Optimal Exact-Regenerating Codes for Distributed Storage at the MSR and MBR Points via a Product-Matrix Construction

Regenerating codes are a class of distributed storage codes that allow for efficient repair of failed nodes, as compared to traditional erasure codes. An [n, k, d] regenerating code permits the data to be recovered by connecting to any k of the n nodes in the network, while requiring that a failed node be repaired by connecting to any d nodes. The amount of data downloaded for repair is typically much smaller than the size of the source data. Previous constructions of exact-regenerating codes have been confined to the case n = d + 1. In this paper, we present optimal, explicit constructions of (a) Minimum Bandwidth Regenerating (MBR) codes for all values of [n, k, d] and (b) Minimum Storage Regenerating (MSR) codes for all [n, k, d >= 2k - 2], using a new product-matrix framework. The product-matrix framework is also shown to significantly simplify system operation. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first constructions of exact-regenerating codes that allow the number n of nodes in the network, to be chosen independent of the other parameters. The paper also contains a simpler description, in the product-matrix framework, of a previously constructed MSR code with [n = d + 1, k, d >= 2k - 1].

Fuel Cell Efficiency Redefined; Carnot Limit Reassessed

There are deficiencies in current definition of thermodynamic efficiency of fuel cells (ηcth = ΔG/ΔH); efficiency greater than unity is obtained when AS for the cell reaction is positive, and negative efficiency is obtained for endothermic reactions. The origin of the flow is identified. A new definition of thennodynamic efficiency is proposed that overcomes these limitations. Consequences of the new definition are examined. Against the conventional view that fuel cells are not Carnot limited, several recent articles have argued that the second law of thermodynamics restricts fuel cell energy conversion in the same way as heat engines. This controversy is critically examined. A resolution is achieved in part from an understanding of the contextual assumptions in the different approaches and in part from identifying some conceptual limitations.

Quantum fidelity for one-dimensional Dirac fermions and two-dimensional Kitaev model in the thermodynamic limit

We study the scaling behavior of the fidelity (F) in the thermodynamic limit using the examples of a system of Dirac fermions in one dimension and the Kitaev model on a honeycomb lattice. We show that the thermodynamic fidelity inside the gapless as well as gapped phases follow power-law scalings, with the power given by some of the critical exponents of the system. The generic scaling forms of F for an anisotropic quantum critical point for both the thermodynamic and nonthermodynamic limits have been derived and verified for the Kitaev model. The interesting scaling behavior of F inside the gapless phase of the Kitaev model is also discussed. Finally, we consider a rotation of each spin in the Kitaev model around the z axis and calculate F through the overlap between the ground states for the angle of rotation eta and eta + d eta, respectively. We thereby show that the associated geometric phase vanishes. We have supplemented our analytical calculations with numerical simulations wherever necessary.

Quantum fidelity for one-dimensional Dirac fermions and two-dimensional Kitaev model in the thermodynamic limit

We study the scaling behavior of the fidelity (F) in the thermodynamic limit using the examples of a system of Dirac fermions in one dimension and the Kitaev model on a honeycomb lattice.We show that the thermodynamic fidelity inside the gapless as well as gapped phases follow power-law scalings, with the power given by some of the critical exponents of the system. The generic scaling forms of F for an anisotropic quantum critical point for both the thermodynamic and nonthermodynamic limits have been derived and verified for the Kitaev model. The interesting scaling behavior of F inside the gapless phase of the Kitaev model is also discussed. Finally, we consider a rotation of each spin in the Kitaev model around the z axis and calculate F through the overlap between the ground states for the angle of rotation η and η + dη, respectively. We thereby show that the associated geometric phase vanishes. We have supplemented our analytical calculations with numerical simulations wherever necessary

Mass of highly magnetized white dwarfs exceeding the Chandrasekhar limit: An analytical view

