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We present PolyHoop, a lightweight standalone C++ implementation of a mechanical model to simulate the dynamics of soft particles and cellular tissues in two dimensions. With only few geometrical and physical parameters, PolyHoop is capable of simulating a wide range of particulate soft matter systems: from biological cells and tissues to vesicles, bubbles, foams, emulsions, and other amorphous materials. The soft particles or cells are represented by continuously remodeling, non-convex, high-resolution polygons that can undergo growth, division, fusion, aggregation, and separation. With PolyHoop, a tissue or foam consisting of a million cells with high spatial resolution can be simulated on conventional laptop computers. Program Title: PolyHoop CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/4jscxhkd2s.1 Licensing provisions: BSD 3-clause Programming language: C++11 Supplementary material: Figs. S1 and S2, Movies 1–7 Nature of problem: Various two-dimensional mechanical systems can be represented by elastic, tensile hoops marking the boundaries of fluidic domains. Examples include cellular tissues, vesicles, foams, emulsions, etc. PolyHoop efficiently solves the Newtonian dynamics of such systems, enabling the simulation of large ensembles with O (10 6) deformable particles on a single ordinary CPU. The simulated hoops can undergo a variety of topological transitions such as division and fusion. Solution method: The soft particles are represented by their boundary contours, discretized into high-resolution polygons. The polygon vertices are then propagated in time by solving Newtons's equation of motion with the semi-implicit Euler method, using conservative and dissipative nodal forces. To maintain high quality of the discretization even during large particle deformations, the particles automatically remodel their boundaries. For efficient collision detection, a spatial partitioning grid is used. Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: The source code of PolyHoop is exceptionally compact, consisting of only about 720 commented lines in a single file. With no dependencies, it is highly portable and easy to handle, making it also suited for educational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SpaceX launched the first Starlink Direct to Cell satellites in January and hopes to eliminate cellular dead zones worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SpaceX launched the satellites last week and Starlink plans to test them in the United States with T-Mobile, whose network was used to send the texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever since autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has been introduced, there have been important advancements and progress leading to a more reliable and more standardized application of this technology. While first-generation ACI followed the principle of a cell-suspension being injected under an autologous periosteum patch, second and third generation ACI are characterized by the use of biomaterials, either using a cell-suspension (second generation) or a combination of cells and the biomaterial (third generation). Due to easier handling and improved clinical outcome, third generation ACI has become the gold standard for the use of ACI at this time. The present chapter focuses on the Novocart third generation ACI products. While Novocart 3D uses a collagen membrane and therefore an implantable biomaterial, Novocart Inject is a hydrogel-based ACI product that can be injected into cartilage defects. Both products are currently underway for central European market authorization by the European Medicinal Agency (EMA), additionally, an FDA-approval trial is underway for Novocart 3D. Product characteristics, indications, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes are summarized in the present chapter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent theoretical simulations of amelogenesis and network formation and new, simple analyses of the basic multicellular unit (BMU) allow estimation of the order of magnitude of the strain energy density in populations of living cells in their natural environment. A similar simple calculation translates recent measurements of the force–displacement relation for contacting cells (cell–cell adhesion energy) into equivalent volume energy densities, which are formed by averaging the changes in contact energy caused by a cell׳s migration over the cell׳s volume. The rates of change of these mechanical energy densities (energy density rates) are then compared to the order of magnitude of the metabolic activity of a cell, expressed as a rate of production of metabolic energy per unit volume. The mechanical energy density rates are 4–5 orders of magnitude smaller than the metabolic energy density rate in amelogenesis or bone remodeling in the BMU, which involve modest cell migration velocities, and 2–3 orders of magnitude smaller for innervation of the gut or angiogenesis, where migration rates are among the highest for all cell types. For representative cell–cell adhesion gradients, the mechanical energy density rate is 6 orders of magnitude smaller than the metabolic energy density rate. The results call into question the validity of using simple constitutive laws to represent living cells. They also imply that cells need not migrate as inanimate objects of gradients in an energy field, but are better regarded as self-powered automata that may elect to be guided by such gradients or move otherwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this research is to construct a mathematical model of the micromechanical experiment: an aspiration of spherical cells. Such experiment is often used to study properties of cells and their membranes. In our model the cell is considered as a fluid-filled membrane with solid-like behavior. The membrane is modeled by a hyperelastic isotropic momentless shell. The action of the internal environment is considered in two ways: a constant internal pressure and a constant internal volume. Usually the aspiration process is controlled directly by a suction pressure in a micropipette. In this paper it is also considered a model of aspiration with control by motion of a syringe piston. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

