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The fluidity and the effective surface tension of Al-Ductile iron (Fe-3.2C-8.5Al-0.05Mg) were studied at different pouring temperatures. A fluidity test comprising strips 1, 2, 4-and 8-mm-thickness were molded in sodium silicate-bonded silica sand. Our results quantify the increase of melt fluidity with increasing casting modulus and pouring temperature and show that the effective surface tension of the alloy is about 1.8 N/m. Comparing this value with the surface tension of Si-ductile irons and Al-ductile irons of lower Al contents, we conclude that the high level of Al used in this study results in the formation of an alumina film on the advancing liquid front, which raises the effective surface tension, reduces fluidity by 100 mm and reduces the ability of the metal to enter narrow sections from 0.4 to 1.0 mm thickness.

This paper presents results of a multidisciplinary research initiative examining human responses to environmental change at the intersection of the southern coastal plain of the Caspian Sea and the foothills of the Alborz Mountains during the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene. Our palaeo-environmental analysis of two sedimentary cores obtained from a lagoon in close proximity to four caves, occupied by human groups during the transition from hunting and gathering to food-producing ways of life in this region, confirms Charles McBurney's 1968 hypothesis that when Caspian Sea levels were high, Mesolithic hunters were reliant on seal and deer, but as water levels receded and a wide coastal plain emerged, hunters consumed a different range of herbivorous mammalian species. Palynological evidence obtained from these two cores also demonstrates that the cool and dry climatic conditions often associated with the Younger Dryas stadial do not appear to have been extreme in this region. Thus, increasingly sedentary hunting and gathering groups could have drawn on plant and animal resources from multiple ecological niches without suffering significant resource stress or reduced population levels that may have been encountered in neighbouring regions. Our analyses of botanical, faunal and archaeological remains from a recently-discovered open-air Mesolithic and aceramic Neolithic site also shows an early process of Neolithization in the southern Caspian basin, which was a very gradual, low-cost adaptation to new ways of life, with neither the abandonment of hunting and gathering, nor a climatic trigger event for the emergence of a low-level, food-producing society.

SUMMARY: This paper uses a political economy framework to explore the role of external agents of change in Iran, and the impact of foreign trade during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly wit...

Prehistoric sherds recovered from Ebrahimabad, in the Central Plateau of Iran, were investigated using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The results showed a gradual evolution in production from Sialk I-type pottery to Sialk II-type pottery, eventually leading to the production of bulk red pottery. The relative similarity of composition, homogeneous microstructures and the presence of high-temperature phases demonstrated a high degree of specialisation in the selection of raw materials and control of firing temperature and atmosphere by the potters of Ebrahimabad in the late fifth to early sixth millennia BC, peaking in the final phase associated with Sialk II.

Load carrying capacity of reticulated space structures majorly depend on the structures’ imperfections. Imperfections in initial curvature, length, and residual stress of members are all innately random and can affect the load-bearing capacity of the members and consequently that of the structure. The present study investigated the effect of the probability distribution of initial curvature imperfection and lack of fit of members on the load-bearing capacity of double-layer barrel vault space structures with different types of support. A random number was first assigned to each member using gamma and normal distributions for initial curvature and member length imperfections, respectively. Afterwards, the ultimate bearing capacity and the collapse behavior of the structure was determined using nonlinear finite-element analysis in OpenSees software and finally structures reliability was acquired. The results demonstrate that the collapse behavior of doable-layer barrel vault space structures is sensitive to the random distribution of initial imperfections.

Aim It has been reported that spiroaminopyrimidine derivatives inhibited the growth and proliferation of various cancer cell lines. In the present study, we evaluated cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects of 2,4-diamino-1,3-diazaspiro[5.5]-9-tert-butyl-2, 4-diene-5-carbonitril (9-tBAP) on NB4 acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells. Materials and methods The cells were treated with 10-100 µM of 9-tBAP. Cytotoxic activity of the compound was measured using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was investigated by Hoechst 33258 staining as well as by Annexin V/PI double staining. Results The compound under study was found to be highly active cell growth inhibitor with IC50 of 30.0 ± 3.5 µM inducing apoptosis in NB4 cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed a time-dependent increase in sub-G1 cell population. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the treatment with the compound down-regulated the BIRC5 expression in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion 9-tBAP displayed potent anti-leukemic activity in vitro thus warranting further investigation.

