Entropy of Stationary Nonequilibrium Measures of Boundary Driven Symmetric Simple Exclusion Processes

We examine the entropy of stationary nonequilibrium measures of boundary driven symmetric simple exclusion processes. In contrast with the Gibbs–Shannon entropy (Bahadoran in J. Stat. Phys. 126(4–5):1069–1082, 2007; Derrida et al. in J. Stat. Phys. 126(4–5):1083–1108, 2007), the entropy of nonequilibrium stationary states differs from the entropy of local equilibrium states.     

Hydrodynamics and Hydrostatics for a Class of Asymmetric Particle Systems with Open Boundaries

We consider attractive particle systems in \mathbb Z^d{\mathbb {Z}^d} with product invariant measures. We prove that when particles are restricted to a subset of \mathbb Z^d{\mathbb {Z}^d} , with birth and death dynamics at the boundaries, the hydrodynamic limit is given by the unique entropy solution of a conservation law, with boundary conditions in the sense of Bardos et al. (Comm Part Diff Equ 4:1017–1034, 1979). For the hydrostatic limit between parallel hyperplanes, we prove a multidimensional version of the phase diagram conjectured in Popkov and Schütz (Europhys Lett 48:257–263, 1999), and show that it is robust with respect to perturbations of the boundaries.     

Uniqueness of Smooth Stationary Black Holes in Vacuum: Small Perturbations of the Kerr Spaces

The goal of the paper is to prove a perturbative result, concerning the uniqueness of Kerr solutions, a result which we believe will be useful in the proof of their nonlinear stability. Following the program started in Ionescu and Klainerman (Invent. Math. 175:35–102, 2009), we attempt to remove the analyticity assumption in the the well known Hawking-Carter-Robinson uniqueness result for regular stationary vacuum black holes. Unlike (Ionescu and Klainerman in Invent. Math. 175:35–102, 2009), which was based on a tensorial characterization of the Kerr solutions, due to Mars (Class. Quant. Grav. 16:2507–2523, 1999), we rely here on Hawking’s original strategy, which is to reduce the case of general stationary space-times to that of stationary and axi-symmetric spacetimes for which the Carter-Robinson uniqueness result holds. In this reduction Hawking had to appeal to analyticity. Using a variant of the geometric Carleman estimates developed in Ionescu and Klainerman (Invent. Math. 175:35–102, 2009), in this paper we show how to bypass analyticity in the case when the stationary vacuum space-time is a small perturbation of a given Kerr solution. Our perturbation assumption is expressed as a uniform smallness condition on the Mars-Simon tensor. The starting point of our proof is the new local rigidity theorem established in Alexakis et al. (Hawking’s local rigidity theorem without analyticity. , 2009).     

Towards Quantum Computational Logics

Quantum computational logics have recently stirred increasing attention (Cattaneo et al. in Math. Slovaca 54:87–108, 2004; Ledda et al. in Stud. Log. 82(2):245–270, 2006; Giuntini et al. in Stud. Log. 87(1):99–128, 2007). In this paper we outline their motivations and report on the state of the art of the approach to the logic of quantum computation that has been recently taken up and developed by our research group.     

Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics of Piecewise Deterministic Markov Processes

We consider a class of stochastic dynamical systems, called piecewise deterministic Markov processes, with states (x,σ)∈Ω×Γ, Ω being a region in ℝ ^d or the d-dimensional torus, Γ being a finite set. The continuous variable x follows a piecewise deterministic dynamics, the discrete variable σ evolves by a stochastic jump dynamics and the two resulting evolutions are fully-coupled. We study stationarity, reversibility and time-reversal symmetries of the process. Increasing the frequency of the σ-jumps, the system behaves asymptotically as deterministic and we investigate the structure of its fluctuations (i.e. deviations from the asymptotic behavior), recovering in a non Markovian frame results obtained by Bertini et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 87(4):040601, 2001; J. Stat. Phys. 107(3–4):635–675, 2002; J. Stat. Mech. P07014, 2007; Preprint available online at , 2008), in the context of Markovian stochastic interacting particle systems. Finally, we discuss a Gallavotti–Cohen-type symmetry relation with involution map different from time-reversal.     

