The localized longitudinal index theorem for Lie groupoids and the van Est map

We define the “localized index” of longitudinal elliptic operators on Lie groupoids associated with Lie algebroid cohomology classes. We derive a topological expression for these numbers using the algebraic index theorem for Poisson manifolds on the dual of the Lie algebroid. Underlying the definition and computation of the localized index, is an action of the Hopf algebroid of jets around the unit space, and the characteristic map it induces on Lie algebroid cohomology. This map can be globalized to differentiable groupoid cohomology, giving a definition of the “global index”, that can be computed by localization. This correspondence between the “global” and “localized” index is given by the van Est map for Lie groupoids.     

Fine singularity analysis of solutions to the Laplace equation

We present here a fine singularity analysis of solutions to the Laplace equation in special polygonal domains in the plane. We assume piecewise constant Neumann data on one component of the boundary. Our motivation is to study the so‐called Berg effect, which is explained in the introduction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topological monodromy as an obstruction to Hamiltonization of nonholonomic systems: Pro or contra?

The phenomenon of a topological monodromy in integrable Hamiltonian and nonholonomic systems is discussed. An efficient method for computing and visualizing the monodromy is developed. The comparative analysis of the topological monodromy is given for the rolling ellipsoid of revolution problem in two cases, namely, on a smooth and on a rough plane. The first of these systems is Hamiltonian, the second is nonholonomic. We show that, from the viewpoint of monodromy, there is no difference between the two systems, and thus disprove the conjecture by Cushman and Duistermaat stating that the topological monodromy gives a topological obstruction for Hamiltonization of the rolling ellipsoid of revolution on a rough plane.     

Batalin–Vilkovisky algebra structures on Hochschild cohomology of generalized Weyl algebras

We devote to the calculation of Batalin–Vilkovisky algebra structures on the Hochschild cohomology of skew Calabi–Yau generalized Weyl algebras. We first establish a Van den Bergh duality at the level of complex. Then based on the results of Solotar et al., we apply Kowalzig and Krähmer's method to the Hochschild homology of generalized Weyl algebras, and translate the homological information into cohomological one by virtue of the Van den Bergh duality, obtaining the desired Batalin–Vilkovisky algebra structures. Finally, we apply our results to quantum weighted projective lines and Podleś quantum spheres, and the Batalin–Vilkovisky algebra structures for them are described completely.     

The Index of Cusp Operators on Manifolds with Corners

We recall a Fredholm criterion for fully elliptic cusp(pseudo)differential operators on a compact manifold with corners ofarbitrary codimension, acting on suitable Sobolev spaces. Then we give aformula for the index in terms of regularized `trace' functionalssimilar to the residue trace of Wodzicki and Guillemin.     

The Homogeneous Hamilton–Jacobi and Bernoulli Equations Revisited, II

It is shown that the admissible solutions of the continuity and Bernoulli or Burgers' equations of a perfect one-dimensional liquid are conditioned by a relation established in 1949–1950 by Pauli, Morette, and Van Hove, apparently, overlooked so far, which, in our case, stipulates that the mass density is proportional to the second derivative of the velocity potential. Positivity of the density implies convexity of the potential, i.e., smooth solutions, no shock. Non-elementary and symmetric solutions of the above equations are given in analytical and numerical form. Analytically, these solutions are derived from the original Ansatz proposed in Ref. 1 and from the ensuing operations which show that they represent a particular case of the general implicit solutions of Burgers' equation. Numerically and with the help of an ad hoc computer program, these solutions are simulated for a variety of initial conditions called compatible if they satisfy the Morette–Van Hove formula and anti-compatible if the sign of the initial velocity field is reversed. In the latter case, singular behaviour is observed. Part of the theoretical development presented here is rephrased in the context of the Hopf–Lax formula whose domain of applicability for the solution of the Cauchy problem of the homogeneous Hamilton–Jacobi equation has recently been enlarged.     

Affine-Invariant Distances, Envelopes and Symmetry Sets

Affine invariant symmetry sets of planar curves are introduced and studied in this paper. Two different approaches are investigated. The first one is based on affine invariant distances, and defines the symmetry set as the closure of the locus of points on (at least) two affine normals and affine-equidistant from the corresponding points on the curve. The second approach is based on affine bitangent conics. In this case the symmetry set is defined as the closure of the locus of centers of conics with (at least) 3-point contact with the curve at two or more distinct points on the curve. This is equivalent to conic and curve having, at those points, the same affine tangent, or the same Euclidean tangent and curvature. Although the two analogous definitions for the classical Euclidean symmetry set are equivalent, this is not the case for the affine group. We present a number of properties of both affine symmetry sets, showing their similarities with and differences from the Euclidean case. We conclude the paper with a discussion of possible extensions to higher dimensions and other transformation groups, as well as to invariant Voronoi diagrams.     

Acceleration waves analyzed by a new continuum model of solids incorporating microscopic thermal vibrations

Acceleration waves propagating in isotropic solids at finite temperatures are studied by applying the method of singular surfaces to a new continuum model derived statistical-mechanically from a three-dimensional lattice model. The continuum model explicitly takes into account the microscopic thermal vibrations of the constituent atoms as one of the field variables. The propagation speeds and the ratios of mechanical and thermal amplitudes for both longitudinal and transverse waves are consistently determined. The differential equations that govern the time variation of the amplitudes of the waves are also derived. The analytical results, which are valid over a wide temperature range that includes the melting point, are evaluated numerically for several materials, and their physical implications are discussed. One of the findings to be emphasized is that of the singularities of the characteristic quantities at the melting point.Received: 13 March 2003, Accepted: 20 June 2003PACS: 62.30. + d, 65.40.-bM. Sugiyama: Correspondence to Dedicated to Prof. Ingo Müller on the occasion of his 65th birthday.     

Three Power Series Techniques

The techniques and concepts we present are flags of regularschemes and their persistence under blow-up, the Gauss–Bruhatdecomposition of the group of formal automorphisms of affinespace, and coordinate-free initial ideals. All three are usedto construct and study invariants for resolution of singularities.2000 Mathematics Subject Classification 14B05, 14E15, 32S05,32S10, 32S45.     

Nuclear Physics in Norway, 1933–1955

In the late 1940s and the 1950s, Norwegian nuclear scientists, engineers, and administrators were deeply split over their nation’s goals, organization, politics, and tools for research in nuclear physics. One faction was determined to build a nuclear reactor in Norway, while another fiercely opposed the reactor plans and focused on particle accelerators. The first faction comprised scientific entrepreneurs and research technologists, the second academic scientists, most of whom began their research careers in nuclear physics in the 1930s. To understand this conflict, I trace the development of nuclear research in Norway from the early 1930s to the mid-1950s, placing it within an international context. Roland Wittje is working on his habilitation thesis in the History of Science Unit at the University of Regensburg, Germany.