Multivariate Bernoulli and Euler polynomials via L\'evy processes

By a symbolic method, we introduce multivariate Bernoulli and Euler polynomials as powers of polynomials whose coefficients involve multivariate L\'evy processes. Many properties of these polynomials are stated straightforwardly thanks to this representation, which could be easily implemented in any symbolic manipulation system. A very simple relation between these two families of multivariate polynomials is provided

On Differences of Zeta Values

Finite differences of values of the Riemann zeta function at the integers are explored. Such quantities, which occur as coefficients in Newton series representations, have surfaced in works of Maslanka, Coffey, Baez-Duarte, Voros and others. We apply the theory of Norlund-Rice integrals in conjunction with the saddle point method and derive precise asymptotic estimates. The method extends to Dirichlet L-functions and our estimates appear to be partly related to earlier investigations surrounding Li's criterion for the Riemann hypothesis.Comment: 18 page

Heat-kernels and functional determinants on the generalized cone

We consider zeta functions and heat-kernel expansions on the bounded, generalized cone in arbitrary dimensions using an improved calculational technique. The specific case of a global monopole is analysed in detail and some restrictions thereby placed on the $A_{5/2}$ coefficient. The computation of functional determinants is also addressed. General formulas are given and known results are incidentally, and rapidly, reproduced.Comment: 26p,LaTeX.(Cosmetic changes and eqns (9.8),(11.2) corrected.

Bose-Einstein condensation of atomic gases in a harmonic oscillator confining potential trap

We present a model which predicts the temperature of Bose-Einstein condensation in atomic alkali gases and find excellent agreement with recent experimental observations. A system of bosons confined by a harmonic oscillator potential is not characterized by a critical temperature in the same way as an identical system which is not confined. We discuss the problem of Bose-Einstein condensation in an isotropic harmonic oscillator potential analytically and numerically for a range of parameters of relevance to the study of low temperature gases of alkali metals.Comment: 11 pages latex with two postscript figure

The Hahn Quantum Variational Calculus

We introduce the Hahn quantum variational calculus. Necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for the basic, isoperimetric, and Hahn quantum Lagrange problems, are studied. We also show the validity of Leitmann's direct method for the Hahn quantum variational calculus, and give explicit solutions to some concrete problems. To illustrate the results, we provide several examples and discuss a quantum version of the well known Ramsey model of economics.Comment: Submitted: 3/March/2010; 4th revision: 9/June/2010; accepted: 18/June/2010; for publication in Journal of Optimization Theory and Application

Casimir Energies for Spherically Symmetric Cavities

A general calculation of Casimir energies --in an arbitrary number of dimensions-- for massless quantized fields in spherically symmetric cavities is carried out. All the most common situations, including scalar and spinor fields, the electromagnetic field, and various boundary conditions are treated with care. The final results are given as analytical (closed) expressions in terms of Barnes zeta functions. A direct, straightforward numerical evaluation of the formulas is then performed, which yields highly accurate numbers of, in principle, arbitrarily good precision.Comment: 18 pages, LaTeX, sub. Ann. Phy