Special Functions on the Sphere with Applications to Minimal Surfaces

A function which is homogeneous in x, y, z of degree n and satisfies V_xx + V_yy + V_zz = 0 is called a spherical harmonic. In polar coordinates, the spherical harmonics take the form rⁿf_n, where f_n is a spherical surface harmonic of degree n. On a sphere, f_n satisfies ▵ f_n + n(n + 1)f_n = 0, where ▵ is the spherical Laplacian. Bounded spherical surface harmonics are well studied, but in certain instances, unbounded spherical surface harmonics may be of interest. For example, if X is a parameterization of a minimal surface and n is the corresponding unit normal, it is known that the support function, w = X · n, satisfies ▵w + 2w = 0 on a branched covering of a sphere with some points removed. While simple in form, the boundary value problem for the support function has a very rich solution set. We illustrate this by using spherical harmonics of degree one to construct a number of classical genus-zero minimal surfaces such as the catenoid, the helicoid, Enneper's surface, and Hennenberg's surface, and Riemann's family of singly periodic genus-one minimal surfaces.     

Dynamics of landslide model with time delay and periodic parameter perturbations

In present paper, we analyze the dynamics of a single-block model on an inclined slope with Dieterich–Ruina friction law under the variation of two new introduced parameters: time delay T_d and initial shear stress μ. It is assumed that this phenomenological model qualitatively simulates the motion along the infinite creeping slope. The introduction of time delay is proposed to mimic the memory effect of the sliding surface and it is generally considered as a function of history of sliding. On the other hand, periodic perturbation of initial shear stress emulates external triggering effect of long-distant earthquakes or some non-natural vibration source. The effects of variation of a single observed parameter, T_d or μ, as well as their co-action, are estimated for three different sliding regimes: β < 1, β = 1 and β > 1, where β stands for the ratio of long-term to short-term stress changes. The results of standard local bifurcation analysis indicate the onset of complex dynamics for very low values of time delay. On the other side, numerical approach confirms an additional complexity that was not observed by local analysis, due to the possible effect of global bifurcations. The most complex dynamics is detected for β < 1, with a complete Ruelle–Takens–Newhouse route to chaos under the variation of T_d, or the co-action of both parameters T_d and μ. These results correspond well with the previous experimental observations on clay and siltstone with low clay fraction. In the same regime, the perturbation of only a single parameter, μ, renders the oscillatory motion of the block. Within the velocity-independent regime, β = 1, the inclusion and variation of T_d generates a transition to equilibrium state, whereas the small oscillations of μ induce oscillatory motion with decreasing amplitude. The co-action of both parameters, in the same regime, causes the decrease of block’s velocity. As for β > 1, highly-frequent, limit-amplitude oscillations of initial stress give rise to oscillatory motion. Also for β > 1, in case of perturbing only the initial shear stress, with smaller amplitude, velocity of the block changes exponentially fast. If the time delay is introduced, besides the stress perturbation, within the same regime, the co-action of T_d (T_d < 0.1) and small oscillations of μ induce the onset of deterministic chaos.     

Bifurcations of travelling wave solutions in a new integrable equation with peakon and compactons

Degasperis and Procesi applied the method of asymptotic integrability and obtain Degasperis–Procesi equation. They showed that it has peakon solutions, which has a discontinuous first derivative at the wave peak, but they did not explain the reason that the peakon solution arises. In this paper, we study these non-smooth solutions of the generalized Degasperis–Procesi equation u_t − u_txx + (b + 1)uu_x = bu_xu_xx + uu_xxx, show the reason that the non-smooth travelling wave arise and investigate global dynamical behavior and obtain the parameter condition under which peakon, compacton and another travelling wave solutions engender. Under some parameter condition, this equation has infinitely many compacton solutions. Finally, we give some explicit expression of peakon and compacton solutions.     

