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Owing to the growing applications of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the communications and energy industries, they have attracted increasing attention for their effects on the environment and plants. Therefore, we investigated the impact of foliar exposure to MWCNTs on the oxidative stress responses in the Salvia verticillata as a medicinal plant. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible correlations between gene expression and activity of the key enzymes in the phenolic acids biosynthesis pathways and their accumulation in the treated leaves. The leaves of two-month-old plants were sprayed with different concentrations (0–1000 mg L−1) of MWCNTs. Raman's data and Transmission Electron Microscopy images have confirmed the absorption of MWCNTs via epidermal cells layer into the parenchymal cells of the exposed leaves. The results showed that exposure to MWCNTs led to a decrease in the photosynthetic pigments and increases in the oxidative stress indices (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants) in the leaves with a dose-dependent manner. The content of rosmarinic acid as a main phenolic acid was increased in the MWCNTs-exposed leaves to 50 and 1000 mg L−1, nearly four times relative to the control. Unlike with other examined enzymes, a positive correlation was deduced between the activity and gene expression patterns of the rosmarinic acid synthase with the rosmarinic acid accumulation in the treatments. Overall, MWCNTs at the low concentrations could promote the production of the pharmaceutical metabolites by the changes in the ROS generation. However, at the higher concentrations, MWCNTs were toxic and induced the oxidative damages in S. verticillata.

Recent advances have revealed that lncRNAs play important roles in tumorigenesis. However, only a small number of functional lncRNAs have been well characterized, particularly in colorectal cancer. Therefore, more extensive studies are needed to identify and characterize these lncRNAs to better understand cancer progression. In the present study, using available RNA-seq data, we found that LINC02381 (NR_026656.1) differentially expresses in CRC tissues compared to normal pairs. Consistently, RT-qPCR results showed that LINC02381 was down regulated in CRC tissues and also in different cancerous cell lines. CRC cells treatment with de-methylating and chemotherapy agents indicated that DNA methylation of LINC02381 may be responsible for the transcriptional silencing of LINC02381 in colorectal cancer cells. Then, the functional changes of the cells in response to LINC02381 alteration were assessed and the data indicated that LINC02381 up-regulation suppressed cell viability and proliferation while increasing the apoptosis in CRC-originated cell lines. Mechanistically, LINC02381 overexpression was increased PTEN protein levels but decreased phospho-Akt levels. Finally, we proposed a hypothesized model for PI3K signaling regulation by LINC02381. Altogether, the result of this study suggests that LINC02381 might have suppressive effects on human colorectal cancer tumorigenesis partly by regulating PI3K signaling pathway.

Aims Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Patients with T2DM suffer from an increased risk of vascular complications. Of these, the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) causes the most mortality in patients with T2DM, however, its underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Nutrient sensing pathways which play a key role in sensing cellular energy and nutrients levels are reported to dysregulated in metabolic disease like T2DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of nutrient sensing genes including SIRT1, PRKAB1, PRKAB2 and mTOR in CAD+ versus CAD-T2DM patients. Methods Sixty-five people with T2DM who referred to Tehran heart center were participated in this study. Based on coronary angiography data these individuals were classified into two groups: CAD+ T2DM (n = 34) and CAD-T2DM (n = 31). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from these patients and the expression levels of genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Results Significant down-regulations of the SIRT1 (3.1-fold, p = 0.0013) and PRKAB1 (3.5-fold, p = 0.0001) mRNA expression were observed in CAD+ T2DM group in comparison with CAD-T2DM patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.8529 (p = 0.0001) and 0.7078 (p = 0.004) for PRKAB1 and SIRT1 respectively. Conclusion Our results suggest that the dysregulation of genes involved in nutrient sensing pathway may be associated with the pathogenesis of CAD in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes could be consider as potential biomarkers.

