Transfer Function Optimization Procedure for the H 2/H ∞ Problem

In this paper, the H ₂/H problem is considered in a transfer-function setting, i.e., without a priori chosen bounds on the controller order. An optimization procedure is described which is based on a parametrization of all feasible descending directions stemming from a given point of the feasible transfer-function set. A search direction at each such point can be obtained on the basis of the solution of a convex finite-dimensional problem which can be converted into a LMI problem. Moving along the chosen direction in each step, the procedure in question generates a sequence of feasible points whose cost functional values converge to the optimal value of the H ₂/H problem. Moreover, this sequence of feasible points is shown to converge in the sense of a weighted H ₂ norm; and it does so to the solution of the H ₂/H problem whenever such a solution exists.     

A self-consistent model calculation of the electronic structure of ordered,disordered and hydrogenated Pd3Fe

We study, within the Bethe lattice approximation, the electronic structure of the ordered, disordered and hydrogenated intermetallic Pd₃Fe. We employ a simple one-orbital per site model hamiltonian, which includes a Hubbard-like Coulomb interaction term. This is treated in the Hartree-Fock approximation. We present results for the number of electrons, magnetic moments, and density of states at the Fermi level. Good agreement with available experimental data is obtained.     

Ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability,in vitro release,and permeation using a rapid,inexpensive, and simple method

Ascorbic acid (AA) is involved in important metabolic processes in the human body. However, its chemical instability requires the assessment of products containing AA. The aim of this study was to develop systems that improve AA stability and to evaluate its release profile, permeation, and skin retention in vitro. For this purpose, we prepared binary systems consisting of propylene glycol and water, microemulsions, liquid crystalline systems, and an emulsion. The AA content in these systems was evaluated over time by measuring the inhibition of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Our results demonstrated that the binary systems and molecular aggregates were less stable and effective than the emulsion. Thus, in vitro AA release, skin permeation, and retention were evaluated using the emulsion. Our results indicate that AA exhibits low release and permeation levels and a high retention rate in the skin, characteristics desirable in cosmetic products.     

4'-Acetamidochalcone derivatives as potential antinociceptive agents

Nine acetamidochalcones were synthesized and evaluated as antinociceptive agents using the mice writhing test. Given intraperitoneally all the compounds were more effective than the two reference analgesic drugs (acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen) used for comparison. N-{4-[(2E)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enoyl]phenyl}acetamide (6) was the most effective compound and was therefore selected for more detailed studies. It caused dose-related inhibition in the writhing test, being about 32 to 34-fold more potent than the standard drugs. It was also effective in the second phase of the formalin test and the capsaicin test. These acetamidochalcones, especially compound 6, might be further used as models to obtain new and more potent analgesic drugs.     

New fluorescent monomers and polymers displaying an intramolecular proton‐transfer mechanism in the electronically excited state (ESIPT), 1. Synthesis of benzazolylvinylene derivatives and its copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA)

Six new fluorescent monomers of the benzazole family were synthesized by the reaction of 2‐(5′‐amino‐2′‐hydroxyphenyl)benzazole derivatives and differently functionalized vinylene compounds. The radical copolymerization of the monomers with MMA results in transparent and fluorescent polymers with good optical and thermal properties. These monomers and copolymers emit fluorescence with a large Stokes shift due to the intramolecular proton‐transfer mechanism in the electronically excited state (ESIPT).     

Kinetic study of non-reactive iron removal from iron-gall inks

The removal of non-reactive iron for different combinations of Fe²⁺ and tannic acid in irongall inks, via calcium phytate solutions, was studied. In parallel, the non-reactive iron removal kinetics was investigated using the pseudo first-order and second-order kinetic models. The results showed that the use of a dilute solution of calcium phytate to wash the impregnated paper strips removed the non-reactive iron from iron-gall inks in approximately 15 min in stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric combinations of iron and tannic acid. A second washing of the paper strips after an accelerated ageing, showed a distinct kinetic behaviour, with iron removal taking place simultaneously but apparently via a different mechanism. The use of a reference calcium phytate solution exhibited the same behaviour, suggesting that the use of dilute solutions as iron removal agents would represent less damage to historical documents. The results of kinetic modelling showed that all the combinations of Fe²⁺ and tannic acid used fitted the pseudo first-order kinetic model, when dilute and reference phytate solutions were tested as iron-desorbing agents.     

Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Measurements in One of the Most Populous Cities of the World: Aspects Related to Skin Cancer Cases and Vitamin D Availability

A number of studies published in the scientific literature have shown the relationship between sun exposure and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and vitamin D synthesis. However, the paucity of medical data, particularly in developing countries, hampers a global assessment of the impact of sun exposure on NMSC and vitamin D. To improve knowledge on this subject, this paper presents UV index (UVI) measurements performed in São Paulo City (SPC) in the period 2005–2008. It was found that 65% of the UVI measured 2 h around local noon during the summer show very high (8 < UVI < 10) and extreme (UVI > 11) levels according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. During the winter, 40% of the measurements around noontime show high or very high levels. In spite of worrisome recent statistics from SPC, showing that NMSCs make up about 28% of over a million of new cases of cancer in 2008, sun protection is not considered a real problem in these urban areas. UV measurements also show that every month of the year UV levels are high enough to ensure vitamin D production in human skin from incidental sun exposure.