Backbone fractal dimension and fractal hybrid orbital of protein structure

Fractal geometry analysis provides a useful and desirable tool to characterize the configuration and structure of proteins. In this paper we examined the fractal properties of 750 folded proteins from four different structural classes, namely (1) the α-class (dominated by α-helices), (2) the β-class (dominated by β-pleated sheets), (3) the (α/β)-class (α-helices and β-sheets alternately mixed) and (4) the (α + β)-class (α-helices and β-sheets largely segregated) by using two fractal dimension methods, i.e. “the local fractal dimension” and “the backbone fractal dimension” (a new and useful quantitative parameter). The results showed that the protein molecules exhibit a fractal behavior in the range of 1 ? N ? 15 (N is the number of the interval between two adjacent amino acid residues), and the value of backbone fractal dimension is distinctly greater than that of local fractal dimension for the same protein. The average value of two fractal dimensions decreased in order of α > α/β > α + β > β. Moreover, the mathematical formula for the hybrid orbital model of protein based on the concept of backbone fractal dimension is in good coincidence with that of the similarity dimension. So it is a very accurate and simple method to analyze the hybrid orbital model of protein by using the backbone fractal dimension.     

Space–time symmetry violation,configuration mixing model and E-infinity theory

We have studied the time reversal symmetry violation on the bases of the configuration mixing model and E-infinity theory. With the use of the Cabibbo angle approximation, we have presented the transformation matrix in terms of the golden ratio (?), and shown that the time reversal symmetry violation is described by the configuration mixing of the unstable and stable manifolds (W^u, W^s). The magnitude of the mixing for the weak interaction field is given by the expression sin² θ_T(theor) ≈ sin⁴ θ_C(theor) ≈ (?)¹² = 3.105 × 10^?3, which is compared to the Kaon decay experiment ～2.3 × 10^?3. We have also discussed the space–time symmetry violation by using the CPT theorem.     

Comment on the 3+1 dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equations

We comment on traveling wave solutions and rational solutions to the 3+1 dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) equations: (u_t + 6uu_x + u_xxx)_x ± 3u_yy ± 3u_zz = 0. We also show that both of the 3+1 dimensional KP equations do not possess the three-soliton solution. This suggests that none of the 3+1 dimensional KP equations should be integrable, and partially explains why they do not pass the Painlevé test. As by-products, the one-soliton and two-soliton solutions and four classes of specific three-soliton solutions are explicitly presented.     

Parameter estimation for fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes at discrete observation

This paper deals with the problem of estimating the parameters for fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes from discrete observations when the Hurst parameter H is known. Both the drift and the diffusion coefficient estimators of discrete form are obtained based on approximating integrals via Riemann sums with Hurst parameter H ∈ (1/2, 3/4). By adapting the stochastic integral representation to the fractional Brownian motion, these two estimators can be efficiently computed by the use of computer software. Numerical examples are presented to examine the performance of our method. An application to real data is also presented to show how to apply this method in practice.     

A semi-Markov process with an inverse Gaussian distribution as sojourn time

Let X_n denote the state of a device after n repairs. We assume that the time between two repairs is the time τ taken by a Wiener process {W(t), t ? 0}, starting from w₀ and with drift μ < 0, to reach c ∈ [0, w₀). After the nth repair, the process takes on either the value X_n?1 + 1 or X_n?1 + 2. The probability that X_n = X_n?1 + j, for j = 1, 2, depends on whether τ ? t₀ (a fixed constant) or τ > t₀. The device is considered to be worn out when X_n ? k, where k ∈ {1, 2, …}. This model is based on the ones proposed by Rishel (1991) [1] and Tseng and Peng (2007) [2]. We obtain an explicit expression for the mean lifetime of the device. Numerical methods are used to illustrate the analytical findings.     

On left (θ, ϕ)-derivations in BCI-algebras

The notion of (regular) left (θ, ϕ)-derivations of a BCI-algebra is introduced, some useful examples are discussed, and related properties are investigated. Conditions for a left (θ, ϕ)-derivation to be regular are provided. The concepts of a d_(θ,ϕ)-invariant left (θ, ϕ)-derivation and θ-ideal are introduced, and their relations are discussed. Furthermore, some more interesting results are established.     