In recent years a number of white dwarfs have been observed with very high surface magnetic fields. We can expect that the magnetic field in the core of these stars would be much higher (similar to 10(14) G). In this paper, we analytically study the effect of high magnetic field on relativistic cold electron, and hence its effect on the stability and the mass-radius relation of a magnetic white dwarf. In strong magnetic fields, the equation of state of the Fermi gas is modified and Landau quantization comes into play. For relatively very high magnetic fields (with respect to the average energy density of matter) the number of Landau levels is restricted to one or two. We analyze the equation of states for magnetized electron degenerate gas analytically and attempt to understand the conditions in which transitions from the zeroth Landau level to first Landau level occurs. We also find the effect of the strong magnetic field on the star collapsing to a white dwarf, and the mass-radius relation of the resulting star. We obtain an interesting theoretical result that it is possible to have white dwarfs with mass more than the mass set by Chandrasekhar limit.

Zinc Oxide Modified Au Electrode as Sensor for an Efficient Detection of Hydrazine

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) prepared by microwave heating technique are used to modify a gold electrode (ZnO/Au) for the hydrazine detection study. The synthesized product is well characterized by various techniques. Detailed electrochemical investigation of the oxidation of hydrazine on the ZnO/Au electrode in 0.02 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 7.4 was carried out. A very low detection limit of 66 nM (S/N=4) and a wide linearity in current for a concentration range from 66.0X10-3 to 415 mu M was achieved by amperometry. The electrode was found to be stable for over a month when preserved in PBS.

Nonextremality, chemical potential, and the infrared limit of large N thermal QCD

Nonextremal solution with warped resolved-deformed conifold background is important to study the infrared limit of large N thermal QCD. Earlier works in this direction have not taken into account all the backreactions on the geometry, namely from the branes, fluxes, and black-hole carefully. In the present work we make some progress in this direction by solving explicitly the supergravity equations of motions in the presence of the backreaction from the black hole. The backreactions from the branes and the fluxes on the other hand and to the order that we study, are comparatively suppressed. Our analysis reveal, among other things, how the resolution parameter would depend on the horizon radius and how the renormalization group flows of the coupling constants should be understood in these scenarios, including their effects on the background three-form fluxes. We also study the effect of switching on a chemical potential in the background and, in a particularly simplified scenario, compute the actual value of the chemical potential for our case.

Damage limit states of reinforced concrete beams subjected to incremental cyclic loading using relaxation ratio analysis of AE parameters

This paper presents an experimental study on damage assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to incremental cyclic loading. During testing acoustic emissions (AEs) were recorded. The analysis of the AE released was carried out by using parameters relaxation ratio, load ratio and calm ratio. Digital image correlation (DIC) technique and tracking with available MATLAB program were used to measure the displacement and surface strains in concrete. Earlier researchers classified the damage in RC beams using Kaiser effect, crack mouth opening displacement and proposed a standard. In general (or in practical situations), multiple cracks occur in reinforced concrete beams. In the present study damage assessment in RC beams was studied according to different limit states specified by the code of practice IS-456:2000 and AE technique. Based on the two ratios namely load ratio and calm ratio and when the deflection reached approximately 85% of the maximum allowable deflection it was observed that the RC beams were heavily damaged. The combination of AE and DIC techniques has the potential to provide the state of damage in RC structures.

A phenanthrene based highly selective fluorogenic and visual sensor for Cu2+ ion with nanomolar detection limit and its application in live cell imaging

A new phenanthrene based chemosensor has been synthesized and investigated to act as highly selective fluorescence and visual sensor for Cu2+ ion with very low detection limit of 1.58 nM: this has also been used to image Cu2+ in human cervical HeLa cancer cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Compliant End-Effector to Passively Limit the Force in Tele-Operated Tissue-Cutting

This paper presents a compliant end-effector that cuts soft tissues and senses the cutting forces. The end-effector is designed to have an upper threshold on cutting forces to facilitate safe handling of tissue during automated cutting. This is demonstrated with nonlinear finite element analysis and experimental results obtained by cutting inhomogeneous phantom tissue. The cutting forces are estimated using a vision-based technique that uses amplified elastic deformation of the compliant end-effector. We also demonstrate an immersive tele-operated tissue-cutting system together with a haptic device that gives real-time force feedback to the user. DOI: 10.1115/1.4007638]