An adaptive pruning algorithm for the discrete L-curve criterion

We describe a robust and adaptive implementation of the L-curve criterion. The algorithm locates the corner of a discrete L-curve which is a log–log plot of corresponding residual norms and solution norms of regularized solutions from a method with a discrete regularization parameter (such as truncated SVD or regularizing CG iterations). Our algorithm needs no predefined parameters, and in order to capture the global features of the curve in an adaptive fashion, we use a sequence of pruned L-curves that correspond to considering the curves at different scales. We compare our new algorithm to existing algorithms and demonstrate its robustness by numerical examples.     

Excited-state dynamics in Yb3+-Ho3+-doped fluoroindate glasses

This work has been partially supported by Gobierno Autonomo de Canarias under contact number 226–265/93.     

Long-Range proton-proton coupling constants. I. Propanic coupling involving a methyl group 4JMeH

An equation is formulated on the basis of theoretical INDO/FPT calculations which describes the angular dependence of the propanic long-range coupling constant ⁴J_MeH in substituted HCCCH₃ fragments. This equation is a truncated Fourier series in the torsion angle ?, HCCMe, which takes into account the dependence of the Fourier coefficients on the bond angle θ, CCMe. The substituent effects are assumed to be additive. Some parameters in the equation may be obtained from the ⁴J_MeH couplings in propane and neopentane derivatives. The calculated effect upon ⁴J_MeH of changes in the bond angle θ is significant and it seems to be in part the cause of some effects which have been attributed to conformational dependence.     

Characterization of graded-index planar waveguides and analysis of modal coupling for the design of integrated optical components produced by ion-exchange in glass and induced by Kerr effect

An experimental analysis of graded-index (GRIN) planar waveguides produced by ion exchange in soda-lime glass is presented. This study is based on a recent model describing nonlinear diffusion. Likewise the modal coupling between planar waveguides, produced in the same substrate, is analyzed in order to design efficient integrated optical components. Finally, waveguiding structures induced by Kerr effect in glass are proposed and analyzed.     

Decontamination treatment of uranium in tricarbonated solutions

It has been established that the coexistence of chemical species structurally different from cerium, is a direct consequence of the time taken for its preparation. Its practical applications, within the scope of purifying uranium, may constitute the most important technological aspect in the process of ionic exchange, to separate¹⁴¹Ce from uranium.     

Determination of boric acid in high nickel content solutions by neutron absorption method

Determination of boric acid in high nickel content solutions during nickel cathode production was made by measuring the transmission loss of thermal neutrons. According to industrial requirements, adequate accuracy and reproducibility were obtained.     

A systematic density functional theory study of the electronic structure of bulk and (001) surface of transition-metals carbides

A systematic study of the bulk and surface geometrical and electronic properties of a series of transition-metal carbides (TMC with TM = Ti, V, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W) by first-principles methods is presented. It is shown that in these materials the chemical bonding is strongly covalent, the cohesive energies being directly related to the bonding-antibonding gap although the shift of the center of the C(2s) band related peak in the density of states with respect to diamond indicates that some metal to carbon charge transfer does also take place. The (001) face of these metal carbides exhibits a noticeable surface rumpling which grows along the series. It is shown that neglecting surface relaxation results in very large errors on the surface energy and work function. The surface formation induces a significant shift of electronic energy levels with respect to the corresponding values in the bulk. The extent and nature of the shift can be understood from simple bonding-antibonding arguments and is enhanced by the structural rippling of this surface.     

Bifurcation problems with O(2)⊕Z2 symmetry and the buckling of a cylindrical shell

Summary In this paper we employ equivariant singularity theory to study the postbuckling behavior of a cylindrical shell under axial compression, obtaining some results about the existence of secondary bifurcations and how they are connected to each other. The basic idea, first employed by Bauer, Keller and Reiss in [1], and then coupled with singularity theory by Schaeffer and Golubitsky in [16] and [17] and by Buzano in [4], consists in unfolding a multiple eigenvalue, obtained by forcing two eigenvalues to coalesce by varying the geometric parameters of the shell. This approah is made possible by a general analysis of bifurcation problems invariant with respect to the symmetries of the cylinder i.e. with respect to the group O(2)Z ₂.