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This study proposes the optimum design of chevron braced friction dampers (CBFDs) for the vulnerability control of steel moment–resisting frames (SMRFs) under mainshock-aftershock (MS-AS) sequences. First, the optimum parameters of the CBFD systems installed in the stories of an inelastic SMRF are found through minimizing the maximum damage index of stories averaged over seven scaled earthquake excitations. The uniform distribution of the story damage along the height of the controlled SMRF is adopted as constraint in the optimization procedure. The damage index is calculated based on the Park-Ang damage model which is expressed based on a linear combination of deformation, moment, and absorbed hysteretic energy of structural elements imposed by an earthquake excitation. Results reveal that the optimized CBFDs-equipped SMRF exhibits better distribution of the story damage than that of the uncontrolled SMRF. Finally, the vulnerability assessment of the optimized CBFDs-equipped SMRF under MS and MS-AS ground motions is investigated by the fragility curves. The fragility assessment emphasize that the optimized CBFDs effectively mitigate the seismic vulnerability of the controlled SMRF under MS-AS sequences at different damage states. • The optimum design of CBFDs was proposed for the vulnerability control of SMRFs under MS-AS sequences. • The maximum of the damage index of stories was considered as the objective function. • The objective function was averaged over seven scaled earthquake excitations. • The uniform distribution of the damage along the height of SMRF was defined as a constraint. • The CBFDs-equipped SMRF enhances structural/overall system performance under MS-AS sequences in all damage states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The knowledge of the astonishing diversity of intracellular, photosynthetic dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae, which have crucial symbioses with scleractinian corals, is essential to anticipate the adaptive response of corals to environmental stressors. Coral reefs in the northern Persian Gulf (nPG) and Gulf of Oman (nGO) experience a wide range of natural (e.g., high and low water temperature, high salinity) and anthropogenic (e.g., different levels of turbidity) disturbances, and so are excellent models to study the effects of these conditions on the biogeography of symbiotic alga. In this regard, the algal component of an acroporid coral was genotyped using chloroplastic 23S, nuclear 28S and the internal transcribed spacer 2 of ribosomal DNA across the nPG and nGO. Two genera (three distinct taxa) were detected, all of which corresponded to previously reported phylogenetic lineages. Durusdinium trenchii was found to be widely distributed in nearly all examined locations in the nPG and nGO. The turbid waters of the nGO and the harsh conditions in the eastern nPG may to some extent explain the ecological success of D. trenchii in these areas. However, in the westernmost nPG (Kharkoo Island), Acropora sp. solely harbored Cladocopium thermophilum. The occurrence of this thermotolerant species only at the westernmost nPG (with higher salinity and water clarity) may reveal the potency of low salinity and excessive turbidity as distribution barriers for the association of these symbiont lineages and corals (at least acroporids) outside the Persian Gulf. Highlights • Acroporids enduring extreme conditions harbor tolerant lineages of Symbiodiniaceae. • Cladocopium thermophilum was found in the northwestern Persian Gulf. • Rest of the northern Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were dominated by Durusdinium trenchii. • Salinity and turbidity may act as distribution barriers for C. thermophilum. • Acropora corals were host to C. thermophilum in the northwestern Persian Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities have increased in the Caspian Sea in last decades, impacting the coastal zone ecosystems. One of the increasing activities is recreation, including bathing areas in the south of the Caspian Sea, which have been scarcely studied and assessed. Investigating the interactions between human activities and the resulting environmental status in bathing areas, by using adequate indicators and assessment methods, is necessary to undertake management measures for ecosystem restoration. In this study, for the first time, we use the Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool (NEAT) outside the European waters to assess environmental status in bathing waters, to differentiate areas impacted and non-impacted by bathing activities. We have assessed the status in winter and summer seasons, by combining multiple indicators from different ecosystem components (8 physico-chemical, 4 bacteria, 2 plankton, and 1 benthos indicators). Despite the interactions between