Optimality of a Standard Adaptive Finite Element Method

In this paper an adaptive finite element method is constructed for solving elliptic equations that has optimal computational complexity. Whenever, for some s > 0, the solution can be approximated within a tolerance ε > 0 in energy norm by a continuous piecewise linear function on some partition with O(ε^-1/s) triangles, and one knows how to approximate the right-hand side in the dual norm with the same rate with piecewise constants, then the adaptive method produces approximations that converge with this rate, taking a number of operations that is of the order of the number of triangles in the output partition. The method is similar in spirit to that from by Morin, Nochetto, and Siebert, and so in particular it does not rely on a recurrent coarsening of the partitions. Although the Poisson equation in two dimensions with piecewise linear approximation is considered, the results generalize in several respects.     

Fermions coupled to autonomous (λΦ 4)3+1 theory

Recent Gaussian-effective-potential results for “autonomous”λΦ ⁴ theory, an apparently nontrivial, positive-λ, 3+1 dimensional theory, are extended to include a Yukawa coupling to fermions. The formerly massless bosons of the symmetric phase acquire a mass.     

Resolution of the renormalisation-scheme ambiguity in perturbative QCD

Next-to-leading-order QCD predictions depend on the arbitrary choice of renormalisation scheme. I resolve this ambiguity and show how to find the unique, optimum prediction, given the result in some arbitrary, initial scheme.     

Synthesis of tetrahydrofuran lignans, (±)-galbelgin and (±)-grandisin

A stereoselective synthesis procedure for lignans of the all-trans αα'-diaryl-ββ'-dimethyltetrahydrofurans is described. The lignans, galbelgin (4) and grandisin (37) were synthesized by routine reduction of the tetrahydrofuran dicarboxylic esters (24 and 34), obtained by mild acid treatment of the readily available diaryl dilactones (23 and 33).     

Miscibility gaps in fully pressure-ionized binary alloys

Binary alloys in which all the electrons form a uniform, degenerate, non-relativistic gas are predicted to exhibit miscibility gaps. Approximate analytical formulae are given for the critical temperatures and compositions. Astrophysical implications are mentioned.     

Cumulant functions in optical coherence theory

Cumulant functions are introduced to describe the statistical state of a radiation field. These functions are simply related to the optical coherence functions but have some interesting features. It is shown that if the cumulant functions of all orders greater than some numberN ₀ vanish then they also vanish for all orders greater than 2. Thermal field is the only field having this property. This property holds whether the field is described by a classical stochastic process or by a quantum density operator. Further the particular operator ordering used in defining these cumulant functions for the quantized field affects only the second order cumulant function. To describe the statistical state of a vector field such as partially polarized or unpolarized radiation, one would need to introduce cumulant tensors.     

Robustness of multi-grid applied to anisotropic equations on convex domains and on domains with re-entrant corners

Summary We analyse multi-grid applied to anisotropic equations within the framework of smoothing and approximation-properties developed by Hack busch. For a model anisotropic equation on a square, we give an up-till-now missing proof of an estimate concerning the approximation property which is essential to show robustness. Furthermore, we show a corresponding estimate for a model anisotropic equation on an L-shaped domain. The existing estimates for the smoothing property are not suitable to prove robustness for either 2-cyclic Gauss-Seidel smoothers or for less regular problems such as our second model equation. For both cases, we give sharper estimates. By combination of our results concerning smoothing- and approximation-properties, robustness of W-cycle multi-grid applied to both our model equations will follow for a number of smoothers.     

Some observations on the interdependence of cyanide concentration and atomization efficiency in the nitrous oxide-acetylene flame

A relationship is derived between CN concentration and atomization efficiency in the C₂H₂-N₂O flame. The relationship is examined under various experimental conditions and β values are estimated for a number of elements. The possibility of complex vapour phase oxide formation by U is considered.