AUSTRALIA - Childhood CT scans slightly raise cancer risk. AUSTRALIA - There's a very simple solution to your lack of vitamin D. INDIA - India develops cheap rotavirus vaccine. JAPAN - 'Tug of war' method to measure the copy number limits of all genes in budding yeast. SINGAPORE - SG Austria co-edits just released book on living cell bioencapsulation. SINGAPORE - Nano Today's 2013 impact factor increases from 15.355 to 17.689. SINGAPORE - Cholesterol beats coronaviruses, Avian flu and Swine flu. THE PHILIPPINES - Philippines maps out plan to switch to 100% renewables in 10 years. EUROPE - Roche launches first sugar-transferase for new glyco-engineering portfolio. EUROPE - Older liver cancer patients respond to radioembolization equally as well as younger patients. NORTH AMERICA - Protein helps colon cancer move and invade. NORTH AMERICA - FDA approval of VIBATIV(R) (telavancin) for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. NORTH AMERICA - 'On Demand Medical Research' is up and running. UNITED KINGDOM - Diabetes rises sharply among UK's young adults. UNITED KINGDOM - 'Mental illness' isn't all about brain chemistry: it's about life. UNITED KINGDOM - Public to see impact of medical research funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists decode the genomic sequence of 700,000-year-old horse. Researchers reveal subepicardial endothelial cells working as major source for coronary arteries in embryonic ventricle wall. Chinese 'container hospitals' ready to deploy in Africa. Asian Cancer Research Group and BGI report new evidence for the genetic bases of liver cancer. Taiwan technology lifts biomedical collaboration. SIIC to provide funding to biotech projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysian Bio-XCell Sdn Bhd seals a deal exceeding US$35 (~RM107m) with Agila Biotech Sdn Bhd during BioPharma Asia 2013. Nagasaki University and Astellas launch collaborative research for screening new anti-dengue virus drugs for neglected tropical diseases. Eurofins collaborates with AB SCIEX and Phenomenex to improve analysis of animal feed. Biolife Science $5m ASX listing to progress stomach & breast cancer vaccine. Naz Haji appointed Chief Information Officer, Quintiles Asia markets. Roche and BioLamina start collaboration to develop novel cell culture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUSTRALIA - Well-known antibiotic amoxycillin found to be ineffective cough treatment. AUSTRALIA - Bring the noise: has technology made us scared of silence? INDIA - Biocon receives marketing authorization for novel biologic itolizumab for psoriasis. ISRAEL - Aspireo reports Somatoprim Phase Ib interim data. JAPAN - Daiichi Sankyo and Amplimmune announce strategic alliance to develop AMP-110 therapy for autoimmune disease. JAPAN - Eisai signs agreement with Epizyme and Roche Molecular Systems to develop companion diagnostic. THE PHILIPPINES - Asia-Pacific Analysis: The growth of stem-cell therapy. THE PHILIPPINES - Is the world ready for scientific diplomacy? UNITED KINGDOM - ARIAD and the U.K. National Cancer Research Institute to collaborate on SPIRIT 3 clinical study. UNITED KINGDOM - Vision research collaboration on novel treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. UNITED STATES - Reducing medical mistakes: Two recently published studies support the use of DNA testing on biopsy samples to prevent misdiagnoses. UNITED STATES - CoDa Therapeutics reports positive results from Phase IIb Study of NEXAGON® in chronic venous leg ulcers. UNITED STATES - Inovio Pharmaceuticals to initiate clinical trial for its hepatitis C therapeutic vaccine later this year. UNITED STATES - Jolt to brain eases pain without drugs. UNITED STATES - Can a new vaccine prevent colon cancer? UNITED STATES - Immunovaccine's DPX-Survivac produces sustained, dose related immune responses in Phase I ovarian cancer study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognoptix licenses AD detection technology. 