season and human affection, NEAT determined that the Caspian Seas is not in good status, differentiating, in summer, between impacted and non-impacted bathing areas, with a significant correlation with the number of beach users. Accordingly, management measures should be taken in the southern Caspian Sea to improve the environmental status in general and that of bathing areas in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-increasing anthropogenic activities have adversely impacted coral reef ecosystems and their ecological functions. This calls for an urgent assessment of the health state of these valuable ecosystems to justify the need for mitigation and proper management efforts. In this contribution, we used multiple indicators to assess the impact of intense oil-related activities on coral reefs in two near-by impacted and non-impacted islands in the northwestern Persian Gulf. The efficacy of indices was assessed using estimations of the effect size (omega-squared), precision, and decision trees (Classification and Regression Tree (CART)). The results demonstrated that the combination of bioaccumulation of ƩPAH in coral tissues, the percent of live coral cover, and the Sediment Constituent (SEDCON) Index were the most robust proxies reflecting the influence of human activities on reef's health. Based on sedimentary PAH concentration, the CART classified most of the indicators into two classes consisting of those in impacted and those in non-impacted locations, further supporting the feasibility of the employed indices. The findings of this study provided a warning of degradation in coral reefs of the island subjected to PAH pollution. This encourages decision-makers to execute routine monitoring and mitigation practices to maintain healthy reefs in the study areas. ga1 • Ʃ 15 PAHs were much higher in corals tissue than the ambient sediment and seawater. • Phenanthrene that causes oxidative damage had the highest concentration in corals. • Sedimentary Σ 15 PAH was positively correlated with silt/clay content. • The CART classified most indicators into two classes (impacted vs. non-impacted). • Live coral cover, β-diversity, and SEDCON were reliable oil pollution indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of thermal discharge from Neka power plant on macrobenthic diversity and abundance was studied in the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Samples were collected with Van Veen grab of 0.0250 m 2 surface area from 7 stations in winter and summer. A total of 42 species were identified that belonged to 22 genera, 18 families, 13 orders, six classes and three phyla. Bivalve with a total abundance of 90% in winter and 86% in summer constituted the most abundant group throughout samplings, the highest abundance of which belonged to the family Cardiidae. Gastropods followed bivalve in total abundance (8%) in summer and polychaetes (7%) in winter. Statistical analysis indicated significantly higher macrobenthos density at the thermal discharge stations that also took separate positions in the cluster analysis. Temperature was an important factor on the amount of organic matter. Chlorophyll and phaeopigment at the thermal discharge stations were lower than the other stations because of the increased turbulence. The CCA test indicated that temperature was the most influential among all the studied physicochemical factors. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient also showed that the majority of macrobenthic groups had a positive correlation with the organic matter (r = 0.34, p < 0.05). Macrobenthic species were grouped according to their commonalities relative to these three classes using a Bray-Curtis similarity index and similarity profile (SIMPROF) permutation tests analysis (PRIMER 6). Based on the SIMPER analysis, the cockle Hypanis minima and the polychaete Hypaniola kowalewskii with high abundances played the most important role in making differences among the stations, but won’t be taken as the “thermal indicating species”. The PERMANOVA test showed that the combination of season and stations had a significant effect. The density of macrobenthos was higher in the thermal discharge stations, but diversity in these stations reduced in comparison with the other stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PBMCs of endometriosis patients express lower levels of AHR and IDO1 genes compared to those of normal individuals. • TCDD increases the expression of AHR, IDO1 and FOXP3 genes in endometriosis compared to non-endometriosis PBMCs. • In response to TCDD treatment, endometriosis PBMCs produce higher levels of kynurenine and IL-6. Endometriosis happens following the implantation of endometrial-derived tissues outside the uterine cavity. It has been suggested that 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is involved in endometriosis