Numerical solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation,starting from the scattering data

Starting from the scattering data, the initial-value problem for the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation is solved numerically by following the path of the inverse scattering transform. The numerical results of an extensive experimentation suggest that: (a) our method is very effective, whenever the scattering data are analytically known; (b) the split-step Fourier method is not really effective if the exact solution is not smooth enough.     

Chemical composition,sensory and cooking quality evaluation of durum wheat spaghetti enriched with pea flour

The goal of the study was to obtain spaghetti enriched with pea flour with sensory properties close to conventional pasta. To this aim, the study has been organised in two subsequent trials. In the first, the pea flour amount added to the spaghetti was continuously increased until the overall sensory quality reached its threshold value (pea flour concentration = 15%). In fact, the spaghetti samples supplemented with 15% pea flour (15%S‐P) showed less elasticity, unpleasant colour and higher firmness compared to the control sample (CTRL). The second step was aimed to improve the overall sensory quality of the 15%S‐P spaghetti by means of guar gum (GUAR). The sample with GUAR (15%S‐P/GUAR) showed a pleasant colour, odour and taste. Furthermore, the 15%S‐P/GUAR sample recorded a low starch digestibility value (i.e. 54) and a higher soluble fibre content with respect to the 15%S‐P sample.     

Stability of the passive state of Zr–Nb crystalline alloys

Stability of the passive state was assessed for pure Zr and four Zr–Nb alloys (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0 at.% Nb) after 24 h exposure to naturally aerated 3.5% NaCl solution (pH = 6). Open circuit potential values indicated that all the Zr–Nb alloys studied and the pure Zr undergo spontaneous passivation due to spontaneously formed oxide film passivating the metallic surface. It also indicated that the addition of increasing Nb contents to pure Zr seems to improve the protection characteristics of its spontaneous oxides. Potentiodynamic polarization curves showed an increase of the breakdown potential and the extent of the passive range following an increased niobium amount in the alloy. This leads to the conclusion that a progressive increase of niobium content positively affects the localized corrosion behaviour of the Zr–Nb alloys by enhancing the electrochemical stability of the passive film. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies showed high impedance values for all the samples, and its increase on increased niobium content in the alloy indicated an improvement in the corrosion resistance of the spontaneous oxide film. The fit obtained suggests a single passive film present on the metal surface, with resistance improving with the increase of niobium amount in the alloy. All these electrochemical results show the beneficial effect of increasing niobium contents on the passive state stability of the Zr–Nb alloys.     

Evaluation of 4-(4-Fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]-Based Compounds as Competitive Tyrosinase Inhibitors Endowed with Antimelanogenic Effects

There is a considerable attention for the development of inhibitors of tyrosinase (TYR) as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders in humans. Continuing in our efforts to identify TYR inhibitors, we describe the design, synthesis and pharmacophore exploration of new small molecules structurally characterized by the presence of the 4-fluorobenzylpiperazine moiety as key pharmacophoric feature for the inhibition of TYR from Agaricus bisporus (AbTYR). Our investigations resulted in the discovery of the competitive inhibitor [4-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]-(3-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)methanone 26 (IC₅₀=0.18 μM) that proved to be ∼100-fold more active than reference compound kojic acid (IC₅₀=17.76 μM). Notably, compound 26 exerted antimelanogenic effect on B16F10 cells in absence of cytotoxicity. Docking analysis suggested its binding mode into AbTYR and into modelled human TYR.     

Soil sealing footprint as an indicator of dispersed urban growth: a multivariate statistics approach

The present study introduces a set of indicators derived from high-resolution land-use maps with the aim to illustrate the spatial distribution, intensity, and diversity of sealed soils in a Mediterranean region (Rome, Italy) shifting from a mono-centric spatial organization toward a dispersed urban agglomeration. A multivariate approach provides a comprehensive assessment of Rome ‘sealing footprint’, classifying local districts according to different imperviousness profiles. Results illustrate the rearrangement of the land-use structure determined by suburbanization with higher soil consumption and lower land-use efficiency. The approach is considered a promising tool to inform policies for a spatially balanced and land-saving urban development.     

Application of new double side approach method to the solution of super-elliptical plate problems

The new double side approach method combining the mathematical programming and the subdomain method in the method of weighted residual is presented in this article. Under the validation of maximum principle, and up on the subdomain method, the differential equation can be transferred into a bilateral inequality problem. Applying the genetic algorithms helps to find optimal solutions of upper and lower bounds which satisfy the inequalities. Here, the method is first verified by analyzing the deflection of elliptical clamped plate problem under various aspect ratios and further apply it to analyze the clamped super-elliptical plates problem. By using this method, the good approximate solution can be obtained accurately.     

Characterization of micellar systems produced by new amphiphilic conjugates of poly(ethylene glycol)

This study proposes polymeric micelles produced using new amphiphilic conjugates between amino- or carboxy-mPEG₂₀₀₀ and three different α-lipoamino acids (PEG-LAA). The characterization of these colloidal systems showed CMC values, in the order of 10^?5?M, that are interesting in the view of an in vivo administration. The PEG-LAA micelles also showed a good stability at 37?°C and upon dilution in aqueous media. Using a colored probe as a model lipophilic compound, the loading efficiency and in vitro release profile were also outlined.     

High Temperature Oxidation and Microstructural Evolution of Modified MCrAlY Coatings

Thermal sprayed MCrAlY coatings are widely used as a bond coat in thermal barrier systems to protect the substrate from corrosion and high temperature oxidation and to improve the compatibility between the ceramic top coat and metallic substrate. In this paper, the high temperature oxidation resistance of MCrAlY coatings with modified compositions was evaluated; in particular, the effect of the addition of reactive and refractory elements (Ta, Re, Si, and Hf) was investigated. MCrAlY coatings were obtained by high velocity oxygen fuel spray and vacuum plasma spray techniques; samples were exposed to air at 1423 K (1150 °C) and the oxidation kinetics were evaluated by measuring the thickness of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) scale at several exposure times. Experimental data confirmed that the oxidation resistance of MCrAlY coatings is strictly related to the amount of the reactive and refractory elements in the starting powders and that a thorough understanding of the microstructural modifications taking place during oxidation is essential for controlling TGO growth and thermal barriers’ durability.     

High‐tuning‐range CMOS band‐pass IF filter based on a low‐Q cascaded biquad optimization technique

A design procedure for high‐order continuous‐time intermediate‐frequency band‐pass filters based on the cascade of low‐Q biquadratic cells is presented. The approach is well suited for integrated‐circuit fabrication, as it takes into account the maximum capacitance spread dictated by the available technology and maximum acceptable sensitivity to component variations. A trade‐off between noise and maximum linear range is also met. A novel, wide‐tuning‐range transconductor topology is also described. Based on these results, a 10‐pole band‐pass filter for a code division multiple‐access satellite receiver has been designed and tested. The filter provides tunable center frequency (f₀) from 10 to 70 MHz and exhibits a 28‐MHz bandwidth around f₀ = 70 MHz with more than 39‐dB attenuation at f₀/2 and 2f₀. Third‐order harmonic rejection is higher than 60 dB for a 1‐Vpp 70‐MHz input, and equivalent output noise is lower than 1 mV_rms. The circuit is fabricated in a 0.25‐µm complementary metal oxide semiconductor process, and the core consumes 12 mA from a 2.5‐V supply, offering the best current/pole ratio figure. The die area resulted to be 0.9 × 1.1 mm². Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.