Equivalent Conditions for Local Error Bounds

In this paper we present two classes of equivalent conditions for local error bounds in finite dimensional spaces. We formulate conditions of the first class by using subderivatives, subdifferentials and strong slopes for nearby points outside the referenced set, and show that these conditions actually characterize a uniform version of the local error bound property. We demonstrate this uniformity for the max function of a finite collection of smooth functions, and as a consequence we show that quasinormality constraint qualifications guarantee the existence of local error bounds. We further present the second class of equivalent conditions for local error bounds by using the various limits defined on the boundary of the referenced set. In presenting these conditions, we exploit the variational geometry of the referenced set in a systematic way and unify some existing results in the literature.     

On exponential stability analysis for neural networks with time-varying delays and general activation functions

This paper is concerned with the exponential stability analysis for a class of cellular neural networks with both interval time-varying delays and general activation functions. The boundedness assumption of the activation function is not required. The limitation on the derivative of time delay being less than one is relaxed and the lower bound of time-varying delay is not restricted to be zero. A new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional involving more information on the state variables is established to derive a novel exponential stability criterion. The obtained condition shows potential advantages over the existing ones since no useful item is ignored throughout the estimate of upper bound of the derivative of Lyapunov functional. Finally, three numerical examples are included to illustrate the proposed design procedures and applications.     

Cryptanalyzing a novel pseudorandom number generator based on pseudorandomly enhanced logistic map

Nonlinear Dynamics - Dielectric elastomer is a prosperous material in electromechanical systems because it can effectively transform electrical energy to mechanical work. In this paper, the period...     

Magnetization switching modes in nanopillar spin valve under the external field

The current-induced magnetic switching is studied in Co/Cu/Co nanopillar with an in-plane magnetization traversed under the perpendicular-to-plane external field.Magnetization switching is found to take place when the current density exceeds a threshold.By analyzing precessional trajectories,evolutions of domain walls and magnetization switching times under the perpendicular magnetic field,there are two different magnetization switching modes:nucleation and domain wall motion reversal;uniform magnetization ...     

Regioselective Synthesis of Polycyclic and Heptagon-embedded Aromatic Compounds through a Versatile π-Extension of Aryl Halides

A versatile π-extension reaction was developed based on the three-component cross-coupling of aryl halides, 2-haloarylcarboxylic acids, and norbornadiene. The transformation is driven by the direction and subsequent decarboxylation of the carboxyl group, while norbornadiene serves as an ortho-C−H activator and ethylene synthon via a retro-Diels–Alder reaction. Comprehensive DFT calculations were performed to account for the catalytic intermediates.     

Preparation and Tribological Behaviors of Lubricants—Oil Based on Modified Microbial Oil with Nano-Schiff Base Copper Complex

A W/O microemulsion reactor was used to prepare four kinds of modified lubricants: (i) modified lubricant 1, modified epoxidized microbial oil + rape oil in volume ratio of 1:1; (ii) modified lubricant 2, modified esterified microbial oil + rape oil in volume ratio of 1:3; (iii) modified lubricant 3, modified epoxidized rape oil; and (iv) modified lubricant 4, modified PAO. The individual modified lubricants were further modified with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% content of nano-Schiff base copper complex (nano-SBCC). A microtribometer was used to evaluate the friction coefficient between ball/flat point contacts immersed in the modified lubricants and operated in reciprocating and linear sliding mode. A comparison of the values of the friction coefficient with the lubricants further modified with nano-SBCC with those of their individual 0% nano-SBCC counterparts indicated significant decrease: (i) almost 19.18% was obtainable for the modified lubricant 1 with 2% of nano-Schiff base copper complex, (ii) almost 16.5% was obtainable for the modified lubricant 2 with 0.5% of nano-Schiff base copper complex; (iii) almost 7.42% was obtainable for the modified lubricant 3 with 1% of nano-SBCC; and (iv) almost 7.01% was obtainable for the modified lubricant 4 with 0.5% of nano-SBCC. These suggested that the addition of nano-Schiff base copper complex can efficiently decrease the friction coefficient of epoxidized or esterified microbial oil. Analyses of two-dimensional images, average profiles (across the mid-section y = 0 of the reciprocating sliding path), and three-dimensional topographies by confocal white light microscope for the worn surfaces of flats immersed in modified lubricant 1 and modified lubricant 2 suggested better wear-resistance of the modified lubricant 2 than that of the modified lubricant 1. The ability of wear resistance for the modified lubricant became better with the increasing content of nano-Schiff base copper complex from 0% to 2%. The study revealed the modification of epoxidized microbial oil + rape oil (1:1 volume ratio) and esterified microbial oil + rape oil (1:3 volume ratio) with Cu(II) chelate of bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine, reducing the magnitude of friction and wear because of their respective wear self-repairing ability. Such self-repairing ability furnishes the suitability of epoxidized microbial oil or esterified microbial oil to be effectively modified by nano-Schiff base copper complex and to substitute ordinary base oil as a mixture with rape oil.     

The potential use of electrospun polylactic acid nanofibers as alternative reinforcements in an epoxy composite system

This pilot study elaborates the development of novel epoxy/electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber composites at the fiber contents of 3, 5, and 10 wt % to evaluate their mechanical and thermal properties using flexural tests and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The flexural moduli of composites increase remarkably by 50.8 and 24.0% for 5 and 10 wt % fiber contents, respectively, relative to that of neat epoxy. Furthermore, a similar trend is also shown for corresponding flexural strengths being enhanced by 31.6 and 4.8%. Fractured surface morphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms a full permeation of cured epoxy matrix into nanofiber structures and existence of nondestructive fibrous networks inside large void cavities. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of composites increases up to 54–60 °C due to embedded electrospun nanofibers compared to 50 °C for that of epoxy, indicating that fibrous networks may further restrict the intermolecular mobility of matrix in thermal effects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014 , 52, 618–623     

Generation and Reactivity of a One-Electron-Oxidized Manganese(V) Imido Complex with a Tetraamido Macrocyclic Ligand

The synthesis and X-ray structure of a new manganese(V) mesitylimido complex with a tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML), [Mn^V(TAML)(N-Mes)]⁻ ( 1 ), are reported. Compound 1 is oxidized by [(p-BrC₆H₄)₃N ]^+.[SbCl₆]⁻ and the resulting Mn^VI species readily undergoes H-atom transfer and nitrene transfer reactions.