development. Furthermore, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), as a TCDD receptor, has been demonstrated to regulate immune responses. Nonetheless, data regarding the mechanisms, through which TCDD influences the immune system in endometriosis, are still inconclusive. Therefore, frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the expression of FOXP3 , AHR and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) from endometriosis and non-endometriosis individuals were investigated in the absence and presence of TCDD; also, the concentration of IL-6 and kynurenine in the supernatant of cultures was assessed. The impact of TCDD-treated PBMCs on the migration capacity of menstrual blood-derived stromal stem cells (MenSCs) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-6 production was determined. Here, we found that AHR and IDO1 expression levels were lower in endometriosis PBMCs; however, TCDD treatment increased AHR , FOXP3 , IDO1 , IL-6, and Treg levels in the endometriosis group (P ≤ 0.05−0.0001). TCDD-treated PBMCs increased the migration capacity of MenSCs and up-regulated MCP-1 and IL-6 levels in the PBMCs/MenSCs co-culture (P ≤ 0.01−0.0001). In conclusion, these results shed light on the probable mechanisms, through which AHR activation by chemical toxicants can impact inflammatory immune mediators involved in the development of endometriosis; also, these data support the idea that TCDD could promote endometriosis progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decolorization of C.I. Acid Orange 7 (AO7), an anionic monoazo dye of acid class was investigated using UV/H2O2 process in an annular continuous-flow photoreactor (ACFP) as a function of oxidant, dye concentrations, reactor length and volumetric flow rate. The removal efficiency of AO7 was a function of operational parameters and increased with increasing initial concentration of H2O2 but it was low at high flow rate and initial concentration of AO7. Results indicated that the decolorization rate was pseudo-first order kinetic with respect to the dye concentration. A rate equation for decolorization of AO7 was obtained by kinetic modeling. Design equation for ACFP reactor was obtained with combination of kinetic model and rearranged tubular reactor design equation. Design equation was used for predicting concentration of AO7 and also electrical energy per order (E EO) at different conditions. The calculated results obtained from design equation and kinetic model were in good agreement with experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to apply ultrasonic technique to remove Malachite Oxalate Green (MG) from aqueous solution. An ultrasonic bath with frequency of 35kHz was used to investigate the effect of different operational parameters such as MG concentration, power density, temperature, mechanical agitation and addition of EtOH, 2-PrOH and iso-BuOH. Decolorization of MG follows a first order kinetics and hydroxyl radicals have an important role in degradation of MG. The apparent reaction rate constant (k ap) was influenced by variation of operational parameters. The activation energy was 30.95kJ/mol in temperature range of 21–34°C, suggesting a diffusion-controlled reaction. Alcohols act as hydroxyl radicals scavengers having undesirable contribution. UV–vis spectral change of MG showed hypsochromic shift occurred with increasing sonication time, proposing N-demethylation process of MG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• MenSCs downregulate RORC and inhibit T CD4 + TH17 polarization. • MenSCs managed to generate Tregs in a TH17 favored condition. • Inhibition of PGE2 synergize with the capacity of MenSCs to hinder TH17 differentiation. • MenSCs produce a considerable amount of IDO and increased Treg/Th17 ratio. Uncontrolled TH17 differentiation has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of pregnancy loss. We recently showed that menstrual blood stromal/stem cells (MenSCs) alter functional features of natural killer cells. Here, we hypothesized that MenSCs could modulate differentiation of TH17 cells. MenSCs were collected from 18 apparently healthy women and characterized. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) served as a control. TH17 polarization and proliferation of purified T CD4+ cells were assessed by flow cytometry in a well-defined co-culture system containing T CD4+ cells and MenSCs or BMSCs. