New representation and factorizations of the higher-order ultraspherical-type differential equations

The paper deals with the class of linear differential equations of any even order 2α+4$2\alpha +4$, α∈_N0$\alpha \in {\mathbb{N}}_0$, which are associated with the so-called ultraspherical-type polynomials. These polynomials form an orthogonal system on the interval [−1,1]$[-1,1]$ with respect to the ultraspherical weight function (1−x²)^α${(1-x^2)}^{\alpha }$ and additional point masses of equal size at the two endpoints. The differential equations of “ultraspherical-type” were developed by R. Koekoek in 1994 by utilizing special function methods. In the present paper, a new and completely elementary representation of these higher-order differential equations is presented. This result is used to deduce the orthogonality relation of the ultraspherical-type polynomials directly from the differential equation property. Moreover, we introduce two types of factorizations of the corresponding differential operators of order 2α+4$2\alpha +4$ into a product of α+2$\alpha +2$ linear second-order operators.     

A Quantitative Regularity Estimate for Nonnegative Supersolutions of Uniformly Parabolic Equations

This note establishes an interior quantitative lower bound for nonnegative supersolutions of fully nonlinear uniformly parabolic equations. The result may be interpreted as a quantitative version of a growth lemma established by Krylov and Safonov for nonnegative supersolutions of linear uniformly parabolic equations in nondivergence form. Our approach is different, and follows from an application of a reverse Holder inequality. The result is the parabolic analogue of an elliptic regularity estimate established by Caffarelli, Souganidis, and Wang in the stochastic homogenization of fully nonlinear uniformly elliptic equations.     

Interpolating minimal energy C1‐Surfaces on Powell–Sabin Triangulations: Application to the resolution of elliptic problems

In this article, we present a method to obtain a C¹‐surface, defined on a bounded polygonal domain Ω, which interpolates a specific dataset and minimizes a certain “energy functional.” The minimization space chosen is the one associated to the Powell–Sabin finite element, whose elements are C¹‐quadratic splines. We develop a general theoretical framework for that, and we consider two main applications of the theory. For both of them, we give convergence results, and we present some numerical and graphical examples. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 798–821, 2015     

Weak Euler Approximation for Itô Diffusion and Jump Processes

This article studies the rate of convergence of the weak Euler approximation for Itô diffusion and jump processes with Hölder-continuous generators. It covers a number of stochastic processes including the nondegenerate diffusion processes and a class of stochastic differential equations driven by stable processes. To estimate the rate of convergence, the existence of a unique solution to the corresponding backward Kolmogorov equation in Hölder space is first proved. It then shows that the Euler scheme yields positive weak order of convergence.     

Mean-Variance Hedging Under Multiple Defaults Risk

We solve a mean-variance hedging problem in an incomplete market where multiple defaults can occur. For this purpose, we use a default-density modeling approach. The global market information is formulated as a progressive enlargement of a default-free Brownian filtration, and the dependence of the default times is modelled using a conditional density hypothesis. We prove the quadratic form of each value process between consecutive default times and recursively solve systems of coupled quadratic backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). We demonstrate the existence of these solutions using BSDE techniques. Then, using a verification theorem, we prove that the solutions of each subcontrol problem are related to the solution of our global mean-variance hedging problem. As a byproduct, we obtain an explicit formula for the optimal trading strategy. Finally, we illustrate our results for certain specific cases and for a multiple defaults case in particular.     

Numerical analysis for the mixed Navier–Stokes and Darcy Problem with the Beavers–Joseph interface condition

In this article, we consider the coupled Navier–Stokes and Darcy problem with the Beavers–Joseph interface condition. With suitable restrictions of physical parameters α and ν, we prove the existence and local uniqueness of a weak solution. Then we propose a coupled finite element scheme and a decoupled and linearized scheme based on two‐grid finite element. Under suitable further restrictions, their optimal error estimates are obtained. Finally numerical experiments indicate the validity of the theoretical results as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the decoupled and linearized two‐grid algorithm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1009–1030, 2015     

A scheme for a topological insulator field effect transistor

We propose a scheme for a topological insulator field effect transistor. The idea is based on the gate voltage control of the Dirac fermions in a ferromagnetic topological insulator channel with perpendicular magnetization connecting to two metallic topological insulator leads. Our theoretical analysis shows that the proposed device displays a switching effect with high on/off current ratio and a negative differential conductance with a good peak to valley ratio.     

Observation of room temperature negative differential resistance in solution synthesized ZnO nanorod

We report the observation of negative differential resistance (NDR) in solution synthesized ZnO nanorod. The ZnO nanorod was fabricated as a two terminal planar device using lithographically patterned Au electrodes. The measured current–voltage response of the device has shown a negative differential resistance behavior. The peak-to-valley current ratio of the NDR is found to be greater than 4. The mechanism of this observed NDR effect has been explained based on charge trapping and de-trapping at the nanoscale contacts. It is the first observation of negative differential resistance effect in solution synthesized ZnO nanorod.     

On the Nano/Micro-Mechanics of Metallic Glass

Metallic glass (MG) is amorphous and has some outstanding properties such as ultrahigh strength, superior elasticity, and excellent thermo-plasticity. However, as MG is relatively new to the metal family, the relationship between its physical properties and amorphous structure is still unclear. This article aims to provide an insightful discussion through a comprehensive review about the investigations in the past few decades on the scientific mechanisms of this class of material. The discussion of the paper will include the following key aspects: (1) the formation mechanism of an amorphous structure through glass transition, (2) the structural characterization and models, (3) the micromechanics of plastic event and shear band, and (4) the correlation between the amorphous structure and its mechanical properties.