Using heat shield, especially in throat area has a significant effect on combustion chamber pressure and thermal efficiency of solid fuel engines. Precise prediction of the regression of throat area for different pressures, will lead to optimal design of the motors, specifically for those of long burnout times. In this work, erosion of graphite nozzles employed in solid propellant motors with a specific composite propellant and variable pressures, is investigated. The numerical model utilized includes the Naiver-Stokes equations, chamber gas thermodynamic equations and thermochemical and heat conduction equations for the nozzle surface. In order to validate the numerical results, a cartridge type solid propellant motor with a graphite nozzle is experimentally tested. Using a 3D scanner in the experimental setup, the amount of inner surface regression for variable pressures (60, 90, 120 and 200 bars) is measured. Numerical and experimental results are in a proper conformity with each other. There is a direct relationship between convection heat transfer coefficient and the pressure. The overall erosion is the same for all four engine pressures. The erosion rate increases with increasing pressure. This rate for the fuel is about 0.21 mm/s for every 100 times the pressure up to 300 times. For a pressure higher than 300 times, a significant leakage occurs at the corrosion rate.

The prehistoric sherds recovered from the North Mound of Tepe Sialk were investigated using XRF, XRD and SEM/EDX analyses. These studies showed the occurrence of a gradual evolution in pottery-making from the Sialk I to Sialk II periods, eventually leading to the production of bulk red pottery at the final phase of Sialk II. The relative similarity of compositions, homogeneous microstructures and the presence of high-temperature phases demonstrated a high degree of specialization in the selection of raw materials and control of the firing temperature and atmosphere among the potters of Sialk in the sixth millennium bc, peaking at the final phase of Sialk II.

During disaster and emergency situations, 3D geospatial data can provide essential information for decision support systems. The utilization of geospatial data using digital surface models as a basic reference is mandatory to provide accurate quick emergency response in so called rapid mapping activities. The recipe between accuracy requirements and time restriction is considered critical in this situations. UAVs as alternative platforms for 3D point cloud acquisition offer potentials because of their flexibility and practicability combined with low cost implementations. Moreover, the high resolution data collected from UAV platforms have the capabilities to provide a quick overview of the disaster area. The target of this paper is to experiment and to evaluate a low-cost system for generation of point clouds using imagery collected from a low altitude small autonomous UAV equipped with customized single frequency RTK module. The customized multi-rotor platform is used in this study. Moreover, electronic hardware is used to simplify user interaction with the UAV as RTK-GPS/Camera synchronization, and beside the synchronization, lever arm calibration is done. The platform is equipped with a Sony NEX-5N, 16.1-megapixel camera as imaging sensor. The lens attached to camera is ZEISS optics, prime lens with F1.8 maximum aperture and 24 mm focal length to deliver outstanding images. All necessary calibrations are performed and flight is implemented over the area of interest at flight height of 120 m above the ground level resulted in 2.38 cm GSD. Earlier to image acquisition, 12 signalized GCPs and 20 check points were distributed in the study area and measured with dualfrequency GPS via RTK technique with horizontal accuracy of σ = 1.5 cm and vertical accuracy of σ = 2.3 cm. results of direct georeferencing are compared to these points and experimental results show that decimeter accuracy level for 3D points cloud with proposed system is achievable, that is suitable for 3D rapid mapping applications.

Hospital-associated infections, recently renamed Healthcare-associated infections, are among the most common life-threatening complications of hospitalized patients, especially the immunocompromised patients. Regarding the significant role of Enterobacteriaceae in nosocomial infections and also the increasing trends of carbapenem-resistant strains, the present study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern and the occurrence of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) in Enterobacteriaceae strains from Iranian cancer patients.This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in teaching hospitals of two cities in the central parts of Iran during the 6 months period from December 2015 to May 2016. The Enterobacteriaceae isolates were obtained from different clinical specimens and were identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for the bacterial isolates was determined using the disk diffusion method. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes was determined by PCR method.The distribution of Enterobacteriaceae isolates were 74 (71.8%) E. coli, 23 (22.3%) Klebsiella spp., 3 (2.9%) Proteus spp., 2 (1.9%) Salmonella spp., and 1 (1%) Shigella spp. The results of antibiotic susceptibility revealed that all of the isolates were multiple-drug resistant (MDR) and 60% of them were (excluded Salmonella and Shigella) carbapenem-resistant. Of all the carbapenem-resistant isolates, 31.7% were MBL-positive. Meanwhile, fosfomycin and minocycline were the most effective antibiotics against MBL-positive bacteria. Moreover, none of the investigated carbapenemases genes were found in MBL-positive isolates.This study highlights the importance of MBLs producing Enterobacteriaceae in causing nosocomial infections in cancer patients. However, carbapenem resistance was not associated with the presence of MBL genes such as IMP, VIM, and SPM. Vatus haeque crent Catilium ausatem nendactui scerem clere forum dicaur hili consceri plin ternul ut audam que factus, que ad ponis. Go vicaet L. Legilici pos.