MicroRNAs are classified as small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression mainly through targeting the 3'UTR region of mRNAs. A great number of miRNAs play important role in the regulation of signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells. Here, we predicted hsa-miR-5195-3p (miR-5195-3p) as a potential regulator of TGFβ signaling and investigated its effect on TGFB-R1, TGFB-R2, SMAD2, SMAD3 and SMAD4 transcripts which are key players of TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-5195 in HCT116 cells resulted in a significant reduction of TGFB-R1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and SMAD4 at the mRNA level which was confirmed using RT-qPCR. Consistently, western blot analysis confirmed that miR-5195 overexpression in HCT116 cells resulted in downregulation of TGFBR1 at the protein level. Furthermore, dual luciferase analysis verified the direct interaction of miR-5195 with TGFB-R1 and SMAD4 3'UTR sequences in SW480 cells. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis confirmed that miR-5195 overexpression significantly increased the sub-G1 and decreased the G-1 cell populations in both SW480 and HCT116 cell lines. Finally, miR-5195 overexpression significantly downregulated c-MYC and cyclin D1 but upregulated p21 genes. Overall, our results indicated that miR-5195 modulates TGFβ signaling pathway and affects the cell cycle progression through targeting TGFB-R1, TGFB-R2, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4 transcripts.

Six large-scale experimental tests were conducted to investigate the behavior of an innovative resilient rocking (IRR) column subjected to quasi-static cyclic loading. The IRR column subassembly consists of a steel column that rocks and is connected at its base with replaceable steel slit dampers. This system is capable of achieving rapid restoration of structural functionality after earthquakes, which has recently emerged as an important issue facing the structural engineering profession. This paper describes the load-carrying mechanism of the system, presents experimental test results, and proposes a simplified method for calculating the horizontal load-carrying capacity. The primary experimental test variables are the thickness of steel slit dampers, axial compression ratio, and shear span-depth ratio of the column. Test results showed that IRR columns performed satisfactorily in terms of strength and stiffness, ductility, and stable hysteretic behavior. Two of the IRR columns were repaired in situ after being subjected to 3% drift and were subsequently loaded up to 5% drift. The performance of the repaired specimens was nearly the same as their counterparts before repair, indicating that replacement is feasible. The maximum horizontal load-carrying capacity of the IRR column, which was calculated using the proposed design method, produced reasonably conservative estimates of the experimentally measured values.

Production and accumulation of essential oils in plants are influenced by intrinsic and environmental factors. Here, we attempted to elucidate the effect of manganese (Mn) supply on the density of glandular trichomes and the production of essential oils in Mentha aquatica (water mint; syn. Mentha hirsuta Huds.) at the different growth stages. To this aim, plants were treated with 100 μM of Mn (supplied as MnSO4·H2O) at early and late vegetative stages of growth. Then, the control and treated plants were harvested, and biochemical, morphological and molecular analyses indicated that Mn supply has affected M. aquatica at the different growth stages. The biomass, Mn accumulation, glandular trichomes density, essential oils yield and expression levels of the genes encoding enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis pathway (1-Deoxy d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (Dxs), geranyl diphosphate synthase (Gpps), isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (Ippi), β-caryophyllene synthase (Cps), limonene synthase (Ls) and menthofuran synthase (Mfs)) were increased by Mn supply at both growth stages. However, the increased rates of the assayed parameters were varied between the early and late vegetative stages. Moreover, the content and chemical composition of terpenoid components were affected by Mn supply and plant growth stage. There were positive and weak correlations among the study variables under the Mn supply at the different growth stages. Given these findings, we propose that the application of Mn supply at both early and late vegetative stages elevates the growth, density of glandular trichomes and production of essential oils in M. aquatica.

This paper focuses on the comparison of seismic design provisions in Bangladesh (BNBC-1993), India (IS-1893), and the U.S. (ASCE 7-10) in relation to analysis, design, and seismic performance of reinforced concrete buildings on the basis of the type of allowable analysis procedures, zoning system, site classification, fundamental vibration period of the structure, response reduction factor, importance factor, minimum design lateral force, allowable story drifts, and design response spectra. Three geometrically similar commercial reinforced concrete buildings in high seismic regions of Bangladesh, India, and U.S. were designed and detailed per the respective codes. Three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic analyses of the designed structures were conducted. Each structure was subjected to a pair of orthogonally applied artificial ground motions compatible with the design response spectrum for each building code. The structural performance of each building was compared in terms of roof displacements, inter-story drifts, load-carrying capacity of beams and columns, and overall energy dissipation characteristics. The comparisons allowed an in-depth evaluation of the differences in the seismic performance of buildings designed according to ASCE 7-10, BNBC-1993, and IS-1893 codes. The Indian code performed better when subjected to the ground motion that is intended to represent the Indian design response spectrum.

