A differential-geometric criterion of the kinematic integrability of nonlinear differential equations

A theorem on the existence of a G-representation and a differential-geometric criterion of the kinematic integrability for nonlinear differential equations from the Λ²-G-classes is proved. Examples of zero-curvature representations and metrics for some equations of mathematical physics are presented. __________ Translated from Fundamental’naya i Prikladnaya Matematika (Fundamental and Applied Mathematics), Vol. 11, No. 1, Geometry, 2005.     

Inverse problems for a mathematical model of redox sorption

We consider a mathematical model of sorption that allows for external diffusion kinetics and a redox reaction. Two inverse problems are considered for this model, uniqueness is proved, and numerical solution methods are proposed. The efficiency of the numerical methods is investigated by computer experiments. __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Matematika i Informatika, No. 23, pp. 15–23, 2006.     

Production and properties of metal-carbon composite coatings with a nanocrystalline structure

It is suggested to produce metal-carbon composite coatings by magnetron sputtering of mosaic cathodes, which are Group IV, V, and VI metals. The mosaic structure of the cathode elements are computer-optimized for each of the metals. Reflection electron diffraction studies show that the coatings have the amorphous or nanocrystalline structures, which are thermally stable. The coatings offer specific physical properties, in particular, low friction factor and high hardness.     

Statistical properties of the nonlinear negative binomial state

In this context, we introduce and investigate the properties of the nonlinear negative binomial state (the state which interpolates between the nonlinear coherent and the number states). Mainly we concentrate on the statistical properties for such state where we have discussed two different cases of squeezing phenomenon. The first case is the normal squeezing while the second is the amplitude squared squeezing, further the second order correlation function is also considered. Our discussion have been extended to include the quasi-probability distribution functions (W-Wigner and Q-functions). The quadrature distribution and the phase properties in Pegg-Barnett formalism besides the phase variances are considered. Examination of the resonance fluorescence against the present state is given (single atom and thermodynamic limit). It has been shown that the atomic inversion is sensitive to any variation in the nonlinear negative binomial number m.     

Revisiting Gouy phase

The aim of this paper is to highlight the added value of the generalized Gouy phase shift introduced by Siegman. Although suited for optical systems study, including those more complex than free space, we note that it did not meet the use that it deserves so far. The analysis of the whole of the ideas and analytical approaches associated to the important concept of the Gouy phase proves its effectiveness.

Usually, the resonance condition is systematically built on the basis of the equivalent empty cavity. Unfortunately, this approach does not cover some of the useful parameters of the real resonator. By means of the generalized Gouy phase and the self-consistent complex parameter q, we derive here a new approach for the calculation of the resonance condition for the real cavity. Moreover, the use of the generalized Gouy phase clearly simplifies the study of resonators, while making it possible to avoid the use of the Huygens’ Fresnel integral.     

On the Stability of Bifurcation Diagrams of Vanishing Flattening Points

On a smooth surface in Euclidean 3-space, we consider vanishing curves whose projections on a given plane are small circles centered at the origin. The bifurcations diagram of a parameter-dependent surface is the set of parameters and radii of the circles corresponding to curves with degenerate flattening points. Solving a problem due to Arnold, we find a normal form of the first nontrivial example of a flattening bifurcation diagram, which contains one continuous invariant.     

Growth and study of single crystals of (Na,K)NbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> solid solutions

(Na, K)NbO₃ crystals with a perovskite structure and a KNbO₃ content up to 40 mol % were grown from flux with the use of the solvent NaBO₂. The dielectric measurements of the crystals grown revealed phase transitions that had never been observed before in ceramic samples.     

Enhancing the Success of African-American Students in the Sciences: Freshman Year Outcomes

The Meyerhoff Program is an intensive, multicomponent program focused on enhancing the success of talented African-American students in science and engineering at a predominantly white, medium-sized university. The program components, taken together, address the four primary factors emphasized in the research literature as limiting minority student performance and persistence in science: knowledge and skills, motivation and support, monitoring and advising, and academic and social integration. Outcome analyses indicated that the first three cohorts of Meyerhoff students (total N=69) achieved an overall GPA (mean=3.5) significantly greater than that of an African-American historical comparison sample (mean=2.8) of comparably talented science students at the university. This difference was even greater for first year science GPA (means of 3.4 and 2.4, respectively), and in specific science and mathematics courses. Observational and questionnaire data indicated that the Meyerhoff program study groups, peerbased community, financial scholarships, summer bridge program and staff appear to be especially important contributors to student success. Implications of the findings for enhancing the success of African-American and other underrepresented populations in science are discussed.