A response to Murshed et al., J Nanopart Res (2010) 12:2007–2010

This brief communication provides a response to Murshed et al. (J Nanopart Res 12:2007–2010, 2010). We acknowledge that three of the equations in our original article (Doroodchi et al. J Nanopart Res 11:1501–1507, 2009) contained minor typographical errors. However, we confirm that these misprinted equations have no bearing on the results presented within that article. In addition, we would like to clarify that we do not challenge the methodology of Leong et al. (J Nanopart Res 8:245–254, 2006). Instead, we repeated their analysis using a more general form for the temperature field with continuity imposed across the particle–nanolayer–liquid interfaces and found that the solution reduces to the Renovated-Maxwell model.     

Exponential Control of Overlap in the Replica Method for <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Spin Sherrington-Kirkpatrick Model

In Talagrand (J. Stat. Phys. 126(4–5):837–894, 2007) the large deviations limit for the moments of the partition function Z _N in the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model (Sherrington and Kirkpatrick in Phys. Rev. Lett. 35:1792–1796, 1972) was computed for all real a≥0. For a≥1 this result extends the classical physicist’s replica method that corresponds to integer values of a. We give a new proof for a≥1 in the case of the pure p-spin SK model that provides a strong exponential control of the overlap. This work is partially supported by NSF grant.     

On Steady Distributions of Kinetic Models of Conservative Economies

We analyze the large-time behavior of various kinetic models for the redistribution of wealth in simple market economies introduced in the pertinent literature in recent years. As specific examples, we study models with fixed saving propensity introduced by Chakraborti and Chakrabarti (Eur. Phys. J. B 17:167–170, 2000), as well as models involving both exchange between agents and speculative trading as considered by Cordier et al. (J. Stat. Phys. 120:253–277, 2005) We derive a sufficient criterion under which a unique non-trivial stationary state exists, and provide criteria under which these steady states do or do not possess a Pareto tail. In particular, we prove the absence of Pareto tails in pointwise conservative models, like the one in (Eur. Phys. J. B 17:167–170, 2000), while models with speculative trades introduced in (J. Stat. Phys. 120:253–277, 2005) develop fat tails if the market is “risky enough”. The results are derived by a Fourier-based technique first developed for the Maxwell-Boltzmann equation (Gabetta et al. in J. Stat. Phys. 81:901–934, 1995; Bisi et al. in J. Stat. Phys. 118(1–2):301–331, 2005; Pareschi and Toscani in J. Stat. Phys. 124(2–4):747–779, 2006) and from a recursive relation which allows to calculate arbitrary moments of the stationary state.     

Comparison Theorems for Eigenvalues of Elliptic Operators and the Generalized Pólya Conjecture

We establish comparison theorems for eigenvalues between higher order elliptic equations on compact manifolds with boundary. As an application, it follows that if the Pólya conjecture is true then so is the generalized Pólya conjecture proposed by Ku et al. (J Differ Equ 97:127–139, 1992). We also obtain new lower bound for the eigenvalues of higher order elliptic equations on bounded domains in a Euclidean space.     

Limit Laws and Recurrence for the Planar Lorentz Process with Infinite Horizon

As Bleher (J. Stat. Phys. 66(1):315–373, 1992) observed the free flight vector of the planar, infinite horizon, periodic Lorentz process {S _n ∣n=0,1,2,…} belongs to the non-standard domain of attraction of the Gaussian law—actually with the $\sqrt{n\log n}As Bleher (J. Stat. Phys. 66(1):315–373, 1992) observed the free flight vector of the planar, infinite horizon, periodic Lorentz process {S _n ∣n=0,1,2,…} belongs to the non-standard domain of attraction of the Gaussian law—actually with the scaling. Our first aim is to establish his conjecture that, indeed, converges in distribution to the Gaussian law (a Global Limit Theorem). Here the recent method of Bálint and Gou?zel (Commun. Math. Phys. 263:461–512, 2006), helped us to essentially simplify the ideas of our earlier sketchy proof (Szász, D., Varjú, T. in Modern dynamical systems and applications, pp. 433–445, 2004). Moreover, we can also derive (a) the local version of the Global Limit Theorem, (b) the recurrence of the planar, infinite horizon, periodic Lorentz process, and finally (c) the ergodicity of its infinite invariant measure. Dedicated to Ya.G. Sinai on the occasion of his seventieth birthday. Research supported by the Hungarian National Foundation for Scientific Research grants No. T046187, NK 63066 and TS 049835, further by Hungarian Science and Technology Foundation grant No. A-9/03.     