Mentha aquatica is an aromatic herb which possesses valuable terpenoids constituents. Here, we intended to evaluate the effects of the different manganese (Mn) concentrations on the physiological, biochemical and molecular responses in M. aquatica. Basic Hoagland's solution (control), 40, 80, and 160 μM of Mn supplied as MnSO4·H2O were applied to the nutrient solution. The results indicated that the different concentrations of Mn differently affected the physiological, biochemical and molecular responses in M. aquatica. The growth parameters (biomass and photosynthetic pigments) and expression levels of β-caryophyllene synthase (CPS), limonene synthase (Ls), geranyl diphosphate synthase (Gpps), and menthofuran synthase (Mfs) genes were increased at the moderate Mn concentrations (40 and 80 μM) and began to decrease at the higher levels. However, the contents of anthocyanins, flavonoids, malonaldehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Mn accumulation, activities of antioxidant enzymes, yield of essential oils and the expression levels of 1-Deoxy d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (Dxs) and isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (Ippi) genes were gradually increased with increasing concentration of Mn in the nutrient solution. Also, the content and chemical composition of terpenoid constituents were altered in the Mn-treated plants. Here, we suggest that the application of external Mn in nutrient solution elevates the growth and expression levels of the genes that are involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway in M. aquatica. Nevertheless, the extent and stability of these growth and gene expression elevation are varied among the different Mn treatments.

This paper describes an experimental and analytical program focused on developing a strengthening technique to enhance the flexural performance of stone slabs. The technique involves the use of reinforced mortar bonded to the soffit of the stone slabs, which can be used for strengthening of stone slabs in existing structures, or manufacturing of composite stone members for new constructions. The experimental program consisted of flexural testing of strengthened stone slabs and an unstrengthened specimen serving as the benchmark. The amount of reinforcement ratio and mortar strength were varied as the test variables. An analytical model was also developed to predict the cracking and ultimate moment of strengthened stone slabs. The unstrengthened specimen failed suddenly in a brittle fashion; however, the strengthened stone slabs experienced a ductile failure mode and developed a higher flexural strength. As expected, the enhanced performance was proportional to the reinforcement ratio, but the strength of mortar affected only the cracking moment. The stone slab and the reinforced mortar layer exhibited good composite action, and no obvious interfacial failure was observed. The analytical model developed could reasonably predict the cracking and ultimate moment of stone slabs strengthened with reinforced mortar.

Tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) is involved in cell survival, apoptosis, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. TrkC diverse functions might be attributed to the hypothetical non-coding RNAs embedded within the gene. Using bioinformatics approaches, a novel microRNA named TrkC-miR2 was predicted within the TrkC gene capable of regulating the Wnt pathway. For experimental verification of this microRNA, the predicted TrkC-premir2 sequence was overexpressed in SW480 cells, which led to the detection of two mature TrkC-miR2 isomiRs, and their endogenous forms were detected in human cell lines as well. Later, an independent promoter was deduced for TrkC-miR2 after the treatment of HCT116 cells with 5-azacytidine, which resulted in differential expression of TrkC-miR2 and TrkC host gene. RT-quantitative PCR and luciferase assays indicated that the APC2 gene is targeted by TrkC-miR2, and Wnt signaling is up-regulated. Also, Wnt inhibition by using small molecules along with TrkC-miR2 overexpression and TOP/FOP flash assays confirmed the positive effect of TrkC-miR2 on the Wnt pathway. Consistently, TrkC-miR2 overexpression promoted SW480 cell survival, which was detected by flow cytometry, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays, and crystal violate analysis. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that TrkC-miR2 is significantly up-regulated (∼70 times) in colorectal tumor tissues compared with their normal pairs. Moreover, the TrkC-miR2 expression level discriminated grades of tumor malignancies, which was consistent with its endogenous levels in HCT116, HT29, and SW480 colorectal cancer cell lines. Finally, an opposite expression pattern was observed for TrkC-miR2 and the APC2 gene in colorectal cancer specimens. In conclusion, here we introduce TrkC-miR2 as a novel regulator of Wnt signaling, which might be a candidate oncogenic colorectal cancer biomarker.

