Verification of Forecast Performance of a Rapid Refresh Wave Model Based on Wind–Wave Interaction Effect

In this study, we constructed a rapid refresh wave forecast model using sea winds from the Korea Local Analysis and Prediction System as input forcing data. The model evaluated the changes in forecast performance considering the influence of input wind–wave interaction, which is an important factor that determines forecast performance. The forecast performance was evaluated by comparing the forecast results of the wave model with the significant wave height, wave period, and wave direction provided by moored buoy observations. During the typhoon season, the model tended to underestimate the conditions, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was reduced by increasing the wind and wave interaction parameter. The best value of the interaction parameter that minimizes the RMSE was determined based on the results of the numerical experiments performed during the typhoon season. The forecast error in the typhoon season was higher than that observed in the analysis results of the non-typhoon season. This can be attributed to the variations of the wave energy caused by the relatively strong typhoon wind field considered in the wave model

Light-controlled dual-functional amphiphilic probe with NO-release and simultaneous intramitochondrial self-assembly of nanostructures for supramolecular cancer therapeutics

Organelle-targeted light-controlled drug release as well as formation of self-assembled structures system for regulating the cellular fate of cancer cells is an emerging as a potent cancer therapeutic strategy.1 Achieving the NO-release as well as self-assembly of amphiphilic NO-prodrug inside a cell or cellular organelle with external stimuli is not reported due to the several challenges. Nitric oxide (NO), a diatom radical, has been recognized as the first signaling molecule, playing critical roles in in human body.2,3 A precise spatial and temporal control over the NO-release is the major requirement in clinical applications.4 Here, we have synthesized an amphiphilic N-nitrosamine having fluorescent molecule (A). The introduction of N-nitrosamine moieties efficiently inhibits the molecular interactions of A before NO-release. Under light irradiation, A releases NO followed by self-assembly via formation of J-aggregates with a remarkable bathochromic shift of ~30 nm. A is very stable under dark conditions, NO-release was effectively triggered using low power low energy wavelength irradiation (800 nm, ???28 mW). The biological influence of light induced NO-release as well as self-assembly nature of A in vitro studies are under progress

Benzophenone Compounds, from a Marine-Derived Strain of the Fungus Pestalotiopsis neglecta, Inhibit Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Targeting the MEK/ERK Pathway

Pancreatic cancer, which has an extremely poor prognosis, is one of the most fatal human cancers. Chemotherapy is the main palliative treatment for advanced cancer patients and also plays an indispensable role in postoperative treatments for surgical patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more innovative anticancer drugs to fight against this fatal disease. Here, we investigate the potential of benzophenone derivatives, obtained from a marine-derived strain of the fungus Pestalotiopsis neglecta, as antiproliferative lead compounds for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The compounds, seven new (1-7) and two known (8 and 9) halogenated benzophenone derivatives, were obtained by bioactivity-guided fractionation from the cultures of Pestalotiopsis neglecta. The structures were defined by spectroscopic methods including X-ray crystallographic analysis. Using the commonly used pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1, 2 and 4 were found to suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in the low micromolar range of 7.6 and 7.2 mu M, respectively. Mechanistically, benzophenone derivatives not only inhibit MEK activity in the cytoplasm but also suppress ERK activity in the cytoplasm and nucleus. An in silico study suggests that benzophenone derivatives could potentially inhibit MEK activity by binding to the allosteric pocket in MEK. Benzophenones could serve as new lead compounds for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.N

Austalides, Osteoclast Differentiation Inhibitors from a Marine-Derived Strain of the Fungus Penicillium rudallense

Four new meroterpenoids, austalides V-X (1-3) and a farnesylated phthalide derivative (4), were isolated from the culture of the marine fungus Penicillium rudallense, together with eight known meroterpenoids derivatives (5-12). Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic methods. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Compounds 1, 2, 5-7, and 10 exhibited potent osteoclast differentiation inhibitory activity with ED50 values of 1.9-2.8 mu M.N