The two-dimensional (2D) random-bond Ising model has a novel multicritical point on the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase boundary. This random phase transition is one of the simplest examples of a 2D critical point occurring at both finite temperatures and disorder strength. We study the associated critical properties, by mapping the random 2D Ising model onto a network model. The model closely resembles network models of quantum Hall plateau transitions, but has different symmetries. Numerical transfer matrix calculations enable us to obtain estimates for the critical exponents at the random Ising phase transition. The values are consistent with recent estimates obtained from high-temperature series.Comment: minor changes, 7 pages LaTex, 8 postscript figures included using epsf; to be published Phys. Rev. B 55 (1997

We study numerically conductance fluctuations near the integer quantum Hall effect plateau transition. The system is presumed to be in a mesoscopic regime, with phase coherence length comparable to the system size. We focus on a two-terminal conductance G for square samples, considering both periodic and open boundary conditions transverse to the current. At the plateau transition, G is broadly distributed, with a distribution function close to uniform on the interval between zero and one in units of e 2 /h. Our results are consistent with a recent experiment by Cobden and Kogan on a mesoscopic quantum Hall effect sample.

The two-dimensional surface of a coupled multilayer integer quantum Hall system consists of an anisotropic chiral metal. This unusual metal is characterized by ballistic motion transverse and diffusive motion parallel (ẑ) to the magnetic field. Employing a network model, we calculate numerically the phase coherent two-terminal z-axis conductance and its mesoscopic fluctuations. Quasi-1d localization effects are evident in the limit of many layers. We consider the role of inelastic de-phasing effects in modifying the transport of the chiral surface sheath, discussing their importance in the recent experiments of Druist et al. 1

Myricetin-a flavonoid capable of inhibiting the SNARE complex formation in neurons-reduces focal sweating after skin-application when delivers as encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (M-LNPs). The stability of M-LNP enables efficient delivery of myricetin to sudomotor nerves located underneath sweat glands through transappendageal pathways while free myricetin just remained on the skin. Furthermore, release of myricetin from M-LNP is accelerated through lipase-/esterase-induced lipolysis in the skin-appendages, enabling uptake of myricetin by the surrounding cells. The amount of sweat is reduced by 55% after application of M-LNP (0.8 mg kg −1) on the mouse footpad. This is comparable to that of subcutaneously injected anticholinergic agents [0.25 mg kg −1 glycopyrrolate; 0.8 U kg −1 botulinum neurotoxin-A-type (BoNT/A)]. M-LNP neither shows a distal effect after skinapplication nor induced cellular/ocular toxicity. In conclusion, M-LNP is an efficient skin-applicable antiperspirant. SNARE-inhibitory small molecules with suitable delivery systems have the potential to replace many BoNT/A interventions for which self-applications are preferred. Focal hyperhidrosis is an idiopathic abnormality characterized by excessive sweating concentrated in certain regions of the body, such as palms, soles, face, and armpits 1. Nearly 3% of the general population-most people aged 25-64 years-experiences hyperhidrosis. Due to its interference with daily activities, this condition carries a substantial emotional, psychological, social, and professional burden 2 , even resulting in social anxiety disorders 3. Various treatments for blocking the sweating-mechanisms have been employed to treat this abnormality. Systemic agonists, antiperspirants, iontophoresis, local excision, and botulinum neurotoxins type A (BoNT/A) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration 4. Systemic agonists are usually used to treat generalized hyperhidrosis. Glycopyrrolate, phentolamine, clonidine, propranolol, and diltiazem lessen the symptoms as they act as anticholinergic 5 , α-adrenergic 6 , α2-adrenergic 7 , β-blocker 1 , and calcium channel blockers 8 , respectively. These agents show various side effects such as daytime sedation, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, and tachycardia 1. Aluminum chloride solutions mechanically obstruct sweat gland ducts, which in turn leads to atrophy of the eccrine acini 9. Limitations of aluminum chloride include skin irritation, burning, stabbing dysesthesias, temporary relief, and cumbersome application 4. Iontophoresis with tap water or glycopyrrolate solution also has drawbacks, such as erythema, local burning pain, and blistering 10. The adverse effects of surgical treatments include scars, paresthesia, pigmentation, partial alopecia, compensatory hyperhidrosis, Horner's syndrome, hemothorax, and pneumothorax despite improvement in the symptoms 1. BoNT/A, produced by an anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is a safe and effective method for treating focal hyperhidrosis, p...

Ginkgo biloba leaf (GBL) is known as a potential source of bioactive flavonoids, such as quercetin, arresting the neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-zippering. Here, the GBL flavonoids were isolated in two different manners and then examined for their bioactivity, physicochemical stability, and biocompatibility. The majority of flavonoids in the non-hydrolyzed and acidolyzed isolates, termed non-hydrolyzed isolate (NI) and acidolyzed isolate (AI) hereafter, were rich in flavonol glycosides and aglycones, respectively. Glycosidic/aglyconic quercetin and kaempferol were abundant in both NI and AI, whereas a little of apigenin, luteolin, and isorhamnetin were found in AI. NI was more thermostable in all pH ranges than quercetin, kaempferol, and AI. NI and AI both inhibited neurotransmitter release from differentiated neuronal PC-12 cells. NI and AI showed 1/2–1/3 lower EC50/CC50 values than quercetin and kaempferol. The NI and AI exhibited no toxicity assessed by the tests on chorioallantoic membranes of hen’s eggs, removing toxicological concerns of irritation potential. Moreover, GBL isolates, particularly AI, showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the use below the CC50 levels. Taken together, these results suggest that GBL isolates that are rich in antioxidant flavonoids are effective anti-neuroexocytotic agents with high stability and low toxicity.