3D cell culture firm Reinnervate and specialist Oncology CRO Oncotest GmbH enter collaboration agreement. Medicago awarded contract from the U.S. Department of Defence. Clinical Network Services acquires New Zealand partner BELTAS' business assets. VABIOTECH licenses cell-based Japanese encephalitis technology from Inviragen. University of Illinois licenses novel anti-cancer therapies to StemPar Sciences. Adimab announces new discovery collaboration with Kyowa Hakko Kirin. Priaxon enters collaboration with GSK on protein-protein-interactions. Lantheus Medical Imaging and FUJIFILM RI Pharma renew long-term license and distribution agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MALAYSIA - Veolia expands presence in East Malaysia. SINGAPORE - Syneron Dental Lasers signs distribution agreement with Healthcare Solutions & Services Pte Ltd. SINGAPORE - Fujitsu advances healthcare innovation in collaboration with National University of Singapore. SINGAPORE - Clearbridge BioMedics makes a big impact at the 2012 Asian Innovation Awards. SINGAPORE - TauRx Pharmaceuticals receives $111.8m commitment from Genting to prepare for Market Leadership in Alzheimer's. THAILAND - Key Phase II HIV/HCV trial has commenced in Bangkok. AUSTRALIA - Hatchtech mechanism of action data and safety study published. AUSTRALIA - Power to you: carbon nanotube muscles are going strong. EUROPE - GE Healthcare Life Sciences opens new £3 million laboratories for cell science. EUROPE - AstraZeneca announces Phase III results from naloxegol pivotal trials. EUROPE - ACADIA's pimavanserin sees Phase III success. EUROPE - Big Pharma is doing more for access to medicine in developing countries. EUROPE - CAVATAK™ bladder cancer - positive preliminary data. EUROPE - Avita Medical initiates European trial in the management of chronic lower limb ulcers. NORTH AMERICA - FEI unveils broad correlative microscopy solution set for cell biologists. NORTH AMERICA - A single dose of Medicago's H5N1 VLP vaccine protects against additional pandemic flu strains in a preclinical study. NORTH AMERICA - Biologics and stem cell research boost the cell culture market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The processor evolution has reached a critical moment in time where it will soon be impossible to increase the frequency much further. Processor designers such as Motorola, Intel and IBM have all realised that the only way to improve the FLOP/Watt ratio is to develop multi-core devices. One of the most current examples of multi-core processors is the new Sony/Toshiba/IBM Cell/B.E. multi-core processor. For the suitability to run in parallel, Monte Carlo methods are often considered embarrassingly parallel. This paper describes how a common Monte Carlo based financial simulation can be calculated in parallel using the Cell/B.E. multi-core processor. The measured performance with the achieved multi-core speed-up is also presented. With the recent availability of this increasingly available technology, financial simulations can now be performed in a fraction of the time it used to. This can also be achieved with a limited power and volume budget using commercially available technology. The