The emergence of Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Acinetobacter baumannii has become a global concern in nosocomial infections. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of MBL producing genes among clinical isolates of A. baumannii from hospitalized patients.This study was performed from October 2015 to October 2016 at three teaching hospitals located in Isfahan, Iran. Totally, 100 A-baumannii isolates were collected from clinical specimens and identified as A-baumannii using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was determined by disc diffusion method according to the CLSI. Furthermore, the determination of blaTotally, Sixty-eight percent (68%) of isolates of A. baumannii were recovered from tracheal aspirate. According to the antibiotic susceptibility pattern, the highest level of resistance was against ciprofloxacin (99%), while among tested antibiotics amikacin (10%) was found to be the most effective. 21%, 4%, 7% and 6% isolates carried blaThe results of this study showed high rate of the MBL producing A-baumannii isolates in our region and displayed that MBLs producing A-baumannii strains are emerging threats to ICUs.

This paper explores the presence of women in the landlord villages of the Tehran Plain, Iran, drawing on recent fieldwork in the form of spatial analysis of the built environment, ethnographic interviews, excavation, and analysis of material culture assemblages. The visibility of women in the buildings and material culture of the villages is assessed and compared to the evidence gained through interview. Given the acknowledged importance of class as a social structure, analysis and discussion is extended to consider whether it is possible to distinguish women of different classes in the villages. Although largely ignored in many previous historical and ethnographic accounts, it is clear that women have played a key role in these villages, and that they can be detected in the material culture. While the ethnographic evidence and spatial analysis indicate the presence of different classes of women, determining this from the artifactual assemblages alone is very difficult. q ]My story is about ordinary women like myself, whose lives were transformed by events in the late twentieth century. My story is about Iran, or Persia, and the women of Iran whose popular history barely exists. We have had thousands of poets, writers and historians who across the centuries have left a rich cultural heritage. None the less, women are rarely mentioned as creators and mentors of the society. They are hidden behind curtains and high walls (Shafii 1997:xii–xiii).

The objective of this paper is to derive the mathematical model of two-dimensional heat conduction at the inner and outer surfaces of a hollow cylinder which are subjected to a time-dependent periodic boundary condition. The substance is assumed to be homogenous and isotropic with time-independent thermal properties. Duhamel’s theorem is used to solve the problem for the periodic boundary condition which is decomposed by Fourier series. In this paper, the effects of the temperature oscillation frequency on the boundaries, the variation of the hollow cylinder thickness, the length of the cylinder, the thermophysical properties at ambient conditions, and the cylinder involved in some dimensionless numbers are studied. The obtained temperature distribution has two main characteristics: the dimensionless amplitude (\(A\)) and the dimensionless phase difference (\(\varphi \)). These results are shown with respect to Biot and Fourier and some other important dimensionless numbers.

New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1(NDM-1) is a novel type of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) which inactivates all β-lactam antibiotics except aztreonam. Enterobacteriaceae expressing NDM-1 have been identified worldwide. The aim of this study was to detect MBLs in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from patients hospitalized in one of the university hospitals in Isfahan, Iran.Of the 112 isolates obtained from various clinical samples, 49 were selected for carbapenemase detection based on their reduced susceptibility to imipenem or meropenem according to the disc diffusion method. These isolates were screened for carbapenemase and MBL production using the Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and Epsilometer test (E-test) MBL strips. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on all 49 isolates using specific primers to detect genes encoding IMP (active on imipenem), VIM (Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase), SPM-1 (Sao Paulo metallo-β-lactamase) and NDM-1.Among 49 carbapenem-resistant isolates, 32 (65.3 %) were positive for MHT and 6 (12.2 %) were found positive for blaNDM-1. Other MBL genes were not detected.This is the second report on the detection of blaNDM-1 in Iran since it was first reported by Shahcheraghi and colleagues in 2012. This study indicated that resistance to carbapenems and isolation of bacteria producing NDM-1 is increasing. Therefore, the rapid detection of isolates expressing NDM-1 is essential to control their spread. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 205-209.

In this article, shape identification in inverse heat conduction problems is applied to estimate the solidliquid interface in a cold storage system. The inverse algorithm consists of direct, inverse analysis, and gradient-based optimization method that iteratively estimates the unknown shape. The direct analysis used the finite-element method in the unstructured grid system to solve the direct heat conduction problem. The inverse analysis is based on recording temperature data on the outer surface of the storage capsule that calculates the objective function with calculated and measurement temperatures. The employed gradient-based optimization method is constructed using the adjoint and sensitivity equations that are used to calculate the gradient of the objective function and the optimal step size, respectively. Both the control point method (CPM) and proposed method (shape variables method) are used to estimate the unknown shape and to compare themselves. The effects of the number of sensors, grid sizes, shape scales, initial shapes, and noisy temperature data on the solution are investigated. The results show that the proposed method is more efficient in the prediction of the solidliquid interface in comparison with CPM.

