An online identification algorithm of unknown time-varying delay and internal multimodel control for discrete non-linear systems

In this paper, an online algorithm is proposed for the identification of unknown time-varying input delay in the case of discrete non-linear systems described by decoupled multimodel. This method relies on the minimization of a performance index based on the error between the real system and the partial internal models outputs. In addition, a decoupled internal multimodel control is proposed for the compensation of discrete non-linear systems with time-varying delay. This control scheme incorporates partial internal model controls. Each partial controller is associated to a specified operating zone of the non-linear system. The switching between these controllers is ensured by a supervisor that contains a set of local predictors. A simulation example is carried out to illustrate the significance of the proposed time-varying delay identification algorithm and the proposed internal multimodel control scheme.     

Effect of Nano‐support and Type of Active Metal on Reforming of CH4 with CO2

Two series of Co and Ni based catalysts supported over commercial (ZrO₂, CeO₂, and Al₂O₃) nano supports were investigated for dry reforming of methane. The catalytic activity of both Co and Ni based catalysts were assessed at different reaction temperatures ranging from 500—800 °C; however, for stability the time on stream experiments were conducted at 700 °C for 6 h. Various techniques such as N₂ adsorption‐desorption isotherm, temperature‐programmed reduction (H₂‐TPR), temperature‐programmed desorption (CO₂‐TPD), temperature‐programmed oxidation (TPO), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were applied for characterization of fresh and spent catalysts. The catalytic activity and stability tests clearly showed that the performance of catalyst is strongly dependent on type of active metal and support. Furthermore, active metal particle size and Lewis basicity are key factors which have significant influence on catalytic performance. The results indicated that Ni supported over nano ZrO₂ exhibited highest activity among all tested catalysts due to its unique properties including thermal stability and reducibility. The minimum carbon deposition and thus relatively stable performance was observed in case of Co‐Al catalyst, since this catalyst has shown highest Lewis basicity.     

Structural determination of prunusins A and B,new C‐alkylated flavonoids from Prunus domestica,by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy

Prunusins A (1) and B (2), the new C‐alkylated flavonoids, have been isolated from the seed kernels of Prunus domestica. Their structures were assigned from ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonating spectra, DEPT and by correlation spectroscopy, HMQC and HMBC experiments. 3, 5, 7, 4′‐Tetrahydroxyflavone (3) and 3, 5, 7‐trihydroxy‐8, 4′‐dimethoxyflavone (4) have also been reported from this species. Both compounds (1) and (2) showed significant antifungal activity against pathogenic fungus Trichophyton simmi. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory constituents from Cuscuta reflexa

Two new compounds, 7'-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]propenamide (4), and 7'-(4'-hydroxy,3'-methoxyphenyl)-N-[(4-butylphenyl)ethyl]propenamide (5) have been isolated from Cuscuta reflexa along with five known compounds, 6,7-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (1), 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-ethanoate (2), 6,7,8-trimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (3), 3-(4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-ol (6), 2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-4H-1-benzopyrane-4-one (7), reported for the first time from this species. Structures of these compounds were determined by spectral analysis. These compounds showed strong inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase.     

FNDC5/Irisin: Physiology and Pathophysiology

A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity increases the risk of different diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, certain types of cancers, and some neurological diseases. Physical exercise helps improve quality of life and reduces the risk of many diseases. Irisin, a hormone induced by exercise, is a fragmented product of FNDC5 (a cell membrane protein) and acts as a linkage between muscles and other tissues. Over the past decade, it has become clear that irisin is a molecular mimic of exercise and shows various beneficial effects, such as browning of adipocytes, modulation of metabolic processes, regulation of bone metabolism, and functioning of the nervous system. Irisin has a role in carcinogenesis; numerous studies have shown its impact on migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. The receptor of irisin is not completely known; however, in some tissues it probably acts via a specific class of integrin receptors. Here, we review research from the past decade that has identified irisin as a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various metabolic-related and other diseases. This article delineates structural and biochemical aspects of irisin and provides an insight into the role of irisin in different pathological conditions.