main challenge with multi-core devices is clearly the programmability. The work presented here describes how this challenge could be dealt with. A basic MPI library has been developed to handle the partitioning and communication of data. The thread creation follows a POSIX thread creation model. MPI together with POSIX make the application portable in between various multi-processor systems and multi-core devices. The conclusions made indicate that a function offload MPI implementation on the Cell/B.E. multi-core processor can efficiently be used to speed-up the Monte Carlo solution of financial simulations. The conclusions made herein are also applicable to other situations where an algorithm can be easily parallelized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is Forbes' Fresh Take newsletter, which every Thursday brings you the latest on the big ideas changing the future of food. Want to get it in your inbox every week? Sign up here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUSTRALIA — Malaria Breakthrough in Australia. AUSTRALIA — Advances in Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis. AUSTRALIA — Genetic Test for Epilepsy Sufferers Developed By Victoria, Australia Scientists. AUSTRALIA — New R & D Facility Leads Way for Australian Biotech Sector. AUSTRALIA — Australia Launches New Center to Focus on HIV Prevention, Treatment Research. CHINA — Genomics Center Researchers Identify Key Mechanism in DNA Damage Response. CHINA — Hemophiliacs in Guangdong Suffer From Lack of Treatment. CHINA — Microbix to Build Flu Vaccine Plant in China. CHINA — Applied Biosystems, 454 Life Sciences and Illumina Join 1000 Genomes Project. INDIA — Indian Scientists Develop GM Mice Through Transgenic Sperm. JAPAN — Experts Identify Genes for Bird Flu Replication. JAPAN — Boosting Survival of Insulin-cell Transplants For Type 1 Diabetes. JAPAN — Medtronic Launches First Insertable Cardiac Monitor in Japan. JAPAN — Sewing DNA Thread with Lasers, Hooks and Microbobbins. KOREA — CSD Korea launches its Patient Longitudinal Database. NEW ZEALAND — NZ Signs Science Agreement with EU. SINGAPORE — Singapore Researchers Identify Viral Factor That Induces Deadly Fungal Infection. SINGAPORE — Singapore, Indonesia Enhance Collaboration to Fight Bird Flu. SINGAPORE — Singapore Scientists Beat More Than 140 Teams to Claim Top Award at 46th American Society of Neuroradiology 2008 Meeting. TAIWAN — Government Plans Development of Five Bio-Agricultural Parks. TAIWAN — Local Researchers Cast New Light on Genetic Mutations. TAIWAN — Enterovirus Cases Hit Record High. VIETNAM — New Cholera Outbreaks in Vietnam. VIETNAM — Vietnam, WB Join Hands to Improve Health Services in Remote Areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technology will be integrated into NASA's lunar landers and be used by astronauts for "any activity" they need to carry out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports that HIV/AIDS pathogenesis research advances have been reported from the United States and Great Britain. Study 1: Conserved residues in the HIV-1 gp41 coiled-coil pocket are essential for viral replication. Study 2: The role of HIV matrix domain Ser phosphorylation in early postentry viral replication has been elucidated. HIV MA is "important for targeting of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag assembly to the plasma membrane, envelope incorporation into virions, preintegration complex import into the nucleus, and nuclear export of viral RNA. Study 3: The process of HIV cell-to-cell transfer has been characterized.