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) activity was evaluated in MenSC and BMSC culture supernatants by a colorimetric assay. The impact of MenSCs on expression of transcription factors, RORC, T-bet, Gata3, NRP-1 and Helios were studied by qPCR. MenSCs significantly inhibited TH17 differentiation (p = 0.0383) and percentage of the cells co-expressing IL-17 and IFN-γ (p = 0.0023). PGE2 blockade significantly reduced percentage and proliferation of T CD4+IL-17+ (p = 0.003, p = 0.0018), T CD4+ IFN-γ+ (p = 0.002, p = 0.0022) and T CD4+IL-17+ IFN-γ+ (p = 0.004, p = 0.02) cells. MenSCs produced a considerable activity of IDO (p = 0.0002), induced a significant rise in the Treg frequency (p = 0.0091) and a sharp increase in TH17/Tregs ratio (p = 0.0022). MenSCs increased expression of NRP1 (p = 0.001), while downregulated expression of RORC in T cells (p = 0.001). Our results suggest a supportive role for MenSCs in establishing a pregnancy-friendly microenvironment in the uterus and put forth the idea that inherent abnormalities of MenSCs may be a basis for dysregulated endometrial immune network leading to pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In addition to peripheral blood-NK cells, functional activity of bone marrow-NK cells are suppressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. • rhIL-27 can boost CD69 expression of NK cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. • rhIL-27 induced degranulation on bone marrow-NK cells of CLL patients. • rhIL-27 enhanced bone marrow-NK cell cytotoxicity. • NK cell purification may lead to elimination of immunomodulatory components in CLL. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) belongs to IL-12 cytokine family, has shown anti-tumor potential in several solid tumors, as well as hematologic malignancies. IL-27 can inhibit tumor growth and progression through direct and indirect mechanisms, such as inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and anti-tumor immune response. B-CLL is characterized by remarkable immune perturbation, which leads to disease complications and reduced effectiveness of the treatment. Natural killer cells (NK) are considered as an important arm for the elimination of transformed cells. However, NK cells have shown significant impairment in patients with CLL. Here we analyzed the activity of recombinant human (rh) IL-27-stimulated NK cells in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) of CLL patients using cell surface flow cytometry assessment, and cytotoxicity assay. We showed that rhIL-27 can increase CD69 on NK cells both in BM and PB. Interestingly, BM-NK cells treated with rhIL-27 exhibited a significant increase in degranulation and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity as compared with untreated NK cells, whereas it did not improve NK cell activity of PB. These observations added further explanation to the anti-tumor activity of IL-27 and also could pave the way to adoption immunostimulatory adjuvant for therapies in CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the impact of ocean warming on single species is well described, the impact on marine biofouling communities is not well understood. Effluents of power plants have higher temperatures and can be used as natural large-scale test sites to investigate warming effects on marine ecosystems. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of elevated temperatures in the vicinity of a power plant on macro-biofouling communities in the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. The impact site was on average 2 °C warmer than the control site. Our results demonstrate a significantly different structure and composition of biofouling communities between control and impact sites. Warming led to a 1.5-fold increase in the mean coverage of biofouling communities and slightly decreased functional and species richness. Our results indicated that future warming will likely increase biofouling pressure, while decreasing diversity of communities, particularly in habitats where organisms exist at their upper tolerance limits of temperature. • Structure and composition of biofouling communities were different between control and impact sites. • Warming led to a 1.5-fold increase in the mean coverage of biofouling communities. • Warming slightly decreased functional and species richness of biofouling communities. • Future ocean warming will likely increase biofouling pressure in the northern Persian Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a simple, efficient, inexpensive, rapid and high yield method for the purification of 6 × histidine-tagged recombinant protein was developed. For this purpose, manganese ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized through a co-precipitation method and then they were conveniently surface-modified with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in order to prevent oxidation and form high density of hydroxyl groups. Next, the salen ligand was prepared from condensation reaction of salicylaldehyde and 3-aminopropyl (trimethoxy) silane (APTMS) in 1:1 molar ratio; followed by complexation with Ni(OAc) 2 .4H 2 O. Finally, the prepared Ni(II)-salen complex conjugated to silica coated MNPs and MnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ni-Salen complex nanoparticles were