On the existence and the stability of solutions for higher-order semilinear Dirichlet problems

We investigate the existence and stability of solutions for higher-order two-point boundary value problems in case the differential operator is not necessarily positive definite, i.e. with superlinear nonlinearities. We write an abstract realization of the Dirichlet problem and provide abstract existence and stability results which are further applied to concrete problems.     

Estimate of the concentration function for a class of additive functions

We show how methods for estimating the concentration function of the sum of independent random variables can be used to obtain estimates of the concentration function for the values of additive functions under suitable conditions. Previously obtained estimates of the concentration function are consequences of the estimate obtained in the present paper for functions from of the class under consideration.     

Shape transition from InAs quantum dash to quantum dot on InP(3 1 1)A

We report on the shape transition from InAs quantum dashes to quantum dots (QDs) on lattice-matched GaInAsP on InP(3 1 1)A substrates. InAs quantum dashes develop during chemical-beam epitaxy of 3.2 monolayers InAs, which transform into round InAs QDs by introducing a growth interruption without arsenic flux after InAs deposition. The shape transition is solely attributed to surface properties, i.e., increase of the surface energy and symmetry under arsenic deficient conditions. The round QD shape is maintained during subsequent GaInAsP overgrowth because the reversed shape transition from dot to dash is kinetically hindered by the decreased ad-atom diffusion under arsenic flux.     

Nonlinear optical properties of regioregular main‐chain polyesters

We have prepared new polyesters containing quadratic, nonlinear optical (NLO) active chromophores covalently incorporated into the main chain. In these polymers, the sequence of the chromophore units along the main chain is rigorously head to tail. All the polyesters are processable, both in the melt and in solution. For one polyester, a full second‐order NLO characterization has been performed. An out‐of‐resonance d₃₃ coefficient of 21 pm/V at 1368 nm has been measured. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2719–2725, 2007     

Microstructural evolution of decagonal quasicrystal in the undercooled Al72Ni12Co16 alloy melts

The microstructure evolution of decagonal quasicrystals in Al₇₂Ni₁₂Co₁₆ alloy was investigated by the electromagnetic melting and cyclic superheating method. Single-phase decagonal quasicrystals have been obtained when the undercoolings were larger than 60 K. The decagonal quasicrystals formed at various undercoolings show different microstructural morphologies. Furthermore, grain refinement was found near the undercooling of 120 K. Based on current thermodynamic and dendrite growth theories, a dimensionless superheating parameter was adopted to explain the effect of processing conditions on the microstructure of Al₇₂Ni₁₂Co₁₆ alloy. The result indicate that the fine equiaxied microstructure of decagonal quasicrystal (D-phase) formed near on undercooling of 120 K originates from the break-up of dendrites.     

Pressure effects in a plastic columnar discotic triphenylene

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the structure of a plastic columnar discotic triphenylene has been investigated. The goal was to determine whether pressure can be used to modify electronic properties via changes in structural properties of columnar discotics to any significant extent. The findings are that (i) the intra- and inter-columnar distances are reduced in a nearly isotropic fashion, (ii) that the crystal sizes are reduced and (iii) that a transition takes place from a more highly ordered plastic columnar to a less ordered hexagonal columnar state with increasing pressure. The induced decrease of the molecular distances, amounting to 6% for pressures up to 17 kbar, are clearly too small to induce an appreciable modification of the electronic structure and thus opto-electronic properties.     

Unified approach to best unbiased estimation in control problems and linear models

An analog of a sufficient statistic is proposed in the finite-dimensional linear space of statistics. It is shown that the unbiased estimator of the linear function of a parameter closest to a given function, expressed in terms of a minimal linearly sufficient statistic, is potentially unbiased and optimal.Translated from Statisticheskie Metody Otsenivaniya i Proverki Gipotez, pp. 51–58, 1986.     

Scientific heritage of Boris Lukich Laptev (4/23/05–1/15/89)

Biographical information on the eminent Soviet geometer Boris Lukich Laptev (4/23/05–1/15-89) is given as well as a survey of his research in the areas of differential geometry and history of mathematics.Translated from Itogi Nauki i Tekhniki, Seriya Problemy Geometrii, Vol. 21, pp.27–42, 1989.     

A datalogger to identify vocalizing dolphins

A datalogger was developed to identify vocalizing dolphins within socially interacting captive groups. Every 50 ms the logger stores data on the level and frequency of detected sound. Dataloggers are temporarily attached to dolphins by suction cups for data collection sessions lasting up to 45 min. Later, computer analysis of data from the dataloggers reveals which dolphin produced each vocalization recorded during the session. Results from use of dataloggers with two captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA are presented. The possible use of dataloggers with wild dolphins is discussed.