This article reports that oncology data are the focus of recent research from Germany and the United States. Study 1: CEACAM1 is an angiogenic switch in urinary bladder cancer. Correspondingly, supernatants from the CEACAM1-overexpressing bladder cancer cell lines reduce, but those from CEACAM1 silencing induce endothelial tube formation and potentiate the morphogenetic effects of VEGF. Study 2: Bevacizumab reduces tumor progression in patients with metastatic renal cancer. There were four partial responses and a highly substantial prolongation of time to tumor progression in patients who received the higher dose of bevacizumab. With a crossover design and very sensitive criteria for disease progression, no difference in survival was shown.

The article reports that oncology data are the focus of recent research from Scotland and the United States. ROCK inhibitors can block angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. According to a study from Scotland, progression of tumors to invasive and metastatic forms requires that tumor cells undergo dramatic morphologic changes, a process regulated by Rho GTPases. Elevated expression of RhoA and RhoC, as well as the Rho effector proteins ROCK I and ROCK II, are commonly observed in human cancers and are often associated with more invasive and metastatic phenotypes.

The article reports that immunology data are the focus of recent research from the United States and Scotland. The role of CD40 signaling in germinal center (GC) development has been elucidated. Substantial evidence indicates that signaling through the CD40 receptor (CD40) is required for GC and memory B-cell formation, immunologists in New York explained. However, it is not fully understood at which stages of B-cell development the CD40 pathway is activated in vivo.

The article reports that skin lesions can be successfully treated with local radiotherapy in a case of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma after rejection of a transplanted kidney. Immunosuppressed organ allograft recipients are at risk of developing lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders as a consequence of immunosuppressive therapy and longterm antigenic stimulation from both the graft and possible viral infections. No more than 4% of the malignant tumors detected in organ recipients are plasmacytomas. Primary cutaneous plasmacytoma is a rare type of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma arising primarily in the skin.

The article presents three research studies on oncology. The first study conducted by researcher A.R. Reynolds and colleagues, published in the journal "Cancer Research," which states that beta[3]-integrin-deficient mice host excess angiogenesis and tumor growth. The second study conducted by researcher S. Mikami and colleagues, published in the journal "Pathology International," which states that heparanase is implicated in cancer angiogenesis and invasion. The third study conducted by researcher E. Sierko and colleagues, published in the journal "Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis," which states that platelets reinforce tumor angiogenesis and invasion.

This article presents the findings of a research previously published in the medical journal "Developmental Cell," conducted by researcher Mustafa Khokha. A major step in the development of the vertebrate embryo, the establishment of a back that morphs into a brain, spinal cord and muscles turns out to be so important that the body uses at least three signals to make sure it happens properly. In fact, the proteins normally used by the embryo have recently been put to use in embryonic stem cell work. Noggin, one of the proteins isolated by the UC Berkeley research group, has been used in cultures to maintain the growth of neural stem cells.

This article presents findings of a research previously published in the medical journal "Biochemical Journal," conducted by researcher C. Brendel. Staufen 1 ribonucleoprotein complexes have been characterized using a novel assay. In Drosophila oocytes and neuroblasts, the double-stranded RNA binding protein Staufen assembles into ribonucleoprotein particles, which mediate cytoplasmic mRNA trafficking and translation. Two different mammalian orthologues also appear to reside in distinct RNA-containing particles.

This article presents information on neurons that can transmit three signals at once. Generations of neuroscientists have been indoctrinated into believing that the senses, thoughts, feelings and movements are orchestrated by a communication network of brain cells, or neurons, each responsible for relaying one specific chemical message called a neurotransmitter. Either neurons release a neurotransmitter that excites a neighboring cell, thereby triggering an electrical discharge and enhancing brain activity, or they dispatch a signal that quells a neuron's activity. Karl Kandler, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology explained that they also found that glutamate activates NMDA receptors at the most critical stage of brain development and organization, and realized that this could explain a number of fundamental questions.

The article focuses on recent research on cardiology by researchers from Netherlands, United States and Taiwan. Researcher B.E. Teunissen and colleagues of the University of Utrecht summarize what is known about the remodeling of myocardial gap junctions during hypertrophy, the putative underlying mechanisms and functional consequences thereof. According to a report from the United States by researcher M. Sano and M.D. Schneider, cyclin-dependent kinase-9 is an RNAPII kinase at the nexus of cardiac growth and death cascades. Sano and colleagues published their study in the journal "Circulation Research."

The article presents information on various HIV/AIDS pathogenesis research. A study by H.M. Mo and coworkers, reprted that conserved residues in the HIV-1 gp41 coiled-coil pocket are essential for viral replication. The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 plays an important role in mediating the fusion of HIV with host cells. During the fusion process, three N-terminal helices and three C-terminal helices pack in an anti-parallel direction to form a six-helix bundle. Mo and colleagues published their study in the periodical "Virology."