Quantum-Like Model for Decision Making Process in?Two Players Game A Non-Kolmogorovian Model

In experiments of games, players frequently make choices which are regarded as irrational in game theory. In papers of Khrennikov (Information Dynamics in Cognitive, Psychological and Anomalous Phenomena. Fundamental Theories of Physics, Kluwer Academic, Norwell, 2004; Fuzzy Sets Syst. 155:4–17, 2005; Biosystems 84:225–241, 2006; Found. Phys. 35(10):1655–1693, 2005; in QP-PQ Quantum Probability and White Noise Analysis, vol. XXIV, pp. 105–117, 2009), it was pointed out that statistics collected in such the experiments have “quantum-like” properties, which can not be explained in classical probability theory. In this paper, we design a simple quantum-like model describing a decision-making process in a two-players game and try to explain a mechanism of the irrational behavior of players. Finally we discuss a mathematical frame of non-Kolmogorovian system in terms of liftings (Accardi and Ohya, in Appl. Math. Optim. 39:33–59, 1999).     

Thomae Formula for General Cyclic Covers of $${{\mathbb {CP}}^1}$$

Let X be a general cyclic cover of \mathbbCP¹{\mathbb{CP}^{1}} ramified at m points, λ₁... λ _m . we define a class of non-positive divisors on X of degree g −1 supported in the pre images of the branch points on X, such that the Riemann theta function does not vanish on their image in J(X). We generalize the results of Bershadsky and Radul (Commun Math Phys 116:689–700, 1988), Nakayashiki (Publ Res Inst Math Sci 33(6):987–1015, 1997) and Enolskii and Grava (Lett Math Phys 76(2–3):187–214, 2006) and prove that up to a certain determinant of the non-standard periods of X, the value of the Riemann theta function at these divisors raised to a high enough power is a polynomial in the branch point of the curve X. Our approach is based on a refinement of Accola’s results for 3 cyclic sheeted cover (Accola, in Trans Am Math Soc 283:423–449, 1984) and a generalization of Nakayashiki’s approach explained in Nakayashiki (Publ Res Inst Math Sci 33(6):987–1015, 1997) for general cyclic covers.     

Triangle Percolation in Mean Field Random Graphs—with PDE

We apply a PDE-based method to deduce the critical time and the size of the giant component of the “triangle percolation” on the Erdős-Rényi random graph process investigated by Derényi, Palla and Vicsek in (Phys. Rev. Lett. 94:160202, [2005]; J. Stat. Phys. 128:219–227, [2007]).     

Evaluating Quasilocal Energy and Solving Optimal Embedding Equation at Null Infinity

We study the limit of quasilocal energy defined in Wang and Yau (Phys Rev Lett 102(2):021101, 2009; Commun Math Phys 288(3):919–942, 2009) for a family of spacelike 2-surfaces approaching null infinity of an asymptotically flat spacetime. It is shown that Lorentzian symmetry is recovered and an energy-momentum 4-vector is obtained. In particular, the result is consistent with the Bondi–Sachs energy-momentum at a retarded time. The quasilocal mass in Wang and Yau (Phys Rev Lett 102(2):021101, 2009; Commun Math Phys 288(3):919–942, 2009) is defined by minimizing quasilocal energy among admissible isometric embeddings and observers. The solvability of the Euler-Lagrange equation for this variational problem is also discussed in both the asymptotically flat and asymptotically null cases. Assuming analyticity, the equation can be solved and the solution is locally minimizing in all orders. In particular, this produces an optimal reference hypersurface in the Minkowski space for the spatial or null exterior region of an asymptotically flat spacetime.     

