The Role of Cell Cycle Regulators in Cell Survival—Dual Functions of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 20 and p21Cip1/Waf1

The mammalian cell cycle is important in controlling normal cell proliferation and the development of various diseases. Cell cycle checkpoints are well regulated by both activators and inhibitors to avoid cell growth disorder and cancerogenesis. Cyclin dependent kinase 20 (CDK20) and p21^Cip1/Waf1 are widely recognized as key regulators of cell cycle checkpoints controlling cell proliferation/growth and involving in developing multiple cancers. Emerging evidence demonstrates that these two cell cycle regulators also play an essential role in promoting cell survival independent of the cell cycle, particularly in those cells with a limited capability of proliferation, such as cardiomyocytes. These findings bring new insights into understanding cytoprotection in these tissues. Here, we summarize the new progress of the studies on these two molecules in regulating cell cycle/growth, and their new roles in cell survival by inhibiting various cell death mechanisms. We also outline their potential implications in cancerogenesis and protection in heart diseases. This information renews the knowledge in molecular natures and cellular functions of these regulators, leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the associated diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.     

Effect of complexation of oxidised corn starch with mineral elements on physicochemical properties

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of complexation of oxidised starch with mineral elements on its physicochemical properties. Corn starch was oxidised with sodium hypochlorite and, afterwards, modified with ions of potassium, magnesium and iron. Thus, native and modified starches were analysed for: contents of mineral elements, colour parameters (L*a*b*), water binding capacity and solubility in water at temperature of 60 and 80 °C. Thermodynamic characteristics of gelatinisation by DSC, molecular weight distribution by GPC, intrinsic viscosity and pasting properties by RVA were studied. The efficiency of incorporation of metal ions into oxidised corn starch was about 30%, 20% and 20% for potassium, magnesium and iron ions, respectively. The complexation with potassium ions caused the greatest changes in the molecular weight distribution and the intrinsic viscosity of starches and viscosity of starch pastes. Only modification of starch with iron ions affected the colour parameters of the starch. Incorporation of metal ions into starch resulted also in changes in its water binding capacity and solubility in water.     

An approach to efficient business intelligent system for financial prediction

A concept of business intelligent system for financial prediction is considered in this paper. It provides data needed for fast, precise and good business decision support to all levels of management. The aim of the project is the development of a new online analytical processing oriented on case-based reasoning (CBR) where a previous experience for every new problem is taken into account. Methodological aspects have been tested in practice as a part of the management information system development project of “Novi Sad Fair”. A case study of an improved application of CBR in prediction of future payments is discussed in the paper. This paper is originally presented at The International Conference on Hybrid Information Technology 2006, at the special session on “Intelligent Information Systems for Financial Engineering”, November 2006 in Cheju Island, Korea.     

Synthesis of silicon oxynitride from a polymeric precursor

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC) have been used to study the products of ammonolysis of dichloromethylsilane in diethyl ether at 0 °C. Results indicate that the major products are trimethylcyclotrisilazane and tetramethylcyclotetrasilazane. Hydrolysis of the cyclosilazanes has also been qualitatively investigated. A simple and useful method for the identification of cyclosilazanes has been developed using the ¹H NMR technique.     

Josephson junction with an amorphous silicon barrier

A Josephson junction Nb/Si/Nb with a 10 nm thick amorphous silicon barrier is studied. The upper electrode contains a 2 nm thick sublayer of amorphous phase adjacent to the barrier, as revealed by cross-sectional TEM. Thus, the junction can be considered as a S-I-N-S system with the N layer represented by amorphous niobium. Peculiarities in the I–V and Δ(T) dependencies are observed and explained as a consequence of a proximity effect present in the upper electrode.     

Neuronal migration disorders: heterotopic neocortical neurons in CA1 provide a bridge between the hippocampus and the neocortex

Neuronal migration disorders have been involved in various pathologies, including epilepsy, but the properties of the neural networks underlying disorders have not been determined. In the present study, patch clamp recordings were made from intrahippocampal heterotopic as well as from neocortical and hippocampal neurons from brain slices of rats with prenatally methylazoxymethanol-induced cortical malformation. We report that heterotopic neurons have morphometrical parameters and cellular properties of neocortical supragranular neurons and are integrated in both neocortical and hippocampal networks. Thus, stimulation of the white matter induces both antidromic and orthodromic response in heterotopic and neocortical neurons. Stimulation of hippocampal afferents evokes a monosynaptic response in the majority of heterotopic neurons and a polysynaptic all-or-none epileptiform burst in the presence of bicuculline to block gamma-aminobutyric acid type A inhibition. Furthermore, hippocampal paroxysmal activity generated by bath application of bicuculline can spread directly to the neocortex via the heterotopia in methylazoxymethanol-treated but not in naive rats. We conclude that heterotopias form a functional bridge between the limbic system and the neocortex, providing a substrate for pathological conditions.     

Challenges and opportunities of multimodal data in human learning: The computer science students' perspective

Multimodal data have the potential to explore emerging learning practices that extend human cognitive capacities. A critical issue stretching in many multimodal learning analytics (MLA) systems and studies is the current focus aimed at supporting researchers to model learner behaviours, rather than directly supporting learners. Moreover, many MLA systems are designed and deployed without learners' involvement. We argue that in order to create MLA interfaces that directly support learning, we need to gain an expanded understanding of how multimodal data can support learners' authentic needs. We present a qualitative study in which 40 computer science students were tracked in an authentic learning activity using wearable and static sensors. Our findings outline learners' curated representations about multimodal data and the non-technical challenges in using these data in their learning practice. The paper discusses 10 dimensions that can serve as guidelines for researchers and designers to create effective and ethically aware student-facing MLA innovations.     

A propositional probabilistic logic with discrete linear time for reasoning about evidence

The aim of the paper is to present a sound, strongly complete and decidable probabilistic temporal logic that can model reasoning about evidence. The formal system developed here is actually a solution of a problem proposed by Halpern and Pucella (J Artif Intell Res 26:1–34, 2006).