This article cites studies related to virology research. Hepatitis B virus variants persist despite the lack of a core promoter. The core gene (C-gene) promoter and regulatory sequences play a central role in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle. They are essential for the synthesis of the pregenomic and precore mRNA. The pregenomic RNA is the template required for replication and also the template for the synthesis of the core protein and polymerase. Post-transcriptional RNA processing has been characterized in HSV-infected cells. In HSV-1-infected cells, NF-kappaB is activated by activated protein kinase R, the scientists found.

The article presents several studies related to oncology. The first study by the researcher I. Crnic and colleagues at the University of Basel, Department of Clinical-Biological Sciences, found that neural cell adhesion molecule loss causes cancer to spread and proliferate. Crnic and colleagues published the results of their research in the journal "Cancer Research." The second study was conducted by the researcher L. Espana and colleagues, Ciutat Sanitary and University City of Bellvitge, Duran and Reynals Hospital. Espana and colleagues published their study in the journal "Breast Cancer Research and Treatment."

The article presents several studies related to oncology. The first study reported that ROCK inhibitors can block angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. The study was conducted by the researcher D.R. Croft and colleagues at Beatson Institute for Cancer Research. Croft and colleagues published the results of their research in the journal "Cancer Research." The second study was conducted by the researcher S. Bandyopadhyay and colleagues at Southern Illinois University. Bandyopadhyay and coauthors published their study in the journal "Cancer Research."

The article cites a study finding that a major step in the development of the vertebrate embryo - the establishment of a back that morphs into a brain, spinal cord and muscles - turns out to be so important that the body uses at least three signals to make sure it happens properly. Researchers Mustafa Khokha and colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley conducted the study that published in the March 2005 issue of the journal "Developmental Cell." In fact, the proteins normally used by the embryo have recently been put to use in embryonic stem cell work. The three proteins identified in the team's report are among at least five that block other signals to allow the back, or dorsal, structures to form.

The article cites a study which reports that some insulin molecules get produced in bungled forms as well as the correct form inside the cells of the pancreas. Researchers Peter Arvan and colleagues wrote that the discovery may help explain why people with all forms of diabetes eventually make less insulin and experience the death of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction of pancreatic beta cells is the hallmark of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Arvan and colleagues published their study in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry."

The article presents several studies related to proteomics research. Researcher C. Brendel and colleagues at the University of Hamburg studied the characterization of Staufen 1 ribonucleoprotein complexes. Brendel and coauthors published their study in the "Biochemical Journal." In other study researcher T. Miki and colleagues, Osaka University, showed that alternative splicing of Staufen2 creates the nuclear export signal for Exportin 1. Miki and colleagues published their findings in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry."

Examines how biologists are altering and improving the genetic nature of plants. Technique for obtaining virus-free plant strains from previously infected ones; Usefulness of haploid plant tissues for the plant breeder; Ways that certain cells can have their genetic nature changed, including the introduction of new hereditary material in the form of DNA; Outlook for success as the techniques of protoplast culture, cell culture and DNA isolation are improved.

CEO Trevor Milton seems dead set on challenging Elon Musk's dominance for audacious transportation ideas with a claim that his own electric vehicle startup has a breakthrough cell that's lighter, cheaper and more powerful than lithium-ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has experienced a big moment in its Fuel Cell Development Partnership program. BPA took delivery of, and with partner IdaTech (formerly Northwest Power Systems), installed the [...]

The Open Cell (pictured), Cell Frame, and Reveal Line Metal Ceiling Systems from Luxalon offer a wide array of cell frames and cell panels that can be combined to create [...]

Safety and efficacy regulations for tissue cultures and cell therapies present unique challenges. With ex vivo manipulation, potential alteration of the biological character of cells, short shelf lives, and small [...]

