Recognition of a Novel Gene Signature for Human Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common malignant and incurable brain tumors. The identification of a gene signature for GBM may be helpful for its diagnosis, treatment, prediction of prognosis and even the development of treatments. In this study, we used the {"type":"entrez-geo","attrs":{"text":"GSE108474","term_id":"108474"}}GSE108474 database to perform GSEA and machine learning analysis, and identified a 33-gene signature of GBM by examining astrocytoma or non-GBM glioma differential gene expression. The 33 identified signature genes included the overexpressed genes COL6A2, ABCC3, COL8A1, FAM20A, ADM, CTHRC1, PDPN, IBSP, MIR210HG, GPX8, MYL9 and PDLIM4, as well as the underexpressed genes CHST9, CSDC2, ENHO, FERMT1, IGFN1, LINC00836, MGAT4C, SHANK2 and VIPR2. Protein functional analysis by CELLO2GO implied that these signature genes might be involved in regulating various aspects of biological function, including anatomical structure development, cell proliferation and adhesion, signaling transduction and many of the genes were annotated in response to stress. Of these 33 signature genes, 23 have previously been reported to be functionally correlated with GBM; the roles of the remaining 10 genes in glioma development remain unknown. Our results were the first to reveal that GBM exhibited the overexpressed GPX8 gene and underexpressed signature genes including CHST9, CSDC2, ENHO, FERMT1, IGFN1, LINC00836, MGAT4C and SHANK2, which might play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis of different gliomas.     

Validation of counselor social reinforcement and persuasion scales.

Assessed the validity of V. M. Packwood and C. A. Parker's (see record 1973-21578-001) counselor social reinforcement and persuasion scales, which are based on an interaction model that rates the client response and the counselor behavior. Ss were 2 counselors, 1 trained in reinforcing counseling and the other trained in persuasive counseling. 3 3-min taped segments randomly selected from 8 interviews by each S were divided into client-counselor-client statement units and reliably rated and rerated by 6 judges. The mean rating for the 2 Ss on each scale was significantly different. Other evidence of the scales' validity and the appropriateness of the interaction model are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hydrogen purification using compact pressure swing adsorption system for fuel cell

Adsorption of CO and CO₂ in mixtures of H₂/CO/CO₂ was achieved using compact pressure swing adsorption (CPSA) system to produce purified hydrogen for use in fuel cell. A CPSA system was designed by combining four adsorption beds that simultaneously operate at different processes in the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process cycle. The overall diameter of the cylindrical shell of the CPSA is 35 cm and its height is 40 cm. Several suitable adsorbent materials for CO and CO₂ adsorption in a hydrogen stream were identified and their adsorption properties were tested. Activated carbon from Sigma–Aldrich was the adsorbent chosen. It has a surface area of 695.07 m²/g. CO adsorption capacity (STP) of 0.55 mmol/g and CO₂ at 2.05 mmol/g were obtained. The CPSA system has a rapid process cycle that can supply hydrogen continuously without disruption by the regeneration process of the adsorbent. The process cycle in each column of the CPSA consists of pressurization, adsorption, blowdown and purging processes. CPSA is capable of reducing the CO concentration in a H₂/CO/CO₂ mixture from 4000 ppm to 1.4 ppm and the CO₂ concentration from 5% to 7.0 ppm CO₂ in 60 cycles and 3600 s. Based on the mixture used in the experimental work, the H₂ purity obtained was 99.999%, product throughput of 0.04 kg H₂/kg adsorbent with purge/feed ratio was 0.001 and vent loss/feed ratio was 0.02. It is therefore concluded that the CPSA system met the required specifications of hydrogen purity for fuel cell applications.     