The composite action in circular concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns under axial compression is one of the most fundamental problems in the research area of steel-concrete composite structures. However, it cannot be easily investigated through experiments as the load components of the steel tube and concrete infill cannot be measured in a conventional axial loading test. In this study, an innovative testing method was devised to directly measure the load components of circular CFST columns under axial compression. Six innovative specimens with varying concrete strength and diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio and their conventional counterparts were tested. Although some difference existed between the load-deformation responses of the innovative and corresponding conventional specimens, it was essentially insignificant. The development of hoop stresses in the steel tube tends to reduce the corresponding axial stresses, but this effect can be offset by the strain hardening of the steel tube. Strain hardening of the steel tube should be considered when evaluating the confinement effect at the ultimate load, especially for columns with low concrete strength and small D/t ratio. The average values of the coefficients related to the axial and hoop stresses of the steel tube at the ultimate load, computed using available tests results, are 0.92 and −0.14, respectively. The proposed axial load capacity formula with these two values can reasonably predict the ultimate loads of circular CFST columns under axial compression.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are two of the major contributor to mortality and morbidity worldwide. TB has symptoms identical to malignancy, therefore, sometimes its diagnosis confused with lung cancer. Several biologic pathways have been identified to be involved in these diseases. The miRNAs are biological molecules that were shown to play essential roles in TB and NSCLC through targeting the related genes. Methods In this research paper we evaluated the expression pattern of common miRNAs between TB and NSCLC and compared them with healthy controls. MiR-155 and miR-146a were examined using RT-qPCR and mir-16 were used as a reference gene. Additionally, the bioinformatics analysis was performed to confirm the role of miR-155 and miR-146a in signaling pathways of TB and NSCLC through targeting related genes. Results mir-155 showed higher expression in TB and NSCLC patients than healthy controls (P value = 0.0221 and 0.0214 respectively), whereas mir-146a showed lower expression in TB and NSCLC patients than healthy controls (P value ≤ 0.0001 and 0.0056 respectively). Conclusions The results demonstrated that miR-155 and miR-146a can be used as a biomarker for early detection, screening, treatment strategies and clinical management of TB and NSCLC.

The ASTM C666 procedure is the common test method used for evaluating the freeze-thaw durability of conventional concrete, and it has been adapted for evaluating the freeze-thaw resistance of pervious concrete; however, it is argued the test method does not represent the field conditions of neither conventional nor pervious concrete. This study mainly focused on an experimental program to evaluate the freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete specimens using the JC446-91 test method, which measures the change in compressive strength and mass after exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, as an alternative for ASTM C666. Various parameters affecting the freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete, namely water to cement ratio (W/C), air entrainment, inclusion of sand, and coarse aggregate size were experimentally examined, and the results were evaluated using statistical analysis. It was observed that replacing 8% of coarse aggregate with sand and using a higher W/C resulted in higher strength and an improvement in the freeze-thaw durability. Although the positive effect of air-entraining admixture (AEA) on freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete has been manifested by previous researchers, it was not clearly observed in this study. Also, change in coarse aggregate size did not significantly affect the strength and freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete. This study revealed that the conditions and number of cycles used in JC446-91 were inadequate to evaluate the freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete, especially for strong mixes. Therefore, considering the criticisms against ASTM C666 in representing field conditions of pervious concrete, more compatible and realistic test methods are required to evaluate the freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete.