The article reports that Cyclacel Group PLC, a cell-cycle-based biopharmaceutical company, announced that Cyclacel researchers and collaborators from the University of Edinburgh have solved the 3-dimensional atomic structure of human proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a protein centrally involved in the regulation and coordination of cell-cycle progression and DNA replication. The solution of native and complex structures of human PCNA are featured as the cover story in the February, 2005, issue of the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences."

The article reports that Avax Technologies Inc. has announced that it has established a research collaboration with Joseph Friedberg, chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Presbyterian Medical Center, part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, to conduct a clinical trial of its AC Vaccine in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Presbyterian Medical Center and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, both part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, will be the exclusive partner and clinical sites for the trial. Avax and the University plan to submit an Investigational New Drug application (IND) for the treatment of patients with Stage I or II NSCLC to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by March 31, 2005.

The article reports that Avidex Ltd. has announced publication of data that for the first time demonstrates that soluble, high affinity, human monoclonal T cell receptors (mTCRs) can be selected using phage display technology. This is a breakthrough that paves the way for the development of new immunotherapeutics based on the T cell immune response, which has so far been largely unexplored. Details of the scientific achievement are published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, in paper entitled "Directed evolution of human T cell receptors with picomolar affinities by phage display."

The article reports that Bio-Matrix Scientific Group Inc. is applying for Cryogenic Stem Cell Bank certification in California. The company anticipates this being the first step in establishing a Cryogenic Stem Cell Bank in California. President Brian Pockett stated, that once certification for the company is achieved, the company will have demonstrated that it has met all strict criteria and regulations for Stem Cell Banking in California. Stringent laboratory protocols, record keeping, quality control and quality assurance of registry are major requirements in this process.

The article reports that the BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc., an emerging company in stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, announced that the company has completed a final closing of its seed private placement, under which it raised approximately $1.5 million in aggregate. Based on this, the company is developing its proprietary NurOwn platform, as an autologous cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. The funding will also be used to cover costs of extending the company's management base, recruiting senior scientific personnel, and building laboratory facilities for its research and development activity.

The article reports that amniotic-membrane and limbic stem cell transplantation may be used to treat ocular burns. Severe ocular burns are potentially blinding injuries. During the first month, ocular surface destruction is caused by a vicious circle of complications that may result in the pathological state of total limbal stem-cell deficiency. Amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered an early surgical procedure to promote epithelialization and calm inflammation so that scarring-induced sequelae can be prevented in the chronic stage.

The article reports that dopamine D3 receptor stimulation promotes the proliferation of post-natal subventricular zone-derived cells. In the adult mammalian brain, neural stem cells persist in the subventricular zone (SVZ) where dopamine D-3 receptors are expressed. EC[50] values were 4.04 ±1.54 nm for apomorphine and 0.63±0.13 nm for 7-OHDPAT, which fits the pharmacological profile of the D-3 receptor. D-3 receptors were detected in SVZ cells by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. D-3 receptors were expressed in numerous beta-III tubulin immunopositive cells.

The article reports that Cellerant Therapeutics Inc. has presented preclinical proof-of-concept data for its expanded myeloid progenitor cell program. These experiments lay the foundation for Cellerant's myeloid progenitor product program: a cell product that can be manufactured and given to patients like a drug, without the kind of immunologic matching that currently limits cell therapy. Using Cellerant's proprietary method, hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells were harvested from mice and cultured ex vivo to manufacture large numbers of myeloid progenitor cells (MPs). The manufactured MPs demonstrated equivalent or better activity compared to freshly isolated MPs in an established model of bone marrow transplantation with infectious complications.

The article reports that Galectin-9 expression in periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to Porphylomonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Considerable evidence suggests that periodontal disease not only is caused by bacterial infection but also is associated with host susceptibility, scientists in Japan explained. Using in-house cDNA microarray analysis, A. Kasamatsu and colleagues at Chiba University attempted to identify gene expression changes in human periodontal ligament (PDL)-derived cells with and without treatment with Porphylomonas gingivalis LPS.