iranian crude LBG was partially cold-water soluble (~ 55% at 25°C) and needed heating to reach a higher solubility value (~ 71% at 80 °C). Rheological properties of the solutions of the three LBG samples were investigated as a function of concentration and temperature (5-60 °C) at shear rate range of 0.5-200 s^-1. All three samples showed shear thinning behavior and Power law model was used to fit the experimental data. The Iranian LBG (crude and pure) was able to thicken aqueous solutions; however, its viscosity level was lower than that of the commercial LBG. Study of rheological properties of the three LBG samples at different pH levels (2.5-10) showed that they were significantly affected by pH. The intrinsic viscosities of the Iranian crude and purified LBG and commercial LBG were 3.95, 9.05, and 9.48 dL g^-1, respectively.

---

The date fruit is of high nutritional value and its chemical composition is unique in providing energy, minerals, and vitamins for human. Date syrup, date concentrate and liquid date sugar are among semi-finished liquid products produced from low quality dates at industrial scale. In this research, some physicochemical properties of date syrup, concentrate, and liquid sugar in comparison with sucrose solutions were studied and the possibility of replacing sucrose with date liquid products was investigated. The results showed that the main chemical component of all three date products was simple sugars of fructose and glucose. Ash and protein contents of date liquid sugar were much lower than date syrup. pH values of date liquid products were also significantly different. Concentration of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in date syrup was much greater than date liquid sugar. Overall, processing of date syrup to date liquid sugar reduced its nutritional quality while improving technological properties. It can be concluded that in choosing date liquid products as raw materials in food formulation, for the products that brown color of date liquid products does not affect the appearance of the final products, usage of date syrup or date concentrate is proposed. However, in other foods where brownish color of date syrup or date concentrate deteriorates sensory attributes of the final products, date liquid sugar is suggested. Date liquid products are also good candidates for high sugar products with sugar crystallization problem.

---

To reduce sucrose consumption in biscuits, Date Syrup (DS) and Date Liquid Sugar (DLS) were replaced with sucrose at different levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) and physicochemical properties of dough and the resultant biscuits were compared. Dough pH and cohesiveness decreased while softness and adhesiveness increased with addition of DS and DLS. The pH, softness and adhesiveness of the DS dough were higher than the DLS samples. The DS and DLS biscuits had lower pH, higher ash and moisture contents than the sucrose biscuits. The DS biscuits had more ash content than the DLS sample. Addition of DS and DLS resulted in biscuits with higher density, spread ratio, harder texture, and darker color. These changes were more pronounced when DS was used. Sucrose replacement with less than 40% DS or 60% DLS resulted in biscuits with sensory characteristics similar to the control, and higher antioxidant and mineral contents.

---

Date press cake is a by-product of date fruit juicing that has remained underutilized in the food industry. This is mostly due to the lack of information and technical knowledge about its chemical composition, nutritional value, health benefits and possible effects on the quality of food products upon inclusion. The main aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition, bioactive compounds and functional properties of date press cake to promote its food applications as an economical and available functional ingredient. The research was carried out on ground date press cake obtained from Shahani dates with two particle sizes of 355 µm (coarse) and 167 µm (fine). On average, Shahani date press cake contained 13.37% moisture, 4.92% fat, 6.35% protein, 11.74% crude fiber and 79.06% carbohydrate. Fructose was the main simple sugar, magnesium was the major mineral, oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid, and phenolic compounds were the main antioxidant. The chemical composition and functional properties of the date press cake were affected by its particle size. The coarse sample had lower fibre, oleic acid, total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity than the fine sample. However, the fine sample had higher sugar and fat content and exhibited higher water holding capacity and solubility than the coarse sample.
 

---

In the present study, bioactive compounds were extracted from cotyledon of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) seed, as a waste of citrus processing, using a microwave-assisted extraction method. The effects of four independent variables including microwave power (100-300 W), extraction time (5-15 min), sample weight (5-15 g), and solvent volume (100-200 mL) on responses of extraction yield, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and chelating capacity of extracts were investigated. Response surface methodology based on the central composite design was employed to investigate the effects of independent variables on the responses and also to optimize the extraction conditions. The optimum extraction condition included microwave power of 300 W, extraction time of 15 min, sample weight of 5 g, and solvent volume of 200 mL. Regarding the extraction yield, its amount increased significantly by increasing microwave power, extraction time, and sample weight, while it decreased significantly by increasing solvent volume. Also, the highest total phenolic content in the extract was observed at the lowest levels of microwave power and extraction time. Concerning the total flavonoid content in the extract, its amount increased significantly by increasing extraction time and solvent volume, while it decreased significantly by increasing sample weight. In addition, the CUPRAC of the extract increased significantly by increasing microwave power, extraction time, and solvent volume, as opposed to sample weight. In conclusion, microwave-assisted extraction can be suggested as a suitable method for extracting bioactive compounds from the bitter orange seed cotyledon.
 

---

Date Press Cake (DPC) is a by-product of date fruit juicing, which has remained mostly underutilized in food products. The main objective of this research was to investigate the viability of adding DPC in cake formulation. Thus, different levels (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%) and particle sizes (210 µm= DPC₂₁₀ and 500 µm= DPC₅₀₀) of DPC were used in cake formulation. The results showed that DPC had higher fiber, ash, and fat content than cake flour. Increasing the level and reducing the particle size of DPC increased batter consistency, firmness, stickiness, cohesiveness and viscosity. Inclusion of DPC increased cake density, reduced pH and crust moisture content, but these were not affected by DPC particle size. The samples became harder and less cohesive as the level of DPC increased. DPC₂₁₀ resulted in softer and less cohesive cakes compared to the DPC₅₀₀. Addition of DPC improved the antioxidant content of the cakes, particularly when DPC₂₁₀ was added. Overall, the sample produced with 10% DPC₂₁₀ had acceptable sensory characteristics.
 

---

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser and three entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin, Trichoderma harzianum Rifai, and T. viride Pers.) against the second and fourth larval instars of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). The results showed that S. carpocapsae caused a pronounced mortality to second and fourth larval instars of S. frugiperda using a leaf dipping method at 4 days post inoculation (dpi) with LC₅₀ values of 52.03 and 4.11 Infective Juveniles (IJs) mL^-1, respectively. On the other hand, the three tested entomopathogenic fungi caused a strong toxicity on larval instars of S. frugiperda. The fungus, T. harzianum, displayed the highest insecticidal activity on the second larval instar (LC₅₀= 1.1×10⁷ spores mL^-1) and M. anisopliae on the fourth larval instar (LC₅₀= 1.5×10⁷ spores mL^-1) after 10 dpi. Our results showed that S. carpocapsae completely inhibited pupation and adult emergence from treated larvae at 250 IJs mL^-1. The lethal effect of entomopathogenic nematode and fungi against S. frugiperda larval instars indicates that these biological control agents could be useful candidates in integrated pest management programs for this invasive insect.