A Ramsey‐type result for the hypercube

We prove that for every fixed k and ? ≥ 5 and for sufficiently large n, every edge coloring of the hypercube Q_n with k colors contains a monochromatic cycle of length 2 ?. This answers an open question of Chung. Our techniques provide also a characterization of all subgraphs H of the hypercube which are Ramsey, that is, have the property that for every k, any k‐edge coloring of a sufficiently large Q_n contains a monochromatic copy of H. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 53: 196–208, 2006     

Optically induced rotation of an exciton spin in a semiconductor quantum dot

We demonstrate control over the spin state of a semiconductor quantum dot exciton using a polarized picosecond laser pulse slightly detuned from a biexciton resonance. The control pulse follows an earlier pulse, which generates an exciton and initializes its spin state as a coherent superposition of its two nondegenerate eigenstates. The control pulse preferentially couples one component of the exciton state to the biexciton state, thereby rotating the exciton's spin direction. We detect the rotation by measuring the polarization of the exciton spectral line as a function of the time difference between the two pulses. We show experimentally and theoretically how the angle of rotation depends on the detuning of the second pulse from the biexciton resonance.     

Sparse pseudo‐random graphs are Hamiltonian

In this article we study Hamilton cycles in sparse pseudo‐random graphs. We prove that if the second largest absolute value λ of an eigenvalue of a d‐regular graph G on n vertices satisfies and n is large enough, then G is Hamiltonian. We also show how our main result can be used to prove that for every c >0 and large enough n a Cayley graph X (G,S), formed by choosing a set S of c log⁵ n random generators in a group G of order n, is almost surely Hamiltonian. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 17–33, 2003     

High-resolution in vivo imaging of blood vessels without labeling

We demonstrate that both oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin have sequential two-color, two-photon absorption properties that can serve as endogenous contrasts in microvasculature imaging. Using a sensitive modulation transfer technique, we are able to image hemoglobin in red blood cells with micrometer resolution, both in vitro and in vivo. We show that excellent contrast from hemoglobin without any labeling can be obtained in tissue.     

Electrosprayed NiCo<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles for long cycle life and high-power Li-ion battery anode

Electrospraying-based synthesis of NiCo₂O₄ (NCO-ES) nanoparticles that exhibit long cycle life and high rate capability is reported. The results are compared with a conventionally prepared NiCo₂O₄ sample by direct annealing (NCO-DA). The structure and morphology of NCO-ES and NCO-DA nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm the size, morphology, structure, and surface chemistry of the as-prepared samples. Electrochemical testing established that the NCO-ES sample displayed enhanced Li-ion storage performance. The NCO-ES delivered a discharge capacity of almost 370 mAh/g at the end of 50 cycles at 1C rate (890 mA/g) while only 180 mAh/g was retained for the NCO-DA sample at the same condition. At a high rate of 5C (4450 mA/g), NCO-ES electrodes delivered a stabilized specific capacity of 225 mAh/g with almost 100% Coulombic efficiency over 1000 cycles. Its rate capability and cycle life were found to be superior to NCO-DA electrodes. The nanoscale grain boundaries in the NCO-ES sample enhanced the lithium-ion diffusion and enabled high rate capability. The impedance analysis at different stages of lithiation/delithiation indicates a lower impedance and better kinetics as one of the reasons for better performance of the NCO-ES sample.     

A 116-Nuclear Metallosupramolecular Cage-of-Cage Showing Multistep Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation

Here a unique single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation of a 116-nuclear Au^I₇₂Cd^II₄₀Na^I₄ cage-of-cage ( 2 _CdNa) is reported, which was created from a trigold(I) metalloligand with d -penicillamine by way of a 9-nuclear Au^I₆Cd^II₃ cage ( 1 ). Cage-of-cage 2 _CdNa is composed of 12 cages of 1 that are linked by 4 Cd²⁺ and 4 Na⁺ ions, with its surface being covered by 12 NO₃⁻ ions to form a discrete, spherical molecule with a diameter ca. 4.7 nm. In crystal 2 _CdNa, the cage-of-cage molecules are packed in a cubic lattice with a huge cell volume of ca. 4.5×10⁵ ų_, so as to have large interstices with diameters of more than 3 nm. Upon soaking crystals 2 _CdNa in aqueous Cu(NO₃)₂, all Cd²⁺ and Na⁺ were quickly exchanged by Cu²⁺ to produce an analogous Au^I₇₂Cu^II₄₄ cage-of-cage ( 2 _Cu) in a SCSC manner. Prolonged soaking led to the SCSC transformation to another supramolecular structure ( 2′ _Cu) consisting of 152-nuclear Au^I₇₂Cu^II₈₀ cage-of-cages that are alternately H-bonded with the Au^I₇₂Cu^II₄₄ cage-of-cages. 2′ _Cu showed the accommodation of MoO₄²⁻ and the conversion of MoO₄²⁻ to β-Mo₈O₂₆⁴⁻ in the crystal, with retention of single-crystallinity.     

Quantitative Impact of a Cognitive Modeling Intelligent Tutoring System on Student Performance in Balancing Chemical Equations

The need for improved interactive tutoring capabilities in educational software for chemistry problem solving is an important one clearly articulated by teachers and students. To deliver the next generation of individualized interactive capabilities users demand, it is necessary to go beyond the conventional computer-assisted instruction methodology. The focus of this paper is the assessment with first-semester general chemistry students of a recently developed artificial intelligence (AI) tutor for balancing chemical equations. This is the first such assessment of an AI-based learning tool in chemistry. Students in CHEM 121 in the Fall 2001 semester at Duquesne University (N = 273) participated in the study. Students were divided into a test group that used the AI tutor as part of their study activities and a control group that did not use the tutor. It was found that the tutor improved the performance of the test group students to a statistically significant degree, helping the weakest students the most. This study establishes the feasibility of an AI-based approach to creating advanced new tutoring software for chemistry problem solving. Access to a Web-based demonstration of the equation-balancing tutor may be obtained by emailing the corresponding author.     

Formal [4 + 1]- and [5 + 1]-annulation by an S(N)2-conjugate addition sequence: stereoselective synthesis of highly substituted carbocycles

K(2)CO(3)-mediated reactions of 6-bromo-2-hexenoates and 7-bromo-2-heptenoate with active methylene compounds deliver highly substituted cyclopentane and cyclohexane derivatives, respectively via a sequence of S(N)2-conjugate addition reactions (formal [4 + 1]- and [5 + 1]-annulation) in a diastereoselective manner.