For thousands of years, humans have inhabited locations that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, earthquakes, and floods. In order to investigate the extent to which Holocene environmental changes may have impacted on cultural evolution, we present new geologic, geomorphic, and chronologic data from the Qazvin Plain in northwest Iran that provides a backdrop of natural environmental changes for the simultaneous cultural dynamics observed on the Central Iranian Plateau. Well-resolved archaeological data from the neighbouring settlements of Zagheh (7170—6300 yr BP), Ghabristan (6215—4950 yr BP) and Sagzabad (4050—2350 yr BP) indicate that Holocene occupation of the Hajiarab alluvial fan was interrupted by a 900 year settlement hiatus. Multiproxy climate data from nearby lakes in northwest Iran suggest a transition from arid early-Holocene conditions to more humid middle-Holocene conditions from c. 7550 to 6750 yr BP, coinciding with the settlement of Zagheh, and a peak in aridity at c. 4550 yr BP during the settlement hiatus. Palaeoseismic investigations indicate that large active fault systems in close proximity to the tell sites incurred a series of large (MW~7.1) earthquakes with return periods of ~500—1000 years during human occupation of the tells. Mapping and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) chronology of the alluvial sequences reveals changes in depositional style from coarse-grained unconfined sheet flow deposits to proximal channel flow and distally prograding alluvial deposits sometime after c. 8830 yr BP, possibly reflecting an increase in moisture following the early-Holocene arid phase. The coincidence of major climate changes, earthquake activity, and varying sedimentation styles with changing patterns of human occupation on the Hajiarab fan indicate links between environmental and anthropogenic systems. However, temporal coincidence does not necessitate a fundamental causative dependency.

Geoarchaeology and the value of multidisciplinary palaeoenvironmental approaches : a case study from the Tehran Plain, Iran

A distinctive red ceramic known as Cheshmeh Ali Ware, which dates to the Transitional Chalcolithic period (c. 5200–4300 BC), has been found at sites on the Central Plateau in northern Iran, stretching from the Gorgan plain in the east to the Qazvin plain in the west. Geochemical and petrographic analyses were performed on samples collected from sites in the Qazvin and Tehran plains to investigate the mode of production and distribution. The results suggest local rather than centralised production of Cheshmeh Ali Ware ceramic vessels. Using discriminant analyses, geochemical groupings have been established that differentiate samples of vessels from the two plains, and also samples from different sites within the Qazvin plain. This has significance for our understanding of the mode and scale of ceramic production and distribution in this important formative period.

A series of prehistoric pottery samples excavated from Rahmatabad, south-west Iran, were investigated using XRF and XRD analyses to determine their chemical and mineralogical compositions. The sample microstructures were also studied by SEM/EDX. The relative similarity of compositions, the fine, dense and homogeneous microstructures and the presence of high-temperature phases such as diopside and mullite showed the use of high firing temperatures, in the range 950–1050°C. This, along with the homogeneity in shape, decoration and size ranges of the ware, all indicate the adoption of specialized pottery-making techniques by the potters of Rahmatabad in the fifth to fourth millennia bc.

This paper presents direct evidence in the form of a triangular cross-section channel (1 m in width and 0.24 m in depth), for Late Neolithic artificial water management on the Tehran Plain, which may represent the earliest example of artificial water management in Iran. The antiquity of this channel is supported by dating directly above and below by C14, associated ceramic sherds and correlation with Late Neolithic levels. The nature and function of this channel is evaluated through comparisons with natural channels (ancient and modern) together with evidence from palynology and sedimentology. It is here interpreted as a silted-up artificial canal with infill-deposits that indicate periods of shallow relatively quiet flow, periods of drying-out and occasional episodes of greater flow. This study strongly suggests that 6th millennium farmers at Tepe Pardis in Iran were irrigating their crops, and complements the evidence from Choga Mami in Iraq concerning early irrigation systems.

Landlord villages played a major role in rural life for many centuries in the Tehran Plain and many other parts of Iran. Although they are now abandoned, they were occupied within living memory, and thus offer the opportunity for study as an historical archaeology project, with a methodology that draws together analysis of standing buildings, oral testimony, excavation and, in the future, historical records. These analyses allow us to begin to consider issues such as social hierarchies and relationships, identity and activities within the villages. This article discusses the results of the fieldwork to date and explores the potential for Historical Archaeology projects in Iran.

