SAR Studies on the Inhibitors for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

School of Molecular Sciences(Chemistry)Inflammation is defensive host response that occurs from infection and injury and the inflammatory process is the pivotal physiological response of our body and essential part of the human physiology. Due to the mechanistic relationship between chronic diseases and inflammation, a better understanding for the molecular mechanism of chronic inflammation could attenuate cellular inflammation pathways. Under inflammatory pathways, the impetus of proinflammatory mediators usually caused by the increased expression of transcriptional factors which is also a potential targets in the development of novel and effective anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Among others, we are interested in the Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-??B) which is reported as a major mediator that regulates inflammatory gene expression and also decrease the prevalence of inflammation responses. To suppress the inflammatory activity, inhibitors that could selectively target this protein are needed. We therefore, chose the natural product cerulenin which has been studied widely because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties, for designing inhibitors. In light of the interesting inhibitory properties displayed by cerulenin for fatty acid synthase (FASN), we were keen to explore the possible binding mode of this natural product with a view to design various derivatives that would be amicable to synthetic manipulation in order to enable SAR studies. Potent analogues of cerulenin, with various chain lengths and substitutions, are synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit NF-??B enhanceosome. Taken together, by identifying target protein with constructed inhibitors derived from cerulenin might give revolutionary effect on discovering new therapeutic agents.ope

A master\u27s recital in piano

On March 14, 2014, Min Jeong Kim presented a recital in completion of her Master’s degree in Piano Performance. The recital was held at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall at the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. Pieces on the program included: Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 871 by Johann Sebastian Bach, Klavierstücke, Op. 118 by Johannes Brahms, Rain Tree Sketch II by Toru Takemitsu, and Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 81a by Ludwig van Beethoven

Impact of Satellite Microwave Radiance Data Assimilation on GEOS Atmospheric Analysis and Forecasts in Tropics

The NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) has developed a system to assimilate all-sky microwave radiance data in the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS). The system provides additional constraints on the analysis process near the storm regions and adjusts the geophysical parameters such as precipitation, cloud, moisture, surface pressure, and wind by combining information from microwave radiance measurements and model forecasts in an optimal manner. The system proved that assimilating the all-sky microwave radiance data improve the GEOS atmospheric analyses and forecasts. This all-sky data framework has been included in the GEOS Forward Processing (FP) system and currently assimilating all-sky GMI data in real-time for GEOS global analysis and forecast production at the GMAO. This presentation describes the methodologies to assimilate cloud- and precipitation-affected microwave radiances in GEOS data assimilation system based on hybrid four-dimensional ensemble-variational (4D-EnVar) configuration. In the current operational GEOS-FP system, the addition of all-sky GMI radiances has the largest impact in the Tropics. Specific humidity is significantly improved in the short term (0-72 hours) forecasts. Similar improvements are seen in the Tropical and lower tropospheric temperature and winds. More detailed results on all-sky microwave radiance data impact on GEOS analysis and forecasts are discussed in this presentation

Design and Implementation of a Wireless Charging-Based Cardiac Monitoring System Focused on Temperature Reduction and Robust Power Transfer Efficiency

Wireless power transfer systems are increasingly used as a means of charging implantable medical devices. However, the heat or thermal radiation from the wireless power transfer system can be harmful to biological tissue. In this research, we designed and implemented a wireless power transfer system-based implantable medical device with low thermal radiation, achieving 44.5% coil-to-coil efficiency. To suppress thermal radiation from the transmitting coil during charging, we minimized the ESR value of the transmitting coil. To increase power transfer efficiency, a ferrite film was applied on the receiving part. Based on analyses, we fabricated a cardiac monitoring system with dimensions of 17 x 24 x 8 mm(3) and implanted it in a rat. We confirmed that the temperature of the wireless charging device increased by only 2 degrees C during the 70 min charging, which makes it safe enough to use as an implantable medical device charging system.11Ysciescopu

A New Integrated Framework for the Sustainable Performance of Fast Fashion Firms

Fast fashion as a manufacturing strategy has potential for satisfying consumer desires for new products at affordable prices, while making manufacturing more sustainable and efficient if managed right. To guide fast fashion firms in building more robust business model, this study proposes a new conceptual framework that incorporates a sustainable business strategy for a long-term business success