Computing best-possible bounds for the distribution of a sum of several variables is NP-hard

In many real-life situations, we know the probability distribution of two random variables x₁ and x₂, but we have no information about the correlation between x₁ and x₂; what are the possible probability distributions for the sum x₁ + x₂? This question was originally raised by A.N. Kolmogorov. Algorithms exist that provide best-possible bounds for the distribution of x₁ + x₂; these algorithms have been implemented as a part of the efficient software for handling probabilistic uncertainty. A natural question is: what if we have several (n > 2) variables with known distribution, we have no information about their correlation, and we are interested in possible probability distribution for the sum y = x₁ + ⋯ + x_n? Known formulas for the case n = 2 can be (and have been) extended to this case. However, as we prove in this paper, not only are these formulas not best-possible anymore, but in general, computing the best-possible bounds for arbitrary n is an NP-hard (computationally intractable) problem.     

Matrix characterization of linear codes with arbitrary Hamming weight hierarchy

The support of an [n, k] linear code C over a finite field F_q is the set of all coordinate positions such that at least one codeword has a nonzero entry in each of these coordinate position. The rth generalized Hamming weight d_r(C), 1 ⩽ r ⩽ k, of C is defined as the minimum of the cardinalities of the supports of all [n, r] subcodes of C. The sequence (d₁(C), d₂(C), … , d_k(C)) is called the Hamming weight hierarchy (HWH) of C. The HWH, d_r(C) = n − k + r;  r = 1, 2 , …, k, characterizes maximum distance separable (MDS) codes. Therefore the matrix characterization of MDS codes is also the characterization of codes with the HWH d_r(C) = n − k + r; r = 1, 2, … , k. A linear code C with systematic check matrix [I∣P], where I is the (n − k) × (n − k) identity matrix and P is a (n − k) × k matrix, is MDS iff every square submatrix of P is nonsingular. In this paper we extend this characterization to linear codes with arbitrary HWH. Using this result, we characterize Near-MDS codes, Near-Near-MDS (N²-MDS) codes and A^μ-MDS codes. The MDS-rank of C is the smallest integer η such that d_η+1 = n − k + η + 1 and the defect vector of C with MDS-rank η is defined as the ordered set {μ₁(C), μ₂(C), μ₃(C), … , μ_η(C), μ_η+1(C)}, where μ_i(C) = n − k + i − d_i(C). We call C a dually defective code if the defect vector of the code and its dual are the same. We also discuss matrix characterization of dually defective codes. Further, the codes meeting the generalized Greismer bound are characterized in terms of their generator matrix. The HWH of dually defective codes meeting the generalized Greismer bound are also reported.     

On “P” property and the column-W property

P-matrices play an important role in the well-posedness of a linear complementarity problem (LCP). Similarly, the well-posedness of a horizontal linear complementarity problem (HLCP) is closely related to the column-W property of a matrix k-tuple.In this paper we first consider the problem of generating P-matrices from a given pair of matrices. Given a matrix pair (D, F) where D is a square matrix of order m and matrix F has m rows, “what are the conditions under which there exists a matrix G such that (D + FG) is a P-matrix?”. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the special case when the column rank of F is m ? 1. A decision algorithm of complexity O(m²) to check whether the given pair of matrices (D, F) is P-matrisable is obtained. We also obtain a necessary and an independent sufficient condition for the general case when rank(F) is less than m ? 1.We then generalise the P-matrix generating problem to the generation of matrix k-tuples satisfying the column-W property from a given matrix (k + 1)-tuple. That is, given a matrix (k + 1)-tuple (D₁, … ,D_k, F), where D_js are square matrices of order m and F is a matrix having m rows, we determine the conditions under which the matrix k-tuple (D₁ + FG₁, … ,D_k + FG_k) satisfies the column-W property. As in the case of P-matrices we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the case when rank(F) = m ? 1. Using these conditions a decision algorithm of complexity O(km²) to check whether the given matrix (k + 1)-tuple is column-W matrisable is obtained. Then for the case when rank(F) is less than m ? 1, we obtain a necessary and an independent sufficient condition.For a special sub-class of P-matrices we give a polynomial time decision algorithm for P-matrisability. Finally, we obtain a geometric characterisation of column-W property by generalising the well known separation theorem for P-matrices.     