A pollen diagram was derived from a 150 cm core taken from the shallow hypersaline Lake Maharlou in the south-eastern part of the Zagros Mountains, SW Iran. The pollen record shows that Quercus brantii woodland and Pistacia–Amygdalus scrub dominated the area during the late Holocene. The record starts at around 5700 cal b.p. with a dry period during which both Pistacia–Amygdalus scrub and Quercus brantii woodland were at their minimum extent. This period was followed by the expansion of Pistacia–Amygdalus scrub in the area and the spread of Quercus brantii woodlands at higher altitudes. An important occupation phase, characterized by the appearance of several cultivated tree species such as Juglans, Olea, Vitis and Platanus, started at ca. 4300 cal b.p., coinciding with the onset of the Bronze Age civilization of Jiroft in Central Iran. Human activities become very clear after 3700 cal b.p. Around 2700 cal b.p., extensive stands of Pistacia–Amygdalus scrub became profoundly degraded, presumably under strong human pressure coinciding with the beginning of the Persian Empires. The maximum expansion of the Quercus brantii woodland occurred about 2100 to 1700 cal b.p. This woodland remained relatively stable until the end of the diagram at 400 cal b.p.

The late Chalcolithic (4 th millennium BC) tell of Ghabristan in the Qasvin pl ain of NW Iran stood once about five metres high above a vast floodplain . Seasonal rivers are fed by rain over the mountains in the south and deposited alluvial sedim ents that have buried the tell. Today it is ploughed level with the surrounding paddy fields. A fter abandoning the tell, Iron-age people started a new settlement 500m to the NE (Tepe Sagzabad) and used the older site as their burial ground. These Iron-age graves are within the current plough -zone and have been heavily looted, leaving a crater landscape. Over the last years several excav ations have investigated other parts of the site an d revealed its deep stratigraphy. Of particular impor tance are metalworking finds from the chalcolithic period. Magnetometer surveys of a 6ha area were undertaken to identify the extent of the tell and any associated features (Figure 2). The robber pits in the central area produced pronounced negative anomalies and any potential features below them were undetectable. Outside this disturbed area important discoveries were made. Several pit-like a nomalies were detected adjacent to the illicit excavations (1) and it is likely that these are rel ated to burials that may still be undisturbed. In addition, the outlines of irrigation channels (2) w ere detected. They appear to be much more curvilinear than the straight irrigation ditches us ed in modern times. Upon excavation one of these was found to be buried by ca. 0.8m of gravels and s ilt. Due to their relatively shallow nature these features are possibly contemporary with the Iron-ag e graves and provide important insight into past land use. Most of the formerly excavated areas were not backf illed, which allowed to conduct magnetometer surveys closer to the earlier occupation levels. Th e data revealed distinct rectilinear anomalies (3), which are probably linked to the chalcolithic metal production that was reported from adjacently excavated areas of the site. The survey has revealed new insights into the Chalc olithic and Iron-age use of this site and will lead to further archaeological and geoarchaeological inv estigations.

Two further seasons of excavations at Tepe Pardis and survey in the Tehran Plain were undertaken in 2006 and 2007. The former exposed over 70 square metres of mudbrick structures dating to the Transitional Chalcolithic, including five kilns. The presence of these kilns, in association with a terracotta slow wheel, confirms the presence of a highly specialised production site. We have also confirmed the presence of kiln debris on the southern side of the mound, suggesting that the industrial zone encapsulated much of the mound. The importance of Tepe Pardis was further confirmed by the discovery of a badly damaged Iron Age cemetery to the north of the main site. Our geoarchaeological exploration of the quarry continued with the logging of a number of large natural water courses, enhancing our understanding of Tepe Pardis' ancient landscape. Finally, a further season of settlement survey was undertaken at the edge of the desert south-east of Pishva.

An archaeological survey of the plain of Tehran was begun in August 2003, marking the initiation of the second phase of collaborative research between Durham University, the University of Bradford, the University of Leicester, the University of Tehran and the Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation (ICHTO). The survey was launched with three main aims. Firstly, to pilot the collection of data regarding the frequency, distribution, density and condition of sites from the terminal Palaeolithic c. 8000 B.C., through the Late Chalcolithic c. 3000 B.C. to the present. Secondly, to provide a basis from which to select prehistoric sites for detailed survey and test excavation in order to enhance the absolute chronology of the Tehran plain. Finally, to begin to assess the archaeological landscape background to these changes in the light of geomorphological analysis. In the summer of 2004, we continued this work during a second season and recorded a total of 123 archaeological sites, including 14 previously unkown Chalcolithic sites. One of the larger Chalcolithic sites to be identified in our first season, Tepe Pardis, was also excavated in 2004 in order to enhance the absolute chronology for the plain, and has generated dates of c. 5300 B.C. for the Late Neolithic/Transitional Chalcolithic interface (Fig. 1). Finally, our new survey data has reconfirmed our earlier findings that this non-renewable cultural resourcxe is unbder substantial pressure from farming, building and illicit excavations.