The effect of Ga addition on the sinterability and microwave dielectric properties of RE3Al5O12 (Tb,Y, Er and Yb) garnet ceramics

The RE₃Al₅O₁₂ (RE=Tb, Y, Er, Yb) ceramics have been prepared by the mixed oxide route and the influence of Ga³⁺ doping on their properties is investigated. The intrinsic Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG) ceramic sintered at 1650 °C for 4 h showed good dielectric properties; (ε_r=10.1, Q_u×f=65,000 GHz, τ_f=−45 ppm/°C). Addition of Ga₂O₃ was found to be beneficial in improving the densification of Tb₃Al₅O₁₂, Er₃Al₅O₁₂ and Yb₃Al₅O₁₂ except Y₃Al₅O₁₂ where Nb₂O₅ is the better choice. Among Ga³⁺ added samples, the composition Yb₃Al₅O₁₂+1 wt% Ga₂O₃ showed good microwave dielectric properties: ε_r=10.3, Q_u×f=50,000 GHz, τ_f=−58 ppm/°C. The Y₃Al₅O₁₂ doped with 1 wt% Nb₂O₅ has ε_r=10.7, Q_u×f=120,000 GHz and τ_f=−45 ppm/°C. The ceramics have good thermal properties (CTE=2–3 ppm/°C, λ=2–12 W/m K).     

Development and optimization of press coated tablets of release engineered valsartan for pulsatile delivery

The present work is aimed to develop and optimize pulsatile delivery during dissolution of an improved formulation of valsartan to coordinate the drug release with circadian rhythm. Preliminary studies suggested that β cyclodextrin could improve the solubility of valsartan and showed A_L type solubility curve. A 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of valsartan to β cyclodextrin was revealed from phase solubility studies and Job’s plot. The prepared complex showed significantly better dissolution efficiency (p?<?0.05) compared to pure drug, which could be due to the formation of inclusion complex as revealed from FTIR and DSC studies. Continuous dissolution-absorption studies revealed that absorption of drug from valsartan β cyclodextrin complex was significantly higher (p?2 full factorial design was used to measure the response of HPMC K4M and EC on lag time and time taken for 90% drug release (T90). The optimized batch prepared according to the levels obtained from the desirability function had a lag time of 6?h and consisted of HPMC K4M:ethylcellulose in a 1:1.5 ratio with 180?mg of coating and revealed a close agreement between observed and predicted value (R^2?=?0.9694).     

The heterogeneous coagulation and flocculation of brewery wastewater using carbon nanotubes

Coagulation and flocculation treatment processes play a central role in the way wastewater effluents are managed. Their primary function is particle removal that can impart colour to a water source, create turbidity, and/or retain bacterial and viral organisms. This study was carried out to investigate whether carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as heterogeneous coagulants and/or flocculants in the pretreatment of brewery wastewater. A series of experiments were conducted in which the efficiencies of pristine and functionalised CNTs were compared with the efficiency of traditional ferric chloride in a coagulation/flocculation process. Turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD), including the zeta potential were used to monitor the progress of the coagulation/flocculation process. Both pristine and functionalised CNTs demonstrated the ability to successfully coagulate colloidal particles in the brewery wastewater. Overall, ferric chloride was found to be a more effective coagulant than both the pristine and functionalised CNTs.     

Poly(L‐lactic acid) nanocomposites with layered double hydroxides functionalized with ibuprofen

The detrimental effect of cell adhesion on polymer surfaces has been a limiting factor in the medical deployment of many implants. We examined the potential to decrease cell proliferation while simultaneously increasing mechanical performance through Zn–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) organically modified with ibuprofen dispersed in poly(L ‐lactic acid) (PLLA). These composites are commonly referred to as nanocomposites. The thermophysical and mechanical properties of the hybrids were studied with wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile testing. The WAXD and TEM results indicated that intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites were obtained. The storage modulus, tensile modulus, and ultimate tensile strength were improved. The LDH affected the cold crystallization and reduced the thermal stability of the neat PLLA. Smooth muscle cells were used for in vitro studies of the nanocomposites. It was found that the hybrids reduced cell proliferation, and the amount of cell reduction was related to ibuprofen release. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

关注战略性新兴资源 促橡胶行业可持续发展——“2010中国杜仲产业化论坛”在京举行

<正>杜仲树是我国特有的绿色资源,经过几十年的努力,我国已经在杜仲树的种植、杜仲胶的提取以及综合应用等方面取得了长足进步。由于杜仲树特有的医用和保健功能以及提取出来的杜仲胶有独特的橡-塑二重性、优良的共混性和集成性等综合性能,     

推广新型生产设备 促进行业节能减排——再生常压连续脱硫设备、技术及应用现场会在成都召开

<正>为继续在行业中大力推广废橡胶(含废旧轮胎)粉碎、脱硫、压延等工艺和专业配套工装方面的创新成果,使该行业更符合低碳循环经济产