The SMAD family comprises of transcription factors that function as signal transducers of transforming growth factor (TGFβ) superfamily members. MiRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that may play a major role in post transcriptional regulation of SMAD genes. Here, we intended to investigate if hsa-miR-497-5p is capable of regulating SMAD3 gene expression. Hsa-miR-497-5p was bioinformatically predicted as a candidate regulator of SMAD3 gene expression and then, hsa-miR-497-5p expression status was analyzed in different cell lines using RT-qPCR. Overexpression of hsa-miR-497-5p in HEK293t cells resulted in downregulation of SMAD3 which was detected by RT-qPCR and western analysis. Further, dual luciferase assay results supported direct interaction of hsa-miR-497-5p with 3'-UTR sequences of SMAD3 transcript. Overexpression of hsa-miR-497-5p in HEK293t cells resulted in cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, detected by flow cytometry. Overall, accumulative results indicated that hsa-miR-497-5p by targeting SMAD3 is potentially one of the regulators of the TGFβ signaling pathway.

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns have been widely used in super tall buildings. Since these columns are subjected to very high axial loads, the use of high-strength concrete (HSC) is preferred in order to reduce their cross-sectional size. For applications in seismic regions, additional confinement to the HSC may be needed to ensure ductility. Among various approaches, spiral confinement is an effective and practical way for square CFST columns. Six spiral-confined concrete-filled steel tube (SCCFST) columns and three CFST columns with the concrete compressive strength of 111 MPa were tested under eccentric axial loading. The behavior of the columns under different levels of eccentricity ratio was investigated, and the use of high-strength spirals to further enhance confinement was also examined. Concrete crushing was found to be the main cause for the loss of the load-carrying capacity. Spiral reinforcement is not effective in increasing the load-carrying capacity; however, it can considerably improve ductility, which is improved with an increase of the yield strength of spiral reinforcement. Based on the test results, an equivalent uniaxial stress–strain model was developed for the HSC in CFST and SCCFST columns. A fiber beam-column element using the proposed stress–strain models was found to provide good predictions of the measured load–displacement responses. Such fiber element can be used for modeling of SCCCFST columns with HSC in nonlinear structural analysis of tall buildings.

Dispose of unnecessary cells in multicellular organism take place through apoptosis as a mode of programmed cell death (PCD). This process is triggered through two main pathway including extrinsic pathway or death receptor pathway and intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway. An alternative role for mitochondrial pathway of cell death is its involvement in cell differentiation. Biochemistry of cell differentiation indicates a common origin for differentiation and apoptosis. miRNAs are a group of small non coding mediator RNAs in regulation of many routes such as apoptosis and differentiation. By using bioinformatics tools hsa-miR-766-5p was predicted to target the BAX, BAK and BOK genes involved in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. RT-qPCR and dual luciferase assay showed targeting of BAX, BAK and BOK 3′UTRs via hsa-miR-766, detected in SW480 and HEK293T cell lines. Caspases 3/7 and 9 activity assay revealed the involvement of hsa-miR-766-5p in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway regulation detected following overexpression and downregulation of this miRNA, detected in SW480 cells treated with 1 μM doxorubicin. Flow cytometry and MTT assay indicated cell death reduction and viability elevation effect of hsa-miR-766 in SW480 cells after its overexpression. Endogenous expression of hsa-miR-766 during the course of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiation into cardiomyocytes revealed an inverse expression status of this miRNA with BOK. However, the expression of this miRNA was inversely related to BAX and BAK for some time points of differentiation. Overall this results show the involvement of hsa-miR-766 in regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Tie bars have been frequently used in square or rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns and concrete-filled steel plate (CFSP) composite shear walls for delaying local buckling of the steel plates and also improving the concrete confinement. This study investigated the entire response of steel plates in composite members with tie bars. Twelve specimens were designed and tested under axial compression. In these specimens, only the steel plates resisted the axial load, and the concrete was only used to restrain the inward buckling of the steel plates. The effects of the width-to-thickness ratio of the steel plate and the ratio of the vertical spacing of the tie bars to the steel plate width (abbreviated as vertical-spacing-to-width ratio) were investigated. It was found that the increase in the performance of the steel plates due to the tie-bar restraint was quite limited when the vertical-spacing-to-width ratio was 1/2 and became more significant when this ratio decreased to 1/3. The elastic buckling stresses of rectangular plates having boundary conditions similar to those in composite members were computed using the finite element method for further strength evaluation of the steel plates. It was found that the effect of the columns of tie-bars on the elastic buckling stress increased as the vertical-spacing-to-width ratio decreased and was negligible when this ratio was larger than 0.6. Simplified equations for estimating the maximum strength and reserved strength (defined as the average stress corresponding to the average strain of 3%) of the steel plates in composite members with tie bars were developed based on the test results and elastic buckling analyses.