Since the I970s the chronological sequence of northwestern Central Plateau of Iran has been based on the findings of the sites of Zagheh, Ghabristan and Sagzabad in the Qazvin plain. Recent re-excavations of Zagheh in 2001 and Ghabristan in 2002 have supplemented earlier findings and provided new interpretations of the cultural sequence in this region of Iran. The data from the ceramic sequence and radiocarbon dating suggest that Zagheh was primarily a Chalcolithic site with no evidence of presence of Neolithic material. Preliminary results from the first season of the re-excavation of Ghabristan have also shed new light on the development of the local ceramic industry and the interpretation of the periodization of the site, especially in regard to Ghabristan III, the Gray Ware period.

Uranium (VI) (U(VI)) forms a complex with dipicolinic acid (2, 6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid).This complex can be used for a highly sensitive and selective determination of uranium by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (ACSV) using a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) as working electrode. Influence of effective parameters such as pH, concentration of ligand, accumulation potential and accumulation time on the sensitivity and selectivity were studied. The detection limit (3sigma of the blank value) obtained under the optimal experimental conditions is 0.27 x 10(-9)M after 150s of the accumulation time. The peak current is proportional to the concentration of U(VI) in the range of 1 x 10(-9) to 1.2 x 10(-7)M. The relative standard deviation of 2.5% at the 3.5 x 10(-8)M level was obtained. The interference of some metal ions and anions were studied. The application of this method was tested in the determination of uranium in synthetic and natural water samples.

Subclinical endometritis affects approximately 30% of lactating dairy cows, causing significant economic losses to the dairy industry. Yet, there is no efficient treatment available for this condition. The present study examines the effect of uterine lavage in clinically normal cows with sterile saline solution at 30 days in milk (DIM) on the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) detected with endometrial cytology as an indicator of subclinical endometritis. It was hypothesized uterine lavage would be a technique to reduce the number of PMNs in the uterus, and hence be beneficial for cows affected by subclinical endometritis. Cytology samples were taken by low-volume flushing from 50 Holstein Friesian cows on 30 and 40 DIM. On Day 30, cows were clinically examined and randomly assigned into a treatment and control group. In the treatment group, the cytology sampling on Day 30 was immediately followed by uterine lavage with 500-600 mL of sterile physiological saline (35-40 degrees C). Cytology sampling was repeated in all cows at 40 DIM. Lactation numbers >2, peripheral progesterone concentrations >1 ng/mL and uterine lavage at 30 DIM all were significantly associated with lesser PMN percentages at 40 DIM (P = 0.0041; 0.0187 and 0.0043, respectively). Uterine lavage might, therefore, be a useful and practical method to decrease the number of PMNs in the uterus of cattle. Results from the current study can be used as preliminary data for designing in depth therapeutic protocols for treatment of subclinical endometritis in cattle. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this paper, the shape identification method in the Inverse Heat Conduction Problems (IHCP) is applied to estimate the shape of frost on a refrigeration tube. The inverse algorithm consists of direct, inverse analysis and gradient-based optimization method. The direct analysis used Finite Element Method (FEM) in an unstructured grid system to solve the direct heat conduction problem. The inverse analysis is based on recording temperatures data on surface of refrigeration tube that calculates the objective function. The employed gradient-based optimization method is constructed using the adjoint, sensitivity, and conjugate gradient method that are used to calculate the gradient of objective function, step size, and minimizing the objective function, respectively. The effect of shape scales and noisy temperature data are investigated. The results show that this proposed inverse algorithm is more efficient in prediction of frost formation.