Behavior of different ansätze in the generalized projection operator method

Using the recently reported generalized projection operator method for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, we derive the generalized pulse parameters equations for ansätze like hyperbolic secant and raised cosine functions. In general, each choice of the phase factor θ in the projection operator gives a different set of ordinary differential equations. For θ = 0 or θ = π/2, the corresponding projection operator scheme is equivalent to the Lagrangian variation method or the bare approximation of the collective variable theory. We prove that because of the inherent symmetric property between the pulse parameters of a Gaussian ansätz results the same set of pulse parameters equations for any value of the generalized projection operator parameter θ. Finally we prove that after the substitution of the ansätze function, the Lagrange function simplifies to the same functional form irrespective of the ansätze used because of a special property shared by all the anätze chosen in this work.     

Simulación numérica del flujo turbulento de aire con gotas dispersas de agua a través de separadores de torres de refrigeración

This work presents a numerical study on the turbulent flow of air with dispersed water droplets in separators of mechanical cooling towers. The averaged Navier-Stokes equations are discretised through a finite volume method, using the Fluent and Phoenics codes, and alternatively employing the turbulence models k ? ?, k ? ω and the Reynolds stress model, with low-Re version and wall enhanced treatment refinements. The results obtained are compared with numerical and experimental results taken from the literature. The degree of accuracy obtained with each of the considered models of turbulence is stated. The influence of considering whether or not the simulation of the turbulent dispersion of droplets is analyzed, as well as the effects of other relevant parameters on the collection efficiency and the coefficient of pressure drop. Focusing on four specific eliminators (‘Belgian wave’, ‘H1-V’, ‘L-shaped’ and ‘Zig-zag’), the following ranges of parameters are outlined: 1 ≤ U_e ≤ 5 m/s for the entrance velocity, 2 ≤ D_p ≤ 50 μm for the droplet diameter, 650 ≤ Re ≤ 8.500 for Reynolds number, and 0.05 ≤ P_i ≤ 5 for the inertial parameter. Results reached alternately with Fluent and Phoenics codes are compared. The best results correspond to the simulations performed with Fluent, using the SST k ? ω turbulence model, with values of the dimensionless scaled distance to wall y⁺ in the range 0.2 to 0.5. Finally, correlations are presented to predict the conditions for maximum collection efficiency (100 %), depending on the geometric parameter of removal efficiency of each of the separators, which is introduced in this work.     

The stochastic soliton-like solutions of stochastic KdV equations

By means of a generalized method and symbolic computation, we consider a stochastic KdV equation U_t + f(t)U ♢ U_x + g(t)U_xxx = W(t) ♢ R^♢(t, U, U_x, U_xxx). We construct new and more general formal solutions. At the same time, we recover all the solutions found by Xie [Phys. Lett. A 310 (2003) 161]. The solutions obtained include the nontravelling wave and coefficient function’s stochastic soliton-like solutions, singular stochastic soliton-like solutions, stochastic triangular functions solutions.     

Vacuum polarization in light two-electron atoms and ions

A general theory of the vacuum polarization in light atomic and muon-atomic systems is considered. We derive the closed analytical expression for the Uehling potential and evaluate corrections on vacuum polarization for the 1¹S-state of the two-electron ³He and ⁴He atoms and for some two-electron ions, including the Li⁺, Be²⁺, B³⁺ and C⁴⁺ ions. The correction for vacuum polarization in two-electron He atoms has been evaluated as ΔE_ueh ≈ 7.253 ± 0.0025 × 10⁻⁷ a.u. The analogous corrections in the two-electron He-like ions rapidly increase with the nuclear charge Q (ΔE_ueh ≈ 2.7061 × 10⁻⁶ a.u. for the Li⁺ ion and ΔE_ueh ≈ 2.3495 × 10⁻⁵ a.u. for the C⁴⁺ ion). The corresponding corrections have also been evaluated for the electron–nucleus and electron–electron interactions.     

