Circadian rhythm dysfunction occurs in both common and rare neurodegenerative diseases. This dysfunction manifests as sleep cycle mistiming, alterations in body temperature rhythms, and an increase in symptomatology during the early evening hours known as Sundown Syndrome. Disruption of circadian rhythm homeostasis has also been implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, individuals exposed to a shifting schedule of sleep and activity, such as health care workers, are at a higher risk. Thus, a bidirectional relationship exists between the circadian system and neurodegeneration. At the heart of this crosstalk is the molecular circadian clock, which functions to regulate circadian rhythm homeostasis. Over the past decade, this connection has become a focal point of investigation as the molecular clock offers an attractive target to combat both neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and circadian rhythm dysfunction, and a pivotal role for neuroinflammation and stress has been established. This review summarizes the contributions of molecular clock dysfunction to neurodegenerative disease etiology, as well as the mechanisms by which neurodegenerative diseases affect the molecular clock.

 AutoVenture Forum-The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provided both financial and staff support to the planning and execution of the AutoVenture Forum. Mr. Ethan Byler managed the ASME efforts. Ms. Patti Jo Snyder of ASME managed the logistical arrangements for the first forum. The AVF team would also like to acknowledge the support provided by USCAR in organizing and hosting the many planning meetings and the encouragement offered by numerous auto industry executives.  Test Vehicle Conversion-Conversion of the test vehicles was performed by the Mechanical Engineering senior design class and graduate students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (Frank Richardson, Dave Anderson, Neeraj Chirmulay, and Harish Kohli).  Fuel System Controller-Grafton Standifer, a student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, performed the design and fabrication of the demonstration fuel system controller.  Liquid Carrier and Reactor Testing-Dr. David Bruce and graduate student, Ha Nguyen, of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering provided assistance with all aspects of the liquid carrier portion of the project.

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