Streptomyces commonly produce ectoines as compatible solutes to prevent osmotic stresses. Fine structure of the genes producing ectoine (ectC) and hydroxyectoine (ectD) enzymes in Streptomyces rimosus C-2012 as a slightly halophilic bacterium is reported in this study. Deduced amino acid sequences of ectC and ectD genes from strain C-2012 and some other related species were compared and 72-90% and 13-81% identities were detected for ectC and ectD, respectively. High similarity of ectC between closely or distantly related Streptomyces to the strain C-2012 may indicate horizontal transfer of this gene. However, phylogenetic relationships of ectD were correlated with phylogenetic affiliation of the strains. It suggests that the ability of Streptomyces to produce hydroxyectoine has been the result of a vertical transfer event. HPLC analysis showed that strain C-2012 was able to produce ectoine and hydroxyectoine both in the presence and absence of external salinity (up to 0.45 M NaCl). Accordingly, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that ectABCD operon in this strain is positively affected by salt. Also, inductive effect of the salt was increased when it was applied with 1 mM of ectoines. Transcription level of ectC was increased 2.7- and 2.9-fold in the medium supplied with salt and ectoine and salt and hydroxyectoine, respectively. The effect of salinity with or without ectoines was more on ectD transcription level than that of ectC. In S. rimosus under salt stress, ectoine and hydroxyectoine biosynthesis primarily depends on the stimulation of ectABCD operon transcription. However, drastic accumulation of ectoine and hydroxyectoine without increase in ectC and ectD transcripts was observed in the medium supplied with salt and ectoines and that suggest there might be additional posttranscriptional level of control. Increases in ratio of some intracellular free amino acids in salt stressed to unstressed conditions were observed in cells grown with ectoines. Our results suggest the possibility of a supplementary role of ectoines to improve structure and function of the cells in stressful environments as well as their important role as osmoprotectants.

Streptomyces strain C-2012 is a salt tolerant biocontrol PGPR that has been isolated from Iranian soil. The main aim of current study was finding strain C-2012 taxonomic position and to find the genes which are potentially involved in salt tolerance phenotype. Strain C-2012 chemotaxonomic, morphological and molecular characteristics indicate that this strain is a member of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic analyses based on an almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that this strain is closely related to Streptomyces rimosus JCM 4667(T). Also, DNA-DNA hybridization test estimated 74% relatedness between two strains and confirmed that C-2012 is a strain of S. rimosus. In order to find novel genes that are differentially expressed in response to the salt treatment, cDNA-AFLP was carried out. One of the selected expressed sequence tags (TDF-1) was found to be homologous to lon gene which produces a bacterial ATP-dependent proteases (proteases LA). Lon gene expression was induced following 450 mM salt (NaCl) treatment and its expression level was further (5.2-fold) increased in response to salt when ectoine was added to the medium. These results suggest that two protein protection systems including ectoine and ATP-dependent proteases synergistically are related. NaCl stress also caused an enhancement in the activity of extracellular protease.