We have carried out isotopic analysis (δ13C and δ15N) on five salt-preserved bodies from the salt mine at Chehr Abad, Iran, dating from the 4th C. BC through to the 4th C. AD. In an attempt to identify the geographical origins of these people, we have analyzed over a hundred archeological bone samples from various archeological sites in Iran. From the faunal remains, we observe that the entire ecosystem appears to be enriched in 15N, which we suggest is due to the semi-arid nature of the region. We have also observed a number of cattle remains from one site (Nargas Tepe) which have a significant C4 component to their diet from the 4th millennium BC. By combining our data with those published by [Bocherens et al.: Environ Archaeol 5 (2000) 1–19; Bocherens et al.: J Arch Sci 33 (2006) 253–264], we suggest that two of the “mummies” may have come from the Tehran/Qazvin Plain region (i.e., relatively local to the salt mine), and a further two appear on isotopic grounds to have come from the northeast of Iran or the Turkmenistan steppes. The fifth (no. 4), the best preserved, appears to have come from further afield. Collectively, these mummies and their contexts augment our knowledge of social mobility and technical innovation in Iran during the Achaemenid period. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:343-354, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The aim of current study was to investigate the changes in the quality parameters of Holstein bull semen during the heat stress and the effect of feeding a source of omega-3 fatty acids in this period. Samples were obtained from 19 Holstein bulls during the expected time of heat stress in Iran (June to September 2009). Control group (n=10) were fed a standard concentrate feed while treatment group (n=9) had this feed top dressed with 100 g of an omega-3 enriched nutriceutical. Semen quality was assessed on ejaculates collected after 1, 5, 9 and 12 weeks of supplementation. Computer-assisted assessment of sperm motility, viability (eosinnigrosin) and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) were conducted. Heat stress affected sperm quality parameters by week 5 and 9 (p

The shortage of technological discoveries in traditional architecture which has now made it possible to warm and cool any area regardless of considering the proper direction or geometrical shape used to lead the habitants to make use of natural phenomena to provide physical and emotional comfort. Therefore, traditional architecture is always accompanied with a set of rules and principles that are to some extent based on environmental criteria as well as the dominant belief system of the specific culture; these two variables seem to be inter-related and in some situations dominating one another. Although assigning auspicious directions, auspicious geometrical patterns in the plan configuration, the concept of concentric zones, elongation of the whole complex and the facade considerations seem to be religious in basis or due to cultural values, still a great amount of such principles in traditional architectural guidelines are derived from the environment; thus a number of common characteristics of vernacular architecture, such as the presence of vegetation in the buildings’ site, the use of local materials that create a micro-climate adaptable with human comfort and structural forms associated with the climatic positions, which can also be applied to other cultures with the same climate, are present as parts of all traditional structures. Vastu as one of the most ancient architectural belief systems, similar to other traditional architectural sciences such as Feng Shui, also deals with the principles designed to make the most use of the environment and more specifically climate as one of its dominant factors. Based on the knowledge of the Sun Rays, the Earth’s Magnetic Poles and the Geopathic Zones, many rules have been legislated in ancient Indian architecture dealing with environmental criteria that Eco-Architecture III 97 www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541 (on-line) © 2010 WIT Press WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, Vol 128, doi:10.2495/ARC100091 Department of Architecture, University of Malaya, Malaysia are now considered superstitions; however, applying them may be useful in designing buildings in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.

Generations of Mesopotamian archaeologists, looking at Iran as if through the wrong end of a telescope, have tended to contrast the developed and urbanized centres of their early riverine civilizations with what they assumed were the sparsely populated and undeveloped resource areas of highland Iran. (Beale 1973: 133)

Preliminary investigation of lithic assemblages from six late prehistoric sites on the Tehran Plain provides numerous insights into the production, distribution, use and craft specialisation of fla...

The reaction between ovarian hormones and experimental uterine infection (Streptococcus zooepidemicus) was investigated in 3 groups, each containing 6 ovariectomized mares. Group 1 served as controls ('anoestrus'), Group 2 mares were injected with oestrogen ('oestrus') and Group 3 with progesterone ('dioestrus') over a period of 5 weeks. All mares received an intrauterine inoculation of the bacteria 1 week after the start of hormonal treatment, and the results of the challenge were examined by endometrial biopsy and swabs once weekly. At the end of Week 1 no bacteria were recovered from the mares in Group 2. Group 1 mares were free of bacteria at the end of Week 2 but all Group 3 mares remained infected at least for the total period examined. Streptococcal phagocytosis was quantitated by chemiluminescence. Before the challenge-inoculation, phagocytosis was not significantly different in the 3 groups of mares. Bacterial cultures were negative for all three groups. However, within 48 h after infection, there was a significant increase (P less than 0.01) in phagocytosis in Group 2 and a significant suppression (P less than 0.05) in Group 3 mares. Patterns of streptococcal clearance from the uterus closely paralleled the changes in the magnitude of chemiluminescence response. The results suggest that ovarian hormonal status can modulate the phagocytic response in episodes of streptococcal-induced endometritus in mares.