Large scale synthesis of silicon nanowires

Artificial nanostructures (Samuelson et al., Physica E 21:560–567, 2004; Xia et al., Adv Mater 15:353–389, 2003) show promise for the organization of functional materials (Huck and Samuelson, Nanotechnology 14:NIL_5–NIL_8, 2003) to create nanoelectronic (Mizuta and Oda, Science 279:208–211, 2008) or nano-optical devices (Mazur et al.; Tanemura et al., Synthesis, Optical Properties and Functional Applications of ZnO Nano-materials: A Review, 1–3:58–63, 2008). However, in most manufacturing recipes described so far, nanostructures are synthesized in solution and/or uncontrolled deposition results in random arrangements; this makes it difficult to measure the properties of attached nanodevices or to integrate them with conventionally fabricated microcircuitry. Here, we describe a fully CMOS compatible process technology for mass manufacture of polysilicon nanowires by the CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method. The large scale production of nanowires could successfully be synthesized on silicon (100) substrates. However, the method presented here can successfully be employed with all technologically useful substrates with good adhesion for silicon such as SiO₂, diamond-like carbon or III–V semiconductors. This opens up the possibility for the fabrication of strain-sensitive and defect-sensitive optoelectronic devices on the optimum III–V substrate (Fonstad et al.). Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the as-synthesized nanowires and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analysis were used to determine the nanowire composition.     

A Macroscopic Model for a System of Swarming Agents Using Curvature Control

In this paper, we study the macroscopic limit of a new model of collective displacement. The model, called PTWA, is a combination of the Vicsek alignment model (Vicsek et al. in Phys. Rev. Lett. 75(6):1226–1229, 1995) and the Persistent Turning Walker (PTW) model of motion by curvature control (Degond and Motsch in J. Stat. Phys. 131(6):989–1021, 2008; Gautrais et al. in J. Math. Biol. 58(3):429–445, 2009). The PTW model was designed to fit measured trajectories of individual fish (Gautrais et al. in J. Math. Biol. 58(3):429–445, 2009). The PTWA model (Persistent Turning Walker with Alignment) describes the displacements of agents which modify their curvature in order to align with their neighbors. The derivation of its macroscopic limit uses the non-classical notion of generalized collisional invariant introduced in (Degond and Motsch in Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 18(1):1193–1215, 2008). The macroscopic limit of the PTWA model involves two physical quantities, the density and the mean velocity of individuals. It is a system of hyperbolic type but is non-conservative due to a geometric constraint on the velocity. This system has the same form as the macroscopic limit of the Vicsek model (Degond and Motsch in Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 18(1):1193–1215, 2008) (the ‘Vicsek hydrodynamics’) but for the expression of the model coefficients. The numerical computations show that the numerical values of the coefficients are very close. The ‘Vicsek Hydrodynamic model’ appears in this way as a more generic macroscopic model of swarming behavior as originally anticipated.     

Non-uniqueness Results for Critical Metrics of Regularized Determinants in Four Dimensions

The regularized determinant of the Paneitz operator arises in quantum gravity [see Connes in (Noncommutative geometry, 1994), IV.4.γ]. An explicit formula for the relative determinant of two conformally related metrics was computed by Branson in (Commun Math Phys 178:301–309, 1996). A similar formula holds for Cheeger’s half-torsion, which plays a role in self-dual field theory [see Juhl in (Families of conformally covariant differential operators, q-curvature and holography. Progress in Mathematics, vol 275, 2009)], and is defined in terms of regularized determinants of the Hodge laplacian on p-forms (p < n/2). In this article we show that the corresponding actions are unbounded (above and below) on any conformal four-manifold. We also show that the conformal class of the round sphere admits a second solution which is not given by the pull-back of the round metric by a conformal map, thus violating uniqueness up to gauge equivalence. These results differ from the properties of the determinant of the conformal Laplacian established in (Commun Math Phys 149:241–262, 1992), (Ann Math 142:171–212, 1995), (Commun Math Phys 189:655–665, 1997).