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds have received specific attention for their applications in various industries. Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in the production of bioactive compounds in plants. Because of the significance of phenolic compounds as a potent antioxidant and their occurrence in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) organs, the present research was directed to assess the impacts of different concentrations of SA (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM) on the phenolic and flavonoid contents in the leaves of saffron. The activity and gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme were additionally estimated. Besides, histochemical investigations were done in order to localize in situ phenolic and flavonoid compound aggregation areas in the leaves. For this purpose, the corms of saffron were pretreated for 12 h with various concentrations of SA and after that were planted under a greenhouse condition. According to the acquired results, SA fundamentally increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the activity and gene expression of PAL enzyme in the leaves of SA-pretreated plants against non-SA-pretreated plants. Nevertheless, the impact of SA pretreatment varied relying on the applied concentration of SA. The results of histochemical investigation affirmed the results of biochemical investigations.

The Wnt signaling pathway has been identified for its function in carcinogenesis and embryonic development. It is known to play a vital role in the initiation and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is of great importance for CRC research to illuminate the mechanisms which regulate Wnt pathway activity. Here, we intended to examine the effect of hsa-miR-942 (miR-942) on the Wnt signaling activity, cell cycle progression, and its expression in CRC tissues. RT-qPCR results indicated that miR-942 is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer. Then, overexpression of miR-942 promoted, whereas its inhibition decreased the Wnt signaling activity, detected by RT-qPCR and Top/Fop flash assay. Inhibition of Wnt signaling by using PNU-74654 or IWP-2 small molecules indicated that miR-942 applies its effect to the β-catenin degradation complex level. Then, RT-qPCR and dual luciferase assay showed that miR-942 upregulated Wnt signaling through direct targeting of APC, which is a tumor suppressor in Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, the western blotting analysis indicated that β.catenin, as a main member of Wnt signaling pathway is upregulated following the overexpression of miR-942. Finally, miR-942 overexpression resulted in cell cycle progression in SW480 cells. Taken together, our findings established an oncogenic role for miR-942 in CRC and indicated that this miRNA might be a crucial target for CRC therapy.

This paper presents the results of an extensive study investigating the performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials and FRP bond to concrete when subjected to various environmental conditioning regimes. An extensive experimental program investigated the behavior of three FRP systems subjected to nine different environmental conditioning protocols. The effect of environmental conditioning was assessed using four different standard test methods. The result is a consistently derived database encompassing 64 permutations of FRP material, test method, and environmental conditioning. Conclusions are drawn regarding both FRP system performance and the appropriateness of environmental conditioning protocols. Finally, a revised approach to establishing ACI-prescribed environmental knockdown factors is proposed.

This paper presents and discusses issues related to structural identification, calibrated model-based load rating, and sensitivity of rating to the analytical model, along with experimental studies conducted on an existing concrete-deck-on-steel-stringer bridge. The proposed model-updating procedure uses collected dynamic data (mode shapes, modal frequencies, and order of modes) as well as static deformed shape information. Two-dimensional (2D) grid models were developed to successfully simulate the transverse load transfer mechanisms between girders, torsional flexibility, and effects of skewed bridge architecture. The rating results obtained from the 2D-grid models were close to 3D-FEM-based evaluation, while simplified 1D bar models had serious shortcomings. Grouping the parameters of the analytical model at different stages of model calibration enhanced the speed and convergence success of the objective function. Although cross-braces are considered as non-structural members, they have been found to be the most critical members of the selected bridge during rating studies. Failure of cross-braces deemed to alter the load transfer mechanism between girders and possibly resulting in the premature failures of interior girders.

Structural steel/composite beams provide a viable alternative for coupling individual reinforced concrete wall piers. Well-established guidelines for shear links in eccentrically braced steel frames form the basis of current design guidelines. However, these provisions ignore the effects of nominally reinforced concrete encasement which typically surrounds the coupling beam, and are based on overly conservative assumed deformation demands. A coordinated analytical and experimental research program at the University of Cincinnati has focused on cyclic response of steel/composite coupling beams, their connections to reinforced concrete walls, and overall behavior of composite coupled wall systems. Using the results from this study, guidelines for proper design and detailing of steel/composite coupling beams and beam-wall connections have been developed. This paper summarizes the research program, and highlights the basic concepts, important findings, and recommendations.