Endometrial tissue and blood serum gentamicin (GT) concentrations were determined in 6 ovariectomized pony mares given intrauterine infusions (50 ml of a 5% commercial aqueous solution of GT) each day for 5 consecutive days. The mares were subjected to the following 3 treatments: (1) GT infusion only (trial A, control); (2) progesterone plus GT (trial B, P + G); and (3) estradiol plus GT (trial C, E + G). Endometrial tissue concentrations of GT (micrograms/g) at 24 and 120 hours were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in trials B (65.54 +/- 15.57 and 100.33 +/- 19.27) and C (73.33 +/- 22.53 and 74.09 +/- 8.60) than in trial A (4.23 +/- 0.70). Endometrial concentration for trial A at 120 hours was also significantly higher than trial A at 24 hours. There was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05) in endometrial concentrations among trials A, B, and C at 120 hours. Serum GT concentrations were significantly lower than endometrial tissue concentrations. The highest serum concentrations of GT found in every trial occurred at 6 hours after each intrauterine infusion of GT. The highest overall serum concentration of GT (micrograms/ml) determined occurred in trial B (8.30 +/- 1.28) at 78 hours. There was no significant difference in serum concentrations of GT between days of treatment, except for trial A at 78 and 102 hours, respectively. Serum concentrations of GT were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than trial A at 30, 54, 78, and 102 hours in trial B, and at 78 and 102 hours in trial C. There was no significant difference in serum concentrations of GT between trials B and C.

Gentamicin (GT) was administered IM to 6 healthy mature mare ponies at a dosage of 5 mg/kg of body weight every 8 hours for 7 consecutive days (total, 21 doses). Two venous blood samples were collected before (trough) and at 1 hour (peak) after the 5th, 10th, 14th, and 19th doses. An endometrial biopsy was done of each mare on days 4 and 7. On the 7th day, just before the 21st administration of GT, base-line blood samples were collected, and 22 blood samples were collected over a period of 48 hours after GT was given. The mares were catheterized on the 7th day, and urine was collected for 24 hours. Serum, urine, and endometrial GT concentrations were determined by a radioimmunoassay technique (sensitivity of 0.3 micrograms/ml of serum). Serum GT concentration data obtained from the terminal phase were best fitted by a 1-compartment open model with a biological half-life of 2.13 +/- 0.43 hours. Total body clearance and renal clearance were 1.69 +/- 0.41 and 1.40 +/- 0.26 ml/min/kg, respectively. Mean endometrial concentrations on day 4 and day 7 were 5.02 +/- 3.3 and 12.75 +/- 1.6 micrograms/g. To achieve mean serum GT concentrations (micrograms/ml) at steady state of 6.47 +/- 1.51, a maximum steady-state concentration of 12.74 +/- 1.60, and a minimum steady-state concentration of 1.43 +/- 0.57, a dosage of 5 mg/kg every 8 hours is recommended. Serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and the fractional clearance of sodium sulfanilate were determined before and after GT treatment. Renal function remained within the base-line range during 7 days of GT administration.

Healthy mature pony mares (n = 6) were given a single dose of gentamicin (5 mg/kg of body weight) IV or IM 8 days apart. Venous blood samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 45 minutes and at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 40, and 48 hours after IV injection of gentamicin, and at 10, 20, 30, and 45 minutes and at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, and 30 hours after IM injection of gentamicin. Gentamicin serum concentration was determined by a liquid-phase radioimmunoassay. The combined data of IV and IM treatments were analyzed by a nonlinear least-square regression analysis program. The kinetic data were best fitted by a 2-compartment open model, as indicated by residual trends and improvements in the correlation of determination. The distribution phase half-life was 0.12 +/- 0.02 hour and postdistribution phase half-life was 1.82 +/- 0.22 hour. The volume of the central compartment was 115.8 +/- 6.0 ml/kg, volume of distribution at steady state was 188 +/- 9.9 ml/kg, and the total body clearance was 1.27 +/- 0.18 ml/min/kg. Intramuscular absorption was rapid with a half-life for absorption of 0.64 +/- 0.14 hour. The extent of absorption was 0.87 +/- 0.14. Kinetic calculations predicted that IM injections of 5 mg of gentamicin/kg every 8 hours would provide average steady-state serum concentrations of 7.0 micrograms/ml, with maximum and minimum steady-state concentrations of 16.8 and 1.1 micrograms/ml, respectively.

This paper presents the observation of lipid residue, identified as beeswax, preserved in the ceramic matrix of a Late Chalcolithic (c. 3700–3000 BC) bevelled-rim bowl (BRB) from the site of Tepe Sofalin on the Tehran Plain. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to separate and identify the lipid constituents preserved in the matrix of a BRB sherd. Lipid biomarkers were recovered including long-chain n-alkanes, n-alkenes, palmitic wax monoesters, fatty acids and n-alcohols characteristic of beeswax. In addition to two disaccharides, cholesterol and β-sitosterol as contaminants were retrieved by solvent soluble extraction from a number of different locations from the ceramic matrix of the analysed sherd.