An (O)over-bar(m(2)n) randomized algorithm to compute a minimum cycle basis of a directed graph

We consider the problem of computing a minimum cycle basis in a directed graph G. The input to this problem is a directed graph whose arcs have positive weights. In this problem a {- 1, 0, 1} incidence vector is associated with each cycle and the vector space over Q generated by these vectors is the cycle space of G. A set of cycles is called a cycle basis of G if it forms a basis for its cycle space. A cycle basis where the sum of weights of the cycles is minimum is called a minimum cycle basis of G. The current fastest algorithm for computing a minimum cycle basis in a directed graph with m arcs and n vertices runs in O(m(w+1)n) time (where w < 2.376 is the exponent of matrix multiplication). If one allows randomization, then an (O) over tilde (m(3)n) algorithm is known for this problem. In this paper we present a simple (O) over tilde (m(2)n) randomized algorithm for this problem. The problem of computing a minimum cycle basis in an undirected graph has been well-studied. In this problem a {0, 1} incidence vector is associated with each cycle and the vector space over F-2 generated by these vectors is the cycle space of the graph. The fastest known algorithm for computing a minimum cycle basis in an undirected graph runs in O(m(2)n + mn(2) logn) time and our randomized algorithm for directed graphs almost matches this running time.

Luminescent Molecular Sensors for Assessment of Temperature Field in Machining

A new technique based on luminescent molecular sensors is utilized in these series of experiments for measurement of temperatures in material removal processes. 2-Dimensional machining of metals at low speeds and surface grinding configurations are used as the model experimental systems to understand the efficacy of this experimental technique. The experiments were conducted with a series of luminescent sensors and binder combinations for the temperature measurement. The luminescence of the sensor was measured through a charge-coupled device imaging camera, and intensive calibration exercises were performed on these sensors. Excellent agreement in the temperature fields measured through this new experimental approach and traditional infrared thermography is seen here. This technique offers the unique capability of allowing measurement of temperatures in the presence of a lubricant, akin to manufacturing conditions in situ. Extension of the technique to measure the temperature field at the tool-chip contact is described.

Simultaneous measurements of thickness and temperature profile of the lubricant film at chip-tool interface during machining process using luminescent sensors

Simultaneous measurements of thickness and temperature profile of the lubricant film at chip-tool interface during machining have been studied in this experimental programme. Conventional techniques such as thermography can only provide temperature measurement under controlled environment in a laboratory and without the addition of lubricant. The present study builds on the capabilities of luminescent sensors in addition to direct image based observations of the chip-tool interface. A suite of experiments conducted using different types of sensors are reported in this paper, especially noteworthy are concomitant measures of thickness and temperature of the lubricant. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Organic-inorganic hybrid PtCo nanoparticle with high electrocatalytic activity and durability for oxygen reduction

In Pt-transition metal (TM) alloy catalysts, the electron transfer from the TM to Pt is retarded owing to the inevitable oxidation of the TM surface by oxygen. In addition, acidic electrolytes such as those employed in fuel cells accelerate the dissolution of the surface TM oxide, which leads to catalyst degradation. Herein, we propose a novel synthesis strategy that selectively modifies the electronic structure of surface Co atoms with N-containing polymers, resulting in highly active and durable PtCo nanoparticle catalysts useful for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The polymer, which is functionalized on carbon black, selectively interacts with the Co precursor, resulting in Co-N bond formation on the PtCo nanoparticle surface. Electron transfer from Co to Pt in the PtCo nanoparticles modified by the polymer is enhanced by the increase in the difference in electronegativity between Pt and Co compared with that in bare PtCo nanoparticles with the TM surface oxides. In addition, the dissolution of Co and Pt is prevented by the selective passivation of surface Co atoms and the decrease in the O-binding energy of surface Pt atoms. As a result, the catalytic activity and durability of PtCo nanoparticles for the ORR are significantly improved by the electronic ensemble effects. The proposed organic/inorganic hybrid concept will provide new insights into the tuning of nanomaterials consisting of heterogeneous metallic elements for various electrochemical and chemical applications.

From transistor to trapped-ion computers for quantum chemistry

Over the last few decades, quantum chemistry has progressed through the development of computational methods based on modern digital computers. However, these methods can hardly fulfill the exponentially-growing resource requirements when applied to large quantum systems. As pointed out by Feynman, this restriction is intrinsic to all computational models based on classical physics. Recently, the rapid advancement of trapped-ion technologies has opened new possibilities for quantum control and quantum simulations. Here, we present an efficient toolkit that exploits both the internal and motional degrees of freedom of trapped ions for solving problems in quantum chemistry, including molecular electronic structure, molecular dynamics, and vibronic coupling. We focus on applications that go beyond the capacity of classical computers, but may be realizable on state-of-the-art trapped-ion systems. These results allow us to envision a new paradigm of quantum chemistry that shifts from the current transistor to a near-future trapped-ion-based technology.

Properties of superconducting CU-rich composites containing V_3SI or V_3GA

Superconducting Cu-rich composites containing the A-15 compounds V₃Si or V₃Ga have been made by the "Tsuei" process, which consists of melting the constituent elements into ingots followed by subsequent cold working and heat treatment. The superconducting transition temperatures of the resulting composites have been measured. X-ray diffraction analyses have been performed to identify the phases in the alloys. The microstructures have been studied using both the optical metallograph and the scanning electron-microscope. For some composites containing V₃Ga, the critical current densities as functions of transverse magnetic field up to 60 kG, and as functions of temperature from 4.2°K to 12°K have been measured. It was found that the Tsuei process does not work for the composites containing V₃Si, but works satisfactorily for the composites containing V₃Ga. The reasons are discussed based on the results of microstructure studies, electrical resistivity measurements, and also the relevant binary phase diagrams. The relations between the measured properties and the various metallurgical factors such as the alloy compositions, the cross-section reduction ratios of the materials, and the heat treatment are discussed. The basic mechanism for the observed superconductivity in the materials is also discussed. In addition, it was found that the Tsuei composites are expected to have high inherent magneto-thermal stability based on the stability theory of superconducting composites.