Predictions based on the cumulative curves: Basic principles and nontrivial example

In this paper the new prediction method based on analysis of the integrated (cumulative) curves is suggested. This method includes the procedure of the optimal linear smoothing (POLS) for the finding of optimal trends, independent “reading” of relative fluctuations in terms of β-distribution function that are formed after subtraction of the calculated trend and the recognition of the proper fitting hypothesis for the integrated optimal trends by the eigen-coordinates method. The combined noninvasive approach was applied to analysis of temperature data obtained from the site http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/ related to the global warming (GW) phenomenon. These data are considered as nontrivial examples of verification of new forecasting method. The available data were combined into six files covering the mean/anomalous temperature 1546 month’s points covering the period from the January of 1880 up to October of 2008. Besides the global registered points the combined files included in themselves the north/south data points measured independently for both the Earth’s hemispheres. The combined new method (preliminary verified on mimic data) applied to these files predicts the changing of the GW period by the global cooling (GC) period that will happen during the years 2038–2136. Besides this important result a new method helps to discover the influence of a small but stable oscillating process with a set of self-similar periods Ω_n = Ω₀ξⁿ, n = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4 with mean period 〈T〉 = 12.55 year. This fact should present interest for ecologists and meteorologists working in this field.     

Solution of the Burgers equation using an implicit linearizing transformation

The initial-boundary-value problem on the semi-infinite interval and on a finite interval for the Burgers equation u_t = u_xx + 2u_xu is solved using a stream function ? and a linearizing transformation w = e^?. The transformation reduces the equation to a heat equation with appropriate initial and homogeneous time-dependent linear boundary conditions. One advantage of this method is that we never need to find an explicit expression for ? in our computations.     

Differential invariants of the one-dimensional quasi-linear second-order evolution equation

We consider evolution equations of the form u_t = f(x, u, u_x)u_xx + g(x, u, u_x) and u_t = u_xx + g(x, u, u_x). In the spirit of the recent work of Ibragimov [Ibragimov NH. Laplace type invariants for parabolic equations. Nonlinear Dynam 2002;28:125–33] who adopted the infinitesimal method for calculating invariants of families of differential equations using the equivalence groups, we apply the method to these equations. We show that the first class admits one differential invariant of order two, while the second class admits three functional independent differential invariants of order three. We use these invariants to determine equations that can be transformed into the linear diffusion equation.     

Magnetohydrodynamic stationary and oscillatory convective stability in a mushy layer during binary alloy solidification

For the case of solidification of a bottom cooled binary alloy, the magnetohydrodynamic stationary and oscillatory convective stability in the mushy layer is investigated analytically using normal mode linear stability analysis. In the limit of large Stefan number (S_t), a near–eutectic approximation with large far field temperature is considered in the present research. To ascertain the instability in the mushy layer, the strength of the superimposed magnetic field is so chosen that it corresponds to a given mush Hartmann number (Ha_m) of the problem. The results are presented for various values of mush Hartmann numbers in the range, 0 ≤ Ha_m ≤ 50. The critical Rayleigh number for stationary convection shows a linear relationship with increasing Ha_m. The magnetohydrodynamic effect imparts a stabilizing influence during stationary convection. In comparison to that of the stationary convective mode, the oscillatory mode appears to be critically susceptible at higher values of β (β = S_t/℘² ϒ², ℘ is the compositional ratio, ϒ = 1 + S_t/℘), and vice versa for lower β values. Analogous to the behavior for stationary convection, the magnetic field also offers a stabilizing effect in oscillatory convection and thus influences global stability of the mushy layer. Increasing magnetic strength shows reduction in the wavenumber and in the number of rolls formed in the mushy layer.