obtained. The functionalized nanoparticles were spherical with an average diameter around 70 nm. The obtained MNPs had a saturation magnetization about 54 emu/g and had super paramagnetic character. These MNPs were used efficiently to enrich recombinant histidine-tagged (His-tagged) protein-A from bacterial cell lysate. In about 45 min, highly pure His-tagged recombinant protein was obtained, as judged by SDS-PAGE analysis and silver staining. The amount of target protein in flow through and washing fractions was minimal denoting the high efficiency of purification process. The average capacity of the matrix was found to be high and about 180 ± 15 mg g −1 (protein/MnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ni-Salen complex). Collectively, purification process with MnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ni-Salen complex nanoparticles is rapid, efficient, selective and whole purification can be carried out in only a single tube without the need for expensive systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of heat attachment method parameters such as: sonication time, dosage of catalyst, immobilization temperature and type of solvent were investigated for enhancement of photocatalytic activity of immobilized ZnO nanoparticles on glass plate. Photocatalytic activity of immobilized ZnO was tested in the removal of C.I. Acid Red 88 (AR88) as a model contaminant from textile industry. Results indicated that sonication time, dosage of catalyst and immobilization temperature were very effective on photocatalytic activity of immobilized ZnO on glass plate and using ethanol instead of water at preparation of immobilized ZnO did not show any considerable effect. In another step, the effect of operational parameters such as light intensity and initial concentration of AR88 on the removal of AR88 were investigated with immobilized ZnO on glass plate. Results indicated that removal rate decreased with increasing initial concentration of AR88 but increased with increasing UV light intensity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The kinetics of decolorization of Malachite Green (MG) as a model cationic dye from textile industry, by US/UV/H2O2 process, was investigated with nonlinear regression analysis. The experimental results indicated that the decolorization kinetics of MG in this process fit well by pseudo-first order kinetics. With nonlinear regression analysis a model was developed for pseudo-first order constant (k ap) as a function of operational parameters such as initial concentrations of H2O2 (25–600mgl−1) and MG (1.82–9.87mgl−1), temperature (294–307K) and power density (0.049–0.16Wml−1) as following: For electrical energy cost evaluation, the figure-of-merit electrical energy per order (E EO) was estimated from experimental and theoretical data. The results show that E EO is very sensitive to the mentioned operational parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Blanket filters are a new biotechnology for improving nitrogen removal in stormwater dry basins. • Nitrogen removal efficiency is tied to both groundwater fluctuations and storm types. • Nitrogen removal efficiencies are also influenced by the population of nitrifiers and denitrifiers in blanket filters. Removing excess nutrient from stormwater runoffs is necessary to protect the water quality of receiving water bodies such as rivers, lakes, springs, and groundwater aquifers. Silver Springs Springshed, located in the vicinity of Ocala, Florida, has received widespread attention from the local government and residents due to its long-term nutrient impact, which has resulted in eutrophication. Blanket filters containing Bio-sorption Activated Media (BAM) were implemented with different depths of the vadose zone in a stormwater retention basin. The design combined the interaction with groundwater as an innovative Best Management Practice can potentially boost the performance of nutrient removal. Selected storm runoffs were collected at multiple points that cover the runoff timeframe to determine the pollutant load. Infiltrating water samples were collected at various depths within BAM using lysimeters to validate the treatment effectiveness. Significant pollutant load reduction of nutrients was confirmed with highest 99% and 91% removal of nitrate and nitrite (NO x) and total nitrogen (TN) at the deep blanket filter (with more groundwater intrusion impacts) due to more effective denitrification and longer contact time. Yet the highest pollutant load reduction of 93% and 84% removal of NO x and TN was also observed at the shallow blanket filter (with less groundwater intrusion impacts). On the other hand, better pollutant load reduction of ammonia in the BAM layer was found at the shallow blanket filter presumably due to more available oxygen for nitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]